CMYK

CMYK

SUNDAY 16 March | 2014 | 14 Jamadi-Ul-Awal 1435 AH | PAGES 12 | VOL NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 74 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 Paisa)Pen For JusticeLargely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&Khttp://www.zabarwantimes.com

Chinar plantation drive begins in Valley

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CMYK

CMYK

WEATHER

TEMPERATUREMAXIMUM MINIMUM

SUNSET ON(SUNDAY)SUNRISE ON (MONDAY) 06:36 AM

06:47PM -2.0 0C 4.30C

FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:

FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:

Light Rain/Snow would occur at a few places over the state.

Partly cloudy sky. Maximum &Minimum temperatures will be around 11°C & 2°C respectively.

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02 injured in road mishaps

SHRC settled 6000 case from past 15 years

Unemployment

Srinagar, March 15 : State Human Rights Commission has settled all but six thousands cases from past 15 years. All these cases are related to human rights abuses. According to CNS, from past 15 years, the State Human Rights Com-mission received at least 237 petitions about custodial killings from different people. The documents available with CNS reveal that the Commission gave

Curfew in several areas of Bandipora, restrictions in Srinagar

Bandipora Killing aftermath

Mehbooba condemns Naidkhai killing

Breaks his silence

Srinagar, Mar 15: Strongly condemning the killing of Farhat Ahmad Dar at Naidkhai, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president, Mehbooba Mufti Saturday called for immediate withdrawal of FIRs against the youth in Bandipur district and other areas of Kash-mir.Addressing a press conference at her official Gup-kar residence, Mehbooba said the protest, on Fri-day in which Farhat was killed by police firing was held against the harassment of the youth and reg-istration of FIRs against them. She also called on the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh to order a special central package for fruit growers and other farmers, who have suffered huge losses due to the fresh snowfall.Terming the killing of Farhat, as a direct result of po-lice politician nexus in the area, Mehbooba said there have re-portedly been many cases registered against the youth in the area to harass them and force them to work for a particu-lar party. “On Friday the youth were actu-ally protesting against the police harassment and this time bullets were fired to shoot them. The fact that Farhat had received bullets in his heart, clearly suggest that they were fired to kill him rather than control the situation,” she said adding now the govt has come out with its standard practice of enforcing curfew after committing an atrocity.She said the murder is another such condemnable instance of this government’s campaign against the youth. “The young population of the state has been made vulnerable both at home and outside the state as has been displayed yet again in Meerut incident,” said Mehbooba and added NC-led government over the last five years has presided over a system which has been fully loaded against young popula-tion, and by splattering more innocent blood on the ground the ruling dispensation

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Demands withdrawal of FIRs

Taj chairs CMOs meeting

Result of rampant nepotism, corruption and militancy The unemployment problem, no doubt, has thrown a big challenge for the whole world community. Every country is struggling hard to overcome this gigantic issue. It has eschewed most of the natu-ral resources of the developing countries but the solution to the problem remains a distant dream. For states like J&K, the re-sponsibility of providing employment lies on the shoulders of the government. The militancy in the state for the last 21 years, has hampered the speed of the progress in all spheres of life, be it industrial growth, tourism, handicrafts or other sectors. The protracted instability has resulted into

Srinagar March 15: Curfew-like re-strictions were imposed Saturday in major parts of the Valley, including Srinagar, to contain the protests trig-gered by the killing of a teenager in government forces firing in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Fri-day. Meanwhile, fresh clashes were reported from many parts of north and south Kashmir.Reports reaching GNS said that hundreds of police and paramilitary troopers were deployed in the ar-eas of five police stations - Maharaj Gunj, Rainawari, Safakadal, Khanyar and Nowhatta in Old City Srinagar since early Saturday morning to re-strict the movement of civilians. Be-sides erecting barricades, the forces had also laid concertina wires on the streets of Old City while mobile bun-kers were also seen at several places.The Old City wore a deserted look with only forces vehicles plying on the roads. However, in the afternoon, restrictions were eased in few areas and public movement was allowed. Though there were no restrictions in uptown Srinagar, the shops and busi-ness establishments remained closed. However, the transport was plying as usual on several uptown routes.Fearing protests, government forc-es were deployed in various areas and markets in Civil Lines Srinagar including in Maisuma, Budshah Chowk and Lal Chowk.In north Kashmir's Bandipora district, the authorities imposed strict curfew since Saturday morning. However, defying curfew, hundreds of people took to streets and held massive anti-India protests at Naidkhai, Papchan,

Sumbal, Hajin and Shah Gund. The protesters were shouting pro-free-dom and anti-India slogans.In the morning, thousands of people attended the funeral of eighteen year old Farhat Ahmad Dar at Shahgund Sumbal.In neighbouring Baramulla district, authorities had imposed severe re-striction on the public movement. However, despite restrictions, youth took to streets in Old Town Baramul-la and held strong anti-India protests. The protesters were shouting slogans against the forces. The youth clashed with government forces at Cement Bridge - which connects Old Town with Civil Lines. In order to quell the protesters, government forces fired several tear smoke shells. The clash-es lasted for several hours.The volatile Sopore area in the dis-trict was also placed under severe re-strictions since morning. Hundreds of police and paramilitary troopers were deployed at various placed in the area. In the afternoon, youth clashed with government forces at Ashipeer and Batapora localities.The Palhallan hamlet in the district was also placed under intense restric-tions since morning. The area had witnessed violent clashes against the teenager's killing on Friday evening. Witnesses told GNS that the area has been completely sealed by police, paramilitary and army troopers.“However, despite restrictions, youth clashed with government forces throughout the day. The forces resort-ed to teargas shelling, while the youth offered stiff

See Bandipora On Page 11..

Stone pelting at Hajan, Baramulla, some other places

Srinagar, Mar 15: With two factions of Hurriyat Confer-ence calling for a complete shutdown on Sunday against Bandipora killing, authorities Saturday decided to contin-ue imposition of restrictions on Sunday as well.The reports received by KNS informed that curfew like restrictions shall continue to remain in force in City and some sensitive places in valley on Sunday also keeping in view the strike calls issued by both Mirwaiz and Gee-lani’s faction of Huriyat Conference. Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front Chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik has called for a protest at Lal Chowk on Monday against the killing of a Bandipora youth on Friday.The officials at District Administration when contacted stated that the restrictions shal continue to remain in force on the second consecutive day due to the strike call given by the separatist groups here.

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Curfew like restrictions to continue today also

Srinagar, Mar 15: Awami Ittihaad Party (AIP) has strongly condemned the brutal cold blooded murder of 17 years student, Farhat Ahmad Dar in Sonawari yesterday at the hands of police personnel.According to a statement issued to KNS, AIP held today a strong protest against the killing in Srinagar after its presi-dent Er Rashid was not allowed to visit Sonawari earlier this morning.“It is worth to mention that Er Rashid was prevented from visiting Sonawari after he was not allowed to proceed ahead from Sopore. Later AIP protested near Lal Chowk against the brutal killing.”Speaking on the occasion Er Rashid rejected the orders given by the govt. to hold the magisterial

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AIP condemns Naidkhah incident

Srinagar, March 14: Jammu and Kashmir High Court has sought action taken report against erring doctors who prescribe medi-cines for freebies.According to GNS, a division bench of the court comprising Justice Hasnain Massodi and Justice D S Thakur while hearing a Pub-lic Interest Litigation asked senior Additional Advocate General JA Kawoosa to inform the court whether any inquiry has been con-ducted against doctors identified by the peti-tioners to who according to the petitioner ac-cepted gifts from pharmaceutical companies. The court also asked the Kawoosa to inform about the action taken against the erring doc-tors on the basis of outcome of an enquiry. The court while posting the PIL for further consideration in first week of April also asked the government to file statement of facts on the directions issued to control the menace. The PIL was filed last year by three people—

