SRINAGAR,SUNDAY,27 RABI AL SAANI 1434 AH ; 10 MARCH 2013

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Ban on private practice:

Govt setting up evening clinics in hospitals; policy on anvil

‘Revenue to be shared between Govt, medicos’

Srinagar, March 9 (VOS):  In an effort to effectively utilize services of medicos and counter possible brain-drain in the backdrop of ban on private practice, the Jammu and Kashmir Government is finalizing a policy to establish ‘evening clinics’ in government hospitals with a provision for sharing the revenue earned thereby between the government and doctors.  The Minister for Health and Medical Education, Taj Mohiuddin today said the government was working on the plan and an announcement in this regard will be made soon.“Under this plan, paid clinics and wards will be established in hospitals with doctors of the department providing services to patients. These clinics will be controlled and regulated by the government, however, the revenue generated through such an activity will be shared with the doctors who wish to work there”, Taj Mohiuddin said while talking to Srinagar based news agency VOSP and added that no doctor working in a government hospital will be allowed to operate his private clinic.The Minister said that patients who can afford to pay for the services ‘can this way get treated by doctors of their choice without having to visit them at their private clinics and nursing homes’. “Other procedure like conducting of surgeries will also be allowed which will also ensure better utilization of doctor’s skills apart from lowering of workload in routine hours”, he added.The Minister informed that such a policy had also been devised earlier during the rule of Governor Jagmohan.“We have discussed the policy with the Chief Minister also and he has given a green signal to it. However, we are working on different modalities of the scheme and the same will be announced within days”, the Minister informed and added that both government and doctors will benefit from such an arrangement.“It is a plan for the doctors to work on nursing home pattern whereby one part of the revenue will go to the government and one part to the doctors”, he added.Meanwhile, the Minister said the government will withdraw its appeal filed before the Supreme Court seeking quashment of the J&K High Court order which had put a blanket ban on private practice by doctors.Meanwhile, State Law Secretary G H Tantray said the department was examining the policy and that it is being finalized. “We will clear it within a few days. Both Medical Education and Law Departments are working on the policy and has almost been finalized”, he added.Meanwhile, experts believe such a scheme will help in ensuring reduction in brain drain and attrition rates among state’s medical fraternity. Pertinently, many doctors have openly come out against banning of private practice in the past and threatened to leave government services for moving to greener pasteurs in the west and the Gulf. (VOS)

Arrests, detention of leaders won’t affect movement: Asiya Andrabi

‘MMM is peoples forum; All working in united manner’

Srinagar, March 9 (VOS):  Denouncing the ‘crackdown’ launched by the authorities on the separatist leadership, Dukhtaran e Millat Chief, Asiya Andrabi today said that by detaining the leadership, authorities won’t be able to stop protests ‘nor will it affect the movement’.“Had such tactics succeeded in muzzling people’s voices and weakening the movement, there wouldn’t have been any protests once the leaders were arrested”, said Asiya Andarabi while talking to news agency VOS and added that the movement continued to flourish while leaders were behind bars for years together.The She said the unrest in the valley was a spontaneous reaction to “unjust and illegal hanging of Muhammad Afzal Guru.“Mohammad Afzal Guru was executed in Tihar Jai Delhi under secrecy and his family was denied the right to meet him. Even his family was not informed about execution ahead of hanging.  He (Guru) was buried in Tihar premises instead of handing over the body to his family. Protests erupted as a natural reaction against all this”, Andrabi told VOSP over phone.Calling Mutahida Majlise Mashavrat (MMM) as ‘people’s forum’, chairperson Duktharaan e Millat (DM) Asiya Andrabi said that that return of mortal remains was the one-point agenda of the forum. “This demand is genuine and people of Kashmir protests in favor of this demand. The reaction to protest was natural”, she added.She said that Mudasir Kamraan and Tahir Sofi were killed while peacefully protesting against Guru’s hanging and demanding return of his body.Claiming that that India is counting its last days in Kashmir, Asiya expressed satisfaction over the coordination among various separatist groups. She also thanked people of valley for making its programmes successful.“MMM is a peoples forum and people have followed and made successful its programmes. Every resistance leader including the two Hurriyats have participated in the MMM’s meetings and supported its programme. It is a proof that everyone is satisfied over the coordination”, Andrabi told VOSP.When asked whether the coordination between separatists leaders will continue, she said, “Currently, MMM has been set up to press for the demand of return of mortal remains. However, all parties of MMM will consider and decide on future of forum later on”. The chairperson of DeM who is presently admitted in SKIMS here, said that DeM activist Fehmeeda was looking after her but Police has arrested her from hospital. (VOS)

