SRINAGAR,WEDNESDAY,16 RABI AL
SAANI 1434 AH ; 27 FEBRUARY 2013
Email:-editorvosgr@gmail.com
Peace uncertainty
stumbling block in economic progress: Omar
‘Unresolved political
issues between Indo-Pak makes situation more fragile’
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JAMMU, FEBRUARY 26 – Describing uncertainty of peace major stumbling block and
quite unfriendly for promotion of industries and tourism, Chief Minister, Omar
Abdullah Tuesday said that the unresolved political issues between India and
Pakistan have further hampered the process of growth and economic development
in Jammu and Kashmir. “When you are confronted with uncertainty and political
instability, the normal process of progress is severely hampered”, he said
underlining the need for initiatives aimed at cultivation of permanent peace in
the State.Replying questions of students of Mass Media from Wilson Collage of
Mumbai at an interaction meeting here, the Chief Minister said that the growth
and promotion of tourism and creation of required tourist infrastructure
alongwith industrialisation largely depends upon the peace and conducive
atmosphere prevailing in the area.The students who are here on a 7-day study
tour put host of questions to the Chief Minister pertaining to various aspects
which were answered by Omar Abdullah in detail.In reply to a question regarding
return of KPs, the Chief Minister said that the lack of sense of security among
them forced them to leave the Valley and his government is working to create a
situation which would help to re-cultivate this sense of safety in them and
they return voluntarily. “We have initiated various measures and are
implementing a special package with the assistance of Central Government for
the return of KPs to Valley”, he said adding that their return cannot be
forced.On the issue of human rights, Omar Abdullah mentioned his advocacy for
constitution of Truth and Reconciliation Commission on South Africa model to
find out answers to so many questions that are associated with militancy and
violence related incidents.The Chief Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir
presents a mosaic of cultural and geographical diversities. “We have three
different regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh and there are sub-regions within
the regions with variegated cultures, dialects and heritage”, he said adding
that holistic and equitable development of all these regions and sub-regions in
accordance with the particular requirement in particular sectors are being
handled by the government through a comprehensive policy programme.On power
generation, Omar Abdullah said that his government has taken new initiatives to
generate hydro electric power and various projects have been already launched
through Joint Venture Company while many are under execution in PPP and IPP
mode. He said by the end of 7 to 10 years the State is expected to transform
from a deficit energy State to power sufficient one.Replying a question about
the use of plastic, the Chief Minister said that government is determined to
reduce the use of plastics in the State and ban on polythene is already in
force. He said most of the food items are coming from outside the State in
tetra packs or tin foils which create problem in managing the cleanliness of
cities and towns. He said that the issue of pollution can be addressed in its
right perspective when the government and people work together towards this
goal. He said better civic sense is imperative to keep the surroundings clean
and arrest pollution.The students also asked questions about drug use,
urbanization, sadbavana programme of army, handling of situation in the State
after the hanging of Afzal Guru, functioning of government, working of media,
village defence committee, infrastructure development, tourism, trade,
environment, etc which were replied by the Chief Minister elaborately.
Government serious to settle issues of
PoK refugees: Ajaz
JAMMU, FEBRUARY 26
–Minister of State for Revenue, Relief & Rehabilitation, Mr. Ajaz Ahmad
Khan today said Government was serious to settle the issues of PoK refugees/
displaced persons of various categories.Chairing a first
interactive meeting of concerned officers and representatives of various
refugee organizations here today, the Minister stressed the need for urgent
redressal of issues confronting the refugee community. He asked the officers to
complete all verifications and formalities in a time bound manner so that the
records are prepared properly.Mr. Ajaz directed immediate disbursement of cash
relief in favour of 353 families of 1947 PoK refugees whose cases were found
correct after verifications. He directed the Provincial Rehabilitation Officer
to process the verification process of another 1075 unverified cases.On the
problem of urban displaced persons, the Minister was told that out of 148 cases
received for plot allocations, 48 cases were found to have completed all
formalities. He directed re processing of all applications received till 2004.Assuring
the representatives of refugees of a humanistic consideration by the
Government, Mr. Ajaz said completion of processes and formalities in this
regard would be made time bound and even in the case of other issues matter
would be taken up with Central Government also.Asking the refugee
representatives to co operate with the Government, the Minister appealed them
to de politicize their problems which he said are purely humanistic in nature.In
their speeches, the representatives hailed the Minister for listening to their
problems with an open ear. They hoped that under his leadership many of their
issues would be redressed.Present in the meeting were MLC, Mr. Ravinder Sharma,
former Minister, Mr. Manjit Singh, Financial Commissioner, Revenue, Dr. Arun
Kumar, Commissioner-Secretary, Revenue, Mr. B. A Runiyal, Divisional
Commissioner, Jammu, Mr. Pradeep Gupta, Deputy Commissioners of Jammu, Kathua
and Samba and representatives of various refugee organizations.
Sagar discusses
proposed recommendations to Panchayati Raj Act
JAMMU, FEBRUARY 26:-
Minister for Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Ali Mohammad Sagar, has
said that the government is considering the suggestions received from different
quarters recommending amendments to J&K Panchayati Raj Act which will be
sent to cabinet soon.“This will make the Act more democratic in nature besides
addressing the concerns of various stakeholders in the Panchayati Raj system”,
he added.The Minister was speaking at a high level meeting convened to discuss
recommendations of high level committee constituted to examine the suggestions
received from different quarters and also private member bills tabled in the
assembly regarding the same.Commissioner/Secretary Rural Development, Farooq
Ahmed Peer, Commissioner/Secretary Law, G.H.Tantray and other senior officers
were present in the meeting. It is pertinent to mention that various
suggestions have been received from different political parties, social
organizations, organizations of the elected representatives of panchayats and
experts in the field of Panchayati Raj recommending that the J&K Panchayati
Raj Act, 1989 should be updated and made more realistic.The committee after
detailed deliberation presented the report, which was discussed in detail and
the Minister asked the committee to present the same within a week for placing
the same before the Cabinet so that necessary amendments are incorporated in
the J&K Panchayati Raj Act. The government will table the proposed
amendments before the State Legislature in its current Budget Session.
