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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015 (PAGE 14) DAILY EXCELSIOR, JAMMU NEW DELHI, Oct 13: India today lashed out at Pakistan for “lecturing” it on pluralism after Islamabad expressed concern over attempts to disrupt functions of its promi- nent personalities, and asserted that non-practice of terrorism was central to the betterment of the Indo-Pak relationship. “(As if) Pakistan is the embodiment of tolerance, plu- ralism. India does not need to take a lecture from Pakistan. If India has a shortcoming, it is capable of looking after it,” top official sources said. The Indian reaction came after Pakistan Foreign Office said it “noted with concern attempts to disrupt functions organised in respect of promi- nent Pakistani personalities on visit to India” while referring to cancellation of a cultural event by gazal maestro Ghulam Ali and attempts to disrupt a func- tion in Mumbai organised for its former Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri. “There is a need to ensure that such incidents do not reoc- cur,” the Pakistan Foreign Office said. However, the sources said India still remains interested in NSA-level talks as per Ufa understanding but made it clear that terrorism cannot be an instrument of statecraft. “A lot of what has not gone as per Ufa is because of Pakistan’s domestic politics.... They are also having some dis- turbance. There are non-elected players in play. The dynamics of it is both complicated and less transparent. “The issue is that there has to be a recognition that terrorism cannot be an instrument of state- craft and you cannot say it was only Gurdaspur attack, why are you overreacting or an attack on BSF, why are you overreacting. “It cannot be a routine way. There has to be recognition that non-practice of terrorism is cen- tral to the betterment of the rela- tionship. If they are in denial of that (that is an issue). One coun- try cannot resort to terrorism as a way of pressurising the other. It is not asking for too much,” they said. On Pakistan leaders meeting Kashmiri separatist Hurriyat leaders, the sources said India has an issue if the manner of consultation or discussions or whatever way they interact with the Hurriyat was done in a man- ner where they are projected as a third party. The official sources also maintained that India was “open” to a meeting between its NSA and his Pakistani counter- part on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly last month but Pakistan was not “that open and that is why it did not hap- pen”. “There still remains interest in NSA-level talks. Even though, it (Ufa agreement) said the talks would happen in New Delhi. But India was ready to have in New York. The problem is that when another party starts conditioning it, that it will only talk if they are allowed to meet Hurriyat.... “You cannot take away the centrality of terrorism in the cur- rent state of the relationship. They did not dispute it. But obviously their domestic poli- tics took them in a different direction from the Ufa. Politics in some countries are not played only by politicians. We were still open to having NSA-level talks and there was no lack of clarity on that,” the sources said. It is understood that Pakistan had pushed India for a meeting between their Foreign Ministers as a pre-condition for talks between their National Security Advisors which was turned down by the Indian side. The sources also asserted that it was also about whether Pakistan accepts or not that practising terrorism is an obsta- cle to better India-Pakistan rela- tionship. “If you do accept it, there is logical flow out of it. If you don’t, it goes elsewhere. And clearly in New York we were not on Ufa page, so it did not happen,” they added. The sources noted that after the release of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, the Mumbai attack mas- termind, the sentiment was that it was very difficult to have talks with Pakistan when he is walk- ing around free there. “Therefore, we needed some kind of serious discussion on terrorism and obviously the appropriate people were NSAs,” they added. (PTI) Don’t need Pak lecture: India Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 13: In order to review the security and other arrangements for Muharram, a high level meeting of senior police, civil and para- military officers was convened at Police Control Room (PCR) here today. Chaired by Director General of Police (DGP), K. Rajendra Kumar, the meeting was attend- ed by ADGPs, S. M. Sahai, L. Mohanty, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Asgar Samoon and senior officers from central para-military forces. The meeting reviewed the arrangements put in place for Muharram in the Valley. Security, police bundbust and deployment of personnel was discussed in the meeting, besides traffic arrangements and mainte- nance of law & order during Muharram days. Officers present in the meet- ing briefed the DGP about the arrangements put in place to ensure peaceful Muharram pro- cessions in Srinagar city and other parts of the Valley. IGP Kashmir Zone, SJM Gillani, informed the meeting about the arrangements made at different places, where Muharram processions are taken out. He said that all required arrangements would be put in place to make the access of the people to the places of proces- sions convenient. During the meeting, IGP Traffic, J. P. Singh briefed about traffic arrangements made for smooth flow of traffic on Muharram and Ashoora day 8. He said that the vehicular traffic would be diverted through alter- nate routes to ensure uninter- rupted processions. DIG, NKR, Garib Dass also apprised the meeting about measures taken with regard to ensuring security on the routes of processions and in and around the venues of Majaalis during Muharram and Ashoora. He also informed the meeting about deployment of man power in his jurisdiction. Expressing satisfaction over the arrangements made, Mr. Rajendra stressed upon the offi- cers to coordinate with each other, ensuring peaceful Muharram processions in the Valley. DGP said that deployment of manpower in the areas during these days should be ensured to provide security to the people and maintain law and order. He asked to mobilize all sources for the convenience and safety of the people so that Muharram Majlis are observed peacefully. Among others, the meeting was attended by IGP CID, AG. Mir, SSPs Amit Kumar, S. Patel, F.A. Lone, Javaid Koul, R.K.Jalla and other police and para-military officers. DGP reviews Muharram arrangements