SRINAGAR,SATURDAY,19 RABI AL SAANI 1434 AH ; 02 MARCH 2013

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Speaker admits adjournment motions

Jammu, March 01 (VOS):  Newly appointed Speaker of the J&K Legislative Assembly, Mubarak Gul today accepted the adjournment motions seeking discussion on the return of Muhammad Afzal Guru’s body and the resultant situation in the aftermath of the hanging.“I have received three adjournment motions on the issue and have fixed them for discussion on Monday”, the speaker told VOS over phone.“I had no intention of rejecting the motion and had reserved it. It is an important issue which has been raised by the media apart from that the Chief Minister has also written to the central government”, he added.Three separate adjournment motions submitted to the speaker by members of Peoples Democratic Party, National Conference and CPI (M) MLA M Y Tarigami have been received by the assembly.The National Conference motion has been signed by MLAs Nasir Aslam Wani, Javed Ahmad Dar, Aga Ruhullah, M Ashraf Ganie and Peer Afaq.The resolution moved by the PDP has been signed by Mehbooba Mufti, Javed Mustafa Mir, Rafi Ahmad Mir, Khalik Bandh, Dr M Shafi, Mushtaq Ahmad Shah, Zahoor Ahmad Mir, Syed Bashir Ahmad, Nizamuddin Bhat, Ab Rehman Veeri, Syed Bashrat Bukhari, Abdul Haq Khan, Zulfikar Ahmad, Ab Gaffar Sofi and Peerzada Mansoor Hussain. (VOS)

Will support NC’s demand for return of mortal remains: Beigh

“Cong-NC sabotaged resolution seeking clemency for Afzal”

Srinagar, Mar. 1 (VOS): Holding the ruling National Conference-Congress coalition responsible for sabotaging the resolution in state assembly seeking commutation of capital punishment to Muhammad Afzal Guru, Senior PDP leader, Muzafar Hussain Beigh said his party would support any resolution for return of Afazl’s body to his family. He said the PDP would support the resolution or adjournment motion to discuss the issue ‘even if it was brought in the house by the National Conference.In response to a question whether the resolution demanding return of mortal remains of Guru is legally tenable in view of the hanging and alleged crime having taken place in Delhi, he said: “The question is not where he was executed but the question is ‘whether he should have been executed’”.“NC and Congress through a conspiracy sabotaged the resolution seeking the clemency for Parliament convict Afzal Guru. Both had hatched the conspiracy and the Congress made hue and cry asking for dismissal of the seven BJP de facto MLA’s from the house. Speaker adjourned the house again and again. We were waiting for the resolution to support it. But NC and Congress were aware that PDP will support the resolution and got it sabotaged”, Beigh said while talking to VOS.Defending his party legislators for remaining quiet in the house when the resolution was presented, he said if they had raised their voices, the speaker would have adjourned the house. “To adjourn the house or to raise the issue of dismissing the de facto BJP’s MLAs were the two options before ruling parties to scuttle the resolution. To prevent PDP from supporting the resolution they managed to sabotage it”.He said the house was under obligation to admit the adjournment motion moved by the PDP for discussing the return of Afzal Guru’s body and the situation resulting out of the hanging“Primary objective of an adjournment motion is to draw the attention of the House to a recent matter of urgent public importance, having serious consequences and in regard to which a motion or a resolution with proper notice will be too late. The matter proposed to be raised should be of such a character that something very grave which affects the people at large and the House is required to pay its attention immediately by interrupting the normal business of the House. Though, CM has written a letter to Prime Minister as also by Mufti Muhammad Syeed, so the adjournment motion has to be entertained”, he replied.The former Deputy Chief Minister said that though the resolution is not binding but the house could make an effort under good will and sincerity for return of the body to the family. “Resolution is a desire to express the views and opinions”, he added.He said the PDP wants that the house should discuss all the issues including post execution situation in the State. “Our demand is that the State Accountability Commission should be made competent to take suo motto actions”, said Beigh.In response to the National Conference statement calling the letter of Mufti Syeed to Prime Minister as ‘political gimmick, he said, “Mufti Sahab was not aware about the letter CM had written to PM. The letter was made public to mobilize the opinion of civil society and to pressurize the central government to accept the demand. There was no intention to score points”. Lashing out at the state government over the proposed Police Bill 2013, the senior PDP leader and eminent lawyer said the bill should be rechristened as ‘Police Oppression Bill”.  (VOS)

Close aides keeping Omar in dark: Ratanpuri

“NC lacks clear cut vision to solve Kashmir issue”

