SRINAGAR, SUNDAY, 25 ZUL HIJJAH 1433 AH ; 11 NOVEMBER  2012

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Addresses Annual Day function of Faredia Educational Institute, pays obeisance at Dargah of Hzrat Shah Mohammad Asrar-ud-Din Bagdadi (RA)

Peace must for sustained progress: Omar

Chenab Valley under focus for holistic development

Pakuldul, Kiru, Kawar, Bursur power projects to create numerous jobs, economic activities

             KISHTWAR, NOVEMBER 09 – Reiterating the importance of peace in the process of sustained development and economic prosperity, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Friday said that some elements are bent upon putting wedge between various sections of the society and creating hatred to disturb tranquillity for their vested interests.

            “It has been observed that some elements are trying time and again to disturb amity and brotherhood”, he said beseeching upon people to foil the nefarious designs aimed at disturbing peace. He asked them to uphold the secular characteristic and strengthen the pluralistic fabric in the State.

            Addressing the Annual Day function of Faredia Educational Institution, Kishtwar, the Chief Minister said that the peace and conducive atmosphere is all the more required for imparting education and keeping schools and colleges functional.

            Omar Abdullah said that a comprehensive and equitable development process is being carried forward by his government all across the State adding that inclusive development and upliftment of backward pockets are receiving added attention. He said various mega projects have been started in the backward areas to generate economic activities and give fillip to the holistic development.

            The Chief Minister said that the districts of Kishtwar, Doda, Reasi, Ramban and entire Chenab Valley has been focused for all round development and prestigious projects in power, road communication and other sectors have been launched to address development requirements of these areas and create jobs for youth.

            Omar Abdullah said that four power projects are being launched in this region to generate about 3000 MWs of power and open new vistas of economic development besides generating numerous job opportunities for the youth of the backward and remote areas. He said Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited has started work on Pakuldul, Kiru and Kawar Hydro Electric Projects while Bursur-II is also being taken up by this agency for execution. “This would open up the Chenab Valley for all round development and economic welfare”, he said re-emphasizing the essentiality of peace and tranquillity for accomplishing the task of establishing these most prestigious power projects.

            The Chief Minister said that his government is vigorously pursuing at the Union Government level sanctioning of tunnels in Kishtwar and other such areas to enhance accessibility and link up the remote areas with main highways. The Central Government has already sanctioned tunnels at Z-Morh and Zojila. “We are hopeful that Vialo-Singpora tunnel to connect Kishtwar with Kashmir Valley will also be sanctioned soon”, he said highlighting the importance of tunnels in the communication network of a hilly State like Jammu and Kashmir.

            Laying thrust on skill development while pursuing educational goals, Omar Abdullah stressed upon the youth to acquire required skills from the ITIs and Polytechnics opened by the government and enhance the status of their employability to get easily absorbed in the power and road communication projects under implementation in Chenab Valley. “Government has             given strict instructions to the agencies implementing development projects for employing locals and providing them opportunities of getting associated in the works under various categories so that they could earn livelihood and generate economic avenues for them and others in the area”, he added.

            The Chief Minister asked the people to get advantage of Public Service Guarantee Act where under service delivery has been made time bound in the nine departments connected with this job. He said the Act would not only ensure prompt and time bound service delivery but eradicate chances of corruption at the lower level.

            “You have not to move now from post pillar for getting electric or water supply connection, state subject certificate or driving license, revenue papers or house building permission, ration card or SC/ST certificates, etc but government has made it mandatory for the concerned departments to deliver these services to the people within the fixed time frame after receiving the request in this regard. Any laxity or failure by the official in providing this service would make him liable for punishment and fine up to Rs. 5000 which shall be deducted from his salary and paid to the affected consumer”, he elaborated.

            Omar Abdullah said that his government has also initiated other measures to bring in transparency and reduce chances of corruption in the administration. He referred to the Constitution of State Information Commission and Reconstitution of State Accountability Commission adding that State Vigilance Commission is being constituted soon.

            The Chief Minister announced Rs. 25000 award for the participants of gymnastics presented by the students of Faredia Educational Institute besides Rs. 1000 each to the students who spoke on various subjects on the occasion.

            The Chief Minister appreciated the Faredia Educational Institute for its role in universalization of education in the area and said that he has asked the Auqaf to work out expansion and establishment of this institute with the management of Faredia Educational Institute.

            The function was also addressed by Minister of State for Haj and Auqaf, Ajaz Ahmad Khan and MLA Sajad Ahmad Kitchloo while Minister for State for R&B, Javid Ahmad Dar and legislator G. M. Sarori were present on the occasion among others.

            The Chief Minister also paid obeisance at the Dargah of Hazrat Shah Mohammad Asrar-u-Din Bagdadi (RA) and prayed for peace and development in the State and well being of people.

Dy CM for fast tracking of road projects

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 10– Underscoring fast track completion of road projects, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Tara Chand said rural and border belts of the state are getting focused attention of the government and better connectivity through well laid network of roads is key factor for socio-economic transformation of these areas.

He said the government has started mega road up-gradation projects all across the state and time bound completion of these would have direct bearing on over all development.

Mr. Tara Chand today chaired a high level meeting of officers and reviewed the pace and progress of road projects undertaken in border and far-flung areas of Jammu division.

Chief Engineer, SAMPARK Mr. U.C. Mehta and other concerned officers attended the meeting.

Threadbare discussions were held on the status of various projects undertaken in the border belt and a roadmap was drawn for early completion of these strategically important road links.

Major border road projects which came up for review were Akhnoor-Pallanwala via Sole, Akhnoor- Jourian and Kappa Gala – Jogwan.

The meeting was informed that double laning of Akhnoor-Jourian and Akhnoor-Pallanwala road is underway and up gradation of Kappa Gala to Jogwan road is going on at fast pace.