Bridgestone India launches ‘Ecopia’ in Jammu Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 13: Bridgestone India, a group com- pany of Bridgestone Corporation, the world's leading Rubber and Tyre Company, launched its fuel- efficient Ecopia EP150 and Ecopia EP850 in Jammu. Ecopia tyres are engineered with a combination of light and strong materials for greater fuel efficiency and to reduce carbon emissions. Independent testing has demonstrated that Ecopia EP150 and EP850 provides 7 per cent and 10 per cent better fuel efficiency respectively, when compared to conventional tyres. Ecopia is a combination of the words "Ecology" and "Utopia". It is one of Bridgestone's flagship brands that represent the Company's eco-activities. While speaking on the launch of Ecopia at New Delhi, Kazuhiko Mimura, Managing Director, Bridgestone India Private Limited, said "Bridgestone's Environmental Mission Statement of "To help ensure a healthy environment for current and future generations" is the driving force behind launch of Ecopia in India. Through Ecopia's fuel-efficiency, Bridgestone can contribute towards the reduction of Carbon Diaoxide emissions in India, while enabling Indian drivers to achieve fuel-savings. Apart from increased fuel-efficiency and being environment-friendly, Ecopia EP150 and EP850 are also designed to provide durabil- ity and excellent road handling performance". Bridgestone's Ecopia range of tyres utilizes unique compounds and cutting-edge technology in tread design to strike a balance between fuel efficiency, low rolling resistance, safety and durability. This enables Ecopia to cope with the demands of a wide variety of drivers, he added. The Ecopia tyres are avail- able in 26 sizes initially, ranging from 13" to 18" rim diameters, and is designed to fit many popu- lar compact vehicles. Ecopia EP150 caters to small and mid- size sedans, while Ecopia EP850 caters to SUVs. The fuel savings offered by Ecopia contribute to Bridgestone's global goal of improving tyre rolling resistance by 25 percent by 2020. The Ecopia tyre line also moves Bridgestone closer to its long- term environmental vision of achieving a 50 percent reduction in CO2 emissions by the year 2050 and beyond. Officials of Bridgestone India launching ‘Ecopia’ at Jammu. Gupta kick starts macadamization of Battal Ballian road Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Oct 13: Minister of State for Finance & Information Technology, Pawan Kumar Gupta, today kick started the macadamization work of Battal Ballian road in Udhampur here today. The black topping of 5km Battal Ballian road would be completed with an amount of Rs. 1.5 crore by the Public Works Department. The Minister reiterated that tenders of construction of many roads have been floated and the black topping work of these roads would be started in the town soon. On the occasion, Gupta issued on the spot instructions to the concerned officers of PWD to ensure durability of roads without compromising the qual- ity of material. He said that peo- ple of the area should personally monitor the quality of ongoing developmental works in their respective areas. Mr. Gupta said that develop- mental works of the Constituency will be completed in a stipulated time frame so that all the basic requirements of the public could be met in a shorter span of time and long pending demand of basic works is ful- filled. Responding to the demands of the locals, the Minister assured the public of the area that all their genuine demands would be fulfilled in a time bound manner. MoS Finance, Pawan Kumar Gupta kick starting macadamiza- tion work of Battal Ballian road at Udhampur on Tuesday. DGP, K Rajendra reviewing Muharram arrangements in a meeting at Srinagar on Tuesday. Govt fails to protect own legislation: Kundal Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 13: Former chief secretary and legislator B R Kundal today alleged that Government has failed to pro- tect its own legislation with regard to the reservation to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. In view of the recent High Court judgment, dated October 9, 2015, a meeting of the socio- political leaders with varying background was held here today under the chairmanship of for- mer Minister, Chief Secretary and MLC, B R Kundal. It was noted with concern that Govt has totally failed to protect its own legislation enacted in 2005 which came after a long strug- gle. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Kundal alleged that attitude of the Government has exposed its slogans regarding upliftment of weaker sections particularly SCs and STs. This also proved the often repeated allegations of the weaker sections, that nothing but only lip service is provided to them whosoever comes to power. He pointed out that on one hand the Prime Minister is reit- erating his Govt's resolve and commitment to provide reserva- tion to the SCs and STs whereas, his own political party, which is in coalition with PDP in J&K, is negative his resolve. The speakers in the meeting including NPP leader Yash Pal Kundal, Faqir Nath from Cong and Jagjeevan Lal from NC appealed the State Chief Minister and Prime Minister Mr Modi to intervene into the mat- ter, otherwise members from these communities would be forced to chalk out next course of action. Prominent among others present in the meeting included, Piran Ditta, R L Bharti, G R Bhagat, H R Phonsa, S S Sangral, Sat Pal Lakhotra, Madan Lal, Ashok Bhagat and B R Lachotra. BCC Bani projects local issues Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Oct 13: Block Congress Committee members and party workers from Bani area raised the local issues dur- ing the meeting held at Bani town today. The meeting in this connec- tion was held under the leader- ship of co-treasurer of PCC, Rajneesh Sharma in which the local leaders and Sarpanchs/ Panchs raised the issues and problems being faced by the people of Bani area. The Congress activists projected the problems like road connectivity, poor ration supply and specially the price hike of essential and other commodities including fruits, vegetables, pulses etc. Speaking on the occasion Thakar Das, Congress Block president for Bani told the workers that the rates of vegeta- bles, pulses and other eatable items are touching the sky and it is beyond the reach of poor peo- ple of Bani area. Rajnesh Sharma (Mian) addressing workers said that BJP is a party of businessmen. It has happened always in the past that during this rule the prices of eatable go up to sky as they have no control over the rising