Naseer Ahmad Shah, Lateef Panjabi and Imtiyaz Ahmad Shah— following reports in section of press, highlighting nexus between the doctors and pharma companies offering and taking “cash, freebies, kickback or gifts for prescribing medicines of Macro Lab Ltd.”“Poor patients are being compelled to pur-chase unnecessary medicines and that too having no efficiency,” the petitioners said, adding, “The transactions are simply, at the cost of patient care, and resultant in surfacing of the spurious drugs or substandard drugs in the market.”The doctors, who are in the race for amass-ing wealth by indulging in such malpractices, are causing damage to the health of public at large, the petitioner said.The petitioner said Dr. Abdul Majeed Wani (Gastroenterologist and a consultant Medi-cine at SMHS Hospital, Srinagar),

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HC seeks action taken report against docs taking gifts

Poor patients compelled to purchase unnecessary medicines:PIL

Srinagar, Mar 15: In view of the weather fore-cast issued by state’s metrological department, authorities Saturday announced that the schools shall remain closed till March 20.According to the KNS correspondent, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Shalinder Kumar while addressing press immediately after holding de-tailed meet with the DCs across valley here, stated that the administration is fully prepared to tackle the problems caused due to the snowfall as predicted by weather department. The Met office had earlier issued a handout in which heavy to moderate snowfall was predicted in valley from March 15 to 18.Div Com stated further that educational institutes in valley shall remain

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Poonch, Mar 15: Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare Gh-ulam Nabi Azad and President JK-PCC Prof. Saifuddin Soz-MP (for-

mer Union Minister) has appealed the people to defeat the divisive & communal forces in order to strengthen secularism which is the

strength of the nation.Addressing largely attended pub-lic meetings at Surankote and Poonch today, Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad referred to the numerous achievements of the UPA-1st & 2nd during the past 10 years and said that the tremendous development has benefited each & every section of the society, throughout the country.He referred to the number of proj-ects including Mughal road and sanctioning of Medial College in the region besides road network, upgradation health and education sectors and schemes like MGN-REGA & other welfare measures taken up during these years for the benefit of common man to usher in an era of overall

See Azad On Page 11..

Defeat divisive forces: Azad, Soz appeal people

Address joint rallies with NC at Surankote, Poonch Srinagar, March 15: At least a dozen people, including three troopers and two women on Saturday were injured after bitten by stray dogs in Pulwama district of south Kashmir.Reports reaching GNS Saturday said that a pack of stray dogs attacked and injured at least a dozen people, including three CRPF men and two women

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3 troopers among 12 bitten by stray dogs in Pulwama

Jammu, Mar 15 (KNS): For-eign Correspondent Club of South Asia (FCC) New Delhi witnessed an event of great significance when people cutting across po-litical and social ideologies joined in large numbers at a book launch function on the “HAYAAT-U-KHIDMAAT" [LIFE and SERVICE] of Late G M Shah, former J&K Chief Minister and Founder Presi-dent J&K Awami National Conference.According to a statement is-sued to KNS, while speaking at impressive function orga-nized by

See ANC On Page 11..

Jammu, Mar 15: The Sikh community of Jammu and Kashmir has strongly ap-pealed to the World leaders including Prime Minister of India to strongly take up the issue of the killing

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JK Sikhs condemn killing, kidnapping of Sikhs in Pakistan

Schools to remain closed till March 20

Admin to remain on tenterhooks if snow falls as predicted

Srinagar, Mar 15: Censured the Unani and Ayurvedic doctors for prescribing Al-lopathic medicines, the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has asked the gov-ernment to file response to a complaint admitted by the Commission on the subject.Meanwhile, Rafiq Fida, the acting chairman of the SHRC has asked the government to issue circular to every Head of the health institution of the State and the Unani and Ayurvedic doctors to imme-diately stop prescribing Al-

lopathic medicines.“Secretary to Government Health and Medical Educa-tion Department will issue a Circular to every Head of the health institution of the State and the doctors to immediate-ly stop prescribing medicines which he or she is not sup-posed to prescribe and also hold the head of the health in-stitution responsible for such malpractices and also make sure that necessary medicines of all streams are made avail-able in every

See SHRC On Page 11..

SHRC censures Unani, Ayurvedic doctors for prescribing

allopathic medicinesAsks Govt to file response to complaint

Darhal, Mar 15: Exuding confidence about National Conference-Congress alli-ance registering a magnifi-cent victory in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, Senior State Vice President NC Mr Rattan Lal Gupta on Saturday said communal politics has no place in civilised society.According to a statement is-sued to KN, “We have foiled vicious game plan of commu-nal forces in the past and will do so in future as well”, Mr Gupta said while addressing a huge rally at Prori in Dar-hal Constituency of Rajouri district.He said National Conference has a long history of fighting

exploitative and disruptive elements who want to create wedge between the people on the basis of region and re-ligion. “This spirit has been a guiding force for the party which has made it a mass movement”, he maintained.Mr Gupta recalled the sac-rifices offered by National Conference while fighting these elements and pledged to do so in future as well in the larger interest of the state and its people. He said his party has espoused the cause of the people, irrespective of caste, creed and colour even during most testing times. He said that his

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NC will fight communal elements with full might: Gupta

ANC to join Third Front

Srinagar, March 15: Two persons were injured in two separate road ac-cidents across the valley.A Tavera bearing registration number JK05C/6371 hit a pedestrian Ghulam Rasool son of Ali Mohammad resi-dent of Kharal Khal at Wusan cross-ing, in the jurisdiction of Police sta-tion Kunzar, Baramulla. The injured was shifted to Hospital for treatment. Kunzar Police has registered a case in this regard. Meanwhile, a 407 vehicle bear-ing registration number JK01B/3594 turned tutle near bypass, in the juris-diction of Police station Lar, Gander-bal, resulting in injuries to a Passen-ger Mohammed

See Michaps On Page 11..

JAMMU, MARCH 15: Minister for Health & Medical Education, Mr. Taj-Mohiud Din today chaired the month-ly review meeting of the CMOs of Jammu province here.During the meeting, the Minister re-ceived briefing on several schemes of public health being run in the State in-cluding NRHM, JSSY, RBSK, RCH, AYUSH, Family Welfare etc. He also received briefing on operationalisa-tion of 24x7 PHCs.Mr. Taj asked them to ensure that basic health facilities are rendered to people including those living in far flung and remote areas.Director, AIDS Control Society,

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11 Srinagar, Sunday 16 March 2014 Zabarwan Times

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

Bandipora

Curfew

HC

Mishaps

Taj

Schools

SHRC

NC

ANC

Azad

Pulwama

JK

AIP

Mehbooba

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Returning Officer Jammu Par-liamentary Constituency issues

Notification for election

resistance and continued pelting stones on them,” eyewitness-es said.The clashes were going on when this report was being filed. Restrictions were also imposed in Pattan town of the district to foil any possible protests.Barring Tral town, the life in South Kashmir, however, re-mained unaffected.The Ganderbal town in central Kashmir observed complete shutdown today against the killing of Naidkhai youth.In Tral town of Pulwama district, youth took to streets at around 11:30 am and staged anti-India protests. The youth en-forced shutdown in the town and pelted stones on CRPF men. A man was injured after being hit by a stone during the clashes. He has been identified as Juma Shiekh.Meanwhile, a police spokesman in a statement issued here said that the situation remained 'peaceful' throughout the Kashmir. "However, a couple of stray stone pelting incidents were re-ported from Hajan and Cement-bridge, Baramulla. There were no reports of injury to anyone, till last reports came in," the spokesman said.Thousands of people Saturday bid a tearful adieu to the teen-ager who was killed in government forces firing in north Kash-mir's Bandipora district on Friday.Witnesses told GNS that thousands of people attended the fu-neral of Farhat Ahmad Dar, 18, who was killed in police action on Friday evening at Naidkhai area of the district.Reports said that the protesters were chanting pro-freedom and anti-India slogans. The funeral prayer of the slain was led by a leader of Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s party Tehreek-i-Hurriyat.The slain youth was the lone son of his parents and had re-cently passed matriculation.

