Sunday 11 November 2012



SRINAGAR, MONDAY, 26 ZUL HIJJAH 1433 AH ; 12 NOVEMBER  2012
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Sagar visits District Court Complex
SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 11:- Minister for Rural Development, Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs and Panchayati Raj, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar today visited District Court Complex, Mominabad here.
He was accompanied by Secretary Law, Mr. G. H. Tantray, Managing Director JKPCC, Chief Engineer R&B and other officers.
 The Minister asked the officers to expedite the ongoing work on district court complex and judicial academy as soon as possible so that it is constructed within the stipulated time frame.

10th batch of 540 Hajis received at Srinagar Airport
            SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 11: As many as 540 Haj pilgrims comprising of 325 male and 214 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.

 Sakina distributes cheques worth Rs. 2.80 lakh at Kulgam
Says 05 lakh persons get yearly assistance from SW deptt
            KULGAM, NOVEMBER 11: Minister for Social Welfare, Ms. Sakina Itoo distributed cheques worth Rs. 2.80 lakh among 31 beneficiaries at a function organized by State Rehabilitation Council here today. These beneficiaries include two young widows who got Rs. 20,000 each under the scheme ‘’One Time Marriage Assistance to Young Widows’’.
            Speaking at the occasion, the Minister reiterated government’s resolve to reach out far flung areas for redressal of public grievances. She said Deputy Commissioners have been asked to identify the deserving persons in their respective areas so that those could be benefitted under various welfare and financial assistance schemes of Social Welfare department.
            The Minister also stressed the need for transparent distribution of financial assistance, adding she is personally monitoring that the old age pension and other financial assistance percolates to the deserving persons. She said 05 lakh person are being provided financial assistance yearly under various schemes of Social Welfare.
            Director, State Rehabilitation Council, Mrs. Hafaza Muzaffar, Director Social Welfare, Mr. Bashir Ahmad Bhat, officers of district administration Kulgam, Panches and Sarpanches of the area also attended the function. 

Gousia Shafakana & Diagnostic Centre gets fully Automatic Biochemistry Analyzer
            SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 11:  Director SKIMS Soura, Dr. Showkat Ali Zargar today inaugurated a diagnostic machine “Fully automatic Biochemistry Analyzer’’ at Gousia Shafakhana and Diagnostic Centre, Sarai Payeen, Srinagar. The Analyzer costs Rs. 16 lakhs was provided by Idhara Auqaf, Gousia Sarai Payeen, Amira Kadal, Srinagar.
            Director Health Services, Kashmir, Dr. Saleem-ur-Rehman, members of Idhara Auqaf Gousia and senior citizens of the area were present at the occasion.
            While speaking on the occasion, the Director SKIMS appreciated the Idhara Auqaf Gousia for carrying out healthcare facilities especially for poor and needy peoples. He said these facilities should also bbe made available in far flung and remote areas. He also assured every possible help from SKIMS in this regard.
            Director Health Services, Kashmir, Dr. Saleem-ur-Rehman said it was the need of the hour that installation of such facilities should be appreciated as these Centres work at ‘’No Profit No Loss’’ basis to provide succor to the poor and needy persons.

NIELIT, J&K, gets 20 Aakash Tablets on its launch
                NEW DELHI/ SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 11: The National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT), Jammu and Kashmir, which is collaborating with IIT Bombay and was part of National Launch of Aakash Tablet among selected institutions across the country, gets 20 Aakash Tablets as its first consignment. The institute will receive 100 more Tablets soon.
            President, Pranab Mukherjee, on Sunday formally launched the Aakash Tablet in New Dehli on National Education Day, being celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first Education Minister of Independent India.
            IIT Bombay which is implementing the project “Aakash for Education” is supported by MHRD, Govt. of India under National Mission on Education through ICT.
                  About 22 crore students will get the device across the country in the next five to six years. By coming Monday alone, 20,000 devices are expected to reach out to the students.
                   Director NIELIT, A.H.Moon while briefing the press said, “Aakash is a low cost tablet developed indigenously to enhance the quality of educational applications and e-Learning contents. The low cost, high performance tablet will provide a platform for academic institutions, faculty, students, R&D teams and IT professionals from industry to enhance their quest for achieving academic excellence and undertake developmental work”.
            Muneer Ahmad Dar, Scientist-B said, “Aakash is based on Android Operating System with 1Ghz processor, 512MB RAM and 7" capacitive touch screen. Number of educational applications including Clicker used to conduct class quiz’s, C/C++ compilers, Python, Scilab etc, have been already ported to Aakash platform. The current price of Aakash tablet is stated to be Rs. 2263/- per tablet”.

