THE
DAILY
Srinagar
Srinagar
Srinagar , June 04 (VOS): For the first time, a valley based doctor has
conducted a complicated knee replacement surgery at Jawahar Lal
Nehru Memorial
Hospital
Srinagar Kashmir Valley
Srinagar , June 04 (VOS): Unidentified gunmen fired upon an
elderly man in south Kashmir ’s Pulwama
district resulting in injuries to the victim. Abdul Gani Digoo age 70 years son
of Lal Digoo resident of Arigi Check at Check Badrinath, Pulwama, was fired
upon by unidentified militants resulting in injuries to his right leg, police
sources said.
Srinagar Srinagar
Srinagar
Kashmir
resolution will help people prosper and progress: Shafi UriSrinagar , June 04 (VOS): Emphasizing that peace will facilitate
economic prosperity and financial self-reliance, National Conference Senior
leader and Member Parliament Mohammad Shafi Uri today said once the Kashmir issue gets resolved people will have a sigh of
relief and the state will go towards prosperity.
“The truth is, they [arrogant powers] oppose Iran's ideals, existence and policies and intend to resist and impede the progress of the Iranian nation by any means,” said President Ahmadinejad in a meeting with an Egyptian delegation comprising of media activists and journalists in Tehran on Monday.
However, the Iranian nation has always resisted against their measures and succeeded in taking steps towards advancement by relying on its own capabilities, he added.
The United States and Israel have repeatedly threatened Tehran with the “option” of a military strike in attempts to force Iran to halt its nuclear energy program, which they say has a military aspect despite being closely monitored by inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Iran has fiercely rejected the Western publicity, insisting that as a signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and a member of the IAEA, it is entitled to pursue nuclear technology for its numerous civilian uses and benefits.
Ahmadinejad further cautioned against plots hatched by arrogant powers against regional countries, saying, “Hegemonic powers and enemies of nations seek to prevent the establishment of cordial relations among regional states in order to be able to sell their own goods to them.”
He expressed the Islamic Republic’s complete readiness to transfer its experience and accomplishments in various fields to friend countries, including Egypt.
On Monday, a militia of former revolutionaries entered the Tripoli International Airport with tanks and armored vehicles, completely blocking its air traffic, AFP reported.
The airport’s flights were cancelled and its incoming flights diverted to Tripoli's Mitiga Airport.
Tripoli Security Committee’s Mohammed el-Gharyani says that the gunmen demanded to know the fate of their leader Abu Oegeila al-Hebeishi who had been arrested earlier.
However, Libyan media says the gunmen left the airport after receiving guarantees that an investigation would be launched into the man’s circumstances.
The militiamen reportedly belong to a group known as the al-Awfea Brigade from the town of Tarhouna.
According to the ruling National Transitional Council (NTC) spokesman Mohammed al-Harizy, Colonel al-Hebeishi was kidnapped by unknown armed rebels while travelling between Tarhouna and Tripoli late last night.
The NTC has been in control of Libya since the death of Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi last October.
The council has not been very successful in controlling rival regional militias and tribes, engaged in fighting for power and resources.
Mon Jun 4, 2012 4:27PM GMT
Security sources say dozens of angry protesters attacked Shafiq's campaign headquarters in two provincial towns, one of which in Fayyoum south of the capital Cairo and the other one in Hurghada on the Red Sea.
Shafiq’s campaign headquarters in Cairo had already been attacked last Monday. Besides supporting Mubarak's verdict, Shafiq has lashed out at his Muslim Brotherhood rival.
Shafiq, who was a former prime minister of Mubarak, said the Islamic party is part of the old regime because it did nothing against Mubarak's regime. He also said the Brotherhood will take Egypt back to dark ages. The ex-air force commander accused the party of using mosques to propagate its own agenda.
Ahmed Shafiq will face the Brotherhood's Mohammed Morsi in a presidential run-off later this month.
Press TV has conducted an interview with Waleed el-Haddad, spokesperson of Freedom and Justice Party. What follows is an approximate transcript of the interview.
Press TV: Looking at the comments that have been made by Ahmed Shafiq there, he says and I am quoting him here that “the Muslim Brotherhood is looking for making Egypt a state for a faction” and he said that, “I am a secular representative” whereas the Muslim Brotherhood is a sectarian representative. What is your argument, first of all, against what Mr. Ahmed Shafiq is saying?
el-Haddad: Firstly, I would like to thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to share our point of view and our position towards what happened yesterday in Mubarak’s verdict and also what happened today in the speech of Ahmed Shafiq.
Ahmed Shafiq now is asking or calling the people to vote for him and I think our people in Egypt are very intelligent and they will not go to vote for him because he needs to reproduce the past regime or the ex-regime again.
Now when we are talking about Ahmed Shafiq, he is now talking and giving his speech in front of his house when the protests and all the Egyptian people now are in Tahrir Square. They are against this regime.
Ahmed Shafiq is calling or searching for the secular country and the people now are asking now not for a Islamic state but a civilian state with Islamic reference and this was the choice of the people and we can see that it is obviously from the choice of the people from the last parliamentary election and Shura council elections.
And also from the elections of the president, we see that more than 65 percent of the votes have gone to Hamdeen Sabahi and Aboul Fotouh and Mohamed Morsi who are representing the revolution. So the choice of the people is a civilian country or a civilian state by an Islamic reference, not a secular state that Ahmed Shafiq is calling. And also they are seeking the revolution not the ex-regime to return again.
Press TV: Speaking of that, when we are looking at accusations that the Muslim Brotherhood is facing, since the Muslim Brotherhood did dominate the parliament and since it got the votes there, media reports especially outside of Egypt were saying that this party is after radicalizing Egypt that from now on, if they become president, if they rule over Egypt, they are going to make Islam something that the people have to and must accept in all manners of life. What is your response to that?
el-Haddad: This is a propaganda from the media that we are trying to dominate all the forces in one hand. When we are talking about this tool which is the parliament and the government or the cabinet and the presidential position, we are talking about different parts of the country or the state; we are talking about the legislation and also we are talking about the executive power.
When we talk with the people, that is we have the majority in the parliament; this parliament is only for monitoring and for legislation, not only for executive power.
We need the executive power to achieve and implement our program. So we have to have the cabinet and when we went to the SCAF, the Supreme Council for Armed Forces, to request and to take the responsibility, they refused and when we tries to withdraw the confidence from the current government, from al-Ganzouri government, they also refused this.
So we will have to go to the presidential position and we nominated firstly Mr. Khairat al-Shater and then now we have Dr. Mohamed Morsi who will be in the run-off with Ahmed Shafiq and also we are very trusted from our people and from the choice of the Egyptian people because now there is a clear choice between the revolution or reproduction of the old regime.
Now the people in Tahrir Square and different squares in all Egyptian governorates are calling Dr. Mohamed Morsi as the president for the revolution or the candidate for the revolution. Now we are trying to gather different candidates like Aboul Fotouh and Hamdeen Sabahi in one presidential council to have the president, Dr. Mohamed Morsi and the deputies or the vice president.
One of which Aboul Ftouh and the other is Hamdeen Sabahi. This is our position now. We are calling the civilian state by Islamic reference. We need to implement our Islamic Shari’a in different prospects in economy, in politics, in social life, in civilian life and NGOs and also for building the human people in Egypt.
VOICE OF
SRINAGAR
SRINAGAR, TUESDAY, 14 RAJAB
1433 AH ; 05JUNE 2012
Email:-editorvosgr@gmail.com
NEWS
Country’s first
sophisticated Fish Feed Mill coming up at Mansbal
Ajaz inspects pace of
works
MANSBAL (GANDERBAL)
JUNE 04: The country’s first sophisticated Fish Feed Mill is coming up at
Mansbal and would be operationalized soon.
