CMYK

CMYK

CMYK

CMYK

THURSDAY 17 April | 2014 | 16 Jamadi-Ul-Saani, 1435 AH | PAGES 12 | VOL NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 106 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 Paisa)Pen For Justice Largely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&Khttp://www.zabarwantimes.com

WEATHER

TEMPERATUREMAXIMUM MINIMUMSUNSET ON(THURSDAY)SUNRISE ON (FRIDAY) 05:58 AM

07:04PM 7.2 0C 14.80C

FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:

FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:

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

Partly cloudy sky. Maximum &Minimum temperatures will be around 15°C & 05°C respectively.

Inside story

On Edit Page

See More On Pg 09

See More On Pg 11

Are Muslims afraid of BJP or Modi

As the opinion polls and exit polls are favoring a BJP lead government at the centre, the Muslims of the country who constitute a big chunk of the population are getting panicky. The polarization of the communities by BJP and other political parties and the threats issued recently by Amit Shah and company have sent shock waves in the spine of Mus-lim community in the country who apprehend a danger in the hands a BJP lead government. May be the things are sounding different than

Take up research projects related to problems of the State: Governor

PG 06 PG 10 PG 06

07 injured in road mishaps

02 women consume poison: 1 dies

GANDHINAGAR: The Bharatiya Ja-nata Party’s prime ministerial can-didate for the 2014 general election, Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, re-jected the view that he had remained silent on the February 2002 commu-nal riots in Gujarat, which according to official figures, claimed the lives of 790 Muslims and 254 Hindus; caused injuries to about 2,500 people and re-ported 223 as missing.

I was not silent on Gujarat riots, Narendra Modi says

“We are committed to zero tolerance for human rights violations”

Continuous to move forward Going to teach cat walk

AFSPA an enabling Act; will never misuse it: Gurmeet Singh

Civil society groups hold protest against Tosamaidan lease

Srinagar, Apr 16: Stating that rec-ommendations on revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) have been forwarded to army headquarters in Delhi, Lt Gen Gurmit Singh is the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Chi-nar Corps on Wednesday said that army will ensure and maintain zero tolerance for human rights vi-olations in Kashmir. “We in the Chinar Corps have giv-en our recommendations/perspec-tives on AFSPA to our higher head-quarters. The prerogative to take a decision thereafter rests with the Government,” Lt Gen Gurmit Singh told in an exclusive inter-view with the Kashmir Magazine.He however, added that there is definitely a requirement of legal provisions and immunity for a per-son who is operating out in Jammu and Kashmir. “But more than this aspect, it is our responsibility, and whatever powers are given within the AFSPA, it will be ensured that we do not overstep our authority, even by an iota more than what is required. It is an enabling Act for our soldiers, as they need to have legal provisions. In the same con-

text, it is also a commitment of the Chinar Corps that we will never misuse this law,” he added.The GoC Chinar Corps said that it is an absolute commitment of the army that they will ensure and maintain zero tolerance for human rights violations. “No soldier or commander on ground, who com-mits any act of indiscipline where-

in he has trampled on the digni-ty of people, will be spared. All troops have been sensitized that the Awaam is one of our Centres of Gravity. They are and always will remain a part of our extended fami-ly,” he told Kashmir Magazine.Commenting on overall securi-ty situation in Kashmir, Lt Gen Singh said the security situation on both the LoC and in the hinter-land is well under control. “You are aware that in June 2013 when I took over as the GOC of Chinar Corps, we had the

See Singh On PG 11..

Srinagar, April 16: The army on Wednesday foiled an infiltra-tion bid on the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district of Jammu region.A senior defence official told GNS: “At 4.00 a.m. today, alert troops in the B G sector foiled an infiltration bid by three to four militants. These militants were tried to sneak inside our territory, however, the alert troops challenged

See Forests On PG 11..

Infiltration bid foiled in Rajouri, searches in

Bandipora forests

Srinagar, April 16: Scores of people under the banner of Toasmaidan Bachao front (TBF), Jammu and Kashmir Right to Information (RTI) movement Rural Voice and Kashmir Centre for Social and Development Studies (KCSDS) held a strong protest in Srinagar’s Press Enclave against further extension of Tosa Maidan firing range to army in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.

Earlier the groups – who are leading the agitation against lease – had proposed to held protest in Muncipal Park but authorities denied permis-sion to them. The infuriated groups then had decided to protest in Press Enclave in Lal Chowk.As planned, the groups along with scores of people from Tosamaidan appeared in Press Enclave and

See Lease On PG 11..

Srinagar, April 16: National Con-ference Party President Dr. Farooq Abdullah has said that National Conference won’t allow PDP and BJP to toy with the future of our State and will foil their attempts to dilute the special status of this State for their ruthless, personal political ambitions.Dr. Farooq Abdullah was speaking at an impressive joint NC-Congress public meeting in Baramulla after the NC-Congress Coalition Candi-date Sharif-ud-din Shariq filed his nomination papers from the Bara-mulla-Kupwara Parliament Seat. Sharif-ud-din Shariq was accom-panied to the DC Office by Senior Leaders including Dr. Farooq Ab-dullah, Professor Saif-ud-din Soz, Taj Mohuiddin, Ghulam Hassan Mir, Nazir Ahmed Gurezi, Nasir Aslam Wani, Mohammad Shafi Uri, Mohammad Akbar Lone, Mir

Saifullah, Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan, Javed Ahmed Dar and Qa-iser Jamshed Lone.Speaking to the public after the fil-

ing of the nomination papers, Dr. Farooq Abdullah said that Jammu & Kashmir - its land,

See Farooq On PG 11..

Won’t allow PDP, BJP to toy with our future: Dr. Farooq

Sharif-ud-din Shariq files nomination papers as NC-Congress Coalition Candidate

Srinagar, April 16: The Peoples Demo-cratic Party (PDP) president, Mehbooba Mufti Thursday said the National Confer-ence is desperate to create fear, insecurity and disturb peace in Kashmir as a last bid to keep voters away from polling stations.

Addressing various roadside meetings in Shopian and Wachi segments of Anan-tanag parliamentary constituency Meh-booba said the ruling party which is sens-ing its rout could go

See Mehbooba On PG 11..

NC desperate to create fear, insecurity in

Kashmir: Mehbooba

Srinagar, April 16: Taking on PDP heavily for its deceptive and opportunistic politics, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah,

who is also WorkingSee Omar On PG 11..

Mehbooba’s track record in LS disappointing: Omar

Srinagar, April 16: A complete shutdown amidst clashes was observed in south Kashmir’s Qaimoh area of Kulgam district over the visit of Chief Min-ister Omar Abdullah.As the Omar

See Visit On PG 11..

Shutdown, clashes in Qoimuh

over CM's visit

Srinagar, Apr16: The Peoples Dem-ocratic Party (PDP) patron, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has said the opportunistic alliance between Na-tional Conference and Congress has nothing in common except the lust for power and that is why both parties tried to mislead the people without caring for the consequenc-es.Addressing large number of

political workers from Kup-wara district who joined the party today Mufti said the Congress promise of a union territory for Ladakh in its local manifesto is an election time gimmick which has been introduced for votes but without realizing that it is constitutionally impos-

sible. More than 400 political workers belonging largely to the Gujjar commu-nity, Pahari section and others joined the party today at Mufti’s Gupkar residence.

See Mufti On PG 11..

