Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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MONDAY, MARCH 11, 2013
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Misuse of RTI act can be checked: J&K CIC
AURANGABAD: Chief Information Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir GR Sufi on Sunday said that the misuse of RTI act can be checked if a provision is made in the law that any information or record would be open for access to public only for three years. Sufi was speaking at a meeting at Dr Rafiq Zakaria Campus here today. He said that the way out could be if information under RTI is allowed contd on page 2
Omar, Azad underline modern health facilities for healthy and strong society
JAMMU, MARCH 10 : Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah and Union Minister for Health and Medical Education, Ghulam Nabi Azad Sunday underlined modern health facilities significantly important for development of healthy and strong society. Laying foundation of Medical Collage Hospital for Sant Manjit Singh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research at Jeevan Nagar about 15 kilometres from hear, Omar Abdullah and Ghulam Nabi Azad said that growth of medical institutes in the State especially in pripower to run institutions especially those in health and education sectors has been the concern in Jammu and Kashmir all along", he said unless a good hospital equipped with necessary equipment is provided with necessary paraphernalia, doctors and specialists, its outcome and benefits to the people will not be up to the mark. "During the last four years my government has concentrated attention on this aspect and special initiatives have been taken utilizing National Rural Health Mission and other schemes to provide enhanced contd on page 2
Union Minister for Health and Medical Education, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah addressing a mammoth gathering at Jammu. vate sector is need of the hour. They said that such institutions help government efforts to upgrade health facilities and enhance medicare coverage. The Chief Minister in his speech said that his government has flagged health sector as one of the most important concerns in the State's development policy and consolidation alongwith expansion received priority attention during the last 4 years. He said stress has been laid on improving healthcare facility in rural and far-flung areas by strengthening health institutions and creating required infrastructure. "It is easy to built buildings and other required infrastructure in villages and difficult areas but placing of man-
Govt may block Yasin Malik's passport Mahakumbh ends with record for sharing stage with Hafiz Saeed 12 crore pilgrims taking dip
NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chairman Yasin Malik, who returned here on Saturday after his controversial visit to Pakistan, was allowed to leave for Srinagar on Sunday morning without any formal "questioning" by the authorities here. Apart from his brief interaction with intelligence officials manning the immigration counter at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, he was spared a detailed explanation to the agencies during his brief stay here, on his appearance along side 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed at a protest in Islamabad last month. Home ministry sources, however, said the ministry was yet to take
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ALLAHABAD: The world's biggest religious event concluded on Sunday with nearly twenty lakh pilgrims taking dip at Sangam that washed away the sins of 12 crore people in the last 60 days. The Kumbh Mela, celebrated every 12 years at the conjunction of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical river Saraswati on the outskirts of Allahabad, drew massive crowds of devotees, ascetics and foreign tourists. The two-month-long Kumbh Mela ended on the occasion of Mahashivratri celebrated across with much
fervour in India and Nepal. Authorities at the festival on Sunday said the last batch of holy men marked the end of the Kumbh by plunging into the river Ganges and other pilgrims filled the "Ganga Jal" in plastic bottles for religious ceremonies at home. Many naked saints smeared their bodies with ashes and sand, chanted final prayers and departed from the venue. "Over 60 million people attended the festival in 2001 and this time we believe 120 million people have participated," festival chief contd on page 2
Revoke AFSPA as first step to resolving Prez to be chief guest at Mauritius' national day Kashmir, Mufti to centre
SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said the continued use of a law of emergency nature like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act(AFSPA) is against the letter and spirit of the constitution and amounts to denial of fundamental rights to life and liberty enshrined in it. Reiterating his party's stand on the revocation of the special law the party patron Mufti Muhammad Sayeed today said the very claim of our country to a democratic system suffers a blow when the people of an entire state are denied fundamental rights on the pretext of security. Mufti said he had been advocatcircumstances when the militancy is substantially reduced and people have overwhelmingly participated in democratic process is a hurdle in complete normalcy and a set back to peace process. "J&K cannot be eternally governed through black laws if the region has to come out of its painful history of discord and destabilisation" Mufti said. Mufti said that while it was undeniable that the Kashmir issue had to be resolved amicably to achieve lasting peace, the reversal of that process after the present government took over is partly the result of oppression and misgovernance contd on page 2 NEW DELHI, MAR 10: President Pranab Mukherjee will be the chief guest at Mauritius' National Day celebrations on Tuesday. India and Mauritius will also sign several bilateral pacts in social sectors, including health and tourism, during Mukherjee's three-day visit to the Indian Ocean island nation. He will leave for Mauritius tomorrow. Both the countries enjoy close historical and ancestral relations and India has termed the ties as "unique, special and
ing the revocation of AFSPA since 2007 when the prime minister had on his suggestion had appointed a high powered committee to examine the issue. He said continuing the law to operate in the changed
extraordinary". India gives highest importance to its relations with Mauritius as 70 per cent of its people are of Indian origin and 38 per cent its Foreign Direct Investment comes from that country, in addition to its geo-strategic location, Secretary contd on page 2
Maha Shivratri being celebrated 'India first' is my definition of across the country secularism, Narendra Modi tells NRIs
