voice of srinagar

SRINAGAR, SATURDAY, 09 MUHARRAM 1434 AH ; 24 NOVEMBER 2012

Email:-editorvosgr@gmail.com

Congress reacts to CM’s ‘Grand-alliance’ remark

Congress takes its own decisions, no one can dictate terms to us: Sham

‘Neither Mehbooba nor Omar can take decisions on Congress’ behalf’

Premature decision, needs party stamp: Kamal

Srinagar, Nov 23 (VOS): Reacting to the Statement of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah where he had called the legislative council elections as a preparation for National conference and the Congress to fight 2014 assembly elections in an alliance, Congress senior leader and Minister for Health, Sham Lal Sharma today said that no one could dictate terms to the congress party.

“Congress is the largest party of India having its own history of over 150 years, which is known to every one. Congress takes its decisions on its own. No one can force its decision on it (Congress). It is the party High Command Soniaji and Saifudin Soz, who can take decisions on behalf of the state Congress”, the Congress leader told VOS.

“I don’t know in which context Omar Sahab has said that Congress and NC would fight 2014 elections 2014 but let me tell you that neither Mehbooba Mufti nor Omar Abdullah can take decisions on behalf of the Congress”, said Sharma.

He said that incorporation of provisions of 73^rd amendment act in State Act is equal to NC’s Autonomy and PDP’s Self Rule.

He said he fails to understand what Autonomy and Self Rule are all about. “I often ask them (PDP and NC) to define Autonomy and Self Rule. 73^rd Amendment Act is itself equal to the both”, he said.

When asked whether the Congress had failed to convince its coalition partner for the implementation of 73^rd Amendment Act in the State, Sharma said, “In totality our (MLA’s) mindset doesn’t allow us to delegate our powers to any other person. It is in human nature but now there are not too many opponents. It is the moral responsibility of the CM to communicate to the congress High Command the names of Congress Ministers whom he alleges to have opposed empowerment of Panchayats. He can even make those names public.”

Regarding the decision of one section of Panches and Sarpanches to vote against NC and Congress, the minister said: “That is the beauty of our democracy. It cannot be ignored that the group could be having affiliations with some other party”.

Admitting that two Congress portfolios with NC is a mistake on part of Congress, he said that it is High Command to decide on the issue.

Reacting to the recent “anti-India” statement of NC Additional General Secretary Dr. Mustafa Kamal, he said that Kamal should respect his position and should not issue such statements. “We know he (Kamal) contradicts his own statements and comes to apologize before public”, said Sharma.

He said the Congress party will always remain the key party in formation of government in the state.

“Every CM has his road map and currently Congress is backing Omar Abdullah. I was a minister during PDP-Congress regime. We have post poll alliance with NC but not pre poll and the key to form the government is always with the Congress”, he added.

Talking about his functions as being in the winter secretariat in Srinagar, he said that his priority was to ensure all basic facilities to the people here. “I have held meting with Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and discussed various issues with him and directed the authorities to make available essential commodities to people like electricity, medicines, LPG, rice and other things, I’m sending report to CM regarding problem of low voltage of electric supply and have conveyed the same to him on phone”, said Sharma.

He said that the Drug Policy will be implemented very shortly in the State. “I’ve also made it mandatory for doctors to serve at primary health centre’s for seven years at their initial stage of their career’, informed Sharma.

Meanwhile, in a surprise development, the National Conference also distanced itself from the ‘grand-alliance’ remark of its working president and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, calling it premature. .

“It may be the Chief Minister’s wish and may have said this with good intension; however, the issue has not been discussed in the party. It has not been discussed in the working committee of the party and needs the party’s stamp”, National Conference Additional General Secretary, Dr Mustafal Kamal told VOS.

He said there is a lot of time left for such a decision. “It would be premature to say. The elections will be held in 2014 and we will have to see what is right for the interest of the party. Such a decision can only be taken after ascertaining the political scenario before the elections, both at the state and central level. In politics things change over a period of time”, Kamal added. (VOS)

LC Elections:

NC-Cong kick-start campaign in Chenab valley

Doda/ Kishtwar Nov 23: National Conference – Congress coalition today kick-started its campaign from Chenab valley for the two Jammu seats of J&K Legislative Council elections.

The spokesman of the National Conference Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo, said that R.S. Chib Minister for Medical and Technical Education, Devender Singh Rana, Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, Khalid Najeeb Suhrawardy MLC and Naresh Gupta MLC addressed a one day conventions of Block Presidents, Block Secretaries, District Presidents, District Secretaries and panches and sarpanches of National Conference and Congress from Doda and Kishtwar Districts.

They urged the party cadre to mobilize panches and sarpanches in their respective areas to ensure the success of the two candidates for both the seats of the J&K Legislative Council of Jammu division viz Sham Lal Bhagat of Congress and Dr. Sehnaz Ganai of National Conference.

