SRINAGAR, FRIDAY, 01 MUHARAM 1434 AH ; 16 NOVEMBER 2012
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14th batch
of 270 Hajis received at Srinagar Airport
SRINAGAR,
NOVEMBER 15: As many as 270 Haj pilgrims comprising of 169 male and 100 female
besides one infant after performing Haj Bait-ul-Ullah returned from Saudi
Arabia this morning.
The
Haj pilgrims were received at Srinagar International Airport by Director,
Airport Authority of India, Executive Officer, State Haj Committee, Srinagar
and district administration Budgam, besides officers of civil and police
departments.
NYK organizes youth
convention programme
SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER
15: Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK), Srinagar, Union organized District Youth
Convention, District Folk Cultural Yuva Kriti 2012 in Auditorium of Kashmir
Government Polytechnic College, Gogji Bagh here today. As many as 335 youth
affiliated with different youth clubs participated. Different cultural
programmes were organized besides various departments including during the day
outside auditorium in which Agriculture, Handicrafts and Health Departments
displayed their stalls.
The
representatives from Health, Handicrafts, Agriculture, Employment departments
and NGO’s also delivered lectures on the skill development and its utility.
Additional
Deputy Commissioner (R), Mr. Nazim Zia Khan was the chief guest and Principal,
Government Polytechnic College, Kashmir was the guest of honour on the
occasion.
The
Chief guest appreciated NYK for organizing such programmes involving the youth
in skill development.
Additional
Deputy Commissioner also distributed the sports material among the youth clubs
and mementos among the speakers and volunteers.
Exhibition of Handloom cluster Stalls at Pragati Maidan New Delhi
NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 15: The Directorate of Handloom Development Jammu and
Kashmir Govt. organized cluster exhibition during International Trade Fair-2012
at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
Speaking
on the occasion, the Director, Handloom said that this exhibition is being
organized to promote the products produced by the weavers of Handloom Clusters
,sanctioned by Development Commissioner for Handlooms Ministry of Textiles
Govt. of India New Delhi for the State, so that the future marketing of these
products are explored, besides the Handloom Clusters will plan their future
production as per daily changing taste of customers.
Joint
Director, Handloom Development Department Kashmir while speaking on the
occasion said handloom products are being produced in the 7 Handloom Clusters
which are under implementation with the Handloom Department and the exhibition
will provide an opportunity to the Handloom Weavers of the state to promote
these world famous products. The Handloom Cluster stall witnessed heavy rush of
domestic and foreign visitors and showing keen interest towards the products
produced by the weavers of Handloom Clusters which boosted the moral of the
weavers of different clusters in the exhibition.
DC Budgam flagged
off interstate farmers for tour
BUDGAM,
NOVEMBER 15: Under Agriculture technology Management Agency (ATMA) programme, a
group of 20 progressive farmers from District Budgam were flagged off by Deputy
Commissioner Budgam M. Akbar Ganaie today for interstate tour. Farmers shall be
visiting to Olive farm Ramban, SKUAST (J), Agriculture Farm Chinor and other
Agriculture related Divisions.
On
this occasion Deputy Commissioner said that the government is committed for
upliftment of farming community. He said that the visit of farmers shall not
only boost their moral but shall also provide them opportunity to interact with
the Agriculture scientists and the fellow farmers, and become aware about the
latest research in agriculture and allied sectors and transfer such technology
in their fields.
Chief
Agriculture Officer Budgam, M.A Parray said that the Department is going to
organize more and more educational tours for the farmers of Kashmir Valley,
within State and outside state as well.
Gul visits Shia
dominated areas, take stock of agreements
SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 15: Advisor to Chief
Minister, Mubarak Gul today inspected Shia dominated areas of his constituency
which include Islam Yarbal, Pathar Masjid, Fateh Kadal and took stock of the
facilities being provided to the people in connection with Muharram-ul-Harram.
Mr.
Gul accompanied by a team of officers directed for uninterrupted power supply,
drinking water to these areas during these auspicious days. He also asked PDD
to install street lights on war footing basis. The Advisor asked CA&PD
officers to ensure stock of ration and other commodities in plenty in ration
depots for the people. He directed SMC officers to maintain cleanliness and
hygienic atmosphere in Shia dominated and other areas during these days.
Earlier,
Mr. Gul presided over an officers meeting here today and discussed various
issues related to Muharram-ul-Haram and ensuing winter season. He announced an
ambulance for SDH Sangam out of his CDF so that the patients can be ferried
from different areas in emergencies. He also announced financial assistance for
Sangam, Palpora and Wanganpora Sub Health Centres out of his CDF.
Div Com imposes
traffic restrictions for Kargil, Gurez Tangdhar, Machil and Zanskar for Nov 17
& 18
SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER
15: On the basis of forecast of rain/snowfall during the intervening night of
November 17 and18, 2012 in higher reaches of the Valley issued by the
Meteorological department and keeping in view the unpredictability of the
weather, in higher reaches, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan
Samoon has ordered traffic restrictions on movement of vehicles on
Kargil-Zanskar, Srinagar-Zojila-Kargil, Kupwara-Machil/Tangdhar and
Bandipora-Gurez roads on 17th and 18thNovember 2012,
as a precautionary measure.