Stressing on need to pace up the progress of work, the Deputy Chief Minister said work on Jourian road is in final stages and the efforts should be concentrated to complete the project at the earliest.

“People of the area are facing a lot of difficulties as work on both the connecting roads is going on simultaneously and there is an immediate need to concentrate on completion of one road project,” he remarked.

Giving details of the progress of works, the executing agency informed that Jourian road would be completed within 2-2.5 months and Pallanwala road would be ready in a span of six months.

Chib inaugurates two days 11^th State Mastogi-Do Championship at Moulana Azad Stadium Jammu

Rs. 13 cr New Indoor stadium will come up shortly

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 10:- Minister for Medical Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Mr. R. S. Chib today said that Omar led Government is making every efforts to provide a high class sports infrastructure to budding youth to prove their physical talent at State as well as National level sports field.

The Minister was addressing to the young tiny tots after inaugurating two days 11^th State Mastogi-Do Championship at Moulana Azad Stadium Jammu. The Championship has been organized by Mastogi-Do Association of J&K State.

On the occasion, the Minister was informed that 604 students of various schools of 7 districts of Jammu are participating in this great event.

Director Youth Services and Sports S. Jaipal Singh, Member of J&K Sports Council Mr. Sheikh Fazal Ahmed, Vice President School Games Federation of India Mr. Ashok Kumar and Chairmen of various Educational Trust were also present on the occasion.

The Minister said that he has been delighted to see the young children are participating with great interest and enthusiasm in this martial arts championship. He said that sports activities are as necessary as education, sitting on computers, seeing cartoons or any other function for the budding youth.

He announced that a new Indoor stadium complex will come up very shortly in Jammu with an estimated cost of Rs. 13 crore. The stadium will be constructed with joint venture of Central and State Government. He said the new stadium will provide youth the opportunities to prove their metal and added that the coalition government has already taken a number of steps for building a good sports infrastructure in the State, but there are continues efforts to meet the demands of the youth for construction of new stadia in their localities so that they can play without any difficulty.

The Minister hoped that this great event will increase more interest in the minds of the young kids for more and more participation in sports activities. He said that our youth have enormous talent but unfortunately they do not get the chances to prove their metal at right places.

Referring to the demands of Mastogi-Do Association, the Minister assured that their demands will be addressed accordingly.

Shiksha Niketan HS, Guru Hari Singh Public School, Presentation Convent School celebrates Diwali Milan, Annual Days  

Govt earmarks Rs. 34 lakh for toilet complex, modernization of nallah at Bathindi: Bhalla

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 10-Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Mr. Raman Bhalla has said that Government has approved Rs. 68 crore for channelization of Trikuta Nagar, Nanak Nagar, Shastri Nagar, Digiana Ashram, Ambedkar Nagar, Dashmash Nagar, Gangyal and Rampura nallahs, adding that the project has been handed over to Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA) under ADB funding for early start of works by December this year.

This was stated by the Minister while interacting with the people after reviewing the progress of toilet complex and construction work of 150 meter long edge walls of nallah near Macca Masjid in Bathindi, here today.

Mr. Bhalla said that after completion of the channelization work of nallah, about 2 lakh souls of above said areas would be benefited. He called upon the people of the localities to cooperate with ERA in completing the works within stipulated time frame. He said people of these areas have faced lot of hardships during last monsoon, resulting flash floods entering into their houses and damaging households.

The Minister said that the project will also compensate those affected families whose land has come under the upgradation work of nallahs. He said Government has also sanctioned seven new prestigious projects under ERA for Jammu city like construction of OHTs, installation of 19 tube wells, upgradation and replacement of worn out machinery of pumping stations and worn out pipes.

In view of ensuing Muharram, Mr. Bhalla asked the JMC to install 10 lights in and around the Macca Masjid in Bathindi for the convenience of the people.

Later, Mr. Bhalla also visited Shiksha Niketan High School, Jeevan Nagar, Guru Hari Krishen Public School, Nanak Nagar and herald A New Era Presentation Convent Sr. Sec. School, Gandhi Nagar and attended its Annual Day and Diwali celebration functions.

Addressing the gatherings, Mr. Bhalla said that “Our children are highly talented and there is a need to channelize their energies in a proper way so that they will work for the development of nation”. He said annual days are the platform when children and teachers get an opportunity to work in a team and display their talent through cultural items. 

Terming education as a vital tool for prosperous tomorrow, the Minister said that the Government has prioritized to extend education in every nook and corner with a special thrust on better infrastructure and provision for qualified staff. He said that there was an urgent need to protect and save the children from evils and crimes, adding that education was the only means for achieving this goal.

Mr. Bhalla said that the Government has opened scores of new schools setting the target to have one at every kilometer distance so that the students could get education at their doorsteps. He said Government run schools have well qualified staff and better infrastructure and appealed the parents to send their wards to the Government schools.

The Minister said that the Government has constituted a team of education officers to visit door to door and urge the parents to send their wards to schools for better tomorrow. He said the Government has to bear up to Rs. 3000 expenses for providing free uniforms and text books to the children belonging to the weaker sections of the society.

Mr. Bhalla asked the teaching fraternity to impart moral education to the students, besides academics, adding that moral education was the first step towards spiritual education. He said a teacher has to become a role model for the students as he has a decisive role in shaping their destiny. He said teacher’s role was not only to teach but to make the students the best and the ideal citizens of the society. A teacher is a friend, guide, helper and advisor of the students, he added.

Master Plan revision to address futuristic city requirements: Dy CM

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 10– Calling for preparing a futuristic master plan, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Tara Chand said that Jammu city has grown many folds and the plan which has to be prepared must address to the needs of the growing city besides having provisions for all the modern urban facilities.

He said Jammu has to be developed into a greater city having facilities at par with those available in metros and master plan revision has to be in tune with the growing urbanization of the city.

He said this while chairing a high level meeting to review the concept draft of revision of Jammu Master Plan 2021 by Jammu Development Authority (JDA).

