PDP surviving on false propaganda: Omar

Mufti used power against Kashmiris through Jagmohan

Srinagar, May 14 (VOS):  Taking a strong dig at PDP leadership Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday said that it (PDP) was surviving on false propaganda and political blame game. He was speaking at a public gathering after inaugurating the extension block at JLNM hospital at Rainawari here.

Omar questioned PDP’s delivery on the promises it made to people during its tenure. “Those who raised the slogan of healing touch used maximum force against the people and converted politics into trade”, he said, adding that it was PDP regime who at one hand asked the militants to drop guns for talks and on the other blacklisted their relatives for issuance of Hajj passports.

 Omar Abdullah said that those who are delivering lectures on issues miserably failed during their time to address public difficulties and work for their redressal. “They (PDP) traded miseries of people to attain the Chief Ministership of the State”, he said.

Omar alleged PDP Patron of using power against the people of Kashmir as the then Home Minister through his nominated and trusted man, Jagmohan. “People have not forgotten the massacre let loose on civilian at Gawkadal, Islamia College and other places by Jagmohan under the orders of the then Home Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed”, he said.

 Launching a scathing attack on PDP patron Mufti Mohmammad Syed Omar remarked “Ask Gorge Farnandes, who is fortunately alive how Mufti manipulated bringing in Jagmohan as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to pave the way for him (Mufti) to become the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir”, he said and give resume of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s attempts to scuttle the NC-Congress coalition in 1987.

Criticising PDP for neglecting the Srinagar city and raising objections against the on spot police recruitments in the city, he alleged PDP of ignoring the city during their tenure. “PDP launched police recruitment through Director General of Police in entire Valley but isolated Srinagar in this case. We made direct recruitments in the city covering seven Assembly Segments recruiting over 2000 youth in Police Department after long period of 22 years”.

Giving a statistical overview of the city development Omar said.” We macadamized the city and launched 10 new bridges at cost of about rupees 100 crores; under ERA projects involving rupees 122 crores have been launched in the city for the development of roads, bridges and water supply schemes”.

He further added that rupees 38.14 crores Nagar Nagar Tourist Circuit in Shaher-i-Khas has already been taken in hand besides developing Chinar Bagh at rupees 3.34 crores.

Yasin Malik bereaved

Geelani, Mirwaiz, Shah, Tarigami, Mir express shock

Srinagar, May 14 (VOS):    64 year old Ghulam Qadir Malik, father of Jammu & Kashmir Liberation Front Chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik passed away here Monday after a brief ailment. His Namaz-e-Janaza is scheduled to be performed at Lal Chowk on Tuesday at 2 pm.

According to family sources, the deceased complained of chest trouble after which he was admitted at the Chest Diseases Hospital in Srinagar on Monday at 2 pm in the afternoon. He passed away at around 4 pm after a very brief ailment. The deceased will be laid to rest at their ancestral graveyard at Dalgate on Tuesday.

As soon as the news of his death spread, people from all walks of life started falling in to Malik’s residence here to offer their condolences. It is worthwhile mentioning here that Yasin Malik is presently on his visit to Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Hurriyat Conference (G) Chariman Syed Ali Geelani, Hurriyat (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Democratic Freedom Party Chairman Shabir Ahmad Shah, CPI(M) State Secretary Mohd Yousuf Tarigami, Peoples Democratic Front President Gh Hassan Mir, Chairman High Court Bar Association Miyan Abdul Qayoom, Sajad Gani Lone, Bilal Gani Lone, Aga Syed Hassan ,Bar Assocaition and General Secretary G.N Shaheen expressed grief and shock at the demise of Yasin Malik’s father..

Among others who expressed their condolences over the said demise of Malik’s father were, Hashim Qureshi, , Ayaz Akbar, Adv Shahid Ul Islam, Nayeem Ahmad Khan, Zafar Akbar Bhat, Adv M Sahfi Reshi, Firdous Ahmad Shah, Javed Ahmad Mir, Fareeda Bahenji,Zamrooda Habib, Yasmin Raja, Abdul Ahad Parra, G.N Waseem, Qutbi Alam and Tehrik e Hurriyat Spokesman Dr Ganai. Senior ANC president Muzafar Ahmad Shah

Jamati Islami Kashmir also expressed Condolence to Malik

Protests by employees uncalled for: CM   

Don’t want to debar educated youth 

    

Srinagar, May 14 (VOS):  Expressing his dismay over the protests by certain employee groups, Omar Abdullah Monday said that these protests were totally unnecessary and uncalled for.

While addressing a public gathering at Srinagar Omar said his government was friendly and to employees. “Government has all along being employee-friendly, we have fulfilled all demands of the employees including grant of 6th pay commission, its arrears, HRA, DA, etc excepting one of raising the age of retirement by two years which is under the consideration of the government” Omar said.

