SRINAGAR,MONDAY,21 RABI AL SAANI 1434 AH ; 04 MARCH 2013

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Police has got clues on Handwara incident: Rajendra

Visits Handwara, reviews security situation

Srinagar, March 3 (VOS):  Terming the killing of two police constables at Handwara as ‘unfortunate’, Additional Director General of Police, K Rajendra Kumar today said the police had got some important clues while investigating the incident.“The investigations are going on and the clues will help us in solving the case”, Rajendra told VOS, after visiting Handwara where he reviewed the security situation along with other officers of the police.Rajendra appealed people to cooperate with police in maintenance of law and order in the valley.“Cooperation between police and public is important for maintenance of peace. Some miscreants are trying to vitiate the atmosphere of peace and the police will remain vigilant to counter their designs. However, we would need support from people”, he added.The ADGP dismissed the notion that the orders for not carrying weapons had made policemen vulnerable to such attacks.“There have been such attacks before and even weapons have been snatched. However, it is our priority to ensure minimum collateral damage. Police exercises restraint in retaliating to such incidents at public places as there is a danger of collateral damage”, he said.While speaking to police personnel during the visit, Rajendra asked them to remain vigilant to ensure maintenance of peace. He emphasized the need for closer cooperation between police and public.Pertinently, two constables of IRP 13^th battalion were killed Saturday morning near bus stand Handwara in frontier district of Kupwara when suspected militants fired upon them from a close range. (VOS)

Diminishing credibility of legislature cause of concern: Mufti

‘People must make choice between right and wrong’

Jammu, March 3: Stressing that democracy was the only way to tackle problems facing the state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today expressed concern at the diminishing credibility of institutions like the legislature. He was addressing a meeting of the card holders of Jammu west constituency where he said the present government had emerged as a serious threat to democratic institutions.

Senior leaders S Rangeel Singh, Naeem Akhtar, Daman Bhasin and RK Bali, district president,S.Jageet Singh Jagga also addressed the meeting.

Speaking in detail about the efforts that had gone into revival of people’s faith in democratic process, Mufti said all parties including the congress and BJP under Atal Behari Vajpayee had contributed to it when he led the PDP congress coalition government. “But now it is different as the assembly which is the ultimate authority in a democratic set up is facing a crisis of credibility in view of the ruling coalition’s inability to tolerate dissent and debate”, he said. Where do we discuss issues of public importance he asked and said surely streets or use of force are no options but it seems this government is pushing people out of the institutional debate.

Referring to the stonewalling of efforts to discuss the aftermath of Afzal Guru’s secret hanging by the ruling combination, Mufti said this attitude would disillusion the people from the system once again after some semblance of faith in them had been restored. He said the government is repeating the same tactics that was adopted when a resolution was moved in the house seeking clemency for Guru two years back. “Running away from debate is no answer. Democracy is not just an exercise to cast vote every five or six years but is a constant process of scrutiny, discussion and engagement in forums like parliament and state legislatures. That alone is the answer even to those who do not have faith in our democratic system and institutions” he said. But during the last four years not a single serious debate on any important issue has been allowed by this government, he pointed out.

Strongly condemning the killing of two policemen in Handwara on Saturday Mufti said gun is no answer to our problems. We have witnessed too much of destruction and death and have to come out of that vicious cycle, he said. “But I want to make it clear that ideas can be met only with ideas and can neither be arrested nor killed by force. This is the message from the three years of PDP leadership in government when it became clear that the people of the state had reaffirmed their faith in vote and non violent methods to stress their rights” he said.

Mufti said though people of the state had by and large realized the importance of vote as the ultimate right to assert one’s preferences but it was regrettable that many were still unable to distinguish between the right and wrong. He said if the process of democratization and development started by his government had remained uninterrupted the state would by now have progressed beyond recognition, emphasising that Jammu and Kashmir has the potential to become the most developed state in the region. He said people have to make the right choice in electing their representatives to avoid repenting for the next six years as most of them have been doing ever since the present government took over.

Mufti said it is not just the legislature that has suffered erosion at the hands of present government but virtually every other institution has been rendered idle. Though the state was the first to establish an Accountability Commision on the pattern of the much talked about Lok Pal the government scuttled its functioning through every possible means. Similarly the PDP government also introduced the Right to Information Act RTI in 2004 much before the central government did it but the government has failed to create a culture of transparency. He said the system of recruitment that was streamlined has again been derailed and same old trademark NC system of selling jobs is back now.

Pulwama erupts after youth’s death in Hyderabad

Protests, Clashes, Stone Pelting, Tear Shelling marked the day

Srinagar, March 3 (VOS): Death of a Kashmiri student from south Kashmir’s Pulwama district in Hyderabad triggered massive protests in Pulwama and other adjoining areas on Sunday. Massive protests and stone pelting was reported from various areas of Pulwama district apart from some locations in the north Kashmir district of Bandipora.

Mudasir Kamran Malla S/o Ghulam Qasir Malla resident of Parigam Pulwama pursuing Ph.D in English at English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad was found hanging in his hostel room Saturday night. As the word about Mudasir’s death spread in Pulwama area this morning people took to the streets and staged massive protests. 

Normal life was thrown out of gear as markets were shut and traffic went off the roads in the district.

Protests and stone pelting by angry youths was reported from Newa, Kakapora and Koil townships of the district apart from Parigam, village of the deceased.

According to eye witnesses, a protest march from Parigam village towards Pulwama township was intercepted by police and CRPF at Newa township resulting in heavy stone pelting and tear gas shelling.  Pitched battles were also fought between police and angry youth at main town Pulwama apart from Kakapora and Koil townships of the district. Security personnel resorted to heavy tear gas shelling to disperse the agitated youths. Reports said several youth and policemen received minor injuries while as many youth were arrested by police in the areas. Eyewitnesses said some vehicles of Police and CRPF also received minor damage at Koil and Newa townships during stone pelting incidents. Some youth were also reported to have resorted to heavy stone pelting on police and CRPF near the Kakapora Police station.