Lone for
channelizing talent of youth in nation building activities
Stresses for
ensuring quality education, discipline.
SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY
26: Minister for Higher Education, Mr. Mohammad Akbar Lone today exhorted
upon college principals of valley to adopt innovative
measures and efforts besides provide quality
education system based on modern methods to the students besides inculcating
moral and ethical values among them.This was stated by the Minister while
chairing a meeting of college principals of the valley convened to review the
functioning of the colleges in the valley here today.The Minister said that progress and prosperity of the nation depends
upon the educated youth and there is need to channelize their energy in nation
building activities. He enjoined upon all college heads to work with zeal and
enthusiasm and make sincere efforts to take State’s higher education system to
new zenith besides shaping the future of students so that State can achieve new
heights of success at national and global level.Mr. Lone said that
emphasis is being laid on job oriented courses enabling pass outs to face the
competitive world with much more confidence and vigour, the Minister said,
adding that impetus is being given to further enhancing academic standards and
improving infrastructural facilities.While appreciating
the efforts of college staff, Mr. Lone said that government is committed to
uphold the college standards and urged upon them to endow best education to the
students. He directed them to share responsibility with dedication for the
prosperity and welfare of the State. He hoped that management of
the colleges in the State would gear up for meeting the challenges in the field
of education.A monitoring cell has been set up at apex level for undertaking
academic auditing in institutions of higher learning in the State the Minister
added, which shall look after the pace of ongoing works being executed for
building up the infrastructure of various colleges in the State.Mr. Lone
directed all college heads to ensure regularity and punctuality in their institutions
besides enjoined to maintain attendance registers of the enrolled students and
ensure attendance positively so that they can get maximum benefits of the
facilities being provided by the government. He stressed for adopting proper
procedures and maintaining discipline with accountability in purchasing deals.The
Minister also enjoined upon college principals to submit details DPR’s to the
higher education department so that action can be taken at an earliest.
Efforts being made
to empower women in every sector of day to day life: Sakina
SRINAGAR,
FEBRUARY 26: The Minister for Social Welfare, Ms. Sakina Itoo Monday reiterated
the resolve of the Government to ensure proper development of every section of
society with focused attention towards women folk adding that development of
women is development of nation.
The
Minister said this while addressing one day workshop on Gender Budgeting at
Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), Pampore. The workshop was
organized jointly by J&K State Rehabilitation Council and Social Welfare
department and was sponsored by Union Ministry of Women and Child Development The
Minister said that the aim of organizing such workshop was to make women aware
about the schemes launched by the Government for overall development and
welfare of women folk. She said various welfare schemes have been launched by
various departments including power, R&B, PHE, Social Welfare, Handicrafts,
Sheep & Animal Husbandry, Industries etc. for empowering the women in
society.Ms. Sakina urged upon the women folk to come forward and take advantage
of these welfare schemes adding that empowerment of women is top priority of
the Government.
The
Minister said that it was the revolutionary step of Omar Abdullah led
Government that Panchayat elections were held in the State after the gap of 32
years to provide better means of employment opportunities besides ensuring
development at local level in rural areas.
Ms.
Sakina said RTI and ESGA are such steps which made people closer to the
administration. She said that we all should work together to make Jammu and
Kashmir a prosperous State besides called upon the officers to keep public
representatives, both male and female aware about the works they are executing
in the respective areas.The representative of the Union Ministry of Child
Development, Dr. Sanjay Matray also addressed the workshop, besides Director,
Rural Development, Kashmir, Director, Social Welfare, Kashmir and Director
Rehabilitation also spoke on Gender Budgeting on the occasion.Among others,
officers of Social Welfare department, ICDS, Panchs, Sarpanchs and Anganwari
workers were present on the occasion.
Farmers flagged off
for exposure visit to Haryana
BANDIPORA, FEBRUARY
26: The department of Agriculture is going to depute 500 farmers within the
district and 30 farmers within the State for exposure tour shortly under
Technology Mission and RKVY respectively.
This
was state by the Chief Agriculture Officer, Bandipora after he flagged off 10
farmers from here under Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) for 7
days exposure tour to PAU Ludhiana and Indo-Israel Vegetable Project, Gharaunda
Haryana where they shall be imparted training on different fields of
agriculture.
The
Chief Agriculture Officer said that a district level exhibition-cum-vegetable
show shall also be organized under ATMA in the district.
Putting bill in public domain aimed at leading to better
legislation: Omar
‘Bill to undergo scrutiny; Public feedback will be incorporated’
Srinagar, Feb 26 (VOS): Terming the strong reactions from various
stake holders to the proposed Police Bill 2013 as ‘manufactured outrage’, Chief
Minister Omar Abdullah today said putting the draft bill in public domain was
basically aimed at leading to a ‘better legislation’.
“Why
this manufactured outrage regarding the draft police bill? It hasn't passed
public scrutiny let alone been seen by me & the cabinet”, Omar wrote on the
micro blogging website Twitter adding “This is why I ordered the Home Dept to
put this in the public domain in the 1st instance so that feedback would lead
to better legislation”.
While
suggesting that the criticism and outcry was premature, he said the bill will
have to travel a long way before taking the shape of a law.
“Public
feedback will be incorporated, Law Dept will vet, I will clear it, Cabinet will
approve it, both Legislative houses will vote on it”, Omar wrote further.
He
said with a series of scrutinizing checks, there was no chance of an unhealthy
legislation getting passed.
“It
will THEN go to Governor for his signature & FINALLY it is implemented so
there is NO chance of bad legislation passing scrutiny”, Omar wrote on twitter.