Addressing the conventions R.S. Chib Minister for Medical and Technical Education said that the state coalition government during the last four years has functioned in the most cordial atmosphere as never seen before in the history of the state. He said time has come that this relationship gets further strengthened by ensuring victory of both the candidates of Congress and National Conference.

He said the state has seen an era of peace and development in the last four years which has no parallel in the last twenty years and time has come to consolidate that peace and accelerate the process of development.

Chib said that this election of J&K Legislative council being contested jointly by the coalition partners, will lay the foundation for the coming assembly elections in 2014. He further emphasized with confidence that both the parties will give a crushing defeat to the divisive forces, which are all out to create an atmosphere of disharmony in our peaceful state.

Addressing the conventions Devender Singh Rana said that the coalition government in the state under the leadership of Omar Abdullah has taken certain landmark initiatives and setting up of panchyati raj is one of the greatest achievements besides the legislations like the Public Services Guarantee Act along with the State Accountability Commission Act, Right to Information Act and the State Vigilance Commission Act are visionary initiatives of Omar Abdullah to ensure transparency , accountability and to guarantee delivery of public services to the people in a time bound manner.

Rana urged both the parties to fight the divisive forces who have always tried to disturb the secular fabric of the state. He said National Conference – Congress are tied in an ideological bond, a bond which is for the welfare of the people of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and to keep at bay the communal forces who have always tried to divide the state on regional, religious and ethnic considerations.

He said success of the two candidates will be a befitting reply to all those who are trying to undermine the strength of the coalition government.

Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo while addressing the conventions of NC and Congress said that Chenab valley is bound by the roaring flow of Chenab and said that this relationship has to be strengthened and maintained so that all the three districts remain an epitome of secularism and brotherhood as they have been in their original Avtar of erstwhile district Doda.

Naresh Gupta MLC and Congress District President from Doda assured the leaders of Congress and National Conference that congress leadership particularly Gh Nabi Azad has given clear instructions to all to work in close coordination to ensure overwhelming victory of the two candidates in the Legislative Council elections.

He said Congress workers will leave no stone unturned to give lead from the three constituencies of the Doda.

Khalid Najeeb Suhrawardy MLC and NC District President from Doda said that National Conference – Congress will work together in a coordinated manner to ensure that both candidates get decisive majority.

He said National Conference and Congress have a history of contesting elections together and the parliamentary elections of 2009 is one such example and he said that he is confident that all the four seats of Legislative Council will go in favour of the coalition and once again the mischievous machinations of elements averse to coalition will get defeated.

Pulwama observes complete shut down, protests against Power, LPG shortage

Life impossible under present Govt’s rule: PDP

‘Party shares concerns of Pulwama people’

Srinagar, Nov 23 (VOS): Amid protests and clashes, complete shutdown was observed in Pulwama Township and adjoining areas against shortage of electricity and cooking gas in the district.

Scores of protestors assembled on various roads leading to the town, brining normal life to a halt. Movement of traffic was also affected after protestors erected barricades and burnt tyres on roads.

According to the protestors, the main township and adjoining villages have been suffering due to acute shortage and frequent cuts of power supply. The protestors also demanded that supply of cooking gas be made available to the district and alleged that they are having to pay exhorbitant rates to buy LPG cylinders in black market.

Minor clashes and stone pelting incidents were also reported from the main Pulwama township.

Meanwhile, lambasting the government for excessive curtailment in electricity and non availability of cooking gas, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said the life has become impossible under the present government rule in Jammu and Kashmir.

Sharing the sense of outrage of people of Pulwama district who took to streets today to protest against power curtailment and non availability of cooking gas, senior PDP leaders including Mohammad Khalil Bandh MLA Pulwama, Syed Basheer MLA Rajpora, Zahoor Ahmad Mir MLA Pampore, Mushtaq Ahmad Shah MLA Tral and Abdul Razaq Zawoora MLA Shopian observed that Pulwama has been totally ignored by the present government in all fields of development.

The PDP leaders said people of the state in general and Pulwama district in particular are subjected to pay hefty amounts to get cooking gas cylinders. “People in Pulwama have no roads, no electricity, no healthcare and no ration. It seems the government has come to a standstill and the people have been left high and dry due to complete developmental inertia facing the state,” they said.

The PDP leaders said despite being at top in electricity revenue generation, Pulwama is the worst sufferer at the hands of the power development department which is under the control of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. “Pulwama is 35-year old district and so far does not possess a single grid station. The one sanctioned receiving station at Wagum has been kept withheld by the government for the reasons best known to it,” Mohammad Khalil Bandh said.