Meanwhile, protests and incidents of stone pelting were also reported Sumbal, Sonawari and Naid Khai localities of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
Heavy contingents of police and CRPF were deployed to tackle the law and order situation across the Pulwama district.

According to the reports, the student named Mudasir ahmad Malla son of Gh Qadir Malla studying at English and foreign language University of Hyderabad was found hanging under mysterious circumstances in his Hostel room on Saturday evening.

Unconfirmed reports said Mudasir was questioned by the Hyderabad police on the charges of having participated in the protest held against Afzal Guru’s hanging. Neighbours and family of Mudasir however have alleged that he has been murdered. “We had no contact with Mudasir for last six days. We are not ready to buy the argument that he has committed a suicide. It is clearly a case of murder”, said Ashiq Husain, elder brother of the deceased.

Meanwhile Comissioner of Hyderabad Police, Anurag Sharma denied allegations that Mudasir had become victim of any harassment.

“He was a PhD student in the English and foreign language university and was sharing his Hostel room with his friend Waseem from Maharshtra. Both were good friends in the beginning but later something went wrong between the two and Waseem complained to the University authorities against his roommate”, the Commissioner said.

He said the University authorities handed over the issue to Professor Mishra who later took both the students to a local Police station. “However the Police after counselling the duo sent them back to their Hostel. Unfortunately, Mudasir, perhaps took all this as a humiliation and couldn’t bear it and therefore committed suicide”, claimed the Police Commissioner while talking to VOS.

Commissioner further dismissed reports that Mudasir was arrested with regard to leading any protests. “These are all speculations. It is a suicide and a simple suicide case has been registered. Dead body of Mudasir will reach Delhi today and then it will be sent to Kashmir without any delay”, Informed commissioner told VOS.

Meanwhile, the police spokesman in a statement issued here said Hyderabad police has registered a complaint against the University Proctor. “Hyderabad Police has lodged an FIR 79/2013 under section 306-IPC in police station Osmania University against the proctor. Further investigation in the case is going on and Jammu and Kashmir Police is in constant touch with the Hyderabad Police”, the police spokesman said.        

SSP Pulwama, Amit Kumar said the case had nothing go to do with J&K Police. “There has been some dispute between the room mates and one of them had complained to the University Proctor. A Case has been registered by Hyderabad police”, he added.

Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Asghar Samoon termed the incident as unfortunate. “Investigations will reveal everything and we express our solidarity with the bereaved family. I have asked the concerned District Magistrate he said the administrations had not plans of imposing curfew in any area. “However, if needed, the concerned district administration will decide after taking situation into consideration”, he added.

Protests and stone pelting was going on in various areas of Pulwama when this report was filed.

MMM announces fresh protest calendar

Shutdown on Monday, march towards Parigam on Tuesday
Srinagar March 03 (VOS): The Muttahida Majlis-e-Mushawrat (MM), a conglomerate of separatist organistaions spearheading the campaign to seek return of mortal remains of Muhammad Maqbool Butt and Muhammad Afzal Guru, on Sunday announced a fresh weeklong protest calendar.

The MMM in a statement issued after a meeting in Srinagar today said that complete shutdown would be observed on Monday, March 4, while people would march towards Parigam in Pulwama on Tuesday to express solidarity with the family of Kashmiri student, Mudasir Kamran, who was found hanging in the hostel of a university in Hyderabad.
It said that On Wednesday, the people of Kupwara district would visit the family of Muhammad Maqbool Butt at Tregham while people of Baramulla and Bandipora would converge on the native areas of Muhammad Afzal Guru at Seer Jageer in Sopore. It urged the Kashmiris living in other countries to stage protest demos outside the Indian embassies and high commissions on Thursday.
The statement asked the Kashmiris living in different countries to hold pro-freedom demonstrations outside the Indian embassies on Thursday. It called for peaceful protests on Friday after Juma prayers. The MMM statement urged the netizens to upload the photos of Maqbool Butt and Afzal Guru as their profile pictures on the social networking sites.
Earlier, the MMM in the meeting reiterated the demand for return the mortal remains of Kashmiri leaders, Muhammad Maqbool Butt and Muhammad Afzal Guru.
The participants of the meeting paid homage to the deceased student and expressed solidarity with his family. (VOS)

Protest calendar based on rumours, aimed at misleading people: DGP

Srinagar, March 3 (VOS):  Criticizing the separatist leadership for announcing shut down and protests against the death of a Kashmiri youth in Hyderabad, Director General of Police, Ashok Prasad said the protest calendar was an attempt to mislead people.

“The protest calendar is based on rumours and the separatists have announced it without knowing the facts. They are trying to spread panic among people through such calls”, the DGP told VOS.

“They don’t know what the case is about and announced protests on the basis of rumours”, he said and added that he had personally contacted Hyderabad Police Chief in this regard who has informed him that a case stands filed and investigations are going on.

He said the body of the deceased student, Mudasir Kamran, will take some time to reach his home. “The body will reach Delhi late in the night and will be then shifted to valley”, he added.

The DGP said the police was ready for handling any eventuality in wake of the protest calendar issued by the MMM.

“Section 144 is already imposed and further restrictions could be imposed as a precautionary measure in specific areas where the situation demands. People should not give ear to rumours and we appeal them to support the police and administration”, he added. (VOS)

Mehbooba condoles Mudasir’s death

Calls for thorough investigation

Jammu, Mar, 3: Expressing deep grief at the death of a young scholar Mudasir Ahmad in Hyderabad the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into his death.