CM calls on Governor  

Jammu, March 9:  Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, called on the Governor today afternoon.In their over one hour long meeting, the Chief Minister briefed the Governor about the management of public order issues in the Valley, consequent to certain recent incidents.The Governor and the Chief Minister also discussed several other important matters, including the release of Annual Plan funds by the Government of India.

Omar, Vohra greet people on Mahashivratri

“Hairat symbolizes Kashmir’s harmony “

Jammu, March 9:  Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has greeted people on Mahashivratri wishing them happiness and well-being.In his felicitation message, the Chief Minister reminded the rich ethos of celebrating Hairat in Kashmir by Pandits and Muslims in a unique atmosphere of harmony and brotherhood.The Chief Minister expressed the hope that the pluralistic heritage of the State and the bonds of love between various sections of the society would get further strengthened.Omar Abdullah said that the observing of the holy occasions and festivals in an atmosphere of togetherness adds colour to the celebrations and enhances joy and happiness manifolds. He prayed for peace, prosperity and progress for the State and theN. N. Vohra, Governor, also greeted the people on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, which is celebrated by Kashmiri Pandits as Hairath.In his message of felicitations and good wishes, the Governor observed that this festival symbolizes the values of piety, devotion, brotherhood and harmony, which are the hallmark of our glorious pluralistic ethos.Wishing the people a happy Mahashivratri, the Governor prayed for peace, progress and prosperity in the State.

Karra cautions Omar against ‘pushing Kashmir back into gory era of 90s’

‘People can’t be tricked by histrionics, they want action’

Srinagar, Mar 9:   Accusing Omar Abdullah-led NC-Congress coalition Government of again pushing Kashmir into ruinous circumstances that led to eruption of turmoil in early 1990’s, senior PDP leader and former Finance Minister Tariq Hameed Karra today said the State Government must immediately put an end to the reign of repression let loose by the law enforcing agencies.In a statement issued here today, Karra said Kashmir has already seen thousands of deaths and its hapless populace has undergone untold miseries. “We can’t afford to lose another generation to another vicious circle of violence,” he said and called for urgent measures to be taken to rein in the government forces to restore people’s confidence.Terming the arrival of present regime in 2009 as the biggest misfortune for the State, Karra said having completely failed to handle the situation both on political and developmental fronts, Omar Abdullah Government instead of taking measures in anticipation of the trouble, only reacts in panic and creates circumstances that go on adding to the public outrage.“The irony is that the inhabitants of Srinagar city, who were instrumental in installing the present regime with lot of fanfare, have become the worst victims of its atrocities and rampant misgovernance,” Karra said and added that he is pained to see the despondency, helplessness and despair among the people all around.Karra said the optimistic scenario synonymous with peace and prosperity that had emerged in the State during PDP-led Government between 2002 and 2005 is nowhere in sight today. “Where have Omar Sahab’s all those boastful promises of turning around J&K on developmental and economic fronts dissipated when he sought vote from the people in 2008 on the  issues of Sadak, Paani, Bijli,” he said and added that people won’t be now be fooled by raising rhetorical pitch on AFSPA and indulging in histrionics over innocent killings. “They have seen enough of these dramatics of failed rulers over the past 60 years,” he said.Karra said while public outrage is justified in present atrocious and appalling scenario, “I appeal people to maintain calm as it is we hapless inhabitants of this fateful place who are ultimately at the receiving end of the abominable situation.” 

