Shimla, November 27:

Justice Mansoor Ahmed Mir Wednesday was sworn-in as Chief Justice of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh. Gover-nor, Himachal Pradesh Urmila Singh adminis-tered the oath of Office to Chief Justice Mansoor Ahmed Mir in an impressive cer-emony held in Raj Bhavan.Before administering oath, P Mitra, Officiating Chief Secretary conducted the

proceedings and read out the Warrant of appoint-ment order vide number K11019/1/2013-US-1 dated Nov 25, 2013 issued by the President of India.

Justice Mir was posted as Addi-tional District and Sessions Judge, Srinagar in 2004 and Prin-cipal District and Session Judge, Srinagar from 2004 till elevated

as additional Judge of the High Court of J&K. He was sworn in as additional

See CJ on Pg. 11

After SHRC, Taj pitches for CCTVs in Police stations

Srinagar, November 27:

Days after State Hu-man Rights Commission (SHRC) issued notice to Principal Secretary Home and Director General Po-lice to consider installa-tion of Close Circuit TV (CCTVs) cameras in all police stations, senior Con-gress leader and Minister for Medical Education, Taj Mohiuddin Wednesday said all the police stations must have CCTV Cameras so that the police function-ing could become more

transparent.“Installation of CCTV cameras in all police sta-tions is important so that there will be transparency in the whole system Taj told Kashmir News service.E m p h a s i z i n g the importance of CCTV’s Taj said: “Let the gov-ernment i n s t a l l C C T V

cameras in police sta-tions as this can be the only evidence in the hands of Police to prove their

transparency and dedi-cation, moreover there are many misconcep-tions regarding the police functioning among the people, here again CCTVs will be helpful to clear all

the doubts,”.He further said, “Surveil lance cameras would help in

See Taj on Pg. 11

Srinagar, November 27:

Stating that the frustra-tion of the National Con-ference was understood, Peoples Democratic Par-ty (PDP) president, Meh-booba Mufti Wednesday said this party is first time facing a structured opposition within the system and is not able to handle the situation.She was today address-ing a series of meetings at Aloosa, Bandipore

town and Sumlar in the North Kashmiri’s Ban-dipur constituency. In Bandipore town she ad-

dressed a youth conven-tion. Senior party leader

& MLA Nizamudin Bhat, MLC Naeem Akhtar and district president Yasir Reshi , Zone President Abdul Majid besides others were also present and spoke the gathering on this occasion, a state-ment issued to KNS said.The PDP president said the NC had taken power for granted and per-ceived itself as the suc-cessor to the Maharaja and believed in the

See NC Unnerved on Pg. 11

Srinagar, November 27:

Hitting hard at the people’s Democratic Party patron Mufti Mohammad Syed’s recent statement in which he had accused the Omar regime for “systemati-cally demolishing all state institutions” in the past five years to fulfill its evil designs, Additional gen-eral secretary

of National conference Dr Mustafa Kamal Wednesday said that Mufti’s statement

is the outcome of his apprehension of be-ing exposed for his

past wrong doings.“Mufti is worried

because he knows that those officers

who have always been shielded by him are go-ing to be ex-posed all, one

by one,” Kamal told KNS.Senior National conference leader further said that Mufti Syed is ‘frustrated’ to witness the ‘historical decisions’ taken by Omar Abdullah led coalition gov-ernment in the state. Syed wants to grab power by all means for which he is try-ing best to weaken the Na-tional conference.,”In Mufti’s regime, the state got only misrule of the

See Kamal on Pg. 11

Srinagar, November 27:

Financial Commissioner Reve-nue Arun Kumar Wednesday said that those aspirants who smell foul in the selection list of Reve-nue official Examinations should know that Patwar Test was con-ducted by Board of Professional Entrance Examination (BOPEE). “We are ready for re-evaluation of examination papers but one thing I want to make it clear that it is the baby of BOPEE,” Kumar told Srinagar based news gathering agency CNS adding that aspirants have right to re-evaluate their ex-amination papers.Meanwhile, scores of aspirants who had appeared in Revenue Of-ficial Examination staged a pro-test in Press Enclave Srinagar. The aspirants while smelling foul alleged that most of the Urdu

knowing aspirants from Kashmir province have been shown in ‘failed category’ which is not pos-sible.“In Kulgam town alone out of 93 aspirants, 61 candidates have been shown failed. The failed stu-dents are qualified ones possess-

ing the Ph D, M Phil degrees in Urdu,” one of the aspirant said.Another aspirant said that they

fail to understand how most of the Kashmiri students have been shown failed in Urdu sub-ject. “There is a Urdu paper called ‘Bandobast’ which is of Matric standard level. Kashmiri students who are Urdu know-ing have been shown failed in this paper while aspirants from Udhampur and Jammu have passed this paper. It is surpris-ing and we demand through probe into the matter,” Shakeel Ahmed told reporters in Press Enclave Srinagar.The aspirants said that Service Selection Recruitment Board (SSRB) always conducted Patwar test but the Cabinet Decision in this regard permitted BOPEE to conduct this test. “The Patwar test of 1500 aspirants (700 Jammu and 800 from

See Blunder Bus on Pg. 11

Srinagar, Nov 27:

As BJP’s Prime Min-isterial candidate Na-rendra Modi is all set to address a rally in Jammu on December 1, National Conference has asked Modi not to disrupt the communal harmony of Jammu and Kashmir.Senior NC leader Ali Mohammad Sagar, while talking to Kash-mir News Service (KNS) said that every-

one is free to express his point of view in de-mocracy and that the state government is not against any party in this regard. Howev-er Sagar further stated that the communal ha-tred has become BJP’s trademark and that the BJP believes in pol-itics of ‘hatred’. “BJP believes in the politics of strange nature but we must say with cer-tainty that the

See NC on Pg. 11

CMYK

CMYK

CMYK

CMYK

THURSDAY November 28 | 2013 | 23 Muharram 1435 AH | PAGES 12 | VOL NO: 3 | ISSUE NO: 301 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 PAISA)Pen For JusticeLargely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K

Blunder bus again under cloud

http://www.zabarwantimes.com

Kamal takes on Mufti

NC asks Modi not to spread communal

tension

‘NC unnerved by emergence of structured opposition’

Mansoor Ahmed Mir sworn in as CJ Himachal Pradesh

Reviews recommendations on road safety Asks officers to realize

set development targets

See More On Page 10 See More On Page 06

See More On Page 10See More On Page 07

Scientists in search of

common sense in computers

Joe Root likely to get

one down position

On Edit Page

Pakistan situation and drone attacks

The defiant posture adopted by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf Party led by Imran Khan against drone attacks in Pakistan has created a new situation of confrontation

See More On Pg 9

Aspirant Patwars smell foul in BOPEE selection

Srinagar, November 27: Casting doubt over the selection of Revenue Officials, newly formed Third Front Wednesday said that it will seek details through Right to Information Act about the said selection.Talking to reporters, Third Front leader, Sanjay Saraf said that Government is not interested in changing the destiny of people of Kashmir. “After 22 years of turmoil, youth shifted from one system to another but even after that justice is denied to them,” Saraf said.He said that the Kashmiri aspirants who appeared in Patwar Examination are

See Third Front on Pg. 11

Srinagar, November 27: While the fraudulent se-lection of candidates in the multi-crore question-paper-leakage scam has raised a political storm in Jammu and Kashmir, a glimpse into the past of Mushtaq Peer, the main culprit in the scam shows how a ‘minnow’ assistant professor rouse to this position over the years with the ac-tive political backing.Global News Service has learned that

See BOPEE Chairman on Pg. 11

Selection of Patwars

Third Front to seek details through RTI

From a Physics Lecturer to BOPEE Chairman

Politicians at back, Peer did things at will

Says Mufti worried over his wrong doingsSrinagar, November 27:

Finalizing the time frame for the winter vacations in valley, the education department has recom-mended that the middle schools in valley should close on December 2 and the vacations be granted to the higher classes from December 10.The sources close to the Directorate of school Edu-cation Kashmir informed KNS that the department

See Winter Vacation on Pg. 11

Winter vacation likely from Dec 2

15 absentees suspended in KulgamKulgam, November 27: To improve the work culture in government offices in Kulgam District, a monitoring squad headed by Additional District Magistrate today during a sur-prise visit to different offices of district found 15 employees un-authorizedly absent from their duties. The officials including five teachers of Govt. Higher Secondary School Quimoh as well were put under suspen-sion with immediate effect. The general public of the area have appealed for intensifying the drive against the erring employees of the district.

Fukki recovered Srinagar, November 27: Sopore police recovered fukki from a truck at Fruit Mandi, Sopore. On a tip off Sopore, Sopore police searched a Truck bearing registration number JK05A/8573 at fruit Mandi, Sopore, in the jurisdiction of police station Sopore. During the search, police recovered Fukki from five boxes in the truck. However, the driver of the truck fled from the spot.A case FIR No: 273/2013 under section 8/17 NDPS Act was reg-istered in Police station Sopore in this regard and investiga-tion has been started.

14 injured in road mishaps Srinagar, November 27: Four-teen persons were injured in different road accidents across the Kashmir Valley.A Tavera bearing registration number JK18/4957 hit a Motor-cycle bearing registration num-ber JK03C/6144 at Kerikadal, Anantnag, in the jurisdiction of police station Bijbehara, result-ing in injuries to motorcyclist Rayees Ahmad Thoker son of Manzoor Ahmad resident of Kanialwan. The injured was shifted to hospital for treat-ment. A case has been regis-tered in this regard.

See Injured on Pg. 11

28

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 27:

As part of series of language confer-ences started by J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, a 2-day Hinidi Samelanbegan here today where writ-ers and scholars presented their points of view on the status of Hindi language and literature with focus on Jammu & Kashmir. The conference was inau-gurated by prominent scholar, Dr. Ved Kumari Ghai, amidst a galaxy of writers and scholars.The confer-ence is the sixth in the series initi-ated in October-November 2012. So far, Kashmiri, Dogri, Pahari, Gojri and Punjabi language conferences have been held where writers and intellectuals debated challenges to and opportunities available for these languages. In the coming months, conferences on Urdu and Bodhi will be held.The topic of today’s conference was ‘Hindi Ke Samaksh Chinotiyan Aiwam Samadhan: Jammu Wa Kashmir Ke San-darbh Main. The conference, which began with melodious rendering of Hindi verses

by noted artist Sham Sajan and budding Apurva Jamwal, will have four sessions including the inaugural during which the keynote paper by R. L Shant was presented. In the first paper reading session today, three papers were presented including Ut-tar Do Hazaar Ki Jammu Kashmir Ki Hindi Kavita by Prof. Ashok Gupta, Jammu Kash-

mir ke Sandarbh Mai Hindi Patrikarita by Dr. Om Goswami and Jammu Kashmir Ka Hindi Rangmanch by Dr. Sudhir Mahajan.On the second and concluding day to-morrow, four papers would be presented including Hindi ya Matri Bhasha, Lekhan