Pertinently,
the J&K Police Bill 2013 has attracted strong criticism from various
quarters in the state especially in the Kashmir Valley.
The
76-page Jammu and Kashmir Police Bill, 2013, posted on the state home
department's website Feb 15, allows the state to declare any area disturbed,
proposing setting up "Special Security Zones (SSZs) where administrative
and development measures are integrated with police response for problems of
public order and security".
The
bill proposes that police will be able to set up and arm village defence
committees and recruit special police officers (SPOs).
Under
the draft legislation, a police officer would be considered "always on
duty" and the government as well as the complaints authority deputed to
hear cases against him/her would have legal immunity regarding decisions taken
by them "in good faith or intended to be done in pursuance of the
provisions". (VOS)
Mufti reiterates demand for return of Afzal’s body; writes to PM
“Minimum the Govt can do to apply balm to deep wound”
Srinagar, Feb 26 (VOS): Former Chief Minister and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Patron,
Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today wrote a letter to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh
in which he reiterated demand of his party to return mortal remains of Mohammad
Afzal Guru to his family for proper burial and last rites.
“I
request you to take necessary measures to accommodate the wishes of the people
of the state and a majority of them in the country to have Afzal Guru's remains
returned to his family for last rites and try to retrieve whatever little can
be of the trust of the people in Kashmir”, the PDP patron said in an open
letter addressed to the Prime
Minister.
“I
am writing to you not to seek any concessions for the state but am suggesting a
way out to restore to some extent the prestige lost by the country in the
entire sequence of events around the hanging. It would also reduce the pain of
his family and perhaps open the way for some rebuilding of bridges at the
psychological level between Kashmir and rest of the country. I have already
said that the return of Afzal Guru's remains to his family is the minimum that
government of India could do to apply some balm to a deep wound. Needless to
mention the denial of a decent burial in accordance with the religious
practices of the deceased has created anxiety within the community even outside
the state in rest of the country”, the letter further reads.
Addressing
the Prime Minister, Mufti said the people of state would view their status in
India through the hanging off Guru apart from setting a negative reference
point in history.
“I
am writing this letter after an agonizing fortnight that in my opinion
witnessed all the efforts at rebuilding a relationship of trust between
Kashmir and rest of the country almost evaporate into thin air. The manner in
which Mohammad Afzal Guru was executed in secrecy and very obvious unholy haste
is not just another hugely negative reference point in our painful history but
it could have the potential to redefine the very nature of how the people here
would view their status within the union. And I am deeply anxious about its
possible fall out on our younger generations who had been struggling to come
out of a nightmarish experience of life marked by blood and tragedy”, the
letter reads.
He said an overwhelming majority of people here and most of the
secular, liberal public opinion in the country have expressed their
reservations about the quality of trial Afzal received. “While it is too late
now to mention that beyond its academic and historical significance it is the
events that preceded and followed the hanging that have become such a sore
point the like of which I have not witnessed in my fifty years of public life.
The fact that the feeling of pain and anger did not erupt the way some had
perhaps apprehended may not be construed as an absence of it. I had since the
very beginning pleaded for commutation of the death sentence keeping all the
factors in view. But even though your government has been seeking advice on
matters when things look bad as in 2010 when an all party conference was
convened, you completely ignored the voices of sanity on Afzal's hanging”, it
further said.
“The sad facts of the run up to the hanging will unfortunately stand out for their peculiar characteristics that don't convey to J&K a message of being equal partners in the idea of India, much less showing any sense of accommodation or respect for the sentiments of a majority of its residents. Never in a democracy of our size and quality is a convict culled out of a queue from serial number 28 and sent to gallows. Never is a dying convict denied a last meeting with his family. Never is a condemned man denied what is now established as a last chance to seek judicial intervention after spending 12 years in jail. The people of Kashmir felt he was hanged because the noose fitted only the neck of a man of Afzal's description and given the sad history of state's association with the union they easily relate themselves with his fate”, said Mufti addressing Singh.
“The sad facts of the run up to the hanging will unfortunately stand out for their peculiar characteristics that don't convey to J&K a message of being equal partners in the idea of India, much less showing any sense of accommodation or respect for the sentiments of a majority of its residents. Never in a democracy of our size and quality is a convict culled out of a queue from serial number 28 and sent to gallows. Never is a dying convict denied a last meeting with his family. Never is a condemned man denied what is now established as a last chance to seek judicial intervention after spending 12 years in jail. The people of Kashmir felt he was hanged because the noose fitted only the neck of a man of Afzal's description and given the sad history of state's association with the union they easily relate themselves with his fate”, said Mufti addressing Singh.
“This unfortunate event came at a time when you as prime minister
and your distinguished predecessor Mr Vajpayee had invested a great deal in a
peace process that in spite of setbacks had the potential of rewriting the
destiny of South Asia. It happened after the people of the state had reposed
their faith in democratic methods and processes even in the face of odds and
the failure of the establishment to respond in a matching measure. The result
is an uneasy, forcibly implemented calm and an internalized anger; ingredients
for an unpredictable future”, he added.
We ‘were’ part of MMM consultations: Hurriyat (G)
“Give up mainstream politics, join freedom struggle”
Srinagar, Feb 26 (VOS): Terming the statements of certain Hurriyat
(G) leaders where they had said the amalgam was not consulted by the Mutahida
Majlise Mashawrat (MMM) while framing its protest programme as a result of some
communication gap, senior Hurriyat Conference (G) leader and General Secretary
of Muslim League, Abdul Ahad Parra said the Geelani led faction of Hurriyat
Conference was very much part of the deliberations.
“Our
representatives were very much present in the meeting on directions of Geelani
Sahib. He had authorized the representatives to attend the meeting on his
behalf and nobody had gone there on his own”, Parra said while talking to VOS
and added that the statements suggesting the contrary may have resulted out of
lack of communication.