Mehbooba visits residence of Nazir Ah Kawa, Kathoo to express condolences

Srinagar, March 9: Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti along with former Finance Minister Tariq Hamid Karra and newly elected MLC Naeem Akthar today visited residence of three youth at Charisharief who had lost their lives in a road accident near Ramban last week.PDP president along with senior leaders visited houses of Nazir Ahmed Kawa, a organising secretary of PDP Charar-e –Sharief, Tasaduq Ah and Ihtasham. She expressed her heartfelt condolence with the bereaved families. The leaders also visted the shrine of famous saint of Noorudin reshi and paid obeisance there.Later on PDP president along with senior leaders also visited the residence of Ghulam Ahmed Kathoo, former president of Hazarbatbal  zone to express her condolences with the bearved family. 

Hurriyat (M) concerned over continued detention of leaders

“Opperssive measures won’t deter people, leaders”

Srinagar, March 09: Hurriyat Conference (M) has expressed its serious concern over the continuous house arrest of party chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, arrest of senior Hurriyat leaders, and hundreds of youth by the state authorities.Senior Hurriyat leaders like Shabir Ahmad Shah,  Nayeem Khan, Agha Syed Hassan Al Moosvi, Mukhtar Ahmad Waza are still in the police lockups whereas another leading Hurriyat leader GN Zaki has been shifted to sub district jail Baramulla, a Hurriyat spokesman said.“The APHC makes it clear that such oppressive measure would in no way deter people and Hurriyat leadership from pursuing the cause of freedom struggle. It further said this repression in no way would weaken the freedom movement, infact, it would strengthen the resolve of Kashmiris to fight for their birth right”, he added.He said the the party strongly condemns the use of wanton force on women and children by the Indian police and forces, adding, ‘the authorities were misusing the draconian powers vested with them’.

Participation of people imperative for plantation programme: Mian Altaf

Rs. 30 cr revenue realized during current fiscal

SRINAGAR, MARCH 09:  Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Mian Altaf Ahmad today urged upon one and all to participate in plantation drive so that the environment, ecology and natural resources of the State can be sustained for the future generation.This was stated by the Minister while addressing meeting of officers to access the achievements of Forest, Social Forestry, Soil Conservation and Wild Life Departments in various divisions of the region, regarding plantation program being implemented throughout valley.Altaf enjoined upon the officers to perform their duties with full zeal and enthusiasms besides make all out efforts for successful implementation of plantation programme on ground level. He said for the survival of coming generations we all have to ensure sustenance and conservation of natural resources besides pollution free environment.The Minister said that all the conservators should monitor all plantation programmes in the valley besides maintain transparency, quality and accountability in the plantation drive.The Minister said that committees would be constituted to cross check the plantation drive works being executed on ground and defaulters would be brought to book as per law. He said it would be the responsibility of conservator to monitor the drive personally in the field and report feedback especially at degraded areas of urban localities and towns besides achieving targets in full.While emphasizing for plantation the Minister stressed upon officers to intensify the process of plantation to cover the degraded areas, towns and Srinagar City besides taking up more plantation along the National Highways, open land areas along the public places and educational institutions on priority so that plantation could be visible and prominent. He said preference should be given to plantation of coniferous trees. He also directed for repairing and alignment of the fencing along all old closures, besides extraction of dried up and fallen trees.Altaf stressed upon the people in general and NGO’s and students in particular to come forward for this noble cause and take active role in plantation process.He specifically stressed for involving the NGO’s, students and said that public involvement was imperative for optimum results on the ground. The Minister also called for launching a massive awareness campaign about the drive through print and electronic media.  The Minister directed for opening of sale centres of plants at Srinagar and other towns to ensure availability of saplings for plantation.The meeting was informed that under different schemes plantation of 2575 hectares of area has been covered and 27 lakh plants have been planted in Srinagar circle, South circle and North circles of the valley.  In State sector 6.70 lakh of plants covering 745 hectares of area, under district sector 4.50 lakh plants covering 528 hectares and under CAMPA 16.65 lakh plants covering 1258 hectares have been achieved till date.It was given out that 14 lakh cft of timber from depots and 1.15 lakh cfts of timber was provided in far-flung areas of the Valley and 117000 quintals of firewood was distributed among 2100 Mosques, Amarnath Yatra, Artisans, Leh and Kargil districts. It was also informed that in order to meet the public demands and reduce the load on forests of the valley besides conservation of forests 32 lakh cft of imported timber was also sold at various depots of the department which has been kept available at various sale depots.The Minister was informed that Rs. 30 crore were realized as revenue component during current financial year.The Minister also directed the officers to formulate the plan for plantation drive under different schemes as per the targets in the organized manner as it is our responsibility to work for plantation besides protections of forests.He also directed for keeping provisions of plantation in the wild life sector and beautify the wild life areas especially tourist attraction places.He also directed all the HOD’s to submit work done of plantation upto ending March along documentary support in this regard.Among others, Chief Conservator of Forests Kashmir, Director Social Conservation, Conservator of Forests North, South and Srinagar Circle, Regional Director, Social Forestry Kashmir, Regional Wildlife Warden Kashmir and all Divisional Forest Officers, Assistant Wildlife Warden Kashmir and all District Soil Conservation Officer Kashmir attended the meeting.