In a statement issued today the PDP President Mehbooba Mufti said the death of Mudasir was a terrible blow to his family and it was shocking that a bright boy who was pursuing higher studies had lost his life in circumstances which called for thorough investigation. She conveyed her condolences to the family and said she realized that no words could provide comfort to them in this hour of tragedy. She prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and wished that the family is able to overcome this irreparable loss.

Mehbooba also expressed concern at the use of disproportionate force against the mourners at different places in Pulwama district. She said the administration must understand the emotional nature of the occasion and try to accommodate the sentiments of people. She said the government must provide all facilities to the family for bringing back the body of Mudasir and ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted to bring forth all the facts about his mysterious death.

Others who expressed their deep grief on this incident include party general secretary Mohammed Dilawar Mir, MLA Mohd Khalil Bandh, MLA Syed Bashir, MLA Zahoor Ahmad , MLA Ab Razaq Zawoora and others.

Mirwaiz concerned over mysterious death of Kashmiri student

“Kashmiri students, traders outside state are not safe”

Srinagar, March 03:  APHC Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has expressed serious concern over the mysterious death of a student- Mudasir Kamran at Hydearbad, Andhra Pradesh.
Mirwaiz said the death of Kamran, who hails from Parigam Village of Pulwama, highlights the fact that the students and traders stationed outside Jammu and Kashmir are not safe. He said it was the responsibility of Government of India and the respective state governments to ensure the secure environment for the Kashmiri students and traders staying there.However, he said, the mysterious death of the Kashmiri student has reflected that how irresponsible GOI and state governments were when it comes to the security concerns of the Kashmiris.
Mirwaiz said the death of student has further strengthened the belief that Kashmiris were not safe in India. He said earlier traders were targeted outside Kashmir, adding, now the Kashmiri students studying in different Indian colleges and Universities too are insecure and are targeted for no reasons.
APHC Chairman said it was a known fact that the number of Kashmiri traders and students outside J&K were arrested and terrorized due to which they were already feeling insecure. Now the death of this Kashmiri student, he said, was a matter of serious concern. He said this incident has sent shock waves in the entire Jammu and Kashmir. Mirwaiz once again demanded that the GOI should provide security to thousands of Kashmiri traders and students living outside the J&K.Expressing serious concern and regret over the mysterious death of the student from Parigam, Pulwama, APHC Chairman sympathized with the family members of the deceased. He assured the family that the entire Kashmir was them in these difficult times and mourning the death of the Kamran.He stressed upon the International human rights organizations and Indian civil society to take strong notice of the Kamran’s death and create pressure on GOI to ensure security of the Kashmiris, living, working and studying outside the state.Meanwhile hurriyat spokesman said APHC fully supports the portest programme given by the Mutahida Majlis-e-Mushwarat. The spokesman further appealed the people of Jammu and Kashmir to follow the calendar and make the programme a success.

Sagar visits residence of slain Sarpanch in Kalantra

Announces Govt job to the next of kin of the deceased

BARAMULLA, MARCH 03: Minister for Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Ali Mohammad Sagartoday visited Kalantra Payeen, in Baramulla district, to express condolence to the bereaved family of slain Sarpanch and NC worker, Javed Ahmad Wani, who was killed by unidentified gunman last week.

The Minister was accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Mr. Ghulam Ahmad Khawaja and SSP Baramulla, Mr. Anand Jain, Director Rural Development Kashmir, Mr. Mohammad Altaf Mir and other concerned officers.While expressing solidarity and sympathies with the bereaved family, Mr. Sagar prayed for the eternal peace to the departed soul.

The Minister assured the bereaved family for every possible support and assistance  from government.

Prof Zargar takes over as Dean Forestry SKUAST-K

Srinagar, March 3: Professor (Dr) M.Y.Zargar  took over as Dean, Faculty of Forestry on 2nd of March,2013 vide University order No: 158(Est.) of 2013, dated : 01-03-2013.

Professor Zargar is a renowned Scientist and capable administrator and has earlier served as Dean, Faculty of Agriculture and Associate Director ,Regional Research Station, Wadura Sopore.

He has Graduated and Post Graduated  from Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology ,Pantnagar, He has done his Doctorate from Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana and Postdoctorate from National Centre on Biotechnology, IARI New Delhi. He has more than thirty years service at his back  and guided around 15 students for M Sc and Ph D programmes ,has around 150 publications in journals of national and international repute. He has authored and edited two books. Has has been Principal Investigator of several externally funded projects which include (a) Ministry of Environment and Forestry sponsored project on Microbial Technology for rehabilitation of fir and spruce on degraded sites. (b) ICAR sponsored project on Mass production of Biofertilizers and Effective Microbes (c) Use of cold tolerant microbes for decomposition of Forest Leaf Litter. He has developed Low cost technologies for solid waste disposal and is Instrumental in popularization of vermicomposting by local worms in Kashmir and developed several Organic Technologies for Kashmir region.Forestry Faculty Welfare Forum whole heartedly welcomes the appointment of Dean, Faculty of Forestry and hails the administration especially Hon’ble vice chancellor Dr T.P.Singh for the keen interest  in the development of Faculty of Forestry.

Women participation in decision making imperative growth, progress: Sakina, Rana

Nagrota MARCH 03- Stressing the need for attitudinal change towards women empowerment, Minister for Social Welfare Sakina Itoo on Sunday spelled out the initiatives being taken by the government for increasing women’s capacity to participate in decision making and leadership.

Addressing National Conference rally at Nagrota, largely attended by women, the Minister said delay or failure in incorporating concerns of women in decision making will prove colossal in the harmonious growth of society.Ms Sakina exhorted them to come forward and benefit from various schemes tailored for their empowerment and economic emancipation.