He
said that all parties were present in the meeting either through their leaders
or through their approved representatives.
The
Hurriyat (G) leader called upon the mainstream politicians to join the freedom
movement after giving up pro-India politics. “They should restore their honor
and dignity by being part of the movement for welfare of the nation. Our doors
are open for every one. Mainstream politicians should resign join the freedom
moment. They should learn how Member of Parliament Ghulam Nabi Rattanpuri was
insulted by Delhi Police and not allowed to meet Geelani Sahab”, said parra.
“They
should introspect on what they have done against the people of the nation and
serve the nation as freedom fighters by joining Hurriyat”, he added.(VOS)
Omar informed about hanging 3 days ahead: Bhim Singh
“BJP has become essential part of NC”
Srinagar, Feb. 26 (VOS): Claiming that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah
was informed three days ahead of execution of parliament attack convict,
Mohammad Afzal Guru, Panthers Party today said the latter had given assent to
the execution in order to please the central government.
“He
was informed about the execution three days ahead of hanging. It is unfortunate
that he couldn’t even bring the dead body of Afzal Guru back after failing to
save his life. All this is happening because of his ineffective performance at
the centre”, Patron of the Panthers Party, Bhim Singh told VOS over phone from
Delhi.
On
the possibility of return of Afzal’s body to his family, he said, “Law of the
land is very clear that any death occuring in any jail, whether it is natural
or execution, body has to be handed over to family. No law in the world allows
contempt or desecration of the dead body”.
He
said Dr. Farooq Abdullah being a senior cabinet member in centre could have
used his influence to commute the capital punishment of Guru or could now
facilitate return of the body.
In
response to a question whether he felt there was danger of the situation in
valley further worsening, he said, “When was it peaceful? NC is the A team,
Congress is the B team and now the two parties have made BJP their C team. All
want to fulfill their dreams without catering to the general public. As long as
the A team and the B team are there, situation will not improve. BJP has now
become an essential part of NC”, said the PP Patron.
Questioning
the intentions of Prof. Saifudin Soz, Bhim Singh said the Congress is creating
a drama over the implementation of 73rd amendment in the state. “It is a mere
eye wash. Congress is itself in the government. If it feels that NC is not
serious about grass root democracy, let them withdraw support”, said Singh.
(VOS)
Remote sensing database to upgrade planning: Omar
Underlines harmonization of collection, reflection of real-time
information
Jammu, Feb 26: Underlining
the harmonization of collection and reflection of real-time database essentially
important for effective planning and better decision making, Chief Minister
Omar Abdullah Tuesday highlighted the importance of Spatial Data Infrastructure
(SDI) this regard in a State like Jammu and Kashmir presenting mosaic of
geographical diversity, remoteness of areas and hilly terrains.
“A
real-time spatial database available to planners and decision making
authorities would significantly help in improving governance and reaching out
to people on development front according to their requirements and development
needs in particular sectors”, he said and added that collection, storage and
usage of data acquired through latest technological interventions and its
harmonization in a holistic manner would serve as a king-pin in decision making
and planning process.
Formally
launching the State Spatial Data Infrastructure (SSDI) project and addressing
the sensitization-cum-
The
Chief Minister said that in a State like Jammu and Kashmir SSDI initiative to
address forest denudation issues, construction plans in hilly-backward and
remote areas, conservation of water bodies and protection of environment, is
all the more essential and cost saving as the data collected and stored could
be utilized by different departments in a harmonized manner without going for
collecting the necessary information independently.
“The
information so available would help the government to make decisions more
effectively and based on real-time database. This system would also depict real
need and relieve the decision making bodies to depend on needs perceived”, the
Chief Minister said and added that SSDI would help in fine tuning the decisions
of the government. He said the information available through SSDI would be
easily understandable, real-time and help upgrade the quality of governance and
quality of decision making.
The
Chief Minister said that while reviewing the activities of Department of
Environment and Remote Sensing at its Srinagar Campus he had assigned some
projects to it. “I am glad that the department’s one of these projects on
healthcare accessibility has won the national e-governance award for the year
2012-13”, he said. He expressed the hope that the department would strengthen
its working to meet the growing planning needs of various departments.
Minister
for Forests and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad, Minister of State for
Cooperatives, Dr. Manohar Lal and Minister of State for Science and Technology,
Feroz Ahmad Khan in their speeches on the occasion highlighted the importance
of State Spatial Data Infrastructure project for Jammu and Kashmir. They
expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for his keen interest in upgrading
the planning and decision making process through modern technology utilization.
Prof Talat delivers special lecture on seismicity, rise of
Himalayas
Srinagar, Feb 26: Renowned
geologist and Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir Prof Talat Ahmad today
delivered a special lecture on ‘the major issues of the earth system sciences’
which included a session on seismicity (earthquake activity) in the Himalayas
and the impact of rise of the Himalayas on the changing climate of the region.
The
lecture was organized by Department of Geography and Regional Development,
University of Kashmir as part of the six -day ongoing
seminar-cum-workshop on ‘the application of Remote Sensing, GIS & GPS in
resource management’.
Emphasizing
on the need for sensitizing the young researchers, scholars, teachers and
students of earth sciences including those of geography and geology about the
burning issues faced by the earth system, Prof Talat Ahmad said “We have to
make youth understand the burning issues of earth sciences and how various
climatic changes and tectonic shifts affect the environment around them.”
Talking
about the seismicity in the Himalayan region, he said “We are part of the
Indo-Australian plate, which makes this region susceptible to earthquakes.
Besides the trends over the last 50-100 million years show that India has moved
further towards the North which provides us some good understanding of the
Indian Peninsula. There are several seismic gaps and abduction gaps in the
Himalayan region due to which this region has witnessed several devastating
earthquakes in the past.”
Pertinently
Kashmir witnessed a devastating earthquake on October, 08, in 2005 in which
around 86, 000 people died on both sides of the LoC.