J&K Bank convenes DLRC meeting in Rajouri

Srinagar, Mar 9: J&K Bank convened a District Level Review Committee (DLRC) meeting of Rajouri under the chairmanship of DDC Rajouri Saugat Biswas (IAS).The meeting held at PWD Dak Bungalow was attended by AGM (RBI) Gopal Dass, DGM NABARD Des Raj, district officers of line department and bankers.Lead District Manager Arvind Kapoor briefed the house about the achievement of banks under Annual action plan (2012-13) during the quarter ended December 2012.He said, “Against annual target of Rs 149.52 Cr, the banks achieved target of Rs.90.40 Cr; out of which Rs 44.86 Cr were disbursed to agriculture sector, Rs 27.47 Cr to small scale industries, Rs 1.79 Cr under micro credit, Rs 0.72 Cr to education and Rs 15.56 Cr to housing sector.”Deposits of the district have risen to Rs 1698.90 crore from Rs 1581.32 crore and advances have increased to Rs 393.21 crore from 375.76 crore over last quarter.LDM informed the house about achievements made under government sponsored schemes especially in KCC and conveyed that targets under various schemes had been achieved.Reviewing the performance of banks Chairman DLRC Saugat Biswas (IAS) directed them to improve CD Ratio by lending liberally.Chairman advised the banks and other line departments to popularize government sponsored schemes through awareness camps, so that youth of the area can take benefit of these employment generating programmes.He urged the banks and other agencies to sanction cases of unemployed youth in a time bound manner. DDC Rajouri urged the Agriculture Department to provide KCC to every farmer and complete the exercise before the end of March.