UT for Ladakh a poll gimmick: Mufti ‘Congress, NC only interested in power’ ‘Rehab policy claiming lives of returnees’

Srinagar, Apr 16: Deliberating upon the upcoming elections Sajad Lone, Chairman J&KPC stated that elections should be seen through the prism of self-help and as a means of provid-ing stability and empowerment through good governance to the lives of the common Kashmiri.He expressed these views while addressing party workers at Baramullah. According to a statement issued to KNS, he said that in the present geo-po-litical constraints elections need to be seen as a means of augmenting the broader ideo-logical aspirations of the Kash-miri people.“Only by being a stable, em-powered and strong people will we be able to stand up and fight for our rights and aspirations. We as a people need to pool in all our strengths in both our individual and collective ca-pacities whether as students, economists, intellectuals or philanthropists and create a concerted effort at being heard

and delivering some aspect of our aspirations.”Lone said: “The throwing up of new, dynamic and fresh blood leadership being part of the process. Why should we leave the path open to the political parasites who have been revel-ing in the glory of power at our cost for the past so many years and inflicting irreversible dam-age to our national and person-al interests as we keep away from the polls.”The JKPC chairman observed that the past 20 years have taught us that we need to take the challenge of our aspirations to all fronts in a collaborative and calibrated manner, choos-ing only one path will not work it will have to be a collective effort. He added that the past 20 years have also shown us the real faces of those who chose to stand by us and the pretend-ers who not only turned their backs on us but also became the means

See People On PG 11..

See elections through prism of self-help: Sajad

Lone appeals people

Srinagar, Apr 16 : Accusing that the police report submitted before the court contradicts the challan what po-lice had filed earlier, the complainant Zahoor Mir in the papa kishtawri case Wednesday said that under the political pressure- Kishtiwari is be-ing shielded.Earlier, the challan produced by the police against Kishtiwari held him guilty and that now police submitted before the court that Kishtiwari had a relation with my father and that he was killed after some feud erupted, said Zahoor Ahmad Mir- son of Ali Mohammad Mir who was allegedly killed by KishtiwariAccording to the reports received by KNS, Mir had earlier moved an appli-cation before the court of additional district judge- urging it to investigate about the recovery of arms and am-munition from Kishtiwari’s posses-sion. The court directed office of the SSP Srinagar to submit a report over the issue.The counsel representing Mir in the court stated that after four months, police submitted its report wherein it was mentioned that Kishtiwari had some personal relations with the vic-tim Ali Mohammad

See Case On PG 11..

Papa Kishtiwari case

Srinagar, Apr 16 : Hours after Huriyat Conference (G) chair-man Syed Ali Geelani arrived in Valley from New Delhi on Wednes-day; authorities report-edly placed him under the house arrest.According to the reports received by KNS, Geelani was kept under house arrest on Wednes-day evening with the police personnel being deployed outside the gate of his residence at Hyderpora. Huriyat (G) chief spokesman Ayaz Akbar told KNS over phone that the senior separatist leader has been informed about his house detention during late Wednesday hours.Akbar while condemn-ing the police action stated that Geelani was scheduled to hold anti-election rallies in every district of the valley and that all the arrangements for the same were made. See Geelani On PG 11..

Geelani placed under house

arrest

Srinagar, Apr 16 : Seven persons were injured in two separate road accidents across the valley. According to a statement issued to KNS, a school bus of DPS Sangam Anantnag bearing registration number JK03A/6592 turned turtle at Pinglish, in the jurisdiction of Police station Tral, resulting in injuries to a girl student and the conductor of the bus. Both the injured have been shifted to Sub District Hospital, Tral for treat-ment. Tral Police has registered a case in this regard.Meanwhile, a tractor bearing reg-istration number JK09/8466 meet with an accident at Langate, in the jurisdiction of Police Station Handwara, resulting in injuries to five persons. All the injured have been shifted to Hospital for treatment. (KNS)

Srinagar, Apr 16: A lady died while another is being treated in hospital after they allegedly consumed poison in Anantnag and Budgam District last evening.According to a statement issued to KNS, a lady (name withheld) and resident of Batagund in the jurisdiction of Police station Dooru consumed some poisonous substance at her home. The lady was rushed to Hospital where she breathed her last. Dooru Police has registered a case in this regard.Meanwhile, a 45 years old lady (name with held) resident of Da-doora in the jurisdiction of police station Khag, Budgam consumed some poisonous substance at her home. She has been shifted to JVC Bemina for treatment. Khag Police has registered a case in this regard. (KNS)

11 Srinagar, Thursday 17 April 2014 Zabarwan Times

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

SinghPeople

Farooq

Forests

Lease

Mehbooba

Case

Geelani

Visit

Omar

Mufti

Owner , Printer & Publisher: Suhail Malik Editor -in-Chief: Shahana Malik RNI NO. JKBII/2011/39764, Email: zabarwantimes@gmail.com Publised at Govt. Quarters , M-13 Magarmal Bagh Srinagar-190001 J&K, Printed at:- Sangarmal Offset Press Humhama Sheikhpora Tele/Fax: 2478370 Cell No. 09999964750, 9796 787844

Hyderpora incident in which we lost eight brave sol-diers. Thereafter, we carried out an in-depth and ho-listic review of our procedures and set our targets on certain key aspects. The first aspect that we focused on was our professionalism. And we knew that we had to introspect from the angle of basic and professional training, to focus on two ‘Centers of Gravity’–one, the Soldier and second, the Awaam (People).”He said the army has instilled a sense of fire discipline into soldiers, that unless and until a militant fires at them, they will not return the fire. “We cannot afford to make a mistake of wrong identification. Secondly, we have explained to them that the local militants are a misguided lot, having been abetted and exploited by propaganda. They will always be given a chance to be apprehended and not eliminated,” the GoC Chinar Corps added.When asked about his opinion about the year 2014 and the two elections this year, the GoC Chinar Corps said the level of militant activity has been more as com-pared to last year. “2014 is definitely going to be a chal-lenging year. There will be an increase in infiltration bids as also militant activities, keeping in mind the heightened electoral pitch.”Asked about the recent controversy over Lolab en-counter in which seven militants were killed in one go, Lt Gen Singh said: “It was one of the finest exam-ples of professionally executed military operations. We were aware, based on our intelligence network, that there was movement of militants in the area. In the present operation, a small operative party had gone on a speculative patrol in the area and observed movement there. Contact was established with the militants and they were effectively eliminated. The uniqueness of this operation was that all seven mili-tants were Pakistani and they were killed without any casualty to our troops. To the general unsuspecting mind, it was something unique and was unbelievable. As such, the inimical elements launched a black pro-paganda campaign on the operation.” He said that it is firm belief of army that all operations have to be professional, truthful and ethical. “We in the Chinar Corps diligently believe and maintain that anything which is untruthful, unethical in a multi agency scenario can never be swept under the carpet. The life span of an untruthful and unethical operation in this environment is between 18 to 24 hours. We are working under the constant glare of media, as part of a multi agency syndrome. It is our resolve to enable and ensure completely truthful, ethical and professional operations by soldiers of the Chinar Corps.” (KNS)

them. The group of militants continued to close in to-wards our post in the area, following which they were fired upon.”“The militants dispersed in the jungle, following fir-ing which lasted for 15 to 20 minutes. Search opera-tions are in progress,” the official added.Meanwhile, army also claimed to have recovered a huge cache of weapons, ammunition, equipment and other administrative stores, today from Lampathri forest in district Bandipora in north Kashmir.Army’s Srinagar based spokesman in a statement is-sued to GNS said that based on specific intelligence input regarding presence of a hideout in the Lampath-ari forest of Bandipora, an operation was launched by army’s 5 PARA today.“During the search a militant hideout was busted re-sulting into recovery of large cache of arms, ammu-nition and warlike stores including one AK 47 along with three magazines, three Chinese pistols, 03 pistol magazines, 28 UBGL grenades, 08 hand grenades, 04 Chinese hand grenades, 01 radio set, 01 GPS and other administrative stores”, the spokesman added. (GNS)

