SRINAGAR, MONDAY, 04  MUHARRAM 1434 AH ; 19 NOVEMBER  2012

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17^th batch of 538 Hajis received at Srinagar Airport

            SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 18: As many as 538 Haj pilgrims comprising of 324 male and 214 female 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.

Shamim Firdous assures assistance to fire victims of Karfali Mohalla

            SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 18: The Chairperson, J&K State Commission for Women and MLA Habba Kadal, Mtr. Shamim Firdous today visited various areas of her Constituency including Karfali Mohalla where some residential houses were recently gutted in fire incident.

            She expressed her sympathy with fire victims and assured them all possible assistance from the Government.

            During her tour, the Chairperson also visited Khon Khun, Barbar Shah, Bishamber Nagar, Munerabad, Babapura, Habba Kadal, Dar Mohalla, Nam Sahib, Chandapora and Malik Angan Fateh Kadal to review the pace of work wich include construction of lanes and by lanes in the area. Besides, she took review of arrangements about the Muharram and ordered to replace and repair of electric poles, electrical wires and fresh street lights on priority basis.

            Shamim Firdous was accompanied by the senior officers and officials including Tehsildar Srinagar, Executive Engineers of R&B, PDD, PHE and Srinagar Municipal Corporation.

            She exhorted upon the officers to work with zeal and dedication for the betterment and welfare of the people.

            A large number of deputations also met the MLA and apprised her about the problems being faced by them. She assured them that their genuine demands would be redressed on priority basis.

Sagar for early completion of Ropeway project

            SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 18: The Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar has directed the officers to complete the prestigious Ropeway project of Makhdoom Sahib within the stipulated time period.

            The Minister was interacting with the officers during his on spot inspection of the ropeway project being constructed by the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Projects Corporation JKCCPC.

            Managing Director JKCCPC, Mr. Talat Parvaiz and other senior officers were present.

            Mr. Sagar impressed upon the officers to speed up pace of work on this project which would go a long way in providing an alternate route to the devotees coming to pay obeisance to the revered shrine of Makhdoom Sahib besides also serving as a major tourist attraction in the old city Srinagar.

            The Minister also asked the officers of the departments involved in the execution of the project to work in close coordination so that the bottlenecks if any are removed and the work is carried in a smooth and coordinated manner.  

Martyrs of Karbala remembered

Hussaini Conference held at SKICC

            SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 18: Majma Mohibban-Ahlebait (A.S) J&K today organized a Hussaini Conference at SKICC, Srinagar. The retired Justice Mr. B.A. Kirmani was the chief guest on the occasion.

            Various renowned scholars, writers and literary personalities including Dr. Sameer Shafi Sidiqui, Maulana Bilal Ahmad Kirmani, Sheikh Taha Hussain, Maulana Syeed Liyaqat Hussain Rizvi, Mr. Mohammad Saleem Sheeshghar threw lights on the martyrs of Karbala and stressed the need for adopting the teachings of these Martyrs.

            They also underscored the need for maintaining harmony and unitedly work for the betterment of society.

Seminar held on traffic management and accidents at SKICC

            SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 18: Daylong seminar was held under the Chairmanship of Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon at SKICC to commemorate the road accident deaths here today. The day is being observed on every third Sunday of November world over.

            The Transport Commissioner, Mr. Mehraj Ahmad Kakroo, Deputy Commissioners of various districts, Senior Superintendent of Police Traffic, Regional Transport Officer, Kashmir, Transporters, Dealers and a good number of Red Cross volunteers were present on the occasion.

            In his address, Divisional Commissioner underscored the need for better traffic management and urged all stake holders to ensure prevention and adopt traffic rules in letter and spirit. He called upon Civil Society to come forward with helping hand and become the part of solution.

            Dr. Samoon said Traffic department alone cannot do the things right in this behalf, adding we all need to pay our bit to uphold the target of giving a better traffic system to the society. He said Government has taken various innovative measures to streamline the traffic system which need to implement at ground level.

            Divisional Commissioner also released a book and a CD composed by Mr. Omesh Sharma.

            Transport Commissioner, Mr. Mehraj Ahmad Kakroo gave a detailed lecture on the measures being taken by the Government for betterment of traffic system.

            A Mock Drill was shown by the voluntarees of Red Cross, showing rescue measures of traffic road accidents.