prices. They were not able to control the prices and every- thing is going out of reach of the common man. Mr Sharma further said that the main agenda of the BJP is to play with the religious senti- ments of the people to remain in power. He assured the people of the area every possible support and service. PHE daily rated, ITI, CP workers call off strike Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 13: The PHE daily rated, ITI trained and Community Participation (CP) workers today called off their 33- day long strike and protest dhar- na, out side the office of Chief Engineer at PHE complex, BC Road here. Disclosing this to the media- persons at a conference here today, Tanveer Hussain, provin- cial president of All J&K PHE Daily Wage Workers Association said that on the assurance of the Minister for PHE Sukhnandan Choudhary and positive response from the Finance Minister, Dr Haseeb Drabu the workers who were on strike for the last 33 days decided to call off their agitation. Mr Tanveer said the minister has assured to resolve their issue within three months and more- over, one months salary of the workers has also been released. It was also assured that their two months wages will be released on Diwali festival. It has been assured that expert committee will frame policy and two members from the Association will also be included in it for preparing road map. While extending gratitude to the workers from all the divisions and districts besides media for support, the Association president said that all the workers would resume their duties from tomor- row. He also regretted inconven- ience caused to the public in view of their agitation. SC/ST & OBC bodies criticize Govt response in reservation case Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 13: Heads of various organizations of SC/ST and OBC communities of J&K, have strongly criticized the State Government's luke warm response in defending their posi- tion on the issue of reservation in promotion. "Reservation in promotion, as per scores of Supreme Court judgements, is a constitutional right of people belonging to SC/ST and OBCs in both the State and Central services, said a joint statement, issued by Piran Ditta (president of All J&K Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha), Mohinder Kumar Bhagat (State president of All J&K Bhagat Mahasabha), Ajab Singh Mottan (State president of Batwal Sudhar Sabha), Pritam Chand (president of Saryara Sabha), Banarsi Dass (president of All J&K Leather Workers Union), Kamla Choudhary of Jat Kalyan Sabha, Dr Gafoor Ahmed (presi- dent Gujjar Front), Bodh Raj Bhagat of All India Bhagat Mahasabha, Bodh Raj Rao of Mahasha Sadar Sabha, Biru Ram of Barwala Sabha and Shashi Verma of Vishwakarma Sabha. Lamenting that the State High Court judgement against reservation in promotions was going to affect 18 percent SC/ST employee, who shall be loosing the opportunity to rise up to the higher posts in various depart- ment, they alleged a deep rooted conspiracy to deprive SC/ST and OBC from their constitutional rights of reservation. The case in this regard was being pleaded in the Double Bench of HC for the last one year or so but the Government did give necessary direction to the Advocate General to plead justification of reservation in promotions under SRO-294, they added. These organizations appealed the Chief Minister Mufti Mohd Sayeed to intervene into this very sensitive issue and direct the Chief Secretary as well as all Departmental head not to implement this judgement. Government should also con- vene a special Assembly session and adopt 77th, 81st and 85th Amendments of the Indian Constitution, the handout added. Shiv Sena leaders during a function at Jammu on Tuesday. Shiv Sena takes Charri Yatra to holy cave Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 13: Shiv Sena Bal Thackeray J&K Unit today organized the Charri Yatra on the eve of first Navratra in which more than 5000 pilgrims plus members of Shiv Sena par- ticipated. Charri Yatra was flagged off by MP Krupal Balaji Tumane, Vinay Shukla Parbhari, President Shiv Sena Punjab Yograj Sharma and Dimpy Kohli State President J&K unit at Mahraja Hari Singh Park and later it proceeded to holy town- ship of Katra. The gathering was addressed by Shiv Sena State President, Dimpy Kohli, UP Sampark Parmukh, Rakesh Gupta, general secretary G. I Singh, vice president Sandeep Bhagat, Sanjeev Kohli and Vinay Gupta. While addressing to audi- ence Vinay Shukla congratulat- ed everyone on the eve of Navratra and prayed for the prosperity of the country. He said that Hridya Samrat Bala Sahib Thackeray was a great visionary and professor of Hindutav. He further highlighted the failures of BJP-PDP Coalition the State. Krupal Balaji Tumane also addressed the audience and highlighted the problems being faced by the country due to ris- ing prices of all commodities and failure of State Government in controlling the militant activ- ities. Later the Charri Yatra pro- ceeded towards Katra in a pro- cession from Maharaja Hari Singh Park. It passed via Panjtirthi, Vivakanand Chowk, Hari Market, Raghunath Bazar, City Chowk, Purani Mandi, Jain Bazar, Chowk Chabutra, Radio Station then to Katra. Other prominent leaders of Shiv Sena were Rahul Shewale, Rajesh Sharma Shiv Sena Punjab, Rajesh Gupta, Rakesh Sharma, Raj Singh, Inderpal Gupta, Dinesh Mahajan, Ganesh Choudhary, Raju Salaria etc. President PHE Daily Wagers Association, Tanveer Hussain addressing press confer- ence in Jammu on Tuesday. -Excelsior/Rakesh NABARD organizes capacity building workshop on SHGs, JLGs Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Oct 13: The District Development Manager, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Rajouri/Poonch organized a capacity building workshop on Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) at PWD, Dak Bunglow, Nowshera. The workshop was chaired by R K Srivastav, Deputy General Manager, NABARD, J&K Regional Office, Jammu and attended by VK Sharma, Senior Manager, J&K Grameen Bank, Head Office, Jammu, R S Sumbria, Area Manager, J&K Grameen Bank, Rajouri/Poonch, Branch Managers of J&K Grameen Bank from district Rajouri, Business Correspondents (BCs) of J&K Grameen Bank, district Rajouri, Sr Ane joe, Secretary, CMC- Santhom Social Service Society, Nowshera and Rakesh Kumar, president, Human Organisation for Patronisation of Environment (HOPE), Rajouri. Des Raj, District Development Manager, NABARD, Rajouri/Poonch, informed that the objective of the workshop was to upscale the Self Help Groups (SHG) - Bank linkage programme