Criticizing employees unions for sticking to their demand of raising the retirement age Omar said that the decision on this crucial issue is pending as we do not want to debar the educated youth for two years from the opportunity of getting government jobs.

“We have not shelved this demand but we are looking forward for some via media which shall satisfy the interests of both the employees and the educated youth”, he explained.

Tarigami for unification of Separatists and Mainstream

Shopian, May 14 (VOS):   CPI (M) State Secretary and MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami has appealed the mainstream and separatist parties to get united and evolve an autonomous voice that could speak for what he termed as the shattered generation of Kashmir.

“People across the LoC have suffered a lot and the toll of sufferings is mounting due to fragmented voices and irrelevant bickering”, said Tarigami.

“People from all shades of opinion should get together on certain issues to ensure justice, peace and dignified life for our youth, who have been the worst sufferers due to turmoil and confrontations”, said Tarigami while addressing a public gathering at Shopian Monday,  

“There seems no end to the sufferings of the people and nobody is listening to us. The sufferings could be reduced only when we assert unitedly but, alas! We are busy in petty politicking small time bickering”, he maintained.

Urging for a common consensus among different stakeholders in Kashmir he asked, “Can’t we afford to identify common issues and evolve a common approach to raise our voice together

He remarked that most of the areas of Shopian district have been neglected for too long as far as overall development is concerned. Tarigami was addressing a public gathering during a convention held by Jammu & Kashmir Kisan Tehreek today at town Hall in Shopian.

“The activists of Kisan Tehreek held a rally raising slogans like, justice for the people of Shopian, paralyzed administration-come out of slumber, exempt interest on horticulture loans, provide compensation to hail storm victims and implement crop insurance scheme”, read a press statement issued by J&K State Committee CPI(M).

          

PDP frustrated by success of CM: Sagar

Don’t want to create wedge between city and villages

Srinagar, May 14 (VOS):  Speaking at a public rally here, Minister for Rural Development, Ali Mohammad Sagar said that PDP leadership was frustrated by witnessing the success of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah and effective delivery of governance by the coalition government.

“They do not like to see peace rooting in the State and development taking place on fast track. This is the reason they invent new methods of false propaganda against the government”, he said and added that the next three years will witness further improvement and growth on all fronts in the State.

While talking to VOS, Sagar ridiculed PDP for raising pitch against development in Srinagar city and blamed them for transferring six thousand posts from Srinagar city to other parts of the state. “We don’t want to create wedge between city and villages”, said Sagar asking what the PDP did during their tenure for the Srinagar city was next to nothing.

When asked for his reaction to PDP patron’s remark that Omar has devalued the institution of CM, Sagar said,”Omar sahib has given a fitting reply to Mufti”.

Regarding employee’s agitations and raising the retirement bar Sagar said that confrontation is going to gain nothing. “We have met most of their demands; age relaxation concerns the employment for youth, the decision needs to be taken carefully”, maintained Sagar.

ANC takes on PDP

Corner Govt for faulty governance

Srinagar, May 14 (VOS):    Awani National Conference Senior Vice President Muzafar Ahmad Shah today castigated Peoples Democratic Party for maligning the name of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and at the same time took on National Conference led government for failing to provide effective governance to the state.,

Shah was addressing the party workers during at Pulwama Monday, wherein he made pointed reference to PDP patron Mufti Sayeed’s public utterances at Lolab, accusing Late Sheri Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah of having bartered the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir for personal interests.

“With respect to this issue, I would like to remind PDP Patron that it was after the formation of the Democratic National Conference in 1957 and then when it assumed power after the ouster of the Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad regime, that the nomenclature of the Prime Minister of J&K waschanged and the Laws guaranteeing the special status of J&K were either repealed or diluted causing irreparable erosion to the State’s autonomy and the laws enacted before 9th Aug 1953 under Delhi Agreement”, Shah said.

“Were you not a member of DNC and were you not its cooperative Minister? He asked.” Shah further asked Mufti that according to him after changing political parties from Congress to Jan Morcha and then the Janata Dal , was he not the Home Minister in the Government of India when in Jan 1990 Gow Kadal witnessed bloodshed and bombings, massacring 60 unarmed Kashmiris?

Mr. Shah reaffirmed the party resolve of holding the Five region Intra J&K Summit, under the G.M.Shah formula for Peace and Solution in Srinagar, Jammu, Ladakh, Gilgit and Muzaffarabad very shortly to carve out an acceptable solution for India, Pakistan and the people of J&K on both sides of the LOC.

Mr. Shah further stated that coalition politics in J&K has been a disaster and it is time that the combinations of NC-PDP, and NC_Cong are rejected and the people of J&K are given a viable,honest and accountable alternative. Begum Khalida Shah and her ANC fits this bill to take thestate out of this quagmire and put it on a path to progress, equitable development of all regions and strive for a viable time bound solution of the Kashmir problem.

