SRINAGAR,SUNDAY,20 RABI AL SAANI 1434 AH ; 03 MARCH 2013

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2 policemen killed in Handwara

Omar, Mehbooba condemn killings

Srinagar, March 2 (VOS): Two policemen were today killed by suspected militants at Handwara Township of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.A police spokesman said militants fired at police men who were discharging their duties at Handwara Bus Stand at around 11 am this morning."The two constables belonging to the Indian Reserve Police (IRP) had been fired from a point blank range. They were removed to the hospital in a critical condition, where they succumbed to injuries," a police officer said.The official spokesman identified the deceased cops as Santosh Singh, 26, and Azad Chand, 27 both attached with the IRP 16h battalion. Both of them had joined the police force in year 2009, he added.The area has been cordoned off and searches have started in the town. So far, no arrest has been made in this connection. Senior police and paramilitary officers have rushed to the town to take stock of the situation. No militant outfit has yet owned responsibility for the attack.Paying tributes to the slain policemen, Inspector General of Police, S M Sahai said the police will continue to discharge duties and offer sacrifices till prevalence of peace in the state. “Police is engaged to maintain law and order. Police is active and alert. We’re serving the nation and we have to perform our responsibilities. These are sacrifices and sacrifices will continue until complete peace prevails in the State”. Inspector General of Police S.M Sahai said while talking to VOS.Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today condemned the killing of police personnel and described it an act of cowards.In a condolence message to the bereaved families the Chief Minister conveyed his sympathy and solidarity with them and prayed for peace to the departed soils.Meanwhile, President of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti strongly condemned killing of the two constables at Handwara.In a statement issued here today she strongly condemned these killings and expressed her grief with the bereaved families. (VOS)

Killing of Panchayat Members Part of Conspiracy to disintegrate NC: Beg

“Restrictions on separatists unfortunate; Govt helpless, justified”

Senior National Conference leader and Member Parliament, Dr Mehboob Beg today said the killing of a sarpanch in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district was part of a conspiracy aimed at disintegrating the largest political group of the state.“Some political conspiracy seems to be at work behind the killings and also that of NC Sarpanch at Kreeri Baramulla. People should realize why NC Activists and Members including Panchs, Surpanchs, MLA’s and Minsters have been gunned down since 90’s”, Beg said while talking to VOS. “How many PDP activists have been killed till now”, he asked while bringing into focus the possibility of a political conspiracy behind the killings.He said that some conspiracy is being hatched to disintegrate the largest political group of the state. “But we will never let anybody succeed in such nefarious designs”, he added.Pertinently earlier MoS Home, Sajad Ahmad Kichloo had emphasized the possibility of personal rivalry behind the killing of the Sarpanch, Javed Ahmad Wani. However, former MoS home and provisional president of NC, Nasir Aslam Wani had hinted at a Militant hand in the killing. However, senior NC leader and Minister for Panchayat Raj, Ali Muhammad Sagar had refused to rule out possibility of political rivalry or personal animosity behind the killing.While commenting on continuous house arrest of Separatist leaders beg said: “It is painful and unfortunate, but these are the people who boasted so much about peaceful protests, but set whole Kashmir on fire in 2010”.He said government is helpless and justified if it puts them under restrictions to prevent the law and order from going out of hand.“Like separatists NC also fights for proper settlement of Kashmir issue but our way is non violent while as their actions lead to violence”, he added.While commenting on demands from certain sections in India calling for arrest of JKLF Chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik on arrival from Pakistan for allegedly sharing state with Hafiz Syed, Beg said, “Creating so much of fuss over Yasin Malik’s arrest on his return to Delhi is wrong because such things will lead us nowhere. Yasin Malik has chosen non violent path so he has every right to protest peacefully”. (VOS) 

Ocean of Tears to be screened at AMU on March 4

Srinagar, March 2 (VOS): After the successful screening in the Nepal international Human rights film festival on February 21, Ocean of tears, film by a Kashmiri film maker, is going to be screened at the 6^th Filmsaaz International Short Film Festival at Aligarh Muslim University.Ocean of tears will be screened on March 4 in the festival which being is being held from 2nd to 5^th of March, the film maker Bilal Jan said.He said the filem is also going to be screened at Oklahoma University USA (Americaon the 6TH of   March, ‘as proposed in a special session on Gender violence, session conducted by Dr. Nyla Ali Khan with some prominent dignitaries’. (VOS)