While
delving on the relationship between the elevation of earth surface and climate
he said, “Movement of tectonic plates cause subduction which in turn causes
volcanism. When volcanic eruption occurs, carbon dioxide is released in huge
quantity and it mixes with the atmosphere, which ultimately increases the
temperature of the earth.”
Highlighting
the role of Himalayas in the climate change of the region like recent trends in
monsoon, Prof Talat Ahmad said, “Tibetian plates (Ladakh region falls in this
region) are on the higher altitude than main Indian plates. Being located at
the higher altitude, the atmosphere there becomes hot which results in less
rainfall and hence less vegetation and this is the reason why we find huge
portions of rocky surfaces in the area.”
“Whereas”
he added “Cherrapunji as per the records available received 1.56mm rainfall on
16th June 1995 in one day, 9.3 mm rainfall in one month in 1861 and 26.5
mm in one year in 1860-1861 which reflects that climate is intimately linked to
topographic relief of earth`s surface through interaction between lithosphere
and atmosphere.”
After
the lecture an interactive session between the teachers representing various
colleges of the valley and Vice Chancellor was also held.
Besides
various faculty members of the department Prof T.A Kanth SAP-UGC Coordinator,
KU from Dept of Geography, Head Department of Geography and Regional
Development Prof Mohammad Sultan Bhat and Senior Assistant Professor Dr Pervez
Ahmad were also present on the occasion.
Police bill anti-people, aimed at giving police unbridled powers:
Jamaat
Srinagar, Feb 26 (VOS): Terming the proposed
J&K Police Bill 2013 as anti-people, the Jammu and Kashmir Jamaat e Islami
has said the bill is a well thought out official scheme to bestow police with
unlimited and unbridled powers.
“To
make police a people-friendly force, effective and just vigilance of this
department is necessary and all human rights violations committed by it should
be made a heinous crime and no police authority should have any impunity in
this regard”, said the Jamaat spokesman Advocate Zahid Ali in a statement.
“Jama’at-e-Islami
J&K while terming the proposed bill as anti-people government plan rejects
it outrightly and appeals Kashmir Bar Association, Civil Society and Human
Rights experts to take effective measures for making public aware about its
detrimental effects and stopping the government from turning this inhuman Bill
into a law”, he added.
“Whereas
the basic duty of police is to provide safeguards and protect the rights of the
people for which police should be fully accountable like other government
institutions and to achieve this end such laws should be devised which make
police fully accountable in use of its authority without any legal impunity or
relaxation. In this case no concession should be given to any police personnel
from superior officer to sub ordinate in case of any misuse of power”, the
statement added.
The
Jamaat called for enacting of humane laws to discourage all government
authorities from working in an arbitrary manner.
“The
atrocities on common masses in Kashmir by the police and other security
agencies is a known fact and it was the need of the hour to impose effective
curbs on such atrocities by framing reasonable and stable laws to this
satisfaction of the people that no government institution including that of
police is above the law and any authority violating their rights could be
easily charged and punished under law”, the statement said.
“But
in the proposed Bill, instead of providing legal checks on the police, more
stress has been given on the ways of suppressing peoples’ voice against
government oppression and this Bill two has been tactfully drafted on the
pattern of TADA, POTA, AFSPA like black laws to give a legal cover to these
police atrocities and to make it easy for the government to suppress the masses
through the police”, it added.
APSCC decries lack of Sikh representation in legislature
Vote bank politics, lobbying choking Sikh representation in JK:
Raina
Srinagar,
Feb 26 (VOS): While reiterating its demand for providing due
representation to Sikh community in the state legislature, Chairman All Party
Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC), Jagmohan Singh Raina, today said vote bank
politics and lobbying is choking Sikh representation in Jammu and Kashmir
legislature.
“The
Sikhs of Kashmir are again wondering how to have a stronger representation in
Assembly as the candidates fielded by all three major political parties in
upcoming LC elections have no Sikh leader”, said Raina in a statement
issued to VOS.
“It
is unfortunate that the state government is not interested in resolving any
issues of Sikhs. In Prime Minister’s job package not even a single Sikh in
Valley was appointed,” said Raina.
He
said many new forces are coming up in the political arena and ruling coalition
should do things to preserve their traditional minority vote.
Adoption of police bill will establish despotic dictatorship on
Israeli pattern: ANC
Srinagar, February 26: Sharply reacting to the proposed Police Bill,
the Jammu and Kashmir Awami National Conference Tuesday said the move would set
the state on course to establish a fascist dictatorship ‘on Israeli pattern’.
“Jammu
and Kashmir is already groaning under the oppressive black laws. By adopting
the Police Bill on the pattern of draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act,
the government would not only resurrect the infamous autocratic rule of the
yesteryears but also establish a despotic dictatorship on Israeli pattern,”
party’s Senior Vice-President, Muzaffar Shah, said in a statement.
He
asked the National Conference-Congress coalition government to visualize the
far-reaching disaster the proposed law would unleash and reconsider its
decision. “The move is aimed at strengthening its oppressive hold over state
people,” he said.
“If
the rulers feel the people are no longer with them, would enforcement of black
laws in any way enable them to win over the alienated people,” he asked, adding
it was imperative to provide much-needed relief and amenities to the people
rather than arm the police and security forces with sweeping powers.
“We
fail to understand the rationale behind the proposed move. On the one hand, the
government swears by total or partial revocation of the Armed Forces (Special
Powers) Act, and on the other, it proposes to equip the state police with
similar powers,” Shah said, expressing total surprise over the ruling
dispensation’s move.
Expressing
grave concern over the move and describing it as anti-people, Shah urged the
coalition government to desist from adopting the proposed Bill, which, he said,
was apt to generate a deep sense of indignation and outrage among the people.
Smuggled timber seized in Anantnag
Srinagar, Feb 26 (VOS): Kokernag forest officials Tuesday seized 220
Cu feet kail timber being smuggled out of the area. The illegally felled timber
was estimated to be worth Rs. 4 lakh.