Minister of State for
Fisheries, Haj and Auquaf, Mr. Ajaz Ahmed Khan today inspected the site of the
feed mill and reviewed the pace of works.
The feed mill would
be set up at a cost of Rs. 11 crore with technical collaboration from Holland.
First of its kind in the country, it would be a cent percent computer operated
system with no manual intervention and can even the operated from the source
via satellite. The production capacity of the mill would be one ton per hour
and it would ensure minimal wastage of the feed.
The Minister asked
the engineers to complete the works on war footing so that the mill is
operationalized at the earliest.
During the visit the
Minister also visited National Fish Seed Farm (NFSF) Mansbal and took review of
its functioning.
Chairing a review
meeting, the Minister impressed upon the officers of fisheries department to
maximize the targets and familirise fish farming among masses both as a sport
and a gainful economic activity.
The Minister was told
that NFSF is one of the biggest cold water fish farms in the country. The farm
comprises 39 ponds with stocking, brooding, raring and nursery units besides a
Chinese hatchery.
Mr. Ajaz was told
that the farm provides seed for growing grass carp, silver carp and common
carp. The production of fish seed has given carp culture in the valley a boost
particularly in private sector, he was told. This year the farm has
produced 41.40 lakh seeds out of which 29.59 seeds have been distributed by the
end of May 2012.
Director Fisheries,Mr. Showkat Ali, Chief Project Officer, NFSF, P. P. Singh Bali and other senior
officers of fisheries department accompanied the Minister during the visit.
Narulla flags off
Green March rally at Nehru Park
SRINAGAR, JUNE 04:
The Department of Environment and Remote Sensing today organized a Green March
from Nehru Park to Grand Palace crossing to create environmental awareness and
to generate momentum among the general public about the importance of World
Environment Day to be celebrated on June 05, 2012.
The rally comprising
of school children, teachers, youth and conservation conscious citizens was
flagged off by Commissioner/Secretary Forest Mr. Umag Narulla at Nehru Park
today. About 250 students of 10 schools participated in eco-march.
The participants
carried banners and ply-cards highlighting environmental issues and challenges
facing the State.
. Among others the
rally was attended by Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Mr. Vinod Ranjan
and other senior officers include Director SFRI Jammu and Kashmir Mr. Deepak
Khanna, Director Environment Ecology and Remote Sensing Mr. Deepak Khanna,
Secretary State Pollution Control Board, Arun Kumar Tiku, Member Regional
Director, Wildlife Department Kashmir Mr. Manzoor Ahmed Tak and other concerned
officers.
Chib tours Baramulla
Says peace imperative
for speedy development
SRINAGAR, JUNE 04:-
The Minister for Youth Services and Sports and Medical Education, Mr. R.S. Chib
today conducted a day long tour to Baramulla and took stock of the pace of
ongoing developmental works in various areas of the district including Pattan,
Wakura and Saloosa.
The Minister also
addressed a public gathering at Saloosa and sought peoples’ cooperation in
implementing the welfare programmes and developmental schemes launched by the
government. He said coalition government was committed for the equitable
development of all the three regions of the State, adding that a new era of
peace and development has dawned in the state during last three years of the
present dispensation. He appreciated the Centre especially Prime Minister Dr,.
Manmohan Singh and UPA, Chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, All India Congress
General Secretary, Mr. Rahul Gandhi and Union Minister for Health, Mr.G.N. Azad
for providing liberal financial assistance to the State, adding that peace was
imperative for achieving the desired results of various schemes and programmes
launched by the government for the welfare of the people.
Responding the
demands of the people, Mr. Chib said that the government is well abreast with
the problems of the people and all the resources are being pooled to redress
their grievances. He said promises made to the people will be fulfilled in a
phased manner.
Former MLA, Mr. Sohib
Lone also addressed the gathering.
The Minister was
accompanied by Secretary Sports Council Mr. Kiran Wattal and other senior
officers of Sports Council and Technical Education department.
Upscale sterilization
and ensure cleanliness: CS
SRINAGAR JUNE 04 – Underlining the need to upscale the sterilization process to
reduce stray dog population in Srinagar city, Chief Secretary, Madhav Lal today
asked Srinagar Municipal Corporation to further improve sanitation, garbage
lifting and regular sweeping across the city.
The Chief Secretary while chairing a meeting with officers said that civil
society, various animal welfare organizations and government institutions must
work together to solve this problem within the legal framework. He said people
here to realize that the garbage thrown in the streets significantly
contributes in attracting stray dogs as such they should ensure that garbage is
properly disposed off and streets and lanes are kept clean and asked the
Srinagar Municipal Corporation to launch awareness in this regard.
The Chief Secretary
was informed that stray dogs especially from “Red Areas” where significant
number of dog bites have been reported are caught and transported to Animal
Birth Control Centre (ABC) Shuhama for their sterilization.
Detailed
deliberations were held on additional steps and interventions that can be taken
within the legal framework to address the problem.
Matters related to
fresh survey, Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), creation of
additional infrastructure, training of more vets and associated personnel etc
also came under discussion in the meeting.
Ensure development,
protection of forests: Shabir to Forest Officers
‘Peoples’ cooperation
must for States’ prosperity’
SRINAGAR, JUNE 04:
Underscoring the need for conservation of forests of the State, the Minister of
State for Forest, Power and CA&PD, Mr Shabir Ahmed Khan has stressed upon
the Forest Department functionaries to take all necessary measures for
development and safeguarding green gold of the State. He also called upon the
people especially residing near forest areas to contribute a lot in this
regard.
This was stated by
the Minister while reviewing the measures being taken up for conservation
and development of the forests of west forest circle in Jammu division at a
high level meeting held at Rajouri today.
Chief Conservator of
Forest, Jammu, Conservator of Forest West Circle, Divisional Forest Officers,
Forest Division, Reasi, Nowshera, Rajouri and Poonch, besides others concerned
officers attended the meeting.
The Minister exhorted
upon the concerned authorities to take necessary measures for preventing
forests from fire incidents. He stressed that due to dry spell the forest
functionaries should remain more vigilant to avoid forest fire incidents,
adding that in this regard the local Sarpanchs and Panchs have to play their
role by providing their cooperation to the forest functionaries.
The Minister directed
concerned authorities to ensure time bound completion of all ongoing projects
taken up for development and protection of the forests in the area. He also
instructed for providing timber to the consumers well in time so that they
could not face any inconvenience while completing their constructions.
Earlier, the Minister
inaugurated a mini bridge over Nallah Androth constructed at a cost of Rs. 17
lakh. The bridge will benefit dozens of villages of the area by providing to
and fro facilities.
The Minister also
chaired Rogi Klayan Simiti meeting at Rajouri. He directed
concerned authorities to ensure timely completion of developmental works being
carried out in local hospitals under this programme.
Later addressing a
public meeting at Androth, the Minister said that providing upgraded health
care, education and other basic amenities to the people receiving focused
attention of the government. He said during last few years besides upgradation
of health and education infrastructure, a number of health centres and
educational institutions have been established across the State under the flagship
programmes like NRHM, RAMSA and SSA.
The Minister assured
the locals that all their genuine developmental needs would be mitigated in
phased manner. He said the efforts of the government will continue for provide
improved basic amentias to the inhabitants, especially living in border areas
like Rajouri.
The Minister appealed
the people to extend their wholehearted cooperation to the government for
making Jammu and Kashmir a prosperous one. He asked them not to pay heed on
hollow sloganeering of some people who have nefarious designs and have the
motto to use innocent people for their vested interests.
Shri Amarnathji
Shrine Board organizes Pooja at Chandanwari
SRINAGAR, JUNE 4 - To invoke the blessings of Shri Amarnathji for the smooth
conduct of ensuing Yatra to the Holy Cave Shrine, Mr. Navin K. Choudhary, Chief
Executive Officer of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, today performed Pooja on
the auspicious occasion of Jyesht Purnima at Chandanwari, on the traditional
Pahalgam-Holy Cave track, amidst chanting of Vedic Mantras.