Minister of Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Mr. Raman Bhalla, MLA, Jammu West Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta, MLA Jammu East Mr. Ashok Khajuria, MLA, Raipur-Domana Mr. Bharat Bhushan attended the meeting.

Among others the meeting was also attended by Commissioner/Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Mr. Jeet Lal Gupta, District Development Commissioner, Jammu Mr. Sanjeev Verma, Vice-Chairman, JDA, Ms. Sarita Chouhan, District Development Commissioner, Samba Mr. Mubarak Singh, Commissioner, JMC Mr. K.L. Khajuria, Director, ULB Mr. F.C. Bhagat, Managing Director, J&K Housing Board Mr. Kiran Wattal, Consultant CEPT Ms. Madhu Bharati and other level senior officers of JDA.

A power point presentation was given by Prof Bharati from Centre for Environment Planning and Technology (CEPT) University Ahmedabad, who is consultant for JDA master plan (MP) 2021 revision.

   Underscoring on preparing a visionary document for urban growth of the city, Mr. Tara Chand said over the past few years owing to migration from different parts the city population has grown exponentiallyand tourism inflow also increases pressure on the city. Keeping in view needs of growing urbanization now it has become imminent to review the existing MP and come up with a revised plan which caters to the demands of a greater city, he added.

He said once the draft plan is prepared the same would be put in public domain and all stake holders including civil society and public representatives would be involved to ensure inclusion of all relevant ideas in the revised MP.

While reviewing the concept draft, Mr. Raman Bhalla said that fringe areas of the city have special significance and cater to majority of needs like agriculture, dairy etc. hence proper provisions have to be kept for incorporating these areas in the greater city plan. He said provision in city planning has to be kept for migrant population which is large in number and buffer has also to be kept for floating population.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that detailed zonal plans have to be formulated in the master plan and a comprehensive city mobility plan has to be prepared, as the city commuters are facing tough times, adding that suitable land development mechanism would be adopted keeping in view the local area requirements.

He directed the consultant organization to complete the ground work as per suggestions brought up in the meeting within a period of one month, so as to further discuss the provisions of MP revision in cabinet as well as in public domain. 

9^th batch of 541 Hajis received at Srinagar Airport

            SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 10: As many as 541 Haj pilgrims comprising of 293 male and 247 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.

Power shut down on Nov 13

            SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 06: According to Power Controller, Power Development Department, Kashmir, in order to allow Mr. Gh. Nabi Dar S/o Abdul Gani Dar R/o Muniwar, Anantnag to cut down some poplar trees near 33 KV lines, power shut down of 33 KV Wanpoh-Ashajipora-Malaknag Line shall be affected on November 13, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 04 p.m.

District Police Anantnag organizes T-20 Cricket Tournament

            ANANTNAG, NOVEMBER 10: Police Public T-20 Cricket Tournament organized by District Police, Anantnag was today inaugurated by District Development Commissioner, Anantnag, Mr. Farooq Ahmad Shah at Sports Stadium, Anantnag. Brig. Deepak Bannerje, Commander Ist Sector was the guest of honour on this occasion. As many as 32 Cricket teams of the district are participating in this tournament.

            While highlighting the importance of organizing such events, Mr. Shah said that the aim is to provide an opportunity for the youth of the district to imbibe the qualities of sportsmanship and discipline. The youth participating in this event can perform in a better way for the State as well as the country wise events.

            SSP, Anantnag, Mr. R.K. Jalla, District Youth Services and Sports Officer, Anantnag, Chief Medical Officer, Anantnag, Chief Executive Officer, Anantnag and other senior civil and police officers were present on the inaugural ceremony.

PYKKA tournament concludes at Bandipora

            BANDIPORA, NOVEMBER 10: The inter block Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA) tournament organized by the Youth Services and Sports department, Bandipora concluded here today. As many as, 300 Athletes comprising of Boys and Girls participated in Kho-kho, Kabaddi, Volleyball, Badminton, Handball and Martial Art like discipline played during the tournament.

            The tournament was inaugurated by District Youth Services and Sports Officer, Bandipora, Mr. M.A. Trumboo. The games were held at S.K. Sports Stadium, Bandipora. Boys Higher Secondary School, Bandipora and at Gurez Dawar, where MLA Gurez, Mr. Nazir Ahmad Gurezi was the chief guest while Commanding Officer 14 RR V.B. Nagi as chief guest at Sports Stadium, Bandipora distributed prizes among the participants.    

Jora awards eminent Sculptures, artists at Parihaspora

            SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 10: Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora today distributed awards among sculptures and artists at a concluding function of National level Sculpturing Camp organized by Tourism department at Parihaspora in North Kashmir district Baramulla.

            The camp was organized to showcase the rich historic architecture heritage of Kashmir and to promote art of sculpture in the State.

            The camp held is first of its kind in the Valley in which artists of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir States participated.

            Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said the coalition Government headed by Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah is committed to revive the tourism industry adding more than 10 lakh tourists visited Valley during current year. He also said tourism industry is the backbone of the economy of the State.

            Referring to the historical background of Parihaspora, the Minister said that the area was known as Kani Shahar owing to the fact that historically significant stones are still exist at the site. Measures have already been taken to bring Parihaspora on tourist map to restore its pristine glory.

            Mr. Jora on the occasion distributed awards among 8 Sculptures of Karnataka, 2 of Andhra Pradesh and 10 of Jammu and Kashmir.

            The Minister was accompanied by the officers of the Tourism and Archives departments.

Machinery Mela held at Sopore

Incentive worth Rs 21.09 lakhs to be provided among farmers

            SOPORE, NOVEMBER 10: MLA Sopore, Haji M. Ashraf today emphasized for utilization of natural resources like water and fertile soil fully to make the state self-sufficient in the field of Agriculture sector.