Ke Sambandh Main by Chhatar Pal, Nari Vimarsh Aur Jammu Kashmir Ka Hindi Lekhan by Dr. Aruna Sharma, Kashmiri Bhasha Se Hindi Main Anuvad by M. K. Santoshi and Dogri Bhasha se Hindi Main Anuvad by Dr. Satya Pal Sreevats.The con-ference will conclude with a Hindi Kavi Sammelan in which poets from within and

outside the state will take part.A large number of writers, academicians, poets and scholars of different lan-guages were present including Prof. Lalit Magotra, Prof. Champa Sharma, Prof. Veena Gupta, Pritpal Singh Be-tab, Dr. Liaqat Jafri, Dr. Agnishekhar, M. K. Santoshi, Chhatarpal, Nirmal Vinod, Pyare Hatash, Sultan Ahmad, Baljit Raina, Icchupal Singh, Dr. Sushil Sharma, Anila Singh Charak and Dr. Raj Kumar.In her presidential address, Dr. Ved Kumari Ghai complimented

the Academy for organizing language con-ferences and said its publications in Hindi including the periodical Sheeraza as also other literary activities have helped a great deal in the promotion of Hindi language and literature in the State.

Daily ZABARWAN TIMES NEWS SRINAGAR | THURSDAY 28. 11 .2013

Development, welfare of border, hilly areas, in

focus: ShabirAddresses people at border

village MongalnarRAJOURI, NOVEMBER 27:-Minister of State for Health, Mr.

Shabir Ahmad Khan Wednesday said that providing improved basic facilities beside all-round development under core sectors in border and hilly areas was the priority of the government adding that in this regard innovative initiatives taken by the government during last 5 years have yielded tangible results in these areas.

Addressing a public meeting today at border village Mongalnar in Rajouri, the Minister reiterated the commitment of the govern-ment towards ensuring holistic development of all the regions of the State with special focus on far off and border areas. He said that government’s pro-people policies and exemplary initiatives have marched the State on the track of peace and prosperity. He affirmed that this mission would be carried forward with greater zeal.Shabir said that people pin their hopes with public represen-tatives and asked Panches and Sarpanches to work sincerely for welfare and development of the people.He assured the people that all their genuine developmental needs would be considered and carried out in a phased manner.Responding to the demands of the locals, the Minister said that due consideration is being given for promotion of agriculture, horticulture and other production sec-tors in the area. He said focused attention was being also paid to upgrade education, health, power, drinking water and road con-nectivity facilities especially in far off areas of the Constituency.

With focus on J&K, 2-day Hindi Conference begins at Jammu

Says floriculture

a flourishing enterpriseJAMMU, NOVEMBER 27:

Minister for Floriculture, Haj, Auqaf and Public Enter-prises, Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed threw open two leisure parks at Lohan Ploura and Jai Bua Datti Temple near BSF Camp Ploura, Jammu here to-day.The parks spread over 13 kanals of land were developed by the Department of Floricul-ture at a Cumulative cost of over Rs. 1 crore.

Minister of State for Flo-riculture Mr. Nazir Ahmad Gurezi was also present on the occasion.

At Lohan, the park spread over 7 kanals of land was de-

veloped by utilizing Rs. 55 lakh.Similarly, the park at Jai Bua

Datti Temple near BSF Camp, spread over 6 kanals was de-veloped by expending Rs. 48 lakh with the provision of Chowkidar-cum-Mali hut.

Interacting with the locals, the Minister said that devel-opment of such more recre-ational and leisure parks are under active consideration of Government, adding that these would provide recre-ational and leisure facilities to the people.Peerzada said that Jammu and Kashmir State is bestowed with natural beau-ty and efforts are also being made to supplement that beauty through increasing number of parks and gardens for locals and domestic and international tourists.

Highlighting the impor-tance of Floriculture indus-try, the Minister said that the State has ample potential in floriculture sector. He said that this industry is a fast growing

industry which has achieved a tremendous growth during the past some time and has extended its ambit worldwide. He said that commercial flori-culture has emerged as a high-tech activity taking place even under unfavorable climatic conditions by utilizing con-trolled conditions in green houses. He said floriculture sector is florishing enterprise with low cost and high profit and also providing employ-ment opportunities to unem-ployed youth of the state.