He added that the other sanctioned receiving station at Gulshanabad has not seen the light of day under the garb of land acquisition while as simultaneously sanctioned Kulgam receiving station was inaugurated this year in October by Minister Sakina Yatoo who also happens to be chairperson of District Development Board Pulwama.

“The already overloaded grid station at Lassipora was handed over to SIDCO for industrial purposes while the people have been left uncared. Pulwama has received very less electrification material for repair including two buffer transformers. Our 10 MVA- Distribution Transformer is on 2nd term repair leaving Pulwama Receiving Station defunct,” the PDP leaders said while demanding a 30 MVA – Distributions Transformer for Pulwama which could feed large population of the area.

The PDP legislators shared the concern of the people of the district saying the present government has neglected them, thus increasing their alienation. They added during the last three and a half years, alienation among people has been increasing due to governance deficit and rampant corruption. The PDP MLAs while pointing out the developmental projects started during PDP led coalition government; said the same are hanging in balance due to mis-governance of the present regime.

Taj, Javid visit Baramulla, Uri

Appeal panches, Sarpanches to vote for coalition candidates

Srinagar, Nov 23: In an effort to reach out to the panches and Sarpanches for the forthcoming legislative council polls, the Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Taj Mohi-ud-Din alongwith Minister of State for R&B, Javid Ahmed Dar today visited Baramulla and Uri areas of north Kashmir.

Addressing a gathering of panches and Sarpanches at Chandanwari, the Minister appealed them to vote for the coalition candidates so that their voice is heard more effectively at higher levels of governance and also a coalition is strengthened at grass roots.

The Minister said holding of panchayat elections was a notable achievement of this government and asked the panches and Sarpanches to return coalition candidate to the Upper House paving the way for effective implementation of panchayati raj system in the state.

Taj said during the last four years office the coalition government of National Conference and Congress has done a lot for the betterment of people in every sector.

Minister of State for R&B, Javid Ahmed Dar also addressed the gathering and appealed the panches and Sarpanches to vote for the coalition candidate in the forthcoming LC polls.

Coalition candidates for the LC polls, Ghulam Nabi Monga and Ali Mohammad Dar besides District President Congress, Baramulla, Mir Mushtaq Nowshahri, District President National Conference, Baramulla, Nazir Ahmed Khan were present on the occasion.

Hotel Centaur employees protests against CM’s ‘privatization’ remark

“Has shattered mental peace, smooth functioning

Srinagar, Nov 23 (VOS): Expressing anger and disappointment over the chief Minister’s recent statement hinting at privatization ofcity’s prestigious Hotel Centaur located on banks of world famous Dal Lake, the Centaur Hotel Coordination Committee (CHCC) said that the statement has shattered mental peace of employees apart from affecting smooth functioning of the hotel.

The CHCC today held a peaceful protest demonstration against the statement of the Chief Minister. “We have earlier opposed themove, although the employees had fought legally against their service rights. All the employees have reservations over this move and are against the proposal moved by management to state government, if any”, they added.

“We demand that in case the government takes any action in this regard, they should take into confidence the CHCC, representing all employees. Employees and officers should be consulted for over all betterment and development of this unit”, said CHCC President Mufti Iqbal .

General Secreatry Nazir Ahmad Dar, Hilal Ahmad Bhat Qazi and Muzaffar Jan were also part of the protest programme. (VOS)

People of J&K want a change to get rid of the corrupt regime: Mehbooba

Poonch, November 23: President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti today said that people of Jammu and Kashmir are fed up with the present setup and they want a change.

Addressing impressive public meetings in Loren and Poonch, PDP president said that problems of the common masses are mounting with every passing day, especially during the last four years, due to mis-governance and rampant corruption. She said that people, who have been bearing brunt of the mal-administration and mis-governance of coalition headed by National Conference, want a change to get rid of this worst ever corrupt dispensation in the State.

She said that people of the State are looking towards PDP to get them rid from the yoke of the present National Conference-Congress regime which during the last four years has done nothing except promises with the people.

“People all over the state face all sorts of problems but people living in far flung areas are the worst suffers of the wrong policies of this regime”, she said, adding, “resident of far-flung areas are deprived of basic amenities and facilities like roads, drinking water, power ,health facilities”.

Pointing towards day today problems being faced by the people due to mis-governance and prevailing corruption, Ms Mufti said that people are not getting enough ration to feed their families. “To add to the woes is the cumbersome process adopted in LPG gas registration and its unavailability and black marketing of the LPG”, she pointed out and regretted that State Government has failed to provide any relief to the people regarding LPG crises.

PDP president said that all sections of the society are bearing brunt of the wrong policies of this regime but youth are the worst sufferers. “The number of unemployed youth is going up and the state government is sitting on more than one lakh posts which are lying vacant in different departments”, she said and added that back door entries in different departments have already discredited the employment policy of present regime and shaken the faith of youth . “There are apprehensions that these one lakh posts too may be divided on basis of favoritism and cash through back door entries”, she aired apprehension.