Earlier lambasting the State Government for its failure on all fronts of administrations, Its anti peoples policies, agitating and disgruntled Government employees, frequent Hartals, Scarcity of essential commodities, mismanagement in educational, health and allied institutions and unjustified Power Tarriff hike, Party Additional General Secretary, Advocate Mir Mohammad Shafi, Provincial President Mohammad Latief Khan, Senior Leader Ifthikhar Ahmad Banday,Zonal President North, Ghulam Ahmad Dar, Zonal President South Bashir Ahmad Mallick,District President Budgam G.M.Wathori, spoke on this occasion.

Police recruits 132 youth in Rafiabad,

DGP supervised selection process

Srinagar, May 14 (VOS):    Continuing its efforts to recruit energetic youth in the force from the un-represented areas of the State, Jammu and Kashmir Police today organized a special recruitment rally at Rafiabad in District Baramulla. According to police sources 132 candidates were selected on the spot from villages of Tehsil Rafiabad.

As per police statement, the process of recruitment was supervised by the Director General of Police (DGP), Mr. Kuldeep Khoda personally and the members of the selection committee included IGP Kashmir Zone, Mr. S. M. Sahai, DIG, Baramulla Range, Mr. Rajesh Kumar, AIG (Personnel) PHQ, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Bhat, S. P. Sopore, Mr. Imtiyaz Ahmed and Deputy S. P. (Personnel) PHQ, Sheikh Zaffar Ullah.

A number of aspirants had reached Lift Irrigation Grounds Lawdara early in the morning to excel at the venue as per police statement. The candidates were put to various physical tests and 132 youth were selected on the spot in a transparent manner. Those youth recruited today also include 44 graduates and 58 having 10+2 qualification.

Dwelling on the aim of the drive, Mr. Khoda said that the recruitment was organised in different areas of Jammu and Kashmir to provide employment to the eligible youth of the areas having negligible representation in the police organization. Besides providing employment to the youth of these un-represented areas, the drive has helped to add more effective man power to the department, he added.

Shooting incident in Kashmir University

Constable Suspended

Srinagar, May 14 (VOS):  Chaos spread in Kashmir University campus Monday after enraged policeman opened fire during a cricket match.

According to VOS city reporter, the incident took place when a cricket ball landed in the garden adjoining the university Vice Chancellor's office. As one of the players went to get the ball back, an armed police guard objected to his "trespassing" into the garden. According to eye witnesses, the policeman ‘verbally abused’ the player and refused him entry for fetching the ball. However, the issue was amicably resolved after intervention by the University authorities and some students.

The situation turned violent after sometime, when the policeman returned with his colleagues, started beating up the players and spectators and opened fire. 

The incident spread panic and resulted in students raising slogans against police action.

Superintendent of Police Hazratbal Abdul Qayoom told a news agency that the police constable who opened fire has been placed under suspension. 

He identified the suspended cop as Mehrajuddin of Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police (JKAP) who was on deputation at the university campus. 

PDP condemns University shooting incident

Srinagar, May 14 (VOS):    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the shooting incident on the Kashmir University campus that according to them resulted in disturbances and reported injuries to some students.

In a statement the PDP chief spokesperson Naeem Akhtar said that the shooting incident was symptomatic of the trigger happy nature of the government forces which have no respect for human rights or value for human life. He said the atmosphere of insecurity created by the present dispensation had percolated down even to the educational institutions and it was deeply disturbing that the PSOs of the Vice chancellor should have opened fire in response to a non event.

Expressing solidarity with the injured students the Akhtar said the use of unwarranted force gives an idea of how the Govt is misusing its instruments to create an artificial calm which can get shattered on the flimsiest pretext. He said the Govt and the university authorities must come out clean on this shameful incident.

Govt cancels all permissions for tinted glasses on vehicles

Srinagar, May 14 (VOS): Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to cancel all permissions given for use of tinted glasses on vehicles. This was stated by the Additional Director General of Police Security in a press statement here Monday.

 “All the permissions issued for Security purposes by the Security Wing of Jammu and Kashmir Police for use of laminated or tinted films upon the safety glasses of Motor vehicles stand cancelled forth with”, said the officer in a statement.

“This is in compliance to Judgment Passed by the Supreme Court of India and order passed by the Jammu and Kashmir State High Court”, he added.

Road accidents continue to bleed Kashmir

2 dead, 10 Injured

Srinagar, May 14 (VOS):  In an unabated spree, two people died and 10 others were injured in a series of road accidents across Kashmir valley. The casualties included a 5 year old boy and a woman.

A Maruti Van bearing registration number Jk05-2801 hit and injured a five years old boy Faheem Ahmad son of Khazir Mohammad Shah at Kachwari Handwara. The injured was shifted to Sub District Hospital, Handawara where he succumbed to his injuries.

A lady namely Jana Begum wife of Mohammad Abdullah Wagay resident of Hassanpora, Arwani succumbed to her injuries at SKIMS Soura. The woman had been injured in an accident at Bijbehara on Saturday.

