Transfers, posting in administration

Rizvi is Commissioner Taxes, Renzu is VC SDA, Shah new DC Anantnag

Srinagar, May 16 (VOS): The state cabinet has approved many transfers and posting in the state administration here Wednesday in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Among the transfers Kifayat Hussain Rizvi has been posted as Commissioner Commercial Taxes, Farooq Renzu as Vice Chairman Srinagar Development Authority and Farooq Shah has been posted as Deputy Commissioner Anantnag. Among others :

 Shagufta Parveen, IAS, Director, School Education, Kashmir has been transferred and posted as Secretary to Government, Public Enterprises Department.

Mohammad Shafi Rather, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara has been transferred and posted as Director, School Education, Kashmir, Ramesh Kumar Koul, IAS, Additional Commissioner, Commercial Taxes, Jammu has been transferred and posted as Director, Estates.

Khurshid Ahmad Shah, IAS, Director, Estates has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Budgam.

Mohammad Sharif Sood, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Shopian has been transferred and posted as Director, Horticulture, Planning and Marketing.

Yasha Mudgal, IAS, Project Director, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara.

T. Ashok Kumar, IFS, Special Secretary (Technical), Forest Department has been transferred and posted as Secretary, J&K Public Service Commission,

Saleem Mohammad, KAS, Settlement Officer, Jammu has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar.

Hilal Ahmad Parray, KAS, Director, Social Welfare, Kashmir has been transferred and posted as Project Director, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.

Kifayat Hussain Rizvi, KAS, Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag has been transferred and posted as Commissioner, Commercial Taxes, J&K.

Farooq Ahmad Renzu, KAS, awaiting orders of adjustment in the General Administration Department has been posted as Vice Chairman, Srinagar Development Authority.

Farooq Ahmad Shah, KAS, Director Tourism, Kashmir has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag.

Bashir Ahmad Bhat, KAS, Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla has been transferred and posted as Director, Social Welfare, Kashmir.

 Farooq Ahmad Khan, KAS, Deputy Commissioner, Kulgam has been transferred and posted as Special Secretary to Government, Finance Department.

Ghulam Ahmad Khwaja, KAS, Special Secretary to Government, Housing and Urban Development Department has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner Baramulla. Mohammad Hussain Malik, KAS, Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar has been transferred and posted as Special Secretary to Government Planning and Development Department, Mohammad Javed Khan, KAS, Director, Horticulture, Planning and Marketing has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Shopian, Mr. Jehangir Mir, KAS, Director Rural Development Department, Kashmir has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Kulgam, Talat Parvez, KAS, Managing Director, J&K Cable Car Corporation has been transferred and posted as Director Tourism, Kashmir. He will also hold the additional charge of the post of Managing Director, J&K Cable Car Corporation, till further orders.

Altaf Ahmad, KAS, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Devlopment Authority, Pahalgam has been transferred and posted as Director Rural Development Department, Kashmir. He will also hold the additional charge of the post of Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Development Authority, Pahalgam, till further orders.

Dalip Thusoo, Managing Director, J&K Housing Board has been attached to the General Administration Department. Chief Engineer, Public Works (R&B), Jammu shall hold the additional charge of the post of Managing Director, J&K Housing Board, till further orders.

Sources told VOS the Cabinet also discussed the employees’ agitation issue over the enhancement of retirement age.

“The Cabinet also discussed the issue of outside fake university certificates. The cabinet gave a nod to formulate a committee to look into the matter,” they added.

The state cabinet also discussed the issue of management of wheat produced in Jammu division and decided that a policy be framed for effective management and utilization of wheat produced in the state, sources added.

Retirement age to be enhanced by One year

CSC to review report, JCC likely to be invited for fresh talks

 Srinagar, May 16 (VOS): Days after Chief Minster Omar Abdullah hinted at a possible negotiation with the employees, state government is believed to have decided to formally invite JCC leaders for yet another round of talks in order to break the ice.

Sources within the establishment told VOS that the Cabinet Sub Committee may meet in a couple of days to review the Chief Secretary’s report before inviting JCC leaders for the fresh round of talks. “It is possible that government may agree to increase one year in the retirement age.” Sources maintained, adding that Chief Secretary Madav Lal has also possibly recommended a one year increase in the retirement age.

Sources said that the government is contemplating and even the Chief Minster Omar Abdullah seems to have agreed to SC’s recommendations and have told Cabinet Sub Committee to hold a meeting and submit a final report in this regard before 24th May. The cabinet sub committee is headed by Finance minster Ab. Rahim Rather whileas  Taj Mohi ud din, Ali Mohammad Sagar, Peerzada Mohammad Syed and S.S Slathia are members of the empowered committee that was constituted last year to prepare a road map with regard to the demands put forth by employees.

Interestingly the development comes after Chief Minster Omar Abdullah on Monday had termed the Employees strike call as ‘uncalled for’ and said that the chapter regarding the enhancement of retirement age was not closed  as yet. “We have not shelved this demand but are looking forward for some via media which shall satisfy the interests of both, the employees and the educated youth.” Omar had said while addressing the public gathering at Rainawari in Srinagar.

Pertinently JCC has called for a three day strike from 24th of May to press for their demands including the a two year enhancement in the retirement age of the state government employees.

Meanwhile JCC leaders have clarified that they were not in favor of confrontation, but added that ‘negative’ approach from government compelled them to harden their stand. “We don’t want any confrontation with the government, but they must realize that employees too have genuine demands which need to be met.” Senior JCC leader Mohammad Khursheed Alam told VOS on Wednesday. Another JCC senior leader Abdul Qayoom Wani while ruling out any possibility of ‘softening’ the stand told VOS, “Govt. pushed the employees against the wall and backtracked from its written agreement.” He added that government should not expect JCC to retrieve from its demands and said that the government must fulfill its promise. (VOS)

Forces to be vacated from Industrial Estates

Union HS reviews security situation in high level meeting

Meets Gov, CM, discusses range of issues

 Srinagar, May 16 (VOS): A day after the government is believed to have deiced to vacate troops from power generation facilities, in yet another move it has decided to vacate the forces from industrial estates of the valley. In this regard a formal proposal has been submitted to Union Government through visiting Union Home secretary R. K Singh.

“ We have told Home secretary that the government doesn’t want industrial estates to be used by forces anymore.” a senior officer told VOS on the conditions of anonymity, adding that a detailed report was presented to Singh during a high level meeting this afternoon in the civil secretariat. Sources privy to the meeting further told VOS that some places in Budgam, Baramullah. Srinagar and other places have been identified in the report and the Home secretary has been made aware of the state government’s desire to call back the forces from these installations and relocate them at some other places.

Pertinently Home Secretary R.K Singh arrived in Srinagar on Wednesday morning for a two day visit and held series of meetings in Srinagar to access the situation in the valley.

Singh also met Chief Minster Omar Abdullah and is believed to have discussed a range of issues including the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

 Sources told VOS that Chief Minster conveyed his desire to revoke the controversial law from selected areas to Union Home secretary. Omar is believed to have told Singh, that the situation in the valley was improving and there was a need to induce some confidence among the people by revoking the AFSPA. According to sources, Singh also discussed arrangements for upcoming Amarnath Yatra and the present security scenario with the Chief Minster.

Home secretary will be visiting Salamabd and Chakoti on Thursday and is scheduled to hold meetings with Cross LoC traders and officers, before returning back to New Delhi in the evening.

Later a high level security meeting was held at Srinagar which was attended by Chief Minster Omar Abdullah, in which Singh was briefed about the current security scenario in the valley. The meeting was attended by MOS Home Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Madav Lal, State home secretary B.R Sharma, Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda, IGP Kashmir S.M Sahai and other civil and police officers. Officers from various intelligence wings also participated in the meeting which discussed the overall security situation in the state.

The home security has been invited by Governor N.N Vohra for dinner at Raj Bhawn on Wednesday evening.