PDP president also pointed towards stalling of various developmental projects which were started during the regime of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. “Roads are in depleted condition, people have to walk miles to get water and health facilities are almost none in these areas”, she said.

Taking a dig at coalition regime for patronizing corruption in the State she said, “To add to the woes of people the rampant corruption has made life hell for common man . This helpless situation has forced people all over to think about how to change the present corrupt inefficient system”, she said.

“Comparisons are being drawn between earlier PDP-Congress government and present regime”, she said.

Highlighting achievements of the PDP-Congress government she said that PDP-Congress collation government was able usher a new era of peace and development .They not only restored peace with dignity in the state but also opened trans LoC routes like Muzaffarabad Uri , Poonch Rawalakote , built Mughal road, establish new districts , tehsils, open universities, colleges .

She, however, regretted that the present regime has done during the last four years of their rule except destruction of institutions and corruption.

Ms Mufti appealed to the people especially the youth to support P

DPs struggle for change so that Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s vision of a peaceful prosperous Jammu and Kashmir could be achieved.

Senior PDP leader Tariq Hamid Qarra said that NC had always exploited people for their lust of power. Whenever it suited them they became the strongest supporters of accession with India and enemies of Pakistan but once out of power they were the worst enemies of the same country. He said that NC leaders looted the state emotionally as well as economically to build their own empires. “Deceit, corruption and nepotism became their hallmark” he observed.

Yashpal Sharma, Shanti Devi, Imtiyaz Banday, Shah Mohammad Tantray, Shamim Dar, Shamim Ganai, Raja Gurmeet Singh, Prem Sudan and others also spoke on the occasion.

A large number of Panches and Sarpanches attended PDP’s meeting and assured support to party candidates in the Legislative Council elections.

'Who will return their precious years?'

CPI (M) demands action against officers for fabricating cases against innocent Kashmiris

Srinagar, Nov 23: Demanding a stern action against the investigating officers for fabricating cases against innocent Kashmiris acquitted by Delhi High Court in Lajpat Nagar bomb blast case, CPI (M) state secretary M Y Tarigami today said such faulty investigations not only have a telling impact on the security of innocent people but create a mockery of policing in the country.

In a statement issued here today, Tarigami expressed serious concern over the grave miscarriage of justice to scores of Kashmiri youth who were and are being wrongly arrested and charged in cases related to terror attacks in different parts of the country.

He said yesterday’s Delhi High Court decision in which two Kashmiri youth alleged to be militants facing death sentence were acquitted depicts a dismal scenario of policing in the country. “In the race for promotions and perks, some fringe officers in police department are fabricating Muslim youth particularly from Kashmir in frivolous cases thus maligning the image of their department,” Tarigami said, while urging the government of India to ensure some accountability measures to curb such tendencies which otherwise can prove counter productive for the security for the country.

Tarigami was part of the delegation led by Prakash Karat CPI (M) General Secretary that met President Pranab Mukherjee on November 17 to present different cases wherein Muslim youth have been arrested arbitrarily and implicated in dozens of cases. “Who will return their precious years or compensate these youth who were arrested arbitrarily when they were just eighteen or nineteen years of age and were incarcerated for 14 years and each one of them was, as held by the courts, innocent,” Tarigami asked.

He said the Muslim youth are the most vulnerable targets in the country today. He said there should be time bound procedure for the judicial processes and fast track courts for such cases. “There is growing feeling of fear and apprehension on the one hand and anger on the other that innocents are being implicated. Young lives have been destroyed, families stricken, forced into social isolation, driven into debt to pay the huge expenditures in legal fees----the terrible conditions caused by State led justice,” he observed.

Mirwaiz under house arrest

‘Guru is innocent; GoI, political parties exploiting issue for political gains’

Srinagar, Nov 23: Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was once again put under house arrest by the authorities since Thursday evening and stopped from giving Friday sermon and offering prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid, Srinagar, said a hurriyat spokesperson.

Terming the restrictions as a direct interference in the religious matters, Mirwaiz has sternly denounced the government action.

Referring to the recent court verdict on Lajpat Nagar incident, APHC Chairman said that the decree reflects that how the Indian political system misuses its institutions to reap political dividends and thereby stick to the power by means of such dirty tactics. To achieve this, he said that the Indian system keeps its own people and International community in the dark while as turn the innocent Kashmiri scapegoats by booking them in fictitious cases.

APHC chairman has questioned the conscious people of India and civil society that who would be held accountable for wasting the 17 precious years of the Kashmiris who were acquitted by the court in Lajpat Nagar Bomb blast.