            Earlier, a documentary film was also screened on the occasion which depicted live clips of dangerous road accidents.

            Various other speakers present their views on the occasion.

Kashmir issue demands urgent attention, cannot be sidelined: Mirwaiz

‘People’s lives in south Asia wont improve unless Kashmir is solved’

‘Consultations aimed at making Pakistan visit fruitful, productive’

‘Trade, Economy, Natural Resources linked to Kashmir issue’

Srinagar, Nov 18 (VOS): Expressing displeasure over sidelining of Kashmir issue by India and Pakistan, Hurriyat Conference (M) Chariman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said the lives of people in entire south Asia would continue to remain affected as long as Kashmir issue was not resolved.

“If the issue is not resolved, the lives of crores of people in the sub continent will not improve. The issue demands urgent attention and resolution, which cannot be sidelined or put in a cold storage”, Mirwaiz said while talking to VOS.

Mirwaiz said the process of consultations with different sections of society before the Pakistan visit was important for making the visit fruitful and beneficial. “Pakistan visit is very important. It should be fruitful. We don’t want it to be a mere event or photo session. It has to be productive and suggestions from civil society will make it so”, he added.

Mirwaiz said disputes like Siachen and Sir Creek between the two countries cannot be linked with Kashmir. “Kashmir issue is a humanitarian issue. It is not a land dispute between the two countries. Solution of Kashmir issue will pave way for resolution of all other disputes between the two countries”, he added.

When asked whether the aim of consultations with different civil society groups and trade organizations was aimed at arriving at some kind of a formula for solving Kashmir, he said their primary concern to ensure that Kashmir issue is not put in a cold storage.

“The main issue is to ensure participation of Kashmiri and real Kashmiri leadership in finding a solution to the issue. We have ensure that the matter is sidelined or put on a back burner”

The Hurriyat Chairman said that they also intended to hold deliberations with separatist leaders outside the Hurriyat Conference.

The Hurriyat Chairman reiterated his demand for inclusion of Kashmiri’s in the dialogue process between India and Pakistan. “We will urge Pakistan to press for inclusion of Kashmiris in the talks. We are the primary party to the Kashmir dispute and no solution can be acceptable to Kashmiri’s which does not take our sentiments and aspirations on board. They cannot sideline the Principal party” he said.

He said bilateral talks or Confidence Building Measures cannot solve the vexed Kashmir issue. “India cannot hide from reality for long. Kashmiri’s have to be included in talks as it is we who are suffering because of the dispute”.

Mirwaiz said that issues like trade, economy, water and natural resources of the stat are also important and cannot be separated from Kashmir issue.

“We want to hold Composite consultations regarding different contours of Kashmir along with political and economic issues. We wish to get their suggestions on all issues”, he said.

He said the consultation will begin on November 20 and people involved with trade and commerce have been invited first. “We have invited 30 different organizations for consultations including the Cross LoC trade associations”, he added. (VOS)

NC has made great contribution to state: Congress MLA

Srinagar, Nov 18 (VOS): Expressing his satisfaction over the National Conference (NC) performance and describing Sheikh Abdullah the great leader in the history of State, Senior Congress leader and MLA Dooru Ghulam Ahmad Mir said that NC had it history and made great contribution to the State.

“Sheikh Abdullah was a great leader and no one can rule out his contribution”, said Mir while talking to VOS.

“NC has its own history and contribution which is apparent and known to every one. It (NC) is the biggest and oldest party of State which has presented its sacrifices for the welfare of State”, Mir added.

In response to a question whether NC had contributed more than the Congress, he said “It is a matter of opinion, which can differ”

When asked about refusal of the state government to provide security to panchs and sarpanchs, he said that it was not possible. “On one hand we are fighting for demilitarization and on other hand we’re asking to invite additional four lakh troops,  if we provide security to PRI’s”, said Mir. (VOS)

Engineer throws bait at NC-Cong, PDP for extending support in LC elections

Release political prisoners, withdraw cases against youth: Rashid to NC

To PDP: Bring Afzal Guru Clemency resolution in Assembly

Srinagar, Nov 18 (VOS): Independent, fire-brand legislator from north Kashmir’s Langate constituency, Engineer Rashid today set preconditions for the NC-Cong Coalition and the PDP for earning his support in the upcoming elections for 4 Legislative Council seats under panchayat Quota.