Solve Kashmir for sustainable peace: Mufti

Banihal, May 16 (VOS):  Former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that solution of Kashmir problem was must for lasting peace and stability in this region. He also said that his party’s Self-Rule document has potential to address external and internal dimensions of the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a public meeting at Banihal Wednesday, Mufti asserted that the road map prepared by his party was only practical and viable solution to the Kashmir problem.

“Self Rule document was prepared by incorporating wishes and aspirations of all sections of the society”, he said and added that the PDP’s road map was aimed at removing regional disparities and treating all regions and sub-regions equally.  

 “Our agenda is to restore dignity and honour of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and to make our state economically self reliant”, he said. “Before 1947 Kashmir was connected, through different routes, with Central and South Asia but all the routes were closed after the accession” he pointed out and claimed that the self-rule proposal is aimed at opening all traditional routes to make Kashmir a business and trade centre of this region.

Mufti also reiterated the demand of his party to re-negotiate what he calls discriminatory water agreements signed by the successive National Conference regimes by surrendering natural resources of the State. He regretted that despite having huge water resources Jammu and Kashmir has to depend upon Government of India for economic development.

He also said that the aim of the PDP was not to attain power but to heal wounds of people of Jammu and Kashmir by restoring their dignity and honour. He reminded that there was a sense of fear and insecurity among the people when PDP was formed in the year 1999. “Through its visionary agenda, the PDP had not only created a sense of security among the people but also restored dignity of the common masses by implementing peace and reconciliation policies.

G.B Panth expose’ ‘alarming’: Geelani

Heads must roll, conduct judicial inquiry: Tarigami, Hakim, Er. Rashid

 Srinagar, May 16 (VOS):  Expressing strong anger, Hurriyat Conference (G) Chairman Syed Ali Geelani Wednesday termed the alleged mess a G B Pant hospital as negligence amounting conspiracy of genocide. He blamed the government of killing youth of the valley in cold blood and termed the GB Pant mess as an extension of policies adopted for genocide of Kashmiris.

Raising a strong voice against the alleged unabated deaths of infants at G.B Panth child care hospital, CPI (M) state secretary and MLA Kulgam, Mohammad Yousf Tarigami has demanded a judicial inquiry and asserted that it was a wake up call for government to take a stern action. “Heads must roll, we can’t afford to remain mute spectators when our innocent infants are dying due to human negligence”, apparently agitated Tarigami told VOS, adding that the ‘ death’ expose should have at least created some concern in the corridors of power. “I am shocked with the insensitiveness being shown to such a grave issue.” Tarigami maintained.

While expressing anguish, the senior leader said, “Situation is alarming and warrants a strong action.” He demanded that the ‘culprits’ must be identified and brought to book, so that such ‘heinous’ acts are not repeated in future.

Meanwhile PDF Chairman, Hakeem Mohammad Yasin also expressed serious concern over the issue and demanded a thorough probe.

MLA Langate Er. Rasheed has condiment the situation at GB Pant hospital in the strongest terms and decided to stage a sit in outside the GB Pant hospital here on Thursday.

 Resolve Kashmir on priority: Bilal Lone

Status quo not acceptable

Ganderbal, May 16 (VOS):   Peoples Conference (B) Chairman and Hurriyat leader Bilal Gani Lone Wednesday said India and Pakistan should prioritize resolution of Kashmir issue over secondary issues.

Bilal, while addressing gathering of Peoples Conference workers here, said that Kashmiris were not averse to India- Pakistan trade or bilateral relations. “We will not become impediments in trade or other relations between the two countries but they shouldn’t relegate Kashmir issue. Any move of putting Kashmir on the backburner would have serious repercussions and prove detrimental to peace and security in the sub continent”, Bilal said.

Rejecting status quo as a viable solution Bilal said that status quo is not acceptable to Kashmiris at any cost as it suits only some vested interests on both sides.

He further asked pro-freedom groups to rise above petty issues and fight mainstream parties who were   their bigger political enemies.

“Peoples Conference would not accept anybody’s hegemony within or outside Hurriyat, but would support and endorse decisions of the forum”, Bilal said.   

“Destination of PC is not mainstream politics, but it is unfortunate that some of the elements sitting in cozy rooms are trying to make others happy by spitting venom against us. Those questioning our pro-freedom character should introspect and then they have right to speak,” Bilal added.

Bilal also paid rich tributes to Peoples Conference founder Abdul Gani Lone and added that the party will organize a public rally in Langate on May 22 to mark the martyrdom anniversary of visionary leader. 

Bus accident leaves 2 dead, 40 injured

PDP, PDF, CPI Express shock

Srinagar, May 16 (VOS):  At least two people were killed and forty injured when a passenger bus skidded off the road at Dada Ompora in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.

A passenger bus carrying passengers left for Srinagar from Surasyar village of Chadoora tehsil on Wednesday and upon reaching Dada Ompora skidded off the road, killing two people on the spot and injuring around 40 others. The victims have been identified as Mohammad Altaf Bhat, a resident of Dadompora Chadoora and Nazir Ahmad Najar a resident of Surasyar Chadoora. Five passengers including the driver have been seriously injured

The locals have held bad roads and faulty regulation by the government responsible for the accident. Appealing to the authorities to repair the roads the locals also demanded strict checking of documents like fitness certificates of vehicles and driving licenses.

Peoples Democratic Party has expressed deep shock and grief over the loss of life in an accident at Dada Ompora here Wednesday in which two persons were killed and many others injured.

People’s Democratic Front leader Hakim Yasin and CPI (M) state secretary Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami have also expressed shock and grief over the tragic accident. They have demanded adequate compensation to the families of victims and to the injured.

Tral observes shutdown

Srinagar, May 16 (VOS):  A complete shutdown was observed in South Kashmir’s Tral town Wednesday against recurrent cases of theft in the township. Local Traders federation had called for the shut down against rampant and unabated thefts in the town over last few months.

According to the traders, the local authorities and police have failed to curb the menace of thefts despite repeated appeals.

No SIM Card activations without proper verification: BSNL

Keran, Machil and other border area to get Mobile accessibility

Srinagar, May 16 (VOS): Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL) has directed its ground functionaries not to issue any SIM cards to subscribers without proper verification. The corporation is also contemplating  the provision of accessibility to the border areas including Keran, Gurez and Machil.

BSNL has issued directives to all the ground staff, not to issue any Sim cards without proper verification. “We have designated officers who make it sure that no Sim is activated without proper verification so that Sim cards do not fall into wrong hands.” Chief General Manager (CGM) Srinagar Circle R.K Kaul told VOS on Wednesday. Pertinently some BSNL officials had complained of being pressurized by some higher officials to activate the SIM cards without proper verification.

“When we withhold the activation of Sim cards which do not have proper documentation, our higher ups force us to activate them without seeking the customer’s proper verification.”, an officer of the BSNL told VOS, wishing anonymity. “These officers don’t put any word in writing, and when police or any other security agency seeks documents of any suspicious SIM card, we are being held responsible for the lapse.” These officers further added that no one seeks explanation from the erring officers at higher level.

Upon contacting the Chief General Manager BSNL rejecting the allegations said that these officers were not willing to work, hence making attempts to defame the department. “They are not willing to work and seek refuge under blame game”, the officer said. He clarified that no SIM can work beyond 8 days after activation if it was not properly verified. “We have designated officers in the department to look after this field. If they are not satisfied with the verification of the documents, they must not keep that SIM card active after first 8 days.” maintained the CGM.

Meanwhile BSNL is expanding its network to other inaccessible areas in the coming months and for this purpose, the national telecom company is installing 75 new mobile towers across valley. “We have begun the survey work and the installation of towers will take place once we are done with the survey”, informed  Koul. He added that BSNL was also contemplating to provide mobile accessibility to the far flung and border areas like Keran, Machil and Gurez.

Regarding 3G services, CJM told VOS, “We have already launched 3G services, but we are still to get permission for video calling facility.”