The reports informed further that curfew like restrictions will be in place at Rainawari, Khaniyar, Nowhatta, SafaKadal and Maisuma. However there will be no restrictions in the upper town areas of Srinagar.Meanwhile several separatist leaders continue to remain under house arrest while as some have been kept under preventive detention at various police stations. Huriyat Conference (G) chief spokesman Ayaz Akbar told KNS over phone that the senior leaders of the amalgam including Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai, Mohammad Ashraf Laya have been placed under house arrest and that restrictions have been imposed over the move-ment of senior leaders.He stated further that Firdous Ahmad Shah has been arrested by police and detained at Kothibagh police station. Huriyat (G) spokesman added that including his house, the residences of Altaf Shah and Raja Kalwal have been raided by the police- though the duo are in Delhi at present accompanying Syed Ali Geelani during his treatment. (KNS)

probe into the incident and alleged that such probes have yield-ed nothing in the past but have just been used as a tool to cool down people’s anger and crores of rupees have been spend dur-ing past 25 years on these fake and shameful probes.He said: “If like in other killings Farhat was fired upon by men in uniform in broad day light in presence of hundreds of people, what does govt. want to prove by ordering magisterial probe. Govt. has lost its control over the security forces who are ruling state at the barrel of the gun and are enjoying impu-nity under black laws.”Er Rashid also criticized main opposition party PDP for not playing the role which people of the ill fated state expected from them, at least with regards to human rights violations.“If PDP would have guts, courage, commitment and sincerity to protect the life and property of the people, their 21 MLAs could have played a bigger role by taking to streets and by making govt. accountable rather than issuing just statements and trying to please their masters in New Delhi.”Later Er Rashid along with party leaders including Zeeshan Pandith, Adv. Shahzad Hamdani, Mohammad Adil Hussain , Tanveer Hussain Khan, Rashid Rahil and Dr Nawab Nasir were arrested and lodged in police station Kothibagh, after po-lice foiled their march towards Lal Chowk. (KNS)

wants to push youth to the wall.Mehbooba said the PDP has always been of the view that the administration in the state is one of the best in the coun-try and it is the only the political leadership that has been responsible for either using it for the benefit of the society or serving the political ends of a ruling dispensation. “In case of Bandipur district, where the killing took place on Friday, it is brazen instance of political interference in police appointments. We have credible reports that in the recent reshuffle in the police there had a proposal to post any se-nior/ IPS officer as SSP Bandipur in view of the sensitivity of the area, but it was on the insistence of local ruling politi-cians that the present incumbent was posted there. The officer has from day one targeted the youth, which resulted in their demonstration. We hope that Election Commission of India takes a note of this,” she said.The PDP president said most parts of the state, especially Kashmir, Chenab Valley and Pir Panchal regions have faced an untimely snow and rains resulting in heavy loss of life and property, disruption of services and severe damage to infrastructure. But the response of the government has varied between cruel insensitivity and comic interludes. Condoling the death of those who have lost their lives due to snow furry, Mehbooba said the snowfall has badly af-fected the horticulture sector and has damaged scores of residential houses and other structures across the state. But, unfortunately, the government has been missing from the ground and its response has only been through the Twitter, which tells about its callousness. She said the entrepreneurs, in various industrial areas like Lassipora in Pulwama, have also suffered huge losses due to the snow-fall and it was ironic that the insurance companies are now refusing to pay for their damages.Calling upon the Prime Minister to send a team to assess the huge losses suffered by the people of the state espe-cially horticulturists of Kashmir. She demanded that a spe-cial package on the pattern for rain hit area of Maharashtra should also be announced for Kashmir.Mehbooba, who was flanked by the party Chief Spokes-person, Naeem Akhtar; senior party leaders, Syed Altaf Bukhari and Yasir Reshi during the press conference, said the PDP has suspended all its political and election related activities to let the administration concentrate on immedi-ate problems facing the people.“We realized that there was a need to focus on relief and restoration of services but the government refused to do its duty. The government leadership has clearly abandoned governance and is playing to galleries through media mak-

ing funny offers of helicopter service in the nature of pre-scribing cakes in times of famine,” said Mehbooba and added the PDP leaders and legislators had planned to go among the people to share their worries and grief but the interior roads in most areas continue to be blocked await-ing snow clearance.To a question, whether PDP fears that the government may misuse the official machinery to rig the forthcoming polls, Mehbooba said it is not just a small current against the present government but it is a flood of fury against them. “Its tactics work in face of the people’s power which at this time is led by the youth, who have faced maximum wrath of this government,” she said.She said the insensitivity of this government has caused avoidable tragedies like the one along the national high-way in which one Manzoor Ahmed of Pampore lost his life. “He was swept down the highway by a mudslide around noon and could not retrieve himself even though he with-stood its force. He called his home and police from his mo-bile. Police came but could not rescue him in absence of proper training or equipment. He reportedly met his most tortuous end at 5 pm the next day. This is the most shame-ful poster for any government.” she said. (KNS)

Dr. Jawaid A Zargar (senior ENT specialist and head neck surgeon), Dr. FA Peerzada (Physician) and Dr Firdous Ahmad Vaid took freebies.The petitioners have demanded initiation of action against the doctors who are involved in the commission and omission of offenses besides cancellation of their licenses.The petitioners also demand ascertaining assets and constitu-tion of taskforce to look into such type of offences.Besides they also seek black listing of the companies who are offering cash, freebies or Kickbacks and also action against the representatives who are promoting.The petitioners also seek imparting of moral education to med-ical students during their training in medical training. Pertinently, On August 21 last year, valley doctors were ex-posed after reports surfaced that they were receiving freebies from pharma companies for prescribing their medicine to in-crease the sale.Government had then constituted a 3-member team to inquire the allegations leveled against doctors who received freebies from Micro-Labs Bangalore for prescribing their medicine.The 3-member team comprised of HOD Medicine Dr. Saima Bhat, Medical Superintendent (SMHS), Nazir Ahmad Chow-dary and Registrar Government Medical College Srinagar, Dr. Wasim Khalid.After the three-member panel submitted a report, Dr. Abdul Majeed Wani was attached to the office of the Principal GMC College.Principal Medical College, Dr. Qazi Masood Ahmad had told GNS that there is is a specific media report about Dr. Majid having received freebies from Micro-Labs and “we have initi-ated a departmental enquiry into the issue.”Documents reveal that the renowned Gastroenterologist, Dr. Majeed has purchased sanitary items of rupees 40,000 which company has reimbursed them for prescribing Clariwin, Pul-moxyl and Moxigram range.According to Medical Council of India (MCI) rules, a medi-cal practitioner shall not accept any travel facility inside the country or outside, including rail, air, ship, cruise tickets, paid vacations etc. from any pharmaceutical or allied healthcare in-dustry or their representatives for self and family members for vacation or for attending conferences, seminars, workshops, CME programme as a delegate. (GNS)

development.He said that these developmental activities are visible but the attention of the people is being diverted to mislead the masses from reality. He said that people should not get carried away by the negative forces who are trying to create division and hatred which is dangerous for the broader interests of the nation. He said that Congress-NC coalition would defeat the forces of ex-ploitation in the state.Prof. Saifuddin Soz-MP President JKPCC (former union min-ister) has said that the foundation of the country has been laid on secular ideals and harmony amongst different sections keep-ing in view of the pluralistic character of the nation and those spreading hatred are weakening the nation. He urged people to reject such forces who can disturb and destroy the secular fabric of our nation.Prof. Soz said that people of this country have great faith in the secularism and would not allow the communal forces to exploit the sentiments for electoral gains. He praised the leadership of Smt Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh for liberal financial support for projects which have been taken up or sanctioned. He highlighted the achievements including implementation of 73rd Amendment and Creation of Adminis-trative Units by the coalition government.The rallies at both the places were jointly organsied by leaders of NC and Congress and addressed by several prominent lead-ers of the both the parties. Madan Lal Sharma referred to his efforts during the past two terms as Member Parliament for the development of the area. He referred to the large scale liberal financial support in all spheres of life for the welfare of the dif-ferent sections in this state including demand for railway lines for Jammu to Poonch.Ajay Sadotra-Minister for Planning; Davinder Singh Rana-Provincial President NC; Vice Chairman Gujjar & Bakerwal Board Ch. Bashir Ahmad Naaz; VC OBC Kuldip Raj Verma; MLA Aiyaz Jan; MLCs Jahangir Mir, Shenaz Ganie; President J&K Mahila Congress Smt. Indu Pawar-MLA; Peer Mush-taq Bukhari; Shiv Kumar Sharma-President INTUC; Thakur Manmohan Singh, Dr. Rashid Choudhary (General Secretar-ies); President PYC Shahnawaz Choudhary; DCC President Poonch R.S. Kaka besides other senior leaders also addressed the gathering. (KNS)