While responding to the coalition government’s seeking support for upcoming Legislative council elections Mla Langate Er Rashid set preconditions for extending his support - releasing of all political prisoners languishing in jails and withdrawal of all cases allegedly involved in stone pelting since 2008

While addressing a press conference in Srinagar today he said that the coalition partners approached him to support their candidates for the upcoming Legislative council polls.

He said he has informed them that he was ready to support their candidates subject to condition that government releases political prisoners including Dr Faktoo, Masrat Alam, Ghulam Qadir Bhat, Tariq Dar and others languishing in jails since long and should withdraw all FIRs against youth allegedly involved in stone pelting since 2008,

He said that if state and central governments claim that 90 percent people have voted in the recent panchayat elections then they should not be afraid in fighting people like Dr Faktoo and Masrat alam politically. “It should be kept to the people of the state that which ideology they want to subscribe and support”.

Er Rashid offered his support to PDP for the upcoming Legislative council polls if the party was ready to bring resolution in the upcoming assembly session seeking clemency for Afzal Guru in the same manner as the Tamil Nadu assembly successfully did in case of Nalini and others.

Rashid expressed surprise over National conference leader Dr Meboob Beigh’s demand for release of Dr Faktoo and called it a big joke.

“Dr Mehboob Beig is himself in power and honorable High Court of Jammu and Kashmir has left it to the sate government to deciding on releasing Faktoo”.

Er Rashid also expressed solidarity with Muslim brothers In Palestine and said that  they are also suffer of brutality by a powerful nation like we are.

Er Rashid said that he will wait for response of all major political parties till tomorrow  and if they agree to his genuine pro kashmiri demands.

He said he was ready to withdraw his candidates and support them wholeheartedly

Rashid said that he asked separatist leaders to revisit the judgment t passed by the honorable court on Friday and said the court had facilitated state government in releasing Dr Faktoo if the state government was interested at all.

The MLA criticized coalition government for politicizing panchayat institutions by nominating candidates from political parities for upcoming Legislative polls. He asked all the concerned Quarters that panchas and sarpanchs should be seen as pure kashmiri nationalists as they have also sacrificed a lot during ongoing struggle for the resolution of kashmir issue.

Er Rashid expressed surprise on remarks of Omer Abdullah asking Parvez Musharaf whether Pakistan was sincere in resolving Kashmir issue.

He said that Omar should ask that question to himself and government of India as according to him Pakistan has always supported Kashmiris on all fronts for resolution of Kashmir issue

UJC, LeT support Nov 19 strike call

“Faktoo judgement contrary to principles of human justice, gross HR violation”

Decision based on political vendetta: DFP

Court has givne license to state Govt: Jamaat

Srinagar, Nov 18 (VOS): Descirbing the decision of state High Court against Dr. Qasim Faktoo as contrary to the principles of human justice and a gross human rights violation, United Jihad Council (UJC) and Lashkar e Toiba (LeT) have extended support to the Hurriyat (G) shut down call on 19 November.

According to UJC statement issued to VOS, UJC Supremo Sayed Sallahudin has said that the history has been repeated as the current Chief Minister’s father had signed the documents approving the capital punishment to Maqbool Bhat, and the son has fulfilled his desire to keep Dr. Faktoo behind the bars for entire life. “These tactics will make the candle of freedom more luminous and the time will come when thee people will have to stand before the public as accused to answer for their sins”, reads the statement quoting Sallahudin .

Sallahudin has extended sympathies with Asiya Andrabi and saluted the sacrifices of various political detainees.

Meanwhile, Lashkar e Toiba Spokesperson Dr. Abdullah Ghaznavi in a telephonic statement to VOS said committing human rights violations has become the daily business of the government. “The decision of court is less about politics and more about revenge”, Ghaznavi quoted Operations Chief of LeT as having said. Extending its support to the shut down call on 19th November, he appealed people to make the call successful.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) has said the court decision is based political vendetta, aimed at suppressing the legitimate freedom struggle of Kashmiris. In a statement to VOS, the DFP leader Mohammd Abdullah Tari said different separatist organizations and Hurriyat Conference should consult legal experts to decide on future course of action to counter such measures.

The Jammat e Islami today said the court, in the garb of the judgment, had given the state government a license to keep Dr Faktoo in Prison for his lifetime.