            Mr. Ashraf was addressing a large gathering after inaugurating Farm Machinery Mela at Dak Bungalow Sopore. He impressed upon farmers to come forward and take the benefits of the scheme launched by the Government for boosting Agriculture production. He said awareness is basic need for bringing more and more villages under the ambit of the scheme launched by Agriculture Department adding that farmers need to be acquainted about new techniques and machinery being applied in Agriculture Sector to boost the production. He appreciated the role of Agriculture department to reach out to the farmers.

            Sub Divisional Magistrate, Sopore, Syed Hanief Balki while speaking on the occasion said that holding of such Melas would give a chance to farmers to express and share their ideas for mutual benefits. He asked youth to set up their own income generating units in Agriculture sector which he added will not only become source of livelihood for them but for others too.

            Project coordinator mushroom S.L. Galotra advised the farmers to take benefits of various schemes launched by Agriculture department and cooperate with the field functionaries of Department for its successful implementation.

            Several authorized dealers displayed their stalls in the Mela. Among others present on the occasion were Chief Agriculture Officer, besides large number of officials and farmers. Farmers of sub division Sopore purchased various Agriculture machinery tools including 11 tractors, 20 power tillers, 70 irrigation pump sets and 13 foot sprayers, for which Department of agriculture provided Rs 21.09 lakhs as subsidy component.

Opposition myopic: Sagar

SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 10:- Coming down heavily on the opposition party trying to mislead the people, the Minister for Rural Development, Law, Justice and Panchayati Raj, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar has said that they are suffering from Political myopia and in a state of frustration cannot see land mark initiatives undertaken by the present Government for the welfare of the people of the State.

The Minister was addressing a huge public gathering at Veerinag Battegund in South Kashmir today.

MLC, Dr. Bashir Ahmed Veeri, Mr. Akbar Ganie and other prominent Political leaders of the South Kashmir were also present.

Referring to the recent statement of a British Diplomat regarding the improvement in the situation of the Valley, the Minister said it was due to the tireless efforts of the Government that the peace has been sustained and now people are reaping the peace dividends. He said that the record number of tourists have visited the State which would go long way in uplifting the economy of the State. “We do not need certificates from the particular opposition party which has a history of spreading falsehood and rumors besides floating obnoxious ideas. They have always mislead the people and preferred their interests over those of the people of the State”, the Minister maintained. 

Mr. Sagar said that the Government believes in sustained action rather than rhetoric and has ensured that the developmental works which the particular party had left half way were completed. He said that the people can very well judge for themselves that it is was due to the persistent efforts of the present government that the four laning of national highway from Qazigund to Baramulla is going on a fast track basis, which would go long way in ensuring better traffic mobility on this important highway for the general convenience of the people.

The Minister said that in order to provide employment opportunities to the youth and also address the global phenomenon of unemployment various schemes like SKEWPY have been introduced and EDI has also been strengthen to ensure vocational training to the prospective entrepreneurs.

MLC, Dr. Bashir Ahmed Veeri and Akbar Ganie also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the role of the government in ensuring sustained development of the State. They said that the opposition party has got frustrated due to the development registered by the Government and are now trying to spread lies and canards.   

Opposition un-nerved with achievements of coalition Govt: Slathia

Says “false propaganda can’t browbeat us”

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 10- Observing that the opposition was unnerved to see the performance and excellent achievement by the coalition government, the Minister for Industries and Commerce Mr. S. S. Slathia, today cautioned people against the negative propaganda unleashed by it to hood wink public opinion.

Addressing a public gathering at Gowal in Tehsil Vijaypur today Mr. Slathia said that opposition is not happy with the growing popularity of the coalition partners among the masses and was making vain attempts to raise frivolous issues for diverting the attention of people from the achievements of the government adding that “We cannot be cowed down by such maneuvers”. He called for launching an aggressive awareness campaign among the masses about the shining performance of the government to counter the false propaganda of opposition. He said that opposition is hell bent to spread disinformation against coalition government. “It cannot succeed as people have understood their double standard” he asserted.

The state under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah is passing through an unprecedented era of development, he said, adding that all the promises will be fulfilled with commitment.           Mr. Slathia said that having no agenda, the opposition was relying on lies and false propaganda and remarked that how long false hood can last.

The Minister asked the people to be united to defeat the nefarious designs of the divisive forces.

Mr. Slathia asked the people to provide better education to their children to enable them to compete in the job market.

Yaseen for sustained development of rural areas

Addresses public gathering at Hardu Panzoo

            BUDGAM, NOVEMBER 10: Saying that sustained and equitable development of all regions particularly rural areas is need of the hour, MLA Khansahib, Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen urged for imparting modern as well as moral education to youth, which is imperative for building a sound and evil free society.

            Speaking to a large gathering at Hardu Panzoo Beerwa after inspecting the pace and progress of ongoing development works in the area, Mr. Yaseen enjoined upon the concerned authorities and executing agencies to accelerate the pace of work keeping in view the ensuing winter season. He announced that for better medicare facilities at Primary Health Centre will be constructed in Hardu Panzoo so that people of the area could avail the facility at their doorstep.

            Mr. Yaseen asked the people to maintain peace and amity as it is imperative for the speedy development of the State. He hoped that future dialogues between India and Pakistan would bear fruits adding that J&K State is the biggest beneficiary of peace and friendly relation between the two neighbouring countries.

            Mr. Yaseen emphasized for better road connectivity and health care facilities especially in rural areas, besides ensuring availability of quality education.

            Mr. Yaseen was accompanied by Chief Medical Officer, Budgam, Executive Engineer R&B and other concerned sectoral officers.    

Speaker visits Sumbal Sonawari reviews Muharram arrangements

Urges for adequate facilities

            SUMBAL, NOVEMBER 10: Speaker, J&K Legislative Assembly, Mr. Mohammad Akbar Lone took stock of the arrangements for the forthcoming Muharram-ul-Harram at Sumbal, Sonawari here today.

            The officers of the district administration Bandipora were present on the occasion.