Regarding Afzal Guru’s death sentence, Mirwaiz said that the exploitative forces are playing a big part in the whole issue. He said that Kashmiris were watching as to how Indian government and opposition parties were exploiting Afzal Guru issue for their vested political benefits. He said that Guru is a innocent Kashmiri.

While expressing solidarity with the Palestinian Muslims, Mirwaiz said that it was incumbent on every muslim to protest against the Israeli aggression and stop massacres if Muslims by them. He said, however, like past the dictatorial government once again hurt the collective religious sentiments of people by putting restrictions. He said it was highly condemnable.

Meanwhile, large number of worshippers has converged to historic Jamia Masjid to listen to the sermon of Mirwaiz in the wake of Moharram days. However, finding his house arrest, they expressed displeasure and raised slogans to protest against the house arrest of APHC chairman.

“Meanwhile, the APHC strongly condemns the restrictions laid by the government to stop the Muharram processions and coverting Srinagar into war zone. The hurriyat also denounces the arrest of senior leader Moulana Abbas Ansari”, the statement added.

‘Shah arrested, prevented from visiting Sopore’

Hanging Afzal will have serious and intense consequences: Shah

Srinagar, Nov 23: Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) Chairman Shabir Ahmad Shah was once again put under house arrest and prevented from going to Sopore, said the DFP spokesperson in a statement here.

Shah claimed that the 2001 parliament attack convict, Muhammad Afzal Guru is innocent and was not involved in any subversive activities. He said the fact has also been recognized by Indian Advocates.

“Afzal Guru is innocent and if he is hanged only because of being a Kashmiri then it will be considered that it is being done to quell the freedom struggle,” Shah said.

“They think that by hanging an innocent Kashmir will quell the freedom struggle but this is not the case. The authorities have not learnt a lesson. When they hanged Maqbool Bhat the whole Kashmir valley erupted against it,” he said adding that it would be a clarion call for the whole Kashmiri nation to stand for their freedom struggle.

“If they try to repeat the mistake then the consequences will be much more serious and intense. With the martyrdom of Shaheed Maqbool Bhat, freedom struggle in the valley was infused with a new vigour and heartiness and brought up the issue at the international level. Lakhs of people voluntarilyy joined the freedom struggle braving the bullets without caring for their lives,” he said.
“But now the issue has now been internationalized and hanging of Afzal Guru will have serious repercussions and will turn the tide that India will not be able to stop”, he added.
He also asked the Indian establishment to learn lessons from the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi who has said that from every drop of blood from a freedom struggle 999 new freedom fighters will arise. If an innocent Kashmiri is hanged then Kashmiri youth will be left with no option but to come out for demanding their rights.

Adopt ways of Imam Hussain (AS): Nayeem Khan

“Curfew, restrictions are Yazeedi tactics”

Srinagar, Nov 23: Terming patience, sacrifice, truthfulness, steadfastness and sincerity as the message of Karbala, senior resistance leader and National Front Chairman Nayeem Ahmad Khan has called upon Muslims to adopt the way of Imam Hussain (AS) a’s it is the only way to get rid of oppressors and suppressors’.

“Imam Aali Maqam AS taught us to fight oppression, suppression and accept the challenges of those who on the basis of might have always tried to make the humans their slaves,” Khan said in a statement during his house arrest.

He said that Imam Hussain AS with other members of the sacred family of Prophet Mohammad PBUH, showed how to save the walls of Islam from the winds of anti Islam forces and how to be truthful till the end of life despite all odds.

Khan said, “Imam Aali Maqam AS taught the whole humanity to rise against the suppression and oppression and to lay down lives for the noble causes”.

Nayeem Khan said that some black sheep are still playing the role of Yazeed by trying to create differences in the names of like Shia and Sunni but we all have to face these elements with patience so that the message of Karbala reaches to all and truthfulness achieves yet another victory over the anti Islam and anti Muslim forces.

Khan while condemning the curfew like situation imposed by the government said that these are the tactics of Yazeed and the aim of these tactics is to discourage the followers of Imam Hussain AS. “But time is witness that Yazeedi forces have to face the defeat on every step and finally Hussainiat has to rule the mind and heart of the people”, he added.

Fitch affirms strong credit rating to J&K Bank

Srinagar, Nov 23: J&K Bank has been accredited with Long-Term Issuer rating of ‘IND AA’ with a stable outlook by globally renowned Fitch Group Company.

Mumbai based India Ratings & Research- A Fitch Group Company - recently affirmed the Bank’s rating of 'IND AA', which denotes a very strong credit rating.

The agency considers the bank's central role in sustaining the economy of the politically important state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), its dominant position in the banking business in J&K (around 70% share in lending and deposits) and its role as the agent of the RBI for conducting the general government business of the state government.