According
to officials, in the compartment number 116K, Ghulam Ali Khan R/o Char Panchgam
had illegally cut down the kail tree and was about to smuggle it out of the
area.
“It
was a big tree and was planted in 1960’s. On specific information I set up the
team and caught the accused red handed and seized the timber in his possession.
Police station Laroo has registered an FIR in this regard and the accused has
been arrested. More investigations is likely to unveil some other smugglers”,
DFO Anantnag Dr. Balaji told VOS.
He
said illegal activities will not tolerated and any one found violating law will
be dealt strictly as per rules. (VOS)
Family demands Geelani be allowed to shift to Srinagar
Say, “His health condition is deteriorating”
Srinagar, Feb 26 (VOS): While claiming that the
health condition of Hurriyat (G) Chairman Syed Ali Geelani has deteriorated,
the octogenarian separatist leader’s family today demanded that he should be
allowed to shift to Srinagar.
“We
are extremely worried as we had been told that he had been shifted to AIIMS or
Appolo Hospital in Delhi. But, when we confirmed from different sources in
Delhi, we came to know that he has not been hospitalized”, said the ailing
leaders younger son Naseem Geelani.
While
expressing concern over his “deteriorating health conditions”, the family said
since doctors in Srinagar have been treating him for several years, ‘they could
handle his ailment in a better way’.
“We
have no direct communication with him and we have to rely on information from
neighbours and friends in Delhi. We demand that he should be allowed to shift
to Srinagar without any further delay”, the family members added.
Ratanpuri takes up issue with Azad, Shinde
Meanwhile,
National Conference leader and Member of Parliament, Gulam Nabi Ratanpura today
conveyed the concerns of family and followers of Syed Ali Geelani regarding his
health.
“Met
Health Minister Azad Sahib and Home Minister Shinde Ji and conveyed to them the
concerns of family n followers of Geelani Sahib, about his health. Azad Sahib
assured all that may be required to keep Geelani Sahib in good health and
Shinde Ji directed the concerned to depute a team of doctors, including one
Kashmiri cardiologist.”, said Ratanpuri in a statement issued this evening.
“I
told the Home Minister that the gall bladder and one and a half kidney of
Geelani Sahib has been removed. He suffers from chronic bronchitis,
prostatitis, spondylosis and other complications of old age and his heart is
fitted with a pace maker. So his confinement can't be termed less than cruel.”,
he added.
Ratanpuri
said he expected the confinement of Geelani to end in a couple of days.
“
I also conveyed the concern of Mr. Naseem Geelani that denying his father a
mandatory daily walk may cause irreparable damage to his health. I wanted to
know from the Home Minister why requirements of law are not fulfilled while
confining Geelani Sahib to his extremely small flat, without serving a written
order and thus denying him the legal remedy to his confinement too. I expect
that the confinement of Geelani Sahib may end in a day or two”, he added. (VOS)
Return of body:
Have already written to PM, made request in person: Omar
Srinagar, Feb 26 (VOS): Reacting to the letter of
PDP patron Mufti Muhammad Syeed addressed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
where he has demanded return of Muhammad Afzal Guru’s body to his family, Chief
Minister Omar Abdullah broke silence over the issue claiming that he had
already taken up the issue with the PM.
“I
had hoped to avoid playing politics with the body of Afzal Guru but that seems
to be impossible to avoid with the Mufti Sayeed letter now. I had written to the PM on the 19th of this
month asking for the return of the bodies of both Afzal Guru & Maqbool
Bhatt to their families”, Omar wrote of micro blogging website Twitter.
Omar
said he had also taken up the matter with the Prime Minister in person.
“I
followed this up with a visit to the PM to make the request in person a few
days ago. My Govt will continue to raise this issue with Delhi”, he
added.
Pertinently,
parliament attack convict Muhammad Afzal Guru was executed on February 9 at
Tihar jail in Delhi, however, his body was not returned to his family for last
rites. In a similar case of hanging, Muhammad Maqbool Bhat was hanged in the
same jail while his mortal remains also remain buried at Tihar. (VOS)
AMA denounces Mirwaiz’s house arrest
“Govt resorting to political retribution”
Srinagar, Feb 26: The Jammu
Kashmir Awami Majlise Amal has said that government was resorting to political retribution by
continuously placing Hurriyat (M) Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, under house
arrest.
In a statement issued today, the Majlis vehemently condemned the house arrest of Mirwaiz during its central working committee meeting convened by GN Zaki, general secreatry Majlis, at party headquarters Mirwaiz Manzil, Srinagar.
The participants said that laying restrictions on the political, religious, and social activities of APHC Chairman has become a permnanet part of government policy. They said being the head priest and political leader of Jammu and Kashmir, Mirwaiz has engagements with the public. If he is not released and restrictions are continued to be imposed on his activities, the particpants said the people would come on roads and agitate against this policy of the government.
The particpants have expressed serious concern over the arrest of hundreds of non-violent protesters and hurriyat leaders in the aftermath of hanging of shaheed Afzal Guru. The particpants further hailed the timely response of Mirwaiz where he expressed concern over the anti-people police bill, 2013.
In a statement issued today, the Majlis vehemently condemned the house arrest of Mirwaiz during its central working committee meeting convened by GN Zaki, general secreatry Majlis, at party headquarters Mirwaiz Manzil, Srinagar.
The participants said that laying restrictions on the political, religious, and social activities of APHC Chairman has become a permnanet part of government policy. They said being the head priest and political leader of Jammu and Kashmir, Mirwaiz has engagements with the public. If he is not released and restrictions are continued to be imposed on his activities, the particpants said the people would come on roads and agitate against this policy of the government.