in a spate of fresh attacks in Rahmoo village of Pulwama dis-trict. Two of the injured who were badly mauled by the ca-nines, are said to be critical. The injured civilians have been identified as Hilal Ahmad, Khursheed Ahmad, Shabir Ahmad, Ghulam Qadir, Haji Kamal, Afra Rashid, Altaf Wani, Abdul Aziz Dar, and Sara Bano. The injured troopers have been iden-tified as Raj Kumar, Dinesh Kumar and Ashok Baji.“The stray dogs have let loose a reign of terror in the area. The elderly and the children are the most vulnerable to attacks by canines. Even youth fear to move out of their houses after sunset,” Ali Mohammad Dar, the village Sarpanch told GNS.Accusing the municipal council of negligence, Dar said that canines are brought from Srinagar and left in Pulwama district to attack and injure hapless villagers. He asked the municipal council to take immediate steps to control the dog menace in the area. (GNS)

and kidnapping of Sikhs in Pakistan.According to a statement issued to KNS, a spokesperson of the community has said that the history is witness to the fact

that the Sikh community strongly believe in coexistence and the right to life of every individual, but in the recent past Paki-stan has resorted to the religious persecution of the minorities including Sikhs.In the past few months several Sikhs have been killed or ab-ducted in many parts of Pakistan and the government of Paki-stan has failed to safeguard the life and property of the Sikh community.On Thursday Paramjeet Singh a hakim from the Sikh commu-nity was shot dead by “unidentified gunmen” in Shabqadar, Charsadda area of Dera Ismail Khan of Pakistan, just a month ago two other Sikhs named Anand Singh and Sawrender Singh were abducted from the same area. The whereabouts of the two was still unknown, and the government of Pakistan and the law enforcing agencies of that country have failed to trace them.“The government there seems to be uninterested to safeguard the interest of their own citizens, the minorities in Pakistan in-cluding Sikhs and Hindus live under a fear of being kidnapped or killed,” said Jasdeep Singh President of the Guru Manyo Granth Society an amalgam of various Sikh youth organisa-tions of Jammu and Kashmir.Singh said that he was shocked to find out how girls from the minority community were being kidnapped and forced to mar-ry against their will and the police was behaving like a mute spectator.“The criminals in Pakistan victimize the victim, by using the anti blasphemy law, anyone who tries to raise their voice against the abduction or killing is framed and booked under anti blasphemy law,” Singh said.The Sikhs said that Pakistan who projects itself as the cham-pion of the rights of minorities in other countries should first make the life of its own citizens safe and secure. Sikhs in Jammu and Kashmir have appealed to the world community to come forward to pressurize Pakistan to safeguard the life, dig-nity and human rights of the minority communities in Pakistan.“The lives of Sikhs and other minorities are not safe in Paki-stan; their historic and religious places are being encroached upon by others. These people are the citizens of Pakistan and we strongly condemn the systematic and slow genocide of mi-nority communities of Pakistan,” said Paramjeet Singh Presi-dent of the Sikh Youth Association of Jammu and Kashmir. In January a Sikh Bhagwan Singh was killed in Tangi Charsadda when he was returning home from work, police has so far failed to arrest the killers. (KNS)

closed till March 20. Commenting over the possible crises ex-pected to emerge after the snowfall in valley, Div Com stated that every district will get 18 men from SDRF which will be assigned to electric department.He added further that till the weather improves, snow cutters will leave their headquarters at 4 am on daily basis and that efforts are being made so that we have at least one dewatering pump in every locality here so that the issues of water lodging could be avoided. (KNS)

health institution of the State,” reads the recommenda-tion made by the SHRC in the complaint against Unani and Ayurvedic doctors.The Commission has directed that a copy of this interim rec-ommendation also be pasted at the notice board of the every hospital, sub district hospitals, primary health centres, dispen-saries and other health institutions of the State, so that the gen-eral public particularly patients are made aware about the fact.In his complaint M. M. Shuja has sought Commission’s atten-tion to prescription by BUMS/BAMS doctors, negative role of National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) fee of practicing doctors, and practice by non-practicing doctors especially enrolled in Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS). (KNS)

party believes in social justice, equality and dignified way of life for the people of all the three regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh and this mission will be pursued with missionary zeal.Addressing the workers, senior party leader Choudhry Liaquat cautioned the people against ugly ploys of communal forces, saying they tend to assume the role of self styled guardians of the people with an eye on votes. He said National Conference has and will offer any sacrifice to safeguard the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir under the sagacious leadership of Dr Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Mr Omar Abdullah. Both the leaders exhorted the party workers and functionaries to fan out in their areas and ensure grand success of the alliance candidate. On this occasion, several Panchs and Sarpanchs joined National Conference. They were profusely garlanded by the senior leaders. (KNS)

Delhi wing of ANC, CPI National Secretary A B Bardhan, the Chief Guest ,gave an open invitation to the ANC that without waiting for any formal alliance or seat adjustment, it should join forces with them to replicate at the national level what it has been doing in the state to thwart the sinister march of the Congress and the BJP towards power at the Centre. He called upon the J&K Awami National Party (ANC) to join hands with the Left and other like-minded parties to defeat the “divisive and communal forces” which are doing their utmost to grab power in the forthcoming general elections.Respond-ing to the offer, Begum Khalida Shah, president of ANC, first lamented the sufferings of Kashmiris living under the constant fear of security forces because of prolonged “mistrust” by the Centre. However, she said the ANC was ready to give its whole-hearted support to the Left and all those parties at the national level which can bring about an improvement in the life of an ordinary Kashmiri and are ready to take steps to bring the state within the national mainstream.KC Tyagi, National Spokesperson of the Janata Dal (United), in his address regretted the constant refrain of those ruling at the Centre about Kashmir being an integral part of India without taking adequate steps to end the sufferings of those living in the state. He said the situation will be no different if the saffron party comes to power, as is being touted in the media. Therefore, he said the need of the hour was that the ANC, whose founder GM Shah had the gumption to confront the Centre while taking care of the interests of the Kashmiris, to plunge into the electoral arena.Prof. Bhim Singh and P Namgyal paid floral tributes to the former Chief Minister and remembered him as a strict disci-plinarian, a man of commitment and honour who never com-promised on principles and gave Jammu and Kashmir one of the best accountable administration the state ever had with no regional imbalance or regional bias. While welcoming the guests, ANC Sr. Vice President Mr Muzzafar Shah said "the book depicts a very significant polit-ical chapter without which the contemporary political history of Jammu and Kashmir could remain lopsided. We firmly be-lieve that readers will find some startling hidden aspects con-

nected with Jammu and Kashmir state for purposes of record and reference for our posterity. Mr. Shah gave a brief insight into the chapters of this book.Sh. K C Tyagi, JD(U) National Spokesperson, former Union Minister P Namgyal from Leh , National Panthers Party Patron and Sr. Supreme Court Lawyer Prof. Bhim Singh, Dr Sameeer kaul, National Spokesperon of PDP and Ashok Bhan, Advoctate Supreme Court were guests of honour. ANC Chief Begum Khalida Shah presided over the function. (KNS)

Maqbool Nangroo resident of Chadoora Budgam. The injured was shifted to Hospital for treatment. Lar Police has registered a case in this regard.