Dr. Samoon directed
Deputy Commissioners, Senior Superintendent of Police and Sub Divisional
Magistrate along with Traffic Police to take appropriate measures to ensure
strict implementation of the instructions, to safeguard life and property of
the general public.
The general public
have also been appealed to defer their travel plans to these areas.
Mir emphasizes for
infusing life in co-operative sector
SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 15: Cooperative Week
is being celebrated at National and State Level and in this connection an
impressive function was held at SKUAST-K, where Minister for Agriculture, Mr.
Ghulam Hassan Mir was the chief guest besides Minister of State for
Cooperative, Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma was guest of honour.
The
function was also attended by Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Dr. Tej Pratap,
Director Extension Education, Afifa Kamli, Director Agriculture, Kashmir, Dr.
Farooq Ahmad Lone, several officers and farmers.
Addressing
the function, the Minister for Agriculture said that there is a dire need to
strengthen cooperative system in length and breadth of the State to extend its
benefits to common masses.
Mr.
Mir appealed people to exhibit their enthusiasm in making cooperatives a
success and help Government in solving the problems of people through
cooperatives. He urged upon SKUAST authorities to make farmers self-reliant by
improving the production and cultivation of various crops through Cooperatives,
particularly by introducing latest technology and awareness camps.
Mr.
Mir directed Director Agriculture to organize a convention for the purpose so
that the improvement of quality of various crops is assured and progress and
prosperity visits farmer community.
Farm Machinery Mela
reaches Keller
Incentive of Rs.
10.83 Lakhs to be provided
SHOPIAN,
NOVEMBER 15: In order to make agriculture machinery and tools available at
doorsteps to the farmers in the valley, the Agriculture Department is
organizing Farm Machinery Mela’s throughout the valley. As a part of this
programme, Farm Machinery Mela was organized at Krala Chek Keller today, in
which large number of farmers of the area participated.
On
this occasion, Director Law Enforcement J&K, M.S. Kutoo said that the farm
production shall have to be proportionate the population explosion &
impressed upon field extension agencies strive land to bridge the gap between
demand and production. He said that our thrust area is to introduce latest
modern technologies & machinery in Agriculture & allied sectors to yield
good results in production, helps the farming community to increase their
economy.
Chief
Agriculture Officer Ghulam Nabi Adfar called upon farmers to come forward and
take benefits of the schemes launched by the Department. He added that your
cooperation with Agriculture Department would help to come out from food
scarcity.
In the mela several
authorized dealers displayed different kinds of agriculture machinery. Farmers
of Sub Division Keller purchased various farm machinery including 2 Tractors,
60 Irrigation Pump Sets, 5 Tillers, 30 Foot sprayers & 16 numbers of Poly
Green Houses, for which Department of Agriculture will provide Rs. 10.83 lakhs
as subsidy component.
PDD officials involved in, abetting power theft: Minister
“No unnecessary, excessive curtailments in valley during winter”
Srinagar, Nov 15 (VOS): Admitting that some Power Development Department
(PDD) officials are involved in and abetting power theft in the
State, Minister of State for Power, Shabir Ahmad Khan said strict actions
will be taken against officials who indulge into malpractice.
“Action is taken against officials whenever there are
such complaints. They cannot evade disciplinary action under rules”, Khan said
Thursday while talking to VOS.
He said that power theft is a serious concern and the
government is taking steps to prevent losses caused on account of
power theft.
When asked about the negligence while billing the
consumers, which compelled them to lodge protest at CM’s
residence, he said:“We’ve appealed the consumers to contact concerned offices
for correction. If we find it is deliberate negligence on part of
officials, actions will be taken against them”.
Speaking about the LPG cap issue and winter, he said that there
would be no unnecessary or excessive curtailment in the power
supply schedule during winter in the valley.
“Providing basic amenities to people of the state is the
priority of government. Our efforts are for betterment of the lives of
people and people are appreciating our efforts”, said Khan.
He said the department has set up a special team to check
hooking (Power Theft)
“To ensure smooth supply of power to consumers
they (Consumers) have to cooperate with the authorities”, he added.
On continued holding of state’s power projects by the NHPC he
said the government is working on it and efforts are on to bring the
projects back into the state’s custody. (VOS)
Model Code of conduct enforced in JK
Official meetings with panchs, sarpanchs banned
Srinagar, Nov 15 (VOS): The Election Commission of India has ordered enforcement of
Model Code of Conduct in Jammu and Kashmir in wake of issuing notification by
EC for conducting of polls to the four Legislative Council seats under
Panchayat quota in the state.