“He had approached the High Court of J&K with the hope that keeping a positive jail record, he might get some relief
in terms of the remission of the punishment but the court instead gave a license to the  govt. to keep him in prison till his death. The local govt. being opposed to his release might have heaved a sigh of relief on the court judgement”, the Jammat Spokesperson Advocate Zahid Ali said in a statement here.

He said ‘the judgment may even hang the fate of other life convicts who were expecting a relief according to the precedent of being released even before the completion of 14 years subject to keeping a good jail record. This judgement can have far reaching consequences and the administration can apply it whimsically as the recommendations of the Review Board even have lost all relevance in deciding the fate of the prisoners in the light of judgement.”

“It appears that the court has lost sight of the fact that conviction of Dr. Qasim stands merely on the confessional statements of the accused before the police under Sec 15 of the said Act which has been declared a harshest part of the law by all the legal luminaries and the human rights champions of every hue and colour. Now all such prisoners have been kept at the mercy of the govt”/
“ Jamat - e Islami J&K feels that it is the second  judgement which has caused an alarm in the public after the recent Talaq verdict and gives  unbridled powers to the executive leaving a great scope for their abuse or misuse” (VOS)

VOS, Teachers forum seminar: Media, voice of voiceless, weapon of the weak

Media has significant role in eradicating corruption: Ministers

Srinagar, Nov 18 (VOS): Describing media as voice of the voiceless and weapon of the weak, Politicians, Journalists and intellectuals said that media had a role to play in bringing much needed reform in different walks of life.

Ministers in the state government, Taj Mohiddin, Javid Ahmad Dar and Nasir Aslam Wani stated in clear terms that media has a vital and significant role in eradicating corruption and vices in the society.

The ministers were speaking in the seminar titled ‘Role of Media in Society’ organized by leading news agency, Kashmir News Service (VOS) in collaboration with Teachers Forum Baramulla at Sheerwani Hall here.

In his inaugural speech, VOS editor Zahid Mushtaq said that media is neither a magistrate nor a judge to deliver the judgment but its job is to ‘bring goodness of system before people and to highlight the weaknesses therein’.

Ministers present on the occasion in their speech said that the media is the fourth pillar of democracy and it is its prime duty to highlight the wrong and weaknesses in various walks of life. They said that media works as a bridge between the rulers and the ruled.

Ministers in their speech agreed that media persons can play an important role for corruption eradication whether it is in government, administration or in society. They expressed delight over organizing the seminar and stressed for organizing such seminars in future to bring people closer to the media.

Speakers in the seminar highlighted the role of media while they also expressed concern over its growing misuse.

Speakers including State Ministers in their speech admitted that some times media persons are being pressurized and assaulted, however, they encouraged media persons to side with truth and to perform their duties honestly and sincerely.

Appreciating the role of VOS in the news world, speakers said a lot of people in the media depend upon VOS for authentic material.

VOS Chief in Editor Mohammad Aslam Bhat while thanking the guests and participants for being the part of the event highlighted the role of VOS. “During last 12 years VOS and its members had to face difficult situations. Reaching to this stage was not easy. VOS has been and will be making attempts to highlight various issues including political, social and economic without holding any bias”, Bhat said..

Javid Ahmad Dar, Minister of State for R&B, performed the duties of Chief Guest while as Taj Mohidin and Nasir Aslam Wani were the guests of honor.

VOS Chief in Editor Mohammad Aslam Bhat, former member of parliament Abdur Rasheed Shaheen, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Ghulam Ahmad Khaja, SSP Baramulla Anand Jain, Congress leader Dr. Abdul Ahad Yatoo, PDP leader Dr. Shazad Aasim, Chairman Bar Association Baramulla Abdul Salam Rather, former senior police officer Riyaz Beedar, Chairperson teachers forum Baramulla Mohammad Rafiq Rather, Chairman Bewpar Mandal Baramulla Inayatulla Bulroo, senior journalists including Qaramat Qayoom, Nisar Yatoo, Fayaz Bukhari, Riyaz ganie, Javid Zargar, Altaf Baba, Sajad Hussain, Abid Nabi, Ishfaq Nabi, senior officers of police and civil administration and people from various fields of life were present on the occasion.

VOS chief Managing Director Shabir Ahmad Malik and senior television artist Shafiya Maqbool  anchored the event. Arrangements and preparations for the seminar was done by VOS bereau chief Baramulla Mohammad Latief Bhat.