A Tipper bearing registration number JK04A/3971 hit a road side shop belonging to Ghulam Nabi Mir son of Ghulam Qadir resident of Kralpora, in the jurisdiction of Police Station Chadoora, resulting in injuries to the Tipper Driver, Arshad Ahmad Bhat son of Sidiq Ahmad resident of Batpora Chadoora. The shop was partial damage in the incident.

A Tata Sumo Vehicle bearing registration number JK01L-8356 turned turtle at Saidpora Bridge, in the jurisdiction of Police Station Uri, resulting in injuries to five passengers.

Deputy Speaker meets Governor

Srinagar, May 14 (VOS):    Deputy Speaker, State Legislative Assembly Mohammad Sartaj Madni met the Governor N. N. Vohra, at Raj Bhavan here Monday..

Madni discussed problems relating to the Shopian, Sopore and Baramulla area and various matters relating to the establishment of Panchayati Raj institutions, with the governor. He stressed the need for enlarging awareness among Sarpanchs and Panchs about their statutory responsibilities, effective implementation of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and other important Centrally Sponsored Schemes.

Deputy speaker highlighted the need for speedy redressal of problems being faced by the people and elimination of corrupt practices.

He handed over to the Governor some representations from various people about cases of land-grabbing by political personalities.

Grenade explosion in Bijbehara

Srinagar, May 14 (VOS):    Three civilians received injuries when a grenade explosion occurred at Sangam, Bijbehara in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district this afternoon.

According to police sources unknown persons hurled a grenade on security forces on Monday afternoon, which exploded on the roadside. Three civilians identified as Dr. Manzoor Ahmad resident of Litter Pulwama, Mohammad Ashraf resident of Panzgam and Javed Ahmad resident of Wachi were injured in the incident.

The injured were shifted to SDH Bijbehara two among the injured namely Dr. Manzoor and Mohammad Ashraf have been referred to SKIMS for further treatment.

Warapora Tangmarg being developed as Horti- Agri tourism destination: Mir

Inaugurates Agri- Horti training cum awareness camp

WARAPORA (TANGMARG), MAY 14: Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir said that Warpora Tangmarg has a great potential for the development of horti, Agri tourism destination.

This he said while inaugurating the training cum awareness camp of Agriculture and Horticulture organized jointly by directorate of Agriculture and Horticulture this afternoon.

 The Minister asked the farmers to plant exotic variety of Cherry and strawberry so that at the blossoming period of cheery, the tourists be invited to visit these farms to enjoy the scenic beauty as they enjoy in the Tulip garden and Badam- Wari. He said this would also strengthen the economy of the people of the area and will also help to increase the quality production of the Cheery.

Urging the farmer’s community to get benefit of latest technology and cultivate exotic varieties, the Minister said that the progressive farmers have to take a lead in adopting the technology in their farms of horticulture and agriculture for making the state self reliant in their produce. He said that the farmers of neighboring state and European countries sell their products to the national and international market by way of infusing agri-horti techniques.  He said that Horticulture department would provide every help to the orchardists to realize the dream.

Mr Mir asked for bringing the Zarni and Buat area under the cultivation of exotic variety of Strawberry for quality production. He also stressed to cultivate traditional variety of Strawberry under organic farming scheme so the tourists have a taste of both the varieties.

Saying that the area has a huge potential for the cultivation of Medicinal Plants, Mr. Mir said that there is a need to shift for cultivation of cash crops for which the government is providing incentives to encourage the farmer’s community. He said the floriculture and cultivation of medicinal plant has a huge market potential in the national and international market and asked the farmers to take the shift such profiting activities.

 Earlier the Director Horticulture and Agriculture aware the farmers about the various schemes launched by the centre and state government for their benefit.

Seminar held at Girls Higher Secondary School Sonawar

 Speakers stresses on moral education

SRINAGAR, MAY 14: A seminar on the theme ‘ Aalama Iqbal and Moral Education” was today held at Girls Higher Secondary School,Sonawar.The Seminar was organized by Cultural Wing of Chief Education Office, Srinagar. Around 20 students of the different schools of District Srinagar participated in the seminar.

Waseem Rasool, Government High School, Goripora, Nahida Bashir, Girls Higher Secondary school Sonawar and the Altaf Ahmed Khan, Higher Secondary School, Hazratbal took Ist, 2^nd and 3rd positions respectively.

On the occasion, Director Academics, State Board of School Education, Malik Ghulam Hassan, Joint Director School Education, Suriya Akhtar and OSD, Cultural Wing of Directorate of School Education,Zahoor Ahnmed Bandey were present.

Director Academics in his address stressed on the teachings of Aalama Iqbal particularly for constructing a high moral society which he has advocated through his writings for the welfare of the nation. He said that his teachings inculcate in humankinds the ways how to live respectful life, honesty and responsibilities towards the society, while Suriya Bano emphasized for holding more such programmes for inculcating moral values in the minds of the students.