            Addressing the meeting, the Speaker directed the officers of various departments to ensure supply of essential commodities including rice, sugar, k.oil, atta, firewood, LPG etc. particularly in Shia dominated areas during the Muharram days.

            Mr. Lone asked the officers of Health department to provide better medicare facilities during the auspicious days of Muharram-ul-Harram to the people. He directed the engineers of PDD and PHE to ensure supply of power and potable drinking water during Muharram-ul-Harram in these areas.

            The Speaker also asked the Municipal authorities to maintain cleanliness in and around the Imam Baras of the area.

            Mr. Lone gave special instructions to Chief Medical Officer, Bandipora to post medical and para-medical staff besides provide medicine and ambulances for the processionists.

            Later, the Speaker inspected various Shia dominated areas and took stock of the facilities being provided by district administration on ground.

            During his tour several deputations of Sumbal Sonawari called on the Speaker and apprised him about various problems confronting them.

            The Speaker gave patient hearing to the deputationists and directed the concerned authorities on spot to solve their problems in a phased manner.  

            The Speaker was also accompanied by the District Development Commissioner, Bandipora, Mr. Manzoor Ahmad Lone, ADDC Bandipora, SP Bandipora and other officers of various departments.

Mir reviews Muharram arrangements at Pattan

            BARAMULLA, NOVEMBER 10: Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir Saturday urged upon district administration Baramulla to ensure adequate supply of essential commodities including Rice, Sugar, Atta, K. Oil, firewood etc. during Muharram days.

            The Minister was addressing an officers meeting held at Pattan to review the Muharram arrangements.

            The District Development Commissioner, Baramulla, Mr. Ghulam Ahmad Khawaja was also present among other officers.

            The Minister directed PHE and PDD Engineers to ensure uninterrupted supply of water and Electricity. He also directed Chief Medical Officer, Baramulla to gear up men and machinery for providing better health care facilities in Shia dominated area.

            Referring to various initiatives taken by the coalition government to ensure peace and prosperity in all the three regions of the State, Mr. Mir said that commendable work has been done in respect of extending better medical facilities in remote and far flung areas of the State by opening up of medical centers for providing medicare to the patients living in inaccessible areas of the Jammu and Kashmir.

            Similarly, the Government opened a network of schools at the doorsteps of people so that a revolution is brought in the literacy rate of the State by extending educational facilities to poor and downtrodden communities free of cost, Mr. Mir added.

Uninterrupted movement for ambulances carrying critical patients: Watali

            SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 10: In order to ensure smooth movement of ambulances carrying serious and critical patients within Srinagar city and from rural areas, a meeting of officers of various departments was held under the Chairmanship of DIG Traffic, Mr. Showkat Ahmad Watli here today.

            The meeting was attended by Director Health Services, Kashmir, Medical Superintendents of various Associated Hospitals, SP Traffic City and Members of Civil Society.

            The meeting decided that all information with regard to movement of ambulances carrying serious and critical patients from and to the hospitals shall be logged by Traffic Police Control Room as soon as it receives the said information.

            After receiving information from authorized Medical Officer from the referring hospital regarding movement of ambulance carrying critical patients, Traffic Police Control Room shall immediately convey the departure time and route taken by the said ambulance to concerned officers of Traffic Police. In addition to this, PCRs of all enroute districts and police stations and police posts falling enroute will be also informed well in time for smooth movement of such ambulances.

            Mobile numbers of the driver of the ambulance and the attendant of the patient shall be noted by duty officer Traffic Police Control Room and conveyed to all concerned traffic men for better communication during movement of the ambulances.

            All concerned traffic officers shall ensure to escort these ambulances in their area of responsibility especially congested areas.

            In case of protest, road block or any other reason when the movement of vehicles is not possible at any place enroute, the concerned traffic officers shall divert the said ambulance to alternative route for smooth passage under intimation to Traffic Police Control Room Srinagar.

            Telephone Nos of Traffic Police Control Room Kashmir and senior officers of Traffic Police will be conveyed to all district hospitals and the nodal officers of Health department including SKIMS Soura, Government Medical College and other Health institutions.

            DIG Traffic Kashmir, SP Traffic Rural and SP Traffic City Srinagar and other gazette officers will personally monitor the movement of these ambulances as is being done in case of movement of VVIPs.

            These instructions, guidelines and SOP will come into force with immediate effect.

Screening of Dogri Film ‘Reet’ organized

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 11-A special screening of Dogri film ‘Reet’ was organized at Kala Kendra during the ongoing Festivals Mega Show 2012.

Being a movie in regional language, the film witnessed huge rush of audiences.

The Painting exhibition by students of Sainik School Nagrota is also getting a good response from the art lovers.

The ongoing show organized by the Department of Information presents a fascinating pageant and showcase art and culture of the State.

The objective of holding this multipurpose event is to showcase the state’s rich composite culture. The mega show involves, screening of Dogri movies, photo exhibition, cultural programmes, painting camps (graphics), photo exhibition by photo journalists, departmental stalls, joy rides, societies stalls, home appliances, local traders stall besides healthcare products and children book fair.

Book stall, health care products, electric gadgets, picnic tables sets, herbal products, melamine crockery, and handicraft stalls of private and government organizations are getting good response from the visitors.

2010 agitation a futile exercise: Sajjad Lone

“India selective in delivering justice, where is their conscience?”

“Election boycott a duty, democratic right of separatists”

Srinagar, Nov 10 (VOS): Describing the 2010 agitation in Kashmir valley as a futile exercise, People Conference (PC) Chairman Sajjad Lone said such agitations adversely affect the life of common people.

“There is no need to launch such agitations which scare away tourists and restrict children from going to school”, said Lone while talking to VOS on Friday, adding there are many other ways to protest for genuine demands of people.

Lone, while strongly condemning agitations and strikes said, “It has adverse effects on the common man. People can hold peaceful dharnas (sit-ins) across the Valley or go for a brief one hour shut down rather than having a ninety day shut down”.