Sub divisional team inspects markets; warns against encroachments
             JAMMU, NOVEMBER 11 -A sub divisional team of the border division of R. S Pura visited various market places and took stock of the preparedness for the ensuing Diwali festival.
            Led by Sub Divisional Magistrate Suraj Prakash Rakwal, the team too serious exception to extension of business activity by the shopkeepers on the pavements and issued immediate necessary instructions to the field staff for removing encroachments and making the markets easily accessible for shoppers as also commuters.
            The team also included Sub Divisional Police Officer, Diwakar Singh, which emphasized the need for ensuring supply of essentials at reasonable prices and warned against the attempts of profiteering. It also called upon sweet meat sellers to take extra care about health and hygiene and emphasized the need for making the division polythene free.
 The team also sought generating awareness about use of fire crackers on the festival for the overall safety of people, especially the children.

Ministers for promoting rich heritage of Jammu
Urge parents to speak with wards in regional dialect
                JAMMU, NOVEMBER 11 –A social organization, Mandli Mittran Di, today organized its 11th one-day convention and Diwali Milan at Kunjwani. The topic of today’s convention was “preservation and propagation of our rich culture & heritage”.
Minister for Health, Horticulture & Floriculture Sham Lal Sharma was chief guest and MP Madan Lal Sharma, who is also Chief Patron of the organization, presided over the function.
            Minister for Revenue Raman Bhalla, Vice Chairman, OBC Advisory Board Master Kuldeep Verma, President, Mandli Mittran Di, Mukerjee Sharma and prominent sikh leader Mahant Manjit Singh and hundreds of Members of the organization, besides prominent citizens were present on the occasion.
            Speaking on the occasion, Sham Lal said this is the right fora to express views on rich culture and heritage of Jammu and Kashmir for its promotion and preservation as well. He stressed the need for encouraging Dogri language adding that parents should speak mother tongue with their wards at home and teach them the Dogra culture and traditions. He said Dogra culture is our identity and we all should make collective efforts to preserve it. He also emphasized for starting the Dogri subject from the primary level at the earliest.
            He extended Diwali greetings to the people of State and wished for their peace and prosperity. He said the festivals are the harbinger of peace and prosperity and strengthen the communal harmony.
            Raman Bhalla appreciated the role of the organization and said that when the moral values and old traditions are vanishing from the society the need of the hour is to make collective efforts to save our age old culture and heritage. All intellectuals and likeminded people should come forward and contribute for promoting the rich Dogra culture and ethics.
             Madan Lal Sharma apprised the people of objective of the organization saying that this is a platform for those who want to contribute for development of the society. The organization was formed for preservation of rich culture and heritage of Jammu, he added.
            Mukerjee Sharma said the organization has very sacred mandate and people should join it voluntarily.
            Mahant Manjeet Singh also blessed the occasion and appreciated the efforts of the organization.
            The organizers honored Mahant Sahib by presenting him traditional Siropa.
            The local artists presented colorful cultural activities depicting social evils.