and Joint Liability Groups (JLGs)- credit linkage programme in the district Rajouri. R K Srivastav highlighted the SHGs scenario in the coun- try and in the J&K State. He informed that despite the vast expansion of the formal credit system, the dependence of the rural poor on money lenders continue to meet their emergent needs. The linking of SHGs with the banks is a flexible approach to improve the acces- sibility of credit from the bank- ing system to the unreached rural poor. He also shared some success stories of SHGs and motivated the participants to form the SHGs in district Rajouri and link them with the banks. He also explained the concept of Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) scheme to the participants. He motivated the participants to form Joint Liability Groups in the district. He handled the sessions on SHGs, JLGs, Area Development Scheme and Farmers’ Club scheme of NABARD. VK Sharma explained the progress made by the J&K Grameen Bank in SHGs-Bank linkage programme, JLG credit linkage programme and strate- gy for upscaling the SHGs and JLGs programme in district Rajouri. R S Sumbria sorted out the queries raised by the branch managers of J&K Grameen Bank. V K. Sharma extended vote of thanks. Thinkers Forum for evolving consensus on return of Pandits Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 13: Kashmiri Pandits today said that commu- nity should evolve a consensus on return and rehabilitation in Kashmir Valley. The suggestion was given by a senior leader of the communi- ty and president All India Kashmiri Pandit Conference (AIKPC) at a meeting organized by J K Thinkers Forum here which was presided over by a well known scholar Prof A N Sadhu. Mr Jattu, while addressing the meeting stressed on unity in the community and said that over the years the Pandits have suffered a lot and the communi- ty should unitedly struggle for its rights. The community must preserve its culture, identity and ethos at all costs, he added. In his address Prof Sadhu said adversity shapes fine fel- lows as such the community must utilize this opportunity for laying sound foundation for bet- terment and upliftment of its members so that the future gen- erations would remember the contribution for times to come. By having rational thoughts the community will overcome the difficulties, he added. In his welcome address Kuldeep Kashmiri president Thinkers Forum said that his organisation provides platform to the people of divergent opin- ions to have discourse, debate and discussion on various short term and long term problems facing the community and evolve a consensus accordingly. Shiban Ji Santoshi expressed the hope that such debates and discourses are bound to generate enthusiasm and evolve common opinion on major issues facing the commu- nity. Dr R L Bhat chief spokesperson Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust said the com- munity should unitedly struggle for its rights instead of banking on others. B L Saraf (retd) Session Judge and a well known thinker said unless belongingness among the community is restored, the return carries no significance. Among others Prof G K Muju, P N Pandita (retd SP), B L Bhat, ex MLC, Tej Krishan Bhat, Nanaji Wattal, Rakesh Bhat, H L Bhat, M K Yogi and Comrade Mohan Lal expressed their views. The stage was con- ducted by P K Razdhan. NMCT to distribute scholarship among 20 students Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 13: Nirmal Mahajan Charitable Trust (NMCT) held a meeting under the chairmanship of its trustee president Nirmal Mahajan and decided to distribute the scholar- ship among twenty students of various schools. The beneficiaries of the scholarship are Monika Devi and Mamta Devi of Shree Ved Mandir Bal Niketan Ambphalla, Ajay Rathore of Mahavir Jain School Kachi Chowni, Vikas Kumar of Bal Bharti Public School, Channi Rama, Nisha Devi and Yougesh Sawhney of Arya Kanya Vidyalaya Purani Mandi, Varsha Wadera and Maniya Prihar of Gurmat Kanya Pathshala, Saniya Kumar and Polak of Arya Public School Kachi Chawni, Veena Kumari and Joyti of Government Girls High School City Chowk, Bishnah and Chandni of Government Girl High School Gandhi Nagar, Geeta and Suraj Kumar of Government Middle School Railway Colony, Bharti Sharma and Shilpa Sharma of School for Hearing Handicapped, Mahak and Saira of Louis Brail Memorial Sightless School Roop Nagar. In the meeting, it was also decided that Rs 5000 will be donated to Nar Sewa Naryan Sewa Sansthan situated at Udaipur, Rajasthan for opera- tion of one person every year. It was also proposed to donate 10 blankets to Susheela Sadan, Mubarak Mandi, 15 to Home for Handicapped, Udaywala and 15 to needy, poor and deserving living on foot- path. 4 injured in road accidents Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 13: Police today said four persons were injured in different road accidents in the Valley. A police spokesman said a Sumo JK01L/2584 hit a motorcycle JK01W/1039 at Shalteng Chowk in city outskirts here resulting in injuries to motorcyclist namely Mudasir Ahmad Wani and pillion mate namely Sajad Ahmed Malik. Both the injured were shifted to hospital for treatment. He said a motorcycle driven by Himayon Imtiyaz hit and injure a pedestrian namely Adfar Majeed near Dooru College in Anantnag district. "The injured was shifted to hospital for treatment. Police have registered a case in this regard," the spokesman said. In another incident, the spokesman said, a Sumo JK03/3572 hit a tractor bearing registration number JK16/6034 on National Highway Byepass in Behihama at Ganderbal, resulting in injuries to tractor driver namely Nazir Ahmed Waza. "The injured was shifted to hospital for treatment. Police have registered a case in this regard," the spokesman said. BKS demands construction of roads Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 13: Bharatiya Kissan Sangh, J&K unit president, Subash Dasgotra has demanded construction of roads in rural areas at par with the City. In a statement issued here, Dasgotra said construction of roads in the City was good but in rural areas, the Works Department was resorting to only patch work, which was sheer injustice with the people living in the rural areas including the border belt. He regretted that the rural areas were being ignored, where the roads were required the most. “While construction of roads in the City is a welcome step, the rural areas shouldn't be deprived of their due rights,'' he said and urged the Government to immediately order construction of roads in the rural areas instead of patch work.