He said that the agitation in year 2010 was a futile exercise which didn’t benefit anyone in any manner but, ‘on the contrary had adverse effect on the common people of Kashmir. He said agitation threats should not be issued by anyone.

On the suo motto notice taken by the Supreme Court over the Amarnath Yatra deaths, Sajjad accused India of being selective in delivering justice.

“There was no proactive action from SC when it comes to human rights violations in the Valley. What pains me as a Kashmiri is that in last twenty years, amid huge number of disappearances, killings and Public Safety Act slaps, SC did not mention a single word on them”, he said.

“This whole Amarnath Yatra is a pointer, a question towards India’s collective conscience. Where is their conscience? Where is their morality? What are these ethics that SC is so active when it comes to Amarnath Yatries but doesn’t mention a word on thousands of people who died in last twenty years? I think that question is more important than whether the road is being macadamized or not”, said Sajad Lone.

He called upon the youth to work for economic security and prosperity of the state

“The country belongs to them (youth). They should do what it takes to make it economically secure and a prosperous place. As far as political preferences are concerned, I think its time for people of Kashmir especially youth to go for introspection and see whether their voting preferences and responsibilities might have contributed to the current state of affairs”, he said.

Refuting criticism from certain quarters regarding his contesting elections, he said, “I never took Qur’an in my hands to swear that I would not contest elections. What I said was that I have not fielded any proxy candidates. When it comes fighting elections, other separatists also fought elections, I’m also fighting elections. If Allah will punish me for fighting elections, He will punish them also. If Allah has exempted ‘them’ from every sin, then it becomes a different story”, he added.

When asked if he believes the separatists should call for election boycott in the upcoming elections, the PC Chairman said, “I really think that it is their duty. It is their democratic right to call for the boycott of elections, and if they do, they should not be arrested and restrained. Let them carry on with their democratic right”, he said.

On the threat issued to Panchs and Sarpanchs, he said, “I condemn issuing of threats to anyone”.

Speaking about the present situation in the Valley, he accused the government of failing on every front. He said that the government and people are alienated from each other. ”Government has failed to address the miseries of the people, people who are at the helm of affairs seem to live in a different world”, said Lone.

Lone said that he had no sleepless nights after losing in the previous elections however, ‘there were lessons to be learnt’.

“Failure in last election has given lessons, we lacked in technical aspects at that time”, he said.

When asked his family is divided between different ideologies, he said that family members were at liberty to have different ideologies.  “In Kashmir, families have divided ideologies when it comes to political preferences”. (VOS)

 Politically activity heats up ahead of LC polls

Issue to be discussed during CCC meeting: Soz

‘PDP conducts core group meeting, to contest on all seats’

‘Third Front leaders meet; decide to field common candidates’

Srinagar, Nov 10 (VOS): Elections to the 4 seats of state legislative council reserved for the panchayat members of the state has sparked renewed activity among different political parties with major political players putting their heads together to grab a major share.

The issue of chalking out a joint strategy for fighting the elections by the two coalition partners in the state government is expected to be on top of the agenda during the Coalition Coordination Committee (CCC) meeting scheduled for Monday in Jammu.

State Congress Chief, Saifuddin Soz Saturday confirmed to VOS that the issue of deciding a joint strategy for fighting the Legislative Council elections will be discussed during the meet. He said discussions on conducting the Block Development Council (BDC) elections will also be held during the meeting.

The CCC meeting is being held on Monday at 10 am in Jammu, the Congress Chief said. Pertinently the CCC comprises six members headed by Soz, with three other members from the National Conference and two from the Congress.

Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand and Minister for Health and Family Welfare Sham Lal Sharma are the two other members from the Congress while as Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar and Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan are the members from the National Conference.

Reliable sources told VOS that the Congress is keen on fighting one of the two MLC seats reserved for Kashmir region while as the National Conference is adamant on fighting both the seats from Kashmir, leaving the other two seats in Jammu region for the state Congress.

“The issue is going to be the bone of contention during the upcoming CCC meeting as the National Conference is reluctant to leave one the two valley seats for Congress”, the sources added.

Meanwhile, the People Democratic Party (PDP) patron, Mufti Muhamamd Syed Saturday convened a meeting of the party core group at his residence to discuss the party’s strategy for contesting the Legislative Council elections, sources said. They told VOS that the PDP is contemplating to contest from all the four seats including the two seats in Jammu region.

In another interesting turn of events, the much talked about third front in the state politics is also fielding its candidates for the LC seats to be voted for by around 33000 panchayat members across the state.

Peoples’ Democratic Front (PDF) Chairman, Hakim Yasin told VOS that the parties in the third front will field their candidates for fighting the elections.

“We will fight the elections and filed common candidates with the 2014 elections in view. We will not repeat our mistakes”, Yasin said.

Pertinently, he had earlier rued the fact that the smaller parties did not contest the 2008 elections jointly, calling it a historical blunder.

According to sources PDF Chairman Hakim Yasin, CPI (M) state secretary M Y Tarigami and DPN President and Agriculture Minister Gulam Hassan Mir Friday held a meeting to discuss the issue of fighting the elections jointly. “They have decided to contest the elections on their own”, the sources said.

Political activities, across the spectrum are heating up at different levels with the parties trying to grab maximum vote share from among the panchs and sarpanchs.

In this context, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Ali Muhammad Sagar and senior Vice President of the Congress Party, Gh Nabi Monga today met at the former’s residence to discuss various issues including BDC and MLC elections. (VOS)

NC symbolizes unity, solidarity of J&K: Omar

‘Selfless service to people our political agenda’

Asks workers to enhance public rapport, strengthen coalition

Jammu Nov 10: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who is also working president of J&K National Conference Saturday said that J&K National Conference represents aspirations of common people and its selfless service to public has always been above any consideration of creed, caste , colour, region or religion.