Srinagar, March 01 (VOS): Accusing people ‘in his close circle’ of misleading Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, National Conference Member Parliament, Gulam Nabi Ratanpuri, Friday said Omar is kept in dark about the real issues of people and situation in the state.“I have already taken up the matter with Dr Farooq Abdullah and apprised him about how the Chief Minister was being misled. I myself tried to talk to the CM about it but he does not listen to me”, said Ratanpuri while talking to VOS.“A former advisor of the CM has been hell bent upon misguiding him. He is the Narinder Modi of NationalConference and is responsible for floating stories in the media against party leaders. I have told them that such tactics were sending wrong signals to the party cadres. Some leaders have even been accused in media of having property in foreign cities like Dubai to black mail and pressurize them”, he added.He said the National Conference lacks a clear cut vision for solution of the Kashmir issue. “We had the autonomy resolution but as of now it stands nowhere. The party has no stand on resolution of this critical issue. In June 2010 I attended a working committee meeting of the party and informed them that the feedback from people was not good. I had suggested that we need to rethink our strategy as the party was losing people’s confidence but the leaders neither listened to me nor did anyone support me”, Ratanpuri  claimed.Terming as ‘non-sensical’ the statement of Party Additional General Secretary, Dr Mustafa Kamal, calling for his resignation from the party, Ratanpuri said Kamal had no authority to call for his resignation.“As per NC constitution there is no post of Additional General secretary. He has no right to ask me to resign. He has lost his mental balance and needs psychiatric consultation”, said an agitated Ratanpuri adding “He is desperate to become a minister and if he is given a portfolio in the cabinet, he will stop issuing erratic statements day in a day out”.In response to a question whether his visit to the house of Hurriyat (G) Chairman Syed Ali Geelani was against party discipline, he said: “My mother is the same age as Geelani Sahab. We have people always attending to her and it was my duty to see if Geelani Sahab was facing any problems. It has nothing to do with politics”, he claimed.“What party discipline are you talking about? The party does not follow any principles. There is no constitution and major decisions are taken without following any rules. Even the CM is being put in dark on critical issues of public interest”, he added.He said the National Conference Party should feel ashamed of the statement of Dr Mustafa Kamal against Syed Ali Geelani. “Geelani has a role of his own like Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah had. I would not have responded to him but since he has also spoken against Geelani Sahab who is a leader in his own right, I had to respond”, he said.He said many NC workers had congratulated him for his efforts to meet Syed Ali Geelani. “No body from the party talked to me regarding meeting Geelani Sahab. However, party workers told me that they have been able hold their heads high after I met him”.The NC Rajya Sabha Member ruled out the possibility of resigning from the party or membership of the Parliament. “I have done nothing wrong. I am not afraid of anyone. I will not remain silent whether anyone likes it or dislikes it. I am not worried about anyone going against me”, he announced. (VOS)

Yasin Malik to arrive in Delhi on March 9

Srinagar, March 01 (VOS): Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Chairman, Muhammad Yasin Malik, who is presently on visit to Pakistan, will be arriving in New Delhi on March 9, sources told VOS.His arrival is expected to attract attention in view of right wing parties including the main opposition Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) having raised voices demanding his arrest on arrival from Pakistan. Malik had landed in the midst of controversies when the chief of Jamait-ul-Dawa, Hafiz Muhammad Sayeed appeared at the venue of his hunger strike in Islamabad last month, against hanging of Muhammad Afzal Guru.The rightwing parties had demanded that Malik should be arrested as soon as he lands in New Delhi for “sharing the stage” with Hafiz Sayeed. However, speaking to media persons from Islamabad, Malik had responded saying that Jail is his second home and he is not afraid of getting arrested.Meanwhile, JKLF sources confirmed the scheduled arrival of Malik in New Delhi. “He will be arriving from Lahore in the afternoon of March 9”, they added. (VOS)

 Now NC moves adjournment motion

Serious about return of Afzal’s body: Nasir

Srinagar, March 01 (VOS):  Asserting that the National Conference is serious about return of Muhammad Afzal Guru’s body to his family, National Conference Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani said the party had moved an adjournment motion in the state assembly seeking discussion on the issue.“NC is serious about getting the body of Afzal back for which we brought an adjournment motion in the Assembly today on which five NC MLA’s have signed. We have submitted it to the Speaker and he has asked us for time till tomorrow. I hope we will be given enough chance to discuss this issue”, Wani told VOS.Castigating PDP for what he called hypocritical politics, the former Mos Home said, “ Our motive is very clear and we are serious about it. Unlike PDP we don’t want to indulge in making the galleries happy. Our chief Minister Omar Abdullah has already written a letter to Prime minster on 19 February wherein he has strongly pleaded for the return of Afzals remains”.Calling PDP a power hungry party, Nasir said the party’s track record shows how PDP waits for an opportunity to come to power. “They speak neither against the congress nor the government of India but only against national conference whenever they find an opportunity”, said Nasir.In response to a question regarding the killing of a NC Surpanch in Kalentra village of Baramullah District Nasir Said, “To be frank he was killed and killed by a gun and many of our cadres in past were killed by militants. There is a possibility that he too might have been shot by militants. But nothing can be said with surety till investigations are completed”. (VOS)

Detained Hyderabad man not linked to blasts: Police

Srinagar, March 01 (VOS):  The Jammu and Kashmir Police today dispelled the notion that the Hyderabad man recently arrested was involved in the Hyderabad blasts.“He is not at all suspected to be involved in Hyderabad blast case. It would be wrong to link him with the case, as a missing   report under his name is registered with Hyderabad Police .We are only questioning him to find out if any other angle exists there”, Depty inspector General (DIG) of police Ramban-Doda-Kishtwar range, Gareeb Dass told VOS.Pertinently few days back Ramban police had detained a youth named Muhammad Salahuddin hailng from Fateh Darwaza Hyderabad on grounds of suspicion. Police had detained the 36 year old man for questioning after he was found roaming in “suspicious” circumstances in Ramban town on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway. Some Arab currency, a pen drive and a passport was also recovered from him.A Hyderabad police team is expected to arrive today to further investigate the matter the DIG told VOS. Meanwhile Police commissioner Hyderabad refused to comment on the issue. “I m in a meeting and cannot talk on the issue”, he told VOS over phone from Hyderabad. (VOS)