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Page 1: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015 (PAGE 14) DAILYEXCELSIOR

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015 (PAGE 14) DAILY EXCELSIOR, JAMMU

NEW DELHI, Oct 13:

India today lashed out atPakistan for “lecturing” it onpluralism after Islamabadexpressed concern over attemptsto disrupt functions of its promi-nent personalities, and assertedthat non-practice of terrorismwas central to the betterment ofthe Indo-Pak relationship.

“(As if) Pakistan is theembodiment of tolerance, plu-ralism. India does not need totake a lecture from Pakistan. IfIndia has a shortcoming, it iscapable of looking after it,” topofficial sources said.

The Indian reaction cameafter Pakistan Foreign Officesaid it “noted with concernattempts to disrupt functionsorganised in respect of promi-nent Pakistani personalities onvisit to India” while referring tocancellation of a cultural eventby gazal maestro Ghulam Aliand attempts to disrupt a func-tion in Mumbai organised for itsformer Foreign MinisterKhurshid Kasuri.

“There is a need to ensurethat such incidents do not reoc-cur,” the Pakistan ForeignOffice said.

However, the sources saidIndia still remains interested inNSA-level talks as per Ufaunderstanding but made it clearthat terrorism cannot be aninstrument of statecraft.

“A lot of what has not goneas per Ufa is because ofPakistan’s domestic politics....They are also having some dis-turbance. There are non-elected

players in play. The dynamics ofit is both complicated and lesstransparent.

“The issue is that there has tobe a recognition that terrorismcannot be an instrument of state-craft and you cannot say it wasonly Gurdaspur attack, why areyou overreacting or an attack onBSF, why are you overreacting.

“It cannot be a routine way.There has to be recognition thatnon-practice of terrorism is cen-tral to the betterment of the rela-tionship. If they are in denial ofthat (that is an issue). One coun-try cannot resort to terrorism asa way of pressurising the other.It is not asking for too much,”they said.

On Pakistan leaders meetingKashmiri separatist Hurriyatleaders, the sources said Indiahas an issue if the manner ofconsultation or discussions orwhatever way they interact withthe Hurriyat was done in a man-ner where they are projected as athird party.

The official sources alsomaintained that India was“open” to a meeting between itsNSA and his Pakistani counter-part on the sidelines of the UNGeneral Assembly last monthbut Pakistan was not “that openand that is why it did not hap-pen”.

“There still remains interestin NSA-level talks. Eventhough, it (Ufa agreement) saidthe talks would happen in NewDelhi. But India was ready tohave in New York. The problemis that when another party starts

conditioning it, that it will onlytalk if they are allowed to meetHurriyat....

“You cannot take away thecentrality of terrorism in the cur-rent state of the relationship.They did not dispute it. Butobviously their domestic poli-tics took them in a differentdirection from the Ufa. Politicsin some countries are not playedonly by politicians. We werestill open to having NSA-leveltalks and there was no lack ofclarity on that,” the sources said.

It is understood that Pakistanhad pushed India for a meetingbetween their Foreign Ministersas a pre-condition for talksbetween their National SecurityAdvisors which was turneddown by the Indian side.

The sources also assertedthat it was also about whetherPakistan accepts or not thatpractising terrorism is an obsta-cle to better India-Pakistan rela-tionship. “If you do accept it,there is logical flow out of it. Ifyou don’t, it goes elsewhere.And clearly in New York wewere not on Ufa page, so it didnot happen,” they added.

The sources noted that afterthe release of Zakiur RehmanLakhvi, the Mumbai attack mas-termind, the sentiment was thatit was very difficult to have talkswith Pakistan when he is walk-ing around free there.“Therefore, we needed somekind of serious discussion onterrorism and obviously theappropriate people were NSAs,”they added. (PTI)

Don’t need Pak lecture: India

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 13: Inorder to review the security andother arrangements forMuharram, a high level meetingof senior police, civil and para-military officers was convenedat Police Control Room (PCR)here today.

Chaired by Director Generalof Police (DGP), K. RajendraKumar, the meeting was attend-ed by ADGPs, S. M. Sahai, L.Mohanty, DivisionalCommissioner Kashmir, AsgarSamoon and senior officers fromcentral para-military forces.

The meeting reviewed thearrangements put in place forMuharram in the Valley.Security, police bundbust anddeployment of personnel wasdiscussed in the meeting, besides

traffic arrangements and mainte-nance of law & order duringMuharram days.

Officers present in the meet-ing briefed the DGP about thearrangements put in place toensure peaceful Muharram pro-cessions in Srinagar city andother parts of the Valley.

IGP Kashmir Zone, SJMGillani, informed the meetingabout the arrangements made atdifferent places, whereMuharram processions are takenout. He said that all requiredarrangements would be put inplace to make the access of thepeople to the places of proces-sions convenient.

During the meeting, IGPTraffic, J. P. Singh briefed abouttraffic arrangements made forsmooth flow of traffic onMuharram and Ashoora day 8.He said that the vehicular trafficwould be diverted through alter-nate routes to ensure uninter-rupted processions.

DIG, NKR, Garib Dass alsoapprised the meeting about

measures taken with regard toensuring security on the routesof processions and in and aroundthe venues of Majaalis duringMuharram and Ashoora. He alsoinformed the meeting aboutdeployment of man power in hisjurisdiction.

Expressing satisfaction overthe arrangements made, Mr.Rajendra stressed upon the offi-cers to coordinate with eachother, ensuring peacefulMuharram processions in theValley.

DGP said that deployment ofmanpower in the areas duringthese days should be ensured toprovide security to the peopleand maintain law and order. Heasked to mobilize all sources forthe convenience and safety ofthe people so that MuharramMajlis are observed peacefully.

Among others, the meetingwas attended by IGP CID, AG.Mir, SSPs Amit Kumar, S. Patel,F.A. Lone, Javaid Koul,R.K.Jalla and other police andpara-military officers.

DGP reviews Muharram arrangements

Bridgestone India launches‘Ecopia’ in Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 13:Bridgestone India, a group com-pany of Bridgestone Corporation,the world's leading Rubber andTyre Company, launched its fuel-efficient Ecopia EP150 andEcopia EP850 in Jammu.

Ecopia tyres are engineeredwith a combination of light andstrong materials for greater fuelefficiency and to reduce carbonemissions. Independent testinghas demonstrated that EcopiaEP150 and EP850 provides 7 percent and 10 per cent better fuelefficiency respectively, whencompared to conventional tyres.

Ecopia is a combination ofthe words "Ecology" and"Utopia". It is one ofBridgestone's flagship brandsthat represent the Company'seco-activities.