“History is the testimony of the secular-democratic credentials of National Conference and the sacrifices it has made to uphold the cause of communal harmony, brotherhood and amity are glaring”, he said asking the party workers to further strengthen this trait and work for welfare and progress of the state wholeheartedly.

Addressing the office bearers of various units of J&K National Conference Jammu province at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan here this morning, Omar Abdullah said that public support across the state has remained the fountain head of strength of National Conference. He said that National Conference symbolizes unity and solidarity of Jammu and Kashmir and public service is its political agenda.

Omar said that J&K National Conference has always stood for secularism. “This characteristic of the party is amply visible in all areas of the state and  the slogan of Hindu, Muslim, Sikh Ithad preached by Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah continuously reverberates across the mountains, valleys and planes of Jammu and Kashmir”, he maintained.

Omar Abdullah asked the party workers to  gear-up at all levels and  griddle their loins to pave way for achieving  the goal of economically self reliant, peaceful and progressive Jammu and Kashmir envisioned by the Sher-e-Kashmir and enshrined in ‘Naya Kashmir’ document of the party.

The Chief Minister emphasized on enhancing public rapport by the workers and told them to be actively involved in the implementation of development policy of the coalition government. He told the party workers to be on their heels to visit all areas and ascertain public feedback regarding development process. He told them to prove an important catalyst in the redressal of public grievances and help in successful and time bound implementation of works.

Stating that party makes government and governments do not build parties, the working National President stressed on the rank and file of National Conference to strengthen the party all across the state and shatter the designs of their detractors by exhibiting unity and working for the upliftment of people tirelessly. He also told them to contribute positively in strengthening the coalition and helping the government to fulfill its promises made to people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Omar Abdullah said that 2013 will be the year of reaching out to the people of the state. ‘Your performance will be your best friend to go to next elections with your head high”, he said and added that he has directed the Ministers, Advisors and legislators of his party to increase public rapport and ensure redressal of their grievances to the level possible.

Omar Abdullah said that the list of achievements registered by his government on peace and development fronts during the last about four years is huge and open to all. He asked the party workers to make people aware of these achievements and peace initiatives taken to bring stability and tranquility in the state.

Addressing the meeting Provincial President of J&K National Conference Rattan Lal Gupta said that a grand rally of the party workers of Jammu province is being held on 16th of December, 2012 in Jammu.

Government creating corruption friendly eco system: Mufti

‘It is a coalition of corruption and loot’

Srinagar, Nov 10 (VOS): Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has said the state has completely fallen into the strangle hold of vested interest that is engaged in brazen loot of public exchequer and national wealth. Addressing a workers convention in Parnewa , Kremshor of Khansahib constituency in Budgam district today he said the situation cannot be retrieved under the present dispensation as it has deliberately subverted institutions of vigilance, transparency and probity. On this occasion senior party leader and party general secretary Mohammed Dilawar Mir, Senior leader and former legislative council chairman Gh Nabi Lone Hanjura , district president Budgam Saifudin Bhat and zone president Bashir Ah were also present and spoke to the occasion.

 Mufti said the PDP would launch a war against corruption in public life and start with enforcing accountability in high places when ever it got a chance with the  support of the people. He said it was to cover up the loot and brazen corruption indulged in by its members that the present government had subverted the institutions like State Accountability commission (SAC) , State vigilance commission (SVC), State Information Commission (SIC) and the vigilance department and there was a free for all in selling every thing that had any thing to do with the government. Jobs, tenders, money from treasuries, postings and transfers, certificates and mandates, everything was on sale he said. Declaring that the PDP would provide an independent anti corruption mechanism which could not be compromised or subverted by any government

  Mufti said the state accountability commission had been envisaged to be the equivalent of the Lokpal that rest of the country was still making an effort to constitute. But, in absence of an independent investigation arm and ability of the government to provide support to it the institution had lost its relevance with action on  most of the cases taken up by it halted through judicial intervention over technical niceties. He said it was sad that instead of offering himself for probe the chief minister had led the process of trivialization of SAC by going to court challenging its jurisdiction. His colleagues had taken the same route to escape law he said. Mufti said the state would have been one of the most developed parts of the country if corruption had not been promoted here almost as a state policy. He said it was a cause of concern that while in rest of the country a strong movement has been launched against this menace in jammu & Kashmir the people seemed to be by and large unconcerned by it even though it is not some one else's  money that is being pocketed by the unscrupulous elements in the administration but the money that was to be used for building infrastructure, roads, hospitals, schools and providing help to the needy and the poor. He said people must understand the value of electing the right persons who they feel can deliver good governance without indulging in bad practices. Mufti said the present government had created a corruption friendly eco system and through its brazen actions it had left no one in doubt about its intentions. He said it was clear that in absence of a common program for governance the coalition led by national conference had become a coalition of corruption and loot while the common people suffered complete neglect. He said the latest instance of the coalition coordination about a house committee and the way it is sought to be subverted is enough evidence that this government can stoop to any level to prevent law from taking its course. The PDP patron said the present government has neither the will nor the moral strength to fight corruption as its leading lights are facing serious charges like the mysterious death of Haji Yusuf and the cricket association scandal involving crores of rupees. He said it was unfortunate that the institutions of the state had been converted into hand maidens of ruling politicians which had eroded people’s faith in them. “Some people had been treated as the holy cows whose misdemeanor never came in for an audit as a result of which entire democratic system had suffered in the state” Mufti said adding the PDP wanted to change this situation and needed public support for it. Expressing concern at the growing miseries of people on account of problems like power and cooking gas Mufti said it was a direct result of the inefficiency and political compromises made by the National Conference on the state’s resources. He said given the miseries faced by people of J&K, it would easily qualify for the most misgoverned state of the country. “Nowhere in the country would one have to stay in queue for commodities like gas and kerosene” he said and added that a decent living was a fundamental right of the people which had been denied to them in this state. He said the government was treating people as cattle and this insult and humiliation of human beings was something unacceptable to PDP and was therefore seeking a total change in system.