Interacting with the media persons after performing the Pooja, the CEO said
that, in view of the significant disruption of work caused by continuing bad
weather, on the directions of Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor and Chairman of the
Shrine Board, additional manpower has been deployed for clearance of tracks of
snows and putting in place all other Yatra-related arrangements at the Base
Camps, Camps enroute and in the Holy Cave area well before the commencement of
the Yatra on 25th June. He said that large accumulation
of snows on the tracks and at the various Camp locations, alongside continuing
bad weather, had seriously hampered the pace of clearance of tracks and
positioning other arrangements on ground. It is hoped that, with the deployment
of additional manpower, the required arrangements will be timely in place. For
this purpose, the engineers and other staff of the Board, Government
Departments and all the concerned agencies are working on war footing, he
added.
Mr. Zahid Malik, Additional SP, Anantnag, Mr. B. D. Mengi, Camp Director, Holy
Cave, media persons, officials of the Shrine Board, Police and Army personnel
were among those present on the occasion.
Later, the CEO reviewed the work on the construction of Entry Gate, toilets and
Shelter at Chandanwari. At Nunwan Base Camp, he inspected the pace of work on
the repair of toilets, baths, restoration of water and power supplies, laying
of paths, repair of drains and Sewage Treatment Plant besides other arrangements,
which are going on full swing.
Union Spl Secretary
Home reviews Amarnath arrangements at Phalgam
SRINAGAR, JUNE 04:
Union Special Secretary Home, Mr. Ashok Chadda today reviewed Shri Amarnathji
Yatra 2012 arrangements at a high level meeting held at Pahalgam today.
The meeting,
which was attended by senior civil, police, besides army and para-military
officers from divisional and district administration. Divisional Commissioner,
Kashmir, Dr. A. H. Samoon, Incharge Director General of Police Mr. K. Rajendra,
IGP Kashmir Mr. S. M. Sahai, ADDC, Anantnag Mr. N. H. Wani, SSP Anantnag Mr. R.
K. Jalla and other senior civil, police and army officers were present in the
meeting.
Union Special
Secretary Home while stressed for close coordination among different
departments Special Secretary Home said that is necessary for successful yatra.
Mr. Chadda asked the
line department to dump adequate quantity of essentials like rice, atta, sugar,
choker, LPG Cylinders, medicines, portable oxygen cylinders, tents, supply of
drinking water and fire wood for devotees at all halting stations like
Chandanwari, Sheshnag, Panjtarni and Holy Cave. He also directed the officers
of Pahalgam Development Authority to ensure clearance of the track and make
necessary repairs and renovation up to June 10, 2012.
In the meeting the
BSNL authorities were directed to establish satellite towers en-route Holy Cave
to provide communication facilities to the yatris. He also asked the army,
police and para-military forces to make foolproof security arrangements for
conduct of smooth and safe yatra. It was also disclosed in the meeting that 3
lakh devotees from across the country have been registered till date.
State to recommend
Gojri for inclusion in the 8th Scheduled of
constitution: Altaf
Srinagar, 4 June, 2012:- Mian Altaf Ahmad,
Minister for Forests and Environment stated that Government has decided to
recommend Gojri language for its inclusion into the eighth schedule of Indian
Constitution. Inaugurating a Gojri Musical Programme
organized by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages at
Lalmandi the Minister said that Gojri is an important tribal language spoken in
different parts of the world but Jammu and Kashmir state is considered as its
epicenter.
He said that State
Government headed by Omar Abdullah is committed to develop all the regional
languages including Gojri on priority. He said that Gojri is one of the richest
language of our State in term of modern and traditional literature. He
impressed upon the State Academy to preserve the dying heritage of Gujjar and
Bakerwal community and boost the writers, artists, poets living in difficult
conditions so that they may publish their work, explore their skills in a
better way. He hoped that Academy will touch new height of excellence under the
dynamic leadership of new Secretary.
Khalid Bashir,
Secretary Academy in his address, said that Academy has received a number of
suggestions from community dignitaries to preserve the notations of all the
folk songs of Gojri language and we will submit a detailed proposal to
government for its funding. He said that the Academy is also planning to
prepare music albums in Gojri language to preserve the vividness of cultural
heritage and ethos of Gujjars. Besides this, Academy will also hold the state
level music festivals in Gojri in both capitals of the State in the near
future, he added.
Earlier, Dr. Javaid
Rahi, Chief Editor, Gojri said that the Section is working on different
projects. Around 50 Gojri Publications are under print and a number of books
are being translated into Gojri to enrich the language. He said that during
this year, some of the important Gojri publications will see light of the day,
which includes Masnavi Maulana Rum in six volumes, Qisai Chaar Darvesh, Tareek Ibn
Khaldoon and others.
Mrs. Begum Jan,
Parveena Begum, Gh. Hassan Tabasum and Party performed on the occasion. Mr.
Mansha Khaki, Sr. Editor of Gojri Language conducted the proceedings and Dr.
Shahnawaz, Asstt. Editor presented vote of thanks. A number of dignitaries of
Gujjar Community were also present on the occasion.
Harnessing of Hydro
electric Potential of J&K is need of the Hour: Nasir
JAMMU, JUNE 04:-Asserting that the state has a dire need to tap hydroelectric
potential, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Mr Nasir Aslam
Wani today said that coalition government has taken the several initiatives to
harness the hydroelectric potential in a big way.
The Minister said this in public meeting wile inaugurating the Ward Office at
Polura top here this afternoon.
Provincial president NC, Mr Ratan Lal Gupta, Ex MLC Mr. Satpal Lakhotra, Ex Dy
Mayor Mr Dahram Veer Singh Jamwal and Ex Cooperator Of Ward No 59, Mr.
Ashok Singh Manhas also spoke on the occasion.
Mr. Nasir said that government has taken various project in hand through
NHPC and macro projects under PPP mode across the state as it is the only
solution to provide the electricity to the consumers round the clock
during rising temperature in summer and freezing temperature in winter.
Referring to the rising of mercury level in Jammu province for last so many
days, The Minster asked the PDD to provide electricity to the consumers under
systematic and uniform curtailment programme.
Mr Nasir directed the Chief engineer PHE Jammu to provide adequate water supply
to people during peak hours and also asked to prepare a estimate for Over Head
Tank for ward 59 at the earliest so that funds would released for its
construction.
Regarding the demands of the people for free movement all kind of traffic
on the road near BSF Camp, the Minster assured that mater would be taken with
higher authorities to redress it. He also highlighted the achievements made by
the Omar Abdullah led government during last three and half years for
providing good and transparent governance to people besides launching of
various ambitious developmental projects to make J&K at par with other
states.
Mir visits
Sariwarpora, expresses condolence with bereaved families
SRINAGAR, JUNE 04:-
Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir this afternoon visited
Sariwarpora, Tangmarg where two persons namely Mr. Ishfaq Ahmed Mir and
Aqib Nabi Rather died in tragic motorcycle accident at Phalhaln, Baramulla
yesterday and paid condolence with bereaved families.
The Minister
expressed sympathy with the bereaved families and prayed for eternal peace to
the departed souls.
A comprehensive plan already in place for all round development of
Srinagar: Sagar
SRINAGAR, JUNE 04:
While asserting that the government has already formulated a comprehensive plan
for assuring all round development of Srinagar city, the Minister for Rural
Development, Parliamentary Affairs and Panchayats, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar today
directed the officers to speed up the process of implementation of
developmental schemes.
The Minister was
speaking at a review meeting convened here to discuss the status of the
implementation of various developmental works undertaken and also the
compensation cases being given to the people whose properties have been
acquired for carrying out the road widening and other related activities in old
city Srinagar.