While speaking on the launchof Ecopia at New Delhi,Kazuhiko Mimura, ManagingDirector, Bridgestone IndiaPrivate Limited, said"Bridgestone's EnvironmentalMission Statement of "To helpensure a healthy environment forcurrent and future generations" isthe driving force behind launchof Ecopia in India. ThroughEcopia's fuel-efficiency,Bridgestone can contribute

towards the reduction of CarbonDiaoxide emissions in India,while enabling Indian drivers toachieve fuel-savings. Apart fromincreased fuel-efficiency andbeing environment-friendly,Ecopia EP150 and EP850 arealso designed to provide durabil-ity and excellent road handlingperformance".

Bridgestone's Ecopia range oftyres utilizes unique compoundsand cutting-edge technology intread design to strike a balancebetween fuel efficiency, lowrolling resistance, safety anddurability. This enables Ecopia tocope with the demands of a widevariety of drivers, he added.

The Ecopia tyres are avail-able in 26 sizes initially, rangingfrom 13" to 18" rim diameters,and is designed to fit many popu-lar compact vehicles. EcopiaEP150 caters to small and mid-size sedans, while Ecopia EP850caters to SUVs.

The fuel savings offered byEcopia contribute toBridgestone's global goal ofimproving tyre rolling resistanceby 25 percent by 2020. TheEcopia tyre line also movesBridgestone closer to its long-term environmental vision ofachieving a 50 percent reductionin CO2 emissions by the year2050 and beyond.

Officials of Bridgestone India launching ‘Ecopia’ at Jammu.

Gupta kick starts macadamizationof Battal Ballian road

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Oct 13:Minister of State for Finance &Information Technology, PawanKumar Gupta, today kick startedthe macadamization work ofBattal Ballian road in Udhampur

here today.The black topping of 5km

Battal Ballian road would becompleted with an amount ofRs. 1.5 crore by the PublicWorks Department.

The Minister reiterated thattenders of construction of manyroads have been floated and theblack topping work of theseroads would be started in thetown soon.

On the occasion, Guptaissued on the spot instructions tothe concerned officers of PWDto ensure durability of roadswithout compromising the qual-ity of material. He said that peo-

ple of the area should personallymonitor the quality of ongoingdevelopmental works in theirrespective areas.

Mr. Gupta said that develop-mental works of theConstituency will be completedin a stipulated time frame so that

all the basic requirements of thepublic could be met in a shorterspan of time and long pendingdemand of basic works is ful-filled.

Responding to the demandsof the locals, the Ministerassured the public of the areathat all their genuine demandswould be fulfilled in a timebound manner.

MoS Finance, Pawan Kumar Gupta kick starting macadamiza-tion work of Battal Ballian road at Udhampur on Tuesday.

DGP, K Rajendra reviewing Muharram arrangements in a meeting at Srinagar on Tuesday.

Govt fails to protectown legislation: Kundal

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 13: Formerchief secretary and legislator BR Kundal today alleged thatGovernment has failed to pro-tect its own legislation withregard to the reservation to theScheduled Castes andScheduled Tribes.

In view of the recent HighCourt judgment, dated October9, 2015, a meeting of the socio-political leaders with varyingbackground was held here todayunder the chairmanship of for-mer Minister, Chief Secretaryand MLC, B R Kundal. It wasnoted with concern that Govthas totally failed to protect itsown legislation enacted in 2005which came after a long strug-gle.

Speaking on the occasion,Mr Kundal alleged that attitudeof the Government has exposedits slogans regarding upliftmentof weaker sections particularlySCs and STs. This also provedthe often repeated allegations of

the weaker sections, that nothingbut only lip service is providedto them whosoever comes topower.

He pointed out that on onehand the Prime Minister is reit-erating his Govt's resolve andcommitment to provide reserva-tion to the SCs and STs whereas,his own political party, which isin coalition with PDP in J&K, isnegative his resolve.

The speakers in the meetingincluding NPP leader Yash PalKundal, Faqir Nath from Congand Jagjeevan Lal from NCappealed the State ChiefMinister and Prime Minister MrModi to intervene into the mat-ter, otherwise members fromthese communities would beforced to chalk out next courseof action.

Prominent among otherspresent in the meeting included,Piran Ditta, R L Bharti, G RBhagat, H R Phonsa, S SSangral, Sat Pal Lakhotra,Madan Lal, Ashok Bhagat and BR Lachotra.

BCC Bani projectslocal issues

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Oct 13: BlockCongress Committee membersand party workers from Baniarea raised the local issues dur-ing the meeting held at Banitown today.

The meeting in this connec-tion was held under the leader-ship of co-treasurer of PCC,Rajneesh Sharma in which thelocal leaders and Sarpanchs/Panchs raised the issues andproblems being faced by thepeople of Bani area. TheCongress activists projected theproblems like road connectivity,poor ration supply and speciallythe price hike of essential andother commodities includingfruits, vegetables, pulses etc.

Speaking on the occasionThakar Das, Congress Block

president for Bani told theworkers that the rates of vegeta-bles, pulses and other eatableitems are touching the sky and itis beyond the reach of poor peo-ple of Bani area.

Rajnesh Sharma (Mian)addressing workers said thatBJP is a party of businessmen.It has happened always in thepast that during this rule theprices of eatable go up to sky asthey have no control over therising prices. They were not ableto control the prices and every-thing is going out of reach of thecommon man.

Mr Sharma further said thatthe main agenda of the BJP is toplay with the religious senti-ments of the people to remain inpower. He assured the people ofthe area every possible supportand service.

PHE daily rated, ITI, CPworkers call off strike

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 13: The PHEdaily rated, ITI trained andCommunity Participation (CP)workers today called off their 33-day long strike and protest dhar-na, out side the office of Chief

Engineer at PHE complex, BCRoad here.

Disclosing this to the media-persons at a conference heretoday, Tanveer Hussain, provin-cial president of All J&K PHEDaily Wage Workers Associationsaid that on the assurance of theMinister for PHE SukhnandanChoudhary and positive

response from the FinanceMinister, Dr Haseeb Drabu theworkers who were on strike forthe last 33 days decided to calloff their agitation.