GOI undermining state institutions: Er. Rasheed

Asks PM to intervene in HR cases

Srinagar, May 16 (VOS):  Independent MLA from Langate, Engineer Abdul Rashid Wednesday accused the government of India of undermining the credibility of state institutions in Jammu and Kashmir and sought the prime minister’s intervention in bringing to book all those against whom charges of gross human rights violations have been established.

In a sharp reaction to what he calls the Defense Ministry’s aspersions against Jammu and Kashmir police and refusal to sanction prosecution of army personnel involved in rights abuses, the MLA condemned New Delhi’s reluctance to punish those accused of crimes even as one lakh people had been killed over the past two decades.

He said the government of India was hell bent on maligning the democratic institutions in Jammu and Kashmir. “If the government of India cannot trust even the state police, how can it trust any other person or institution? It vindicates the separatist claim that the state government and its institutions were mere puppets of New Delhi,” Engineer Rashid said.

Describing the Defense Ministry’s views as an eye-opener, Engineer Rashid urged the state police to adopt a people-friendly policy in order to absolve itself of the blame of committing excesses against people. He accused the centre of overtly and covertly undermining the state’s democratic institutions including the legislative assembly.

By sparing those in uniform from the onus of proven wrong-doing, the MLA said, the government of India conveyed a feeling that it treated the state people as second class citizens. “Ultimately, this policy will have disastrous consequences,” he warned.

Engineer Rashid urged the prime minister to bring to justice all those against whom charges of human rights violations had been proved. Investigation in other pending cases also needs to be expedited, he said, urging the Omar Abdullah-led coalition government to take the opposition on board and to take a serious note of the Defense Ministry’s insinuations.

Amarnath Yatra : Governor undertakes aerial supervision

Inspects Baltal Base Camp, reviews arrangements

 Srinagar, 16 May (VOS):   Governor of Jammu & Kashmir and Chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board Wednesday undertook an aerial reconnaissance of the Panjtarni-Sangam-Holy-Cave-Baltal circuit to assess the status of snowmelt along the Yatra route and at the various Camps along the Baltal-Holy Cave tracks.

The Governor, accompanied by Mr. Navin K. Choudhary, his Principal Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board, flew over Panjtarni, Sangam, Holy Cave and reached Baltal after taking stock of the present status of snow melt. It was observed that there is huge accumulation of snow along most of the Yatra track. Most of the structures at Panjtarni Camp are still more than half buried under snow. From Sangam and upto the mouth of the Cave Shrine, the entire area is under deep snow.

Other arrangements that were discussed included deployment of Mountain Rescue Teams of the State Police at identified locations on the Yatra route; setting up of the Joint Control Rooms and Disaster Management Centers and their effective coordination with Meteorological Department; deployment of well equipped Fire Fighting Force units; provision of adequate number of X-Ray Baggage Scanning units; installation of CCTV cameras at important locations in the Yatra area. He instructed for immediate construction of Shelters in Domel area in order to accommodate Yatris in the event of natural disasters and sudden bad weather.

The Governor is scheduled to undertake an aerial reconnaissance of Pahalgam-Chandanwari-Sheshnag-Mahagunas Top sector on 19 May and also review the Yatra arrangements at a meeting to be held at the Nunwan Base Camp.

Observation of Mirwaiz Mohammad Farooq’s 22^nd anniversary begins 

Srinagar, 16 May (VOS):   A week long observation in view of the 22nd death anniversary of Mirwaiz Moulvi Mohammad Farooq has begun at the Mirwaiz Manzil here one Wednesday.

A large number of people and religious leaders participated in the gathering at the Mirwaiz Manzil, recited quranic verses aimed at showering of blessings on the departed soul.

Hurriyat Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also participated and recited Quran on the occasion.

Similar event was observed at hurriyat headquarters at Rajbagh.

Students from madras spread all across the valley, led by Dr Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also hold a quranic recitation gathering at Sadar Anjuman-e-Auqaf Jamia Masjid Srinagar.

People continue to throng Malik’s Maisuma residence

Nawaz, Hina, Malik telephone Malik

Srinagar, 16 May (VOS):   People across the political and social spectra continue to throng the residence of JKLF Chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik’s residence at Maisuma here to offer condolences and sympathies with the bereaved family.

A large number of people throughout the day visited Maisuma to condole Yasin Malik on the sad demise of his father Ghulam Qadir Malik.

Dignitaries across the spectrum  telephoned Yasin Malik and many visited his residence at Maisuma.

Among those who telephonically  paid condolences include Pakistan Muslim League (N) chief, Mr Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan's minister Foreign Affairs Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister of Interior Mr. Rehman Malik, Qazi Hussain Ahmed of  Jamat i islami pakistan Pakistan, Mr. Liaquat Baloch, JUI chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman of Pakistan, Mr. Javed Hashmi, leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, The head of Pakistan People’s Party in the Senate Mr. Jehangir Badr , MQM leader Farooq Sattar,Prime Minister Chaudhry Abdul Majeed Azad Kashmir, Azad Kashmir President Sardar Mohammad Yaqoob, Azad Kashmir Supreme Court Chief Justice, Foreign Secretary of Pakistan Mr. Jalil Abbas Jilani , JI leader Ghulam Nabi Nausheri, JuD chief Hafiz Mohammad Saeed,  the United Jihad Council chief Syed Salahuddin, general secretary of the United Jihad Council, Jamil Rehman, Mr. Majid Malik, former Chief Justice of Azad Kashmir, Azad Kashmir Muslim Conference President Sardar Atiq Ahmed Khan, Mr. Abdul Rashid Turabi, head of Islamic Azad Kashmir, Pakistan's leading human rights leader asma jahangir, Mr. Hameed Haroon, chief of Pakistan's Dawn group, known column writer Mr. Haroon Rashid, Geo TV's famous anchor, Mr. Hamid Mir, mahaz azadi leader Mohammad Azam, Fazal Haq Qureshi, Abdul Majid Zargar, , Maulana Rahmatullah Qasmi, Mufti Mohammad Bashir-ud-Din Ahmad, Kashmir, human rights activist, AR Geelani, American political consultant, Mr. Kailash Jah u.s. Embassy, National Conference patron Mr. Farooq Abdullah, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir, Mr. Hakim Mohammad Yasin. the major personalities who came personally and  expressed their condolences included Engineer Rashid, Nizamuddin Bhat  and Mr. Saifuddin of PDP, Maulvi  akhzar Hussain, Maulana Riaz Ahmad Hamadani, Peerzada Mohammad Hussain Qadri, Maulana Mushtaq Ahmed, Mr. Ali Mohammad Dar, Peerzada Ghulam Ahmad, Ghulam Ahmad salurah National Conference, Professor Bashir Ahmed Dar Haqqani trust, journalist Naseer Ganai, Khurshid Ahmad Wani, Shujaat Bukhari, Shaukat A motta , Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Surendra Singh aubroyy, moarifat  Qadri, editor VOS Mr. Mohammad Aslam, Tariq Ahmed N D TV, PTI Tariq Ahmad, Mahmud Azad ahtisaab, Mr. Rasheed Rahul, Mr. Mohammad Yusuf Sufi Srinagar Times,. Gulzar Ahmed Srinagar News, Mr. Rasheed Rahi of CNS, political leader, Mr. Sajjad Ghani Lone, Ghulam Ahmad Gulzar, Bilal Ahmad Siddiqui, Abdul Hakim, Mohammad Ahsan Aountoo , Advocate Mohammad Amin malla, Dr. Zafar Mehdi, mahaz azadi  chairman Mohammad Iqbal Mir, Jag Mohan singh, Khurshid Ahmed Dalal, Irfan Ahmed Car People, Abdul hameed bhat and farooq ahmad of rahim motors  , Mr. Shakeel Qalandar, Dr. Javed Iqbal, Majid Jehangir Advocate, Advocate Mohammad Rafique ,  doctor Sajjad Ahmed reshi , Dr Meraj Uddin, Prof Wani, Sufi Jalaluddin Engineer, Engineer Pervez, professor wani , Ashiq Hussain Jilani, Mir Bashir Ahmad tota, Abdul Aziz, Syed Iftikhar Jalali, Mr. Vaishnavi , Kumar Wanchoo, Anwar ishaee, Haji Ghulam Mohammad Dar (Father Shaheed, Aijaz A dar .), Shafiq Ahmad Saudi Arabia, Ali Mohammad Lone (father Shaheed Mushtaq A.) , Advocate Zahid Ali, Mohammad Yousuf miskeen , Advocate Mohammad Yousuf, Haji Mushtaq Ahmed daryl, Mohammad Sadiq bqal, Mr. Imran Ansari, President gausia Sarai Bala buja Miraj Din, Mr. Khalid Bilal, Mr. Z. G. Mohammad, Mrs. Parveen ahangar , Ms. Yasmeen Raja, Mohammad Rafique Advocate joo, Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din naqeeb , Fahim, Mohammad Ramzan, Majid Jehangir Advocate, Deputy Mufti Azam Mufti Nasir Islam, Advocate Bashir Ahmad Dar, Maulana Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din and Ghulam mohammad parrah Jamiat Ahl-e-hadees , Mohammad Khurshid Alam and others also attended.