The agency in its report observes that J&K Bank's profitability is robust, supported by its strong deposit franchise in the J&K state, a low operating cost structure and benign credit costs. Asset quality has remained stable, with a gross non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of 1.54% at end-FY12 with system average at 2.94%. The bank's strong market knowledge in J&K and relatively cautious lending policies outside its home state, have supported the Bank’s asset quality.

Liquidity profile is strong, given the high proportion of retail deposits in its funding mix (over 65%), which should enable it to limit its refinancing risk. Also, there are no cumulative short-term (up to one year) mismatches in its structural asset liability statements as of end-September 2012, the report adds.

C S reviews Dog Sterilization Program

Srinagar, Nov 23: In an effort to control the dog menace in the Srinagar city, the state Chief Secretary, Madhav Lal today chaired a high level meeting of officers of Srinagar Municipal Corporation to review the progress of the AB-AR dog sterilization programme

The Chief Secretary emphasized the need to intensify the sterilization program in view of the sensitivity of the issue in the city. He stressed on augmentation of the facilities of the Dog Sterilization at Tengpora with the involvement of Animal Welfare Board of India and Humane Society International (HIS).

According to a statement issued by the SMC Media Relations Officer, the Chief Secretary said that the Society for prevention of cruelty to animals which has been recently reconstituted by the Govt. shall be actually involved in conduct of stray dog Sterilization at Tengpora. “Besides the facilities which have already been created in Shuhuma and is being carried out in association of Animal Husbandry Department of SKUAST-K.

The Chief Secretary asked the Municipal authorities to ensure that such facilities are completed at Tengpora by March 2013 so that ABC-AR Programme could be started to control the Dog menace. He also stressed that improvisation in sanitation should also be taken up by the SMC which has helped to control the Dog population and largely helped to control the stray Dog population in Srinagar City.

The Chief Secretary was informed that the sterilization programme with improvised sanitation has resulted in control of Dog population whereas in many areas it has remained stable as in Lal Chowk area where the population has come down from 2340 to 1393.

Lal also reviewed the progress of Online Building Permission approval under the E-Governance initiative of the Housing and Urban Development Department J&K.

The Principal Secretary to Govt. H&UDD, Shri Suresh Kumar gave a presentation of Building Permission approval processes in Electronic Mode, under which the citizens can apply for the Building Permissions by attending the Single Window System of the Corporation and all other remaining processes at the back end will be taken up in Electronic mode, either by SMC as well as by the line departments by issuing NOC’s.

The citizens who apply for the permissions would be informed of the status of the Building Permission through SMS at each stage and accordingly the applicants do not have to attend any line department for obtaining NOC’s.

The Chief Secretary appreciated the initiative taken by the Housing and Urban Development Department and desired that the Tourism Department Authorities should also be brought under the E-Governance initiative which will greatly help for effective and easy grant of building permission.

“The Line departments were asked to ensure that they will adopt the initiative promptly and issue NOC’s on line without any delay and in stipulated time. He took serious note of the tendencies with the Assistant Commissioner Nazool and the Drainage Division.”

The meeting among others was attended by the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon, Secretary Animal Husbandry Department, M. Ashraf Bukhari, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation Dr. G.N. Qasba, Vice Chairman SDA, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Director Local Bodies Kashmir and officers of the line departments

Amid clashes, protests; curfew like restrictions imposed in city

Many injured, one makes self-immolation bid

Bar takes up matter with Chief Justice

Srinagar, Nov 23Amid undeclared curfew like restrictions in Srinagar city on Friday to prevent people from taking out Muharram processions, many people were injured in clashes whileas one person made a self-immolation bid in protest against the restrictions.

Amid strict prohibitory orders and virtual curfew in parts of the city, normal life was thrown out of gear. At many places in the city, barricades and barbed wire stoppages were erected to prevent movement of people.
Sources in police said strict prohibitory orders under section 144 were imposed in areas falling under Kothibagh, Maisuma, Kralkhud and Shaheedgunj police stations of the city.
Authorities feared protests over Hurriyat conference (G) leader Syed Ali Geelani's call for protests after Friday prayers against the situation in Gaza and BJP's increased rhetoric demanding hanging of 2001 Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.
Police and CRPF personnel were deployed in large numbers in areas of the city under prohibitory orders to prevent any unlawful activity.
Meanwhile, a police spokesperson said that situation remained ‘largely peaceful barring sporadic incidents of stone pelting at Saraf Kadal, Batamaloo in District Srinagar and on Cement Bridge, Baramulla’.

“Police exercised maximum restraint and dispersed the stone peltors. However, three policemen and a lady Haneefa resident of Soibugh, Budgam who was waiting for a bus was injured when some miscreants pelted stones on police deployments near Fire Services crossing in Batamaloo”.