held strong protests. Many persons – who have been victims of artillery firing – were also part of the pro-test. The protesters chanted slogans in favour of va-cating the Tosamaidan by army.Several KCSDS leaders including Hameeda Nayeem, Dr Mubeen Shah, Anwar Ashai, Yasin Khan and Sha-keel Qalander addressed the protesters and demanded vacation of Tosamaidan meadow by army.The KCSDS member Prof Hameeda Nayeem told GNS that if government extends lease we will intensify pro-tests across valley in cooperation with TBF. “We will launch valley-wide agitation against the extension of lease. We will oppose the extension of lease tooth and nail. The people there are in crisis. When we went to Tosamaidan, we found as if people there are living in Middle Ages,” she said.She said people of Tosamaidan need security and dig-nity. “They lack dignity. There are humanitarian cri-sis in Tosamaidan. It is a shame for government,” she alleged.She extended support to the people of Tosamaidan on the behalf of civil society including trade bodies, em-ployees and tourism stake holders.In a statement, the RTI movement chairman Sheikh Ghulam Rasool, said: “We have given a deadline to Government for making the order public i.e. 18th of April, 2014. Till then protests will continue.”He requested people to observe 18th April as ‘Black day’ as the lease agreement is expiring on 18th of April.“This year which is black day for all Kashmiris partic-ularly the people who live around Toasmaidan firing range and who have gone through intimidation and terror in the past years at the hands of army,” he said.On the occasion, dozens of protestors including Chairman RTI Movement Dr Sheikh Ghulam Rasool, its spokesperson, Farooq Kuthoo, Sajad Hussain, M.Akram Shaikh were detained by police after they tried to march towards Residency Road. However, they were freed later.Welcoming the statement of Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather in which he had claimed that current Government will not extend lease agreement in favor of Army and an alternate place will be provid ed to conduct artillery drills to Army., the RTI movement’s spokesperson, Farooq Kuthoo added: “But at the same time we will not accept anything until a formal order is passed by the Government in this regard and the protests will continue,”He alleged: “We smell that National Conference has started playing politics over this issue for its vote bank, which is totally unacceptable to the people who have gone through terrible times during last 50 years. If there is sincerity what Government says then they must issue an order in black and white and that shall

be made public immediately by 18th of this month.”On the occasion, dozens of protestors including Chair-man RTI Movement Dr Sheikh Ghulam Rasool, its spokesperson, Farooq Kuthoo, Sajad Hussain, Akram Shaikh were detained by police after they tried to march towards Residency Road. However, they were freed later. (GNS)

of inflicting grave physical and emotional pain on us.“They were the ones who went and gave testimony against us and our cause at the UN, created the Spe-cial operations group , armed the Ikhwaan against us, sided with the perpetrators of the worst Muslim car-nage in Gujrat , signed off the death warrants of both Maqbool Bhatt and Afzal Guru and sold our blood at every platform that was willing to pay a price for it by giving them more power in return.”Lone added: “They call us "Maha Chor" while conve-niently forgetting the shameless title of being named one of the most corrupt politicians in the whole of India by non other than Their fellow Indian politi-cians. Will we allow this oppression on our souls to continue at the hand of NC for any longer, should we allow them to continue to prey on our future. We need to first contend with our internal demons like the pretenders of NC or PDP before being empowered to claim our rights from foreign oppressors who utilise the ever so willing services of the internal pretenders to strip us of our rights, our dignity and our empow-erment.” (KNS)

its identity and its future belongs to the people of J&K and National Conference will continue to advocate the empowerment of our people in New Delhi with the same sincerity and resolve as our MPs have demon-strated in the Parliament. Dr. Farooq Abdullah said that BJP holds J&K's special status against the people of this State and is hell bent on harming our unique constitutional status based on the irrevocable Article 370 of the Constitution of India. What is unfortunate yet predictable is that PDP has jumped into Modi's lap to help him in this plan by tactically campaigning for and supporting BJP candidates in Jammu and Ud-hampur Parliament Seats.Dr. Farooq Abdullah said that National Conference has always endeavored to fulfill its promises to the people of J&K. It was NC that fulfilled its promise of passing the Autonomy Resolution in the State Assem-bly and it was none other than BJP that rejected the Autonomy Resolution during the NDA rule. It was around the same time BJP facilitated the launch of PDP in J&K to dilute and fragment the voice of the people of J&K. PDP obliged BJP then and is obliging BJP now in BJP's perennial intention to dilute the State's special status.Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Farooq Abdullah said that it was the National Conference Government of 1996 that started a corrective era of reconstruction and reconciliation in J&K after the Mufti-Jagmohan duo had wreaked havoc with the State through their policy of barbaric oppression, wanton massacres and anti-people conspiracies. It was National Conference that rebuilt the State's public infrastructure, provided employment to lakhs of youth and ensured the return of an effective work culture in the State.Dr. Farooq Abdullah said that it was the Omar Ab-dullah-led NC-Congress Coalition that worked for reconciliation in the State by having a policy of in-volvement, engagement and amnesty despite serious hurdles and realities in the State. The NC-Congress Coalition has ensured the unprecedented equitable development of all three regions of the State of Jammu and Kashmir without any prejudice of religion, caste, region or creed.Dr. Farooq Abdullah said that PDP believed in manip-ulating democratic avenues to create political space for itself even if that meant working against the inter-ests and aspirations of the people they allegedly claim to represent. Dr. Farooq Abdullah asked the people to understand that the forthcoming elections is a direct contest between secular forces and communal divi-sive forces and they should vote in large number for the NC-Congress Coalition Candidates to protect the secular ethos of not only the State but also the entire country.The NC and Congress leaders were given a rousing re-ception after reaching the venue of the public meeting and slogans were raised in favor of the NC-Congress Coalition.Dr. Farooq Abdullah also addressed an impressive workers' meeting in Zadibal Constituency and asked the workers to work with utmost dedication and pas-sion to ensure that the BJP-PDP nexus isn't allowed to make any inroads into the State and the NC-Congress Coalition Candidates return to the Parliament with huge margins.The meetings were also addressed by senior party leaders Ali Mohammad Sagar, Nasir Aslam Wani, Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan, Peer Afaq Ahmed, Youth leader Salman Ali Sagar and Abdul Gani Khan while various senior leaders of National Conference were present on the occasion. (GNS)

to any extent and might even target its own workers in order to create panic and fear among political parties.“They have always thrived in insecurity and at this crucial juncture when the NC feels its very existence as a political party is threatened it might target any-one while it has launched a wild and baseless propa-ganda against PDP to create a camouflage for its des-perate action,” she said.She said after having lost its credibility among the people and without any solid performance report card in its hands, the NC is now looking for cheap ways to create instability in Kashmir so that people will not come out to exercise their franchise. The NC consid-ers thin voter turnout as its only poll strategy but it is sure to fail, said Mehbooba. She said the ‘Qurbani’ that NC always quotes as hav-ing offered for Kashmir is actually the blood of those thousands of people whom it misled into losing their life and pushing them into sufferings under the ban-ner of ‘Raishumari’ and later secure power for itself.She said till 1975 innocent people of Kashmir were made to contribute sacrificial hide skins and jewel-ry for the plebiscite movement but it all ended up in setting up a new Maharaja family in the state, which inflicted worse atrocities on the people than even by the feudal rulers.Mehbooba said it is true that the followers of NC like everybody else in the state have suffered a great deal on account of the ruling party’s wrong and selfish pol-icies but its only beneficiary has been the Abdullah family and a coterie of their close politicians.She said truth is that NC has always made merry over the sufferings of the people from whom it has been