The state government Wednesday forwarded a communication in this
regard from the Election Commission of India to various heads of departments
and deputy commissioners, which reads: “With this announcement, the following
provisions of the Model Code of Conduct for the guidance of the Political
Parties and Candidates have come into force with immediate effect in the state
which is going to poll. This tray be brought
to the notice of the Government, all
/ ministries / departments and all other offices of the
Union Government and the concerned State “, reads the
communication of the Election Commission of India under No.
322/J&K-LC/2012-NS-I dated 7th November, 2012.
The election commission, apart from other normal restrictions on
some official activities, has asked government authorities and ministers not to
hold any official meeting with the panchayat members, who form the electorate
to the LC polls.
As per the orders, the EC has also put a total ban on transfer of
Returning officer, Assistant returning officers and all the officials enlisted
for election duties.
“This ban will be in force till the completion of election
process”, reads the EC communication (VOS)
Denial of justice, subversion of system a challenge for people:
Mufti
‘J&K converted into begging bowl’
Srinagar Nov 14: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed
has said the institutional system and administrative order in the state are
facing most serious challenge under present dispensation.
Addressing
a meeting of party workers in Shopian today he said ‘immense damage was done to
the system of governance as a result of deliberate subversion of the rule of
law and denial of justice and people of the state will have to take this
challenge head on if the state has to retain any degree of decent governance’.
Mufti
said the present government, it seems, has from day one resolved not to do any
thing that helped the common man or provided justice to people. “The incident
of 2009 in which two young ladies lost their lives in Shopian was a nightmarish
inauguration of the NC- Congress coalition which marked a complete reversal of
the efforts to revive rule of law in the state”.
He
said the family of the victims has not received justice from the institutions
of the state till date. He said this was followed by many more atrocities by
the present government without any redressal, even in a single case.
Mufti
said though the people of Shopian put up a valiant struggle for justice and
suffered in the process ‘the government became more and more arrogant in its
dealing with people throughout the state’.
Slamming
the government for its inability to take to the logical conclusion even a
single inquiry into the scores of killings on the streets Mufti said this has
resulted in adding to the cynicism among the people about the kind of democracy
practiced in the state under any NC led dispensation.
He
said if the previous NC government had introduced POTA, established SOG and
unleashed all weapons of repression on the people the present government has
reversed the entire process of relaxation with its anti people behavior. He
said thousands of young men have been framed in false cases for raising their
voice at different times against the government excesses.
The
PDP Patron said the Chief Minister’s announcement about withdrawal of FIR’s
against the youth too have proved false ‘which has resulted not just in
demonization of a generation but has effected their career prospects as well’.
“Not
even children are being spared and some of them have been booked on serious
charges of waging war against the state and have been paraded in handcuffs and
jailed with hardened criminals”, he said.
Mufti
said it was unfortunate that the government was using the increased arrivals of
tourists as a propaganda tool for normalcy without paying attention to
infrastructure building that is required to add value to the tourism sector. He
said the state is blessed by nature with rich and diverse natural
resources which would need proper tapping through creation of world class
infrastructure, promotion of private sector and thoughtful investment in public
sector.
“
Except for counting the number of tourist arrivals and linking it to law and
order the government has done hardly any thing in the last four years with the
result that major tourist destinations including Srinagar have suffered
degeneration in sanitation, traffic system and other amenities. This is in
sharp contrast to the achievements of the PDP-Congress coalition which created
22 tourism development authorities and promoted a number of virgin areas for
tourism”, he said.
Mufti
said the initiatives taken by the PDP led government had triggered a revolution
in rural economy through significant systemic interventions. He said the
abolition of toll tax and establishment of local fruit markets like the one at
Shopian had led to sharp increase in horticulture returns and made the industry
remunerative for the farmers once again. He however regretted that the present
government had failed to carry the process forward and that the proposal for a
cold storage system for Shopian had been shelved.
Mufti
said he was glad to learn that in spite of the government’s inability to
develop the infrastructure further the Shopian fruit market had contributed
significantly to value addition of the horticulture produce especially the
apple.
Mufti
said the state of J&K had been converted into a begging bowl through the
wrong policies of NC which had ruled the state for many decades. Its resources
had been sold out for a song and almost entire power generation in the state
had been gifted without any compensation he said and added that if this had not
happened, the state would have been one of the richest in the country and could
have served as the energy bank for the entire region.
He
said the PDP would struggle for reversing this situation so that our unemployed
youth do not have to beg for petty jobs and are able to carve out a dignified
place in the society. For this to happen, Mufti said the people of the state
will have use their vote after careful consideration and not follow any path
blindly. He said the PDP had provided an alternative to the people and they
could enforce accountability among the political parties more
effectively as previously they had no options other than the NC which had led
the state into a disastrous situation.
Lives lost due to unresolved Kashmir issue: Shabir Shah
‘Responsibility of separatist to be mindful of sacrifices’
Srinagar, Nov 15 (VOS): Stressing upon various stakeholders to come forward for
resolution of Kashmir issue, Democratic Freedome Party Chairman Shabir Ahmad
Shah has said the unresolved nature of Kashmir issue was responsible for
on-going loss of life in the state.