The particpants have expressed serious concern over the arrest of hundreds of non-violent protesters and hurriyat leaders in the aftermath of hanging of shaheed Afzal Guru. The particpants further hailed the timely response of Mirwaiz where he expressed concern over the anti-people police bill, 2013.
NATIONAL
Rail Budget 2013: Govt's push
for austerity as railways to lose Rs 24,600cr
NEW DELHI: Losses of the
Indian Railways are estimated to increase to Rs 24,600 crore ($4.55 billion) in
the financial year ending March 31 due to a sharp rise in input costs,
resulting in "deterioration of services", railway minister Pawan
Kumar Bansal said on Tuesday.Presenting
the annual Budget of his ministry, Bansal said the loss, which was Rs 4,955
crore in 2001-02, surged to Rs 22,500 crore in 2011-12 and is estimated to rise
to Rs 24,600 crore in the current financial year. And to cut the mounting losses, the
railways would maintain financial discipline. "Austerity
and economy in expenditure will be observed by the railways rigorously and no
wastage will be permitted," said Bansal. He
hoped that the fiscal measures taken by his ministry would help improve the
railways' financial condition in the coming years."As a result of our
consistent efforts at maintaining strict financial discipline during the year,
the operating ratio is estimated at 88.8 percent. This is a source of great
satisfaction as the operating ratio has consistently been over 90 per cent
since 1997-98." Bansal said
the Indian Railways planned to invest Rs 63,363 crore ($11.5 billion) in the
financial year beginning April 1 mainly on expansion of tracks and improving
passenger safety measures.The total planned investment for the current
financial year has been lowered from Rs 60,100 crore to Rs 52,265 crore.The
Planning Commission has tentatively pegged the railways investment target for
the 12th Five Year Plan period (2012-17) at Rs.5.19 lakh crore, with a
budgetary support of Rs.1.94 lakh crore and railways internal resources of Rs
1.05 lakh crore."The thrust of the plan is on doubling of tracks, safety
and passenger and staff welfare, for which I have increased the outlay from
about Rs 11,410 crore in 2012-13 to Rs.13,220 crore, an increase of 16 per
cent," Bansal said. Bansal
said the railway would get Rs 26,000 crore budgetary support in the current
financial year to finance its plan expenditure.Other sources of financing
included Rs 14,260 crore from the railway's internal resources and Rs 2,000
crore from the railway's share in road safety fund. There was a plan to raise Rs 15,103
crore from the market and mobilise Rs 6,000 crore through
public-private-partnership (PPP) route to fund its expansion plans in 2013-14. Bansal said 500 km of new railway
lines would be built and 450 km of narrow and medium gauge lines would be
converted into broad gauge lines in the financial year beginning April 1,
2013.The government has also set a target to double 750 km of single railway lines.
INTERNATIONAL
Hot air balloons banned in
Luxor after crash leaves 19 dead: Egypt governor
CAIRO: The governor of Egypt's southern province of Luxor on Tuesday
ordered a ban of allhot air balloons flights in the ancient temple city following a
deadly crash that killed 19 tourists."Governor Ezzat Saad ordered that all
balloon companies stop working, and that no hot hair balloon flights take off
from Luxor," the official MENA news agency reported, without specifying
how long the ban would remain in place.A hot
air balloon exploded as it was flying over Egypt's ancient temple city of Luxor
on Tuesday, killing 19 people including tourists from Hong Kong, Japan, France
and Britain, a security official said."Nineteen people
died," the official said.The balloon which was carrying 21 people was
flying at 300 metres (yards) over Qurna, inLuxor's West Bank, when
it caught fire before exploding, the official said.The two survivors, including
the balloon's pilot, have been taken to hospital, he said.
Rocket fired from Gaza Strip
hits southern Israel: Police
JERUSALEM: A rocket fired from the Gaza Strip landed early Tuesday near Ashkelon in
southern Israel, police said, in the first such strike since a November truce"The
rocket fell early in the morning near Ashkelon and did some damage to a road,
without hurting anyone," said police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld.It was the
first such attack since the end of an Israeli operation late November, during
which more than a thousand rockets were fired into Israeli territory from the
Gaza Strip, which is controlled by the Islamist group Hamas.The two sides finally
agreed a truce on November 21 following the eight-day Israeli military
operation inside Gaza.The violence killed 177 Palestinians, about a hundred of
them civilians, as well as six Israelis, four of whom were civilians, according
to figures issued by the two sides.Tuesday's rocket fire comes at a time when
tensions are particularly high following the weekend death of a Palestinian
prisoner in an Israeli jail, who the Palestinians say had been
tortured.Thousands of Palestinians thronged the West Bank village of Sair on
Monday for the funeral of Arafat Jaradat, a 30-year-old father of two and
member of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades.Both the Palestinians and the United
Nations special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, Robert Serry,
have called for an independent inquiry into his death.
''Kashmir issue
resolution would make Pak a more normal state''
Washington,
Feb 26 (PTI) A
resolution of the outstanding Kashmir issue would make Pakistan a "more
normal state" and reduce its preoccupation with India, according to a
former CIA officer who was one of the architects of President Barack Obama's
Af-Pak policy in his first term.