Mrs. Sheetal Nanda, Director, Health Services, Jammu, Dr. BaljtPathania, Director, ISM, Dr. Abdul Kabeer, Director, Family Welfare, Dr. Baldev Sharma, Director, Food & Drug Controller, Dr. Satish, Mission Director, NRHM, Dr. Yash Pal, senior officers and all the CMOs of Jammu province were present in the meeting.

JAMMU, MARCH 15-The Returning Officer for 6-Jammu Parliamentary con-stituency (Deputy Commis-sioner Jammu) today issued election notification for the Jammu parliamentary con-stituency. As per the notifica-tion, nomination papers may be delivered by candidate or by any of his proposers to the Returning Officer (Deputy Commissioner Jammu) or to Assistant Returning Of-ficer (Additional District Development Commissioner Jammu), at Deputy Com-missioner office, Wazarat Road Jammu between 11 am

and 3 pm on any day other that public holiday not later than3.pm on March 22, 2014. The nomination papers can be obtained at the place and time aforesaid. The nomination papers will be taken up for scrutiny at Deputy Commissioner’s office Jammu on March 24, 2014 at 11 ambesides notice of withdrawal of candidature may be delivered before 3 pm on March 26, 2014. The poll will take place on April 10, 2014 from 7 am to 6 pm. Meanwhile, according to Returning Officer, no nom-ination paper was filed today.

Srinagar, March 15, CNS: State Human Rights Commission has settled all but six thousands cases from past 15 years. All these cases are related to human rights abuses. According to CNS, from past 15 years, the State Human Rights Commission received at least 237 petitions about cus-todial killings from different people. The documents available with CNS reveal that the Commission gave its recommenda-tions in five thousand cases. The Commission received the maximum number of complaints (776) during 2007-08 while the number of cases that were registered with the Commission in 2001-02 were 309. The documents reveal that the Commission received 784 complaints about the enforced disappearances in Kashmir Valley. The Commission has received 963 complaints about harassment. From the past 15 years although 1191 people ap-proached the Commission for ex-gratia but the Commission received only 237 cases pertaining to custodial deaths. The documents further reveal that the Commission received 290 petitions relating to continuous detention of 290 persons while 65 cases were registered relating to rape and sexual ha-rassment. (CNS)

SHRC settled 6000 case from past 15 years

Srinagar, March 15, CNS: Eminent Chennai based scientist Professor Sultan Ahmed Isamil released the 8th edition of the Annual tele-phone directory of Current News Service for 2014-15 at Nigeen Club Srinagar. A large number of journalists belonging to both print and electronic media and schol-ars including Dr S. Rubab, Professor Muhammad Ashraf and Prof G.A.Harmain were present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion,

Professor Sultan said that CNS is doing Yeoman’s ser-vice by providing informa-tion to the people by com-piling telephone numbers of various government as well as private establishments. Various members of the CNS organization who were present on the occasion in-cluded, Sahil Nazir, Saleem Yousuf, Haya Javid Bhat, Ta-hir Bhat,Ghulam Nabi Raina, Shah Jehangir and Showkat Abdullah. The dais in charge was Saiqa Sajid.

CNS Telephone Directory 2014 released

J&K Bank organizes special training programme for

unemployed youth at Bla BARAMULLA, MARCH 15: Jammu and Kashmir Bank has taken it as a mission under CSR to eradicate unemployment from the state by creating job providers through training the youth on entrepreneurship development. The Bank has been conducting 13 days free special training programme from March 17, 2014 on Entrepreneurship Development in Comprehensive Horticulture and allied. The deserving candidates in age group of 20 to 40 years without any qualification bar are asked to contact J&K Bank, so that 60 candidates are selected on first come first serve basis.

ANANTNAG, MARCH 15: The Additional District Regis-trar, Births & Deaths, (District Statistics & Evaluation Officer) Kulgam, organised one day training Workshop here today at Rest House Chawalgam, Kulgam for field functionaries, associated with Civil Registration System in district Kulgam in collaboration with Registrar General, Govt. of India under the aegis of Director-ate of Economics & Statistics, J&K. Chief Planning Officer, Kulgam Mr. Khursheed Ahmad Khatana also participated in the workshop as chief guest. It was one of the initiatives taken by the Additional District Registrar Births & Deaths, (District Statistics & Evaluation Officer Kulgam) for getting the gross-root lev-el workers associated with Birth & Death event registrations which includes Village Chowkidars.

Workshop on civil Registration system at Kulgam

SUNDAY, MARCH | 16 | 2014Daily ZABARWAN TIMES NEWS

Take a break from your routine, Libra. You might feel like you’re leading an army into battle as you strive for new adven-tures and conquer new realms. Make sure you take a bit of time out today to stop and let your troops rest. You deserve a little rest yourself. Use this moment of stillness to form your plan of attack so you’re sure about how to proceed.

The key for you is to minimize your daily drama as much as possible, Scorpio. You may not realize how much you cripple your-self by the way you exaggerate every aspect of your life. Try not to give so much of your attention to things that really don’t matter much. Petty jealousy and gossip about other people’s lives are es-pecially irrelevant in your world.

Be careful of advertising yourself as someone who is so strong and mentally competent that you’re capable of handling every-thing, Sagittarius. Take note that the strongest mule on the trail usually ends up carrying the most weight. Your emotions are more sensitive than you may think, and certainly more than you demonstrate to others. Be honest about the way you feel and not just the way you think.

Things should flow well for you today with very little ef-fort on your part, Capricorn. Take note that if any quarrel arises, it’s an indication that the person you’re arguing with isn’t nec-essarily the right person to deal with or confide in. Emotional issues are likely to be the hardest ones to overcome, but this shouldn’t be a problem for you. You have the ability to work through these like a pro.

This is meant to be a nice, relaxing day, so treat it as such, Aquarius. There’s no need for you to plan any great strategy at this time. Try to take it easy and not indulge in any unnecessary stress. This is your time to enjoy the moment. Don’t tax your mind by overanalyzing everything that comes your way. Go with the flow and have a great time regardless of what you end up doing.

Your sensual nature is heightened, Pisces, and you’ll find yourself engaged in tender moments and languid peacefulness in the company of others. Soothe your soul by letting yourself slip into situations that give you the emotional freedom to do or say whatever comes to mind. Life should be like a love poem written by a great master. Accept the good energy that comes your way.

Your sixth sense is right on target, Virgo, so trust your instincts today. You’re likely to connect with someone in a wonderful partnership that will help you foster the very plan you want to develop now. Stay close to those things that resonate strongly with your morals. The answer is in front of you; you don’t have to search too far afield in order to find it.

Allow your eager and restless nature to express itself in ways other than through the spoken word, Aries. Show someone that you care through your gentle touch or a big bear hug. Hold on a little bit more tightly than you might normally. There’s an unspo-ken understanding that comes when you communicate through nothing but pure silence. Work on developing this kind of connec-tion with those closest to you.

This is a terrific day for you, Taurus. You should find that your relationships, especially with men, go exceptionally well. Your tender and extremely sensitive nature is finally being recognized as the treasure chest it is. There are many times in which this type of personality is seen as weak, yet today is one of those times in which you’re given the full credit you deserve.

A selfish attitude on your part won’t be tolerated today, re-gardless of the circumstances, Gemini. Don’t make it worse for yourself by pretending that you don’t notice others’ hurt feelings. People are likely to be extra sensitive today, so be careful about trying to impose your will on someone who really wants nothing more than an ear to talk to and a shoulder to cry on.

You could find the hardest person to face is you, Cancer. You tend toward introspection, and you may find yourself shrinking into self-recrimination. You could analyze the important people in your life and yet fail to address the one you really need to look at – you. As you continually strive for perfection, give yourself proper credit. Do something nice for yourself today.

Take advantage of the creative energy in the air today, Leo. Keep your hands moving and your imagination flowing toward something fun and artistic. If you begin to doubt your work, you may fall down a spiral of creative blockage. Don’t get into the habit of constantly judging the quality or outcome of your work. Give yourself free rein to open up and explore whatever comes to mind.