 Saifullah released, put under house-arrest

Shah, Nayeem, HAfizullah still behind bars

Srinagar, Mar. 1 (VOS): Pir Saifullah of Tehreek Hurriyat was released Thursday evening from the Srinagar Central Jail but was immediately put under house arrest at his residence.According to family sources, he was released on health grounds while other separatist leaders including Chairman Democratic Front Party (DFP) are still lodged in Central Jail Srinagar.“Saifullah was released at 8:30pm on health grounds on 28th February. He was operated upon six months in Delhi hospital for Brain Tumor. He has to go through MRI test in SMHS hospital”, said family members of Saifullah.Various resistance leaders including Saifullah were arrested on February 9 after the execution of Parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru.  Meanwhile, Senior executive member of APHC (M) and Chairman DFP Shabir Ahmad Shah, Nayeem Ahmad Khan, Mohammad Yousuf Fallahi and Mir Hafizullah are still lodged in Central Jail Srinagar. (VOS)

PDP holds protest in Assembly after Speaker disallowed Motion

JAMMU, MARCH 1: Legislators of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today held protest in the Legislative Assembly after Speaker Mubarak Gul refused to accept their demand of the suspending normal business of the House to discuss the grave situation arising out of the fallout of the secretive execution of Mohammad Afzal Guru and public outrage on continued silence of the State Government on return of his mortal remains to his family.Although PDP had moved an Adjournment Motion on Thursday to suspend the normal business to discuss this issue today, yet the Speaker was adamant to continue the business. PDP legislators repeatedly pleaded before the Speaker to accept their Motion and suspend Question Hour but their request was rejected by the Speaker. PDP legislators resorted to shouting slogans in favour of their demand. The legislators, carrying banners and placards, were demanding that discussion should be allowed in the House on their Adjournment Motion.Slogans like Tamil Nadu Nay Inkar Keya, Punjab Nay Inkar Keya. Par Jammu and Kashmir Sarkar Nay Ikrar Keya repeatedly rented in the air as PDP legislators pointed out that governments of Tamil Nadu and Punjab have opposed death sentences to killers of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and former Chief Minister of Punjab Beant Singh. But the Jammu and Kashmir Governemnt has rather facilitated execution of Mohammad Afzal Guru. They were also shouting slogan Afzal Guru Ko To Fanshi De, Galib Kay Saath Insaf Karo.Instead of accepting motion of PDP, Speaker has adjourned the House for half an hour. As soon as the House assembled again, PDP members again pressed for their demand of allowing discussion in the House on their Motion but the Speaker of the Assembly has again adjourned the House without allowing discussion. PDP members were demanding that their Adjournment Motion should be accepted and government should allow discussion on this issue but later the Speaker adjourned the House for whole day without accepting demand of the party.Spokesman of the PDP Naeem Akthar later said that the part was serious about discussing the circumstances under which Afzal Guru was hanged secretly without allowing him the opportunity to approach the Supreme Court after his mercy petition was rejected by the President of India. The party wants to discuss the issue of deprived of the Afzal’s family of their legal rights including return of his mortal remains for proper last rites.The spokesman expressed concern that the Omar Abdullah Government was trying to choke all democratic voices and even trying to denying the forms of Legislature for expression of views. He said that the government has clamped down every hard measure to ban news papers, cable TV and internet in the wake of the hanging of Afzal Guru by disallowing the people of their right to information and their right to expression.It is sad day for the democracy that even the elected representative are being denied the opportunity to raise issues of such crucial importance even in the Legislature. He said that such a dictatorial and intolerant attitude of the government does not board well for the future of democracy in the State. This attitude of the government is like to further erode the faith of the people in democratic process and democratic institutions.Omar Abdullah government, the spokesman said, is becoming a threat to the very concept of democracy in the State as Chief Minister wants to rule people of Jammu and Kashmir through official repercussion and brute force.Meanwhile PDP has moved fresh Adjournment Motion on the same demand under Rule-56 of Procedure and Conduct of Bussiness in J&K Legislative Assembly. The party has sought the adjournment of normal business of the House on March 2, 2013 to discuss the same.

Tarigami, Hakim stages walk out

‘Will press for discussion on Guru’s execution’

 JAMMU, March 1: CPI (M) State Secretary Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami and Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) president Hakim Mohammad Yasin today staged walk out from the Legislative Assembly, as the Honorable Speaker did not conceded to their demand to adjourn the normal business and discuss the situation that has arisen after the execution of Parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru.On February 28, Tarigami had moved an adjournment motion under Rule 56 of Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business J&K Legislative Assembly to discuss the grave situation that emerged after Guru’s execution. During his speech in the Legislative Assembly today while demanding that the normal business be adjourned to discuss the prevailing situation in Kashmir, the CPI (M) leader said if the issue is ignored and not discussed in the August House, the same will amount to breach of peoples’ mandate given to the members of the House. He observed that all the members of the August House are on oath that they will represent people’s aspirations, sentiments and issues pertaining to their interest. “If this important issue is not discussed in the House, not only it will put a question mark on its legitimacy, but it will surely create irreparable dent in its image and credibility,” he remarked.Meanwhile, Tarigami and Hakim have decided to press the issue again in the House as it resumes’ its business tomorrow.