SPORTS
Ind vs Aus: India crush
Australia by 8 wickets in first Test to take 1-0 lead
CHENNAI: India clinched the first Test against
Australia with a comfortable eight-wicket victory to take a 1-0 lead in the
four-match series on Tuesday with their spinners taking all the 20 wickets for
only the third time in their Test history. The Indians took about 25 minutes in
the morning to finally bring an end to the stubborn last-wicket partnership
between Moises Hendriques (81 not out) and Nathan Lyon (11) as Australia folded
up for 241 in their second innings, leaving the hosts a small victory target of
50.The hosts lost both their openers Murali Vijay (6) and Virender Sehwag (19)
before overhauling the target with more than two full sessions to
spare.Cheteshwar Pujara brought about the winning run off Nathan Lyon to
trigger off scenes of celebrations in the galleries and the Indian dressing
room as the players congratulated and hugged each other.It was a commendable
show by the Indians, who have been under pressure of late following a series of
indifferent performances in recent times, as they dominated the game right
through at the M A Chidambaram stadium where the conditions suited the home
team. While captain Mahendra Singh
Dhoni expectedly got the man-of-the-match award for his game-changing knock of
224, off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin scalped 12 wickets in the match to also
play a stellar role.The margin of victory could have been bigger had the
Indians managed to get rid of the last wicket pair on Day 4 itself and had they
not lost both their openers despite chasing a small total.The two teams will
now travel to Hyderabad for the second Test be played at the Rajiv Gandhi
International stadium from March 2 to 6.This was the third time that Indian
spinners managed to take all the 20 wickets in a match.The first time that
Indian spinners bagged all the 20 wickets was at this same venue against
England in 1972-73 while the second such instance was against New Zealand in Auckland
in 1975-76.Resuming at the overnight score of 232/9, Australia could add just
nine runs to their tally much to the relief of the Indians who had a
frustrating time trying to dismiss the last-wicket pair.It took the Indians
just nine overs on Day 5 to put an end to Australia's resistance when Ravindra
Jadeja broke the agonisingly long last-wicket partnership between Henriques and
Lyon.Lyon, who showed a lot of grit and temperament to hang on, was dismissed
by left-arm spinner Jadeja, caught by Murali Vijay at short-leg.Henriques
followed up his first innings half-century with another gutsy unbeaten 81 and
together with Lyon added 66 runs for the final wicket to take the match into
the fifth and final day and prevent India from recording an innings victory.Chasing
the paltry 50-run target, India suffered two early blows in the form of openers
Sehwag and Vijay, whose flop show with the bat continued.The opening duo of
Sehwag and Vijay put on 16 runs before the former was the first one to
depart.Vijay started his innings with a bang, smacking Lyon straight over his
head for a six, his only scoring shot of the innings.But that was all the local
boy could manage in the innings as he was caught by Henriques at mid-off off
James Pattinson when he tried to go a big drive in the next over.Cheteshwar
Pujara joined the action after Vijay's dismissal and had to go through some
torrid time in the first few deliveries he faced from off-spinner Lyon.Pujara
gave a half chance to the Australians which the visitors failed to pounce on.
The ball hit the top of Pujara's pad and then the glove before crashing into
wicket-keeper Mathew Wade's mid-riff as the batsman tried to pad Lyon away in
the fourth over.But there was more drama in store as Sehwag (19) also returned
to the pavilion, edging a Lyon delivery to Michael Clarke at first slip in the
second delivery of the ninth over. Sehwag's
dismissal marked the arrival of Sachin Tendulkar at the crease and the champion
seemed in a hurry to finish off the chase as he clobbered Lyon for two
consecutive sixes in the first two deliveries he faced in the innings.Tendulkar
seemed to be fine touch as he timed the ball perfectly and provided some
entertainment to the few thousand spectators who had come to the stadium to
watch India's victory.Pujara and Tendulkar ensured that there were no further
damage for India as they got the required runs in 11.3 overs.
We need to give more time to
Sehwag: Dhoni
CHENNAI: Virender Sehwag's
patchy form continued but skipper Mahendra
Singh Dhonistill believes
that the senior opener should be given more time to get back to form as he is a
match-winner. Asked about the
performance of Sehwag, who played in the Test wearing spectacles, Dhoni said, "I think we just need to give him
more time. Well, that's how he bats. About Viru pa, I've said this plenty of
times before, when he scores runs, he looks a fantastic player
and when he doesn't, you can question the shot he played or the way he
played.""He's someone who's always played with that sort of flair. At
times, we get very critical about him. We all know he is someone who can change
the course of the game, he's an attacking player. So let's go forward with that
kind of an attitude," he said.Sehwag had scores of 2 and 19 in the first
Test which concluded here today. He
said Sehwag was unfortunate to get out in the first innings."This wicket,
there was not much pace. First innings, he was unfortunate because he middle
the ball, yet it came back and fell on the stump. In the second innings, there
was not much pace for him to play freely," Dhoni said at the
press-conference after India beat Australia by eight wickets in the first Test
here.The Indian captain also made it clear that Murali Vijay, who scored 10 and
six in the two innings, will continue at the opening slot."If you look at
just the statistics of opening batsmen you may say that he (Vijay) is not good
enough. But at the same time you need to give them a fair amount of time. Let's
hope for the best. Vijay has played this game, let's continue with him and give
him some time and the comfort of saying that he's wanted over here," Dhoni
said. Asked if the team could go
for four spinners in the Tests to follow, Dhoni said,"Four or five can be
an option but you have to be sure that the wicket will turn. On the very first
day, most of us assumed that it (Chepauk) would be a turning track, it would have
plenty for the spinners. But we saw it was a decent wicket."Yes, there was
a bit of turn on offer for the spinners, but overall it was quite a good
wicket. That's why you want to be prepared for a situation like you think
something may happen, but it actually goes the other way around."Also,
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is someone who can add a bit. We all know the importance of
batting deep because it really frustrates the opposition bowling. I think we
went with the right combination."Three spinners itself is a lot. If you
have an extra fourth spinner, then it becomes very difficult to answer why the
fourth one bowled only a small number of overs. You can't make three or four
spinners bowl the exactly same number of overs. You don't see the number of
overs bowled by them and then make a bowling change. Who looks effective,
according to that you make the change."On Ojha being left out for the
first Test here, Dhoni said, "There are lots of questions. It's not always
good to be predictable. As I said, you look at the batting line-up, there were
lots of left-handers in their side."As I said, it's considered that the
away-going spinners is quite difficult to face consistently. Also, the fact
that the away going spinner, can keep it slightly tight so that you don't leak
too many runs. So we had the perfect combination of two off-spinners and one
left-armer."
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