“If the Kashmir issue is resolved then the deadly fight between
the militants and the police forces will stop and thus the innocent lives like
of Shabir Ahmad Mir will not be lost. Since 1947 five lakh people of the valley
have sacrificed their lives for the freedom struggle but the Indian authorities
have never paid any heed to it and are always usurping their rights”, Shah said
while addressing a gathering at Chenegam Kulgam where he along with others
had gone to express sympathies with the family of Shabir Ahmad Mir,
who died in a gunfight with army.
Shah had also tried to visit the family on Wednesday but the
police did not allow him and was put under house arrest.
Speaking on the occasion shah said that it was because of these
sacrifices that the Kashmir issue has been internationalized and the world
community is putting pressure on the government of India to solve the Kashmir
issue.
He said adding it is the responsibility of the separatist
leadership to take care of those sacrifices and to reach to its logical
conclusion.
Separatist leaders, Javed Ahmad Mir, Shabir Ahmad Dar and Muhammad
Yusuf Naqash accompanying the DFP chairman also expressed sympathy with the family
of the deceased militant. “The continued killings will not stop till the
Kashmir issue is not resolved. We will continue our struggle till the Kashmir
issue is resolves according to the wishes and aspirations of the Kashmiri
people,” they said.
“DFP workers also went to the house of Feroz Ahmad Dar of Balahama
whose brother Muhammad Akbar Dar died and expressed their heartfelt condolences
with the family members.
At the end the DFP went to the SKIMS where DR Qasim Faktoo is
under treatment and praised his indomitable courage and strength despite the
difficulties confronting him”, read a statement issued by the DFP. (VOS)
Engineer fields candidates for 2 LC seats
Srinagar, Nov15: Independent legislator form north Kashmir’s Langate
constituency today announced names of two candidates backed by him for
Legislative Council Elections in Kashmir Valley.
“The
decision was taken at a meeting convened at Handwara which was attended by more
than three hundred Panchs and Sarpanchs hailing from Langate and adjoining
areas. The decision was taken after three hour long detailed deliberations”,
said a statement issued by Engineer Rashid.
“It
was unanimously decided that Shabir Ahmad Rather and Nazir Ahmad War who are
themselves Sarpanchs, will be the candidates for contesting the said election”,
the statement added.
“Speaking
on the occasion majority of the speakers said that both ruling coalition and
main opposition party have miserably failed to help in resolving political and
day to day problems of the Kashmiri People and as such there is no reason for
any sincere Kashmiri to support their candidate at this juncture”, the
statement read.
MLA
Langate has appealed Panchs and Sarpanchs of the valley to rise to the occasion
and vote for his candidates who will not only do what so ever is required for
empowering Panchayati Raj Institution but will also fight for the resolution of
Kashmir issue in the State Assembly.
Taj rebuts charges in yet another land grab case
Srinagar, Nov15: Minister for PHE and senior Congress
leader, Taj Mohiuddin has rejected fresh charges of land grab at Chaklalu Shah
Jammu, leveled against him.
Rebutting the charges of land leveled against
him by Tilak Raj and Hem Raj sons of Karam Chand , Minister for PHE,
Taj Mohi ud Din termed them as malicious, concocted and deliberate.
In a statement today, Taj said that the issue of
the said piece of land in the name of his daughters is pending adjudication
with the Jammu Bench of the High Court and any opinion or statement at this
juncture would amount to contempt of court.
Taj wondered how events, one after the other,
are unfolding aginst him, which according to him smack of intrigue and
conspiracy.
He said: “When some people having vested
interests failed on one count, have now propped-up some unknown faces to defame
him. Otherwise, where were these persons till date”.
He has appealed media and civil society not to
fall prey to malicious campaign and become un-knowingly contemptuous of the
court, ‘rather wait for the court decision and respect it as is the norm with
civilized societies’.
PDP, PP members condemn Taj’s remarks against LC Chariman
May file breach of privilege against the minister
Srinagar, Nov15: While taking strong exception to remarks of Minister for
PHE, Taj Mohiuddin during a press conference in Jammu yesterday, against
Legislative Council Chairman Amrit Malhotra, LC members of Peoples Democratic
Party and Panthers Party have termed his remarks as 'Chor Machae Shor' drill.
In a joint statement issued today, the members described the act
of using ‘indecent and unparliamentary language’ against the Chairman of the Legislative Council as an act of
frustration and indecency.
Describing Taj's utterances at a press conference as a mixed bag
of lies, contradictions, false statements and suppression of facts, the members
denounced him for undermining the authority and importance of the house.
They said that by using the ‘foul mouthed and
ill-bred expressions’, Taj has brought disrepute to the honorable
institution of a Legislator. They said that they are considering a motion for
breach of privilege against Taj Moheuddin for his contemptuous remarks against
the institution.