Programme was presented by Fayaz Ahmed Fayaz, while Zahoor Ahmed Bandy and Javid Kirmani acted as Judges at the function.

Public perception on developmental outcomes true indicator of success: CS

Asks Administration to focus on social sector 

SRINAGAR, MAY 14: Flagging Centrally sponsored schemes as key to Development, Chief Secretary, Mr. Madhav Lal today called upon District Administration Kupwara to focus and initiate measures surrounding these schemes for the benefit of the public.

“Centrally sponsored schemes have immense potential to change the socio-economic landscape in any district”, he said, emphasizing that Additional District Development Commissioners should take responsibility and fully apprise themselves with these schemes and continuously brief the Deputy Commissioners regarding issues connected with their successful implementation.

Chief Secretary, Mr. Madhav Lal was speaking while chairing the review meeting at Kupwara today regarding status of development process in the district. He also reviewed implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes and the decisions taken in previous District Development Board meetings.

Noting that mere statistics don’t depict the actual developmental picture, Chief Secretary said that the level of satisfaction and outcome as perceived by the public is the true indicator of the success of any given scheme. “Completion of projects and focus on social sector will change the perception of public regarding developmental scenario”, he maintained.

Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Mr. Mohammad Shafi gave sector wise physical and financial progress report regarding all developmental schemes in a brief power point presentation.

While reviewing sector wise progress Chief Secretary emphasized on taking only works with adequate resource allocation and asked the departments to follow guidelines of the planning department in this regard.

On power reforms in Kupwara district, the administration was asked to register all electricity consumers and also revise the load of those consumers that are already registered. Further the power development department was asked to evolve a strategy to perform energy accounting at field level and also meter all towns. 

On lack of adequate staff in key departments including education, health, CAPD and Rural Development, the Chief Secretary directed the head of departments to take steps for filling up vacant posts in these departments.      

While reviewing health sector, the Chief Secretary said that the oversight mechanism for NRHM should be made fully functional in the entire district so that MMR and IMR are reduced with cent percent institutional deliveries.     

Education sector, PWD and PHE sectors, Agriculture and Irrigation sector and Employment were also reviewed and discussed in detail during the meeting.

Centrally Sponsored schemes including PMGSY, MGNREGA, NRHM, SSA, RMSA, NRDWP, APRDP, ICDS and others were also reviewed in great detail during the meeting.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr. B. B. Vyas, Finance Commission Revenue, Mr. K.B. Aggarwal, Principal Secretary Power Development Department, Mr. Sudanshu Pandey, Administrative Secretaries, Heads of departments, Chief Engineers and other district and sectoral officers.

Seerat Conferences held at Chrar-i-Sharief, Tangmarg

            CHRAR-I-SHARIEF, MAY 14: The Principal, Government Degree College, Chrar-i-Sharief organized on day Seerat Conference. A number of citizens of the town besides the inmates of College participated in the event.

            The function was presided over by the chief guest Chief Khateeb of the Khankahi Faiz Panah, Mr. Amir-ul-Din Sahib.

            In his speech, the chief guest discussed the various aspects of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) life.

            The Principal of the College, Prof. S.A Majid in his welcoming address said that such programmes provide platform for students to show their hidden talent moreover, it helps students in their moral building and to serve the society in a better manner.

            A considerable number of students of the College also spoke on the occasion.

            The first three best speakers were Tawsi Jan first position, Zeenat-un-Nisa 2^nd position and Irfana Jan 3^rd position.

            The function concluded with a vote of thanks presented by Prof. B.A. Dar (Gamgeen).

            Meanwhile, the Government Degree College, Tangmarg organized one day intra college Seerat Conference titled Mohsin-e-Insaniyat.

            The function started with recitation of Quran and Naat by the students. The key note address was presented by Prof. Syed Muzzaffar.

            The Principal of the College, Prof. Fayaz Ahmad Mir welcomed the Chief guest Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir and other dignitaries and gave a brief about the  establishment  of the College.

            The function was addressed by Principal, Government Degree College, Magam, Prof. N.A. Yatoo and Molvi Fida Ahmad.

            The Minister addressed the audience and appreciated the efforts of the College Principal in establishing the college & organizing the series of events. He assured his full support for his constituency college.

            The Minister distributed certificates and trophies among the student participants and winners of Cross Country Run.

            Earlier, he installed neon Sign Board of the college.

            The programme was anchored by Dr. Peerzada Bahau-din and vote of thanks was presented by Mr.Tanvir Ahmad Banday the faculty of the college.