Union Health Ministry recognises MDS Periodontics of GDC Sgr

Srinagar, March 2 (VOS):  In a significant move the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of India, has conferred recognition to Government Dental College and Hospital Srinagar for issuing the Masters Degree in Dental Surgery in the speciality of Periodontics.According to official sources, the recognition was confirmed vide notification No V-12017/17/2005-DE (PT) dated February 20, 2013 on recommendations of the Dental Council of India by the Union Ministry.According to the notification all degrees issued by the Dental College and Hospital from 2012 onwards shall be recognised by the central government.The doctors who have already qualified the MDS degree received a great relief and have welcomed the gesture. (VOS)

‘PDP’s Peer Mazhar Ali Shah, associates join NC’

Rana predicts rout of PDP in 2014, says degeneration has begun

Mendhar March 2:  Predicting total annihilation of People’s Democratic Party in 2014 elections because of its duplicity and anti-people policies, Provincial President National Conference Devender Singh Rana on Saturday said the process of its degeneration has already begun.

Welcoming renowned spiritual leader Peer Mazhar Ali Shah and his associates in National Conference at a massive rally at at Salwa in Mendhar this afternoon, Rana said his joining will reinvigorate the party further, enabling it to achieve the cherished agenda of Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah making Jammu and Kashmir economically stable and politically vibrant state.

“Peer Mazhar Ali Shah joined the National Conference along with prominent workers after resigning from PDP”.

Owing to his influence in the entire Rajouri and Poonch belt, Peer Sahib’s joining NC is considered a major setback to People’s Democratic Party.

The Provincial President referred to the alleged dubious role of PDP in dividing the people with a sinister objective of weakening National Conference from time to time and said in one manifestation or the other, the power hungry leaders have been intriguing against the legacy of Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah. Their role in 1984 and 1986 in destabilizing the democratically elected government of Dr Farooq Abdullah is no secret; he said adding that their anti-people role in 1990 brought the state to virtual disaster.

“These elements have not given up; they tried their worst after 2008 elections by conspiring against Omar Abdullah, in closed door secret meetings, fearing that a youthful leader taking over the command in state politics will retard their growth whatsoever”, he maintained.

He said divisive politics of the parties like PDP and BJP are detrimental to the growth and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir which is facing peculiar problems on economic and political fronts that need unique treatment with a sense of urgency. He referred to the difficult situation created by vested interests in 2008 by inciting people on communal and regional basis. They again tried to vitiate the situation in 2009 and 2010 by encouraging unrest in the Valley, he said adding the sagacious leadership of Omar Abdullah frustrated all their designs. He said the manoeuvring of PDP exposed the people to enormous problems and brought the state to  morass. However, he maintained that the situation was brought under control and a new era of peace dawned in 2011 that gave fillip to economic activity and tourism promotion.

 “People are fed up with rhetoric and emotive slogans being raised by vested interests”, he said while addressing party workers at Poonch, on the second day of his visit to Rajouri-Poonch belt, adding they look towards National Conference with a great deal of hope to steer them out of the difficult situation. He assured his party will maintain people’s sacred trust and continue to work for their betterment irrespective of caste, creed, colour or region as enshrined in the charter of National Conference.

He stressed the crucial need of maintaining discipline, forging unity and foiling the attempts of opponents who want to divide the people of Jammu and Kashmir on communal and regional lines. “Such tendencies will have to be foiled by showcasing the great role of National Conference under the stewardship of towering Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah during most testing times, Dr Farooq Abdullah in equally difficult times. He said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is braving all odds in taking the state to pinnacles of peace and development and this effort needs cohesive public support.

‘Former Session Judge Thakur Hari Om Singh joins PDP’

Jammu, March 2:  Former Session Judge Thakur Hari Om Singh today joined Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the presence of patron of the PDP Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, the PDP spokesman said.

 Thakur Hari Singh, belongs to Pogal Paristan area of Ramban district and he is a known figure in Jammu region. Thakur Hari Om Singh is associated with various social organizations.

According to a statement issued here, while joining PDP, Thakur Hari Singh expressed faith in the leadership of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Mehbooba Mufti. He said that he has decided to join the PDP due to the revolutionary policies of the party. He said that State of Jammu and Kashmir has been passing through a crucial juncture and only a leader like Mufti Mohammad Sayeed can restore lasting peace in this region.