taking votes since decades and that is the reason it let them go into troubles and hardships instead of mak-ing efforts to provide them any relief.Mehbooba said the NC and Congress have actual-ly given up the fight after finding it difficult to even muster audiences for their public meetings and that is why it is leveling false accusations against the PDP of having alliance with different political forces. “It is heartening if people having different ideologies have liking for the PDP but stating that we have al-liance BJP and Hizbul Mujahidin at the same time shows nothing but NC’s frustration and bankruptcy,” she said.She said both the NC and Congress have gone bank-rupt and they have lost argument to take on their op-ponents which is quite understandable because they have nothing to show to the people except scams, frauds, atrocities, killings, corruption and other nasty acts.She said Omar Abdullah now actually wants to con-vey that vote against NC is vote for Modi. She said in Kashmir the issue basically is who can represent J&K efficiently and sincerely in the parliament and pres-ent the case of state, people boldly in the highest seat of democracy in the country. NC, she said has established its inability to do so by its failure to raise its voice on important issues like the out of turn hanging of Afzal Guru. She said instead of seeking something for the state, NC has only been giving away what we had like the power projects and the J&K Bank.Mehbooba said Shopian has suffered immensely during the last more than five years and the ruling party destabilized the whole situation in the area few months after it took over the reins of the state with the rape and murder of two innocent women- Asiya and Neelofar- and latter hushing that case in the most bizarre way.“Shopian had to pay heavy price latter just to seek jus-tice for those unfortunate women. People of the area had to agitate for months amid curfews for countless days,” said Mehbooba and added the brave fight put up by the people of the area to seek justice is highly commendable no matter if the institutions denied them what they wanted to achieve.She said NC-Congress government’s atrocities contin-ued to be directed to this area when its forces killed four innocent youth in Gagrin last year to make it pos-sible for chief minister and his elite company to en-joy western music on the lawns of Shalimar Garden. (GNS)

reached Qaimoh, which is around 13 kilometers from district headquarter, violent protests broke in the area in Main Square, witnesses said.The protesters also clashed with government forces; however, they were chased away by forces. The protesters regrouped again and clashes continued till Omar left, witnesses added.The Omar Abdullah addressed the rally at Ziarat in Qaimoh which was attended by ‘around five hundred people’, witnesses said. Those who accompanied Omar included Mehboob Beigh – who is NC’s candi-date for Anantnag constituency of Lok Sabha – and Minister for Social Welfare Sakina Itoo.The CM’s rally was part of election campaign for Mehboob Beigh.Meanwhile, soon after Omar left, the situation re-turned to normal and shops also re-opened, witnesses told GNS.A senior police officer of the district, however, denied any protests and clashes in the district. "Everything is normal is here. You please check again," told GNS.Yesterday, when Omar Abdullah visited Shopian town to address a rally, he was greeted by shutdown and protests. Simultaneously, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Muhammad Sayed was also greeted with protests, shutdown and stone-throwing in Shopian town. The National Conference leaders have put blame on PDP for attacking NC leaders and workers. (GNS)

President of National Conference Wednesday said that Mufti duo are acting as ‘Amit Shahs’ of Naren-dra Modi in Jammu and Kashmir adding that PDP and BJP have entered into a clandestine alliance to supplement and complement each other. He said that voting in favour of PDP will amount to voting for BJP.Addressing election rallies at Homeshalibug, Kulgam and Devsar in favour of NC-Congress joint candidate from Anantnag-Pulwama Parliamentary Constituen-cy, Dr. Mehboob Baig, Omar Abdullah said that the only aim of PDP to fight Lok Sabha Elections is to provide tactical support to Narendra Modi and BJP by dividing voters on communal and regional lines in Jammu and Kashmir.The Working President of National Conference said that fielding of candidates by PDP in Jammu-Poonch and Udhampur-Doda Parliamentary Constituencies of Jammu Division speaks loud and clear of the under-standing between BJP and PDP to wedge apart the so-ciety on communal lines and derive benefits out of it. He said the friendship between Pen and Inkpot Party (PDP) and BJP is now an open secret and all are well-versed with the fact that PDP wants Narendra Modi to be at the helm of affairs to receive his blessings. “But PDP and its leadership should know that peo-ple of Jammu and Kashmir are wiser enough to un-derstand PDP’s vested interests and they will foil its conspiracy against Jammu and Kashmir it is hatch-ing with BJP for the greed of chair”, he said and main-tained that people will make the PDP to bite the dust in the elections for its deceptive and divisive politics.The Chief Minister said that Narendra Modi carries stigma of Gujarat riots on him and has not been exon-erated by the public for innocent killings. “Narendra Modi has also not even expressed regrets for the un-fortunate massacre in Gujarat, instead exhibited his particular ideology by rejecting the offer to wear a cap presented to him by the minority community”, Omar Abdullah said elaborating that BJP has categorically stated in its manifesto about the abrogation of Article 370, Uniform Civil Code and construction of Temple in Ayodhiya. He said BJP’s ‘divide and rule’ policy and communal based ideology is well known to all. He said Narendra Modi’s action in Gujarat to stop the scholar-ship benefits to minorities granted by the Centre Gov-ernment and taking the issue to the High Court and the Supreme Court unveils his attitude towards the minorities. Omar Abdullah said despite these facts Mufti duo are out to support BJP and help Narendra Modi to be the Prime Minister of the Country.Omar Abdullah said that National Conference and Congress are before the people with a clear agenda of defeating communal forces in the Lok Sabha Elections paving the way for a young and dynamic person Rahul Gandhi who is honest, without any blemish, with sec-ular democratic characteristic and a friend of Jammu and Kashmir, to be the Prime Minister of India.

The Working President of National Conference said that Parliament Election is meant for electing the Prime Minister through Parliament Members and it has nothing to do with the elections of MLAs and Chief Minister. “We have to ensure that the Prime Minister of India be such a person who would carry all sections of the society alongwith him and have secular democratic ideology besides having inclu-siveness and equitable development benchmark of his political agenda”, he said adding that this qual-ity is possessed by the young leader Rahul Gandhi, as such, all having faith in secular democratic India should vote to reject communal and divisive forces represented by PDP and BJP.Omar Abdullah said that Mehbooba Mufti’s track record in the Parliament has been very much disap-pointing and dismal. He referred to the bad perfor-mance by the PDP President as the then Parliament Member adding that she has never spoken on the important issues in Lok Sabha in the past and is not expected this from her in future. “When the eyes of the entire world were on Indian Parliament to watch and see what the representative of Kashmir will speak on the important Kashmir re-lated issue on an historic opportunity, alas! Mehbooba Mufti could utter only four words – Main Kya Boloun Yar (What shall I speak Oh my friend), the Working President National Conference said and added that this is a clear proof of the fact that Mehbooba Mufti cannot be the true representative of the people in the Parliament. “As such, voting in her favour is equal to wasting the votes”, he maintained. “Instead of this Dr. Mehboob Baig as the Parliament Member from South Kashmir has not only made scores of captivating speeches in the Parliament over Jammu and Kashmir Centric matters but also asked about hundred different questions about the develop-ment of Jammu and Kashmir to various Union Minis-tries for replying in the Lok Sabha”, Omar Abdullah said while drawing parallels between the work done by Dr. Mehboob Baig as Parliament Member and that of Mehbooba Mufti in the same capacity.Omar Abdullah asked the people to vote in great numbers in favour of NC-Congress candidate Dr. Me-hboob Baig and help to bring UPA-III in power which is in the best interests of people of Jammu and Kash-mir. He cautioned the people about being astrayed by the PDP on different counts. He said sloganeering and emotional blackmailing of this party has remained its trait.The Working President of National Conference also asked the people to help in maintaining peace and tranquility and rejecting the attempts of anti-peace forces to disturb the atmosphere for their vested in-terests.On reaching the venues, Omar Abdullah was accord-ed warm welcome by the people, showering flowers over him and raising slogans in his and in favour of NC-Congress joint candidate. The people heard the Chief Minister patiently despite rain.The meetings were also addressed by Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo and NC-Congress joint candidate, Dr. Mehboob Baig while various senior leaders of National Conference and Congress were present on the occasion. (GNS)