NEW DELHI,MAR 10:In Uttar Pradesh Mahashivaratri, the day for worshiping Lord Shiva is being celebrated today across the state. All arrangements for sixth and last bathing festival of Kumbh Mela at Allahabad for Mahashivaratri are in place. At several places including Allahabad, Varanasi, Chitrakoot, Ayodhya, Mathura and Naimisharanya temples and places of worships have been decorated nicely. Procession of 'Shiv Baraat' will be taken out at several places this evening including Kashi and Ayodhya. AIR correspondent reports that with the bathing of Mahashivaratri more than 50 days long Maha Kumbh Mela will be completed officially. WASHINGTON: Denied a visa to visit US and smarting under a Wharton snub, Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi said his idea of secularism is "India First" and people will forgive "mistakes" of a government if it serves them well. "My definition of secularism is simple: 'India First'. Whatever you do, wherever you work, India should be the top priority for all its citizens," Modi said as he took to video conferencing to address the Indian-American community on Sunday. "Country is above all religions and ideologies," he argued and asked people to follow the same. "I agree friends that as an Indian, as a citizen who loves India, you will also agree with my He said if a government serve the people selflessly, then they would forgive its mistakes as well. "When we get a mandate of five years, we must work on that and serve people selflessly. If we do that then people will forgive our mistakes as well," Modi said. Modi, who often faced questions over the killing of Muslims in the 2002 post-Godhra riots that claimed over 1,200 lives, did not refer to the controversial issue. Modi was denied US visa on the issue of human rights violation. Last week, the Wharton India Economic Forum cancelled Modi's keynoteaddress to the prestigious annual event because of opposition from a section of professors and contd on page 2
Large numbers of pilgrims have started pouring into the Mela from the last evening. Mela administration has said that estimated 55 lakhs pilgrims will be visiting the Mela to take holy dip at Sangam,
the confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati on this occasion. The Kumbh Mela officer Mani Prasad Mishra has said that 11 bathing Ghats have been contd on page 2
definition...We might do any work or take any decision, India should be supreme," he said in his nearly an hour-long speech in Hindi. "Nothing less than India's wellbeing should be our goal. And if this happens, secularism will automatically run in our blood," the Gujarat chief minister said.
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Expressing his congratulation to the management of the Sant Manjit Singh Trust for taking a pious initiative of developing a Medical Institute and Research Centre near Jammu, Omar Abdullah expressed the hope that it would prove highly beneficial both for rendering modern health services to the people and producing medical graduates of high quality and calibre. He also extended Shivratri greetings to the people on the occasion. Since the birthday of Omar Abdullah falling on March 10 coincided with the event, as such, the large gathering present on the occasion gave him hearty greetings and standing ovation for sparing time on his special day to be present with them and lay foundation on an important institute linked with the common people. In his elaborative speech on the occasion, Ghulam Nabi Azad presented details of the new initiatives taken by his Ministry during the last three and a half years to upgrade health facilities in the country. He referred to the amendments made to the Medical Council Act to encourage growth of private sector in the medical field. Azad said that various restrictions were removed and provisions made soft for private players to invest in medical education sector and expand the modern health facility all across the country. He said 60 percent medical institutes are in private sector in India and most of these are in Maharashtra and Southern States. "We are trying and facilitating growth of these institutions in other areas like Jammu and Kashmir, UP, Bihar and Odisha", he said and gave details of the concessions being provided by the Union Government in this regard. Underlining the importance of qualified faculties in medical institutions, the Union Minister said that he has enhanced the retirement age limit of teaching faculty in AIIMS and other Central Medical Institutions in the Country. "I have written to all the Chief Ministers in this regard urging them to take similar steps so that faculties in the State-run institutions remain intact", he maintained. The Union Health Minister also referred to the Central scheme introduced for protecting health of pregnant and infants. He said the scheme is under implementation throughout the Country and has shown positive results to reduce the mortality of new born children and pregnant women. He said pregnant women are being provided free transport, medicine, food and treatment under this scheme in government hospitals and each pregnant from villages after delivery gets Rs. 1400 cash while the pregnant women from cities get Rs. 1000 each. Azad said that his Ministry is extending special grants and help to Jammu and Kashmir to help upgrade health and medical education sector and extend its reach to all areas in the State. He said he has recently sanctioned grants for 200 ambulances for Jammu and Kashmir. Minister for Housing and Horticulture who is also MLA of the area in his speech lauded the initiative taken by Sant Manjit Singh Trust to establish a Medical College and Hospital in the area adding that an Engineering College is already being run by the Trust there. He said the educational institutions and hospitals extend benefits to entire society rendering most important service to the people. He said growth of these institutions in private sector indicates the positive trend in a vibrant society. Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand, Mahant Manjit Singh, various Ministers from State Council of Ministers, Parliament Member, Legislators, Panchayat Members, former Ministers and Senior Citizens were present on the occasion. Mahant Manjit Singh presented vote of thanks while former Minister, S. Ranjit Singh welcome the dignitaries on the occasion. a spokesman of JKLF said. The sources said the step was taken due to apprehension of breach of peace following Malik's return to the Valley. Kashmir has been rocked by protests since the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru on February 9, which has resulted in the death of four persons and injuries to scores of others. The separatists have threatened to continue the protests till their demand for return of mortal remains of Guru and JKLF founder Mohammad Maqbool Bhat who was also hanged in Delhi's Tihar jail on February 11, 1984, is met. Malik has been under attack for meeting terror outfit Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafeez Saeed in Pakistan and his return to national capital yesterday saw protests by Shiv Sena activists at the airport
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Prez to be chief....