The District
Development Commissioner, Srinagar, Mr. Bashir Khan, Director School Education,
Mr. M.S. Rather, Chief engineer, R&B, Mr Mushtaq Lone, Additional District
Development Commissioner, Srinagar, Mr. M.A. Qadri and other senior officers of
other department were present in the meeting.
The Minister while
directing the officers to immediately settle the pending cases of the persons
whose properties have been acquired for road widening at Khanyar and Rainawari
said that they should be provided compensation within the shortest possible
time and care should be taken that this is given inconsonance with the existing
market rates.
Mr. Sagar also asked
the officers to prepare a comprehensive plan for acquisition of land at
Namchibal, Baebdemb, so that construction of health and community centre can be
carried out which would go a long way in providing facilities to the people
living there and its catchment areas. “It is the endeavour of the present
government to provide the State of art facilities and requisite infrastructure
to the people of the old city Srinagar who have suffered a lot due to the
prevailing circumstances in the past”, he added.
The Minister also
asked the Director School Education to work in coordination with the District
administration so that the upgradation of schools from middle to high school
level is done at Kalishpora and Nowhatta. He said that necessary funds have
already been transferred and placed at the disposal of School Department.
Seerat-ul-Nabi (SAW) conference held at
Pulwama
PULWAMA,
JUNE 4:- An Inter-College symposium on Seerat-ul-Nabi (PBUH) was organized here
today, in which student from 20 colleges of the central and south Kashmir
participated. Papers were read out and speeches made in which speakers
impressed upon the audience to follow the Seerat of Prophat Muhammad
(SAW) in every sphere of life for living a pious and peaceful life. Maulana
M.Ashraf Andrabi was the chief guest.
The
symposium was attended by Prof. N.A.Charag, Principal GDC Shopian, Prof. Abdul.
Majid, Prof. M. A. Baba, Principal GDC Tral, Prof. G. N. Aali & Prof. M.
Akbar Irshad Ex-Principals of this college and officials of the J&K Bank
Ltd.
Prof.
Mushtaq Ali delivered the key note address and highlighted the objective of the
symposium, Prof. N.A.Charag, Prof. M.A. Baba and Prof. G. N. Aali also spoke on
the occasion and threw light on the life of Prophat Muhammad (SAW). The
proceedings of the symposium were conducted by the Prof. Khursheed Anwar, Head
of Department Geography.
Mr.
Gulzar Ahmad Shah of GDC Shopian, Mr. Irshad Ahmad Mir of GDC Uttersu, and Mr.
Nayeem Ullah Wani of GDC Boys Pulwama were adjudged 1st, 2nd & 3rd prize winners respectively.
Moreover,
cash prizes, certificates of participation and medals were also given to the
toppers of the college Annual Road Race and college Annual Cycle Race at the
culmination of the function.
Protests against SMHS hospital
Relatives of deceased allege negligence by doctors
Srinagar, June 04 (VOS): Protesting alleged negligence by doctors, bereaved relatives and
neighbours of a young man who died at the SMHS Hospital Monday raised slogans
against the hospital and ransacked furniture and stationary at the premier
hospital here.
According to family sources, a young man from down town Srinagar
was admitted last night at the hospital after he had complained of Chest pain.
However, the relatives of the 41 year old man Riyaz Ahmad, after being shifted
to the Intensive Care Unit of the SMHS hospital, there were no doctors to
attend to the patient. They also alleged that a nurse kept taking instructions
from a doctor on phone, however, later the doctor had switched the phone off.
The patient died in the morning after spending the whole night at
the hospital.
Meanwhile, according to sources, the Medical Superintendent has
set up a three member team to inquire into the incident.
Minister for Law and Parliamentary affairs Ali Mohammad Sagar has
expressed his condolences to the family and assured them of stringent action
against the doctors, if found guilty.
2000 cases of excesses against
women reported in one year
Experts call for stringent laws,
speedy trials
According to the annual report
issued by the State Women’s Commission, 1944 cases of kidnap, molestation, rape
and eve teasing have reported from April 2010 to March 2011. The report, giving
details of the excesses, states that during the 12 month period, 210 cases of
rape, 746 cases of kidnap, 765 cases of molestation and 227 cases of eve
teasing have been reported from across the state.
Expert told VOS that although scores of criminals involved in these cases have been
arrested and cases registered but in absence of stringent laws and speedy
trials, action against the culprits looks like a distant dream. “Almost all the
arrested culprits have been able to get bail from the courts, experts said.
A woman lawyer told VOS that insufficient legal protection
and delayed trials in the courts had added to the miseries to lives of these
women. “The laws protecting women are not stringent enough. Add to that the
legal delay which costs these ill fated women dearly, it becomes a nightmare
for such women to fight these legal battles”, the lawyer told VOS.
“Despite challans in courts and
statements of witnesses, these cases take too long for these women and their
relatives to afford the legal expenses,” she added.
Experts, lawyers, women’s groups
and non-governmental organisations have called for stringent and strict legal
protection for women. “We want stringent laws to protect women, it is a need to
the hour to have special courts for speedy trials in cases of rape and
molestation”, Mohammad Muazzam a social activist told VOS. “Government must
provide legal assistance and monetary support for the victims of rape, kidnap
and molestation,” he added.
Traffic police
launches massive drive against rash driving
‘97 bikes seized,
79000 recovered as fine’
“We have decided to seize
the motorcycles which over speed or triple ride”, Inspector General of Police (Traffic),
Muneer Ahmad Khan told VOS on Monday,
adding traffic police will not tolerate indiscipline on roads.
Khan expressed his
dismay over the fact that Police had to teach young motorcyclists the manners
which was the prime responsibility of their parents. “Parents of these youths
should be ashamed of this nonsense driving by their children. Traffic police is
doing what they (parents) should have done at home”, Khan lamented.
Meanwhile, launching
a massive crack-down, traffic police on Monday seized 97 motorcycles and
recovered an amount of 79 thousand rupees from drivers and bikers indulging in
over-speeding, rash driving and other illegal means.
“We have seized 97
motorcycles and recovered 79000 rupees for over speeding, triple riding and
riding without helmet today and we will continue this campaign against the road
rage”, SSP traffic Haseebur Rehman told VOS
over phone. “We have also challaned 477 bikers, which include both compound and
court challans”, he added.
The IGP traffic,
while talking to VOS, said that all
other efforts of educating people have proved futile and nobody seemed to lend
ear to their requests which has compelled Police to take some stiff
decisions. “We cannot allow motorcyclists to create ruckus on roads, we
will take stern action to save precious human lives”, the officer asserted.
When asked how the
police could seize motorcycles driven by genuine license holders, IG Traffic
said that legal provision for such action exists. “We have every legal
authority to cease the vehicle to check rash driving and other such offences”, he
said. “MVA has become obsolete and is outdated. You can’t expect any
significant change with a hundred rupee fine for violation of traffic rule”, added
Khan emphasizing that with changing times the act regulating Motor Vehicles in
the state have to change.
He vowed that from
the next week a similar kind of drive will be launched against Tipper and Sumo drivers whose vehicles will be ceased for rash driving.
Meanwhile, youth in
the city have criticized government for resorting to what they called ‘dictatorial
attitude’. “They are not bothered about rash driving; they are doing it in wake
of Khanyar shootout”, Sajad, a University student told VOS, adding youth in the valley are being deprived of affordable
self transport facility.
However, the Inspector
General of Traffic police denied that there was any security reason behind the
move, “There is no security reason whatsoever behind our initiative. This is
purely to streamline the traffic in the twin cities of Jammu
and Srinagar
Echoing similar
views, the SSP Traffic Srinagar said that the drive will continue and special
focus will be on Dalgate, Boulevard and Foreshore roads. “The drive will
continue in future also. The violators will be dealt strictly, especially those
who travel without helmets or resort to triple driving and rash driving”, he
said. “We have set up special squads for surprise checking on different roads
to ensure overall coverage.”