NC treating Srinagar as bonded territory: Mufti
‘Capital city receiving a raw deal
Srinagar Nov 11: Urging the residents of Srinagar to wake up to the infrastructure disaster in the capital city, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said the ruling National Conference had been treating it as a bonded territory only as a ladder to luxuries of power.
Addressing a workers meeting at Balhama in the Sonwar constituency here he said no transformation of the historic city was possible till the NC enjoyed a free run in elections in Srinagar facilitated by poll boycott. On this occasion District president and MLC Mohd Ashraf Mir, Secretary Coordination Ab Hameed Kosheen, Aadil Jan, vice district president Mohd Maqbool Beig, Zone president Mohd Shafi Mir and others were also present and spoke to the gathering.
Citing the data available in public domain Mufti said the share of Srinagar District had got reduced from 5.83% in 2006-07 to 3.29% in 2012-13 within the District Plan of the State. Srinagar is crumbling as, he said as the infrastructure development was not at all keeping pace with the pressures of increasing urbanisation and tourist inflow. 95% of Srinagar dwellings are unplanned leading to choking and other social problems with the government busy only in compromises for its survival, he said adding that the city was turning into a virtual slum. He said only last year the government had diverted funds amounting to Rs 48 crore under Central Road Fund (CRF) and none of the legislators had even raised the issue, not to speak of the chief minister who actually ordered it as minister incharge of R&B.
Mufti said though the ten legislators from Srinagar and Ganderbal districts were crucial to NC’s survival in power, the party had taken the residents there for granted, considering that there would always be boycott in elections and they could run away with results in their favour. He said it was for the people to ponder over this situation and decide whether this situation should be allowed to perpetuate at the cost of their interests. He said the legislators and MP from Srinagar were paying only lip service to the city without any contribution to its growth on modern lines.
Mufti said instead of trying to build on the initiatives taken by the previous coalition to develop modern amenities in Srinagar the present government had either delayed their execution or shelved them altogether. Referring to the four laning of Srinagar Jammu Highway Mufti said even though it had been got approved by the then prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee it had failed to take off beyond Pantchhokh for lack of follow up by the state government. He said not a single kilometre had been completed in the four years of present dispensation and Srinagar city was choked at the main entry points of Pantchhokh and Parimpora. Even the Srinagar Narbal widening project was running in its seventh year without its completion in sight, with the result that travel on these routes had become almost like a punishment.
Mufti said the new spaces created by the previous government as part of the beautification of river Jehlum had added to the beauty of the city but the NC led government failed in carrying it forward. Instead of extending the beautification program as originally envisaged it was now trying to undo it by implementing silly projects like the skewed bridge. He said it would destroy the only pedestrian mall left in the city which had over the centuries acquired an iconic aura among tourists and travellers as The Bund Srinagar was considered as one on the most attractive addresses east of Suez. He regretted that the government had overruled all sane opinion from experts and civil society in going ahead with the senseless project. He said the prestigious Dal project sanctioned during the previous government had made little progress and there were allegations of targeting the poor and underprivileged people while the rich and powerful enjoying political patronage got away with brazen violations.
Terming the claims of government about development of Srinagar as false and misleading, Mufti said the city was still at a stage of growth where patch work on roads or fixing of a lighting post was projected as an achievement and a favour. He said through the plans like the Asian Development Bank assistance and other multilateral and central funding the PDP led government had planned to take the city to next level of development which included a rapid transport system, proper sewerage disposal and a dependable power distribution system but that too had suffered a reversal. “Projects are now used only to provide jobs to favourites through back door while out of the seven proposed flyovers not a single had been taken in hand even though this government is now on its last leg” Mufti said. He said many sewerage projects had become a source of discomfort as roads in those areas remained ripped open for years with work execution going on at snail’s pace.
Mufti said a government that is unable to even ensure the supply of unsubsidized cooking gas to consumers could achieve precious little on any front requiring proper planning, monitoring and serious execution. He said he was pained to see long queues of people waiting for gas everywhere as if they were given alms. The deteriorating power situation had made things worse and this government had lost the moral right to rule in view of the miseries heaped by it on the people.
Speaking on the occasion District President and MLC Mohd Ashraf Mir  regretted that present regime had crossed all limits as far as corruption, favoritism and nepotism is concerned. He said that although all sections of the society were facing hardship due to wrong policies of preset regime and the youth was the worst victims of policies adopted by the present dispensation. He said that woes of the common masses were compounding with passing day due to wrong policies of the present dispensation. The scaricity of ration, unavailability of LPG, Kerosene and other essentials had added the problems of common man and the present government is napping in no-man’s land having no concern to address their problems.


‘Guv approves Khoda’s nomination as JKs 1st CVC’
‘Jerath, Khan to be appointed as VCs’
‘Govt to issue orders within days’
Srinagar, Nov 11 (VOS): More than five months after a high power panel recommended names for constitution of the State Vigilance Commission (SVC), Governor, N N Vohra has finally given approval to the appointment of the Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) and two Vigilance Commissioners (VCs) to the commission, reliable sources told VOS.
Highly placed sources in the state government told VOS that the file for appointment of the CVC and two VCs has been approved by the Governor, which is expected to be returned to the government on Monday or Tuesday, ‘soon after which the General Administration Department will issue orders for appointment of former Director General of Police, Kuldeep Khoda to the coveted post of CVC’.
“Orders for appointment of retired IAS officers R K Jerath and Muhammad Syed Khan as Vigilance Commissioners will also be issued simultaneously”, the sources said.
Khoda will be the first Chief Vigilance Commissioner of the state. After constitution of the Commission, the present Vigilance Commissioner will be designated as Director Vigilance, the sources added.
After issuance of the orders by the state government, the Governor will accord an oath of office to the CVC and VCs.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had earlier hinted at this significant development while addressing a public gathering at Kishtwar during the annual day function of an educational institute.
Khoda was an IPS officer of 1974 batch of Jammu and Kashmir cadre, who served as DGP of the state from July 2007 to May 2012.
Pertinently on May 28, a panel, comprising Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand and Law Minister Ali Mohammed Sagar had recommended the names of former DGP Kuldeep Khoda for appointment as Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) and former Financial Commissioner, R K Jerath and former Commissioner Secretary GAD M S Khan as Commissioners. 
The panel had sent these recommendations ignoring the objections raised by the leader of opposition Mehbooba Mufti over Khoda’s nomination.
The recommendations were in mid-June returned to the state government by the Governor seeking certain queries and clarifications from the government reportedly about the names of Khoda and Khan, after which the state government had resubmitted the file, along with clarifications, to the Governor for final approval. (VOS)