(West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Sudhir Vyas has said. During his visit, Mukherjee will have meetings with Mauritius President Rajkeswur Purryag, Prime Minister Navin C Ramgoolam, Speaker of the National Assembly Abdool RazackPeeroo, Chief Justice Y K J Yeung Sik Yuen and Leader of the Opposition Paul Berenger. President's Press Secretary Venu Rajamony has said Mukherjee is looking forward for the visit and is greatly honoured to be chief guest at Mauritius' national day celebration This would be Mukherjee's second visit abroad after assuming the office of President. Last week, he went to Bangladesh.
Japan remembers....
northeastern region. A magnitude-9 quake hit the country March 11, 2011. It led to a massive tsunami that crippled the Fukushima nuclear power plant, blowing up four of its nuclear reactors. Radioactive elements from the damaged power plant have been detected in seawater and marine organisms up to 600 km from Japan said officials. More than 80,000 people had to leave the area, but radiation levels in some places remain too high for them to return home. The government says it could take up to 40 years to fully decommission the plant and clean up surrounding areas.
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NEWS IN BOX
Minister For Agriculture Ghulam Hassan Mir Distributing Incentive Kits under Vegetable Initiative at Srinagar. On this occasion Minister said that this unique initiative, first of its kind in the state, aims at promoting organic vegetable growing in the available land within people living in Srinagar city. He said that scheme will increase the safe and good quality vegetable production level in Srinagar city and make the local vegetable self-reliant. He advised people to coordinate with Agriculture Department to make kitchen garden scheme successful. Mir said that Kashmir valley is suitable climatic conditions for vegetable crops. He stressed upon the officers of the Department to replicate scheme in all the major towns of the valley. Mir said that Governments' thrust is to decrease the cost production in Agriculture by way of introduction of quality hybrid seeds and technological innovations. Director Agriculture Kashmir Dr. Farooq Ahmad
Lone said that use of new technologies and natural resources would not only help in increase vegetable production but also reduce labour component drastically. He said that people of Srinagar have shown good response towards kitchen gardening and appreciated the efforts of Agriculture Department in this regard. Director said under this scheme, 500 qtls of Vermi Compost, 2000 Tool kits, 25 Kgs of Sag, 35.5 Kgs of Redish, 125 Kgs of French beans, 20 Kgs of bhindi seeds besides 350000 Knol khol, 126500 Cauliflower Seedlings and 2000 vegetable calendars were distributed among registered beneficiaries in Ist phase. Among others Joint Director Agriculture Inputs, K. A Qasba, Joint Director Agriculture Extension, Malotra, Project Coordinator Mushroom, Galotra, officers and officials of the Agriculture Department besides large number people were present.1`
Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Ali Mohammad Sagar addressing a meeting of officers to review the various developmental activities being executed in Ganderbal District. GANDERBAL, MARCH 10:- Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Ali Mohammad Sagar today exhorted upon officers to ensure maximum benefit of developmental and welfare schemes launched by government to the people and perform duties with full zeal, enthusiasm and sense of responsibility. Mr. Sagar said that government is committed for the welfare and prosperity of the people besides accomplishing better economic status of the State.. This was stated by the Minister while addressing a meeting of officers to review the various developmental activities being executed in Ganderbal District here today. The Minister was apprised by the District Development Commissioner Ganderbal, Mr. Itrat Hussain that against the approved allocation of RS 69 crores an amount of Rs 44 crores stands spent upto ending February which constitutes 77% and was assured that 98% of target will be achieved by the end of current fiscal year. On the occasion various other projects being executed under State sector in the Ganderbal were also discussed. Mr. Sagar asked about the status of 200 bed district hospital under construction at an estimated cost of Rs 52 crores. The Minister enjoined upon the executing agencies to speed up the pace of work on the construction so that people of area can avail better healthcare facility at their doorstep besides reducing the rush in upper reach hospitals. Mr. Sagar also enjoined upon district administration for speedy execution of under construction Bus yard at Ganderbal which is being constructed at the cost of Rs 19.41crores. Mr. Sagar impressed upon district administration to speed up the process of construction of 2-lane road from Zakoora to Wayil on priority. The Minister was informed that Shadipora and Gund Roshan bridges would be thrown open for public by April-May this year. The Minister was informed that under pilot project 96 water supply schemes at the cost of 3.50 crores have been taken up out of which 45 schemes have been commissioned fully. Mr. Sagar directed the concerned officers to take out the rest of schemes within stipulated time. The Minister directed district administration to provide better health care facilities and adequate drinking water facility besides supply of electricity as per schedule in the district. Later, Mr Sagar took extensive tour of Srinagar City and took stock of various ongoing developmental works being executed for the welfare of people in the Srinagar. The Minister visited various areas of Srinagar including Rainawari, Mughal Mohalla, Miskeen Bagh, Raiteng, Dolat Abaad and other adjoining areas While interacting with the people Mr. Sagar said that government is committed for the peace, prosperity and progress of the State. He directed the officers to make availability of essential commodities in the city besides availability of adequate drinking water facility and supply of electricity as per schedule so that people do not face any difficulty. Mr. Sagar also asked the officers of UEED to complete the all the works being executed for the better drainage and sewerage system in the city. He also directed officers of SMC to construct few latrine points at Miskeen Bagh area. The Minister was accompanied by officers of R&B, UEED, PHE, PDD, SMC and other concerned departments.
Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Mr. Sham Lal Sharma inaugurating Panchayat Ghar at village Rajwal,Jammu. in each Panchayat is the first and paramount requirement for the smooth functioning. He said maximum panchayats have their own Panchayat Ghar buildings and efforts are afoot to cover all panchayats with this facility. Referring to the empowerment of PRIs, the Minister said that as a baby step, the Government has sanctioned remunerations for the Panchayat functionaries for the first time and gradually they will get more powers after necessary amendments in the existing laws. He said Government was fully conscience about the role of PRIs and they will get facilities as per their mandate. He asked them to discharge their duties honestly and dedication and fulfill the expectations of the masses who have voted them. He asked them to do justice with all sections of the society and take all stakeholders into confidence. Responding to the demands of locals, the Minister said that a deep drilling tube-well to augment the water scarcity in the area will be examined on priority. He also assured that provision of irrigation tube-well will be kept in the next year's plan. He also assured to
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Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture Mr.Raman Bhalla interacting with the people of Lower Gaddigarh, Digiana and Digiana Camp at Jammu. the inhabitants of urban basties like adequate drinking water, electricity, road connectivity, education, healthcare besides better lanes and drains, adding that for this purpose, Government has provided liberal funding for developing all basties on modern lines. Mr. Bhalla asked the Jammu Municipal Corporation to immediately start the construction work of lanes and drains of the areas, for which Government has earmarked Rs. 31 lakh. He called upon the people to protect public property in the localities. He appealed them not to put debris in lanes adding that such practices create hindrance to the executing agencies in completing the projects. For improving water supply in the localities, the Minister asked the PHE to lay water supply pipes in the drinking water scarcity areas. He asked JMC to immediately depute a team for removing the garbage from local nallah. Regarding restoring
Surjit Singh Slathia MLA Vijaypur and Senior Vice President J&K Conference addressing a large gathering at Rangoor Camp. on priority .Mr Slathia reiterated the commitment of the coalition government to ensure holistic development of all the regions of the state with specialfocus on remote , far- flung and rural areas .He said the state is onthe march of peace , progress and development and this tempo will becarried forward with a mission . Mr. Slathia cautioned the people about the machinations of vestedinterests and divisive forces that were misleading the people forfurthering their political agenda. He said that National Conferencehas a chequred history of public services and it has withstood thetest of times by maintaining harmony and brotherhood between varioussections of the people. Earlier , the various people of different political parties after resigning joined National Conference on the occasion at Dollian . Sh. Slathia welcomed them in the party fold and said that party's doors are always open for those who believe in the policies and programmes of the party.
tinent, where the focus was laid on the empowerment of the women, she added She informed the parliamentarians that for the empowerment of women State Government has taken bold steps and constituted a state mission authority under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister to review various Central and State
Government Schemes and monitor progress regarding social empowerment of the women, besides having the independent State commission for women in the state. Saying that best way to empower women is to change the mind set in homes, she said women issues range from as trivial as giving them nutritive diet
Ishfaq visits Ganderbal, demanded ex-gratia relief for drowned victims of Village Batwani
JAMMU: Senior Congress Leader, Sheikh Ishfaq Jabbar, today conducted extensive tour to various villages of district Ganderbal including Kangan and Wakoora block and took stock of the problems being faced by the people. During his visit several delegations met the leader and apprised him about their individual and collective problems including upgradation of electric infrastructure, health centres, schools, road connectivity and sports infrastructure. Sheikh Ishfaq assured them that he will project their genuine demands with the government at the appropriate level. Interacting with people at different places, he said that government has launched number of welfare schemes to improve their living standard with focus on weaker sections of the society. Responding to the demand for adequate drinking water facilities in Ganderbal Constituency, he assured that he will personally make efforts in this regard. He pointed out that peace and order is absolutely necessary for progress and present situation in the valley necessitates frequent visits by government functionaries to ensure that people do not face any problem. Sheikh Ishfaq also demanded that government should sanction early ex-gratia relief to the next of kins of youth of Batwani village who died by due to drowning in the river recently.