He also called upon
parents to understand their duty towards their children and prevent them from
resorting to rash driving and illegal means. (VOS)
Estimates Committee to submit G B Panth report next
month
Report will be a shocker: Committee.
Srinagar, June 04 (VOS):
At a time when the state government has geared up to improve the things
in the G B Panth hospital in wake of the more than 380 infants deaths in the last
five months, the empowered committee set by Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
M Akbar Lone to probe the matter, will submit the report within one month.
The Committee met
for the second time on Monday in the Legislative Assembly complex here to
discuss the possible reasons that might had led to the unprecedented mess in
the lone Children
Hospital
“We are meeting
again on Friday before we start compiling the report,” chairman of the 13
member elite committee Chaudary Mohammad Ramzan told VOS, adding that the committee will submit its report to the
Speaker within one month.
“We will submit our
report within one month,” Chaudray said and added that Monday’s meeting was
positive which touched every possible aspect of the mess.
Meanwhile a member
of the committee, pleading anonymity told VOS that the report may be shocker
for many. He, however, declined to elaborate. “The report may shake the ground
beneath many,” the member told VOS.
Pertinently the
Speaker had asked the estimates committee to probe the matter after two senior
PDP leaders Syed Bashrat Bukhari and Peerzada Mansoor Ahmad urged him (Speaker)
to intervene into the death spree at G. B Panth hospital last month.
The Speaker had
termed the incident unfortunate and ordered an enquiry by the estimates
committee headed by Chaudary Mohammad Ramzan. He had also asked Bukhari and
Mansoor to assist the committee in the enquiry process.
More than 380
children have died in the hospital since January this year which has compelled
Chief Minster Omar Abdullah to pay at least two visits to the hospital and
order a separate inquiry by Director SKIMS Dr Shoukat Ahamd Zargar.
The medical superintendent
has been transferred and more equipments and man power has been sanctioned to
the hospital.
JLNM conducts first knee replacement surgery in
valley
A team of doctors headed by Dr. Irshad
Tabassum, Orthopaedic surgeon at JLMN hospital, conducted a total knee
replacement surgery, which was not being done in the valley earlier.
The team operated upon a patient Ghulam
Mohammad Bhat of Alastang Bakura and replaced his left side knee.
Director Health Service Kashmir ,
Dr. Saleem ul Rehman, Medical Superintendent Dr. Mohammad Amin and Dy. Medical
superintendent Dr. Mohammad Iqbal have congratulated the team of doctors and
hailed their efforts.
Success in conducting this surgery will provide
a huge sigh of relief to those patients who are suffering from knee
diseases and need knee replacement, experts said.
Death continues to dance on valley roads
9 more die in road accidents
A Tavera Cab (JK01Q-9951) collided with an
oil tanker (JK02N-7349) near Charsoo Awantipora on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway Srinagar
Another accident
took place when two motorcycles collided at Foreshore road, Srinagar
In yet another road
accident a Maruti car (JK01F/8595) collided with another Maruti Car (
JK01K/3544) at Rayil Gund, Ganderbal, resulting in the death of Niyaz Ahmad
Bazaz age 55 years son of Noor Ahmad resident of Chatabal, Srinagar.
A trawler (JK02AP/7857)
hit a motorcycle (JK05A/8224) near Hyderbeigh Pattan, resulting in on spot
death of Ishfaq Ahmad Mir age 23 years son of Ghulam Mohammad resident of Check
Seri, Pattan and injury to pillion Aaqib Javid Rather son of Ghulam Nabi
resident of Check Seri Pattan. The injured was shifted to SKIMS Soura for treatment
where he succumbed to his injuries.
In another accident,
a truck (JK03C/3215) hit a Tavera cab (JK01L/8246) at Damjan, Qazigund,
resulting in minor injuries to three passengers travelling in the Tavera. All
the injured were hospitalized.
Man shot in Pulwama
The person was in
the compound of his relative Ali Mohammad Lone at the time of the attack. The
injured was shifted to District Hospital , Pulwama where from he has been referred to
Bone and Joints Hospital ,
Srinagar
Dhoni visits army hospital
According to the
army spokesperson Dhoni, on the second day of his tour, met the GOC designate
of Chinar Corps, Lieutenant General Om Prakash, who is scheduled to take over
the reins on June 09. He also interacted with officers and troops of the Chinar
Corps in Badami Bagh in addition to school children from downtown Srinagar
“Later in the day
Dhoni met patients at the 92 Base hospital and thanked them for their
sacrifices in the duty of the nation. He also presented them with gifts“, Lt
Col JS Brar, Srinagar
‘Speaking to the
troops, he exhorted them to keep performing their tasks zealously, and also
posed for a group photograph with the troops. He also visited 162 Infantry
Battalion (TA) and Jammu
Dhoni left for Delhi
PDP vows to take peoples’ problems to streets
Govt’s approach towards commoners inhuman: Mehbooba
Srinagar, June 04 (VOS): Expressing grave concern over mounting
woes of the common masses due to non availability of basic necessities, Peoples
Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti said that Omar Abdullah led State
Government has failed to provide basic requirements like power and water to the
people.
“In the scorching
heat when the temperature is hovering between 44 and 45 degree Celsius, people
are confronting to get power and drinking water”, she said and observed that
official machinery seems to have completely collapsed because some areas are
facing power curtailments between 16 to 18 hours and some localities are not
getting water supply for days together. She regretted that approach of those
who are at the helm of the affairs was pathetic towards hardship being faced by
the people. She warned that PDP as a responsible opposition would adopt
agitation path to force the government to minimize miseries of the people. “We
would not remain a mute spectator to the apathetic attitude of the government”,
she asserted.
Mehbooba was
addressing series of public meetings at Bantalab, Krishna Nagar and Janipur
area. She regretted people were struggling to get basic amenities, leaders of
ruling parties were not coming out of their homes. She said that it is all due
the casual approach being adopted by the State Government that residents of the
city are not getting such basic necessities. “On the one hand government has
hiked charges of water and electricity while on the other residents have been
struggling to get potable water and power”, she pointed out and added that
since formation of this government not even a single step has been taken so far
to mitigate woes of the people. “Every year during summer residents of Jammu
She informed that
during the regime of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed a comprehensive plan, funded by the
Asian Development Bank (ADB) was implemented to minimize the scarcity of water
in Jammu
Prominent among
those who addressed the meetings including Thakur Balbir Singh, Shanti Devi,
Rajinder Singh Manhas, R K Bali, Suram Singh, Capt Anil Gour, Suresh Sharma,
Rafiq Malik, Dharminder Singh, Maan Singh, Gurdeep Singh Panday, Varinder Singh
Sonu, Balbir Singh, Deepak Kumar, Bharat Kumar, Chaman Angral, Abjeet Jasrotia,
Puneet Jamwal, Balbir Singh Baba, Rashpal Singh Billowaria, Daljeet Singh
Dicky.
WDC organises awareness camps
“All schemes
implemented by the corporation which include NMDFC, NBCFDC, NHFDC, Educational
Loan, and Micro Finance were discussed during the camps”, the spokesperson told
VOS.
“Other issues like
legal awareness, women’s education, women’s role in organized and un- organized
sector apart from female feticide were also discussed in these camps”, added
the spokesperson
According to the
spokesperson application forms for different schemes were issued to prospective
applicants on the spot. These camps were also attended by senior citizens,
NGOs, and representatives of allied organizations.
In the first phase
camps were organised in the districts of Srinagar
Welcoming the
foreign secretary level talks between New Delhi
and Islamabad , the MP said that it will help
resolve basic political issues of Jammu
and Kashmir
The NC Senior leader
said that the party has repeatedly stated that the economic development cannot
resolve and replace the political issues. “Both have their significance and
need to be addressed separately and in specific spectrums. We will create an atmosphere
where the state becomes prosperous and peaceful” he said.