“Women empowerment shall remain a distant dream unless they are ornamented with education”, she said, acknowledging that much headway has been achieved over the years but much more is still required, especially in rural areas and among weaker sections of the society. She said women literacy has been flagged as a priority area. In this context, the minister referred to the role of National Conference in promoting female literacy with Madr-e-Mehbran Begum Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah exclusively taking up this cause and dedicating her entire life for women empowerment.Ms Sakina exhorted women belonging to weaker sections to come forward and benefit from various schemes tailored for their empowerment and economic emancipation. She said the social welfare department is assisting women to grow as useful members of the society by supporting various projects aimed at improving their economic conditions. She referred to the schemes like self help groups, saying these have immense potential to generate employment and give fillip to women entrepreneurship.She also made a mention of various centrally sponsored schemes like integrated child development, nutrition and establishment of anganwari centres, saying these can  help in ensuring healthy growth of children, destitute and other segments of society. He asked the women to benefit from these schemes and instructed various wings of her department to generate awareness in remote and rural areas.Ms Sakina assured the women of Nagrota that social welfare department will provide all assistance and support to them under various schemes.

Speaking on the occasion, Provincial President National Conference Mr Devender Singh Rana exuded confidence that innovative schemes devised by the government for women empowerment and weaker sections of the society will help improve economic conditions of the people as a whole.

While emphasizing the need for generating massive awareness on women empowerment schemes, Rana observed that poorest in the rural areas generally remain ignorant about these, either because of illiteracy or due to lack of information, aimed at ameliorating their lot. Thus, the very purposes of these schemes get defeated, he said.“For empowerment of rural women, the departments tasked the responsibility of their welfare, should walk an extra mile and ensure benefits accrue them in a big way.

In this context, he also highlighted the role of Panchayats in becoming catalysts of women empowerment, this being a major initiative for rural development.He urged the people, particularly the youth, to strengthen the hands of Chief Minister Mr Omar Abdullah for heralding peace and giving impetus to developmental schemes and welfare programmes.  Rana described youth as real strength of the party and exhorted them to reach out to the people with exemplary report card of the Chief Minister’s achievements in restoring peace and ensuring development of Jammu and Kashmir during the past four years. He said the achievements are stupendous given the impediments created by obstructive elements in pursuit of their lust for power.“The years 2009 and 2010 stand testimony to the depths the power hungry politicians can stoop out of desperation after losing power’, he observed, saying the challenge, though daunting, was met with fortitude. This would not have been possible, had the people not seen through the game plan of failed politicians and supported the peace efforts, Mr Rana maintained while mentioning the improved situation of 2011 and 2012 which saw the valley returning back to normal activity in tourism, economic and allied sectors.He said the challenges are not over, as the disruptive forces are yet to reconcile with turnaround in the situation brought about by the government led by Mr Abdullah. They, he said, have been employing all tactics to divide people on religion and region in a desperate bid to carve out space for themselves. He said the people have given a befitting reply to political chameleons by rejecting their divisive agenda and maintaining peace, unity and amity.

Rana referred to the problems faced by the people of Nagrota constituency and assured that these are being looked into at various levels for redressal.

Protection of Kashmiri language:

AMK establishes special support units

Srinagar, March 3: In an important decision to involve all sections of society in its efforts for protection of Kashmiri language and literature,  Adbee Markaz Kamraz (AMK)  established two special Support Units which will work to involve students, youth and teachers in its  language movement.

In the monthly Executive meeting chaired by President Dr Aziz Hanji today, AMK resolved to seek active support of teachers, students and youth  to make its language movement more vibrant and inclusive. For this purpose, two special Support Units  of AMK have been set up which will co-ordinate with the representatives of teachers and students to make them an important part of AMK’s struggle for preservation and promotion of Kashmiri language and literature.  AMK librarian student Majeed Majazi  has been selected as chief co-ordinator  for the special Support  Unit for teachers, whileas Hassan Azhar and Aadil Mohi-U-Din will be chief co-ordinators for the Unit of students and youth. Akhtar Mansoor, Dr Shafaqat Altaf , Farooq Shaheen and Irshad Hussain will be as district co-ordinators of  their respective districts.   AMK has already formed an eleven-member committee comprising representatives of civil society to take up different issues of the Kashmiri language with the government.The meeting expressed anguish over the paralysis of Kashmiri Section of the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Language because Kashmiri Section is under-staffed and it is the only Section of the Academy which does not have a Chief Editor.  Moreover, the Kashmiri Sheeraza is not published since past one year. “It is painful to see that Kashmiri Section is being ignored and its function gravely affected due to official negligence,” the meeting observed. AMK urged to revive the Kashmiri Section and appoint the requisite staff for it. The meeting expressed displeasure over the stoppage of last year’s grant-in-aid to cultural organisations and asked the concerned to release the same.The meeting passed a condolence resolution on the demise of the legendary scout Ahmadullah Affandi, who was father-in-law of AMK Vice-President Dr Rafiq Masoodi.Among other members of the Executive, the meeting was attended by Ateeqa Bano, Muhammad Ahsan Ahsan, Rasheed Roshan, Abdul Khaliq Shamas,Zameer Ansari, Irshad Ahmad Shah, Muhammad Yousuf Sameem, Abdul Ahad Parah and Nazeer Javid.