Mother's and sisters waiting for to have a glimpse of their loved ones outside police stations
SRINAGAR: All across Kashmir Sunday mothers and sisters of arrested youth were seen waiting for hours outside police stations to get their son's and brother's released from police stations. According to reports hundreds of youth have been arrested by police for their alleged involvement in stone pelting. Scores of women were seen waiting outside police stations to meet their dear ones. "My son has been lodged in Saddar police station and the policeman on gate is not allowing me to meet my son," Afrooza Banoo with tearful eyes told CNS. Her daughter Rumisa (name changed) expressed the same views with tearful eyes. She said that her brother who was arrested by police during nocturnal raid has been lodged in the police station and no police officer is allowing meet my brother. Station House Officer Saddar police station told CNS that he can't divulge the information about the arrested youth. "If you want to get details about the total number of youth arrested then you please contact SDPO Saddar police station. I am helpless as I can't give you the accurate datea," SHO police station Saddar said. Despite repeated attempts Sub Divisional Officer could not be contacted. Scores of women folk were seen outside Karan Nagar, Maharaja Gunj, Batamaloo, Parimpora, Nowhatta, Safakadal and Khanyar police stations. "We have arrested 22 boys involved in stone pelting. We are still in search of others who are treat to peace," a police officer told CNS adding that this time new faces are coming to fore who never were seen indulging in stone pelting. A police officer from a police station said that although the police have not yet arrested anyone but soon the police is mulling to put dozens of youth behind the bars. "My area remained peaceful during turmoil but we are intending to arrest dozens of youth who as per reports were responsible in instigating people for violence," a police officer said. In North Kashmir's Baramullah, Bandipora and Handwara areas women folk were seen waiting outside police stations. "Policemen on the gate are not allowing us to enter into the police station and we are waiting for like beggars from last 4 hours," Sumira Akhtar said adding that she is eager to know about the well being of his brother whom police has arrested for his alleged involvement in stone pelting. Same scenes were seen in South Kashmir's Kulgam district where dozens of women were seen waiting outside police stations for having a glimpse of their sons and brothers. "My brother was arrested by Damhal Hanji pora police station Kulgam for his role in stone pelting but I tell you that he was involved as we feel no sorry for that. There is repression everywhere and one must raise his voice against this repression," Atiqa told CNS adding that she knows her brother is a stone pelter and she has just come to meet him.
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ow that the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests has agreed to revise its guidelines that had held up the execution of more than 17 important highway projects, the UPA Government should fast-track these proposals and build upon the solid foundation which the BJP-led NDA regime had laid in the development of national highways across the country. The Government of the day has been blaming its pathetic track record in the construction of highways on the delays that had resulted from not securing the requisite clearances from the Environment and Forests Ministry. But that has been only part of the reason for the delays. The major cause for the setback in the development of highways has been the complete lack of political will and the commitment to adhere to a plan of action. After all, the Environment and Forests Ministry did exist even during the NDA regime and it had been doing a commendable job, by and large. Yet, that Government under Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee had not just succeeded in putting the construction and enhancement of national highways right near the top of its priority list, but it had also set a scorching place in the execution of the scheme. Unfortunately, the Congress-led UPA Government, for petty political considerations, failed to acknowledge the good work done and build on the legacy it inherited from the NDA. Such has been the confusion and lack of direction in the Manmohan Singh regime that, while in meeting after Cabinet meeting, Ministers entrusted with the development of highways lamented that the Environment and Forests Ministry had tied their hands, the Prime Minister could do little except appeal for faster clearance. The helplessness of the Prime Minister became obvious when, in an unusual move, the National Highways Authority of India filed an appeal in the Supreme Court seeking the court's intervention in getting the clearances to proceed with its various projects that were in limbo. It was after this move that the Environment and Forests Ministry conceded a bit and agreed to amend its guidelines. Now, the NHAI will not have to seek prior forest clearance for the construction of 'linear' roads (and other linear projects such as pipelines and transmission lines) in areas that fall within forest land. Of course, forest clearance will still be needed for other projects that are proposed to be located in forest land, but that's fine. It is nobody's case that forests and environment should be destroyed in the name of development projects, and accountability is not fixed. While the issue at hand appears to have been settled for now, what remains in focus is the Prime Minister's failure to impose his writ on his Ministers. The NHAI matter went to the apex court precisely because the Prime Minister could do nothing about the delays. This was not the first time that Ministers have cocked a snook at Mr Singh. Such cases are recent enough to need a recall.