Reminding
people of the glorious history of National Conference and its ways of ensuring
communal harmony, and equitable development of the three region the Senior
leader said that “Efforts are on to bring about socio-economic transformation
in the State along with peace and political stability and regional prosperity”.
The Chief Spokesman
also said that party has always favored that all the traditional routes with Pakistan
Department Of Posts, J&K
Circle Organises Philately Fun Run for
School Students’
Srinagar, June 04, 2012
As a part of School Stamp Show-2012, Phialtely Fun Run was organized
for school children. Over 200 school children from 12 schools of
Srinagar participated with great enthusiasm and joy in the Philately
Fun Run. The Philately Fun Run was flagged off by Shri John Samuel,
Chief Post Master General, J&K Circle. The run started from Floating
Post Office and concluded at SKICC, Srinagar covering a distance of
about 3 Km. J&K Postal Circle has been organizing School Stamp Show
for past one month in various schools in Srinagar and the Philately
Fun Run marked a joyous end to the School Stamp Show -2012.
In the boys category, Nadeem Azad of Green Valley School stood first
while as the second position was bagged by Basan Thapa of Burn Hall
School and the third by Azan Javid Shah of Green Valley School. In the
girls category all the three positions were bagged by Kashmir Valley
School, the first being Iram Imtiyaz, second being Saira Showkat and
third being Fatima Zahoor. The top three position holders in both boys
and girls category will be felicitated by Chief Post Master General on
08th of this month at Office of Chief Post Master General, GPO
Complex, Residency Road, Srinagar.This initiative taken by the
Department of Posts brings the Post Office closer to the school
children and the promotion of Philately amongst them. [VOS]
School Students’
Srinagar, June 04, 2012
As a part of School Stamp Show-2012, Phialtely Fun Run was organized
for school children. Over 200 school children from 12 schools of
Srinagar participated with great enthusiasm and joy in the Philately
Fun Run. The Philately Fun Run was flagged off by Shri John Samuel,
Chief Post Master General, J&K Circle. The run started from Floating
Post Office and concluded at SKICC, Srinagar covering a distance of
about 3 Km. J&K Postal Circle has been organizing School Stamp Show
for past one month in various schools in Srinagar and the Philately
Fun Run marked a joyous end to the School Stamp Show -2012.
In the boys category, Nadeem Azad of Green Valley School stood first
while as the second position was bagged by Basan Thapa of Burn Hall
School and the third by Azan Javid Shah of Green Valley School. In the
girls category all the three positions were bagged by Kashmir Valley
School, the first being Iram Imtiyaz, second being Saira Showkat and
third being Fatima Zahoor. The top three position holders in both boys
and girls category will be felicitated by Chief Post Master General on
08th of this month at Office of Chief Post Master General, GPO
Complex, Residency Road, Srinagar.This initiative taken by the
Department of Posts brings the Post Office closer to the school
children and the promotion of Philately amongst them. [VOS]
Nominations for Kabir
Puraskar Invited
New Delhi, June 04, 2012
Nominations have been invited for Kabir Puraskar Awards for promotion
of Communal Harmony. State Governments have been requested to send
nominations to Ministry of Home Affairs. The last date for receipt of
nominations by the State Governments is 30th June, 2012 and by
Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India by 16th July, 2012.
The Kabir Puraskar Scheme was introduced in 1990. Under this a
National Award designated as “KABIR PURASKAR” has been instituted is
in three grades. These are: Grade-I Rs. 2,00,000/- (Rupees Two lakh
only), Grade-II Rs, 1,00,000/- (Rupess One Lakh only) and Grade III
Rs. 50,000/- (Rupees Fifty Thousand only). A certificate with suitable
citation is also awarded to the recipients.
The Puraskar is given for the conspicuous acts of physical/moral
courage displayed under circumstances of danger to the life of the
rescuer in saving the lives and properties of member(s) of another
community, caste or ethnic group during communal riots, caste
conflicts or ethic clashes.
Interested persons have to approach the respect State Governments/UTs
for their nominations as the Puraskar is given by the Ministry of Home
Affairs on the basis of the nominations received from the respect
State Governments/UTs. The award is announced on 2nd October each
year.
The details of the scheme are available on the website of Ministry of
Home Affairs (http://mha.nic.in/
Division/more/Kabir Puraskar). [VOS]
Nominations have been invited for Kabir Puraskar Awards for promotion
of Communal Harmony. State Governments have been requested to send
nominations to Ministry of Home Affairs. The last date for receipt of
nominations by the State Governments is 30th June, 2012 and by
Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India by 16th July, 2012.
The Kabir Puraskar Scheme was introduced in 1990. Under this a
National Award designated as “KABIR PURASKAR” has been instituted is
in three grades. These are: Grade-I Rs. 2,00,000/- (Rupees Two lakh
only), Grade-II Rs, 1,00,000/- (Rupess One Lakh only) and Grade III
Rs. 50,000/- (Rupees Fifty Thousand only). A certificate with suitable
citation is also awarded to the recipients.
The Puraskar is given for the conspicuous acts of physical/moral
courage displayed under circumstances of danger to the life of the
rescuer in saving the lives and properties of member(s) of another
community, caste or ethnic group during communal riots, caste
conflicts or ethic clashes.
Interested persons have to approach the respect State Governments/UTs
for their nominations as the Puraskar is given by the Ministry of Home
Affairs on the basis of the nominations received from the respect
State Governments/UTs. The award is announced on 2nd October each
year.
The details of the scheme are available on the website of Ministry of
Home Affairs (http://mha.nic.in/
Division/more/Kabir Puraskar). [VOS]
SAARC Countries Reaffirm
Commitment to end Violence Against Children
New Delhi, June 04, 2012
Member Countries Sign Colombo Declaration
The SAARC countries reaffirmed their determination and renewed their
commitment to end violence against children in all forms and all
settings at the meet of the member countries at Colombo. They
countries unanimously adopted the South Asia Call for Action on Ending
Violence against Children. Representatives from SAARC countries were
meeting as follow up on regional consultation on the UN study on
violence against children, which was held at Colombo between 26-31
May, 2012.
The Colombo declaration signed by the member countries take stock of
progress made since the Regional Consultation on Violence Against
Children in South Asia, Islamabad, Pakistan, 19-21 May 2005 and the
endorsement of the UN Study on Violence against Children by the
General Assembly in 2006, in order to strengthen measures and
processes aimed at ending violence against all children in all
settings. Held under the aegis of SAIEVAC, the South Asian Initiative
to End Violence Against Children, an apex body of SAARC, the regional
follow up reaffirmed their commitment made by Governments to the
Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocols, the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women, the SAARC Social Charter, the SAARC Convention on Regional
Arrangements for the Promotion of Child Welfare, the SAARC Convention
on Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Women and Children for
Prostitution, the SAARC Framework for the Protection, Care and Support
of Children Affected by HIV/AIDS, the SAARC Development Goals (SDGs)
and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). They also renewed the
commitment made by the Ministers in the Rawalpindi Resolution on
Children of South Asia (1996) and the Colombo Statement on Children of
South Asia (2009), and the recommendations endorsed at the Ministerial
Meeting of SAIEVAC in June 2010 in Kathmandu.
The countries also recalled recommendations from the Regional
Consultation on Violence Against Children in South Asia (2005) and the
subsequent Recommendations from the UN Study on Violence against
Children; the South Asia Forum (SAF) Regional Preparatory Consultation
for the World Congress III against Sexual Exploitation of Children and
Adolescents (2008), the Kathmandu Commitment to Action for Ending
Violence against Children (2010); the Technical Consultations on Legal
Reform and Corporal Punishment (2010) and Child-friendly Services and
Care Standards (2011) including those made by children; the Beijing
Declaration on South-South Cooperation for Child Rights in the Asia
Pacific Region (2010) and the Assessment of Progress in the SAARC
Decade of the Rights of the Child (2001-2010) presented at the 17th
SAARC Summit in Addu City (2011).