As a precautionary measure, heavy deployments of police were made today at few places in Srinagar, the spokesperson said

Protests were held in Shopian after Friday prayers on the call of Syed Ali Shah Geelani against the recent air strikes by Israel on Gaza in which nearly 150 people were killed.
Protesters carrying banners, chanting pro-islamic, anti-israel and pro-freedom slogans marched through the streets of Shopian. Later Hurriyat (G) District president addressed people at Gol Chowk Shopian. In his Speech he urged muslim community to unite and fight collectively against the enemies of Islam. Later the protesters dispersed peacefully.

Meanwhile, the High Court Bar Association today took up the matter of undeclared curfew with the Chief Justice of the High Court.

“The Bar Association has taken a very serious note of this fact that on today i.e., 23.11.2012 undeclared curfew was imposed in the city and the lawyers, litigants and court staff were stopped from entering the city in order to attend their professional duty. This unwarranted action of the police was brought to the notice of Chief Justice of High Court through Register General and the Secretary of the Bar Association informed the Hon’ble Justice Verinder Singh in the open court about the said act, but no notice was taken by the Hon’ble High court. This show the high handedness of the police and virtually the judicial wing was stopped to function in the whole city”, read a statement issued by the HCBA.

PW protests Gaza killings, condemns restriction on Muharram

Srinagar, Nov 23: Pevroon Wilayat (PW) held a peaceful protest at Nowpora Srinagar on Friday against the civilian killings in Gaza. Protesters rose anti Palestine and anti America slogans and expressed solidarity with the people of Gaza.

Chairperson PW Movlana Mohammad Shabir Kammi had given the call for protest. Despite strict restrictions in the Srinagar city members of PW held protest demonstrations lead by General Secretary Zahid Hussain Zahidani.

Talking to VOS, Zhahidani expressed surprise over the silence of international human rights activists over the Gaza issue. He said that Muslim Ummah has to unite to fought and defeat the ill intentions of the enemies of Islam.

Zahidani also condemned the restrictions in the city on Muharram Processions.

Achievements of Govt causing flutters in opposition: Sagar

Highlighting the achievements registered by the coalition government for the welfare of the people and development of the state, the Minister for Rural Development, Panchayat Raj, Law Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ali Mohammad Sagar has said that it has created flutters in the opposition camp and now in the state of frustration they are trying to mislead the people by spreading falsehood and lies.

The Minister was speaking at a public gathering at Singhpora Pattan here today.

Minister for Irrigation and PHE, TajMohi-ud-Din, Minister of state for R&B, Javed Ahmad Dar and Panchs and Sarpanchs of the area were present on the occasion.

Sagar said that the government is committed to put in place a 3-tier and vibrant Panchayati Raj System in the state. He said that the government has already ensured empowerment of Panchayati Raj institutions and the subsequent democratic decentralization of powers, which is a landmark step in the political history of the state.

The Minister said that the opposition party has got frustrated by the achievements of the government and now in the state of desperation they are trying to mislead people. He said that it is a recorded history that the developmental projects which that political party left incomplete were completed by the present government without giving any preferential treatment.

“The particular political party has always preferred their personal interests over that of the state and have always been conspiring against the people of the state in order to grab the power”, the Minister said and maintained that the people have understood their ulterior motives due to which they are in state of frustration.

Minister for PHE, TajMohi-ud-Din while highlighting the achievements of the coalition government termed the holding of Panchayati elections and subsequent empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions as a watershed in the history of the state. He said that the government has ensured that the powers are percolated to the grass root level which forms the basis of democratic setup.

Minister of State for R&B, Javed Ahmad Dar also addressed the gathering and said that the Panchayati Raj representatives should once again repose their faith in the coalition government by voting overwhelmingly in favor of the coalition candidates.

Former IAS officer, Abdul Wahid no more
Srinagar, Nov 23: Former IAS officer Syed Abdul Wahid passed away Friday morning, on 8th of Muharram after a prolonged illness. Wahid was 75 and is survived by his wife, 3 daughters and a son. During his employment with state government Wahid served at various important posts including DC Baramaulla, DC Anantnag ,Director Tourism and Commissioner Secretary Health. Wahid is also maternal uncle of Syed Khalid Geelani, sajadanishi of Dastageer sahib shrine. The 3rd day fateha would be held at Sanatnagar graveyard on Sunday at 11. Am .Wahid was known to be one of the most honest and efficient officers of his time who deeply wanted Kashmiri youth to prosper.

Rajpal Singh passes away, JK Bank employees express grief

Srinagar, Nov 22 (VOS): The employees of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Rawalpora branch unit have expressed grief and sorrow over the demise of Rajpal Singh, who was serving as the head of the branch.

Singh, 46, passed away Thursday after suffering brief illness, the employees told VOS.

Customers, locals and bank staff of the branch unit expressed solidarity with the family and relatives of the deceased. They prayed for peace to the departed soul.