Fazal Khan withdraws papers in support of Ganai , Bhagat

Jammu Nov18: Fazal Hussain Khan, Chairman All J&K Sarpanch & Panches Association, who had filed his nomination from J-1 constituency for J&K Legislative Council elections today withdrew his papers in support of coalition candidate Dr. Shenaz Ganai and Shri Sham Lal Bhagat.

“Fazal Hussain assured support of all the members, sarpanches and panches to Dr. Shenaz Ganai and Sham Lal Bhagat and assured the National Conference leadership that he will go all out to canvass and gather support for the coalition candidates”, said the NC spokesperson in a statement issued here.

 Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President J&K National Conference, Jammu province, Devender Singh Rana, Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, Bashir Ahmed Wani, Dr. Shenaz Ganai, Wali Dad and other sarpanches were also present on the occasion.

On this occasion Provincial President J&K National Conference Jammu province Rattan Lal Gupta welcomed the decision of Fazal Hussain Khan and said that this decision of Fazal Hussain Khan will further strengthen the two coalition candidates contesting from J-1 and J-2 who are getting overwhelming response from across Jammu province.

Dr. Shenaz Ganai National Conference candidate from J-2 seat thanked Fazal Hussain Khan for this decision and appealed to all panches and sarpanches of Jammu province to bless her and support the coalition candidates from Jammu province viz herself and Sham Lal Bhagat.

‘Cross LoC trade on verge of closure’

Number of traders comes down to 30 from 400

Srinagar, Nov 18 (VOS): The much hyped cross LoC trade is on a steep decline with most traders losing confidence and wealth in this the process of the trade.

Sources told VOS, an initiative taken in 2008 for the across border trade had 400 traders involved in it which has come down to mere 30 now.

“Trade across the border was initiated in 2008 opening the doors at various places as a confidence building measure. It is on verge of closure as the number of traders has declined from 400 to 30”, sources told VOS.

Talking to VOS, General Secretary Joint Chamber of Cross Loc Trade, Hilal Turki said that in 2008 various traders applied for the loan and indulged in the across trade and the number of traders had exceeded to 600.

 “We’ve been demanding communication facilities across the border for the trade purposes and Mr. Shinde also assured us of this facility during his last visit to Kashmir”, said Turki. “Ban has been imposed on the export of coconuts eight months ago while the export of coconuts had reaped one crore 25 lac profit”, he added.

“Authorities in India and Pakistan are eagerly waiting to see the across border trade dying that is why they’re not serious about the bank, communication and other required facilities needed for the trade”, alleges Turki. (VOS)

Muharram Preparations: SMC intensifies market checking

Asks shopkeepers, food vendors to sell fresh, quality products

Srinagar, Nov 18 (VOS): In wake of Muharram days, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation has intensified market checking in different city areas particularly those dominated by Shia population.

The Media Relations Officer of SMC said a team of Food Safety Officers, on the directions of Health Officer SMC Dr Rubeena Shaaheen, conducted market checking in the different areas of the Srinagar city.

“Sanitation and hygiene conditions at different shops and establishments apart from vendors were thoroughly checked.  Directions were strictly passed on to the shopkeepers and owners of food establishments to keep their premises  clean and serve fresh and quality food products to consumers”, the officer said.

“The routine market checking will continue during these Muharram days and the food establishment owners are directed to stick to the Food Safety Standards and norms”, said the health officer SMC. (VOS)

Govt legitimizing Corruption on coalition pretext: Mufti

Srinagar, Nov 18: Peoples Democratic Party Patron Mufti Mohammed Sayeed has said by justifying corruption on the pretext of coalition politics the Chief Minister seems to be offering a license to politicians and civil servants. Addressing a public meeting at Sangrama of Baramullah district Mufti said it is not just displaying signs of surrender on anticorruption front but it amounts to creating a space within the political system for wrong doing and immunity against mal practices. Senior party leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig, party general secretary Mohammed Dilawar Mir, MLA’s Mansoor Hussain and Basharat Bukhari were also present and spoke on this occasion.

Mufti said blaming corruption on coalition politics is without logic as there have been good examples of coalition governments providing clean administration which are being admired universally. He said even in Jammu & Kashmir the previous PDP-Congress coalition  had scripted a success story in administration inspite of very difficult circumstances  at a time when militancy was still on and the political system had just started reasserting it self.