Law Enforcement Agency Raided Various Pesticide Dealers

On Spot Sale Stop Orders Issued Against Defaulters

            SRINAGAR, MAY 14: In order to ensure distribution of quality inputs amongst farming community Law Enforcement agency department of Agriculture Kashmir in its campaign to check and control sale and distribution of spurious fertilizers/pesticides and seeds to the  farming community of valley, inspected various godowns of pesticides dealers of Distt. Anantnag and found Crop Care Centre, Pest Control Centre, Gulshan Apco Agro Chemicals, Ashiq Agro Chemicals, Agro Service Centre, Khan Trading Company and Rehbar Agro Chemicals indulging in sale of various pesticides/ Insecticides in contravention of insecticides Act 1968, as these dealers were not able to produce authorized license for such products and as such for this contravention sale stop notices were issued by concerned Law Enforcement Inspector Anantnag.

            In the meanwhile similar raids on the godowns/shops of various pesticides dealers of Baramulla district in Pattan area were conducted where M/s Green Revolution Main Bazar Pattan, Pest Control Pattan, Good Luck Traders Palhallan, Pattan, Bhat Pesticides Palhallan Pattan and Ehsan Pesticides Hanjiwera Pattan were found indulging in sale of various pesticides without inclusion in their license and as such on spot sale stop orders were issued for such products. Sampling of pesticides is being carried out from these dealers so as to get them analysed from quality control lab for their genuineness.  Such inspections/ raids will continue in coming days.

Training camp for Mediators and Referral Judges

held at Ganderbal

            ANANTNAG, MAY 14: According to Principal District and Sessions Judge, Ganderbal, a training camp of Mediators and Referral Judges of District Court Ganderbal and Bandipora was held at District Court Complex, Ganderbal, in which the Bar members of Ganderbal, Sumbal, Bandipora and presiding officer of District Court Ganderbal attended.

            The Principal District and Sessions Judges of Anantnag, Baramulla, Kupwara and all the Judicial Officers of Ganderbal and Bandipora districts also attended the training programme.

            The people of Ganderbal appreciated the initiative taken by the High Court.

Anantnag Head Post Office Festival and ‘Post Shop’ Inaugurated
Srinagar, May 14, 2012.
Two days post office festival was inaugurated by Shri John Samuel,
Chief Post Master General, J&K Circle today at Anantnag Head Post
Office. The post office festival will continue on 14th and 15th of
May. The other dignitaries present on the occasion were Shri Vijay
Kumar, DIG South Range and Dr. Bashir Ahmad Veeri, MLC.
Speaking on the occasion Chief Post Master General said that with the
changing times, there is a need to change the way Post Office
functions. Many steps are being taken to make post offices customer
friendly. Providing Post Shop facilities is a part of that programme.
We are undergoing a Post Office Transformation Plan under which post
offices are being modernized and made customer friendly. Chief Post
Master General said that Rs. 25 lacs will be given for development of
Post offices in Anantnag district. Revamping of 15 new post offices
will be done. Shri John Samuel, Chief Post Master General also
announced that Anantnag Head Post Office will be providing India Post
‘Gold Coin’ service. Under this India Post is selling 99.99% pure 24
carat gold coins of Valcambi, Switzerland. Letter writing competition
was organized in which school children participated and the best two
entries each in primary,middle and secondary categories were awarded a
cash prize of Rs.1000- and Rs.500- respectively
Anantnag Head Post Office is located in the key business area of
District Anantnag. It attracts a large number local customers. The
Post Office besides serving local people serves many business
customers specially the banks, business firms, Government offices,
shopping malls etc. Considering this Chief Post Master General, J&K
Circle, Shri John Samuel today inaugurated ‘Post Shop’ facilities at
Anantnag Head Post Office in presence of Shri Vijay Kumar, DIG South
Range and Dr. Bashir Ahmad Veeri, MLC. For facilitating the business
establishments and local people, the Post Office will be made into a
one-stop-shop that will provide services to individuals as well as
business customers. The ‘Post Shop’ is on international standards and
it will primarily deal with Philately products, packaging material,
stationery items. People visiting the Post office require packing
materials, envelopes, paper etc. Post Shop provides this convenience
by selling stationery, greeting cards and packing material.  All
philately products including philately stamps, special covers,
miniature sheets, stamp-packs etc and local souvenirs, local products
specially saffron, dry fruits, pashmina shawls etc will be sold
through Post Shop and this builds the local business businesses.
Already a ‘Post Shop’ has been established at Srinagar GPO. On a
similar pattern Anantnag Post Office will be now having the Post Shop
services. [PIB]         ***

Sensitive Command of Army

New Delhi, May 14, 2012.

The Army`s information technology system is based on a robust and
secure system. The Command and Information Decision Support System
(CIDSS) is an isolated airgapped system with adequate safeguards to
isolate it from the threat of hacking. All vulnerabilities are
assessed and addressed periodically.

This information was given by Minister of Defence Shri A K Antony in a
written reply to Shri R. Thamaraiselvan in Lok Sabha today. [PIB]

Decrease in Number of Applicants


New Delhi, May 14, 2012.