SMC seals premises of hotel coming up illegally
Srinagar Nov 11 (VOS): Enforcement wing of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Saturday sealed the premises of an under construction hotel at Rajbagh, which had come up in violation of the permission granted by the corporation.
“The applicant was granted permission for constructing roof over the existing gutted residential building and for construction of compound walling at Rajbagh. But the applicant/violator in breach of permission granted to him converted the residential house into a hotel and violated the terms and conditions of the permission granted to him in accordance with plan by Building Operation Controlling Authority (BOCA)”, said SMC Media Relations Officer.
According to the Officer, the premises owned by Firdous Ahmed Lone S/O Ab Gaffar Lone R/o Abiguzar Sgr was sealed on the directions of Honb’le High Court. “The court had passed an order on Nov 7 in OWP No. 759/2012 titled Masjid Noor V/s State and others in terms of which the BOCA (SMC) has been directed to seal the premises of the above mentioned”, the officer added.
“A huge illegal construction had come up on spot and the violator has raised construction on ground floor also without any permission. In compliance to the orders of the Hon,ble High Court, the premises was sealed  on 10-11-12 with the assistance of SHO Rajbagh  in presence of Executive Magistrate”, the officer said.
The premises was put on the Superdari of Joint Commissioner Planning and Chief Enforcement Officer SMC Hakeem Aijaz, she added.(VOS)


Panchayat members’ group term Kashmir as ‘disputed’
To field own candidates for LC elections
Srinagar Nov 11 (VOS): Terming the State of Jammu and Kashmir as ‘disputed’, a group of Panchs and Sarpanches said that the sacrifices of the people of Kashmir would not be allowed to go waste.
Chairman United Forum, Haji Ghualam Nabi Mir also said that the forum would field its own candidates for the State Legislative Council elections, whose name would be announced on 14th November at Sheri Kashmir Park.
While talking to VOS, he expressed dismay and apprehensions over the activities of group of PRI’s under the chairmanship of Shafeeq Mir in Jammu.
 Mir claimed that his group has the support of Ghulamudin Gulshan.
Meanwhile,another group of panchayat members held a meeting under the chairmanship of Sheikh Imtiyaz Afzal Beigh on Sunday at Bemina and it was reiterated that the group will not field any candidate to contest State Council elections.
 “We’re for strengthening the democracy at the gross root level which isn’t possible without the implementation of 73rd amendment act 1993’, said Baig. (VOS)


Nayak Bagh residents decry shortage of power, water
Srinagar Nov 11 (VOS): Residents of Nayak bagh Nowgam today protested over non availability of electric supply in the area. A deputation from the locality told VOS that the area was put in darkness even on Eidul Adha due to non availability of the electricity.
“Our grievances are going unheard. How authorities can put us in dark on the days of Edul Adha”, said a local resident Mohammad Ashraf told VOS. “We went door to door and informed authorities about our grievance but they’re paying no heed”, he added.
Locals allege that the authorities have failed to provide basic necessities in the area. “There is no motorable roads or proper supply of drinkable water available in the area. Authorities have failed to provide us the basic necessities”, said another local inhabitant Ghulam Rosool.
Deputation from the area has appealed the concerned authorities to intervene at the earliest for the redessal of their grievances. (VOS)


Dr Zargar inaugurates biochem analyzer at Gousia Shifa Khana
Srinagar Nov 11 (VOS): Director, Sher e Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr Showkat Ali Zargar today inaugurated a fully automatic biochemistry analyzer at Gousia Shifa Khana near Hari Sing High Street here.
Gousia Shif Khana has dedicated the Analyzer to the people after it was made functional on Sunaday during a function held in hospital premises.
Apart from Dr Zargar,  Dr. Simnanai, Dr. Kovneen and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
Director Health Services, Kashmir, Dr. Saleem-ur-Rehman, members of Idhara Auqaf Gousia and senior citizens of the area were present at the occasion.
While speaking on the occasion, the Director SKIMS appreciated the Idhara Auqaf Gousia for carrying out healthcare facilities especially for poor and needy peoples. He said these facilities should also bbe made available in far flung and remote areas. He also assured every possible help from SKIMS in this regard.
Director Health Services, Kashmir, Dr. Saleem-ur-Rehman said it was the need of the hour that installation of such facilities should be appreciated as these Centres work at ‘’No Profit No Loss’’ basis to provide succor to the poor and needy persons.
During his inaugural speech, Chairman Awkaaf Gousia Sarai Balla, Choudry Mehrajudin said: “Time has come when we need to implement our knowledge and education in practice to felicitate youth to solve their issues. Awkaaf Gousia has been active for financial assistance for the needy since day one irrespective of caste and religion”, said Mehrajudin.
“The institution does not have enough finances but our effort is to help the needy people and that is why today we’ve machines worth crores in the institution”, he added.
 He said that the institution is working under the principle of no profit no loss and people are providing financial help to it.
Criticizing the State Wakf Board, he said that this institution has not come up to the expectations of the people. (VOS)