Mr Tanveer said the ministerhas assured to resolve their issuewithin three months and more-

over, one monthssalary of the workershas also beenreleased. It was alsoassured that their twomonths wages willbe released onDiwali festival. It hasbeen assured thatexpert committeewill frame policy andtwo members fromthe Association willalso be included in it

for preparing road map. While extending gratitude to

the workers from all the divisionsand districts besides media forsupport, the Association presidentsaid that all the workers wouldresume their duties from tomor-row. He also regretted inconven-ience caused to the public in viewof their agitation.

SC/ST & OBC bodies criticizeGovt response in reservation case

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 13: Heads ofvarious organizations of SC/STand OBC communities of J&K,have strongly criticized the StateGovernment's luke warmresponse in defending their posi-tion on the issue of reservation inpromotion.

"Reservation in promotion,as per scores of Supreme Courtjudgements, is a constitutionalright of people belonging toSC/ST and OBCs in both theState and Central services, said ajoint statement, issued by PiranDitta (president of All J&K ShriGuru Ravidass Sabha),Mohinder Kumar Bhagat (Statepresident of All J&K BhagatMahasabha), Ajab Singh Mottan(State president of BatwalSudhar Sabha), Pritam Chand(president of Saryara Sabha),Banarsi Dass (president of AllJ&K Leather Workers Union),Kamla Choudhary of Jat KalyanSabha, Dr Gafoor Ahmed (presi-dent Gujjar Front), Bodh RajBhagat of All India BhagatMahasabha, Bodh Raj Rao ofMahasha Sadar Sabha, Biru Ram

of Barwala Sabha and ShashiVerma of Vishwakarma Sabha.

Lamenting that the StateHigh Court judgement againstreservation in promotions wasgoing to affect 18 percent SC/STemployee, who shall be loosingthe opportunity to rise up to thehigher posts in various depart-ment, they alleged a deep rootedconspiracy to deprive SC/ST andOBC from their constitutionalrights of reservation. The case inthis regard was being pleaded inthe Double Bench of HC for thelast one year or so but theGovernment did give necessarydirection to the AdvocateGeneral to plead justification ofreservation in promotions underSRO-294, they added.

These organizationsappealed the Chief MinisterMufti Mohd Sayeed to interveneinto this very sensitive issue anddirect the Chief Secretary as wellas all Departmental head not toimplement this judgement.Government should also con-vene a special Assembly sessionand adopt 77th, 81st and 85thAmendments of the IndianConstitution, the handout added.

Shiv Sena leaders during a function at Jammu on Tuesday.

Shiv Sena takes CharriYatra to holy cave

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 13: Shiv SenaBal Thackeray J&K Unit todayorganized the Charri Yatra onthe eve of first Navratra inwhich more than 5000 pilgrimsplus members of Shiv Sena par-ticipated.

Charri Yatra was flagged offby MP Krupal Balaji Tumane,Vinay Shukla Parbhari,President Shiv Sena PunjabYograj Sharma and DimpyKohli State President J&K unitat Mahraja Hari Singh Park andlater it proceeded to holy town-ship of Katra. The gathering wasaddressed by Shiv Sena StatePresident, Dimpy Kohli, UPSampark Parmukh, RakeshGupta, general secretary G. ISingh, vice president SandeepBhagat, Sanjeev Kohli andVinay Gupta.

While addressing to audi-ence Vinay Shukla congratulat-ed everyone on the eve ofNavratra and prayed for theprosperity of the country. He

said that Hridya Samrat BalaSahib Thackeray was a greatvisionary and professor ofHindutav. He further highlightedthe failures of BJP-PDPCoalition the State.

Krupal Balaji Tumane alsoaddressed the audience andhighlighted the problems beingfaced by the country due to ris-ing prices of all commoditiesand failure of State Governmentin controlling the militant activ-ities.

Later the Charri Yatra pro-ceeded towards Katra in a pro-cession from Maharaja HariSingh Park. It passed viaPanjtirthi, Vivakanand Chowk,Hari Market, Raghunath Bazar,City Chowk, Purani Mandi, JainBazar, Chowk Chabutra, RadioStation then to Katra.

Other prominent leaders ofShiv Sena were Rahul Shewale,Rajesh Sharma Shiv SenaPunjab, Rajesh Gupta, RakeshSharma, Raj Singh, InderpalGupta, Dinesh Mahajan, GaneshChoudhary, Raju Salaria etc.

President PHE Daily Wagers Association,Tanveer Hussain addressing press confer-ence in Jammu on Tuesday.

-Excelsior/Rakesh

NABARD organizes capacitybuilding workshop on SHGs, JLGs

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Oct 13: TheDistrict Development Manager,National Bank for Agricultureand Rural Development(NABARD), Rajouri/Poonchorganized a capacity buildingworkshop on Self Help Groups(SHGs) and Joint LiabilityGroups (JLGs) at PWD, DakBunglow, Nowshera.

The workshop was chairedby R K Srivastav, DeputyGeneral Manager, NABARD,J&K Regional Office, Jammuand attended by V K Sharma,Senior Manager, J&K GrameenBank, Head Office, Jammu, RS Sumbria, Area Manager,J&K Grameen Bank,Rajouri/Poonch, BranchManagers of J&K GrameenBank from district Rajouri,Business Correspondents(BCs) of J&K Grameen Bank,district Rajouri, Sr Ane joe,Secretary, CMC- SanthomSocial Service Society,Nowshera and Rakesh Kumar,president, Human Organisationfor Patronisation ofEnvironment (HOPE), Rajouri.

Des Raj, DistrictDevelopment Manager,NABARD, Rajouri/Poonch,informed that the objective ofthe workshop was to upscalethe Self Help Groups (SHG) -Bank linkage programme andJoint Liability Groups (JLGs)-credit linkage programme inthe district Rajouri.