Samoon reviews situation, availability of essential commodities in the Valley

SRINAGAR, MARCH 09:  Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon held a meeting of all Deputy Commissioners, Heads of Departments and District Officers through Video Conference to review the situation, availability of essential commodities and services being provided to the people of the Valley. All the Deputy Commissioners reported that no untoward incident occurred anywhere. All Hospitals, Sub-District Hospitals and Medical Institutes in Srinagar city are functional on 24x7 basis. No shortage of essential commodities and services have been reported from any corner of the Valley.People are advised to contact Secretary, Regional Red Cross Society on his contact No’s. 2484258, 2473910 (Office), 9419002617, 9419478470(M) for assistance in case there is any seriously sick patient or transport of dead body from any Medical Institute and Hospital. In addition, public can avail services of different Ambulances, which are available with Health and Medical Education departments in different districts. Mobile tankers of PHE department are available to provide drinking water in view of prevailing circumstances.For different service and supplies public may contact 9419002617and 2484258 for Red Cross. 2504802 for Medical College, 2405507 for SKIMS, 9419011681 and 2452052 for Health Services, Ration and Milk9419083627 and 9419000450 for CA&PD, 9419000493 for SMC, Poultry for 9419000326 for Animal Husbandry, Power 9419001131 PDD, Water9419009265 for PHE and LPG for 9419037165 HP and respective Deputy Commissioners 9419000295 for Srinagar, 9419180692 for Budgam,9419195653 for Baramulla, 9419430081 for Bandipora, 9419000744 for Anantnag, 9419941900 for Pulwama, 9419007837 for Kulgam 9419182750for Shopian, 9419000227 for Kupwara and 9419029533 for Ganderbal. So far as stocks of food grains in the Valley are concerned 24,000 metric tons of rice, 5000 metric tons of wheat, 2000 metric tons of sugar, 4896 kilolitres of kerosene oil and 2,75,000 cylinders of LPG are available in the Valley.For last 24 hours Valley has received essential supplies from Jammu in 600 truck loads commodity wise which has crossed Zig Lower Munda towards Srinagar is Rice 469, Wheat 61, Sugar 31, Poultry 08, Sheep and Goat 15, Diesel Tanker 22, Kerosene Oil Tanker 21, Aero Fuel Tanker 13, LPG Tanker 05 and LPG Cylinder truck load 57. In total 2500 vehicles including 1500 LMVs and 1000 HMVs crossed Jawahar Tunnel towards Srinagar.All the Deputy Commissioners have been advised to ensure the reopening of schools from Monday in the Valley besides authorities of various Banks including SBI, PNB and J&K Bank were enjoined to provide hassle free services to the consumers of the Valley.   

Be responsive to the demands of people: Sagar to officers

SRINAGAR, MARCH 09: Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar stressed fopr facilitating the people and being responsive to their demands besides delivering the services to them with zeal and dedication.This was stated by the Minister while convening the meeting of officers here today.Among others, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Srinagar, Director Health Services Kashmir, Director Rural Development, Joint Director CA&PD, SP Traffic Srinagar, besides officers of various departments participated in the meeting.On the occasion, the Minister enjoined upon Director Health Services Kashmir to ensure medicare facilities to the patients and smooth functioning of the health care institutions in the valley.The Minister also exhorted upon Commissioner Municipality Srinagar to maintain cleanliness in the city and ensure proper functioning of street lights.Sagar also directed Joint Director CA&PD to make available adequate quantities of essential commodities including Rice, Atta, K-oil and LPG to the consumers so that there shall be no inconvenience in this regard.He also directed the Traffic authorities to ensure smooth plying of traffic in the Srinagar city.

Transfer of technology from lab to land imperative for enhancing production: Mir

Distributes Rs. 8.7 crore among 1236 saffron growers at Pampore

SRINAGAR, MARCH 09: Emphasizing for adopting latest technology in the field of Agriculture to increase production and productivity of saffron,Minister for Agriculture Production, Ghulam Hassan Mir reiterated that every effort is being made to revive saffron heritage industry.This was stated by the Minister while distributing incentive cheques worth Rs. 8.7 crore among as many as 1236 saffron growers who have in replanted of corms under National Saffron Mission.Among others, MLA pPampore, Zahoor Ahmad Mir, Director Agriculture, Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone, Joint Director Agriculture Extension, Project Coordination Mushrooms and officers and officials of the Agriculture department were also present.On this occasion, Mir said that government is taking every effort to revive saffron heritage industry so that its credibility in national and international market will remain intact. He advised saffron growers to adopt latest technology and machinery to increase production and productivity of saffron. He said that in order to provide marketing facilities and quality control facilities to saffron growers. Spice Park will be established, estimated cost of Rs. 22 crore at Dusroo Pampore for which construction work will start soon. He said that for increasing production and maintains quality of saffron irrigation component is essential for which so far 65 bore wells were constructed.MLA Pampore, Zahoor Ahmad Mir impressed upon saffron growers to coordinate with Agriculture department for successful implementation of National Mission on saffron. He appreciated the rule of employees of agriculture department for successful implementation of Mission on ground level.Director Agriculture, Kashmir, Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone advised farmers to take advantages from National Mission on saffron and work in coordination with agriculture department. He said that agriculture department is committed for upliftment of saffron industry for which every effort will be made available.Large number of saffron growers was present on the occasion who have appreciated the role of Agriculture department to work with close coordination with saffron growers to introduce latest technology and industry.