Revolt in PDP imminent - NC
“Disgruntled members to form separate group”
Srinagar Nov 11: The National Conference today said that a revolt in the opposition PDP was imminent and could happen anytime as many of their senior leaders are mulling to form a separate group.  
“A majority of PDP MLA’s have revolted internally against their party leadership and it is a matter of time that they will either form a separate group owing allegiance to another senior leader of the party or totally break up from the party” National Conference Spokesman Tanvir Sadiq today said in a statement adding “fissures in their party is now beyond repair”
Stating that they have authentic information that the splinter group has met a few times in the past the NC spokesman said “The disgruntled group which includes some senior leaders of the opposition are waiting for an opportune time to announce their decision” said Sadiq
Accusing the PDP leadership of suffering from “senile dementia,” Tanvir said “While they have nothing in Jammu region they are fast losing base in Kashmir” adding “They will completely disintegrate before the parliamentary election and they are clearly reading the writing on the wall”
“PDP is frustrated after seeing the path breaking initiatives taken by the Omar Abdullah-led government and its remarkable achievements on both political and development fronts.” said Tanvir “The coalition with the support of the people will decimate PDP who are responsible for bringing death and destruction to the state by pitting Kashmir against Jammu and vice versa in the 2008 agitation” said Sadiq adding” People of the state will never forgive them for their communal mindset and petty politics”
PDP has only used the people as fodder to meet their political narrow ends. It has misfired and people have understood and exhorted faith in the leadership and policies of the National Conference,” the NC spokesman said adding “PDP has survived on deception and slur so far and now stands fully exposed before the people and now even their own leaders are deserting them,” he said.
“PDP’s own party men and workers have lost faith in Mufti’s and their leadership, what can people now expect from them” said Tanvir “The beginning of the end for them has begun”  


Nanwaees demand hike in rates, threaten to issue rate list ‘if Govt failed’
Srinagar Nov 11 (VOS): Bread Makers Association (BMA) has threatened that it will frame its own new rate list if the authorities failed to revise the existing rates within two days.
Talking to VOS, Chairman of BMA, Abdul Majeed Pampori said that the price of the various ingredients of the bread has been hiked while the price of fire wood is also touching the sky. “Authorities had revised the rate list of the breads in year 2010 but since then the price of material used in making breads have increased extensively’, said Pampori.
BMA has asked authorities to revise the rates on priority basis within two days or else it (BMA) would sell the breads on new rates on its discretion. (VOS)


KPs should manage Amarmath Yatra: Bhushan Bazaz
Srinagar Nov 11: Jammu & Kashmir Democratic forum President Pandit Bhushan Bazaz today called for handling over the management of annual Amarnath Yatra to Kashmiri Pandits.
According to a statement issued to VOS, while addressing Kashmiri Pandits at a Migrant  in Delhi, Bazaz said  “Handling over Affairs of the Yatra to Kashmiri Pandits would revive the age-old harmony of the community with their Muslim brethren that  existed before the yatra management was taking our by the state Government.
Bazaz expressed surprise over kashmiri Pandits not even being involved in the matters like increasing or decreasing the duration of the yatra. “Earlier it was always the Kashmiri Muslims who used to facilitate Pandits for conducting the Amarnath Yatra. But now the Government has messed up everything”, he added 


03 Injured in road mishaps
Srinagar, Nov 11: Three persons were injured in two separate road accidents in the valley on Sunday.
A Maruti car bearing registration number Jk18/3692 hit and injured a pedestrian Tariq Ahmad Hajam age 27 years son  of Ali Muhammad resident of Wanpora near Lawdoora NHW, in the jurisdiction of Police Qazigund. The injured was shifted to Hospital for treatment. Qazigund Police has registered a case in this regard.
Meanwhile, an I-10 vehicle bearing registration number Jk01L/5544 hit a Scooter bearing registration number Jk05/2770 near Batpora, Kunzar, falling under the jurisdiction of Police Kunzar, resulting in injuries to Scooterist  Adil Ahmad Kuchay son of Farooq Ahmad resident of Waripora, Bandipora and a Pillion Amir Ahmad Wani son of Ghulam Hassan resident of Behama, Ganderbal. Both the injured were shifted to SKIMS Soura, Srinagar for treatment. Police has registered a case in this regard.


Ammunition recovered in Uri
Srinagar, Nov 11:  Police recovered two boxes of ammunition in Uri area of Baramulla district last evening.
“Acting on specific information, Police Uri recovered two boxes of ammunition containing 1499 Ak 47 rounds from a crop field at Chappra Shadra, in the jurisdiction of Police Station Uri. Police has registered a case and investigation is on”, said the police spokesperson in a statement issued here.