Pakistan would have scored a splendid victory. Times have changed, India is in a far more stronger position today than it was in the 1990s and the US is no more the sole and dominant global power. Ironically, it is precisely for those very reasons that Khurshid will find it impossible to prevent an anti-India resolution from being carried through on the back of a majority vote. Among those voting against India would be Sri Lanka and all sundry countries who stood by that country when New Delhi broke ranks to vote against Colombo in March last year. Not that Sonia Gandhi would want to take the Opposition's help in such a situation, but even if she were to do so, Khurshid would not have Vajpayee leading the counter-offensive. Even the most casual reading of the draft resolution circulated by the US would show that a similar resolution can be moved against India at the UNHRC to demonstrate care and concern for Kashmiris. There would be more than enough takers for that, even if the care is bogus and the concern treacly - make no mistake of that. For, if Sri Lanka is accused of unfair use of state power against civilians and 'armed opposition', so is India charged in some quarters about counter-terrorism operations in the Kashmir Valley. If Sri Lanka is guilty of suppressing Tamil aspirations (including the right to self-determination), India stands accused of doing far worse, not only in Pakistan but also in Europe and America. If Sri Lanka must open its doors to international rapporteurs and allow unfettered
access to the UN Human Rights Commissioner and other UNHRC staff, then a similar and seemingly credible demand can be made of India. Are we willing to accept this and other demands? Are we willing to subjugate our national sovereignty to illegitimate interference in our domestic affairs? These and other questions must be confronted and answered before we push for punitive action against Sri Lanka. It could be argued that separatism and its attendant terrorism in Kashmir Valley cannot be compared to Tamil separatism in Sri Lanka. A legitimate case could also be made in justification of putting down terrorism in Kashmir Valley and disallowing secessionists their presumed right to secede territory from the Union of India. But in the popular perception, and if the veneer of sophistry were to be rubbed off, there is little that separates Kashmiri separatism in India from Tamil secessionism in Sri Lanka. Colombo had the guts to declare war on domestic terror and take that war to its logical conclusion. New Delhi has been consistently hypocritical, refusing to acknowledge that the Indian state is indeed waging war on terror - whether in battling jihadis in the Kashmir Valley or Maoists in the jungles of central and eastern India. Our hypocrisy blinds us to the fact that in any asymmetrical war of this nature there are bound to be collateral damages; Sri Lanka witnessed similar losses to life and property in wiping out, root and branch, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. How they cope with
those losses is their concern inasmuch as how we deal with death and destruction at home; there is no scope for third party intervention just as there is no space for third party mediation. This is not to suggest that Sri Lanka's Tamil minority must remain uncared for or denied equal social, economic and political rights by the country's Sinhala majority. Nor would it be prudent, least of all for Colombo, to gloss over excesses committed by the Sri Lankan Army in the last months of the war against LTTE. It would be equally in order to point out that four years after the last LTTE fighter fell and V Prabhakaran met a death no different from that to which he sent thousands of others, including fellow Tamils and India's former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, the Government of Sri Lanka has failed to deliver the peace dividend. President Mahinda Rajapaksa has clearly failed to honour his commitments to his own people - the Tamils are as much citizens of Sri Lanka as the Sinhalese - about devolution of power and facilitating the integration of the minority into the nation's society, polity and economy. The promised 13th Amendment to the Constitution is not the only promise that remains unfulfilled. Worse, majoritarianism defined by narrow sectarian interest and Sinhala supremacy which recalls harsh memories of the 1980s have come to dominate Colombo's decision-making process. India could have prevented that. If only New Delhi had been wise enough to dishonour bogus 'coali-
tion dharma' and partnered Colombo's war on terror, it would have been in a position to influence both the conduct of the war and the terms of peace. But India erred, and erred grievously. Instead of standing by Sri Lanka, it vacated space for China to step in. No less fatally flawed was India's policy after the guns fell silent - we could have, even at that late stage, proactively engaged with Sri Lanka and fashioned a durable peace. Sadly, we took recourse to highfalutin bunkum that neither impressed nor scared Sri Lanka and left the Tamils to the tender mercies of the Sinhalas. We allowed national interest to be subverted by the crude identity politics of the DMK whose chief M Karunanidhi brazenly proclaims, every now and then, that seeing the creation of 'Tamil Eeelam' (whose borders he does not specify) is his dream. We prostrate ourselves before Karunanidhi to ensure parliamentary majority; would we be so supine with, say, Syed Ali Shah Geelani? There is still a window of opportunity that is open to us, a tiny window no doubt but a window nonetheless, to cut our losses and ensure national interest takes precedence over vacuous politics of cynicism. India must vote against the US-sponsored resolution in the UNHRC. It's also an opportunity for Khurshid to do what he (and I know this for a fact) instinctively believes is the right thing to do. Voting against Sri Lanka in 2012 was bad enough; repeating that folly would be unmitigated disaster - for us, and for Sri Lanka's Tamils.