Eminent educationist and social activist K K Pandoh also joined PDP in the presence of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. He also expressed faith in the leadership of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Mehbooba Mufti and appreciated policies and programmes of PDP. Thakur Sidharath Singh, a prominent advocate also joined PDP. He was motivated by Gurdeep Singh Pandey to join PDP.

Bar to organise seminar on Police bill

Srinagar, March 2 (VOS):  The High Court Bar Association is organising a seminar on the proposed police bill 2013 on 5th of March at Sadder Court Complex here.

According to the HCBA spokesman, a decision to this effect was taken in an extraordinary meeting of the Bar Association today.

He said all the respectable lawyers from various courts of Jammu and Kashmir will be invited to deliberate on the issue to express their views.

“The seminar is being organized on the proposed Police Bill 2013, whereby the J&K Police is going to be empowered with extensive powers. The Govt. of State of J&K in the garb of modernizing the Police force has virtually gone to primitive stage when men with muscular power, goons and renegades, were ruling the state and a common citizen had no say”, the spokesman said in a statement issued here.

“The Bill has generated controversy among the general masses of the state as the liberty and security of a common man is being curtailed under the garb of this proposed Police Bill”.

He appealed all the District and Mufassil Bar Associations of J&K State to participate in the seminar and send their representatives along with written opinions on the proposed J&K Police Bill 2013.  “There will be no work on the said date and in this behalf all the presiding officers of the respective courts have also been informed”, he added.

Eurpoean Parliament regrets Afzal’s execution

Srinagar, Mar. 2 (VOS): Welcoming the support of President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz in joining the global condemnation of the execution of Afzal Guru, International Council for Human Rights (ICHR) - Kashmir project has said that it will continue to throw light on the execution of Afzal Guru and on the fact that the application of the death penalty is unjust and incompatible with fundamental human rights. “It is an affront to the right to life and the right to dignity”.

According to statement issued here, Majid Tramboo had urged the European Parliament and Martin Schulz, to condemn this execution, and sought his assistance in calling on the Government of India to return the body of Afzal Guru to his wife and family, in order to allow them to perform his final religious rites with dignity.

According to a statement, in response to ICHR’s communication, the president of the European Parliament thanked Barrister Tramboo for bringing this case to his attention.

“...the European Parliament is opposed to the capital punishment in all cases under all circumstances and has consistently called for its universal abolition. We believe that the abolition of death penalty is essential to protect human dignity, and we therefore, very much regret the execution of Afzal Guru” , the ICHR quoted the president of having said.

The President added that the subcommittee on Human Rights in the European Parliament “is paying close attention to any decisions that the Government of India may take in line with the global trend towards the abolition of capital punishment...”

ICSI Results Declared

Kashmiri student secures 11th Position in Company Secretaries examination

Srinagar, March 2: A Kashmiri student Zaffar Hamed Wani has secured 11th position at all India level in Companies Secretaries examination held by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) in December, 2012.

The examination was held at over 84 centres across India including Kashmir. Notably, the students from the valley have shown exemplary performance in all the three levels of CS Programme.

Chairman Srinagar Chapter of ICSI, Parvez Ahmad, who is Executive President of the J&K Bank, congratulated the faculty and all successful students and Zaffar Hamed Wani in particular for outstanding performance in the examination. “The performance of students in the examination is the recognition of the efforts of the Srinagar Chapter and inspiration for all the students pursuing company secretaryship course in the valley,” he said. 

The student Zaffar Hamed has attributed his success to the Srinagar Chapter of the Institue.  “It is a great honor to represent my home land at the national level in one of the most prestigious professional qualification in India. It gives me immense pleasure to share my success with youth of Kashmir. I am indeed highly thankful to my parents, mentors, friends who always encouraged me to traverse greatest heights in the professional excellence. I am particularly grateful to the entire administration of Srinagar Chapter of ICSI”, he said.

Hurriyat (M) condemns continued detention of its Chairman

Srinagar, March 2:  Hurriyat Conference (M) has sternly condemned the continuous house detention of party Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq from past many weeks.

The party further said house detentions and arrests were unacceptable, adding, Hurriyat leaders like Agha Syed Hassan Al Moosvi, Mukhtar Ahmad Waza, Shabir Ahmad Shah, Nayeem Khan including many others continue to be behind the bars or under house arrest.