KEA concerned over attitude of banks in recovery of loans
“They must understand social responsibility in trouble torn Kashmir”
“RBI guidelines for Kashmir should be rational, humane”
Srinagar, Nov 11 (VOS): The Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA), while expressing concern over attitude of banks operating in the valley towards borrowers has asked the banks to understand their social responsibilities in the turmoil hit region.
“KEA is highly concerned about the developments taking place at the hands of the banks viz a viz borrowers of the valley in particular. Besides, the KEA also understands that commercial considerations are important for banks and that is true for Kashmir as well. Banks while seeking private deposits and businesses have not only to extend services but also understand their social responsibilities and have to live upto the expectations of the people in general”, said a KEA spokesperson in a statement to VOS.
He said although the repayment and settlement systems are well laid down procedures, but they also need to be governed by realities on ground.
“Kashmiri business man in general has remained committed in his obligations towards lenders especially so to the lending banks. This in spite of the hardships he has been facing over the last 22 years  and particularly during 2008,2009 and 2010, he may have got a couple of years respite in between but generally his business has suffered. Business community of the valley in general has suffered immense financial losses, in particular tourism, trade, transport and industry.”, the statement added
“However, the difference between a willful defaulter and a borrower in trouble has to be determined clearly, as most of the business community in Kashmir are borrowers in trouble and not willful defaulters, the past 20 years including 2008,2009,2010 have been a big catastrophe, bringing business fraternity virtually to a state of trauma, yet the same business fraternity of the valley paid interest on their borrowings to the banks and financial institutions.”
The KEA has asked banks to improve relations with their business partners and give them the respect they deserve. “Credit counseling would go a long way in eliminating the trust deficit. Weak and vulnerable businesses have to be given more time and confidence to succeed. Interest rates have to be guided by the present and past realities and not on future expectations particularly in vulnerable areas. KEA would like banks and their business partners to interact more often openly to understand the ground realities  so as to improve relations ensuring success in the ventures undertaken”, it said.
“To persuade borrowers for recoveries might be within the domain of the banks and the financial institutions but the manner in which recoveries are made have attracted controversy and invited criticism and violence at times. Banks and their corporate partners need to understand ground realities and should amicably work to eliminate these irritants”.
The KEA has said that the RBI guidelines for Kashmir on recoveries and interest rates have to be more rational and humane. “Implementation of guidelines have also to be monitored so that their presence does not remain confined to rule books only. Such guidelines and relaxations have to be given wide publicity for borrowers to benefit from.”
“Having stated the plight of the business community of the valley, the financial institutions and the banks particularly Bank have never come to the rescue of their business partners rather charged them exorbitant rates of interest thus strengthening only their own institutions at the very cost of their business partners.”


Congress legislature party meets, discuss LC polls strategy
Jammu, November  11: Members of the Congress legislature party and senior functionaries of the Jammu and Kashmir Congress Committee joint meeting of members of the J&K Congress Legislature party Sunday met here to discuss party strategy for the upcoming polls for Legislative Council seats under the Panchayat quota to be held next month.
The meeting that was called at short notice was presided over by the President JKPCC Prof. Saifuddin Soz-MP, said the congress spokesperson in a statement.
“The meeting discussed threadbare the strategy for the Congress party to participate in the ensuing elections to the Legislative Council from the Panchayats. Almost all members expressed their suggestions on the question of Congress party’s participation in the election, as a coalition partner”, the statement said.
“Prof. Soz assured the meeting that he appreciated the sense of the house on the issue and he would apprise the NC-INC Coordination Committee that is scheduled to meet at 10:00 a.m. on November 12, 2012”, it added
Those who attended the meeting included Tara Chand-Deputy Chief Minister; Taj Mohi-Ud-Din-Minister for PHE; Raman Bhalla-Minister for Revenue;  Sham Lal Sharma-Minister for Health, Nawang Rigzin Zora-Minister for Tourism; Aijaz Ahmed Khan-MOS for Hajj & Auqaf;  Shabir Ahmed Khan-MOS for PDD; Smt. Khem Lata Wakhloo-Chairperson Social Welfare Board; Smt. Swarn Lata-Vice Chairperson SC Board; Bashir Ahmed Naaz-Vice Chairman Gujjar& Bakerwal Board; Kuldip Raj Verma-Vice Charman OBC Board; Ghulam Ahmed Mir-MLA; Ravinder Sharma-MLC; Bashir Ahmed Magrey-MLC; Jahangir Mir-MLC; Smt. Indu Pawar-MLA; Dharam Pal Sharma, S.Gurmukh Singh, Thakur Hari Singh, Mula Ram, Parkash Sharma, Bharat Gandhi, B.S.Pathania, Shiv Dev Singh, Shiv Kumar Sharma,  Manmohan Singh, Shamima Raina, Iqbal Malik besides other members had sought leave of absence from the President as they had to attend important business elsewhere.