 Karra grieved over deaths in Digdol accident

Srinagar, March 01 (VOS):  Senior leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tariq Hameed Karra has expressed shock over the road accident at Digdol on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in which three persons were killed.Karra expressed sympathies and solidarity with the family of deceased and prayed for the eternal peace of departed souls.

 MHRD’s special scholarship scheme

JK students to get admission under supernumerary quota

Srinagar, March 01 (VOS):  The Ministry of Human Resource Development is implementing a special scholarship scheme for students from Jammu and Kashmir. In the Inter-Ministerial Committee meeting, it was decided that students who do not get routine admissions in colleges/ institutes, will be given admission under super numeracy quota.In reply to a question by G. N. Ratanpuri, the minister of Human Resource Development told Rajya Sabha, that accordingly, the University Grants Commission has approved two seats under supernumerary quota in all recognised universities and institutions across the country.“Directions have been issued on 12.10.2012 and the seats are expected to be available by next session, i.e. May 2013”.  In reply to another question by G. N. Ratanpuri, the Minister assured that disbursement of scholarships to 5008 students, who are studying in different institution across the country, under PM's special scholarship scheme are under process and avoid delays applications will be received on-line.In a separate letter the minister assured the Member of Parliament from J&K  that scholarships will be distributed by March,2013.

 Protest demonstrations held at Shopian

Geelani addresses over phone, says “Will arrive on Monday”

Srinagar, Mar 01 (VOS): Thousands of people staged a massive demonstration in south Kashmir’s Shopian town demanding return of mortal remains of Muhammad Afzal to his family.Protestors were carrying placards which read: 'Execution of Afzal is the Execution of Justice' ; ‘Give back the mortal remains of Afzal Guru' and  'Hanging of Afzal is a blot on Democracy'.Protestors shouting pro-freedom slogans marched through the streets on main town, eye witnesses told VOS.The procession was led by the Hurriyat (G) District President Shakeel Ahmad, who later addressed people at Gol Chowk Shopian. He urged people to follow the programmes of MMM (Majlis-e-Masharawat – a joint commitee by various pro-freedom parties).After his speech, Chairman Hurriyat Conference(G) Syed Ali Shah Geelani addressed people through telephone.In his speech he urged people to protest peacefully against the alleged Indian oppression till the movement was taken to its logical end, "We have lost so many lives since 1947 and we don't want to lose more, we have to protest against the atrocities but in a peaceful manner", he added.Geelani thanked people of Shopian for their continuous support to the freedom struggle and said, “We have to show the resistance in future also”.“I’ll arrive on Monday, if Delhi Police allows me to travel back”, Geelani informed the listeners.Later, the protesters dispersed peacefully.

 Woman killed in feud over land dispute

Srinagar, Mar 01 (VOS): A woman was today killed in a feud over a disputed piece of land at Bakshipora Khushi Pora Noorbagh. Ghulam Nabi Mir allegedly attacked her by axe. Police have registered a case and started investigation.Saja W/o Mohammad Subhan Khanday R/o Bakshipora Khushi Pora Noorbagh went to visit a piece of land situated near her residence. She objected to some agricultural activity being carried out on the disputed land.“On raising her objections against the other parties, Ghualam Nabi Mir attacked the woman by axe resulting in her death on spot”, eye witnesses told VOS.“Dispute had risen 4 years back and it continues even today”, it added.SDPO MR Gunj told VOS that a case in the matter has been registered and investigations have been initiated on fast track to ascertain the facts, adding, “But no arrest has been made so far”.He said that the body of deceased was handed over to her family after completing legal formalities. (VOS)

 ‘Mirwaiz barred from offering Friday Prayers’

Hurriyat M denounces restrictions on Mirwaiz

Srinagar, March 01: Hurriyat (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was today barred from offering Friday prayers by the government for the third consecutive time in a row at historic Jamia Masjid, said a Hurriyat Spokesman. “Once again resorting to dictatorial tactics, the authorities infringed into the religious affairs by forcibly stopping Mirwaiz from offering prayers and deliver Friday sermons at the historic masjid. The authorities continue to put restrictions on Mirwaiz’s social, political, and religious activities by placing him under house arrest at his Nageen residence”, he added.
“Using such repressive measures to prevent Mirwaiz from opining his views and restring his activities in these tense political circumstances, the government has murdered the democracy and turned Jammu and Kashmir into a totalitarian state,” spokesman said.The conglomerate has also strongly condemned the continuous detention of the senior party leaders Agha Syed Hassan Al Moosvi and Mukhtar Ahmad Waza by the government.Meanwhile, following the appeal of Mutahida Majlis-e-Mushawrat complete shutdown was observed in Jammu and Kashmir to pressurize the GOI to return the body of martyr Afzal Guru. At many places, hurriyat leaders including Zaffar Akbar Bhat, Moulana Abbas Ansari and Hakim Abdul Rashid addressed the gatherings demanding the return of the mortals.Despite strict restrictions imposed by the police, large number of Kashmiri led by the Moulana Syed Naqashbandi at Jamia Masjid protested the detention of Mirwaiz and condemned this policy of the government in the strongest terms.Terming the hanging of the Shaheed Afzal Guru as a ploy to weaken the ongoing freedom movement, General secretary GN Zaki said that the detention of APHC Chairman including other leaders was a cause of concern. He said the government was restricting Mirwaiz’s social, political and religious activities for its own vested interests.However, Zaki said that the brave people of Kashmir would in no case allow the government to succeed in its nefarious designs. In the meanwhile, Ulemas of Mutaheda Majlis-e-Ulema while addressing the people in different Masjids, shrines and Imam Baras across valley have sternly criticized the house arrest of Mirwaiz. They threatened that government would have to face dire consequence if they do not lift the restrictions on the social, political, and religious activities of APHC Chairman. The Ulemas also demanded that the government should immediately return the body of shaheed Afzal guru.