Mr Gurezi, who also spoke on the occasion, said that ear-lier the floriculture activities were restricted only to main-tenance and development of parks and gardens, adding that now this sector has as-sumed greater significance due to its greater employ-ment and income generation potential especially in the tour-ism sector. He said flowers are in great demand in the country and world over as well.

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 27

The Minister of State for Cooperatives, Finance and Planning, Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma has paid rich tributes to late Girdhari Lal Dogra and all along his life, he worked for economic de-velopment and upliftment of poor sections of the so-ciety.

The Minister was speaking at a function, orga-nized by Girdhar Lal Trust here, in connection with observing 26th death anniversary of late Girdhari Lal Dogra, former Deputy Chief Minister and senior congress leader of the State.Dr Manohar said

that the life of Girdhari Lal Ji is an open message to the political workers, particularly the youth of the state. He said Girdhari Lal Ji was not only the leader of one particular party but a leader of masses, who worked for equal devel-

opment of all the section of the society, strengthening the secular fabric and brother-hood in the State.

The Minister said peace,

development and commu-nal harmony was the mis-sion of the late leader, adding the sacrifices rendered by him for acquiring this goal would be remembered for a long time to come in the his-tory of Jammu and Kashmir.

“It is our duty to take forward the mission “said Dr Sharma and ap-pealed the partici-pants to dedicate their services for the welfare and the development of the people, particularly the downtrodden sections of the so-ciety.Dr Sharma

said that the love of people of Hiranagar constituency, some parts of which now fall in his Billawar constituency.

Peerzada dedicates 2-leisure parks at Jammu

Girdhari Lal Dogra rememberedCarry forward mission of

peace, harmony, equal development: Dr. Manohar

Mian Altaf distributes Rs. 38.36 lakh as relief among 1258 windstorm victim families

of Kangan TehsilKANGAN, NOVEMBER 27: Minister for Forest,

Environment and Ecology today distributed Rs 38.36 lakh as relief among 1258 families of Kan-gan Tehsil of Ganderbal District whose property was damaged in windstorm last year.

On the occasion, addressing a large gathering of the people at a function organized by District Administration Ganderbal for disbursement of relief cheques in favour of windstorm victims at Haaripora Kangan, the Minister said that govern-ment is giving focused attention to the people liv-ing in remote and far flung areas of the State. He said number of developmental projects have been completed in this regard and various such projects are underway which will be commissioned soon so that maximum populace is covered and ben-efitted by these projects.

Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Mr. Sarmad Hafiz, officers of district administration, public representa-tives and large number of people were present on the occasion.

Feed your mind today, Libra. The day’s energy supports growth and expansion, so why not see about learning about something you’re interested in? Challenge yourself by read-ing or taking a class. There are plenty of online subjects to engage you. Find something that interests you that you can do in your own time.

You’re more into socializing today than anything else, Scorpio. This could be great providing you don’t have a heavy workload. See who’s available and go for it. If you need to get something done, you’ll have to resist the temptation to chat too long. Use breaks for this and keep your focus on getting done what you’ve taken on. There’s always the evening to get together with friends.

You may find it hard to admit that you can’t do everything, Sagittarius. There are some jobs that you aren’t cut out to do. Why pretend when a better option would be to delegate the task to someone else? If you don’t feel a strong connection with something or someone, don’t force it. Pretending that you’re capable of something will only cause frustration for you and everyone else.

Don’t be surprised if you’re pensive, Capricorn. It’s one of those days when daydreaming can happen more readily. Your imagination may also be at a peak. Rather than fighting this so you can be more productive, jot your ideas down. It may be to your advantage, as better and innovative ways of doing things can pop into your mind. Take time to ponder. It can bring great results.

Chatting with your loved ones may be more appealing to you today than any other day, Aquarius. It may be important to curb this desire if there are many things that need your attention. If you’re at home, don’t spend all your time on the phone or loafing. Consider tending first to things that need to get done. Socializing will be far more enjoyable without guilty feelings about what you should be doing.