Edu instt to remain closed upto March 20

SRINAGAR, MARCH 15: In or-der to face the predicted heavy snowfall in the valley and to ensure the availability of all essentials services, the Divi-sional Commissioner Kashmir, Shailendra Kumarsaid that the divisional administration has geared up all men and machin-ery to face the challenge.

The Divisional Commis-sioner Kashmir was address-ing a press conference here today. He said that Metrologi-cal department has predicated heavy snowfall on March 17 and March 18, 2014 in the valley and administration has made all out efforts to provide necessary ar-rangements for people during snowfall.

Warning the people living in upper reaches of the valley about the probability of

avalanches in these areas, the Divisional Commissioner said that recent snowfall claimed several lives besides damage to properties. He appealed people to be vigilant about the threat. He said that the PDD and PHE has been directed to ensure ad-equate power and water supply

during the snowfall. Referring to the present

weather scenario, the Divisional Commissioner announced ex-tension of closure of all govern-ment and private educational institutions upto March 20, 2014.

Giving details of the re-

cent damage caused by snow-fall, the Divisional Commis-sioner said that 12 people lost their lives whileas 17 persons were injured. He said that 81 residential houses were fully damaged and 2212 houses were partially damaged. He said 760 non residential and

15 religious buildings were also damaged due to recent snowfall.

Mr. Kumar assured that Di-visional Administration will leave no stone unturned in mit-igating the grievances of people and all arrangements are apace to face any eventuality.

JAMMU, MARCH 15: A work-shop of Minimal Invasive Proc-to-Haemarroidectomy (MIPH) known as Transanal Stapled Surgery for piles was orga-nized by Police Hospital Srinagar today, in collabo-ration with Johnson and Johnson India Ltd.

The workshop was attended by Dr. Irshad Ahmed Kuchay, Surgeon and Dr. Baljeet Kour, An-aesthetist of Police Hospital Srinagar along with Dr. Ajay Misri, Surgeon from Police Hospital Jammu, under the proctorship of Dr. B. B. Agarwal, Sr. Consultant and Professor Depart-ment of General and Laparoscopic Surgery, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital New Delhi.

The procedure was performed

on four patients of piles and all the patients are recovering well.

Giving the details about the

successful workshop, the Medical Superintendent Police Hospital, Dr. Mohammad Shafi Koka ex-pressed his gratitude to support-ing faculty and team of doctors. He appreciated the doctors of Police

Hospital for their efforts and en-couraged them to achieve further excellence in the field of advanced

surgery. He also appreciated

the efforts of Dr. Bilal Raja, who extended his help-ing hand in organizing the workshop, besides the role of Theatre and para-medi-cal staff of the Hospital for their prompt and praise worthy assistance.

Further, Dr. Koka disclosed that earlier doc-tors of hospital had per-formed various surgeries

including Cancer Surgery, He-paticojejunostomy, Open Pro-spatectomy, Hepatic Hydatid Cystectomy and now the doctors are focusing to achieve successes in other fields.

JAMMU, MARCH 15 –

In a felicitation message on the eve of Holi, Chief Min-ister, Omar Abdullah has wished happiness and well be-ing to the people.

The Chief Minister expressed the hope that the day would be harbinger for peace, development and progress of the State and the Country.

Governor extends Holi greetingsJAMMU, MARCH 15: -

Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, has greeted the people on Holi, and hoped that the festival of colours would be a harbinger of peace, progress and prosperity in the State.

In his message of felicitations, the Governor observed that the celebration of festivals, an important part of our rich cultural heritage, strengthens the bonds of brotherhood, love and amity. He expressed the hope that the coming Holi would spread happiness and joy all around and further promote harmony and brotherhood.

Wishing a happy Holi to the people, the Governor prayed for their well-being and prosperity

CM greets people on Holi Successful Transanal Stapled Surgery workshop held by Sgr Police Hospital

Div Com assures of all arrangements to face any eventuality due to snowfall

263 Polling Stations in Bandipora Justice Nijjar inaugurates ADR Centre at Mominabad, Settlement of disputes through ADR system creates a win win situation: Justice Nijjar

Radio Kashmir Jammu organizes Sensitization Workshop on ECI Guidelines

BANDIPORA, MARCH 15: As many as 2500 claims regarding addition in the voter list have been received during past one and a half month in district Bandipora which are being uploaded within a day. For this purpose, the con-cerned Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have played a tremendous role.This was stated by Electoral Registration Officer, Bandipora, Mr. Shabir Ahmad Raina during a meeting of Nodal Officers here today.While discussing about the preparedness of upcoming Lok Sabha Elections, Mr. Raina said that a Toll free number 1800 180 7059 has been installed in the election cell for receiving claims and grievances from the people. He said that the Transport Plan be-sides the report of 08 Sorties required in the district has been submitted to the concerned authorities. He said that the communication plan under which 10 Satellite Phones are required has been formulated whileas all the Committees constituted as per the guidelines of Election Commission of India to ensure free and fair elections in the district. He also said that 263 Polling Stations are being established in the district to facilitate nearly 2.10 lakh electors to cost their vote on the day of election.

Chinar plantation drive begins in Valley SRINAGAR, MARCH 15: The department of Floriculture Kashmir has

observed Chinar plantation drive at Mughal Garden Nishat today in which all officers of the department participated. The plantation drive has been orga-nized at all district headquarters in Valley.

Strengthen dispute resolution through ADR: Justice Kumar to Judicial officers SRINAGAR, MARCH 15: Judge, Supreme Court of India (Chairman, Me-

diation and Conciliation Project Committee of Supreme Court), Mr. Justice Surinder Singh Nijjar in presence of Chief Justice of J&K High Court (Patron in Chief Media-tion and Conciliation Project Committee J&K), Mr. Justice M.M. Kumar, Executive Chairman, J&K State Legal Services Authority, Mr. Justice Virender Singh, Chairman Mediation Monitoring Committee, Mr. Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir, Member, Mediation Monitoring Committee, Mr. Justice Muzaffar Hussain Attar and Member Mediation Monitoring Committee, Mr. Justice Tashi Rabstan inaugurated the Alter-native Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre, constructed at a cost of Rs. 1.23 crore under 13th Finance Commission in the newly under construction District Court complex, Mominabad Srinagar today.Mr. Justice S.S Nijjar while speaking on the occasion highlighted the importance of settling disputes through ADR system particularly through mediation and Lok Adalats. He said that settlement of disputes and conflicts through ADR system creates a win win situation and no one is loser in the process.

Justice Nijjar said that our job is to find solution not winner or loser and good offices of Judges can do it. Lauding the role of Lok Adalat system, Justice Nijjar said that thousands of cases are solved within a day or two through this system and Supreme Court recently did three lakh cases in one day, saying that this tool can be used to bring peace and harmony in the society.

JAMMU, MARCH 15 - Radio Kashmir Jammu today organized a sensitization workshop for Part-Time-Correspon-dents, News-readers-cum-translators of Radio Kashmir and Doordarshan Kendra Jammu. The workshop was aimed at bringing together all the ex-perience on one platform to inform and train the participants for observing the Model Code of Conduct and guide-lines issued by the Election Commis-sion of India.

Mr. Rishpal Singh, Dy. Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu and Kashmir who was the Chief Resource person highlighted the ECI guidelines for me-dia coverage during the ensuing Parlia-mentary elections. Describing media as the most reliable partner of the ECI in its mission to ensure free, fair and transparent elections, Mr. Singh under-lined the need to observe impartiality,

objectivity and accuracy in the cover-age of the ongoing electoral process. Emphasizing the need to negate all the rumors spread by unverified sources, he appealed the participants to avoid any obnoxious content that could in-cite hatred among various sections of the society. The most important duty of the media is to keep the masses in-formed about the electoral processes to ensure maximum participation dur-ing the election, he added.

Addressing the workshop, Mr. TasaduqJeelani, Director, Information & Public Relations, J&K spoke about keeping in mind the sensitivities while covering elections and to uphold the principles and guidelines set by the Election Commission of India.