Government has taken a number of measures to encourage the youth to
join the Armed Forces, including conduct of recruitment rallies and
media campaigns.

Such data is not maintained.

This information was given by Minister of Defence Shri A K Antony in a
written reply to Shri Ananth Kumar in Lok Sabha today. [PIB]

All-Weather Roads of BRO


New Delhi, May 14, 2012.


There are two major axes connecting Jammu & Kashmir with Ladakh and
other areas: Manali-Darcha-Sarchu-Leh and Srinagar- Kargil-Leh. Both
roads are under development to double lane specifications.

To make these roads accessible throughout the year, tunnels have been
proposed. On Manali-Darcha-Sarchu-Leh, one tunnel at Rohtang is under
construction. Probable date of completion is February 2015. Further on
this road beyond Darcha, there is another alignment leading to Leh,
Darcha-Shinkhunla-Padam- Nimu-Leh, which is being developed under
Prime Minister`s Re¬construction Plan in J&K.

The Upgradation of Manali-Darcha-Sarchu-Leh road with a tunnel at
Rohtang is likely to be completed by 2015. The road Darcha-
Shinkhunla-Padam-Nimu-Leh is likely to be completed by 2021.

The Upgradation of road Srinagar-Kargil-Leh to double lane
specifications is in progress and likely to be completed by 2015. To
make it accessible throughout the year, feasibility study of two
tunnels at Z-morh and Zozilla are in progress.

This information was given by Minister of Defence Shri A K Antony in
awritten reply to Shri S.S. Ramasubbu in Lok Sabha today. [PIB]

Recent Efforts made for Strengthening Medical Education Yielding Results: Azad
Consultative Committee of MoHFW Discusses Medical Education Scenario

New Delhi, MaY 14, 2012.

The Union Health & Family Welfare Minister Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad today
chaired the meeting of the Consultative Committee of Parliament
attached to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to discuss the
subject of Medical Education. In his opening remarks Shri Azad pointed
out that recent efforts put in to strengthen Medical Education
scenario is beginning to show results. He elaborated that in last
three years alone the number of PG seats has increased by more than
9100. The number of PG seats available in this academic year is 22,194
as against 13,043 in the year 2008-09. During 2009-12, 46 new medical
colleges have been set up. Shri Azad added that these strides have
been made possible because of the concerted efforts made by the
Ministry to facilitate and overcome the issue of shortage of human
resources. Detailing some of the important initiatives taken under his
charge, Shri Azad said the steps taken include relaxation of land
norms, infrastructure criterion; facilitating student - teacher norms
and easing faculty selection by recognizing DNB qualification and age
relaxation upto 70 years besides also funding scheme for strengthening
and up-gradation of 72 State Governments’ medical Colleges.

Shri Azad also informed the Consultative Committee Members that to
give a boost to nursing education further, the Ministry has
sanctioned, during the last two years, 132 ANM and 137 GNM Schools all
over the country, particularly in the un-served and under-served
districts. Shri Azad stated these 269 schools will produce an
additional 20,000 nurses every year. Six nursing colleges are also
being established at the new AIIMS being setup under the Pradhan
Mantri Swasthya Surakhsha Yojana and these will be functional by next
year. Shri Azad also recounted that to standardize paramedical
education across the country, one National Institute of Paramedical
Sciences (NIPS) is being set up at Delhi and 8 Regional Institutes of
Paramedical Sciences (RIPS) are to come up at Chandigarh, Lucknow,
Bhopal, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Bhubaneswar, Patna and at Aurangabad.

Shri Azad also drew attention of the Members to need for creating
awareness amongst people about various schemes and measures being
undertaken by the MoHFW to facilitate services for the people
including striving towards better medical education opportunities. He
informed that the Ministry has undertaken Swasth Bharat programme on
nearly 60 Doordarshan and Radio channels. He urged the Members to help
create awareness in their respective constituencies too.

Cutting across party lines, the Members appreciated the initiatives
taken, efforts put in and progress made in addressing the need for
more doctors especially in the rural areas. Members however pointed
out specific issues like more attention required to open more
Government run medical Colleges; commercialization of private medical
colleges; shortage of doctors in rural areas; more incentives needed
for residential and educational needs for family of doctors posted in
rural areas; need for continuous medical education for faculty
members. It was also suggested that the Manipal pattern where
adjoining areas have been adopted by medical college for quality
medical services, should be replicated country wide.

Among the Members who attended today’s Consultative Committee Meeting
included the Ministers of State for Health & Family welfare Shri Sudip
Bandyopadhyay and Shri S Gandhiselvan. The following Members of Lok
Sabha: Smt Deepa Dashmunsi, Shri M I Shanavas, Shri Shailendra Kumar,
Dr. P. Venugopal, Shri Sanjay Singh Chauhan, Dr R C Dome, Dr. Mirza
Mehboob Beg, Dr M Jagannath, Shri Prasanta Kumar Majumdar and Dr
Virendra Kumar as also Members of Rajya Sabha: Shri Moti lal Vohra,
Dr. C.P. Thakur, Dr K.V.P. Ramachandra Rao, Shri Oscar Fernandes, Shri
Baishnab Parida and Independent Shri Inder Singh Namdhari were present
at today’s meeting apart from the senior officials of all departments
of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. [PIB]

Home Minister Launches New Website of Inter State Council Secretariat

New Delhi, May 14, 2012.