India, China, and Bangladesh: The Contentious Politics of the Brahmaputra River
BY ROOMANA HUKIL he Brahmaputra River is one of the most significant confidence-building measures between India, China, and Bangladesh. Despite a well-functioned relationship between India and China in recent decades, the Brahmaputra River may pose new challenges to the continued supply of fresh water for both countries in the future. In addition, China's announcement, last month, of its plans to construct three hydropower dams - Dagu, Jiacha, and Jiexy along the middle reaches of the Brahmaputra basin, has raged anxiety in India and Bangladesh in terms of erosion, flood protective measures, and the potential ecological damage to the downstream regions. Fresh Strategic Insights: Issues and Steps The Brahmaputra River consolidated the water rights between all the riparian states pertaining to their water usage, and requirements in the growing region. In spite of there having being no official water sharing accord between India and China, the two countries manifest a paradigm to maintaining cordial water diplomacy in the present international scenario of water conflicts. Hitherto, the dilemma over future water supply regulations, amidst the issue of ecological upkeep, persists for both India and Bangladesh. China's vigorous push in favour of the hydropower base construction on the Brahmaputra or Yarlung Zangbo River (as known in China) is foreseen as an attempt to harm the downstream interests, particularly of Northeast India. The construction of the 100 meters Zangmu dam (510 MW project) in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) in 2010, is an approximate case in point. The current proposed construction of the 124 metres Dagu dam, which has a 640 MW capacity, triggers a maximum impact on the downstream flows in India. Post the 'flurry of dam-building', China
The implications for setting up an International Brahmaputra River Water Tribunal for arriving at an international water treaty, or a preliminary initiative of a tripartite agreement between India, China, and Bangladesh to sustain passive relations in the region deem vital. But envisaging a portioned water resource development treaty between the three countries is unlikely, where issues related to trade, transit, land, roadway, and, water distribution first require a heads up between the three neighbouring states. China's growing strategic interests in Pakistan, Southeast Asia, and maritime security coupled by Tibet's invasion in the past, raise grave security concerns for India with its plan to divert waters of the Brahmaputra to north and central China. For India, the middle riparian between China and Bangladesh, marks a fine exemplar to understanding the water needs vis--vis water supplies, as it swings around both sides of the table. As a result, whether water rationality will continually govern riparian relations still remains a question mark.
has tried to leverage its hydropower requirements in the north and central regions; however, India's Northeast, and neighbouring Bangladesh could face an undeniably reduced water supply, if not for acute water shortage. This is reasoned since the watercourse feeds on seven rivulets originating from the glaciers in the Tibetan plateau, hence damming the river upstream could result in the lower riparian regions facing an intense water division from these snow-fed rivulets during the summer months. While the run-of-the-river projects are, primarily, meant to store large volumes of water for generating power, fresh concerns were raised regarding the need for a scientifically designed drainage system all over the downstream region, complemented by extensive soil conservation, afforestation, and watershed management in the hilly areas of the Northeast region. An in-depth study of the climatic changes that cause erratic flooding patterns is urged so that proper ameliorative measures may be adopted. This, combined with regional flood early warning systems and flood moderation measures, along with well-planned erosion management, should encourage interstate and regional cooperation. An earnest step would be for the international community and water boards to thwart any measures that are detrimental to the sustainability of the Brahmaputra. It is imperative to maintain the flow of water in the Brahmaputra River so that it can sustain the environment and water bal-
ays after Wharton India Economic Forum rescinded its invitation to Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi to deliver a key note address at its upcoming annual conference, the entire episode has blown up in its face. Organised by the students of The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, WIEF has come under severe criticism for caving before Mr Modi's detractors and issuing him "the intellectual equivalent of an eviction notice", as Washington, DC-based Indian scholar Sadanand Dhume put it. Mr Dhume was to be on one of the WIEF panels but cancelled his participation to protest against the "ritual humiliation" of Mr Modi. Apart from him, Shiv Sena leader Suresh Prabhu has also backed out and so have two major sponsors of the event, the Adani Group and Hexaware Technologies. Also, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has spoken out against WIEF's decision while US Congressman Eni Faleomavaega warned that by revoking the invite, Wharton had come "awfully close to violating the rights of others who have a different view". These opinions were echoed by another keynote speaker, US India Business Council president Ron Somers, who termed the episode as "unfortunate" and "disrespectful". Rightly so. Meanwhile, as supporters of Mr Modi revel in the fallout, let there be no doubt that it is WIEF, Wharton, and indeed the University of Pennsylvania, that have emerged from the fracas looking seriously compromised. Revoking an unsolicited invitation reflects poorly on the organisers. Surely, they were aware of the criticism that exists against the Gujarat Chief Minister, and should have anticipated a response from his opponents. And if they chose to invite Mr Modi despite the so-called baggage he carries ostensibly because the democratically elected leader of one of India's best governed States deserves to be heard - then they should have stuck to their decision. By caving before his critics, the student organisers failed "to provide a neutral platform to encourage cross-pollination of ideas", which was their stated aim. Also note that the opposition to Mr Modi's Wharton address was led by Indian faculty members outside the business school who had no business bullying the student-organisers of WIEF, since the latter have traditionally decided upon the keynote speakers. At the crux of the argument put forward by Mr Modi's critics is the assumption that by inviting him to Wharton, the University of Pennsylvania would be endorsing his "ideas about economic development that are based on the systematic oppression of minority populations". This is a wholly fallacious argument on two grounds. First, there is no evidence to suggest that Gujarat's economic model is based on the oppression of minorities. The growth is also not premised either on the politics of minority appeasement or on the policies of handouts. Second, debate does not mean endorsement - just ask those at Columbia University who invited Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad to speak on campus back in 2007. By refusing to even consider supposedly divergent views, the academic community at UPenn has only failed itself.