There was unanimous recognition of the fact that despite the progress
made across South Asia to address violence against children, children
continue to experience serious forms of violence and child protection
challenges, including child labour, corporal punishment, sexual abuse
and exploitation, child trafficking, migration and displacement,
imprisonment, discrimination related to HIV/AIDS, disability,
minorities, orphans, street children and children in need of care and
protection, as well as various forms of harmful practices such as
child marriage.
Working towards a vision of a region free from all violence against
children in all forms, the representatives from SAARC countries
therefore collectively deliberated, along with civil society
organizations, experts on child rights and violence against children,
professionals, and academicians, and called for the following actions-
1. Develop and strengthen equitable national and local child
protection systems including laws, policies and standards; that
prevent, mitigate and respond timely and appropriately to all forms of
violence and to ensure that mechanisms and services are accessible to
all children.
2. Develop and implement laws and policies that focus on safeguarding
children from potential harm and that ban all forms of violence
against children in all settings, including home and family, schools
and educational settings, care and justice systems, work settings and
the community;
3. Address social norms and practices that are harmful to children by
promoting social change to end violence, exploitation, abuse and
neglect of children;
4. Consolidate and validate a national system for disaggregated data
collection, analysis , dissemination, and a systematic research agenda
to inform policy development and resource mobilisation to protect
children from violence;
5. Review/adopt and implement a national plan of action to integrate
the recommendations of the UN Study on Violence against Children and
SAIEVAC work plan and develop a baseline to be able to measure
progress;
6. Invest in and evolve policies and processes to strengthen the
participation of children in decisions, through supporting and
strengthening child-led organizations/forums;
7. Cooperate through structure, processes and resources in the best
interest of children to address cross-border issues, such as
trafficking, missing children, HIV and AIDS and drug abuse and
repatriation;
8. Develop mechanisms to address the safety of children with reference
to the use and engagement with digital technologies;
9. Share lessons and good practices and explore new opportunities for
Cooperation to advance the protection of children through establishing
a SAIEVAC centre of excellence on violence against children;
10. Strengthen regional and country-level cooperation and coordination
between governments, NGOs, CSOs, children and young people, academia,
independent human/child rights institutions, Parliamentarians,
religious leaders, media, private sector as well as bilateral and
multilateral agencies including UN agencies/INGOs;
11. Expedite the establishment of National SAIEVAC Chapters to
accelerate existing efforts to end violence against children; and
12. Contribute to the establishment and implementation of an
operational framework/ mechanism for monitoring and accountability at
all levels to stimulate and accelerate effective realisation of the
above mentioned actions.
Dr. Vivek Joshi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child
Development, head of the delegation made presentation on the
legislative steps taken by the Government of India to eliminate
violence against children, the programs and schemes of the Ministry of
Women and Child Development towards this aim. He also made a special
presentation on the Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences
Bill, 2012. [VOS]
New Delhi, June 04, 2012
Member Countries Sign Colombo Declaration
The SAARC countries reaffirmed their determination and renewed their
commitment to end violence against children in all forms and all
settings at the meet of the member countries at Colombo. They
countries unanimously adopted the South Asia Call for Action on Ending
Violence against Children. Representatives from SAARC countries were
meeting as follow up on regional consultation on the UN study on
violence against children, which was held at Colombo between 26-31
May, 2012.
The Colombo declaration signed by the member countries take stock of
progress made since the Regional Consultation on Violence Against
Children in South Asia, Islamabad, Pakistan, 19-21 May 2005 and the
endorsement of the UN Study on Violence against Children by the
General Assembly in 2006, in order to strengthen measures and
processes aimed at ending violence against all children in all
settings. Held under the aegis of SAIEVAC, the South Asian Initiative
to End Violence Against Children, an apex body of SAARC, the regional
follow up reaffirmed their commitment made by Governments to the
Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocols, the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women, the SAARC Social Charter, the SAARC Convention on Regional
Arrangements for the Promotion of Child Welfare, the SAARC Convention
on Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Women and Children for
Prostitution, the SAARC Framework for the Protection, Care and Support
of Children Affected by HIV/AIDS, the SAARC Development Goals (SDGs)
and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). They also renewed the
commitment made by the Ministers in the Rawalpindi Resolution on
Children of South Asia (1996) and the Colombo Statement on Children of
South Asia (2009), and the recommendations endorsed at the Ministerial
Meeting of SAIEVAC in June 2010 in Kathmandu.
The countries also recalled recommendations from the Regional
Consultation on Violence Against Children in South Asia (2005) and the
subsequent Recommendations from the UN Study on Violence against
Children; the South Asia Forum (SAF) Regional Preparatory Consultation
for the World Congress III against Sexual Exploitation of Children and
Adolescents (2008), the Kathmandu Commitment to Action for Ending
Violence against Children (2010); the Technical Consultations on Legal
Reform and Corporal Punishment (2010) and Child-friendly Services and
Care Standards (2011) including those made by children; the Beijing
Declaration on South-South Cooperation for Child Rights in the Asia
Pacific Region (2010) and the Assessment of Progress in the SAARC
Decade of the Rights of the Child (2001-2010) presented at the 17th
SAARC Summit in Addu City (2011).
There was unanimous recognition of the fact that despite the progress
made across South Asia to address violence against children, children
continue to experience serious forms of violence and child protection
challenges, including child labour, corporal punishment, sexual abuse
and exploitation, child trafficking, migration and displacement,
imprisonment, discrimination related to HIV/AIDS, disability,
minorities, orphans, street children and children in need of care and
protection, as well as various forms of harmful practices such as
child marriage.
Working towards a vision of a region free from all violence against
children in all forms, the representatives from SAARC countries
therefore collectively deliberated, along with civil society
organizations, experts on child rights and violence against children,
professionals, and academicians, and called for the following actions-
1. Develop and strengthen equitable national and local child
protection systems including laws, policies and standards; that
prevent, mitigate and respond timely and appropriately to all forms of
violence and to ensure that mechanisms and services are accessible to
all children.
2. Develop and implement laws and policies that focus on safeguarding
children from potential harm and that ban all forms of violence
against children in all settings, including home and family, schools
and educational settings, care and justice systems, work settings and
the community;
3. Address social norms and practices that are harmful to children by
promoting social change to end violence, exploitation, abuse and
neglect of children;
4. Consolidate and validate a national system for disaggregated data
collection, analysis , dissemination, and a systematic research agenda
to inform policy development and resource mobilisation to protect
children from violence;
5. Review/adopt and implement a national plan of action to integrate
the recommendations of the UN Study on Violence against Children and
SAIEVAC work plan and develop a baseline to be able to measure
progress;
6. Invest in and evolve policies and processes to strengthen the
participation of children in decisions, through supporting and
strengthening child-led organizations/forums;
7. Cooperate through structure, processes and resources in the best
interest of children to address cross-border issues, such as
trafficking, missing children, HIV and AIDS and drug abuse and
repatriation;
8. Develop mechanisms to address the safety of children with reference
to the use and engagement with digital technologies;
9. Share lessons and good practices and explore new opportunities for
Cooperation to advance the protection of children through establishing
a SAIEVAC centre of excellence on violence against children;
10. Strengthen regional and country-level cooperation and coordination
between governments, NGOs, CSOs, children and young people, academia,
independent human/child rights institutions, Parliamentarians,
religious leaders, media, private sector as well as bilateral and
multilateral agencies including UN agencies/INGOs;
11. Expedite the establishment of National SAIEVAC Chapters to
accelerate existing efforts to end violence against children; and
12. Contribute to the establishment and implementation of an
operational framework/ mechanism for monitoring and accountability at
all levels to stimulate and accelerate effective realisation of the
above mentioned actions.