Expressing serious concern, the party spokesman said arrests and detentions signify the aggressive policy undertaken by the authorities to muzzle the genuine voices of Kashmir. The hurriyat said such repressive policies would in no way help in solving the issues; instead, they would only make the problems graver by creating obstacles and hindrances.

 Terming the restrictions on the social, religious and political activities of Mirwaiz as unwarranted, the APHC said government would be itself responsible for the consequences if people launch protest and agitation against such draconian measures.

Meanwhile, APHC has paid flying tributes to the 1990 martyrs of Zakura. They party said that hurriyat would continue to fight for the cause for which martyrs in Zakura and elsewhere in Kashmir laid their life till it would reach its logical end.  

The conglomerate has also expressed its condolence with the relatives of the three people from Chrar e Sharief, who lost their lives during a road accident on Jammu Kashmir highway.  The party has prayed for the deceased and sympathized with the families.  

Mega beautification, eco development project for Mughal Road on anvil: Altaf

Jammu, March 3: A mega beautification-cum-eco development project to further add to aesthetic grandeur of historical Mughal Road making it an attractive tourist destination at specific spots along the road is on anvil.

This was announced by Minister for Forests and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad, while chairing a joint meeting of officers of Forest Department, Wild Life and the members of Eco-Tourism Society convened to take stock of measures initiated for promotion of eco-tourism along Mughal Road.

“The prestigious project envisaged development of camping sites, rock climbing, mountaineering sites, rafting and other adventure sports besides recreation parks enroute the track from Hirpora to Rajouri on Mughal road” the Minister maintained.

Addressing the meeting, the Minister asked the officers to constitute separate wings of Eco-Tourism Society, for effective monitoring of activities of concerned departments on both the sides of this road, with representation of local people.

Spelling out this year’s programme for promotion of eco-tourism activities along Mughal road, Mian Altaf said that several works like erecting pre-fabricated huts, lavatory blocks, shelter sheds, improvement of existing paths and viewing decks will be done on fast tract basis. For the purpose, the funds shall be arranged under annual plan of CAMPA for 2013-14, he added.

 The Minister set one month’s deadline for preparation of action plan for these works so that these could be started from April this year with the opening of the road in view of approaching tourist season. The Minister said that a suitable portion of land at Pir-ki-Gali shall be developed as Eco-Park for the tourists and the locals as well.

It was decided in the meeting that prefabricated tented accommodation will be erected by the Tourism Department at Pir-Ki-Gali, Nandansar and Hirpora tourist resorts for the tourists on the pattern of Amarnathji Yatra.        

 Among others Conservator of Forests (Wild life) Asif Mehmood, Regional Wild Life Warden, Kashmir, Manzoor Ahmad Tak, Conservator of Forests South Circle Kashmir, Abdul Gani Hajam, Agrostologist Kashmir Rashid Hayat, Wild Life Warden Shopian Intesar Suhail, DFO Shopian M. A. Kuthoo, DFO Poonch Harmohinder Singh and the members of Eco Tourism Society Advocate Aiyaz Ahmad Zaki and Master Gulzar Ahmad were present in the meeting.

SMC seizes over 100 kg polythene

Sirnagar, March 2: Today the anti polythene squad headed by its anti polythene officer Mir Mansoor seized more than hundred kgs of polythene from Pinchi mandi (vegetable market) at Baginansingh while conducting its routine market check in the city.

At least 50 kg polythene was recovered from a godown owned by Basheer Ahmed at pinchi mandi.The godown was sealed immediately after the recovery of banned polythene lot in presence of Chief Sanitation Officer Manzoor Ahmed Turray.

Another shop outside the same market was put under seal after the shopkeeper dealing with packaging material was raided at his residential place Firdousabaad on specific information. At least 45 kg of polythene was recovered from his house.

An FIR against both the offenders has been lodged in the concerned police station of the area.

All such people shall be taken to task who shall violate the orders of Honorable High Court which clearly emphasizes the implementation of ban  on use of polythene carry bags said Manzoor Ahmed Tarray.

Hizb, Jamiat claim responsibility for Handwara attack

Srinagar, March 2 (VOS): Millitant outfits, Hizbul Mujahideen and Jamiat ul Mujahideen have claimed responsibility for the attack on police at Handwara, in which two policemen were killed.