Ahead of protest calendar, massive crack-down on MMM

“Crack down will continue”

Srinagar, March 9 (VOSp):  With senior separatist leaders continuing under house arrest and some lodged in different jails across valley, the authorities today launched a massive crack down on Mutahida Majlise Mashavrat (MMM) apart from second rung leaders of separatist and religious organizations.Just ahead of issuing of fresh protest calendar for the next week by the MMM, police has arrested many leaders after raiding their residences in past 48 hours.Jamaat e Islami spokesman Advocate Zahid Ali was apprehended by police at his residence last night and has been lodged at police station Pulwama, sources said. They said police has also arrested Dukhtaran e Millat’s Fehmeeda Sofi apart from other leaders including Muhammad Yousuf Naqash, Gh Nabi Zaki and G M Nagoo.Police has also raided residences of JKLF acting Chairman Bashir Ahmad Butt and Abdul Ahad Parra, the sources added.Chairmen of both factions of the Hurriyat Conference – Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq - continue to remain under detention at their respective residences.Senior Hurriyat leaders like Shabir Ahmad Shah,  Nayeem Khan, Agha Syed Hassan Al Moosvi, Mukhtar Ahmad Waza are still in the police lockups whereas another leading Hurriyat leader GN Zaki has been shifted to sub district jail Baramulla, a Hurriyat spokesman said.Meanwhile, a senior police official said the crack down on the separatist leaders will continue in the coming days. “We can’t allow a free hand to those trying to disturb peace”, he said while wishing not to be named.Various separatist, religious and civil society organizations have denounced the arrest spree of the separatist leaders apart from arrest spree against youth across the valley. Hurriyat Conference (M), Democratic Freedome Party and other organizations called the arrest high handedness on part of authorities and claimed that such tactics wont deter people or leaders. (VOS)

Yasin Malik arrives in Delhi; Will arrive in valley on Sunday

Srinagar, March 9(VOS):  Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front Chairman, Muhammad Yasin Malik arrived in New Delhi today amid protests by right wing activists outside the Indira Gandhi International Airport.However, contrary to speculations of his arrest on arrival, the Front Chairman was not arrested or questioned by any of the security agencies, one of Malik’s associates in Delhi told VOSP over phone. He said the flight from Lahore arrived late which was earlier scheduled to arrive in the afternoon.Malik will depart for Srinagar on Sunday, the associate said.Malik had landed in controversy back in India, after he was seen sharing the dais with Hafiz Saeed in Islamabad. The duo shared the stage at an event to protest against the hanging of Muhammad Afzal Guru. There have been calls to revoke his passport. Some people had also called for his arrest on his arrival.Meanwhile, tension prevailed in civil lines areas including Maisuma and Badshah Chowk as rumours of Malik’s arrest spread here. Agitated supporters of Malik protested and incidents of stone pelting were also reported. (VOS)

Security Core Group meets in Sgr

Srinagar, March 9 (VOS):   A meeting of the Security Core Group was today held at Badami Bagh Cantonment here, to review the overall security situation and to draw out the road map for sustaining peace in the Valley, sources told VOSP. Sources said that the meeting was co-chaired by the Lt Gen Om Prakash, GOC Chinar Corps and Director General of Police Ashok Prasad with senior officers of Army, Police, CRPF, BSF, Intelligence Agencies and Civil Administration in attendance.This is the first Core Group Meeting of the year, after the move of Darbar from Srinagar to Jammu. “Ashok Prasad, DGP, while addressing the meet elaborated on the key security initiatives that have been put into place to manage the law and order situation in the Valley. Major efforts required to be taken by various security agencies with regard to sustaining the peace and harmony through the summer of 2013 were also discussed”, the sources said. (VOS)

Four quintals of Trout fish available on the eve of Maha Shivratra in Budgam

            BUDGAM, MARCH 09: About four quintals of Trout and Corp fish have been kept available at various locations including Pandit Colony Sheikhpora, Ichgam and at Mobile Sale Centres besides at District Headquarter Budgam.The fish are available at the cost of Rs. 250/- and Rs. 120/- per Kg respectively.