Under the leadership of veteran Gujjar leaders, Chou-dry Salam-u-Din and Choudry Siraj-u-Din they were welcomed into the party fold besides Mufti by the party’s condidate for Baramulla parliamentary con-stituency, Muzzafar Hussain Baig, Abdul Haq Khan, district president and MLA, Mohammad Dilawar Mir, general secretary, Choudry Zulfikar Ali, MLA, Mian Javaid Nizami, Choudry Nizam U Din Khatana , Deen Mohammad Cheetah, Fayaz Ahamd Mir, Adv Khurshid Ahmad Shah, Mohammad Afzal Wani, Ta-jir Sayeed and Mohd Maqbool Dar.Among others who also joined PDP on this occasion include Noor MOhd Shah Member Pahari board, Fayaz Ahmad prominent Social Worker, Mohd Ya-seen Lone Block president Congress Kralpora, Peer Assadullah deputy Vlock President Congress Kral-pora, Haji Mohammd Akber Block Secretary Con-gress Kralpora, Noorudin Bhat, Choudry Javaid Tass Gujjar leader, Ab Majeed Bhat Block organiser Congress, Haji Ab Khaliq Lone Halqa President PC Kawari, Choudhry Iqbal Board member , Ab Rehman Khan PC Kawari, Gh Rasool Wani NC Kawari, Gh Ah-mad Khan Kawari.Mufti said the NC can’t escape its responsibility from the Congress manifesto and it must explain its posi-tion as an alliance partner in the UPA.“On the one hand the NC is shedding crocodile tears about article 370 and preservation of special status of J&K and on the other hand they are trying to dismem-ber the state and take a territory out of it,” he said and wondered what kind of a preservation of state’s interest the NC is talking about?He said hoodwinking has been an old tactic of NC to stay in power but it is ridiculous that they still feel that people would trust their word. Mufti said the NC-led government has been making fancy claims about all issues but have not been able to bring relief to a single life in the state except enriching their own selves.He referred to the so-called rehabilitation scheme for those people who had gone across the Line-of-Control (LoC) and said the entire families of the unfortunate men have been deceived and put into all kinds of trouble. He said the recent incident in which a lady committed suicide because her family like others had been abandoned by the government after having re-turned to their homes in search of a dignified life is a stark reminder of how the present government is playing with the lives of people.

Mir- the report is contradictory to the challan pro-duced by the police earlier against Kishtiwari. Zahoor stated that there must be some political interference going on in the case due to which Kishtiwari is be-ing protected. The next date of hearing of the case is scheduled to be held on April 19. (KNS)

Also, he said, the district offices of Huriyat (G) were informed about the scheduled rallies. Pertinently, Geelani arrived here from New Delhi on Wednesday.Geelani was received by his supporters. A consider-able number of people followed the vehicle of Gee-lani from the Srinagar Airport, raising pro-freedom and anti-India slogans. As he reached his Hyderpora residence, Geelani was welcomed by slogans and cheers by his followers who were waiting for him and distributed anti-election posters among people. Geelani had gone to Delhi for treatment after illness on March 13. (KNS)

SRINAGAR | THURSDAY, APRIL | 17 | 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.

Arrangements for smooth conduct of LS Elections for 02-Srinagar Parlia-

mentary Constituency also discussedSRINAGAR, APRIL 16: The Dis-

trict Election Officer, Srinagar, Mr. Farooq Ahmad Shah conducted a daylong training programme for Assistant Electoral Registration Of-ficers (AEROs), Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and other officers concerned with Lok Sabha Elections-2014 for 02-Srinagar Parliamentary Constitu-ency to acquaint them with various aspects of elections including han-dling of EVMs, distribution of voter slips among the electorate besides other measures for conducting free, fair and smooth Lok Sabha elections in the district.

As many as 700 AEROs, BLOs and officials associated with the conduct

of Lok Sabha polls participated in the training programme.

The Booth Level Officers were asked to collect voter slips by or before April 17, 2014 from District Election Office, Srinagar and deliver the voter slips to electorates in their respective areas at their doorsteps by or before April 25, 2014 to enable them to cast their votes for 02-Sri-nagar Parliamentary Constituency comprising of Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal districts.

The officers were asked to pro-vide necessary information to voters regarding the use of EVMs.

The voters have been asked to bring along Election Photo Iden-tity Cards on the polling day and in case the voter is unable to produce EPIC, Passport, Bank/Post Office Pass Book with Photo, Driving Li-cence, ID Cards issued by the Gov-ernment departments/PSUs shall

be produce on the occasion as their identity proof.

The concerned officers and of-ficials were asked to work with dedication and synergy to ensure free, fair and smooth conduct of Lok Sabha Elections-2014.

The Booth Level Officers were asked to visit Polling Stations to re-view the necessary arrangements being made for the elections for 02-Srinagar Parliamentary Constitu-ency which are being conducted on April 30, 2014.

Meanwhile, the General Election Observers, Mr. Harbhupinder Singh Nanda and Mr. Ashok Kumar Singh convened a meeting of Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Offi-cers, Booth Level Officers and other officer concerned with Lok Sabha Elections-2014 here today at SKICC Srinagar to review poll prepared-ness.

BARAMULLA, APRIL 16: As many as five candidates of various political parties filed their nomination papers for 01-Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency here today before the Returning Officer, who is also the Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone.

These include Mr. Sharief-ud-Din Shariq of National Con-ference, Mr. Mohammad Rafiq Shah of National Panthers Party, Mr. Ghulam Mohammad Mir of BhartiyaJanta Party, Mr. Salam-ud-Din Bajad of Peoples Conference and Mr. Khurshid Ahmad Khan of Peoples Conference who filed his nomination as covering candidate of the party.

1274 polling staff selected in BandiporaBANDIPORA, APRIL 16: First randomization of polling staff

was done by the District Election Officer, Bandipora, Dr. Shah Faisal here today. As many as 1274 employees were selected for poll duty required for 263 polling stations in District Bandi-pora.The training schedule has also been compiled for the poll staff. According to the schedule, the training of the poll staff of Gurez will be held at Rest House Gurez on April 21 and April 22, 2014 whileas the staff of Bandipora Tehsil will be imparted the training at Government Higher Secondary school Kaloosa on the same dates.Similarly, the training for the poll staff of Sonawari Tehsil will be held at Government Degree College, Sumbal on April 21 and April 22, 2014.