GB Pant Mess Criminal: Sajad Lone

CM is a father too, should answer

Srinagar, 16 May (VOS):   Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (S), Sajad Lone while lashing out at the State Government over the criminal state of administrative negligence and callousness in the valley's only children's hospital, has said that a Chief Minister who cannot be sensitive to the care and safety of this nation's children can not be capable of bringing this State out of a deep infrastructural and administrative rot that according to him has diminished the incentives of peace and empowerment.

Reacting very strongly to the media reports on the alarming number of infant fatalities at the G B Pant Hospital in Srinagar, Sajad Lone also stated that he himself is a father of two little children and is angered and distraught at this government's negligent and devil-may-care attitude towards something as important as the health and well-being of our children. 

Sajad Lone demanded that the Chief Minister should accept moral responsibility for these neonatal deaths especially since he is a father himself and apologize to Kashmiris for his callous and inept style of dealing with this State's most glaring issue

Omar stresses on universalizing modern medicare

Health sector flagged as priority concern

Dr. Zargar details growth, development status of SKIMS

            SRINAGAR, MAY 16 – Terming SKIMS premier tertiary care medical institution of the State, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Wednesday underscored the importance of its growth and development on modern lines.

            “All measures need to be taken in this direction to develop it as one of the leading supper speciality medicare centre in the country where modern treatment of highest degree would be available to the people of the State”, he said and referred to the priority given by the government for expansion, upgradation and infrastructure development in health and medical education sectors in the State.

            The Chief Minister said that with the coming up of supper speciality hospitals at Jammu and Srinagar, upgrading of JLNM Hospital Rainawari and Gandhi Nagar Hospital Jammu on modern lines and improvement in other existing hospitals would open a new phase in the progress of secondary and tertiary care health facilities in the State.

            “We have laid equal focus on the coverage of rural and far-flung areas under best possible medical facility”, he said adding that district, sub-district and other hospitals in villages are receiving due attention for development on modern concepts.

            Chairing the 38^th meeting of Governing Body of SKIMS here this morning, the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of SKIMS in providing latest treatment for critical diseases and development of trained human resource in the health and medical education sectors.

            The Chief Minister said that best service delivery should be benchmark of the functioning of all institutions adding that the centres associated with providing medical treatment to patients need all the more missionary spirit on delivery front.

            The Chief Minister approved Screening-cum-Selection Committee for the appointment of Principal of the SKIMS Medical College, Bemina. He also approved training of Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation to Resident and Staff of SKIMS and renaming of the Department of Accident and Emergency as ‘Emergency Medicine’.

            Minister for Finance, Abdul Rahim Rather, Minister for Health,. Sham Lal Sharma, Minister of State for Health, Javid Ahmad Dar, Chief Secretary, Madhav Lal, Principal Secretary Finance, Mohammad Iqbal Khandey, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, B. B. Vyas, Secretary Health, M K. Dwivedi, Dean SKIMS, Dr. Khurshid Ahmad, Principal Medical College, Jammu, Dr. Allaqaband and Dr. Mehraj-ud-Din were present in the meeting.

            In a PowerPoint presentation the Director SKIMS, Prof. Showkat Ali Zargar gave resume of the achievements registered by the institution during last one year in various disciplines.

            He said that OPD works daily in all most all specialities and MRD and Blood Collection takes place from 9 am to 4 pm while concept of using existing facilities of Day care centre, MRI and CT Machine and Haemodialysis Machines from 6 hours to 12 hours has been incorporated in functioning schedule of the institution.

            He said construction of 24-bedded Day care centre for Cancer patients has been started and is likely to be completed in two months. While 14-bedded Haemodialysis Centre has been made operational and 11-bedded Critical Care Unit will function within one month’s period.

            He said that 28 more seats have been added in MD/MS courses this year and for the first time 25 students have been admitted to the MSc Nursing course. He said that the Gama Camera has been made operational while MD Pathology, MD Paediatrics, MD Microbiology and DM Gastroenterology have been recognized by the Medical Council of India while new courses in Surgical Gastroenterology and Gynaecology & Obstetrics are starting this year, Paediatric Surgery and Neurology courses are in the pipeline.

            The Director SKIMS said that Linear Accelator for Cancer patients, Dual-Head Gama Camera, Mechanical Extra Corporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy have been operationalized and High Dependency 4-beds in all general wards introduced.

            Prof. Zargar said that the government has in principle approved upgradation of SKIMS and SKIMS Medical College for development of infrastructure and machinery equipment to create better advanced medical facilities.

            He said that the upgradation project for SKIMS which was initially approved for Rs. 262 crores has now been revised to Rs. 767.95 crores to incorporate five projects of additional Ward Block involving Rs. 235.39 crore, Accidental Emergency Block costing Rs. 179.18 crore, New OPD Block at Rs. 47.88 crore, SKIMS Medical College at Rs. 60 crore, Trauma Centre and Regional Cancer Centre and Critical Care Department estimating Rs. 245.45 crores in the overall upgradation programme.

            The meeting reviewed the follow-up action taken on the decisions of previous meeting of the Governing Body and discussed matters relating to various aspects of the development and growth of the institution.

            The Chief Minister directed the SKIMS management to route the matters relating to academics and finances through the Academic and Finance Committees for final decision by the Governing Body.

80 lakh cft timber to be provided consumers: Mian Altaf

Ensure timber only genuine consumers

SRINAGAR, MAY 16- The Consumers of the State will be supplied 80 lakh cft timber including 40 lakh cft in Kashmir Province by ending  July this year.

            Decision to this effect was taken at a high level meeting convened here today to discuss measures for smooth supply of timber to the consumers of the State.

            The Minister for Forests and Environment Mian Altaf Ahmed presided over the meeting.

            The Minister directed the concerned forests officers and field agencies to ensure that the timber is provided to the genuine people who need it for domestic purposes, adding that there should be no rooms for exploitation by middleman.

            He urged for further tightening the noose around timber smugglers adding that there should be zero tolerance about timber smuggling. He said fallen timber should be distributed among the needy people nearer to the forest areas for construction of houses which he said shall be a better option to utilize the fallen trees properly. He said sale of timber should be conducted without any interruption so that there is no sign of dearth on account of timber availability.

            The Minister also directed for launching a massive plantation drive especially in and around Shankercharya Hills, Pahalgam and Anantnag road sides other vacant patches alongside the National Highway should also be brought under plantation.

            While reviewing the performance of CAMPA, the Minister said main focus should be on fencing of forest areas and plantation on barren and deforestrated areas. He asked the SFC to open new timber sale depots in major towns to keep timber available to the people without any difficulty.

            He directed to raise plant nurseries at Block level adding that Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah was very keen to increase the green cover in the State.