J&K Bank convenes DLRC, conduct fin lit camps
Srinagar, Nov 15: J&K Bank organized District Level Review Committee
meeting in Shopian for the quarter ended September, 2012.
District Development Commissioner Shopian Mohammad Javeed Khan
presided over the meeting that reviewed the progress for the second quarter of
current fiscal year. The meeting was attended by District Level Officers of
government departments, representatives from all banks, NABARD and RBI.
Speaking on the occasion Lead District Manager (LDM) Shopian M
Saleem Wani briefed the house about the progress for second quarter of the
financial year 2012-13.
The total credit outstanding at the end of the quarter in all
banks of district stood at Rs. 419.12 Crores out of which 380.81 Crores are in
priority sector. The deposits in banks were Rs. 375.32 Crores. The CD Ratio of the
district was 112%.
Against the financial target of 161.47 Crores and physical target
of 6421 beneficiaries under priority sector, the banks have disbursed Rs.
228.54 Crores to 8909 beneficiaries during the first two quarters of the FY
2012-13, thereby achieving the financial target by 141% and physical target by
138%.
In agricultural sector the banks in the district have disbursed
217.84 crores to 7890 beneficiaries against the annual target of Rs. 107.74
crores to 6421 beneficiaries making the achievement as 202% in financial terms
and 123% in physical terms.
With regard to the Annual Credit Plan (ACP) the performance of
J&K Bank for the second quarter has been 176% in financial terms.
In Kissan credit cards 70% of the ACP has been achieved in first
two quarters only. So far 21365 KCC’s have been disbursed against annual target
of 29000 eligible farmers.
The DDC expressed his satisfaction over the performance during the
first two quarters. He praised the steps taken by J&K Bank in this regard.
However he stressed upon other banks to gear up the steps for achieving 100%
progress in implementation of Annual Credit Plan for so Socio-economic
upliftment of this hill district.
Meanwhile, the Bank organised a financial literacy camp in Sallar
Block at Dachni Pora Anantnag, which was attended by good number of people.
FLCC Facilitator G R Kumar informed the gathering about financial
products and various schemes of Bank urging the people to avail benefits of
these schemes.
Earlier similar camp was conducted at Nallah Awoorah a remote
village near Pahalgam wherein a large number of people participated.
Farooq Ganderbali joins NC
Srinagar, Nov 11 (VOS): In a major political development that could affect the
results of 2014 assembly elections in Ganderbal constituency, senior Democratic
Party (Nationalist) leader and renowned social activist, Farooq Ganderbali has
joined National Conference alongwith his hundreds of workers, panches and
sarpanches.
Those who joined NC alongwith Ganderbali included District President Ganderbal DP (N) Er Gh Hassan
Rather, Block presidents, Ganderbal, Lar ,Kangan and 28 panches and sarpanches.
Farooq Ganderbali who had secured nearly 3000 votes in 2008
assembly elections from the Ganderbal constituency joined the NC in presence of
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Welcoming Ganderbali into the party fold, Omar said, “It is a
matter of great pleasure for me to welcome him into the NC. He (Farooq
Ganderbali) is actually a NC member and has come back to his party.”
Ganderbali is grass roots worker and an experienced and a
visionary political leader. NC will be benefited with the inclusion of
Ganderbali,” he added.
Expressing his happiness to join the NC, Ganderbali said, “I have
joined the National Conference since it is the traditional political party of
the state and led by the visionary leaders like Omar Abdullah. I had some
misunderstanding with the NC, but these have been cleared now.”
Political observers believe that Ganderbali’s joining NC would
improve prospects of Omar to win back Ganderbal in 2014.
Govt has converted J&K into jail: Baig
‘Muzzling right to dissent is to malign democracy’
SRINAGAR, Nov 15: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senior leader Muzaffar
Hussain Baig today said the present coalition government has converted Jammu
and Kashmir into an open prison where there is no right to dissent.
Addressing a massive public meeting at Naidkhah in Sonawari,
Baig said dissention is a fundamental to everybody living in a democratic set
up. “In a modern democratic society, the right to dissent is one of the most
fundamental rights. Right to debate or freedom of speech and the right to
express dissent are the basic principals of a democracy. But unfortunately the
present state government believes in muzzling dissent by way frequent
detentions of youth and continuous house arrest of Hurriyat leaders,” Baig
observed.
He said resolution of Kashmir issue is essential because
there is a problem about Jammu and Kashmir. The former deputy chief minister
observed that Hurriyat also says that there is a problem and while there can be
difference of opinion on the mode of resolution but nobody can deny the
existence of the problem. “Many quarters have been in a denial mode for long
but that has only added to the complexity of the problem,” he remarked.
He said the present coalition government is responsible for
maligning the name of Indian democracy and constitutional system by depriving
peaceful and respectable citizens, their liberty and fundamental rights.