 BJP support to Duda, Quid Pro Quo for PDP’s support to abrogation of article 370: Rana

Srinagar, March 3 (VOS):        Provincial President J&K National Conference, Jammu province Devender Singh Rana said that extending of support by the BJP to the PDP sponsored candidate Shri Shiban Krishan Duda in the Legislative Council Election has vindicated the party’s (NC’s) stand that an unholy political alliance exists between the BJP and the PDP.  He said the BJP has of late upped its ante for the abrogation of Article 370. This latest deal of BJP with the PDP is a quid pro quo for PDP’s assured guaranteed support for the abrogation of Article 370 to the BJP High Command he asserted. The Provincial President said PDP has no political ideology and is a B team of the BJP and for the sake of power will go to any extent. He said the PDP has always played with the destiny of the people of the state for their petty political ends and can barter the interests of the people of the state for their personal gains.He said BJP which had been all along claiming that it is going to abstain from the Legislative Council elections because it was not a position to support either the National Conference or the PDP because of the ideological differences with the two parties has today taken a U turn and ended the drama exposing their clandestine nefarious designs and thereby unveiling their real face.Rana said it is common knowledge that the PDP is a creation of BJP which funded and supported the PDP to weaken the National Conference and thereby weaken the cause of Jammu and Kashmir. He says this has also proved that both BJP and PDP have been befooling the people of the state by taking different stands on various issues though they are one behind the curtains.He however, asserted that National Conference will continue to fight for the welfare of the people of the state and not allow the nefarious designs of the communal and divisive forces like the BJP and the PDP to succeed which are detrimental to the secular pluralistic ethos of the state which germinates from the common cord of communal harmony and brotherhood.

KAS Officers Association elects adhoc body

Elections will be held on April 15

Srinagar, March 3 (VOS):        A meeting of the Kashmir Administrative Service (KAS) Officers was held today at the Excise Taxation complex under the chairmanship of Kifayat Hussain Rizvi KAS, Commissioner Commercial Taxes.During the meeting various issues to invigorate the KAS Association were discussed. It was unanimously agreed to form an adhoc body of the Association to facilitate the conduct of the elections for a regular body. The following were unanimously nominated office bearers and counsellors for the adhoc body. They are M. H. Malik, President, Arvind Kotwal, Vice President, Dr. G. N. Itoo, General Secretary, Dr. R. S. Sharma, Treasurer, Syed Murid Hussain, Publicity Secretary besides Ms. Anuradha Gupta, G. M. Dar, Ramesh Chander, Suraj Prakesh Rakwal, Moses Kunzang, Pradeep Kumar, T. K. Bhat, Khurshid Ahmad Shah, Dr. B. A. Lone, R. A. Inqualabi as counsellors.Besides the formation of the adhoc body, it was unanimously decided to hold the elections of the Association on the 15^th of April, 2013 for which election notification shall be issued separately.

 CS for re-energizing administrative setup

Interacts with various trade, tourism, media associations in Sgr

Srinagar, March 3 (VOS):        The Chief Secretary, . Mohammad Iqbal Khanday said that every nerve would be strained to retrieve the administrative set up in Jammu and Kashmir for the welfare of the people, adding that public good shall remain first priority of his service.The Chief Secretary was addressing an interactive and introductory session, representing tourism, travel, trade bodies and media fraternity of Kashmir Valley, here at Grand Palace, Srinagar. The session was organized by Jammu and Kashmir Hoteliers Club in association with Trade Agencies to welcome the Chief Secretary.The Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, . Baseer Ahmad Khan and Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, . Farooq Ahmad Shah were present on the occasion. Khanday said ‘’I will try my best  to come up to the  expectations of the society adding that  although the responsibility of holding the top position  in administration is very huge  yet we together can plan our role and set things right at all levels.Earlier on his arrival at the Srinagar International Airport yesterday the Chief Secretary was given a rousing welcome by the Head of the Departments and Divisional level officers The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir while addressing the interactive session said that civil society has a critical role to play in making the State  prosperous. He hoped that civil society will put in their efforts to ensure inflow of tourists in the Valley.Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar and Anantnag also spoke on the occasion.Heads of various Trade Agencies and Associations accorded  warm welcome to the Chief Secretary and shared their views for  ushering era of development and prosperity in the State. The Chief Secretary expressed his gratitude to all the participants for their warm welcome  and giving him feedback about their organizations.Among others, who spoke on the occasion include . Musadiq Hussain of Hotelier Club, . Showkat Choudhary of KHARA, . Hamid Punjabi of KCCI, . Yaseen Tuman of MASCOT Travels, . Shamim Shafi of TAAI, . Ghulam Hassan Kaloo of Press Association of Kashmir, . Rashid Rahi of Editors Association of Kashmir, . Qasim Sajjad of South Kashmir Journalist Association besides, . Mohammad Qasim and . Shakeel Qalandar.

Provide new LPG connections on rates fixed by Oil Companies: Ramzan directs LPG dealers

‘Ask authorities to cancel licenses of those dealers found charging exorbitant rates’