In a telephonic statement to VOS, spokesman of the Hizbul Mujahideen identifying himself as Baleeguddin said the attack had been carried out by one of its teams. He claimed that  3 security personnel had been killed in the attack.

Meanwhile, in another statement, Jamiat ul Mujahideen spokesman Jameel Ahmad said the attack had been carried out by militants of the outfit.

No provision for voting under Adjournment Motion: Law Minister

“All resolutions listed for March 26; NC was first to submit motion”

Srinagar, March 2 (VOS): With speaker of the Assembly agreeing to admit the adjournment motion for discussion on the Afzal Guru execution in the lower house on Monday, the state government has made it clear that the floor will be open for the discussion only and there was no provision for voting under the motion for seeking the mortal remains of Guru from the union government.

 However sources in the government maintained that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah would use the opportunity to clear his position regarding the whole affair.

“This is just an adjournment motion which means the members of the house would express their views on the Afzal Guru episode", Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mir Saifullah told VOS on Saturday afternoon. He however made it clear that the nature of the motion does not allow any kind of voting whatsoever.

"This is a sensitive issue and has to be handled carefully. Resolutions submitted by members have been listed for 26 March which is too early to talk about", Mir said when VOS wanted to know from him if there was any possibility to pass a resolution to press GOI for returning the mortal remains of Guru.

He however refused to give credit to the opposition PDP, saying it was the ruling National Conference which brought the adjournment motion first. “National conference represents the voice of people. PDP also represents a section of society, but the fact is that it was NC that brought the motion first", Parliament Affairs Minister, who himself belongs to the NC said when asked why the speaker chose to accept NC's motion and not that of the PDP or independent MLA Engineer Rashid.

Meanwhile a senior minister from Congress said that some of the legislators of the party will also speak on the subject, but refused to comment further on the subject. “Yes, congress legislators will take part in the discussion", the minister told VOS.

In the meantime CPI (M) leader M Y Tarigami also said that admitting the motion would allow legislators to express their views on the situation that has risen in the aftermath of Guru's execution.

(VOS)

CS stresses for work culture, transparency

Reviews developmental scenario in Valley

SRINAGAR, MARCH 02: Every effort shall be made for developing work culture in the offices, besides ensuring transparency and accountability to redress the grievances and to come upto the expectations of the people in the State.

This was stated by Chief Secretary, Mohammad Iqbal Khanday during his maiden visit to the Valley while reviewing the developmental activities being carried out in the Valley at SKICC here today.

Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon, all Deputy Commissioners of the Valley, Heads of departments, Chief Engineers of various Engineering sectors, besides other civil and police officers participated in the meeting.

Chief Secretary stressed upon all the Deputy Commissioners to be innovative and play proactive role in maintaining peace and tranquillity, besides ensuring progressive developmental scenario. He said that all assistance shall be made available to them for the successful implementation of various schemes and developmental projects launched for the welfare of the society.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir presented detailed resume of the developmental activities being executed in the division.

All the Deputy Commissioners also highlighted the major achievements being registered in their respective districts during the current fiscal.

Earlier, the Chief Secretary of J&K was given a warm reception at Srinagar International Airport on his arrival today.  

Khanday expressed his gratitude to the divisional administration for giving warm welcome.

IL-76 aircraft arranged on 4th March for Kargil passengers

Srinagar, March 2: In view of continued cancellation of AN-32 Kargil Courier service, due to bad weather, the State Government has made arrangements for airlifting stranded passengers of Kargil in IL-76 aircraft, between Srinagar-Leh and Jammu-Leh, on Monday 4th March. Indian Air Force IL-76 aircraft being a very large aircraft can only land at Leh airport.

Stranded passengers of Kargil at Jammu have been requested to report to Kargil House Jammu at 6 am on 4th March so that they are airlifted from Jammu to Leh. Stranded passengers of Kargil at Srinagar, who have already purchased tickets of Kargil sorties for flight No's 14 to 18 have been requested to report to Kargil House Bemina Srinagar at 7 am on 4th March, so that they are airlifted from Srinagar to Leh. District Administration Kargil has already made arrangements for transporting passengers from Kargil to Leh by road, so that they are airlifted from Leh to Srinagar in IL-76 on 4th March. 