Dr. Vivek Joshi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child
Development, head of the delegation made presentation on the
legislative steps taken by the Government of India to eliminate
violence against children, the programs and schemes of the Ministry of
Women and Child Development towards this aim. He also made a special
presentation on the Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences
Bill, 2012. [VOS]
Iran ridicules
enemy threats: Ahmadinejad
Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says hegemonic powers are
using the nuclear energy issue as a pretext against the Iranian nation,
stressing that the Islamic Republic ridicules such threats.
“The truth is, they [arrogant powers] oppose Iran's ideals, existence and policies and intend to resist and impede the progress of the Iranian nation by any means,” said President Ahmadinejad in a meeting with an Egyptian delegation comprising of media activists and journalists in Tehran on Monday.
However, the Iranian nation has always resisted against their measures and succeeded in taking steps towards advancement by relying on its own capabilities, he added.
“Today, when the enemies threaten us, the Iranian people respond
with ridicule to their threats,” the Iranian chief executive pointed out.
The United States and Israel have repeatedly threatened Tehran with the “option” of a military strike in attempts to force Iran to halt its nuclear energy program, which they say has a military aspect despite being closely monitored by inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Iran has fiercely rejected the Western publicity, insisting that as a signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and a member of the IAEA, it is entitled to pursue nuclear technology for its numerous civilian uses and benefits.
Ahmadinejad further cautioned against plots hatched by arrogant powers against regional countries, saying, “Hegemonic powers and enemies of nations seek to prevent the establishment of cordial relations among regional states in order to be able to sell their own goods to them.”
He expressed the Islamic Republic’s complete readiness to transfer its experience and accomplishments in various fields to friend countries, including Egypt.
Gunmen briefly
gain control over Libyan capital Tripoli airport
Gunmen have briefly gained control over the Libyan capital
Tripoli’s main airport, forcing flights to be diverted to a military airport,
security officials say.
On Monday, a militia of former revolutionaries entered the Tripoli International Airport with tanks and armored vehicles, completely blocking its air traffic, AFP reported.
The airport’s flights were cancelled and its incoming flights diverted to Tripoli's Mitiga Airport.
Tripoli Security Committee’s Mohammed el-Gharyani says that the gunmen demanded to know the fate of their leader Abu Oegeila al-Hebeishi who had been arrested earlier.
However, Libyan media says the gunmen left the airport after receiving guarantees that an investigation would be launched into the man’s circumstances.
The militiamen reportedly belong to a group known as the al-Awfea Brigade from the town of Tarhouna.
According to the ruling National Transitional Council (NTC) spokesman Mohammed al-Harizy, Colonel al-Hebeishi was kidnapped by unknown armed rebels while travelling between Tarhouna and Tripoli late last night.
The NTC has been in control of Libya since the death of Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi last October.
The council has not been very successful in controlling rival regional militias and tribes, engaged in fighting for power and resources.
Voters want to
establish Islamic system in Egypt: Analyst
Mon Jun 4, 2012 4:27PM GMT
Interview with Waleed
el-Haddad, spokesperson of Freedom & Justice Party
The choice of the people is a civilian country or a civilian
state by an Islamic reference, not a secular state that Ahmed Shafiq is
calling. And also they are seeking the revolution not the ex-regime to return
again.”
Egyptians vented their anger at presidential candidate Ahmed
Shafiq who urged them to accept the life sentence issued for Mubarak and his
officers.
Security sources say dozens of angry protesters attacked Shafiq's campaign headquarters in two provincial towns, one of which in Fayyoum south of the capital Cairo and the other one in Hurghada on the Red Sea.
Shafiq’s campaign headquarters in Cairo had already been attacked last Monday. Besides supporting Mubarak's verdict, Shafiq has lashed out at his Muslim Brotherhood rival.
Shafiq, who was a former prime minister of Mubarak, said the Islamic party is part of the old regime because it did nothing against Mubarak's regime. He also said the Brotherhood will take Egypt back to dark ages. The ex-air force commander accused the party of using mosques to propagate its own agenda.
Ahmed Shafiq will face the Brotherhood's Mohammed Morsi in a presidential run-off later this month.
Press TV has conducted an interview with Waleed el-Haddad, spokesperson of Freedom and Justice Party. What follows is an approximate transcript of the interview.
Press TV: Looking at the comments that have been made by Ahmed Shafiq there, he says and I am quoting him here that “the Muslim Brotherhood is looking for making Egypt a state for a faction” and he said that, “I am a secular representative” whereas the Muslim Brotherhood is a sectarian representative. What is your argument, first of all, against what Mr. Ahmed Shafiq is saying?
el-Haddad: Firstly, I would like to thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to share our point of view and our position towards what happened yesterday in Mubarak’s verdict and also what happened today in the speech of Ahmed Shafiq.
Ahmed Shafiq now is asking or calling the people to vote for him and I think our people in Egypt are very intelligent and they will not go to vote for him because he needs to reproduce the past regime or the ex-regime again.
Now when we are talking about Ahmed Shafiq, he is now talking and giving his speech in front of his house when the protests and all the Egyptian people now are in Tahrir Square. They are against this regime.
Ahmed Shafiq is calling or searching for the secular country and the people now are asking now not for a Islamic state but a civilian state with Islamic reference and this was the choice of the people and we can see that it is obviously from the choice of the people from the last parliamentary election and Shura council elections.
And also from the elections of the president, we see that more than 65 percent of the votes have gone to Hamdeen Sabahi and Aboul Fotouh and Mohamed Morsi who are representing the revolution. So the choice of the people is a civilian country or a civilian state by an Islamic reference, not a secular state that Ahmed Shafiq is calling. And also they are seeking the revolution not the ex-regime to return again.
Press TV: Speaking of that, when we are looking at accusations that the Muslim Brotherhood is facing, since the Muslim Brotherhood did dominate the parliament and since it got the votes there, media reports especially outside of Egypt were saying that this party is after radicalizing Egypt that from now on, if they become president, if they rule over Egypt, they are going to make Islam something that the people have to and must accept in all manners of life. What is your response to that?
el-Haddad: This is a propaganda from the media that we are trying to dominate all the forces in one hand. When we are talking about this tool which is the parliament and the government or the cabinet and the presidential position, we are talking about different parts of the country or the state; we are talking about the legislation and also we are talking about the executive power.
When we talk with the people, that is we have the majority in the parliament; this parliament is only for monitoring and for legislation, not only for executive power.
We need the executive power to achieve and implement our program. So we have to have the cabinet and when we went to the SCAF, the Supreme Council for Armed Forces, to request and to take the responsibility, they refused and when we tries to withdraw the confidence from the current government, from al-Ganzouri government, they also refused this.
So we will have to go to the presidential position and we nominated firstly Mr. Khairat al-Shater and then now we have Dr. Mohamed Morsi who will be in the run-off with Ahmed Shafiq and also we are very trusted from our people and from the choice of the Egyptian people because now there is a clear choice between the revolution or reproduction of the old regime.
Now the people in Tahrir Square and different squares in all Egyptian governorates are calling Dr. Mohamed Morsi as the president for the revolution or the candidate for the revolution. Now we are trying to gather different candidates like Aboul Fotouh and Hamdeen Sabahi in one presidential council to have the president, Dr. Mohamed Morsi and the deputies or the vice president.
One of which Aboul Ftouh and the other is Hamdeen Sabahi. This is our position now. We are calling the civilian state by Islamic reference. We need to implement our Islamic Shari’a in different prospects in economy, in politics, in social life, in civilian life and NGOs and also for building the human people in Egypt.
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