Five candidates filed nominations for 01-Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency

Daylong training programme for AEROs, BLOs held at SKICC

JAMMU, APRIL 16: Governor Mr. N.N. Vohra, Chancellor of the Kashmir University, urged the Vice Chancellors of the Universi-ties of the Kashmir and Jammu to take up research projects on subjects which are related to the problems being faced by the people of the State. He said this at the meeting of the University Council held today while review-ing the ongoing research projects of the University. The University informed that the major ongo-ing research projects included one for the establishment of an Apple Germplasm Repository and developing an Action Plan for Strengthening the Ecologi-cal Integrity of the Dal Lake. The Governor suggested to the Vice Chancellor to consider involv-ing SKUAST-K for implementing a project for the conservation of germplasm of all the indigenous fruit plants in the State.

Prof. Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor of the Kashmir Uni-versity, informed the Council that the University has signed an MoU with the Geological Survey

of India which would enable the students of Earth Sciences to re-ceive training with the GSI’s in-stitutions. He also informed the Council about the Universitys’ participation in a number of re-search projects which included, “India based Neutrino Observato-ry” project to study atmospheric

neutrinos in a 1300 meters deep underground laboratory near Theni, Tamil Nadu, India.

While reviewing the ongoing infrastructure develop-ment projects in the different Campuses of the KU, the Chan-cellor asked the VC to ensure that all these buildings provide

for differently abled persons. He also urged the VCs of both the Kashmir and Jammu Universi-ties to develop sports and other extra-curricular activities related infrastructure in the Universities.

The Council approved 5% su-pernumerary admissions for foreign nationals to pursue Un-

der Graduate and Post Graduate studies in the Kashmir Univer-sity. The Chancellor urged the VC to introduce Peer Review and Re-fresher Courses for the teachers under the Faculty Development Programme.

Present in the meeting were Mr. R.P Agarwal, former Secretary, MHRD, GOI, Prof. M.P.S Ishar, Vice Chancellor, Jammu University, Mr. B.R. Sharma, Principal Secretary Planning and Development, Mr. B.B. Vyas, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and Principal Secretary, Finance, Mr. Rakesh Gupta, Prin-cipal Secretary to the Governor, Sheikh Mushtaq Ahmad, Secre-tary to Government, Higher Edu-cation Department, Prof. Yasmin Kawoos, Principal, Government Degree College, Bemina, Prof. Nasreen Malik, Principal, Govern-ment Degree College, Ganderbal, Prof. Aquil Ahmad, Dean Faculty of Physical and Material Science, KU, Prof. Akbar Masood, Dean, Faculty of Biological Sciences, KU, and Prof. Zafar Ahmad, Registrar, Kashmir University.

Take up research projects related to problems of the State: Governor

We made a big sacrifice by resigning, but public failed to understand it: Kejriwal

‘May 16 will be dry day’

VARANASI: AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said he committed a “mis-take” of not consulting people before re-signing as chief minister of Delhi.

“I think we made a mistake on (the issue of) resignation. Resignation in prin-ciple was (however) right,” Kejriwal told NDTV here.

Kejriwal and his cabinet quit February 14 after failing to pass the Jan Lokpal bill in the Delhi assembly because of opposi-tion from the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

“We should have consulted people before resigning the way we did before forming the government, which we didn’t do,” he added. “It was a communication problem.”

Kejriwal, who was chief minister for 49 days, agreed that the decision did not go down well with the people.

“People could not absorb it. I should have interacted with people the way I did in (the) 10 days during campaigning in

Delhi ... I should have gone among (the) people.”

But he insisted that he made a “sacri-fice” by resigning as chief minister.

“I could have also stuck to the chief minister’s post as others do but my con-science did not allow (me to do so).

“We thought we had done a big sac-rifice, and the public would praise us. But the public couldn’t understand the logic.”

Kejriwal led the AAP to a spectacular showing in the Delhi assembly election in December, winning 28 of the 70 seats. The BJP came on top with 31 seats and the Congress was routed with just eight seats.

The AAP went on to form a minority government with Congress backing after conducting a referendum among voters on whether or not it should take Congress support to take power.

But when he decided to quit, Kejriwal took a unilateral decision.

JAMMU, APRIL 16- As per the order of Excise Commissioner, Jammu and Kashmir certain liquor shops in districts of Samba , Reasi, and Udhampur have been ordered to observe dry day on the day of counting of votes for general elections (2014) – the May 16.

“In view of counting of votes on May 16, 2014 of General Election to Lok Sabha 2014,Saki Wine shop, Ghagwal of District Samba, Nand Kishore Wine Shop, Rajpura of District Samba,Sun & Sand Bar & Restaurant Ghagwal of Samba District, Surinder Wine shop Manthal District Udhampur, Sansar Chand Wine Shop Majalta of Dis-trict Udhampur, Kamla Devi Wine Shop Pouni District Reasi, Harbhajan Wine Shop Bharakh District Reasi and Rossi Wine Shop, Bhambla of District Reasi shall also ob-serve the day as dry day”, the order issued by Excise Commissioner, J&K Govern-ment directs.

DC Ganderbal flags off Anti Polythene rallyGANDERBAL, APRIL 16: To create public awareness about the polythene ban and

to make the district polythene free an anti polythene rally was organised in the dis-trict Ganderbal today.

The school children of Ganderbal district joined hands with the administration and marched through the markets of Kangan, Lar and Ganderbal to make people aware about the ill-effects of polythene use. The rally was flagged off by the Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal in which over 1000 students of various educational in-stitutions of the district participated. The rally was taken out from mini secretariat compound.

Later, accompanied by senior officers of district administration, Deputy Commis-sioner, Ganderbal conducted a surprise inspection of the market and seized poly-thene from a various shops.

I was not silent on Gujarat riots, Narendra Modi says

GANDHINAGAR: The Bharati-ya Janata Party’s prime ministe-rial candidate for the 2014 gen-eral election, Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, rejected the view that he had remained silent on the February 2002 communal riots in Gujarat, which according to official figures, claimed the lives of 790 Muslims and 254 Hindus; caused injuries to about 2,500 people and reported 223 as missing.

“I was not silent, I answered every top journalist in the coun-try from 2002-2007, but noticed there was no exercise to under-stand truth,” Modi told Smita Prakash, editor (news) Asian News International, in an exclu-sive interview.

He further said that he be-lieved that unknown entities gave rise to a number of con-spiracies that allegedly linked

him to the tragedy.“I have said what I had to say.

Now, I am in the people’s court, and I am waiting to hear from them, and their verdict,” Modi said when prodded further on his role in the 2002 riots.

He maintained that he was committed to democracy, and added that “if the media had not worked to malign Modi, then who would known about Modi today?”

Responding to a question on AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal’s comment that editors of news-papers would flee if he became the next Prime Minister, Modi replied: “For 14 years, we (the BJP) has run the government in Gujarat. I ask you, has any editor left or, has any reporter left?”

It maybe recalled that in 2012, Modi was cleared of com-plicity in the 2002 violence by

a special investigation team ap-pointed by the Supreme Court of India, and in April this year, the Supreme Court expressed satisfaction over the SIT’s inves-tigations in nine cases related to the violence, and rejected as “baseless” a plea contesting the SIT report.

‘Congress will deliver worst performance in its history, NDA its best’

Narendra Modi also predict-ed that the ruling Congress Party and the United Progressive Alli-ance (UPA) government at the Centre would experience and suffer the worst performance in its history, while the opposing National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would come up with its best till date.

Modi, when asked a ques-tion on whether the NDA would achieve the coveted majority

mark of 272 seats required to form a government at the Cen-tre, said: “This will be the worst performance in the Congress Party’s history, and the BJP and the NDA’s best performance.”