Ch. Ramzan for streamlining CA&PD, Transport

Says “Consumer Affairs is first concern of his Ministry”

Stress for LPG home delivery

            SRINAGAR, MARCH 02: Emphasizing for facilitating the people and ensuring availability of essential commodities, besides improving image of the public distribution system, the Minister for Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution and Transport, Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan Saturday reiterated his commitment to streamline the functioning of CA&PD department in the State.

            He also stresses for ensuring home delivery of LPG in twin cities of Srinagar and Jammu, which shall be followed at towns and district headquarters and in rural areas.

            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.

            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 bunglings 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.

Snow Skiing to be introduced at Pahalgam

            PAHALGAM, MARCH 02: In order to introduce Snow Skiing and to boost Winter Sports in Pahalgam, the Pahalgam Development Authority is organizing one day snow skiing festival at Aru Pahalgam on March 03, 2013 to be inaugurated by Minister for Tourism, Mr. Ghulam Ahmad Mir.

Mir for expediting the restoration of power project at Drung Tangmar

Visits Kalantra to express solidarity with the bereaved family

            SRINAGAR, MARCH 02: Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir reiterated that every step shall be taken to ensure power supply and other basic amenities to the people belonging to remote areas of the State.

            This was stated by the Minister while inspecting power project at Drung Tangmarg which shall facilitate the people of Drung and adjacent areas.

            Pertinently due to sliding of land the under construction project had been damaged.

            Speaking on the occasion, the Minister directed the concerned agency to take measures for protecting the project from further sliding of the land and expediting the ongoing work of the project.

            Later, the Minister visited Kalantra to condole the sad demise of slain Sarpanch who was killed by unidentified persons.

            The Minister prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family.

Power shut down on March 03, 06 & 09

            SRINAGAR, MARCH 02: According to Power Controller, Power Development Department, Kashmir, in order to stabilize and improve Bemina-K.P. Bagh line at Bemina Bye Pass, power supply from the 33 KV line Bemina-K.P. Bagh shall be affected on March 03, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 03 p.m.

            Meanwhile, in order to carry out repairing and rectification of damaged 33 KV crossing at chainages 16.950 KM (Harnag), power supply from 33 KV line of Wanpoh-SICOP shall be affected on March 03, 06 and 09, 2013 from 12 p.m. to 02 p.m.

            In another communication from the department, in order to carry out reconductoring of 33 KV Rawalpora Air Force Line, power supply from the 33 KV line Rawalpora Air Force line shall be affected on March 04, 06 and 09, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 05 p.m.

NATIONAL

Diesel price for bulk consumers hiked, non-subsidized LPG cut

NEW DELHI: Diesel price for bulk consumers like Railways has been hiked by almost a rupee per litre, while the price of cooking gas (LPG) is cut by Rs 37.50 a cylinder that consumers buy beyond their quota of subsidized bottles.Neither the retail prices of diesel sold through petrol pumps nor rates for subsidized LPG cylinders has been changed.The government had in January allowed state-owned oil firms to sell diesel to all consumers taking supplies from their installations at market price.Pursuant to the decision, oil companies sold diesel to bulk consumers like Defence, Railways and State Road Transport Corporations at a rate of Rs 58.58 per litre as compared to Rs 48.16 per litre price of the fuel at petrol pumps in Delhi. Industry sources said the oil firms yesterday hiked the price of diesel for the bulk consumers by 94 paisa, excluding local sales tax or VAT. The actual increase for consumers will be up to Rs 1.25 per litre.The hike in bulk diesel price was necessitated by the firming up of international oil rates. This has led to loss on diesel sold through petrol pumps rising to Rs 11.26 per litre from Rs 10.72 last month.Also, oil companies cut the price of cooking gas (LPG) that consumers will have to buy beyond their quota of 9 subsidised cylinders in a year. The non-subsidised LPG will cost Rs 904.50 per 14.2-kg cylinder as against Rs 942 a bottle previously.Just yesterday, the oil companies had raised petrol price by Rs 1.40 a litre, excluding VAT on firming global oil rates. The hike in Delhi translated into Rs 1.68 and petrol now costs Rs 70.74 a litre in the national capital.Together with Rs 1.50 per litre hike in rates effected from February 16, petrol price have been raised by about Rs 3 per litre in two weeks.Sources said oil firms continue to incur a loss of Rs 439 on sale of every 14.2-kg cylinder at subsidised rate of Rs 410.50 in Delhi. On kerosene, they lose Rs 33.43 per litre and will end the fiscal with a loss of Rs 163,500 crore on fuel sales.