Waza condemns Israel’s aggression on Gaza Strip
“Resolve world disputes”
Srinagar, Nov, 23: Hurriyat executive member and Jammu and Kashmir Peoples League Chairman, Mukhtar Ahmad Waza on Friday while condemning the Israel's "aggression" against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, on Friday demanded World powers to come forward for the settlement world disputes including Palestine and Kashmir.
Addressing Friday congregations at Kaba Marag, here in South Kashmir’s Islamabad’s District People League Chairman Mukhtar Ahmad Waza has condemned the Israel’s aggression in Palestine’s Gaza Strip expressed serious concern over the unabated massacre of Palestinians by the Israeli forces.
He said that the children as well as old age people are being killed in the Gaza and expressed serious concern over the world powers as well as over the role of western media as they are not highlighting
the massacre of the Palestine and overlooking the brutal actions of Israel.
He said that Israel is continuously killing the people, destroying public property, destroying the economic aspects of the country but the world powers aren’t intervening in the conflict that is itself concern for them.
He said that the same pattern of aggression has been adopted by India in Valley from past 65 years and similarly people of the valley including, children, youths, as well as old age people were killed in so called counter insurgency operations. He said that recently in peaceful protests, who were demanding right to self determination, were killed by the forces and rest were booked with the help of black laws and are lashing in different jails of India, were they are being inhumanly treated.
He said that people mostly youths killed by the forces and unidentified graveyards have exposed the real face of India and Indian democracy.“Violence, brutality, destroying one’s economy, exploiting rights,
can’t resolve the issues of world. As dialogue process is the only way forward for the resolutions of world disputes.” Waza maintained.
Waza demanded world bodies to intervene and pressurised the Israeli and Indian governments to stop brutality, killings and human rights violations in Palstaine as well as in Kashmir and give right to determination to the people of Palestine and Kashmir.

LMD team fines violators

SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 23- A team of officials from Legal Metrology Department (LMD) under the supervision of Joint Controller, Legal Metrology Kashmir, Mr. Ahsan Ali Khan conducted surprise inspection of Petrol Filling Stations in the Ganderbal district and checked the delivery of the petrol and diesel units.

It was found that two dispensing pumps were issuing short-delivery of 35 ml in every 5 litre measure, which is beyond the permissible limits.

Deputy Controller, Laboratories, Mr. M. A. Mughal imposed a fine of Rs. 8000/- for the lapse.

Meanwhile, the department also imposed a fine of Rs. 7000 on a Kathua based edible oil Mill for supplying underweight packages of edible oil to the valley.

Three more erring traders were booked for violating various provisions of Legal Metrology laws. The team collected a fine of Rs. 17, 400/- in total from the erring commercial establishments.

The business community was advised to abide by weights and measures laws by getting their weights and measures and weighing and measuring instruments periodically re-verified and stamped by local inspector of the department.

Moreover the packaged commodities offered for sale at the trading premises must carry all the mandatory declarations such as Net Weight, date of packing, MRP, complete address, consumer grievances cell No. or e-mail address etc to avoid the punitive action under the law.

22^nd batch of 269 Hajis received at Srinagar Airport

SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 23: As many as 269 Haj pilgrims comprising of 154 male and 115 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.

DC reviews winter arrangements reviewed at Pulwama

PULWAMA, NOVEMBER 23: In order to finalize the arrangements for clearing the roads in case of sudden snowfall in the Valley, the Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama, Mr. Shafat Noor called an officers meeting here today.

The meeting discussed threadbare various measures for ensuring smooth plying of transport on roads and clearing of snow from lanes and bye lanes of the district. It was decided that snow clearance machines shall be kept ready in different areas of the district so that any eventuality is met at proper time to facilitate commuters.

The Deputy Commissioner directed various officers including Power Development department to ensure availability of power supply strictly as per scheduled curtailment programme. He also directed for providing safe drinking water and rations to the people during ensuing winter.

Machinery mela held at Bandipora

Rs. 51 lakh subsidy provided to farmers

BANDIPORA, NOVEMBER 23:- The Department of Agriculture organized a machinery mela at Bandipora today. During the mela, the farmers of Bandipora block purchased 13 tractors, 25 tillers, 84 irrigation pump sets, polygreen houses and other products on which the agriculture department provided a subsidy component of Rs. 51.25 lakh.

Director Law Enforcement, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, Chief Agriculture Officer Bandipora, officers from agriculture and allied departments and progressive farmers were present on this occasion.

During the mela, the farmers were made aware about the latest technology and were asked to adopt such methods to boost the agriculture sector.

In order to inspire farmers, various companies and dealers had established stalls of tractors, tillers, irrigation, pump sets and other machinery in the machinery mela.

Later, as many as 8 cheques worth Rs. 48000 were distributed by way of subsidy component among the farmers.