Modi, who was speaking ahead of his visits to Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh and Salem in Tamil Nadu to address election rallies, said the incumbent ad-ministration’s performance over the last decade was there for all to see and judge, and all he had been doing during his campaign across the country, was to speak about these drawbacks, and highlight them, where required, and to ask the people whether they wanted a better and as-sured future for themselves, which the BJP and the NDA has been promising to do.

The BJP prime ministerial candidate also appeared to re-

ject the view that Muslims were fearful of him should he come to power at the Centre, and there-fore, there could be a polariza-tion of votes in key constituen-cies of the country, such as in Varanasi, from where he was contesting the polls.

He told ANI: “I am not going there (Varanasi) to defeat any-one, but to win hearts. Once I meet them all, they will love me.”

Modi and senior leaders of the BJP have thus far dismissed the impact of any anti-Modi po-larization among Muslims, who account for about 18 per cent votes in rural Varanasi, and close to 30 per cent in urban areas.

However, some local BJP leaders are reportedly appre-hensive about a possible polar-ization of votes because of Mo-di’s presence.

Kashmir University Council Meeting held

Daily Zabarwan TimesEDITORIAL/ OPINIONEDITORIAL/ OPINIONDaily Zabarwan TimesSrinagar, Thursday 17 April 2014

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

Are Muslims afraid of BJP

or Modi

As the opinion polls and exit polls are fa-voring a BJP lead government at the centre, the Muslims

of the country who constitute a big chunk of the population are getting panicky. The polarization of the communities by BJP and other political parties and the threats issued recently by Amit Shah and company have sent shock waves in the spine of Mus-lim community in the country who apprehend a danger in the hands a BJP lead government. May be the things are sounding different than their originality but keeping in view the allies of BJP such as Shive Sena, Bajrang Dal and its cadre controlling au-thority RSS, it is quite but natu-ral that Indian Muslims are feel-ing unsafe insecure. After the division of the country Muslims have been the target of some communal elements and there have been several incidents of communal violence but overall the general politics in India has not been vary of Muslims and has not tried to create an atmo-sphere where Muslims would be targeted. The constitution of In-dia is secular in character and it gives the citizens equal rights in-cluding the right to worship and co-exist with other communi-ties. However the stray incidents of communal nature can happen in any area of the world as has been seen in many countries which include even the west-ern countries. But as far as the condition of Muslims in India is concerned, it has been a matter of concern for every person with a positive mind set. The Muslim community feels deprived of so many avenues and amenities which include their representa-tion in All India Services, all the three wings of armed forces and in most of the important central agencies inclusive of IB and CBI. There were some steps taken by some governments to improve the condition of the Muslims but despite this there has not been much of a change seen in their economic and social life. Now as they apprehend the arrival of BJP at the centre which will be headed by Narender Modi, they feel more insecure than they felt at any stage after independence. The post Godhara riots are still fresh in their minds and the over-all destruction these riots caused has made the Muslim communi-ty feel that they may not be safe in the hands of BJP. However, if one goes by the records there have been more communal inci-dents during Congress regimes than that of BJP.

Daily Zabarwan TimesEDITORIAL/ OPINIONEDITORIAL/ OPINIONDaily Zabarwan TimesSrinagar, Saturday 22 February 2014

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

Education-Magic wand to progress

and prosperity Expenditure Monitoring Mechanism

The Election Commission conducts the elections to the office of the President, Vice President, Parliament and the State Assemblies. As per Article 324 of the Constitution, the Commission is vested

with the power of Superintendence, direction and control of elections. It is a well-known fact that without money, multi-party democracy cannot function, however ‘Money Power’ involves certain risks like: Uneven Playing field and lack of fair competition,Political Exclusion ie: Certain sectors face disadvan-tage,Co-Opted politicians under campaign debts,Tainted Governance and Rule of Law undermined. The Commission is seriously engaged in curbing the influence of money power in elections, during General elections to Assembly / Parliamentary con-stituencies. The Election Commission has formu-lated a robust mechanism for monitoring election expenditure, which was first implemented during General Election to Legislative Assembly of Bihar in 2010. This monitoring mechanism was subse-quently implemented effectively and systematically from 2010 to 2013 in the Assembly/ Bye- Elections in the States of West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttara-khand, Manipur, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Karnataka, Rajasthan, NCT of Delhi, Mad-hya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram. These measures have resulted in huge cash interception / seizures during the Assembly elections totaling to approximately 215 crore rupees. The following are the main features of the Election Expenditure Monitoring: · Opening of a separate bank account by each contesting candidate for incurring all major election expenses through cheque / demand draft drawn on this bank account only.· A complaint-monitoring cell in each district with 24X7 toll free number to receive complaint from the public.· Flying Squads, Quick Response Teams, Static Surveillance Teams headed by Executive Magistrates are formed in each constituency to track illegal cash

transaction or any distribution liquor or any items for bribing/ inducement of the voters and to attend to all complains of election expenditure. · All airports in the State, major railway stations, hotels, farm houses, ‘hawala’ agents, financial bro-kers, cash couriers, pawn brokers and other suspi-cious agencies/persons engaged in movement of cash are to be kept under close surveillance by the Income Tax Department and necessary action to be taken as per the provisions of the Income Tax Act.· Monitoring of suspicious cash withdrawal from any bank account during election process.· Expenditure Observers are appointed for each district with senior officers from Income Tax De-partment, Customs & Central Excise Department and other finance & accounts services from outside the State to oversee the election expenditure by the candidates during election.· Assistant Expenditure Observers are appointed for each constituency, to assist the Expenditure Ob-servers.· Shadow Observation Register is maintained in each constituency for each candidate to record major expenses observed during the election.· Video Surveillance Team is constituted with camera persons and Government officials in each team to videograph major election campaign ex-penses.· Accounting Team is constituted in each constit-uency to maintain Shadow Observation Register and the folder of evidence.· Media Certification and Media Expenditure Monitoring Committee (MCMC) constituted to monitor both print and electronic media including cable network, social media etc. for election adver-tisement and suspected Paid News.· Campaign for Ethical Voting and to create awareness among voters not to accept any induce-ment in exchange of votes. Election Expenditure monitoring mechanism has been adopted to curb the misuse of money power during elections to ensure free and fair elections. The following strategies are adopted: · Interpersonal communication is taken up through the State/ Government of India units- In-come Tax Dept. to track illegal cash, Directorate of

Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) to track drugs, Enforcement Direc-torate to track foreign Exchange, Police Department and Excise Department of the respective States to check other crimes related to bribery, terror, theft, narcotics, illegal liquor etc. and the abuse of money power in elections involving the candidate, his agent or any political party.· A strict vigil is maintained over the movement of cash etc. through airports/ airstrips/ Helipads and a standard operating procedure (SOP) has been devel-oped and implemented by the Bureau of Civil Avia-tion in consultation with the Commission. While the CISF is involved to keeps strict vigil at the airports of the poll going States to stop illegal movement of cash / bullion involving the candidate, his agent or any political party.· The Ministry of Civil Aviation has been direct-ed to operate Air Intelligence Units (AIU’s) in all the airports of the respective poll going states till the date of completion of elections so as to keep track of and report of any illegal movement of cash involving the candidate, his agent or any political party.· The Government of India unit like the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has been requested to pro-vide real time information on suspicious cash trans-actions in banks and to keep close watch on with-drawal of cash exceeding the specified limits from the Bank Accounts in poll going States.· BSF and SSB has been requested to keep strict vigil over movement of illegal items, cash etc. through international borders of poll going States meant to influence voters.· The cases of candidates, who have not filed cor-rect election Expenditure statements, have been pro-cessed for disqualification under section 10A of the R.P. Act, 1951. The above measures have gone a long way in curbing pernicious effect of money power during the general elections held in the last four years. There is still a lot of distance to be covered in this regard to eliminate the deep seated malady and the intelligentsia, me-dia, civil society organizations should all join hands with Election Commission of India to create general awareness against the use of Money Power during elections.