Mr. ShaileshRaina, Head of Office, Radio Kashmir, Jammu, Mr. Ravi Mago-tra, Programme Head, Radio Kashmir

Jammu and Mr. SanjitKhajuria, News In-charge DDK Jammu highlighted the obligations and responsibilities of All India Radio and Doordarshan in view of the forthcoming parliamentary elec-tions. Mr. Magotra assured the par-ticipants of complete coordination and support from technical as well as pro-gramme side of AIR to the news section for covering the upcoming elections.

Mr. J.P. Saraf, AIR News Expert enlightened the participants about the nuances of news-editing and gave them valuable tips regarding the use of languages and delicacies of transla-tion while preparing regional news bulletins. Mr. Anwar Hussain, News Assistant, Radio Kashmir Jammu sought to familiarize the participants about importance of conveying the information across various linguistic barriers in the state. Mr. Abrar Rah-

mani, correspondent Radio Kashmir Jammu spoke about the importance of elections in the largest democracy of the world and impressed upon the participants to make their contribu-tion in the task of strengthening the existing democratic set-up in the country.

Mr. Obaidur Rahman, ADG (M&C), Press Information Bureau who presided over the workshop as Chief Guest, commended Mr. Tariq Ahmad Rather, News Incharge RNU, Radio Kashmir Jammu for organizing such a useful and interactive workshop with interesting question answer ses-sions. He expressed the hope that pro-ceedings of the workshop will go a long way to ensure observance of do’s and don’ts by participating PTCs and String-ers. The Chief Guest also felicitated the participants with certificates.

Daily Zabarwan TimesEDITORIAL/ OPINIONEDITORIAL/ OPINIONDaily Zabarwan TimesSrinagar, Sunday 16 March 2014

Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer

UnemploymentResult of rampant nepotism,

corruption and militancyThe unemployment problem, no doubt, has thrown a big challenge for the whole world community. Every country is struggling hard to overcome this gigantic issue. It has eschewed most of the natural resources of the developing countries but the solution to the problem remains a distant dream. For states like J&K, the responsibility of pro-viding employment lies on the shoulders of the government. The militancy in the state for the last 21 years, has hampered the speed of the progress in all spheres of life, be it industrial growth, tourism, handicrafts or other sectors. The protracted instability has resulted into weak, tenuous economy and it’s fluctuations have left it’s citizens with no option for economic engagement. The outcome of this uncertainty has rendered at least six lacs educted youths as unem-ployed currently and this situation is bound to aggravate in the coming years with the increasing number of pass out youths every year. The unemployment is also amongst the illiterate class .Half of the population of the valley still lives below the poverty line as the resources of income are vey meager for them to tap. Consequently, there is in-flux of rural population in the small towns or cities in search of jobs. This has added to the woes of the city developers. More-over, the crime- rate in the cities and towns is swinging upwards causing law and order problems besides social evils. The youths have stared indulging themselves in crimes, like robberies, addiction to drugs, murders which were unheard of at least in the val-ley. The frustration amongst the youths is growing up and as a result some of the youths tend to commit suicides, though an un-islamic act. The diseases like cancer, cardiac arrest, diabetes etc. are on rise. But one is forced to think over the basic causes behind these glaring issues which are tak-ing our society into a dark ravine. The vi-sionless planning of the policy-makers, and those at the helm of affairs, instead of mak-ing fruitful efforts to over-come these prob-lems, are adding salt to the injuries. They are more interested in accumulating wealth than in improving the present condition of the society which is result of their ill-con-ceived policies. One agrees that the govern-ment jobs are limited. But what so ever is available, is being filled through nepotism, brazen political intervention, and elite con-nections or by exchange of money power. There is one such glaring example of such mal–practices. The posts of Accounts As-sistants were advertised by State Selection Recruitment Board announcing the req-uisite technical qualification as B.Com or M.Com. Surprisingly, the interview- letters were posted to all those candidates having the B.Ed degree which has nothing to do with accounts apparently. The deserving candidates were left out and the favored one’s were asked to fill up B.Ed or M.Ed qualifications in the technical qualification column. No wonder, some of the unfavored candidates too had B.Ed or M.Ed qualifica-tions ,but they did not mention it in their ap-plication forms thinking it as irrelevant to the required post as it was not the requisite qualification as per the advertisement and will not carry any weight age for interview. Astonishingly, when the facts surfaced be-fore the public, it was found that it was done at the behest of a Cabinet Minister of Na-tional Conference who wanted to oblige his favored one’s for the best bargain known to him. How can anyone expect justice from any public and statutory bodies when they are subservient of the political leaders? The widespread corruption has not only vitiated the atmosphere of public institutions but has also hampered the growth of private sector which could have accommodated a large chunk of unemployed youths. What will be the future of this state? Perhaps God knows better!

ree and fair elections are central to the democratic ethos of any country. This includes fair, accurate, and transparent electoral process with outcomes that can be independently verified. Conventional voting accomplishes many of these goals. However, electoral malpractices like bogus voting and booth capturing pose a serious threat to spirit of electoral democracy. It has, thus, been the endeavour of the Elec-tion Commission of India to make reforms in the electoral process to ensure free and fair elections. EVMs, devised and designed by Election Commission of India in collabo-ration with two Public Sector undertakings viz., Bharat Electronics Limited, Bangalore and Electronics Corporation of India Lim-ited, Hyderabad, is a major step in this di-rection.Electronic Voting Machines ("EVM") are being used in Indian General and State Elections to implement electronic voting in part from 1999 elections and in total since 2004 elections. The EVMs reduce the time in both casting a vote and declaring the results compared to the old paper ballot system. Bogus voting and booth capturing can be greatly reduced by the use of EVMs. Illiterate people find EVMs easier than bal-lot paper system. They are easier to transport the EVMs compared to ballot boxes.EVM has become the leitmotif of the world's largest democratic exercise and gets smarter with each avatar. Here is an attempt to briefly trace the evolution of the EVM and its use in the world’s largest democracy.

Electronic Voting Machines (EVM)

Chronological development of EVM v EVMs were first used in 50 polling stations of Parur Assembly Constituency of Kerala in May 1982. v These machines could not be used after 1983 after a Supreme Court ruling that necessitated legal backing for the use of Voting machines in elections. The law was amended by Parliament in December, 1988 and a new section 61A was inserted in the Representation of the People Act, 1951 empowering the Commission to use voting machines. The amended provision comes into force w.e.f. 15th March, 1989. v The matter regarding use of EVMs was re-ferred by the Government of India to Electoral Reforms Committee, appointed by the Central Government in February, 1990 consisting of rep-resentatives of several recognized National and

State parties. v An Expert Committee was constituted by the Govt. of India, consisting of Prof. S. Sam-path, then Chairman RAC, Defence Research and Development Organization, with Prof. P.V. Indiresan, then with IIT, Delhi and Dr C. Rao Kasarabada, the Director Electronics Research and Development Centre, Trivandrum. In its report, the committee concluded that these ma-chines are tamper-proof. v On 24th March, 1992, necessary amendment to the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 was notified by the Government in the Ministry of Law and Justice. v The Commission again constituted Technical Expert Committee in December, 2005 comprising Prof. P.V. Indiresan, Prof. D.T. Shahani of IIT Delhi and Prof. A.K. Agarwala of IIT Delhi to get the new version EVMs evaluated before finally accepting these machines for actual use in elec-tions. v Subsequently, the Commission has been con-sulting a group of technical experts comprising Prof. (Late) P.V. Indiresan (member of the earli-er committee), Prof. D.T. Shahani and Prof. A.K. Agarwala of IIT Delhi, on all EVM related tech-nical issues. In November, 2010, the Commission has expanded its Technical Expert Committee

by including two more experts, namely, Prof D.K. Sharma from Department of Electrical En-gineering, IIT of Mumbai and Prof. Rajat Moona from Department of Computer Science and En-gineering, IIT of Kanpur (now Director General, C-DAC). v Since, November 1998, EVMs have been using in each and every general/bye elections to Par-liamentary and Assembly Constituency. India turned into an e-democracy in General Elections 2004 when 10.75 lakh EVMs were used across all polling Stations in the country. Since then, all elections were conducted by EVMs . Salient Features of EVMs: v It is tamper proof & simple to operatev Program which controls the functioning of the control unit is burnt into a micro chip on a “one time programmable basis”. Once burnt it cannot be read, copied out or altered.v Eliminates the possibility of invalid votes, makes the counting process faster and reduces the cost of printing.v An EVM can be used in areas without electric-ity as it runs on alkaline batteries.v Elections can be conducted through EVMs if the number of candidates does not exceed 64.v An EVM can record a maximum number of 3840 votes.