“This government has lowered the prestige of country’s
judicial system and constitutional scheme by muzzling the voice of dissent and
putting in jail elderly people and teenagers who should have been in schools
and colleges,” Baig told a well attended public meeting.
He said denial of rights is not new to the state. It has
experienced turbulent and dark times in the past, but the elections in 2002 had
changed the fundamentals of our politics and course of struggle for rights. He
said the forces of peace and reconciliation encouraged after 2002 had helped in
starting a peace process that could have led to its logical conclusion; the
peaceful resolution of Kashmir problem.
Baig said the PDP had forged an alliance with Congress after
more than a month deliberations that took place only on framing Common Minimum
Programme (CMP) which besides other major reforms included the resolution of
Kashmir issue and scrapping of draconian laws.
“The Congress had also accepted the Kashmir resolution as a
part of our CMP and that had to a large extent restored credibility of
Congress in the state as well. Had the PDP- Congress coalition continued the
history of the state would have been different even though I believe that the
destiny of Jammu and Kashmir is bound to change anyways for better,” he
declared.
Baig said it was a blot on the country’s name that hundreds
of people continue to be behind bars for the mere use of their right to express
a dissenting view. “Many ideas about the state, its problems and resolution
have been articulated from time to time which has resulted in uncertainty and
miseries for people. But democracy is all about meeting an idea with a more
creative idea which is in tune with the spirit and reality of present times,”
Baig said.
He reiterated PDP’s belief that the institutions like the state
Assembly and the Panchayats have an important role in articulating and
channelising the aspirations of the people. “They are not any body’s proxies or
rubberstamps,” he said and referred to the autonomy resolution passed by the
state Assembly many years back.
He said it was a different case that NC had bartered away even
this resolution for a share in power but the fact remains that state Assembly
has the authority and credibility to contribute to ultimate resolution.
The former Deputy Chief Minister said the Omar Abdullah
government has failed on all fronts primarily because it had neither an agenda
nor a direction. He said while the PDP in 2002 ensured that the resolution of
Kashmir problem and dismantling of state repression was included in the CMP
with the Congress.
“NC in its hurry to grab power forgot even about its own
manifesto. Its alliance with Congress is gross political opportunism and a
state has reached in this coalition where corruption seems the basic CMP among
the two parties,” he said. Referring to various cases of corruption including
the mysterious death of Haji Yousf the senior NC worker and Jammu and Kashmir
Cricket Scam Baig said the NC had already gained notoriety in corruption cases
but it is now pulling down its coalition partner Congress as well.
“There could be no best examples of worst state of affairs
that the office of chief minister has been questioned in corruption cases which
has not only lowered down the prestige of CM’s office,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Molvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari, PDP
senior vice president expressed concern over governance deficit in Jammu and
Kashmir. Ansari said the present dispensation has failed to address even
problems of basic amenities on ground. He further observed that the only agreed
programme in present dispensation is to fill up their coffers. Ansari said the
corrupt practices at the top have resulted in the collapse of administration on
the ground and the people have been left to bear miseries for want of their
rights. Yasir Reshi, party district president also addressed the gathering on
this occasion.
NF aghast over Nayeem’s house arrest
Srinagar, Nov15: Condemning the day today house arrest of its Chairman and
senior resistance leader Nayeem Ahmad Khan, Jammu Kashmir National Front
spokesman has said that the so called government, administration and police are
scared of the resistance leadership that it is afraid to even allow free
movement of Nayeem Ahmad Khan.
NF
spokesman in a statement said that if the house arresting of Nayeem Ahmad Khan
continues then the party will not hesitate to take the legal way against it.
The
spokesman while reacting very harshly against the Yesterdays house arrest of
Nayeem Ahmad Khan said that New Delhi and its local collaborators are using the
terms like Democracy, Freedom of speech etc only to deceive the international
brethren.
“The
fact is that Kashmiris are still to taste the real democracy and till date we
are only aware of the democracy with lots of blots on its face,” the spokesman
said.
Referring
to his chairman, National Front spokesman said that Nayeem Ahmad Khan has
congratulated the Muslim world on the eve of New Hijri year and has wished the
whole Muslim world a very and prosperous year ahead.
Will take sacrifices of people to logical end: Zafar
Srinagar, Nov15: Jammu and Kashmir Salvation Movement Chairman, Zaffar Akbar
Bhat has reaffirmed to take the mission of ‘Kashmiri martyrs and
sacrifices of the people to its logical end’.
While
expressing sympathy to family of the martyred Shabir Ahmad Mir, at
Chinigam in Kulgam today, Zafar paid rich tributes to the martyrs
including Shabir Ahmad Mir, Suhail Faisal, Zahid Farooq, Basit Ali and
Sikandar of the area said that the blood of martyrs would bring positive
results and the day was not away when the Kashmiri people would get freedom.
He said
that participation of the Kashmiris in the settlement of the dispute was
imperative because Kashmir was not a border issue between Pakistan and India,
but an issue of the future of the Kashmiri people.