R K Srivastav highlightedthe SHGs scenario in the coun-try and in the J&K State. Heinformed that despite the vastexpansion of the formal creditsystem, the dependence of therural poor on money lenderscontinue to meet their emergentneeds. The linking of SHGswith the banks is a flexibleapproach to improve the acces-sibility of credit from the bank-ing system to the unreachedrural poor. He also shared somesuccess stories of SHGs andmotivated the participants toform the SHGs in districtRajouri and link them with thebanks. He also explained theconcept of Joint LiabilityGroups (JLGs) scheme to theparticipants. He motivated theparticipants to form JointLiability Groups in the district.He handled the sessions onSHGs, JLGs, AreaDevelopment Scheme andFarmers’ Club scheme ofNABARD.

V K Sharma explained theprogress made by the J&KGrameen Bank in SHGs-Banklinkage programme, JLG creditlinkage programme and strate-gy for upscaling the SHGs andJLGs programme in districtRajouri.

R S Sumbria sorted out thequeries raised by the branchmanagers of J&K GrameenBank.

V K. Sharma extended voteof thanks.

Thinkers Forum for evolvingconsensus on return of Pandits

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 13: KashmiriPandits today said that commu-nity should evolve a consensuson return and rehabilitation inKashmir Valley.

The suggestion was given bya senior leader of the communi-ty and president All IndiaKashmiri Pandit Conference(AIKPC) at a meeting organizedby J K Thinkers Forum herewhich was presided over by awell known scholar Prof A NSadhu.

Mr Jattu, while addressingthe meeting stressed on unity inthe community and said thatover the years the Pandits havesuffered a lot and the communi-ty should unitedly struggle forits rights. The community mustpreserve its culture, identity andethos at all costs, he added.

In his address Prof Sadhusaid adversity shapes fine fel-lows as such the communitymust utilize this opportunity forlaying sound foundation for bet-terment and upliftment of itsmembers so that the future gen-erations would remember thecontribution for times to come.By having rational thoughts thecommunity will overcome thedifficulties, he added.

In his welcome addressKuldeep Kashmiri presidentThinkers Forum said that hisorganisation provides platformto the people of divergent opin-ions to have discourse, debateand discussion on various shortterm and long term problemsfacing the community andevolve a consensus accordingly.

Shiban Ji Santoshiexpressed the hope that suchdebates and discourses arebound to generate enthusiasmand evolve common opinion onmajor issues facing the commu-nity.

Dr R L Bhat chiefspokesperson Prem Nath BhatMemorial Trust said the com-munity should unitedly strugglefor its rights instead of bankingon others.

B L Saraf (retd) SessionJudge and a well known thinkersaid unless belongingnessamong the community isrestored, the return carries nosignificance.

Among others Prof G KMuju, P N Pandita (retd SP), BL Bhat, ex MLC, Tej KrishanBhat, Nanaji Wattal, RakeshBhat, H L Bhat, M K Yogi andComrade Mohan Lal expressedtheir views. The stage was con-ducted by P K Razdhan.

NMCT to distribute scholarship among 20 students

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 13: NirmalMahajan Charitable Trust(NMCT) held a meeting underthe chairmanship of its trusteepresident Nirmal Mahajan anddecided to distribute the scholar-ship among twenty students ofvarious schools.

The beneficiaries of thescholarship are Monika Devi andMamta Devi of Shree VedMandir Bal Niketan Ambphalla,Ajay Rathore of Mahavir JainSchool Kachi Chowni, VikasKumar of Bal Bharti PublicSchool, Channi Rama, NishaDevi and Yougesh Sawhney ofArya Kanya Vidyalaya PuraniMandi, Varsha Wadera andManiya Prihar of Gurmat KanyaPathshala, Saniya Kumar andPolak of Arya Public SchoolKachi Chawni, Veena Kumari

and Joyti of Government GirlsHigh School City Chowk,Bishnah and Chandni ofGovernment Girl High SchoolGandhi Nagar, Geeta and SurajKumar of Government MiddleSchool Railway Colony, BhartiSharma and Shilpa Sharma ofSchool for HearingHandicapped, Mahak and Sairaof Louis Brail MemorialSightless School Roop Nagar.

In the meeting, it was alsodecided that Rs 5000 will bedonated to Nar Sewa NaryanSewa Sansthan situated atUdaipur, Rajasthan for opera-tion of one person every year.

It was also proposed todonate 10 blankets to SusheelaSadan, Mubarak Mandi, 15 toHome for Handicapped,Udaywala and 15 to needy, poorand deserving living on foot-path.

4 injured in road accidentsExcelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 13: Police today said four persons wereinjured in different road accidents in the Valley.

A police spokesman said a Sumo JK01L/2584 hit a motorcycleJK01W/1039 at Shalteng Chowk in city outskirts here resulting ininjuries to motorcyclist namely Mudasir Ahmad Wani and pillionmate namely Sajad Ahmed Malik. Both the injured were shifted tohospital for treatment.

He said a motorcycle driven by Himayon Imtiyaz hit and injurea pedestrian namely Adfar Majeed near Dooru College in Anantnagdistrict. "The injured was shifted to hospital for treatment. Policehave registered a case in this regard," the spokesman said.

In another incident, the spokesman said, a Sumo JK03/3572 hita tractor bearing registration number JK16/6034 on NationalHighway Byepass in Behihama at Ganderbal, resulting in injuriesto tractor driver namely Nazir Ahmed Waza. "The injured wasshifted to hospital for treatment. Police have registered a case inthis regard," the spokesman said.

BKS demands construction of roadsExcelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 13: Bharatiya Kissan Sangh, J&K unit president,Subash Dasgotra has demanded construction of roads in rural areasat par with the City.

In a statement issued here, Dasgotra said construction of roadsin the City was good but in rural areas, the Works Department wasresorting to only patch work, which was sheer injustice with thepeople living in the rural areas including the border belt.

He regretted that the rural areas were being ignored, where theroads were required the most.

“While construction of roads in the City is a welcome step, therural areas shouldn't be deprived of their due rights,'' he said andurged the Government to immediately order construction of roadsin the rural areas instead of patch work.