SRINAGAR, MARCH 03: Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan today directed LPG dealers of the state to provide new LPG connections strictly on the rates already fixed by all the Oil Companies.He directed the concerned authorities to cancel the licenses and take steps for   prosecution under relevant law, if any dealer found to charge the exorbitant rates while issuing New LPG Connections. He also asked the oil companies to initiate action against such LPG dealers.The Minister said this while addressing an officers meeting of CA&PD, Transport and Legal Metrology departments here today while reviewing the functioning of these departments. Maintaining that issuance of new subsidized gas connections is mandatory for every gas agency of the state, the Minister asked the consumers to avail the benefit after fulfilling all formalities. He said that the rate fixed for new gas connections by all oil companies is Rs. 4364/- with two filled gas cylinders at subsidized rates along with other accessories, excluding stove.The oil companies have fixed Rs. 1450 as security for one cylinder( without gas) , Rs. 150/- for regulator,  Rs. 432/- for refilling of cylinders on subsidized rates weighing 14.2 kg  in Srinagar and Rs. 420/- in Jammu,  the meeting was informed.Similarly, the charges for red book have been fixed at   Rs. 35/-, installation charges Rs. 35 , cost of pipe (Suraksha House) Rs. 180/-  and charges for stove inspection   purchased   from outside market , Rs. 200 ,  the meeting  maintained. It is has been made mandatory for consumer to purchase only ISI mark stoves. The Oil companies clarified in the meeting that purchase of gas stoves from LPG dealers is not mandatory for new connection holder, but purchase of ISI mark stove from open market is necessary as safety procedure for them.The Minister also stressed the LPG dealers for ensuring home delivery of LPG in twin cities of Srinagar and Jammu for which directions has already been passed. He said it shall be followed at towns and district headquarters and in rural areas in coming months. Mr. Ramzan asked all the LPG dealers of the state to maintain supply gas on daily basis and display the stocks and rates at the prominent place of their establishments.    The Minister directed them to facilitate people at large and make sure that better image of the CA&PD among people be maintained.        Directing senior officers of CA&PD to streamline the department at all levels, the Minister made on spot decisions and urged officers to implement them in letter and spirit.Choudhary Ramzan asked all the Assistant Directors of CA&PD working at district level to be responsible for receipt of ration and submission of utilization certificate and remittance of money on weekly basis. He directed that there should be no advance supply of ration for next month till submission of utilization certificate and proper remittance of money is made. He directed that coupon verification should be held at district level.Referring to the functioning of Mills, the Minister enjoined upon the Director CA&PD that those who are involved in bungling should be shown the door from Mills and put the new entrants in place of them for ensuring transparency.Regarding the supply of Kerosene Oil, the Minister ordered that whatever Kerosene Oil comes from Oil Companies should go to districts in Toto and no quantity should be retained at headquarters.The Director, CA&PD Kashmir, Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad, earlier gave a detailed resume of the department and informed the Minister that adequate stocks of essential commodities are available in the Stores of the department and godowns of Food Corporation of India. He said 25280 metric tons of rice, 5321 metric tons of wheat, 330 metric tons of atta, 1744 metric tons of sugar, 4908 kilo litres of kerosene oil and 287000 LPG cylinders are available in the Valley.

 The Minister also reviewed the functioning of Enforcement Wing, Transport and Legal Metrology departments. He directed the Managing Director SRTC to rationalize transport fleet at all routes for smooth transport facilities to the people.The Minister was informed that the Legal Metrology department has booked 3400 erring traders for violating different provisions of packaged commodities rules.Among others, Secretary CA&PD and Transport, Mr. Mohammad Abbas Dar, Managing Director, SRTC, Mr. J.S. Tandon, Regional Transport Officer Kashmir, Mr. Anees Ahmad, senior officers of concerned departments and various representatives of Oil Companies were also present on the occasion.

Kichloo rejects rumours about death of a Kashmiri boy in Hyderabad

Asks people not to astray by rumours

            JAMMU, FEBRUARY 03: Minister of state for Home, Mr Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo has said that the death of a Kashmiri boy in Hyderabad is reported to have been caused by suicide according to the early investigation by Hyderabad police. He has rejected the rumours been circulated by the rumour mongers and vested interests and described these as baseless.  In a statement  issued here today, Mr Kichloo said that J&K government is in close touch with Andhra Pradesh government in this connection. He appealed the people not to get astray by rumours and maintain calm. He has expressed sympathy with the bereaved family and assured them all help in bringing back the body of the deceased.

 NATIONAL

Modi not capable of attaining stature of national leader: Congress

NEW DELHI: Stung by Narendra Modi's attack at BJP National Council, Congress today said the Gujarat chief was mistaken if he thought that he could attain the stature of a national leader by spending crores of rupees of the state for "self propaganda"."The kind of language that Narendra Modiji used today does not behove any leader of national stature. I think he is yet not capable of attaining the stature of a national leader. By spending crores belonging to Gujarat for self-propaganda, if someone thinks that he has become a national leader, then he is mistaken," Union minister Rajiv Shukla said.The ruling party accused Modi of double-speak and took exception to his remarks against the Prime Minister."His speech is a bundle of lies. Today he is expressing liking for Pranab Mukherjee. If you had courage and conviction, than why did Modi ji not support Pranab Mukherjee (in the Presidential elections). NDApartners Nitish Kumar and Shiv Sena had done so. Yesterday Pranab Mukherjee was not likeable, then you were praising Sangma. This is double speak," Shukla addedEarlier Modi, in his speech at the BJP National Council meeting here had said that though Pranab Mukherjee was more deserving, the Congress did not make him the Prime Minister and chose Manmohan Singh."They realized that if Pranab Mukherjee is successful then what will happen to the (Gandhi) family," Modi had said.Without naming Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the BJP leader said the Congress appointed a "night watchman" to keep the seat warm for the first family of the Congress.Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi retorted: "Dr Manmohan Singh is the Prime Minister of the country and not just of the Pranab Mukherjee. His name should be taken with respect. His honour is the country's honour."

Pranab visits Bangladesh amid violence, Zia cancels meeting

Bangladesh rolled out the red carpetfor President Pranab Mukherjee who arrived in Dhaka on Sunday for a three-day state visit but his tour came under a shadow as opposition leader Khaleda Zia cancelled her meeting with him amidst a general strike by Jamaat-e-Islami to protest conviction of its

three top leaders for 1971 war crimes.