“Former MD SICOP appointed, promoted nephew illegally”
Will look into the matter: Minister
Srinagar, Nov 11 (VOS): In a case of abuse of power former Managing Director (MD) SICOP, B.S Dua has allegedly appointed his close relative in the corporation and promoted him to the rank of senior General Manager.
Sources told VOS that the matter came into light after some aggrieved persons lodged a complaint in the crime branch Jammu.
The aggrieved in complaint stated that MD, presently holding the post of Director Industries Jammu, first made place for his nephew Jaswinder Singh Dua illegally and then promoted him to the rank of Senior General Manager against norms.
The complaint, according to the sources, was lodged by the employees of the SICOP, a copy of which is forwarded to DIG Crime Branch for probe.
“In fact the credentials of the former MD were in question after a complaint was lodged against him with the state Chief Secretary, alleging him of using his official position in an inappropriate manner and giving undue benefits to his brothers son namely Jaswinder Singh Dua”, the sources said.
“Dua was not competent to promote his kin but should have gone to the board of directors under the provisions for the change of cadre”, sources told VOS.
“Jaswinder was appointed in violation of corporation norms as no formal advertisement was issued by the SICOP”, the letter sent to chief secretary and to the crime branch stated further alleging that ‘the beneficiary was elevated to the senior rank not only violation of promotion norms but also sidelining many eligible and competent and senior employees’.
When contacted SS Salathia Minister of Industries and Commerce, said that the promotion was made in 2006-07 when I was not holding this portfolio, “I’ll look into the matter”, he said.
When contacted, DIG Crime Jammu KL Baghat, said that he was out of office. “It is not possible to comment on matter as I have no idea about such a complaint. “There come so many complaints. Let you call me on Monday I’ll check the records first”, said Baghat.



J&K a shining diamond in crown of India: Slathia
Says State witnessing unprecedented Dev., Progress
Jammu, November 11: Asserting that the J&K is passing through a golden era of development under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Jenab Omar Abdullah, the minister for Industries & Commerce Mr. Slathia has said that commitments made to the people will be fulfilled with an act of faith adding that the coming two years will be a turn around with regard to socio economic transformation of the State.
Addressing a public meeting at Gurwal village in Vijaypur Tehsil, Slathia said that State is witnessing unprecedented pace of development and the road connectivity, which is imperative for economic prosperity, is receiving unparallel focus of the government. He said commitment for equitable development of all the three regions of the State with special focus on backward and remote areas, is the main agenda of the present dispensation.
Slathia sought peoples’ whole hearted support to strengthen the hands of Omar Abdullah to give a boost to the development and welfare schemes in nook and corner so that State is steered into an era of socio-economic transformation.
 Cautioning the people against the nefarious designs of the anti people elementsSlathia said that some elements for their petty vested interests are hell bend upon to disintegrate the State in three parts on the basis of region and religion. He vowed that all the attempts to disintegrate the State would be thwarted tooth and nail. He said that J&K is a diamond in the crown of India and all the attempts to create wedge between Centre & the State would be defeated with full might.