Union Home Minister Shri P. Chidambaram launched the new website of
the Inter State Council Secretariat (ISCS) today. The new website
developed in house by the Secretariat provides a wealth of information
on the genesis, constitution, procedure and meetings of the Inter
State Council and Zonal Councils, the evolution of Indian States and
various issues of Centre State and Inter State Relations.

Shri P.G Dhar Chakrabarti, Additional Secretary & Adviser, ISCS
appraised the Minister about the role and functioning of the Inter
State Council Secretariat. Various measures for activating the work of
the Council Secretariat were also discussed. [PIB]

Plans for Sick/Closed Handicrafts Units

New Delhi, May 14, 2012.


As per 3rd National Handloom Census (2009-10), out of 2,377,331
Handloom Units across the country, 230,899 are idle. Assam has
1,28,905 idle units and West Bengal has 39,761 idle units. State-wise
data of sick/closed handloom units are not collected by Government
annually.

Government does not provide financial assistance for revival of
sick/closed industries. Government has set up the Board for Industrial
& Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) for addressing issues of industry
sickness.

The State–wise fund allocated/spent under Textile Workers
Rehabilitation Fund Scheme (TWRFS) to the workers of closed private
Non-SSI textile mills during the last three years are Rs. 1381 lacs in
Maharashtra, Rs. 842 lacs in Andhra Pradesh, Rs. 40 lacs in Gujarat,
Rs. 548 lacs in Madhya Pradesh, Rs. 42 lacs in Tamil Nadu, Rs. 408
lacs in Punjab and Rs. 314 lacs in West Bengal.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Textiles, Smt.
Panabaaka Lakshmi in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today. [PIB]

 Iran Majlis condemns merger of KSA, Bahrain

The Iranian Majlis (parliament) has condemned the Saudi proposal for merger with Bahrain, saying the “unwise” measure will further destabilize the region and multiply its problems.

The Saudi plans to annex Bahrain “will extend the Bahraini crisis to Saudi Arabia and push the region toward further unrest,” a statement, signed by 190 Iranian lawmakers, read on Monday. 

The statement asserted that political force and pressure cannot silence the frustrated Bahraini people who have been holding anti-government demonstrations since mid-February 2011 and calling on the US-backed Al Khalifa family to leave power. 

On March 14, 2011, more than 1,000 Saudi troops entered Bahrain to assist the Manama government in suppressing the peaceful popular protests in the Persian Gulf Island. 

According to local sources, scores of people have been killed and hundreds have been arrested in the Saudi-backed regime crackdown. 

In a report released on April 17, Amnesty International criticized the Bahraini regime for continuing the violation of human rights and the excessive use of force against the anti-regime protesters. 

"The authorities are trying to portray the country as being on the road to reform, but we continue to receive reports of torture and use of unnecessary and excessive force against protests. Their reforms have only scratched the surface," said Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa deputy director. 

The Iranian lawmakers concluded by expressing their “all-out support for the brave nation of Bahrain as well as the independence and territorial integrity of the country.” 

Saudi Arabia is reportedly seeking to merge with Bahrain in line with plans to unify the six Arab member states of the [Persian] Gulf Cooperation Council ([P]GCC). 

The council members, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, are expected to meet and discuss closer union among the six countries on Monday. 

In December 2011, Saudi King Abdullah called on the council member states to move “beyond the stage of cooperation and into the stage of unity in a single entity.” 

However, some members of the council have expressed concern about Saudi Arabia’s possible dominance over the other five countries if the [P]GCC becomes unified. 

Bomb explosion in northern Afghanistan leaves nine dead

At least nine people have been killed in a bomb explosion at a market in Afghanistan’s northern province of Faryab.

According to a statement by the Afghan Ministry of Interior, a remote-controlled bomb went off early Monday in a shop in the Ghormuch district, leaving several others injured. 

Among those killed was Badghis Province council member Amanullah Shahabzai. 

No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the incident yet, but Afghan officials usually hold Taliban militants responsible for such attacks. 

On Sunday, unknown armed men shot dead Arsala Rahmani, a member of the Afghan Peace Council in Kabul. 

Also on Sunday, five Afghan soldiers were killed and two others wounded in a roadside bomb in the country’s eastern Laghman Province. 

US-led troops have been fighting in Afghanistan since 2001. Their initial offensive removed the Taliban from power, but insecurity continues to rise across the country despite the presence of about 130,000 foreign forces.