Suryanelli rape case: Court rejects girl's plea against P J Kurien

IDUKKI (KERALA): In some relief to Rajya Sabha deputy chairman P J Kurien, a local court on Saturday rejected a plea by the victim in the Suryanelli gang-rape case for a re-probe into the alleged involvement of the Congress leader, holding there was no new ground for a fresh investigation.The victim had filed a petition for a fresh probe into Kurien's alleged involvement in the light of the recent claim by Dharmarajan, one of the accused in the 1996 gang-rape case and the only person to be convicted.The First Class Judicial Magistrate at nearby Peerumade while rejecting the girl's petition held there was no new ground for a re-investigation since the points raised in the plea had already been enquired into by police and no evidence found against Kurien.The petitioner sought a re-probe based on the recent claim by Dharmarajan, accused no. 3 in the case, that Kurien, who was a Union minister in 1996, had allegedly molested the girl at a guest house at Peerumade.Dharmarajan suddenly appeared last month on a Malayalam television channel after absconding for several years and levelled the charge against Kurien. He was later tracked down and arrested by Kerala police in Karnataka.The victim had recently lodged a complaint with police at Chingavanam in Kottayam seeking an inquiry into Kurien's role on the basis of Dharmarajan's allegation. The police, however, held that a case could be registered only after examining the legal grounds for taking such a course. The victim later moved the court.The Suryanelli case has been in focus again after the Supreme Court in January quashed the Kerala High Court order acquitting 35 accused in the case while sentencing Dharmarajan alone to five years imprisonment and ordered a retrial.After the apex court order, the girl pressed her charge against Kurien and sought a re-probe.

Narendra Modi shines at BJP conclave; Rajnath lauds his record wins

Amid calls for a larger role for him, Narendra Modi on Saturday won singular praise from BJP president Rajnath Singh for being the "most popular" chief minister having registered "never before" three consecutive electoral wins for the party in Gujarat.Modi, projected by many within the BJP as the next prime ministerial candidate, on Saturday grabbed the limelight at the meet with Singh lauding him for three consecutive victories in Assembly polls.Modi's popularity among the BJP office-bearers from across the country, who have gathered in the party conclave for the conclave, was apparent with the crowd breaking into applause each time his name was mentioned.The BJP National Council meeting began in New Delhi with Singh exhorting the delegates to give a standing ovation to Modi and garlanding him.At the beginning of his 95-minute long inaugural speech, Rajnath Singh accorded a special welcome to Modi by asking the 2,200-strong crowd to give him a standing ovation for his third consecutive Assembly election victory, which is unprecedented for any BJP chief minister."He has made a hat-trick. We were delighted to hear about his victory. We had never seen a BJP chief minister win three consecutive terms. His development model has been lauded by all, even at the international forum. Be it the US or the European Union all have praised his good governance," Singh said."It won't be proper to welcome Modi with mere words. He deserves a good round of applause, a standing ovation," the BJP president said. He garlanded Modi amid slogan shouting by enthusiastic party members.The party top brass, comprising of Central leaders as well as chief ministers seated on the dais, were on their feet and and clapped for Modi.Though the main task before this National Council is the ratification of Rajnath Singh's presidentship and no announcement of a national role for Modi is in the offing, the Gujarat chief minister was the star of the meet.

INTERNATIONAL

3 more killed in Bangladesh amid war-crime protests

Dhaka, Mar 2 (PTI) At least three people, including two teenagers, were killed as violence rocked Bangladesh for the third day today as the death toll rose to 49 in clashes that erupted after a top leader of fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami was sentenced to death for "crimes against humanity" during the 1971 liberation war. Bangladesh police opened fire at Jamaat-e-Islami protesters, killing three people outside the port city of Chittagong.

Syria reaches out to India to resolve crisis

NEW DELHI: Syrian president Bashar-Al-Asad is sending his top aide Buthaina Shabaan to India to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and brief him about the ongoing conflict in the country.Buthaina, who is Asad's political and information advisor, is expected to meet Manmohan Singh on Tuesday when she will deliver a special message. She is also expected to meet other officials and apprise them about the latest security situation in the country, Syrian diplomats said. Buthaina had visted India along with President Asad in 2008. Buthaina's visit follows Iranian Speaker Ali Larijani's talks with the prime minister, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and other leaders during which the Syrian situation came up for discussion. Syria feels that India like Russia, Iran and China should play a positive role in ending violence in that country. It is supportive of UN-Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi's initiative on direct negotiations between two warring factions. India on many occasions has opposed military intervention in Syria and advocated negotiated settlement. India told the UN that further militarisation of the conflict will make political settlement complicated and difficult.