Pisces, you can expect to feel a little more energetic to-day. In fact, you may run circles around everyone. What a great way to start the day. Head out with the confidence that you can easily handle anything that comes your way. Take time to enjoy the company of others as much as possible. If there are meetings on the agenda, handle them right away.

Today may be a time of heightened reasoning and judg-ment for you, Virgo. What a great way to get things done! Pull out unfinished projects and get going. Tackle issues or problems that have surfaced recently by facing them di-rectly. Make the most of this day’s energy by thinking about ways to do things more efficiently. Be confident that you can handle anything.

You might feel like doing something different today, Ar-ies. Everyone needs a break from the regular grind and this is a good time to try something new. Perhaps you feel like vary-ing your routine. If this is your day off, you might spend the day doing whatever strikes your fancy. Try a new wardrobe style. Go to a movie. Do something to spice up your life today.

Start your day writing in a journal, Taurus. This provides an avenue to communicate and connect with your inner be-ing. Things you need to do, ambitions, and even challenges can appear while you’re writing, providing a map that you can follow. Even if starting is difficult, stick with it. The words will come if you give it a chance. It can make your day much easier.

You might find it hard to get going, Gemini. Taking di-rection could rub you the wrong way, especially if you’re set on doing something different. Communicate your ideas and how you want to approach things rather than let irritation get to you. Your approach will be better received if you leave emotions out of it. You may even get kudos for staying calm and collected.

You might feel cheerful and generous today, Cancer. Helping others will probably suit you, and matters will move along smoothly. If there are outstanding projects from ear-lier, tackle them first. It’s an opportune time to get caught up on challenges. Don’t hesitate to lend a hand if you’re ap-proached or notice someone in need. This will benefit them as well as you.

Make an effort to connect with someone you miss today, Leo. Even if it feels painful at first, you’ll feel a lot better once you do. Pick up the phone, write a note, or send an email. Let the person know you miss and care about him or her. Expressing yourself is often far better than stuffing your feel-ings. The person may be missing you just as much.

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 27

Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture Mr. Raman Bhalla Wednesday said that focus of the Govern-ment was to create all basic amenities in rural pockets at par with urban centres, add-ing that in this regard several schemes have been launched to improve the living stan-dard and necessary infra-structure there.

This was stated by the Minister while interacting with the people at Panchyat Ghar in Bhour Camp after re-viewing progress of ongoing development works in the area, here today.

Mr. Bhalla informed that Government has earmarked Rs. 75 lakh for upgradation of link road from Bhour Camp to Shamshan Ghat, upgra-dation of left out lanes and drains at Chatha Pind besides

construction of parking slot at Bhour Kothey near Gov-ernment Primary School. He asked the Rural Development Department (RDD) to com-plete all the on-going projects within stipulated time frame for the convenience of gener-al masses.The Minister asked the RDD to use quality mate-rial on development works, adding that Government was committed to create durable assets for the people.

Taking serious notice of the delay of modernisation of circular road, Primary Health Centre and Julla bridge, Mr. Bhalla asked the R&B of-ficers to gear up their men and machinery in completing the projects within the pre-scribed time period. He said people of the area have faced difficulties due to dilapidated condition of the circular road besides delay in completion of Julla Bridge.

Holds Public Darbars at Hallan, Rainchougund,

HiwardANANTNAG, NOVEMBER 27

Minister for Tourism, Mr. Ghulam Ahmad Mir during his extensive tour of Dooru Constituency, today held public Darbars at hilly villages of Hal-lan, Rainchougund, Thamankot and Hiward.

During public darbars, the Min-ister gave patient hearing to the grievances and developmental needs highlighted by the people. He direct-ed concerned officers to mitigate the genuine needs and individual prob-lems of the people.