Mukherjee, 77, on his first foreign visit as President, arrived in the country which has been marred by continuous violence that has claimed nearly 80 lives after conviction of Islamist leaders for 1971 war crimes.Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which called a countrywide shutdown on Tuesday, the concluding day of Mukherjee's visit, cited no reason officially to call off Zia's meeting with the President.Zia's political adviser Shamser Mobin Chowdhury was understood to have conveyed to Indian government a couple of days ago her inability to meet Mukherjee.nterestingly, Khaleda had met Mukherjee in New Delhi in November last year during her nine-day visit to India.However, the strike or the cancellation of Zia's meeting with Mukherjee did little to distract from the President's main agenda of intensive interaction with top Bangladesh leadership including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni and Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith.Mukherjee discussed substantive unresolved issues like Teesta water-sharing treaty and implementation of the land boundary agreement of 1974 with the top Bangladesh leadership.He conveyed to Bangladeshi leaders, India's commitment to sort out the unresolved issues.Emerging from a 40-minute meeting, Dipu Moni told reporters that she had raised the Teesta and land boundary deal with Mukherjee who, she said, expressed the hope that both the issues would be solved soon.She said Mukherjee expressed the hope that the Teesta deal, which had run into rough weather following West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee's opposition in September, 2011, would be inked soon and that a bill on approving the land boundary agreement would be introduced in the current budget session of Indian Parliament.Mukherjee, while speaking to a Bangladeshi channel, termed terrorism as the "most frightful threat" to peace after the World War II and the Cold War and cautioned against distinguishing between good terrorism and bad terrorism.He arrived here on an Air India One flight and was received by Bangladesh President Mohammad Zillur Rahman at the VVIP lounge of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. A galaxy of senior ministers of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's cabinet were also present.Mukherjee was given a ceremonial reception at the airport including a 21-gun salute, after which he inspected the guard of honour by the three services of Bangladesh defence forces.The visit by Mukherjee and his wife Suvra Mukherjee is invested with a lot of symbolism and takes place in the backdrop of spiralling violence by Jamaat-e-Islami, whose three top leaders have been convicted by international war crimes tribunal of genocide, rape and crimes against humanity during Bangladesh's liberation war in 1971.Soon after his arrival, Mukherjee flew by a chopper to the national memorial at Savar, near Dhaka, and paid floral tributes to those who laid down their lives for the liberation of Bangladesh.In his remarks in the Visitors' Book at Savar, Mukherjee wrote "the National Martyrs' Memorial symbolises Bangladesh's struggle for justice, emancipation and independence"."It reminds us of the valiant sacrifices made by innumerable men, women and children who fought for their homeland -- Sonar Bangla," wrote Mukherjee.By itself, Mukherjee's visit to Savar would pass off as the usual curtain-raiser to any foreign dignitary visit to Bangladesh but its significance in the present circumstances, when there is renewed focus on the spirit and values symbolised by Bangladesh liberation war.The visit by the President rides high on symbolism especially when Mukherjee receives Bangladesh's highest award from his Bangladeshi counterpart Zillur Rahman on March 4 for his contribution to the independence of the country.On the concluding day of his tour, he will go to Bhadrabila village in Narail district of Bangladesh to visit the ancestral house of his in-laws.He will also visit Shelaidah in Kusthia district where the family estate of Rabindranath Tagore is located and where the poet had written many of his memorable poems, short stories and essays.

INTERNATIONAL

Bangladesh on the boil, 21 killed in fresh clashes

DHAKA: Bangladesh on Sunday deployed troops in its north as a fresh wave of violence claimed 21 lives, taking the death toll to over 77, in clashes that have rocked the nation since the conviction of Islamist leaders for 1971 war crimes.Violence in the country escalated on Thursday when a death sentence was handed down to 73-year-old Delwar Hossain Sayedee, vice-president of the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), by International Crimes Tribunal.A two-day strike called by Jamaat starting from Sunday coincided with President Pranab Mukherjee's maiden visit to the country.Another shutdown has been called by the fundamentalist outfit's alliance partner and main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party led by Khaleda Zia on the last day of the visit by Mukherjee on March 5.Authorities called army troops in north-western Bogra as JI activists attacked a police station with homemade bombs and guns at the cantonment area."Two platoon troops were deployed on request from the local administration as the violence erupted at the cantonment area," an army spokesman said.The death toll in the clashes over the war crimes verdicts has risen to over 75 since the first conviction was made on January 21.19 people, including a police constable, were killed today and about 50 others were injured in the violence that rocked the first day of the strike called by Jamaat.Activists of Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir clashed with the police in the districts of Bogra, Joypurhat, Jhenaidah and Rajshahi districts throughout the day.Of those killed, 9 died in early morning clash in three upazilas of Bogra while 6 in two upazilas of Joypurhat during Jamaat-called 48-hour shutdown.Two, including a young boy, were killed in a gunfight between Jamaat-Shibir men and police in Godagari upazila of Rajshahi while a police constable was killed in clash with Jamaat-Shibir in Jhenidah.A Jamaat man died when Border Guard Bangladesh personnel opened fire on marauding Jamaat-Shibir activists after being attacked in Satkhira, the Daily Star reported.

Egypt sets Mubarak retrial for April 13: Report

CAIRO: Egypt's Appeals court has set April 13 as the date for a retrial of former president Hosni Mubarak, his interior minister and aides in the case of ordering the killing of protesters, MENA state news agency reported on Sunday. Mubarak is in a military hospital. In January a Cairo court granted him the retrial after he was jailed for life over the killing of protesters by security forces trying to quell the uprising against him.