He
maintained that Kashmir being an internationally recognised dispute warranted
the attention of the world community for its resolution as per the UN
resolutions.
Zaffar
Akbar Bhat said, unresolved Kashmir is the major stumbling block in
establishing cordial relationship between the two sub continental neighbours,
adding that both the countries need to take concrete steps for
resolving the longstanding dispute..
While
expressing solidarity with families of prisoners, Zafar urged the
international human rights organisations and the Indian civil society of India
to put pressure on India to unconditionally immediate release all the illegally
detained Kashmiri Hurriyet leaders and activists.
Carom championship concludes in Srinagar
Winners felicitated by SSP Srinagar
Srinagar, Nov 15: In an endeavor to boost the sports activities in Srinagar, a
District level Carom championship was held at District Police Lines, Srinagar
in association with J&K State Carom association.
Large number of youth including the students of schools across
district Srinagar participated in the competition. The competition was
organised in three categories in both segments of men and women viz, senior,
under-18 and under-14.
In senior Men category, Ahjaz Koul was the winner while Waseem
Bashur clinched the under eighteen title and Ilham bagged the under fourteen.
In women’s category, Adfar Jaan bagged the senior while Iram took
the under eighteen and Harmeet Kour bagged the under fourteen competition.
The competition was inaugurated by the DIG, CKR Afhead-ul-Mujtaba.
Mujtaba while giving opening address insisted that these kind of competitions
develop the sportsmanship that will contribute the state at national and
international levels.
The prizes were distributed to the winners by SSP Srinagar, Aashiq
Hussain Bukhari. Bukhari impressed upon the youth to focus equally on
studies along with sports for the better future.
Political spectrum vibrant with activity
Parties announce names of candidates for LC polls
Monga, Baghat get Congress nod, Rashid fields sarpanchs
PDP mulling names, NPP decides; NC to announce by Friday
Srinagar, Nov 15 (VOS): With announcement of names of candidates by various
political players for elections to the four vacant seats of state Legislative
Council under Panchayat quota, renewed political activity is visible across
political spectrum in the state.
Various political parties and panchayat organizations have already
announced names of candidates for contesting the elections, making the polls a
multilateral battle.
According to sources, the state Congress has decided to field the
party’s senior vice president Gulam Nabi Monga for the one seat being fought by
the party in Kashmir. “Sham Lal Baghat, a sarpanch from Asar in Kathua has been
given the party ticket to contest elections from the other seat in Jammu
division”, the sources said.
Meanwhile, J&K Pradesh Congress Committee President Saifuddin
Soz, who reached Srinagar on Thursday, confirmed to VOS the
candidature of Monga and Baghat for contesting the LC polls on behalf of
Congress party. Pertinently, Soz had earlier gone to Delhi to consult the party
High Command for finalizing the names of candidates.
Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDPD), according to sources
has finalized the names of Saifuddin Bhat and Peer Muhammad Hussain for
candidature on behalf of the party. However, an official announcement in this
behalf is expected to be made after the PDP President Mehbooba Mufti arrives in
Srinagar, who is currently on a visit to Delhi.
The National Conference, according to sources, is mulling over the
names of Ali Muhammd Dar, Showkat Ahmad Ganie and Qaiser Jamshed Lone for the
Kashmir seat whileas, Rattan Lal Gupta or Shahnaz Ali are the front runners for
contesting the Jammu seat. “A meeting in on at the residence of Dr Farooq
Abdullah in Srinagar is on to finalize names for LC elections. The meeting is
also being attended by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah apart from other senior
leaders”, the sources told VOS late Thursday evening.
When contacted, Minister for Panchayati Raj and Rural Development,
Ali Muhammd Sagar said the party will announce the names of the candidates by
Friday morning.
Independent MLA from frontier district Kupwara’s Langate
Consitutency, Engineer Rashid also announced names of candidates backed by him
for contesting the elections. Those fielded by Rashid are Shabir Ahmad Rather
and Nazir Ahmad War, who are themselves Sarpanchs.
In the meantime, the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party has
announced names of candidates to contest from all the four seats vacant in the
Legislative council, two each from Jammu and Srinagar.
NPP sources told VOS that the names of Mohammad Maqbool Malik and
Dr Iqbal have been finalized for seats reserved for Kashmir division whileas
Anita Thakur and Rafiq Chandel will contest from Jammu region.
Pertinently, polls for electing Legislative Council members to
vacant seats under Panchayat quota are due to be held on December, 3. The last
date of filing nominations is Nov 17, and the last date for withdrawal of the
candidature is Nov 19.
The Electoral College comprising elected panches and sarpanches
has a total of 33,540 members with two votes each. Jammu region has 15,628
members, while as and Kashmir division has 17,912 panchayat members, eligible
for casting their votes.
Two seats each have been reserved for Jammu and Kashmir divisions
and no candidate from Kashmir can contest seats reserved for Jammu and vice
versa.