The Tourism Minister assured the locals that he was fully committed towards bringing Dooru constituency out of developmental backwardness and usher it towards progress and prosperity. He said government has earmarked adequate funds under various key sectors for the develop-ment of rural and backward pockets

including Dooru. Addressing public meetings in

these villages, the Minister said the coalition government was commit-ted to provide all possible facilities including better road connectivity, safe drinking water, electricity, good healthcare and education to the chil-dren particularly in the backward and hilly areas.

“The government is trying its best to fulfill the promises it had made to the people prior to elections,” Mir said and added that in Dooru Con-stituency projects worth crores of rupees are nearing completion and the work on these projects is in full swing. “To attract more and more tourists to Dooru, verinag and other potential spots a new flip has been given to develop the basic infrastruc-ture on modern lines here,” he added.

Mir also impressed upon panches and sarpanchs to work as agents of positive socio-economic change in the state. “Keeping constant liaison with people at the grassroots, you should help redress their grievances and make them aware of the initia-tives taken by the government on de-velopment front”, he said. He asked party workers to organize public meeting and invite Officers of dif-ferent Departments to help them in

getting the first hand appraisal of the public needs.

The Minister asked Officers to put in vigorous effort for realizing the de-velopment targets and offsetting the losses suffered during the prolonged

unrest in the Valley. He said the field visits of the officers are imperative for monitoring the progress and ensur-ing judicious expenditure.

The Minister said that he would continuously monitor the develop-

ment scenario of each village through field visits and interactions with peo-ple.

The Tourism Minister was accom-panied by a team of officers during the tour.

Realize set development targets: Mir to Officers

Focus of Govt to create improved basic amenities

at rural pockets: Bhalla

Speaker reviews recommendations on road safetyJAMMU, NOVEMBER 27:

Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Mr. Mubarak Gul directed the Police and Transport authorities to gear up their respective enforcement wings and conduct reg-ular check of vehicles ensuring that there is no violation of Motor Vehicle Act, overloading, seat belt and helmet during driving.

Chairing a high level meeting of police and civil administration convened to review the status and progress made in respect of imple-mentation of the recommendations of House Committee “constituted to look into the causes of frequent road accidents on Batote-Kishtwar road and suggest measures to prevent such accidents”, Mr. Gul asked the executing agencies to implement the recommendations of the Committee on ground.

The Speaker called for scientific study of already plying 407 mata-

dors and mini buses in hilly areas of the State especially in Chenab Valley and come up with a comprehensive replacement model so that this can be pursued with Government of In-dia for funding so that such vehicles are totally phased out in a time bound manner.

Discussing the steps taken by the Health Department, it was informed in the meeting that Trauma Centres have been established in Thatri and Ramban whereas another Trauma Centre is under consideration at Khelani. Hospitals at Banihal and Batote are already functional in ad-dition to the other health institutions in these districts. Adequate number of ambulances is available in all the health institutions of Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban.Recently Mobile Medi-cal Units have also been procured for Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban, the meeting was told. The process for fab-rication of Critical Care Ambulances has been initiated, to be sanctioned

for taking care of accident victims on the National Highway.

The meeting was attended by Di-rector General of Police, Mr. Ashok Prasad, Principal Secretary Planning and Development Department Mr. B. R. Sharma, Principal Secretary Home Mr. Suresh Kumar, Commissioner Secretary PWD Ms Tanveer Jehan, Secretary Health and Medical Educa-tion Mr. Gazanffar Hussain, Secretary General Administration Department Mr. M. A. Bukhari, Secretary Assem-bly Mr. M. Ramzan, Secretary Trans-port Mr. Shahid Inayatullah, Inspector General of Police Traffic Mr. Muneer Khan, Deputy Commissioner Doda Mr. Mubarak Singh, Deputy Com-missioner Ramban Mr. M. H. Malik, Transport Commissioner, Mr. Sourab Bhagat, Deputy Inspector of Police Traffic Jammu Mr. S. A. Watali, Man-aging Director JKSRTC Mr. J. S. Tan-don, Director Health Services Jammu Dr. B. S. Pathania and other senior of-ficers.