            Mian Altaf asked the commissioner Secretary Forest to release funds for development works without any delay so that targets under various schemes are fulfilled within stipulated time.

            The Chief Conservator Forests Mr. Manzoor Ahmed informed the meeting that about 12, 70,517 cft of timber was issued to the 29,506 consumers of Kashmir Division during last year. While as 1, 19,750 qtls of fire wood were provided to the Mosques, on the occasion of Muharram and to  Amarnath yatra etc during the said period. The meeting was further informed that the department has provided 69000 cft of timber to the Education Institutions for construction purposes. The department has realized revenue of Rs. 32 crore during last year, he informed.

            The Department has planted 324 lakh plants in various areas of denude forest areas of the state.

             The meeting was informed that under the CAMPA project out of Rs. 22.87 crore an amount of Rs. 17.57 crore were expended on the conservation of the forests. The meeting was further informed that 3.87 hectares of forest land treated and  fencing done in forest area.

             Commissioner Secretary Forest Mr. Umang Narula Principal Chief Conservator Forests, Mr. Vinod Ranjan, Chief Wild Life Warden Mr. A.K. Singh, Director Social Forestry, Conservators and Divisional Forest Officers of Kashmir Division attended the meeting.

Cabinet approves transfers, postings of officers

Gives nod to upgradation of infrastructural facilities at Industrial Estates

             SRINAGAR, MAY 16 – The State Cabinet which met here today under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah approved following transfers and postings in the administration:

1.     Mrs. Shagufta Parveen, IAS, Director, School Education, Kashmir has been transferred and posted as Secretary to Government, Public Enterprises Department.

2.     Mr. Mohammad Shafi Rather, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara has been transferred and posted as Director, School Education, Kashmir.

3.     Mr. Ramesh Kumar Koul, IAS, Additional Commissioner, Commercial Taxes, Jammu has been transferred and posted as Director, Estates.

4.     Mr. Khurshid Ahmad Shah, IAS, Director, Estates has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Budgam.

5.     Mr. Mohammad Sharif Sood, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Shopian has been transferred and posted as Director, Horticulture, Planning and Marketing.

6.     Mrs. Yasha Mudgal, IAS, Project Director, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara.

7.     Mr. T. Ashok Kumar, IFS, Special Secretary (Technical), Forest Department has been transferred and posted as Secretary, J&K Public Service Commission.

8.     Mr. Saleem Mohammad, KAS, Settlement Officer, Jammu has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar.

9.     Mr. Hilal Ahmad Parray, KAS, Director, Social Welfare, Kashmir has been transferred and posted as Project Director, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.

10.   Mr. Kifayat Hussain Rizvi, KAS, Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag has been transferred and posted as Commissioner, Commercial Taxes, J&K.

11.    Mr. Farooq Ahmad Renzu, KAS, awaiting orders of adjustment in the General Administration Department has been posted as Vice Chairman, Srinagar Development Authority.

12.    Mr. Farooq Ahmad Shah, KAS, Director Tourism, Kashmir has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag.

13.     Mr. Bashir Ahmad Bhat, KAS, Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla has been transferred and posted as Director, Social Welfare, Kashmir.

14.    Mr. Farooq Ahmad Khan, KAS, Deputy Commissioner, Kulgam has been transferred and posted as Special Secretary to Government, Finance Department.

15.    Mr. Ghulam Ahmad Khwaja, KAS, Special Secretary to Government, Housing and Urban Development Department has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner Baramulla.

16.   Mr. Mohammad Hussain Malik, KAS, Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar has been transferred and posted as Special Secretary to Government Planning and Development Department.

17. Mr. Mohammad Javed Khan, KAS, Director, Horticulture, Planning and Marketing has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Shopian.

18.  Mr. Jehangir Mir, KAS, Director Rural Development Department, Kashmir has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Kulgam.

19.   Mr. Talat Parvez, KAS, Managing Director, J&K Cable Car Corporation has been transferred and posted as Director Tourism, Kashmir. He will also hold the additional charge of the post of Managing Director, J&K Cable Car Corporation, till further orders.

20.   Mir Altaf Ahmad, KAS, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Devlopment Authority, Pahalgam has been transferred and posted as Director Rural Development Department, Kashmir. He will also hold the additional charge of the post of Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Development Authority, Pahalgam, till further orders.

21. Mr. Dalip Thusoo, Managing Director, J&K Housing Board has been attached to the General Administration Department. Chief Engineer, Public Works (R&B), Jammu shall hold the additional charge of the post of Managing Director, J&K Housing Board, till further orders.

            Besides, giving nod to certain other proposals, the Cabinet approved upgradation of infrastructural facilities at Industrial Estate Gangyal, Jammu and Bari Brahamana, Samba at an estimated cost of Rs. 9.84 crores and Rs. 11.08 crores respectively.

Govt. initiates one man inquiry about reported deaths of children in G B Pant hospital: Chib

‘Visits B&J hospital, enquires welfare of injured’

SRINAGAR, MAY 16- Minister for Medical Education Mr. R S Chib today said that the government has initiated a one man inquiry to surface the facts about the reported deaths of children in the G B Pant hospital.  He informed that Dr. Showkat Zargar, Director, SKIMS, Soura, Srinagar will conduct the inquiry accordingly.

Talking with a section of media at G B Pant hospital, the Minister said that the provision for better health care to the people is the priority of the Omar led Government, adding that various efforts are on in this regard.

Mr. Chib said there are 15 tertiary care hospitals in the state to cater the medical needs of the people.  He said G. B Pant hospitals established at Sonawar in Srinagar with active support of Cantonment Authority is doing its best to provide quality medicare to the civilians of the adjacent areas. He said the G B Pant Cantonment Hospital, Srinagar is the only referral tertiary care Pediatric hospital in the Valley where patients not only  from valley, but also from Banihal,  Doda, Bhaderwah and Kargil visit the hospital for necessary treatment.

            Mr. Chib said 62 doctors have already been deployed in the hospital for providing treatment to the patients, adding that due to heavy rush of the patients, however, the government is already in the process to engage more para-medicos and also to upgrade the existing equipment so that the patient care is substantially improved.

While elaborating the admission of patients in the Hospital during the last six months Sh. R.S. Chib, Hon’ble Minister for Medical Education, Technical Education/YSS explained to the media persons, indicating the number of deaths which have taken place every month and said that it is more or less the same, however, there is a need to go into further details and directed the medical authorities that they should be brought down to the minimum by taking all possible measures.

The Minister also took a round of the Hospital Wards with the media persons and while talking to the attendants, appealed them  that the minimum number of attendants should accompany the patients so that the sanitation and hygiene of the Hospital is maintained. He also appealed to the people of the State that while accompanying the patients they must cooperate with the Medical Authorities to enable the Hospital Authorities to provide them with the best medical care.

            Later, the Minister accompanied by Principal, Government Medical College, Srinagar Dr. Qazi Masood visited Government Bone & Joint Hospital, Barazulla to enquire about the welfare of people injured in an accident at Dad Ompora (District Budgam) in which  two precious lives were lost  and 24 persons injured.  The ill fated bus  met with an accident when it was on way to Chadoora from Surasyar. Out of 24 injured persons, the condition of the four was critical and were shifted to SKIMS- Soura and SMHS for necessary treatment. 

Mr. Chib directed the hospital authorities to provide free medicines and other diagnostic facilities to the patients and meals to the attendants besides it was also directed that Principal, Government Medical College, Srinagar will pay frequent visits to G.B. Pant Hospital to ensure effective functioning of the Hospital. He also directed the Divisional administration for extending cash relief of Rs. 5,000 to the injured and compensation to the kiths and kins of deceased as per norms.

He expressed his sympathies with the bereaved families and prayed for the eternal peace to the departed souls. He also wished for early recovery to the injured.

Among others, Principal, Government Medical College, Srinagar Dr. Qazi Masood, Medical Superintendents.