Transforming the Department of Posts into a Technology Driven Department

A massive transformation of the Department of Posts is being un-dertaken by the Ministry of Com-munications & Information Tech-nology which will metamorphose

the Department - now better known to the nation as India Post - into a technology driven Depart-ment. For this the Government has approved an IT Modernization Project with a total outlay of Rs 4,909 crore. The unique Project involves network-ing of all the 1,55,000 post offices spread across the country rolling out Core Banking Solution for Post Office Saving Bank, McCamish Insur-ance Solution for Postal Life Insurance and will enable track and trace of all accountable mails in the country. The IT Modernization Project com-menced in 2012 and is expected to be operational by 2015. It covers eight segments which are under various stages of implementation and operation-alization. A dedicated Data Centre is already in place. This Project is unparalleled in terms of its scale and underlines the commitment of the Depart-ment of Posts to provide better services to the cus-tomers, and ensure higher employee satisfaction. The project is intended to build a wider reach to Indian populace through more customer interac-tion channels.The Core Banking Solutions (CBS) in All Depart-mental Post Offices The Department of Posts is also implementing the Core Banking Solutions (CBS) in all De-partmental Post Offices during the current Five Year Plan. The Project introduces the facilities of ATM banking, mobile banking, phone banking, National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT) and Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) to the Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) customers. It will enable the Post Office Saving Bank customers to undertake anytime anywhere banking through a network of ATMs. CBS has been rolled out in 38 pilot Post Offices and is expected to be rolled out in all departmental Post Offices by 2015. The Project will IT enable the Branch Post Offices with

a bio-metric hand held device, which is Aadhaar enabled, printer and solar power to charge battery.Initiatives to Improve the Quality of Mail Related Services Across The Country The Department of Posts has also taken initiatives to improve the quality of mail related services across the country. As part of the Mail Network Optimization Project (MNOP), the operational network for the delivery of mails has been re-structured and the processes redesigned. An on-line monitoring system has been developed for a more effective monitoring of Speed Post Reg-istered Post. An online track and trace system is also in place for registered articles on a pattern similar to the tracking of Speed Post articles. Automated Mail Processing Centers (AMPCs) have been set up at Delhi and Kolkata to further expedite the mail sorting activities. A Global Posi-tioning System (GPS) system has been installed in mail vehicles in the North East Region for a better monitoring of the movement of mail carriages. Providing Computers and Peripherals to All De-partmental Post Offices The Department of Posts has also provided com-puters and peripherals to all 25,145 departmental Post Offices in the country to enhance their effi-ciency. Remotely Managed Franking Machines (RMFMs) are also being supplied to the post of-fices in a phased manner. These machines have a number of security features, like generation of 2D barcodes to assist traceable evidence of postage. These machines will improve the efficiency of the post offices by faster franking of articles and also help in having a ready data base of customers in an electronic form. ‘Project Arrow’ Department of Posts has also launched a Qual-ity Improvement Project called ‘Project Arrow’ in April 2008, which entails a comprehensive im-provement of the Core Operations of Post Offices as well as the ambience (Look and Feel) in which postal transaction are undertaken. The Department of Posts has evolved a Sevottam complaint Citizen’s Charter laying down the ser-

vice delivery norms of various postal products and services. A monitoring mechanism to ensure the quality of services and prompt redressal of public grievances is in place at all levels. It is also operating the Central Public Grievance Redressal and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) to handle complaints. New services like e-IPO, e-Post, Express Parcel Post, Business Parcel Post have been introduced which not only open new revenue streams but also lead to widen the reach of the post offic-es and provide the customer with value added services. Market Share on the Rise The market share of the value added services of the Department of Post vis-à-vis private cou-riers has increased in last two year which are:The efficacy of the steps taken by the Gov-ernment is also reflected in the fact that the Revenue generation of Postal Services is in-creasing every year, and the targets for each coming year are raised by the Government. The revenue generated and expenditure incurred by the Postal Department, during the last three years and the current year year-wise, are: To further increase the revenue the Depart-ment has taken following steps: · Beside the IT Modernization project, a series of initiatives have been taken under Mail Network Optimization Project in order to im-prove the quality of mail services. · Launching special drives for covering more persons under the small saving network, especially in rural areas. Similar drives are also launched to popularize Postal Life Insurance (PLI) and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) so that life cover / savings is encouraged among the rural population. · Financial Performance of each postal circle related to revenue and expenditure are reviewed on regular basis. · Rationalization of postal products to im-prove service delivery in the light of market de-mand.

The progress and prosperity of any nation can be measured only on one yard-stick, as to how many citizens have excess to quality educational facilities.

The off rule, Might is Right, Aristocrats rule the Nations, are now obsolete. The devel-oped countries paid heed to education in the initial stage and now they are harvesting the fruits of those initiatives by way of dic-tating their terms on developing and under developed countries. The citizens are lead-ing comfortable life with all the basic neces-sities fulfilled. They don’t have to live under open sky or stand in que for hours together to fetch one bucket of water or ration at con-cessional rates. Their children don’t have to lose eye sight while studying in dim lights. Talk of any comfort; they are bestowed with in comparison to the people of the third world who have to live from hand to mouth, where poverty is their destiny. It is all be-cause of least priority given to education sector that these countries could not har-ness their resources and compete with the developed nations. They miss the condition in India. We too woke late to the need of the hour in giving emphasis on education. The words of Former President of India Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam keep on echoing when he one said “coming generation will not remem-ber you as to how many temples, mosques or churches you built, but will remember you as to how many school you built”. His golden words speak of his vast experience and practical approach. But despite various schemes and initiatives launched by Central Government, country still lags behind in the field of education. Due to poverty most of our children go to government run school to seek education. Except Kerala almost in tall the states the literacy rate is below ex-pectations. There could be various reasons for this. The way politics has plagued this sector is beyond one’s imagination and al-most killing the future of the country. The state of Jammu & Kashmir is no excep-tion. Here the people are being duped with the slogans of freedom, justice, progress and what not for the last so many years. But it was education sector which was made sacrificial lamb at the first instance. Schools, colleges, libraries were set ablaze. Day today calls of strike, civil curfew, and curfew made the life out of gear. The future of the students was darkened. With the establishment of pop-ular government some initiative with the financial assistance by central government were taken to build or repair school college buildings but the situation still is pitiable. Even now nearly 5000 government schools are without their own buildings. School buildings are in delipated condition. May schools are without roof top, without doors and with broken window panes. There is no proper sitting arrangement what to talk of other civic amenities like heating system during chilly days of harsh winter, drinking water or toilet facilities. Even teacher are not properly trained. There are certain schools were students are without teaching staff but some schools with more teachers but less students due to ineffective transfer policy and rampant corruption. The concept of Rehbar-e-Taleem may be ideal on paper but practically it has failed to deliver goods as it is a means for back door entries. What kind of quality education can be expected from a teacher with nominal honorarium? More-over when such teachers are regularised they get themselves transferred to towns or cities with political pressure or money pow-er leaving students to their fate.Now time has come when Government and the people have to take education sector se-riously. Government should take bold steps by adopting public private partnership for spreading education to every nook and cor-ner of the state to channelize the talent and intelligence of t he children of the state and also in calculate a sense of accountability in teaching community which is possible only when there is good governance.