Mufti said numerous new initiatives had been taken by the previous coalition which has provided foundation for a new political culture and developmental environment.  He said all the regions of the state had for the first time enjoyed political empowerment and participation in governance and decision making. But, unfortunately those initiatives have been wasted as a result of lack of political direction and seriousness in governance.

Similarly, Mufti said on the developmental front it was ensured that all regions and sub regions received their share of funds and that they were utilized properly. He said an effective monitoring system had been put in place to ensure that projects were completed in a given time which produced impressive results. He said one of the main reason for corruption is lack of monitoring at the leadership level which results in delay in execution and siphoning of funds meant for development. He said the money that goes into private pockets is actually people’s resources which is meant for providing amenities like power, roads, water, health, education etc.

Mufti said the present government has virtually demolished all anti corruption agencies by initially delaying their constitution and later diluting their jurisdiction. He said it was for the Chief Minister as leader of the coalition to set examples of probity by submitting to scrutiny by institutions like State Accountability Commission (SAC). But instead of doing that the Chief Minister stopped the proceeding against him by getting a stay order from the court on technical reasons.

Similarly, the rules governing the State Information Commission (SIC) were diluted to make the commission ineffective which virtually takes away the right to information which had been secured by the people of state after a long delay. The state Vigilance Commission (SVC) and vigilance department are completely defunct for the last four years, Mufti 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 in the state 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 at various places in Kashmir had been shelved.

He said horticulture and agriculture could be developed on modern lines as an effective solution to the unemployment problem. He said Kashmir and other regions of the state were ideally suited for intensive agricultural operations which could increase productivity and make agriculture more renumerative. At present he said the increasing cost of inputs like fertilizers and pesticides has made agriculture a loosing proposition. “The government must come up with plans to address this problems and it should not be difficult as the Government of India provides generous funding for development of agriculture sector”, Mufti said.

Expressing concern over the inability of the government to utilize developmental funds Mufti said the Comptroler and Auditor General of India (CAG) had repeatedly pointed out lapses and instances of corruption in most of the schemes as a result of this the government has become a nightmare for the common man. He said the government had failed on all fronts and it was a matter of shame that central funds allocated to J&K were now diverted to north eastern states because of our inability to spend. The unlimited funds available for universalization of education could have transformed the state into the most developed human resource bank but the government's inability to utilize them had resulted in huge setback to the schemes like Sarva Shikhsha Abhiyan and Sakhshar Bharat.

Speaking on this occasion senior party leader and former deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig said the present government had converted corruption into broad day dacoity with most ruling politicians facing serious charges of involvement in murder, fraud, nepotism and land grabbing. This had resulted in a unique situation in which nobody was in a position to question the other he said, adding they had now found safety in coming to each other’s rescue in times of need. He said the dissolution of the house panel constituted to probe allegations of land grab against a minister represented the lowest point in moral decadence of a government. “Everyone will henceforth feel free to indulge in loot as all institutional vigilance has been demolished. The legislature is the only the latest victim and most powerful institution to be trampled by the present government” Baig said.

Preserve the idea of J&K: Rana

Jammu Nov 18:  The idea of Jammu and Kashmir has to be preserved as envisaged by Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah which is microcosm of the idea of India. The strength of idea is in preserving the multi-ethos of J&K, said Devender Singh Rana, Political Advisor to the Chief Minister while speaking at the award giving away function of Pt. Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Amateur Journalists Awards 2012 organized by the Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust here today.

Rana said it is the duty of all who are born in J&K to preserve the rich multi cultural, multi regional, and multi ethnic ethos of the state. He said idea of Jammu and Kashmir cannot be bartered at the hands of any consideration, political, regional, ethnic or otherwise because if the composite pluralistic character of Jammu and Kashmir is not preserved and its secular fabric is not strengthened it will not only defeat the idea of J&K but will defeat the idea of India.

Rana said the state coalition government headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is committed to the welfare of the people of all the communities in J&K and it is the government’s endeavour that all communities live together in harmony with dignity and respect in Jammu and Kashmir.