Media keeps check, vigil over three components of governance: Mir

SRINAGAR, MAY 16:- Saying that both judiciary and the media have an important role to play in India, Minister for Agriculture, Mr Ghulam Hassan Mir said that media is pivotal constituent of democracy as it not only serves as a conduit for dissemination of knowledge and information from Government to masses and vice versa but also keeps a check and vigil over other three components of the governance.

            Mr. Mir Said that it is the most viable source for expressing views – be it anger, disappointment, resentment or praise by the masses and information of public opinion and perception about Government policies.

            This he said while addressing a conference on the topic ‘Role of media and judiciary in India” organised by the All India Centre for Urban & Rural Development at youth hostel Srinagar this afternoon.

  The Minister said that the media, in our democratic set up can help people in nourishing their rights and realizing their responsibilities.  “When we look at the present day scenario, we analyze that there is a developing trend - Trial by Media which sometimes is seen far from authenticity and truth”, he added.

 Mr Mir Said that it has its impact and “if the practice continues, the people will slowly lose their faith in the media which will certainly have disastrous consequences”. “We know that a trial by press, electronic media is very antithesis of rule of law. It can at times lead to miscarriage of justice. A judge has to guard himself against such pressure and has to be guided strictly by rule of law”, he said.

 The Minister said that we all know that with the strong judiciary, there is a need for media to become more conscious and responsive. “I won’t hesitate to say that the media specifies the art and act of the democracy. Being a powerful tool, the media, often referred as the 4th pillar of the Indian democracy, has certain responsibilities; such as to serve as a bridge and as an interface between the government and the common man in the democracy. Secondly, it is their responsibility to bring important events into light”, he said.

  Mr Mir said under the scenario, the common man may feel entirely cut off which may add to the woes of the ruling system. Therefore, I would urge the media of our Nation to do truthful and honest coverage of all the events happening and create such an atmosphere where a healthy democracy can breathe. I may differ with what media says but I will always defend its right to say it.

“We have been witnessing frequent leaks of confidential information to the media and the move for setting up guidelines to that effect. This could lead to a hot debate in coming days and could bring media and judiciary in collusion course. Reporting matters pending before the courts would have to be very guarded one and within constitutional guarantees and with the objective of social and cultural progress”, he said.

 The Minister  said we must remember that no right can be absolute as every right is subject to reasonable restrictions in the public interest. The reason for this is that human beings are social creatures. No one can live in isolation and everyone has to live in society.

Governor undertakes aerial reconnaissance of Panjtarni-Sangam-Holy Cave-Baltal track

Inspects Baltal Base Camp, reviews arrangements

SRINAGAR, MAY 16 - Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, Chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, today undertook an aerial reconnaissance of the Panjtarni-Sangam-Holy Cave-Baltal circuit to assess the status of snowmelt along the Yatra route and at the various Camps along the Baltal-Holy Cave tracks.

The Governor, accompanied by Mr. Navin K. Choudhary, his Principal Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board, flew over Panjtarni, Sangam, Holy Cave and reached Baltal after taking stock of the present status of snow melt. It was observed that there is huge accumulation of snow along most of the Yatra track. Most of the structures at Panjtarni Camp are still more than half buried under snow. From Sangam and upto the mouth of the Cave Shrine, the entire area is under deep snow. Further such assessments are planned in the pre-Yatra period to determine the earliest possible date for commencing the repair of facilities at the Base Camps and enroute Camps and for launching track clearance operations with a view to ensuring that all the Yatra-related arrangements are in position well ahead of the commencement of the pilgrimage.  

After undertaking the aerial reconnaissance, the Governor landed at Baltal Base Camp from where he traveled to Domel. Thereafter, he held an extensive review meeting at the Baltal Base Camp during which he reviewed the ongoing repair works, including those relating to internal drains, pathways, huts, toilets and baths, water supply, electric supply, sanitation, treatment plant, helipad, etc. Discussing the Master Plan of the Baltal Base Camp, he directed that the map of the entire Camp, indicating the location of the various services, must be displayed prominently. He also called for making adequate arrangements for daily garbage collection, illumination, fire-fighting, public address system, Information and Guidance Centre etc at the Camp. He also inspected the proposed site for the establishment of a Pony Stand at Baltal.

The Governor directed the CEO to ensure the deployment of adequate workforce for clearing and repairing the Baltal-Holy Cave track and making it fully operational timely. He stressed that once the tracks are made operational, all the requisite facilities should be put on ground at the Camping sites, along both the tracks and in the Holy Cave Shrine area. 

The Governor directed the Chief Executive Officer to ensure that all required sanitation related measures, including the operationalization of Sewage Treatment Plant at Baltal Base Camp, were taken well in time and particular attention given to ensure that all liquid wastes are effectively treated before disposal and all garbage is daily collected and deposited at the designated sites.

In the review meeting at Baltal, the Governor held discussions with Mr. Showkat Ahmad Mir, Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal, Mr. Shahid Mehraj, Superintendent of Police, Ganderbal, Mr. Mohammad Yousuf, CEO, Sonamarg Development Authority, and the District and Divisional Heads of Departments of all concerned Departments. At this meeting, all the Yatra related arrangements, proposed to be made at the Baltal Base Camp and on the Baltal-Holy Cave route by the various Departments, including the Public Health, Power, Consumer Affairs, Health, Labour, Forests, Fire and Emergency Services, Tourism, Information, BSNL, Animal Husbandry and other agencies were reviewed in detail. Also present in the meeting was Brig. Neeraj Seth, Commander, 3 Sector RR. The Governor called for daily monitoring of progress and effective coordination at all levels to timely secure the envisaged results. He asked Mr. Showkat Ahmad Mir, Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal and the General Manager (Works) of the Shrine Board to ensure the commissioning of all the required facilities, well in time.

As regards the implementation of the sector-wise recommendations of High Level Committee, the Governor reviewed the upgradation of the Ranga Morh-Baltal Base Camp road and of alternate road from Nilgrath to Baltal Base Camp which will help decongest the Kargil Highway. He also discussed issues relating to the enforcement of an effective Access Control System at Baltal Base Camp and Domel and management of traffic.

Other arrangements that were discussed included deployment of Mountain Rescue Teams of the State Police at identified locations on the Yatra route; setting up of the Joint Control Rooms and Disaster Management Centres and their effective coordination with Meteorological Department; deployment of well equipped Fire Fighting Force units; provision of adequate number of X-Ray Baggage Scanning units; installation of CCTV cameras at important locations in the Yatra area. He instructed for immediate construction of Shelters in Domel area in order to accommodate Yatris in the event of natural disasters and sudden bad weather.

Later, the Governor visited Nilgrath and, alongwith Brig Neeraj Seth and Mr. Showkat Ahmad Mir, Deputy Commissioner, inspected the proposed site for alternate helipad. 

Mr. Preet Pal Singh, Additional CEO of the Shrine Board, Mr. K. G. Bamba, GM Works SASB, and other concerned officers and senior engineers of various departments were present on the occasion.

The Governor is scheduled to undertake an aerial reconnaissance of Pahalgam-Chandanwari-Sheshnag-Mahagunas Top sector on 19 May and also review the Yatra arrangements at a meeting to be held at the Nunwan Base Camp.

Consumers to register extra load during marriage: PDD

            SRINAGAR, MAY 16: According to Chief Engineer, EM&RE Wing, Kashmir in view of the ongoing marriage season in the Valley, the consumers have been asked to approach the concerned Sub-Divisional Offices for regularization of the extra load being used during the marriage ceremony.

            They shall retain the receipt of the temporary charges paid for the purpose and produce the same to the inspection squad on demand.

            Any consumer who fails to register the extra load meant for the illumination shall have to bear the inconvenience on account of disruption of power supply. Besides, penalty as per the J&K Electricity Act, 2010 in vogue shall also be levied against the defaulter.

City to get more traffic signals by June 15: SP Traffic

            SRINAGAR, MAY 16: In order to streamline the traffic system in Srinagar city, Traffic signals are being installed in 34 specified places by June 15, 2012.