Daily Zabarwan TimesEDITORIAL/ OPINIONEDITORIAL/ OPINIONDaily Zabarwan TimesSrinagar, Thursday 06 March 2014

Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer

Cementing of Indo-Pak ties -imperative EVM - Electronic

Voting MachineAgain the visit of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to Pakistan has

been ruled out because of cer-tain happenings in the past. In-dia wants that Pakistan should demolish its terror structure which it thinks is being used against India putting the integ-rity and security of the country in danger. The happenings be-tween the two countries of late have not been encouraging and both the countries have blamed each other for these unfortu-nate incidents. It is really disap-pointing that the Indo-Pak rela-tions are going through a rough weather and whatever has been achieved so far is not being car-ried forward and encashed for cordial and friendly relations. The whole world community wants the two countries to for-get their past and take strides to cement their relations and over-come whatever the differences they have. There is no problem in the whole world which can-not be solved bilaterally, ami-cably and by sitting across the negotiation table. India and Pa-kistan both have same culture, same history and should un-derstand each other better than any other country. There are is-sues between the two countries which have been hanging for the last several years and need to be addressed in a proper way through a meticulous mecha-nism. India has definitely taken some good steps forward and now Pakistan should recipro-cate so that the two countries are not entangled in conflicts and controversies. The leadership of the two countries should under-stand the changing trends in the world which are definitely for unifying and cementing forces who do not believe in prolong-ing issues and continued ani-mosities. Why should the two countries wait for others to me-diate and why should not they solve their own problems by sitting across negotiation table. The Confidence building mea-sures between the two countries need to be strengthened, board-ers silenced and negotiations to be given a fillip so that all issue are addressed side by side and these issues do not affect trade and commerce and friendly re-lations between the two coun-tries.

Prioritizing Road Safety in India

The UN General Assembly has adopted 2011-2020 as the Decade of Action for Road Safety and set a goal for reducing fatalities from road accidents

by 50 percent during the period recognizing the severe impact of road accidents on global health. Every year about 1.2 million people die and 50 million get affected in road accidents globally losing 1.2 trillion US Dollars in these accidents, says Mr. K K Kapila, Chairman, In-ternational Road Federation. According to the World Health Organization unless concerted action is taken, road traffic injuries are predicted to become the fifth leading cause of death in the world by 2030.With the growing urbanization and vehicular traffic, the issue of safety on roads also keep growing in terms of concerns and solutions. The concern becomes all the more relevant in view of the fact that number of persons killed in road accidents in India is the high-est in the world. More than 4.97 lakh road accidents in 2011 are reported to have claimed over 1.42 lakh lives. These numbers translate into roughly one road acci-dent per minute and one road accident death every four minutes for India. Though the data for the year 2012 shows a declining trend with over 4.90 lakh accidents claiming 1.38 lakh lives, still the number is too high to give reason to breathe easy. The analysis of road accidents in terms of causal factor’s reveals that drivers’ fault accounts for 78.7 per cent (3,85,934 accidents) of total road acci-dents. The reason behind fault may vary from alcohol/drugs to mobile addiction, overloading/overcrowd-ing of vehicles, exceeding lawful speed and tiredness etc. Since drivers’ fault has been found responsible for about 80% road accidents, it is important to make them aware and realize that they are the killers on roads when they violate the laws/measures. Road Safety is being prioritized at Political Level. The focus is shifting from ad-hoc Road Safety Activi-ties to Sustainable Programmes. A systematic state capacity review of the existing road safety manage-ment system has been recommended while formulat-ing long term goals, interim targets, strategies and programmes. This includes a high-level multi-sectoral strategic examination of a range of activities and in-volves senior management from the key governmen-tal agencies - Transport, Police, Health, Justice and Ed-

ucation, who may not all be actively engaged as yet– as well as all other stakeholders who are able and should contribute to the delivery of road safety results. The Ministry of RTH has taken steps to minimize road accidents in the country. The Government has approved a National Road Safety Policy. This Policy outlines various policy measures such as promoting awareness, establishing road safety information data base, encouraging safer road infrastructure includ-ing application of intelligent transport, enforcement of safety laws etc. The Government has constituted National Road Safety Council as the apex body to take policy decisions in matters of road safety. The Minis-try has requested all States/UTs for setting up of State Road Safety Council and District Road Safety Commit-tees.The Ministry has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to address the issue of road safety based on four E’s of Road Safety that is Education, Enforcement, Engineer-ing (roads as well as vehicles) and Emergency care. Road safety has been made an integral part of road design at the planning stage. Road Safety Audit of se-lected stretches of National Highways/Expressways adopted. Driving training institutes being established, Tightening of safety standards of vehicles like helmets, seat belts, power-steering, rear view mirror and Publici-ty campaigns on road safety awareness.Besides observing Road Safety Week, media campaigns through Doordarshan and Radio networks, Printing and distribution of Road Safety material, advertisements in newspapers and organizing conferences/seminars/ workshops on Road Safety, the Ministry of Road Trans-port and Highways continues to undertake new initia-tives to ensure road safety. These include efforts for inclusion of a chapter on road safety in the· Text books of Central Board of Secondary Educa-tion (CBSE) syllabus in Class VI to Class XII. State Gov-ernments have also been advised to include Road Safety education in the curriculum of the schools administered by the State Education Board.· Providing cashless treatment to road accident victims for 48 hours at expenditure up to a limit of Rs. 30,000/-a pilot project launched on Gurgaon-Jaipur sec-tion of NH 8.

· Identification of top 25 black spots in 13 States which account for 90% of road accidents in India. The short term remedial measures have been completed for most of the black spots identified.· Finalisation of National Ambulance Code based on the recommendations of the Working Group on Emer-gency care. This ’Code’ puts in place minimum standards and guidelines regarding the constructional and func-tional requirements of road ambulances in India.· Notifying Consignments protruding beyond the body of goods carrier as illegal.The strategy for ensuring road safety being multi-pronged, many government departments share responsi-bility for road safety. Special arrangements are required to put in place to ensure close co-ordination and account-ability. For ensuring better coordination among key Gov-ernment agencies concerned with road safety including local government, all the State Governments have been advised to constitute High Level Committees headed by the Chief Secretary to take stock of the road safety scenar-io in their States and the measures required to be institut-ed at the State level to reduce road accident fatalities. The States have been advised to prepare action plan on road safety for their States. The States’ annual action plan on road safety needs to set ambitious but realistic targets for at least five years. It should have measurable outcomes and sufficient funding to develop, implement, man age, monitor and evaluate actions. All the States/UTs have been asked to identify a lead agency in the State and also set up Road Safety Fund at the State level by earmarking 50% of the funds generated from fines on account of vio-lation of traffic rules.Though UN decade of action plan to reduce road fatali-ties by 50% started in 2011, after three years much needs to be done. In India, budget for Road Safety needs to be enhanced and proper road safety plans/ mechanism to be in place in all the States. It needs to be ensured that orders relating to Road Safety that exist are followed strictly and violation punished. Parliamentarians and corporate world may be engaged by way of diverting a part of funds from MPLAD and CSR and contributing for the cause of Road Safety. The collective efforts of all stakeholders are bound to make significant impact on making roads safer, arresting human suffering due to road related mishaps and achieving goals set by UN.

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