SPORTS

Hyderabad Test: India 5 for no loss in reply to Australia's 237/9

India were five without loss in their first innings in reply to Australia's 237 for nine declared on the opening day of the second cricket Test, in Hyderabad on Saturday.
Virender Sehwag (4) and Murali Vijay (0) were at the crease for India when stumps were drawn for the day.Earlier, electing to bat, Australia declared their first innings at 237 for nine.James Pattinson (1) and Xavier Doherty (0) were at the crease when Australian skipper Michael Clarke took the interesting decision of declaring the innings.If the opening session belonged to India, who sent back four top-order Australian batsmen back to the hut, the post-lunch session undoubtedly belonged to the Aussie pair of Clarke and Wade, who put on 124 runs for the unbroken fifth wicket stand.Clarke started from where he had left in Chennai and found a gutsy partner in left-hander Wade as they engineered an impressive fightback.The Aussie captain was batting on 68 with the help of eight boundaries and a six while Wade, who was in doubt for the match after fracturing his cheekbone during a freak accident during a training session here, reached 55 with the help of seven boundaries.The duo had their anxious moments but overall they handled the spin troika of Ravichandran Ashwin, Harbhajan Singh and Ravindra Jadeja with ease.While Clarke again used his feet to perfection, Wade decided to play with the spin on most occasions as they logged 104 runs in the second session.With suitable help from a strip that is offering variable bounce, talented UP seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar rocked the Australian top-order with a triple-strike in his first spell removing openers David Warner and Ed Cowan along with the dangerous Shane Watson.After a luckless first Test, where the Indian spinners got all the 20 Australian wickets, India's new ball bowlers, especially Bhuvneshwar gave a much better account of themselves hitting the right areas.The Australian top-order played shots during the first session but was often troubled by the deliveries that were keeping low.Australia 1st Innings: 187/4 in 60 overs (Michael Clarke 68 batting, Matthew Wade 55 batting, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 3/46).

My aim was to bowl within the stumps: Bhuvneshwar

HYDERABAD: Indian seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar said that his main aim was to bowl "within the stumps" and that has helped him pick up three top-order Australian wickets on the opening day of the second Test. "Something always happens during first hour. So I tried to bowl within the line of stumps. Since the wicket was slow in nature and the odd ball was keeping low, it (the plan) came off well," Bhuvneshwar told reporters at the media conference after the opening day's play. Bhuvneshwar said there was no pressure on him though he had failed to get a wicket in his debut Test match in Chennai. "We all know that spinners dominate in Indian conditions so it's good if medium pacers can get at least two wickets," said Bhuvneshwar, who had figures of three for 53 on Saturday. Asked which among the three wickets was most satisfying, he said, "All three wickets were satisfying. Warner, Cowan and Watson have been scoring runs for Australia and I was happy to dismiss all three of them. It was always a dream to play Test for India and I was very happy when I got my first wicket. It could not have been better than this." Bhuvneshwar said that there was no specific reason for him and Ishant Sharma mainly operating from the Visaka End. "There was nothing specific. It was just that spinners were operating from one end and that's why we operated from the other end," he said. Although his senior partner Ishant did not get any wicket, Bhuvneshwar thanked him for his "guidance". "He is my senior and I learn a lot from him. It's just part and parcel of the game that one gets wickets and one does not. As you saw that there was not much support from the track for medium pacers, he (Ishant) did quite well," he said. He said the Indian team was not surprised at all that the Australians declared at 237 for nine. "We were not surprised at all. May be they understood that their last wicket will not get them too many runs and they wanted to get at least one of our wickets in the remaining three overs," he said.

Injury-time goal gives India 2-1 win over Taipei

Yangon, Mar 2 (PTI) India struck the winner in the injury time through striker Robin Singh as they began their AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers campaign with a 2-1 victory over Chinese Taipei here today.Robin, who came in as late substitute for Jewel Raja Shaikh, scored the winning goal in the 91st minute after Chinese Taipei had cancelled out the Indian lead in the 54th minute through Lee Tai Lin.

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