Speaking on this occasion PDP General Secretary Mohammed Dilawar Mir accused the govt for present power situation in the valley and said that while the entire coalition government is responsible for the crisis faced by the people, the power disaster can squarely be attributed to the Chief Minister who has been heading the department for the last four years. Recalling the vast improvement registered in power supply by the previous coalition he said only a thoroughly corrupt, ineficient and insensitive government like the present one could have achieved such a disastrous reversal. He said while any where in world the systemic improvement brought in by the previous government would have been used as an opportunity for further development the present government dismantled every thing good that had been achieved painstakingly by its predecessor.

2002 Family feud:

Kupwara court sentences 9 of family to 3 years of rigorous imprisonment

Srinagar, Nov 10 (VOS):A Kupwara court today sentenced 9 members of a family to 3 years of rigorous imprisonment for assaulting the members of another family and ransacking their property.

Ab Khaliq Zargar S/o Gh Rasool; Anwar Hussain Zargar and Ajaz Ahmad Zargar Sons of Ab Khaliq Zargar; Ab Aziz Zargar S/O Gh Ahmad Zargar, Parvez Ahmad Zargar S/O Ab Aziz Zargar, Zubaida Begum W/o Anwar Hussain, Haniefa Begum W/o Ab Aziz, Shafiqa Bano D/o Ab Aziz and Fatima Begum W/o Parvez Ahmad Zargar, all residents of R/o Chak Trehgam Kupwara were sentenced to three years of rigorous imprisonment by Imtiyaz Ahmad, Judicial Magistrate Kupwara. Pertinently the court had been hearing the case of a domestic feud since 2002.

According to sources, the accused had attacked the family of one Gulam Nabi Zargar of Chakpora Trehgam in Kupwara on April 18, 2002, injuring his daughter Haseena Bano and felling some poplar trees of the victim family apart from ransacking their valuable belongings.

A case had been registered at the Police Station Trehgam under No 24/2002 under sections 148, 447, 354, 336, 427, 425.

The case was since being heard by the court of Judicial Magistrate Kupwara after which the court delivered its verdict today.

The accused were represented by Advocate M Maqbool Mir whileas the prosecution was represented by Prosecutor Fayaz Ahmad and CPO Sheik Musharraf.

However, the accused were acquitted by the court of charges under section 354 and given five days time to appeal against the judgment in the sessions court Kupwara. (VOS)

 Hurriyat (M) delegation leaves for Delhi:

To discuss upcoming Pak visit with HC, Kashmir issue

Srinagar, Nov 10: A high level delegation of APHC led by its chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has left for New Delhi to meet Pakistan High Commissioner.
Apart from Mirwaiz, the members in the delegation include, Moulvi Mohammad Abbas Ansari, Professor Abdul Gani Bhat, Bilal Gani Lone, and Agha Syed Hassan Al Moosvi Al Safvi, said the Hurriyat spokesperson in a statement here.
“The delegation will have detailed deliberations with the Pakistan High Commissioner to New Delhi, Salman Bashir, regarding the APHC’s upcoming visit to Pakistan. The delegation will also discuss the Kashmir issue, bilateral relations between India and Pakistan and the tangible changes and improvement in the relations between the two countries. In that context, APHC would present the Kashmiri point of view, aspirations, and emotions before the high commissioner and other Pakistani delegates”, reads the statement.
The hurriyat spokesman has sternly rejected the reports in certain sections of the press regarding providing of basic amenities to some of  the hurriyat leaders. Terming such statements as frivolous, spokesman said that hurriyat leadership was an inalienable part of the Kashmiri people and is not demanding any economic or other benefits. 
He said that APHC thinks it is its duty to highlight the daily problems of the people.
The spokesman said that hurriyat is highlighting the daily problems faced by the people. He said its aim was not to get benefits, but to point out the sufferings of the people due to wrong policies of the government.

03 injured in road mishaps

Srinagar, Nov 10:  Tree persons were injured in two separate road accidents in Kashmir valley on Saturday.

Police said a truck bearing registration JK03/7190 collided with a Tata Sumo bearing registration number Jk01/2262 near Khrew, resulting in serious injuries to driver of the Tata Sumo Mehrajudin Khaso son of Muhammad Yousuf resident of Qamarwari, Srinagar and a passenger Ghulam Hassan Chopan son of Sidiq Chopan resident of Khrew. Both the injured were shifted to hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, 30 year old Bashir Ahmad Shaksaz son of Abdul Gani resident of Chamgund was seriously injured when he fell from a tractor near Chamgund, in the jurisdiction of Police Station Devsar. The injured was shifted to hospital for treatment.

04 structures damaged in fire

Srinagar, Nov 10: Four structures were damaged in different fire incidents across the valley.

Fire broke out in the residential house of Sanaullah Tantray resident of Ring Bala, Machil, resulting in complete damage to the structure. Fire was brought under control with the help of fire tenders and locals of the area. Police has registered a case in this regard.

Meanwhile, fire broke out in the cowshed of Noor Muhammad Mir son of Ghulam Muhammad Mir resident Gasoo in the jurisdiction of Police Station Zakoora, resulting in partial damage to the cowshed. Fire was brought under control with help of fire tenders and local police. Police has registered a case in this regard.

In another incident, fire broke out in residential house of Abdul Aziz Mir son of Mangta Mir resident of Handi Nowshera, in the jurisdiction of Police Boniyar, resulting in damage to the structure. Fire was brought under control with the help of fire tenders and locals of the area.

Fire broke out in the residential house of Abdul Majeed son of Muhammad Rafiq Lone resident of Chettergul, Kangan, in the jurisdiction of Police Station Kangan, resulting in complete damage to the structure. Fire was brought under control with the help of fire tenders and locals police. 

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