After NC, Congress backs Taj?
Magray pulls out of House Panel probing alleged forest land-grab, denies report
Srinagar, Nov 11 (VOS): In much needed relief for Minister for PHE & Irrigation, Taj Mohiuddin, just days after the National Conference (NC) withdrew its legislators from the House Committee investigating charges of forest land grab against him (Taj), the Congress party today pulled out the third member from the committee leaving it in minority.
Congress MLC, Bashir Ahmad Magray today withdrew his name from membership of the committee, with just two out of the five nominated members – PDP’s Murtaza Khan (Chairman) and Panther’s Party’s Syed Rafiq Shah - holding forte.
“You have nominated me as member of the committee to see some allegations of land grab against Hon’ble Minister Taj Sahab. Its meeting is scheduled to be held on 15 Nov 2012. I am unable to attend this meeting due to some reasons. So I withdraw my name from this committee”, reads a letter written by Congress MLC Bashir Ahmad Magray to the Chairman Legislative Assembly on Sunday, a copy of which lies with VOS.
When contacted for comments, Chairman of the committee and PDP leader Murtaza Khan said: “I have no knowledge about pulling out of the Congress member. I can’t comment on it”.
Surprisingly, the panel member Bashir Ahmad Magray of the Congress himself, also denied having pulled out of the committee to probe charges against Taj. “No, I have not resigned”, he told VOS over phone.
Pertinently, NC, on Friday had decided to pull out its two legislators - from the five member House Committee that was constituted by Legislative Council Chairman, Amrit Malhotra, after Panthers Party legislator, Syed Rafiq Shah  accused  Taj of being in illegal possession of forest land in Shopian district of south Kashmir.
Earlier, Minister for Medical Education R S Chib had written to the LC Chairman asking him to quash the committee after raising doubts over its legality and also the membership of Rafiq Shah. However, Malhotra had snubbed Chib in a letter and defended his decision to constitute the committee.
Meanwhile, Minister for PHE, Taj Mohiuddin said it was the first time in the parliamentary history of the country that a house panel was formed to probe charges against a sitting minister. “I have no role in this and can’t comment on the issue”, he told VOS over phone.
Pertinently, Speaker Muhammad Akbar Lone had forwarded the letter written by Taj to Advocate General for legal opinion on the subject under question. Taj had sought Speaker’s intervention over constitution of House panel while pleading that the member of Lower House cannot be subjected to scrutiny by the Upper House.
Later, eight Congress lawmakers - B R Kundal, Naresh Gupta, Amin Bhat, Ali Muhammad Bhat, Jahangir Mir, Jugal Kishore Sharma, Subash Chandar Gupta and Nabroo Gaylson- had also urged LC chairman to quash the committee. On November 8, Minister for Medical Education, R S Chib had also made similar demand.
Even Taj had himself written four letters to Legislative Assembly Speaker Muhammad Akbar and LC chairman to get the House Committee quashed. (VOS)


Opening of Jammu – Sialkote will be a milestone : Rana
Agore November 11, 2012: Political Advisor to the Chief Minister Devender Singh Rana said that opening of Jammu - Sialkote road will be a new milestone in the Indo-Pak relations and will help in improving people to people contact across the border.
Rana who was addressing party workers meeting in Bhalwal Block here today said that people of Jammu and Sialkote have a great history of relationship and bond and it is necessary to pickup those threads and revive the bonds.
Hailing the assertion of the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in this regard, Rana said “I hope that Indo-Pak will work together to make this dream a reality”. He said the friendly relation between India and Pakistan is essential for peace and stability not only in this sub- continent and South-Asia, but in the entire world . He said to have better relationship it is important to have increased people to people contact , cultural, intellectual  and academic exchange.
The Political Advisor said opening of Jammu – Sialkote road would not only open trade and travel routes, it will open vistas for cultural exchange and revival of the traditional bonhomie that existed between the people across the border.
Rana said the overwhelming response to the Chief Minister’s announcement to pursue the opening of the Jammu – Sialkote road is an indication of  the yearning of this of this part of the country to engage with the people across the International border .
Highlighting the achievements of the state coalition government under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Rana said  holding of panchayat elections is a landmark. He said that powers have been devolved to the panchayats and after the second and the third tier come into place which will be happening soon the state’s Panchyati Raj system will be the most robust system in the country.  Castigating those who have initiated a disinformation campaign about the lack of powers to the panchayats, Rana said the powers that lay with the panchayats today make them more potent and empowered than the panchayats in the neighbouring states like Himachal , Punjab and Haryana.
Those who were present in the meeting included Sham Lal, Block President, Ravinder Singh Peter, Anwar Khan, Sain Khan, Nakshater Singh, Mumtaz Ahmed, Sudershan Singh, Janak Singh and others.


Mufti should explain his journey from his Municipal flat to luxuries of today : Gupta
‘PDP is on ventilator’
Jammu November 11: Provincial President J&K National Conference Jammu province Rattan Lal Gupta while addressing the party workers here today said that PDP is a rudderless ship which is frustrated disheartened to see the edifice collapsing on their face.
He said Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and his daughter Mehbooba Mufti have already promised MLC ship to 165 people in Jammu province making a laughing stock of themselves and are befooling the people of Jammu province. He said PDP have now realized that while they were spending summers in Jammu they have lost their ground in Kashmir.
Gupta said the recent bogey of corruption raised by the PDP is just to divert the attention of the public. He said the people have not forgotten 2002 -2005 which was an era of corruption, nepotism and favoritism and the misdeeds of their ministers is alive in the files of the government and I am confident that the government will bare them before the public at an appropriate time.
He said Mufti Mohammad Sayeed who used to live in a dingy municipal flat in Jammu near Jogi Gate in 1975-76 has a lot to explain about his journey of last 40 years from that municipal flat to the luxuries of today.
He said PDP and its leadership is power hungry and have no ideological bond and shall disintegrate under the weight of its own internal contradictions and lack of ideology.
On the assertion of Mehbooba Mufti that the state government is in coma, Gupta said the state government in neither in coma nor  is paralyzed, but the PDP is definitely on a ventilator and its death is imminent before 2014.

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