            This was revealed by Superintendent of Police, Traffic City Srinagar, Mr. Haseeb-ur-Rehman at press briefing here today.

            He said four such signals have recently been installed in Srinagar that has shown best results at ground level. He said 80 percent people are following these signals as per Traffic analyses in this regard.

            Referring to a question regarding penalizing traffic violators, Mr. Haseeb said that 15 days time will be given after the work of installing traffic signals is over by June 15, 2012 after that nominal fine will be realized from violators. He, however, urged people to strictly follow traffic signalling in the city to maintain the hassle free traffic movement. He said our cops always remain on roads to assist people to follow the newly introduced system.

            In an another question regarding use of tinted glasses, Mr. Haseeb said that public should support the  removal of tinted glasses, as it has been banned by Supreme Court. 

Power shut down on May 19

                SRINAGAR, MAY 16: According to Power Controller, Power Development Department, Bemina, Srinagar to carry out maintenance work on 33 KV Sheeri-Baramulla Ist line from Grid Station Sheeri, the power supply to the area fed from this line shall remain affected on May 19, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Iqbal Memorial Institute, Bemina hosts Disaster preparedness training

           SRINAGAR, MAY 16:  One day disaster preparedness training was organised at Iqbal Memorial Institute for Girls Bemina, Srinagar. The programme was organised by J&K Institute of Management & Public Administration (IMPA) in association with Civil Defence, Divisional Disaster Management Authority, Fire & Emergency Services Kashmir.

            More than 900 students from class 1st to class 12thwere sensitised during the training programme. Dr. G.M. Dar, Associate Professor, Disaster Management Centre IMPA explained the basics of Disaster Management to the staff members and students of the Institute.

            Coordinator Divisional Disaster Management, Aamir Ali explained various initiatives for school safety, taken by Divisional Administration of Abdul Ahad Mir and SA Beig from Fire Services on fire safety and demonstrated various fire safety equipments available with the department. Abdul Gaffar and Aijaz Ahmed CD trainers deputed by Rafiq Ahmed, Deputy Controller, Civil Defence explained basics of first aid.

            The Chairman of the School Dr. Yusuf-ul-Umar, Principal, Peerzada Nisar Ahmed and School Site Engineer, Farooq Ahmed were present on the occasion. A fire mock drill was also held and the children were taught how to use a fire extinguisher.

GDC for Women Anantnag organizes Seerat Conference

            ANANTNAG, MAY 16: An inter-college Seerat Conference was organized in Government Degree College for Women, Anantnag.

            As many as 18 colleges of South Kashmir participated in the Conference.

            Jammia College of Education, Ishfaq Ahmad Sheikh bagged Ist prize, Government Women’s College, Anantnag Roohi Rehman (BG-I) got 2^nd prize and Al-Ahad College of Education, Muzaffar Ahmad Mir got 3^rd prize besides consolation prizes were also to Mushtaq Ahmad Ganie, Saima Gul of (Shah-i-Hamdan College of Education) and Showkat Ahmad Wagay of Government Degree College, Bijbehara.

            The Principal, Prof. Nusrat Javidani welcomed the guests, Prof. G.R. Bhat (Staff Secretary) presented the vote of thanks and Dr. Iqbal Hussain Qadri (Convener of the Debates and Seminar Committee) managed the dice. 

Rather inaugurates Rs 4 cr ANM School at Budgam

Centre sanctions 12 ANM schools, 3 Nursing Colleges for J&K: Sham

SRINAGAR, MAY 16: Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, Mr. Abdul Rahim Rather in presence of the Minister for Health, Mr. Sham Lal Sharma and Minister for Information and Technology, Aga Ruhullah, today inaugurated a state of the Art ANM Training School at Khanpora, Budgam. The Institute is one of the twelve ANM training schools sanctioned by the Centre for Jammu and Kashmir State to produce trained paramedical staff for improving patient health care in various hospitals across the state.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rather said that the training institute has been constructed at a Cumulative cost of about Rs 3.90 crore and is equipped with all the requisite facilities including modern labs, lecture halls, recreation hall and adequate boarding and lodging facilities for the trainees.

Highlighting the significance of para-medical staff in the patient health care, Mr. Rather said that the training school will provide facilities to the youth of district Budgam to get training in various para-medical courses adding that requisite posts/faculty would be sanctioned immediately so that training courses are started in the institute during the current year. He said the present coalition government is very much concerned about improving patient care system in the hospitals, adding that for the first time in the history of the state, 6500 posts of doctors and para-medicos in Health and Medical Education Departments were created during the last three years, despite huge financial implications.

 Mr. Rather assured the Health Minister every possible assistance from the Finance Department in bringing more innovative changes in the hospitals. He said joint efforts are required to redress the grievances of the people.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sham Lal Sharma while highlighting the achievements made in improving the health care system in the hospitals said that from 1948 to 2009 there were only 10 ANM schools in the state adding that after taking the charge of Health Department 12 ANM schools, three Nursing Colleges, one Unani College at Srinagar and one Ayurvedic College in Jammu were got sanctioned from the Centre. He said about 1200 trained para-medicos in various disciplines shall be produced annually in these upcoming ANM schools which shall go a long way in further improving the health care delivery system in the hospitals of the state and also to overcome the shortage of manpower.

Aga Ruhullah, while thanking the Health Minister for construction of ANM School in Budgam said that it would provide much needed facilities to the youth of the district to shape their career in Health sector and will also help in overcoming the un-employment problem.

Besides a large number of senior citizens, Mission Director, NRHM, Dr. Yash Paul Sharma, Director Health Services, Kashmir, Dr. Saleem-ur-Rehman, Director, Family Welfare Dr. T. K. Moza, Director ISM, Dr. Kabir Dar, Project Director AIDS Control Society, Dr. Rakesh Khajuria, MD, J&K Housing Board, Mr. Daleep Thussu, Chief Medical Officer, Budgam Dr. Aleem-ud-Din were also present on the occasion.

Govt appoints members to Kargil Development Authority

SRINAGAR, MAY 16; The Government appointed members for Kargil Development Authority with the Minister for Tourism and Culture, as Chairman, Minister  of State for Tourism and Culture, Vice Chairman, While Chief Executive Councilor, LAHDC Kargil, Member Legislative Assembly, Kargil, Commissioner/Secretary to Government Tourism and Culture, District Development Commissioner, Kargil, Superintendent Engineer, PWD(R&B) Kargil, Executive Engineer, PDD (M&RE) concerned and Chief Executive Officer, Kargil Development Authority has been nominated  as members.

Union Home Secretary calls on Governor

            SRINAGAR, MAY 16 – Mr. R. K. Singh, Union Home Secretary, called on Mr. N. N. Vohra, Jammu and Kashmir Governor, here this evening.

        The issues discussed, in their over hour long meeting, included matters relating to internal security and border management; AFSPA; issues relating to the militants who had exfiltrated to POK/Pak for illegal arms training and are now returning via the Nepal route; lands and buildings occupied by the Army and Security Forces; trans-LoC trade; training programmes for the Police personnel; counter-terrorism.

Women Recruits In Defence Services

New Delhi, May 16, 2012.

Women are recruited in the Armed Forces within the overall authorized
strength of the officers` cadre. There is no specified sanctioned
strength for women officers.

          There is no proposal to induct women into combat duties in
the defence forces including as fighter pilots in Indian Air Force.
Induction of women in combat duties has not been recommended by the
studies carried out by the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ
IDS) in 2006 and High Level Tri-Services Committee in 2011.