Not protesting against hanging will have negative consequences: DFP

Srinagar, March 1:  Democratic Freedom Party said that that if people did not protest the illegal hanging of Muhammad Afzal Guru, it could have serious negative consequences for the freedom movement.“DFP believes that the present generation will not come under the influence of the politicians who have helped the hands of the foreign rulers in Kashmir. The present generation very well knows the history of Kashmir which was ruled by Mughals, Pathans,  Dogras and Sikhs from time to time. The local politicians extended their hand to the foreign rulers during that time,” DFP spokesperson said.“But the present day generation knows very well their intentions and will not come under their influence who are hell bent upon creating impediment in the freedom movement. They have no sympathy with the freedom movement but are here to malign the freedom movement and the youth will not come under their deceptive appearance”,he added.  “Huge sacrifices have been offered by the people for the freedom movement and nobody will be allowed to play with the sacrifices,” spokesperson added. Expressing concern over the continuous detention of the pro-freedom leaders and people, spokesperson said the hollow slogans by the authorities about the peace will not make any impact.DFP said that the party chairman Shabir Ahmad Shah was arrested from on February 9 and has been detained in central jail. “His health is not good and has many ailments. His condition deteriorated in the jail which prompted the authorities to gave him a medical treatment inside the jail but that was not sufficient as there are no such facilities inside the jail,” DFP said. Expressing concern over his ill health DFP said that all his ailments have been developed because of his continuous detention in jails from time to time. “We demand that he should be shifted to hospital o prevent further deterioration of his health,” spokesperson said.Reiterating their demand for the return of the mortal remains of Muhammad Afzal Guru and Muhammad Maqbool Bhat, DPF said that their mortal remains should be handed over to their family members who are waiting for their proper burial as per the religion of Islam.   

 SMC demolishes illegal shops

Srinagar, March 01: The Enforcement wing of Srinagar Municipal Corporation headed by its Chief Enforcement Officer Hakeem Aijaz along with his subordinate team today demolished the illegal shops that had come up nearby Hyderpora Flyover, said SMC Media Relations Officer.“On receiving specific information that a person namely Nazir Ahmed resident of Shah Anwar colony Hyderpora has constructed a line of  shops illegally  adjacent to the flyover at Gulberg Colony Byepass. Accordingly the Enforcement team rushed to the spot and demolished the illegal structures on spot”, the officer added.The officer said that despite strong resistance and manhandling by violator, the team succeeded in demolishing most of the shops being erected there.“An FIR has been lodged in the concerned Police Station for initiating the action against the miscreants who has indulged in restraining the enforcement wing of SMC from carrying out their legitimate government responsibilities”.“The demolition operation was called off in order to avoid further law and order problem at the site and the further demolition will be carried out in due course as the violator requested that he shall voluntarily demolish the rest of the structure”.The concerned ward officer of the area along with his building inspector has been placed under suspension and they will also be charge sheeted separately, the officer added.Meanwhile Commissioner SMC Dr Qasba has appealed people not to violate master plan norms and do away with the illegal constructions. “The law shall take its own course who so ever will indulge in raising buildings/shops or any other unauthorized constructions”, he said.

 Urs concludes; Idarah Auqaf thanks people, adm

Srinagar, Mar. 1 (VOS): The Urs Mubarak of Shiekh Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA) was observed with full reverence and fervor while a special prayer function was also organized. On the concluding function, General Secretary Idarah Awqaaf Gousia Bashir Ahmad Mir said that Muslims should follow the path of Islam.According to statement issued here, the Idarah has thanked the all concerned authorities including SMC, Director Information Zaffar Bhat and other media for providing all the necessary facilities and cooperation to the visitors.Idarah has appealed people to play their role to make the society evil free. (VOS)

DC Shopian asks for intensifying market checking

2 CA&PD officials suspended at Shopian

            SHOPIAN, MARCH 01: To ensure redressal of public grievances, the Deputy Commissioner, Shopian, Mr. Javaid Ahmad Khan has urged for intensifying the market checking and monitoring of distribution of essentials through public distribution system.On the instructions of Deputy Commissioner, Shopian, Assistant Director, CA&PD visited Deegam Nagal and Devpora Sale Centres where the stocks of essentials were found short.Accordingly, the concerned Storekeeper, Mohammad Yaseen Malik and Tehsil Supply Officer, Mohammad Ashraf Mir were placed under suspension and orders were passed for an enquiry.

Attention candidates of Combined Competitive (Main) Examination 2012

            SRINAGAR, MARCH 01: According to Secretary and COE, J&K Public Service Commission, the Admit Cards/Roll Number slips issued by the J&K Public Service Commission to the appearing candidates of Combined Competitive (Main) Examination, 2012 shall be treated as curfew passes by all the Law enforcing agencies, in case of any such situation.