Paying glowing tributes to Pt. Prem Nath Bhat, Rana said that Pt. Prem Nath Bhat was a legal luminary who faced the adversities of life and circumstances bravely and stood for the cause of secularism. He described Pt. Bhat as an humanitarian par excellence, a patriot and a secularist to the core, having wide circle of friends and admirers belongs to various walks of life and to different communities as well as having different political affiliations.

Rana also lauded the role of non professional and free lance journalists who serve as opinion builders on different issues, by writing freely without any constrain of the interest of employers. He also laid stress on the social responsibility of the media and advised the fraternity to avoid sensationalism while at the same time being objective, fair and fearless in their writings.

On the occasion two prominent journalists were given away Pt. Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Amateur Journalists Awards 2012. The recipients of this year’s award are A.N. Kaul, Editor English magazine NAAD published from New Delhi and Pardeep Koul who is contributing his write-ups to various newspapers and periodicals.

Earlier giving background of the award Yash Bashin convener of the award giving function and senior trustee of the Pt. Prem Nath Memorial Trust stated that Prem Nath Memorial Amateur Journalists Award was instituted in 1990 jointly by Jammu Panorma, the magazine which he owned and edited and Prem Nath Memorial Trust to enliven the memory of Late Pt. Prem Nath Bhat who himself was a non professional journalist while professionally being an advocate.

Among others who were present on the occasion included Dr. A.N. Pandit, Padam Shree Moti Lal Keemu, Khalid Hussain, Dr. R.L. Bhat, Prf. R.K. Bhat, H.L. Jattoo, Kashmiri Lal Bhat, Ravinder Raina, C.L. Pandita, J.L. Koul, Dr. Roshan Sara, B.L. Saraf and others.

PDP emerged as effective alternative of NC: Mehbooba

Landar (Udhampur) November 18: President of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti today said that her party has emerged as the most relevant alternative to the National Conference in the entire State.She said all the people of all regions and sub-regions of the State are looking towards PDP to get them rid from the mis-governance and mal-administration of National Conference.

Addressing an impressive public meeting in this remotest area of Udhampur district, Ms Mufti said that PDP during its tenure has proved how to deliver good governance to the people. She said that PDP led coalition regime has set an example of good governance and carved out a path of equitable development. “It was during the tenure of PDP led regime that all regions of the State were empowered and there was equal distribution of power”, she said, adding, “People of Jammu region too have realized that only PDP has vision to solve their problems”. “PDP has earned credibility of the people through its convictions and commitments. We want to change the present system with people’s support and cooperation,” she said and urged the people to support PDP to implement the pro-people agenda.
She said it was because of the pro-people policies of the party, that PDP has emerged as a strong alternative in the state within a short span of time. She added that PDP has earned credibility of the peoplethrough its convictions and commitments.She said that it was all due to the good governance of the PDP led government that people have faith on this party. “In its tenure PDP had tried its best to come up to the expectations of the people,” she
said and expressed satisfaction that people of Jammu and Kashmir have appreciated the work of the PDP led regime.

 “People have realized that only PDP has the vision and conviction to  solve their problems so they have pinned their hopes on PDP”, she said, adding, “Programmes and policies of the PDP are formulated after incorporating wishes and aspirations of all regions and sub-regions of the state”.

Taking a dig at National Conference led regime for its failure to fulfill promises made with the people, she said, “while PDP –Congress coalition can claim many achievements during their tenure both on political, development and governance front, the present regime has
failed to all fronts”. She pointed out that Panchayat elections drummed as greatest
achievement at state, national and international level by the present regime but the purpose of this institution brought down just to get four MLC seats. She regretted that instead of  empowering Panchayats, government’s only concern is to get four more MLCs to its kitty.
Responding to the demands raised by locals, she said special problems of the such far-flung areas should be keenly focused to ameliorate lot of the residents of such backward areas. She demanded construction Panchari-Landar road, construction of Kandi Nullah to Sanasar road,construction of Landar to Chanani-Ramban road to connect this belt with Sawalakote.
PDP president further said that this area has huge tourism potential but the successive governments have failed to explore potential of this belt. She also supported the demand of tehsil status for Panchari and Landar, General Secretary of PDP Thakur Balbir Singh, Shanti Devi, Sukhdev Sharma, Kuldeep Singh, Sarpanch, Surjeet Singh Sarpanch, Pandit Hans Raj, Rashid, Mohammed Manzor, Ravi Kumar and others also spoke on the occasion.

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