The Ministry, after considering the comprehensive policy paper on
induction and employment of women submitted by the Armed Forces and
keeping in view the role and responsibility of the Armed Forces in
defending the nation and protecting the territorial integrity of the
country, have issued a Government letter on 11th November, 2011 inter
alia laying down policy framework on the subject including grant of
permanent commission to women short service commission officers, as
under:

(i)            Women Officers may continue to be inducted as Short
Service Commission Officers (SSCOs) in Branches/Cadres where they are
being inducted presently in the three Services;

(ii)          Women SSCOs will be eligible for consideration for grant
of permanent commission alongwith Men SSCOs in specific Branches in
the three Services viz. Judge Advocate General (JAG) and Army
Education Corps (AEC) of Army and their corresponding Branches in Navy
and Air Force; Naval constructor in Navy and Accounts Branch in Air
Force, as specified in Ministry`s letter No. 12(l)/2004-D(AG)Pt-II
dated 26th September, 2008;

(iii)        In addition to the above, in the Air Force, women SSCOs
will be eligible alongwith men SSCOs, for consideration for grant of
permanent commission in Technical, Administration, Logistics and
Meteorology Branches.

The grant of permanent commission will be subject to willingness of
the candidate and Service specific requirements, availability of
vacancies, suitability, merit of the candidate as decided by each
Service.

     A matter regarding grant of permanent commission/release from
Service of certain SSC women officers is sub-judice before the Supreme
Court.

This information was given by Minister of Defence Shri AK Antony in
separate written replies to ShrimatiMohsinaKidwai, Shri NK Singhand
Shri Tarun Vijay in Rajya Sabha today. [PIB]

Recruitment of Sub-Inspector (Executives) in Delhi Police-2012

New Delhi, May  16, 2012.

Staff Selection Commission, SSC, at the instance of Ministry of Home
Affairs started recruitment of Sub-Inspectors in Central Armed Police
Force, CAPF, a few years ago and recruitment of Assistant
Sub-Inspectors in CISF in 2010. Recruitment of Constables (GD) and
Riflemen (GD) in CAPF has been entrusted to SSC since 2011. Now, on
the request of Ministry of Home Affairs, it has been agreed that
recruitment of Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police will also be undertaken
by the SSC.

Recruitment of Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police Examination 2012 will be
advertised on 2.6.2012(tentative) and the written examination is
scheduled on 19.08.2012. The stages and scheme of recruitment will be
identical to those of Sub-Inspector in CAPFs Examination, with
recruitment having three stages-Written Examination, Physical
Endurance Test and Medical Examination and Interview –cum-Personality
test. Vacancies communicated by Delhi Police for this recruitment are
324 for male and 11 for female candidates respectively with degree in
any subject as the minimum educational qualification. The recruitment
will be on All-India basis with the written examination, PET/Medical
Examination and Interview held at Regional Offices for the convenience
of the candidates. [PIB]

Agreements with Foreign Countries in S&T

New Delhi, May 16, 2012.

The Ministry of Science and Technology, during the last three years,
has signed Inter-Governmental Science and Technology (S&T) Agreements
with 4 countries namely, Kuwait, Georgia, Singapore and Saudi Arabia
for undertaking joint research and development programmes.

This information was disclosed in Rajya Sabha recently by Minister of
State in the Ministry of Planning, Minister of State in the Ministry
of Science and Technology and Minister of State in the Ministry of
Earth Sciences Dr Ashwani Kumar.

The Minister assured the house that the Government has taken a number
of steps to accelerate the development and promotion of research and
development in the country and to speed up the pace of development in
S&T. These measures include setting up of new institutions for science
education and research, creation of centres of excellence and
facilities in emerging and frontline areas in academic and national
institutes, induction of new and attractive fellowships, strengthening
infrastructure for Research and Development (R&D), encouraging
public-private R&D partnerships etc. There are some indicative
evidences for enhanced pace of development in S&T in the country such
as bring out 36000 scientific communications and filing of about 3000
patents in the year 2010. The Planning Commission has constituted a
Steering Committee for planning the accelerated development of S&T.
[PIB]

 'UK to deploy sound weapon in Olympics'

A device that can send verbal warnings over a long distance or emit a beam of pain-inducing noise will be used in London during the Olympics, officials said.

Britain's Ministry of Defense confirmed the US-made long range acoustic device, spotted attached to a landing craft on the Thames River, will be available for use in the summer games. 

The LRAD 1000Xi is "an effective long range communications system that broadcasts focused highly intelligible, multi-language messages, instructions and warnings over distances up to 3,000 meters (1.8 miles) to peacefully resolve uncertain situations, a spokesman for the San Diego-based LRAD Corp. said. 

The corporation denies it is a weapon and the Ministry announced it would be used "primarily in the loud hailer mode". 

While some versions of the LRAD can produce painful, deafening sound levels of 150 decibels, they can also be used to broadcast verbal warnings such as ordering crowds to disperse, officials said. 

The device, which has been used by the US Army for crowd control in Iraq, has also successfully been used aboard ships to repel Somali pirates. 

"As part of the military contribution to the police-led security effort to ensure a safe and secure games, a broad range of assets and equipment is being used by our armed forces," a Ministry of Defense spokesman said. 

"This includes the LRAD, which will be deployed during the Olympic Games primarily to be used in the loud hailer mode as part of the measures to achieve a maritime stop on the Thames." 

US House debates new resolution against Iran's N-energy program

The US House of Representatives is considering a new resolution against Tehran which seeks to reduce President Barack Obama’s maneuvering room in dealing with Iran's nuclear energy program, Press TV reports.

The resolution, introduced by Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, has 314 sponsors. The House did not immediately vote on the resolution, rolling over debate until Wednesday. 

The resolution claims that Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism that seeks to build nuclear weapons. 

The resolution also “strongly supports the United States policy to prevent the government of Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability, rejects any United States policy that would rely on efforts to contain a nuclear weapons-capable Iran; and urges the president to reaffirm the unacceptability of an Iran with nuclear-weapons capability and opposition to any policy that would rely on containment as an option in response to the Iranian nuclear threat." 

President Obama has in recent months made explicit his opposition to "containment" and his preference for "prevention."

Americans for Peace Now has urged Congress members in a letter to amend the resolution to make explicit that it did not authorize use of force to stop Iran's nuclear energy program. 

The United States, Israel, and some of their allies accuse Iran of pursuing military objectives in its nuclear energy program, with Washington and Tel Aviv using this pretext to threaten Iran with a military option. 

Refuting their charges, Tehran argues that as a committed member of the International Atomic Energy Agency and a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty it is entitled to all peaceful applications of the nuclear energy. 

Iran has also vowed a crushing response to any military strike against its nuclear facilities, warning that any such measure would lead to a major war that will spread beyond the Middle East region. 

Chomsky: Bush kidnapped & tortured, Obama murders

Noam Chomsky has slammed US drone strikes and said while the Bush administration kidnapped and tortured, present-day White House resorts to murder.

“If Bush, the Bush administration, didn’t like somebody, they’d kidnap them and send them to torture chambers,” the renowned American scholar told Democracy Now on Monday. 

“If the Obama administration decides they don’t like somebody, they murder them, so you don’t have to have torture chambers all over,” he said. 

Chomsky also criticized Obama team for the extrajudicial murder of Anwar al-Awlaki, an American-born cleric, in Yemen in a drone strike. 

“He (Awlaki) was killed. The guy next to him was killed. Shortly after, his son was killed. Now, there was a little talk about the fact that he was an American citizen: you shouldn’t just murder American citizens.” Chomsky commented. 

“But, you know, the New York Times headline, for example, when he was killed, said something like ‘West celebrates death of radical cleric,” he continued. 

“First of all, it wasn’t death, it was murder. And the West celebrates the murder of a suspect. He’s a suspect, after all. There was something done almost 800 years ago called the Magna Carta, which is the foundation of Anglo-American law, that says that no one shall be subjected to a violation of rights without due process of law and a fair and speedy trial. It doesn’t say, if you think somebody’s a suspect, you should kill them,” Chomsky stressed. 

The United States has recently approved a policy that allows drone strikes in Yemen even when the identity of targets is not known. The US also launches drone attacks in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Somalia. 

US military officials claim the airstrikes target militants affiliated to the Taliban and al-Qaeda. But locals say civilians are the main victims.