NATIONAL

Advani says people 'somewhat disillusioned' with BJP

BJP leader LK Advani has admitted that people are "somewhat disillusioned" with his party, about which he feels "distressed".He faulted the party's handling of Karnataka affairs in the wake of pcorruption allegations against the then chief minister YS Yeddyurappa in 2010, in a ^{VEILED CRITICISM OF NITIN GADKARI WHO WAS THE PARTY PRESIDENT AT THAT TIME."IN THE LAST FEW YEARS, I HAVE BEEN FEELING DISTRESSED TO FIND THAT WHILE THE CURRENT MOOD OF THE PEOPLE IS AGAINST THE PRESENT RULING PARTY, THEY ARE SIMULTANEOUSLY DISILLUSIONED WITH EVEN THE BJP," ADVANI TOLD THE WEEK IN AN INTERVIEW.UNDERLINING THAT BJP IS "EXPECTED TO HAVE ZERO TOLERANCE TOWARDS CORRUPTION", THE FORMER DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER SAID, "THE MANNER IN WHICH WE ACTUALLY WRANGLED IN KARNATAKA DISAPPOINTED ME."HE DID NOT ELABORATE BUT WAS CLEARLY REFERRING TO THE DILLY-DALLYING BY THE PARTY HIGH COMMAND ON REMOVING YEDDYURAPPA AFTER THE CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS AGAINST HIM CROPPED UP.YEDDYURAPPA, WHOSE GOVERNMENT WAS THE FIRST BY BJP IN ANY SOUTHERN STATE, WAS FINALLY FORCED TO QUIT AS CHIEF MINISTER MONTHS AFTER THE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST HIM SURFACED.REFERRING TO THE BJP CONCLAVE HELD IN NEW DELHI LAST WEEK, ADVANI SAID HE HAD "BECOME VERY EMOTIONAL" AND WAS "SAD" AT THE PUBLIC DISILLUSIONMENT WITH HIS PARTY.AT THE SAME TIME, THE BJP VETERAN SAID HE WAS "OPTIMISTIC" ABOUT THE PARTY'S FUTURE.}

Bitti Mohanty arrested in Kerala, to be produced before court

Bitti Mohanty, son of former Odisha DGP Bidya Bhushan Mohanty, who was sentenced to seven years' rigorous imprisonment for raping a German tourist in Alwar (Rajasthan) in 2006, has been arrested from Kannur in north Kerala on Friday night.He has been charged with cheating, impersonation and forgery and would be produced before a local court after completing the arrest proceedings before being handed over to Rajasthan police, Kannur SP Rahul R Nair said.Kerala home minister T Radhakrishnan said, "Yes, we got convincing evidence that he is a convict in the case... We are looking at the merits of the case. We will proceed against him. We are in the right path of investigation in the case".Ranjit Thomas, PRO, State Bank of Travancore where Bitti was working said, "I am sorry we are not able to identify as such, he was recruited in the bank last year through the process and on the basis of the anonymous letter, we had suspicion over the identity of the person so we handed over an official complaint to the DGP Thiruvananthapuram".He was working in the bank as a probationary officer under an alias and was was nabbed after it got an anonymous letter last week revealing his real identity.Absconding after jumping the 15-day parole, he took an MBA course in Kannur two years ago.He appeared for a banking recruitment service examination in Andhra Pradash and was appointed as a probationary officer last year.Bitti took a new name Raghav Rajan and his records with the bank show he is a resident of Andhra Pradesh. A police team from Rajastan is reaching Kannur to take his custody," Kannur SP Nair told Hindustan Times.Bitti was charged with raping a German national on  March 21, 2006 and was convicted for seven years imprisonment the same year. His trial was completed in just 24 days, the fastest in a rape case in the country.However on Nov 20, 2006, he got 15 days' parole to meet his ailing mother in Cuttack. Since then he had been absconding and there were allegations that BB Mohanty helped his son to escape. BB Mohanty was suspended on the basis of the allegations but was reinstated later.After the brutal Delhi gangrape social media carried details of some of the notorious rape incidents of the country some of them posted details of Alwar rape and picture of absconding Bitti."In the wake of Delhi gangrape ,his photo was among the pictures of accused in various sex crimes shown by social media and television channels repeatedly. This really helped someone in identifying him who alerted the bank," another senior police officer said.But how he could dodge the police for six years and take up an important assignment, that too in a public sector bank, has baffled the police.