CM’s Private Office receives 105 deputations,

876 individuals in Feb 2013

            SRINAGAR, MARCH 01: Chief Minister’s Private Office at Srinagar received as many as 105 deputations and 876 individuals from different parts of Valley during the month of February, 2013 who projected their demands about ensuring the availability of essentials in their respective areas. The demands were subsequently forwarded to concerned departments for their redressal.

            The major problems and issues projected by general public were concerned with the erratic power supply, restoration of transmission lines, shortage of Kerosene oil, dilapidated condition of roads and lanes, expediting the works presently going on for proper drainage system, extreme poverty cases, speedy disposal of loan cases sponsored by various departments to banks and other day to day related issues and problems.

            Pertinently an effective follow up and monitoring system has already been put in place to ensure the concerns of the common masses are addressed in a time bound manner.

            The Chief Minister’s Private Office also provided counselling and awareness to the people seeking financial assistance for setting of their income generating units, besides poverty alleviation, welfare and rehabilitation programmes launched by the Government for the benefit and upliftment of the people.

Saturdays to remain off days for LA

            JAMMU, MARCH 01: According to Secretary, Legislative Assembly, Mr. Mohammad Ramzan, pursuant to the consent given by the members of the Business Advisory Committee, all Saturdays will remain off days. Hence, there would be no business of Lower House tomorrow.

Div Com reviews situation, stock position of essential commodities through Vide Conference   

            SRINAGAR, MARCH 01: Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon Friday evening convened a Video Conference with all the Deputy Commissioners of the Valley and took stock of law and order situation in the Valley.

             The Deputy Commissioners informed the Divisional Commissioner that the situation remained peaceful in their respective districts and there was no untoward incident.

            The Divisional Commissioner was also informed that attendance in Government offices was satisfactory and functioned normally.

            Dr. Samoon also reviewed the stock and supply position of essential commodities. He was informed that adequate stocks of essentials are available in the various godowns of CA&PD. He was also informed that 25280 metric tons of rice, 5321 metric tons of wheat, 1744 metric tons of sugar, 4908 kilolitres of kerosene oil and 2,87,000 LPG cylinders are available in the Valley.

             Addressing the Deputy Commissioners through Video Conference and Regional Transport Officer, Kashmir, the Divisional Commissioner directed them to ensure smooth plying of SRTC buses and to ensure proper attendance of government employees in their offices.

             He also directed the Gas Agencies to ensure home delivery of LPG to facilitate the common masses.

            Among others, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Director Health Services, Kashmir, Regional Transport Officer, Kashmir, Chief Engineers of EMRE, Deputy Director CA&PD, Kashmir and other concerned officers participated.

            Divisional Commissioner urged upon all Deputy Commissioners and Heads of Departments to expedite execution of development works in the district and state sector and to ensure judicious utilization of funds under various schemes in view of improving weather condition and closing financial year.  

  

NATIONAL

Seven-year-old raped at government school in Delhi, protests turn violent

NEW DELHI: A seven-year-old girl was raped at a government school in Mangolpuri area of northwest Delhi on Thursday afternoon, triggering violent protests by locals who were cane-charged by police.The school is run by Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). The girl was found in an injured condition inside the school and later taken to Sanjay Gandhi hospital. The victim's parents informed the police about the incident on Friday morning after doctors confirmed sexual assault. The girl's private parts are partially damaged, a police officer said."The victim was raped by a man inside the school campus on Thursday. Her parents approached us on Friday morning and a case has been registered. The victim could not tell us anything about the attacker. We are investigating the case. We are questioning the male staff, including teachers and a guard," the official added.Enraged over the incident, locals, including a number of women, staged protests in the locality as well as near the hospital.A section of the protesters later turned violent near the hospital and pelted stones at vehicles and broke police barricades. Some policemen and locals were injured in the incident. As protests spread, the gates of the hospital were closed for sometime.The protesters alleged police were not actively pursuing the case andarresting the culprits.At least three government-run buses, PCR vans and some private vehicles were damaged in the incident. Police have been deployed in large numbers to ensure no untoward situation in the locality.Condemning the rape of the girl, NCW chairperson Mamta Sharma said incidents like these are on the rise and unless tough punishment is incorporated, the mindset of such offenders will not change."This is a case of rape of a seven-year-old girl. I believe that tough action should be initiated...I will also send the matter for enquiry in two to three days," she said. Reacting to the incident, North Delhi Municipal Corporation promised all possible help to the victim."We are looking into the matter and gathering more details. The information is sketchy at this point but if someone from the school is found guilty, we will take immediate action," Mahendra Nagpal, Leader of the House in NDMC, said. Rekha Gupta, NDMC education committee chairperson, said the child was picked up by her mother on Thursday afternoon. "It was only today morning that the parents complained to the police about the incident that they said happened in the afternoon," she said."However, we immediately presented all the school staff before police for investigation. The child has not identified anyone from the school as of now...We have already told the family that we will support them not just in the investigation but also extend medical help to the child," Gupta said. 