(VOS)
3 injured in firing near liquor shop
‘Hizb claims responsibility’
Srinagar, Nov 15: Three persons were injured when some pistol borne suspected
militants fired near a liquor Shop at Hotel Heemal at Dalgate on
Thursday evening.
“Unidentified pistol borne militants fired near
a liquor shop at a Hotel in the jurisdiction of police station Ram
Munshi Bagh in Srinagar this evening. Three persons were injured in the
incident”, said a police spokesperson.
Injured have been identified as Fayaz Ahmad Khanday son of Ali
Mohammad resident of Aolucha Bagh Srinagar, Mohammad Sharief Sheikh son of Ghulam
Rasool resident of Batamaloo, Srinagar and Ravi Kumar son of Kartar
Chand resident of Kathua Jammu.
According to eye witnesses, firing created chaos and confusion at
the busy Boulevard Road here as tourists and locals rushed to their respective
places for shelter. Senior police officials rushed to the spot to carry out on
spot inspection.
All the injured have been been shifted to SMHS Srinagar for
treatment, police spokesperson said.
Meawhile, a caller identifying himself to VOS as
Junaidul Islam, spokesperson of Hizbul Mujahideen claimed responsibility for
the attack. “Our men carried out the attack and we appeal parents to keep their
children away from waywardness”, he said adding they want all the liquor shops
in the valley to be closed. (VOS)
Hurriyat (G) for release of all political detenues
Call upon international organizations to intervene
Srinagar, Nov 15 (VOS): The Hurriyat Conference faction led by Syed Ali Geelani
today appealed international human rights organizations to impress upon New Delhi
to release all the political prisoners languishing in different jails in and
outside Jammu and Kashmir.
Hurriyat conference (G) today asked authorities to release Dr
Qasim faktoo,Dr Gh Mohammad Bhat, Mohammad Yousuf Falahi, Mir Hafiz Ullah,
Ameeri Hamza, Shakeel Ahmad Yatoo,Mohammad Yusuf Mantoo, Abdullah Nasir,
Mushtaq ul Islam and all other detenues.
The Hurriyat spokesperson said ‘Muslim League leader, Masarat Alam
was to be presented in court today but the delaying tactics adopted by
administration has made all this process a mockery. It is sheer violation of
basic and fundamental rights, said spokesman of the conglomerate’.
The spokesman said that Masarat Alam is for last two years
languishing in jail. He termed the slapping of PSA on Muslim league leader as
‘political revenge. “Omer Abdullah is afraid, lest he may not lose the chair
and that is why they are violating the directions of court, basic
fundamental rights, and moral values and are arresting him again and again”.
It is pertinent to mention that PSA slapped on Masarat Alam for
the 6th time now.
The spokesperson said: “ Alam has been fixed for 27thNovember ,but
once again it is eminent that authorities at the helm of affairs
most probably would not present Masarat Alam in court. They are bent upon to
prolong the detention term of Masarat”
Expressing concern for ailing Dr Qasim Faktoo, spokesman flayed the
authorities and said they are not showing any concern towards the deteriorating
condition of Qasim Faktoo.
Stressing for the release of the detenues spokesman has stressed
the international Human authorities to impress upon the Indian authorities
to release all detenues without any delay and fulfil the demand of justice.
EC reviews implementation of Dal Lake Development project
Calls for speedy rehabilitation of displaced Dal Dwellers
Jammu, Nov 15: The
Committee on Estimates (EC) of Legislative Assembly Thursday asked the
government to speed up the rehabilitation process of the Dal dwellers displaced
following the implementation of the Dal lake Development project.
The Committee which met here today under the Chairmanship of Ch.
Mohammad Ramzan, sought detailed information from Housing and Urban Development
(H&UD) Department, about the action taken report on the directions issued
by the Committee from time to time for the development of the Dal Lake and the
rehabilitation of Dal Dwellers at the identified site of Rakhi Arth, for its
examination.
The committee also sought a detailed report on the appointments
made by the H&UD department in various Local Bodies of the State along with
the criteria adopted by the department for such appointments. The panel asked
the H&UD authorities to furnish the information on the already issued
questionnaire within one week’s time for the perusal of the members of the
Committee.
The Committee members Mustafa Kamal, Abdul Gaffar Sofi and Peer
Aafaq Ahmad, also discussed in detail various issues,
including the development of Ancharsar and Khushalsar. They also gave their
valuable suggestions for the improvement of world famous Dal Lake. The Panel
directed LAWDA to speed up the Rehabilitation process and suggested for
deployment of a special revenue team LAWDA to complete the land related
formalities.
The Committee decided that it will conduct on-the-spot inspections
of the inner areas of Dal and Rakhi Arth in the first week of December.
Vice Chairman, LAWDA Mohammad Irfan Shah briefed the Committee
about the activities and the progress achieved by the Authority.
Among others, Director General Accounts and Treasuries Ravi
Mangotra and other officers and engineers of H&UD department and Assembly
Secretariat attended the meeting.
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