SPORTS

Ind vs Aus: Pujara, Vijay hit unbeaten tons as India reach 311/1 at stumps on Day 2

HYDERABAD: Opener Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara decimated the Australian attack with scintillating centuries as India took complete control of the second cricket Test. Pujara (162*) notched up his fourth Test hundred and Vijay (129*) scored his second ton as the record second-wicket partnership of 294 runs took India to a comfortable 311 for one, at close on second day. The duo eclipsed the stand of 224 against Australia, set by Sunil Gavaskar and Mohinder Amarnath in 1986 atSydney. Having already secured a lead of 74 runs, India would target a huge one, which would take batting fourth on this track out of equation. India scored only 49 runs in the 27 overs bowled during the opening session but the two Indian batsmen came out with a far more positive approach as they smashed 257 runs in the next two sessions. If the first session was about consolidation, the next two sessions were about attacking the bowlers. Both Pujara and Vijay hit a flurry of boundaries with Aussie bowlers suddenly dishing out pedestrian stuff from the disciplined and accurate bowling during the first session. Once they went off the boil, there was no looking back for the Indians. As the day progressed, Australian bowlers were sent into an absolute leather hunt. Vijay struck 17 boundaries and two sixes in 288 balls. Pujara hit 25 boundaries and also hookedPeter Siddle for a six to bring up his 150 having faced 251 balls in the process. The Saurashtra lad stood tall and square as he cut the rising deliveries outside the off-stump with a lot of ferocity and it was a delightful sight.When Henriques dug one short, he was in perfect position to play the pull-shot. Although both adhered to the tried and tested theory of giving the first session to the bowlers, Pujara looked much more composed and assured in comparison to Vijay's safety first approach. May be it has got a lot to do with Pujara being in good form and is slowly and surely making Rahul Dravid's batting slot his own while the talented Vijay knows only too well that chances may dry up in near future. The manner in which Vijay concentrated was impressive as he curbed his natural instinct of going for flashy strokes till the time he was set. In the final session, while both started on 73, Pujara suddenly raced ahead as he hit five boundaries in quick time to reach 90's. A late cut for a couple of runs off Glenn Maxwell brought up his fourth Test hundred in 188 balls. Vijay reached his second Test ton in 245 balls and the relief was palpable on his face as his celebration was far more emotional than the muted one by Pujara. Australia's plan to play with left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty (0/85 in 26 overs) and IPL's 'Million Dollar Boy' Maxwell (0/55 in 10 overs) backfired badly. Both the batsmen used their feet appreciably as the spinners failed to extract any turn and bounce. Maxwell, in particular, was easy meat for Vijay and Pujara as he not only bowled short but also didn't get to turn his off-breaks as much as Nathan Lyon did. Vijay hit a couple of big sixes - one each off Doherty over long off and the second off Maxwell over deep mid-wicket boundary. Earlier, Peter Siddle got the only breakthrough of the first session removing an out-of-formVirender Sehwag. But the Aussie pace trio of Siddle, James Pattinson and all-rounder Moises Henriques kept things under control as India went into lunch at 54 for one. Just 23 minutes into the second day, Sehwag was dismissed by Siddle with a rising delivery. The pacer hit three-quarter length and got the ball to rear up awkwardly and also moved a shade kissing the edge of Sehwag' bat as Matthew Wade took the catch. While the bowler wasn't sure, Wade and the slip cordon were confident and umpire Kumar Dharmasena raised his finger after some deliberation. Sehwag managed only 6. The sequence of scores for Sehwag in his last 6 Test innings reads: 23, 49, 0, 2, 19 and 6. A total of 99 runs in 6 Test innings at a dismal average of 16.50 and certainly doesn't paint a bright picture about veteran opener, who used to be a match-winner even 18 months back. Both Vijay and Pujara scored whenever the deliveries drifted on to their pads but at times also didn't hit the length deliveries. The running between the wickets was also not very impressive as on one occasion they failed to take a third run and on another occasion Pujara had a close shave as he managed to beat a direct throw from Siddle from mid-off. So intent were these two in blocking everything that came there way, that there was a gap of 107 deliveries between two boundaries in that opening session. The Tamil Nadu opener finally broke the shackles as he lofted left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty over extra cover for a boundary just before lunch. That was probably the first signs of what was in store in the next session.

2nd T20: Pakistan beat South Africa by 95 runs

CENTURION: Mohammad Hafeez put a poor Test series behind him to lead Pakistan to a crushing 95-run win in the second and final Twenty20 international against South Africa at SuperSport Park on Sunday.Hafeez hammered 86 and took three wickets for 25 runs, while fast bowler Umar Gul took five for six as South Africa collapsed to 100 all out in reply to Pakistan's 195 for seven in what was effectively a series decider after the first match in Durban was washed out.Appointed Pakistan's captain in the shortest form of the game, Hafeez thrashed four sixes and nine fours off 50 balls and when he reached 73 became the first Pakistani to reach 1,000 runs in T20 internationals.His innings was in dramatic contrast to his struggles in a three-match Test series which ended last week, in which he could score only 43 runs in six innings at an average of 7.16A second wicket partnership of 83 off 48 balls with Ahmed Shehzad(46) set Pakistan on target for a massive total but the innings lost momentum when Hafeez was out off the third ball of the 17th over, with the total on 170.Hafeez slipped as he stepped back in his crease to hit Rory Kleinveldt to the cover boundary and he dislodged his bails.South Africa made a flying start, with AB de Villiers batting audaciously as the home side reached 48 for one in four overs.But Gul then took four wickets in six balls, spread across two overs, as the match swung irrevocably in Pakistan's favour.In between, De Villiers was bowled by Mohammad Irfan for 36, made off 22 balls with two sixes and four fours.

 Taj Inaugurates 3rd Rajiv Gandhi Gold cup football tournament

JAMMU, MARCH 3: Minister for Medical Education, Youth Services and Sports Mr. Taj Mohi-ud-Din today inaugurated 3rd Rajiv Gandhi Gold cup football tournament here.

Twenty teams from within and  outside the State, including the famed Churchill Brothers from Goa are participating in the tournament. The semi finals of the tourney will be played on March 9 and Final Match on March 10, 2013. The inaugural match was played between Sainak Colony Football club and Param football club.On this occasion, the Minister said that the promotion of sports was important for the society and development of sports infrastructure has been flagged as an important component as it’s the priority of present government, adding that various steps have been initiated in this regards.

He said various stadias and playgrounds have been developed on modern lines for providing better facilities to the youth.Earlier, the Minister met the players of the both the teams and wished them well.

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