SPORTS

Ganguly sees Dhoni's hand in Sehwag's exclusion

KOLKATA: Expressing surprise over the dropping of dashing India opener Virender Sehwag, former captain Sourav Ganguly on Saturday said current skipper MS Dhoni had a hand in the exclusion. p"It would be wrong to assume that there are no inputs from Dhoni in selection matters. If a captain asks for a particular player it is difficult for the selectors to say no. So I believe there were inputs from Dhoni even if he may not attend selection meetings," said Ganguly.  If Altaf deaf blows in the have-L. Ferdinand and unless family life"I am very surprised at his exclusion. If Sachin (Tendulkar) and Dhoni who have been struggling with their respective forms can be persisted with, then what's wrong with Sehwag," he asked. Describing Sehwag as one of the all-time Test cricket greats, Ganguly said team India will miss his presence. "He has completely changed the grammar of Test match opening. The sheer number of runs and the manner in which he has scored them, India will miss his presence. His impact in the game is comparable only to greats like Sachin, (Rahul) Dravid and (Sunil) Gavaskar," he said. The southpaw also refused to read much into the India's consecutive Test match wins against Australia in the ongoing four match home series. "People have a very short memory. I am amazed at some people lauding team India's recent efforts. They seem to have forgotten that we were badly drubbed in 10 out of 13 Test matches we last played," he added. Sehwag was Thursday dropped from the squad for the last two Tests against Australia, after failing to perform and impress the selectors.

J&K Bank Football Club reaches Bihar Cup final

Srinagar, Mar 9: Defeating Raj Milk Football Club by two goals to one in the semi-final match, J&K Bank Football Club entered into the final of 2nd All India Football Tournament for “Bihar Cup” 2012-13. In the final, the club will be playing against the State Bank of Travancore Football Team on 10th March in Patna. Being a local team Raj Milk FC was favorite side and it wasn’t easy game for the Bank’s FC to win against the huge crowd support. The team however played a wonderful game and its captain Rizwan Ahmad scored the first goal in the 38th minute, but the lead didn’t last longer and the team conceded equalizer in the 44th minute of the match.However, during the last minutes of the game, a superb header by young Umer Jan find its way into the opposite net giving the Bank’s FC winning margin of one goalEarlier the team defeated Army XI Lukhnow by 3 goals to nil in the quarter final match.  The Continuing with his good performance i.e. eight goals in the Santosh Trophy earlier, the Bank’s striker Prem Kumar played superb football and scored two goals in the 25th and 65th minute of the game.Coming as substitute Umer Jan with his wonderful right footer shot inside the goal area giving his team the lead of 3 goals.Chairman Bank Sports Board Abdul Hamid Banday conveyed congratulations to the entire team over the phone and wished them luck for the finals and directed them to keep the winning momentum going.The final match is scheduled on 10th March and Chief Minister Bihar Nitish Kumar is the Chief Guest on the occasion.The tournament is being organized by Patliputra Art, Culture and Sports Foundation, Government of Bihar.Sixteen teams participated from across the country among which SESA Goa, MEG Bangalore, Assam Reg, KECB, SBT were the favorites.

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