Petrol price hiked again, to go up by Rs 1.40 per litre from midnight

NEW DELHI: Petrol price was on Friday hiked by Rs 1.40 per litre, the second big increase in rates in as many weeks.A rise in international oil prices and depreciation in rupee have necessitated a Rs 1.40 per litre increase in price of petrol with effect from midnight tonight, said a statement by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC).The hike is excluding local sales tax or VAT and the actual increase in rate for consumers will be higher after including the tax incidence.The previous petrol price hike was Rs 1.50 a litre excluding VAT on February 16.The increase in price for consumers in Delhi will be Rs 1.68 per litre and the new rate will be Rs 70.74 a litre from tomorrow as against Rs 69.06 a litre currently."The price increase has been necessitated by two factors -- the international gasoline (petrol) prices have increased from USD 128.57 per barrel to USD 131.00 a barrel since the last revision; and the rupee has depreciated from Rs 53.43 to Rs 54.15 per US Dollar during the period," the statement said.Petrol in Mumbai will cost Rs 77.66 a litre as against Rs 75.89 per litre currently."The trends of international oil prices and Rupee-USD exchange rate shall be closely monitored and the same shall be reflected in future price changes," said IOC, the nation's largest oil retailer.Apart from losses on sale of petrol, oil firms are suffering under-recovery (revenue loss) on sale of diesel of Rs 11.26 per litre, kerosene of Rs 33.43 a litre and LPG of Rs 439 per cylinder. The loss on diesel has risen from Rs 10.72 a litre on February 16, when its rates were increased by 45 paisa excluding VAT.IOC said it will end the fiscal with a revenue loss of Rs 86,500 crore on sale of diesel, LPG and kerosene. The industry, comprising of IOC and two other state firms, will be Rs 163,500 crore during current year.

INTERNATIONAL

China executes four foreigners over Mekong murders

BEIJING: China executed four foreigners on Friday for the killing of 13 Chinese sailors in an attack on the Mekong River, following a live nationwide broadcast showing them being led to their deaths that harkened back to the mass public execution rallies of past years.State broadcaster CCTV showed the four being led from their cells at a jail in southwestern Yunnan province's capital of Kunming at about 2pm (0600 GMT) prior to their execution by lethal injection. In shackles and handcuffs, they were trussed with a rope binding their arms behind their backs before being placed into court vans and driven to execution chambers.Their deaths were announced two hours later by the Yunnan provincial police department.Accused ringleader Naw Kham and accomplices Hsang Kham, Yi Lai, and Zha Xiha were found guilty of the murder of 13 Chinese sailors in an October 201, attack on the Mekong River. The four are of Myanmar, Thai, Laotian, and unknown nationality. Two others were given suspended death sentences for their parts in the killings.Friday's live broadcast was unusual because China has mostly abandoned the once common practice of parading condemned criminals before crowds in stadiums and through city streets on the way to execution grounds on the edge of cities.The decision to broadcast was a response to widespread outrage among the Chinese public over the killings, as well as an attempt to emphasize both the heinousness of the crime and the efficiency of China's police and courts in doling out justice to the four, said professor Yu Guoming of the School of Mass Media at Beijing's Renmin University."The brutality of Naw Kham in the killing really got ordinary Chinese people riled up. It's no wonder that it has attracted such huge attention from the public," Yu said.The gang was accused of ambushing two flat-bottomed Chinese cargo ships on the upper reaches of the Mekong on October 5, 2011, in Myanmar waters infested with gangs that make their livings from protection rackets and the production and smuggling of heroin, methamphetamine and other drugs. The Mekong flows south from Yunnan through the infamous Golden Triangle region, where the borders of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand meet, and provides a vital trade and transportation route between southwestern China and Southeast Asia.The ships were recovered downriver later the same day by Thai police following a gun battle with gang members, and the bodies of the 13 dead, some of whom were bound by the hands before being stabbed and shot, were fished from the river over the following days. Methamphetamines were found on the boats, leading to speculation they had been hijacked as part of a drug smuggling plot.However, gang members later testified the killings were in retaliation for the ships refusing to pay protection money and allowing themselves to be used by Thai and Laotian soldiers in attacks on warlord bases. They said the drugs were placed on board to make it look like there had been a struggle between smugglers.China's Public Security Ministry made the case a top priority and Naw was arrested in Laos on April 25 last year and turned over to China the following month along with his accomplices. Because the killings took place on board Chinese flagged vessels, Beijing, whose massive economy and powerful military gives it considerable sway over its smaller southern neighbors, ruled the trials should take place in China.Months after the killings, China established a multinational river patrol mechanism headquartered in Yunnan, which Beijing claims has been effective in clamping down on such bloody incidents."The case set a precedent that China would vigorously pursue criminals who commit crimes against its nationals. That's led to an expansion of Chinese police powers into the neighboring region and a big boost in Chinese influence," said Jin Canrong, associate dean of Renmin University's School of International Studies.

Air New Zealand pilot falls off to sleep in cockpit

WELLINGTON: Air New Zealand said Friday that one of its pilots fell into a deep sleep while at the controls of an international flight but insisted that safety aboard the aircraft was never compromised.He was one of two pilots flying a 332-seat Boeing777-300ER from London to Los Angeles in November 2011, according to a report released after a freedom of information request.The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) document said the pilot voluntarily submitted a "fatigue report" with the regulator, recounting how he slept on the job.The pilot, who was not identified, blamed a poor night's rest in London, when air-conditioning problems in his hotel meant he had to change rooms three times, for his exhausted state on the flight."I suddenly, and without any warning, fell into a deep sleep on the flight deck. The same event occurred twice," he said.Air New Zealand said safety was paramount for the airline and it encouraged staff to report instances of fatigue as part of a programme to manage shift rosters to address the issue.It said the flight in question had three pilots aboard."During the cruise phase of the flight one of the two operating pilots nodded off twice for around a minute and woke spontaneously," it said in a statement."The other operating pilot on the flight deck was aware of this and safety was not compromised at any point."Air New Zealand said the pilot would not face disciplinary action as it did not want to discourage staff from reporting such incidents.

SPORTS

Spin will again play a big role, says Michael Clarke

HYDERABAD: Australian skipper Michael Clarke on Friday reckoned that spin will "again play a big role" in the second Test against India but was non-committal on whether he would go with an extra spinner or a fast bowler.He felt the 22-yard strip at the Uppal Stadium was pretty "similar" to the one at Chepauk, where they were thrashed by eight wickets."There are a lot of similarities to the Chennai pitch in regards to the wicket. It looks as if it (pitch) was prepared quite early. It's going to be quite a dry and obviously spin will again play a big part. There will also be up and down bounce. I would be very surprised if India don't play with three spinners," Clarke told reporters on the eve of the second Test.Clarke's decision to play to his team's strength backfired in Chennai and probably that's the reason why the New South Wales man preferred to keep the cards close to his chest."Let me have a look at the wicket and then I will sit with the selectors and decide on the XI. I will have to check whether playing an extra spinner will be a better option than playing an extra fast bowler. We want to assess the conditions well and then make sure that we select the best XI," he said.Clarke, however, clarified that opener David Warner was fully fit and available for selection."You will see him playing again," he said with a smile. The stylish right-hander made no bones of the fact that just like the Indian team is comfortable playing in home conditions, the 'Baggy Greens' are an equally formidable opposition in their backyard."When you come to India, you know that the Indian team will be very comfortable because they play here on a regular basis. It's the same with the Australian team. We are very comfortable playing in our own backyard."The challenge is to make sure that you perform all over the world. Personally, this tour of India is a huge challenge for me as a captain. We have had a pretty consistent success rate in Australia and we want that to happen on overseas tours as well," he stated.Clarke chose to defend Phillip Hughes, who had single digit scores in both innings."He got a really awkward delivery in the second innings as it jumped off the rough. He is working very hard just like others in the team. I am confident that our first five or six batsmen can score runs consistently."He is undoubtedly the best player of spin bowling in the current Aussie set-up but Clarke believes that each individual has his own way of countering the turning deliveries."I don't expect others to play spin in a manner that I do. I have had success with my approach and there have been times that I failed. The key thing is to have a plan and have courage to stick to it," he said.Nathan Lyon went for over 200 runs in the first Test and the skipper was non-committal about whether the offie would get a start or not, provided they again go with single spinner."It doesn't necessarily mean that single spinner would be Lyon. It could be someone else."Shane Watson not being able to bowl has also been detrimental to Australia's team composition and Clarke opined, "It was Watto's (Watson's nickname) call of not bowling and not Cricket Australia. I don't know when he will again start bowling but for me, he is one of the best all-rounders in world cricket. Also, he is good enough to play as a specialist batsman in this Australian line-up," he said.The skipper, however, didn't like the obvious parallel with the England team's come-from-behind series win."We are not the England team. We are a different team. We may have lost the first Test but now our aim is to win the next three Test matches. We need to remain focused. If we can play our best cricket, I am confident of doing well," he signed off.

Dhoni's batting reflected on his captaincy: Ashwin

HYDERABAD: Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin feels that Mahendra Singh Dhoni'smagnificent batting form reflected on his captaincy which helped India produce a clinical performance in the first Test against Australia. "I think he pointed it out himself after the match that he isn't sure whether he would be able to replicate the performance again. I mean he scored two hundreds in almost two sessions which was extraordinary," Ashwin told reporters ahead of the second Test match starting on Saturday."In fact, he (Dhoni) set the tempo as a captain and his performance reflected on his field settings and bowling changes. We didn't look back after that. If someone plays an innings like that, it can be demoralising for any opposition," he said. The burly Tamil Nadu tweaker also played a major part in the first Test with his 12-wicket haul and the confidence with which he is known to answer queries from the media was back in his voice. Asked about the competition between the spinners with obvious reference being Harbhajan Singh, he gave a terse reply. "Competition always existed, it still exists and will continue to exist. I don't even think about it. And it's you people (pointing at the scribes) who are delegated to make comparisons, so why do I need to bother," he said in a matter-of-factly. A reply in the similar vein came when asked about whether the English spin duo of Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar were better in comparison to Nathan Lyon and Co. "I am not good enough to make comparisons. It's for you guys to judge whether Monty and Swann were better than the Australians. You guys are better suited to say whether Indian team had a good time against Australia." Reminded about how England made a comeback from being 0-1 down, Ashwin gave another curt reply. "We haven't spoken about it. The idea is to remain positive. About the England series, they batted well in the second innings in Ahmedabad and the momentum shifted from there on," he said. The leader of the spin attack went into the defensive when asked about the possible bowling combination for the second Test. "I don't know what they (team management) are going to do. We normally have a meeting in the evening before the match and there it is decided." Ashwin's best bowling figures of 12 for 85 was at this ground against New Zealand last year but he didn't want to read too much into that performance. "It's a different game and we have a different opposition. My idea will be to remain positive."By his own admission, Ashwin is not a very good reader of the pitches but he reckoned that the 22-yard strip at the Uppal Stadium will be a "good one for the first two days". "I am not a very good in reading pitches. But the soil looks different from Chennai and it will be a good wicket 

for the first two days," he said.

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