ance in India's Northeast, Bangladesh, and Bhutan, before dispersing into the Bay of Bengal. THE RELATIONSHIP SOUFFL China's aggressive planning to provide for the energy and water needs of its 1.3 billion people at the expanse of its Asian counterparts is presumable. China's 26 other dam projects in the pipeline (also along the Brahmaputra River) specifies an 85 per cent decline in flows from China to India during the summer months. Even if the foreseen water depictions, such as an environmental imbalance, natural disasters, degraded fragile ecologies, and diversion of vital river resources were to be refuted, China could keep any riparian neighbour on good behaviour by acquiring the capability of using the Brahmaputra as a political instrument. Thus, the implications for setting up an International Brahmaputra River Water Tribunal for arriving at an international water treaty, or a preliminary initiative of a tripartite agreement between India, China, and Bangladesh to sustain passive relations in the region deem vital. But envisaging a portioned water resource development treaty between the three countries is unlikely, where issues related to trade, transit, land, roadway, and, water distribution first require a heads up between the three neighbouring states. China's growing strategic interests in Pakistan, Southeast Asia, and maritime security coupled by Tibet's invasion in the past, raise grave security concerns for India with its plan to divert waters of the Brahmaputra to north and central China. For India, the middle riparian between China and Bangladesh, marks a fine exemplar to understanding the water needs vis--vis water supplies, as it swings around both sides of the table. As a result, whether water rationality will continually govern riparian relations still remains a question mark.
READERS SPACE
Flat case
Sir - It is good to know that the Supreme Court has at last come down on the builders and buyers of unauthorized flats ("SC blow to knowing buyers of illegal flats", March 3). All metropolitan cities and towns are full of illegal constructions. Promoters are busy nowadays attending hearings for court cases on illegal buildings. Sometimes their projects get halted because of rulings against them, but in most cases, the promoters proceed with their plans without waiting for the court verdict. None from the authorities can stop them. The case of the flats in Mumbai's Worli is no different. In 1984, the planning authority of Mumbai had rejected the promoters' revised plan for the addition of 10 to 18 further floors to each of the nine six-storey buildings they were construct-
ing. But the promoters moved ahead with the constructions, ignoring the planning authority. Such illegal buildings may result in fatal accidents. But the developers do not bother about people's lives. They are just interested in selling the flats at any cost, often luring the buyers with various offers. It is shocking that in this case, buyers entered into purchase agreements with the promoters although both sides were fully aware of the rejection of the revised plan. This could happen only because our construction laws are not properly implemented. Both developers and buyers in Worli were sure that the flats would come up without facing any hurdle. The Supreme Court has done a commendable job by proving these people wrong. Yours etc. Sanjay Palsar Udhampur
Costly safety
Sir The Nirbhaya fund of Rs 1,000 crore for the safety and empowerment of women proposed in the budget sounds curious. How will extra funds improve women's safety if the law enforcers are callous? Will these funds be used for purchasing chilli sprays, knives and guns for women? The Congress leaders, who are still protecting someone like P.J. Kurien, accused in the Suryanelli rape scandal, seem to have little idea about the root cause of the problem. They think that gimmicks like the Nirbhaya fund will make people happy and help their party get re-elected in next year's general elections. Yours etc. Priya Thakur Akhnoor, Jammu
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To a poser on as to why the Cabinet did not consider the bill during Thursday's meeting, he said it was not put before the Cabinet on that day as the Home Ministry took time to study the proposals put forth by the Law Ministry. Kumar rejected suggestions that several of his Cabinet colleagues would oppose the various provisions of the proposed bill. "The ordinance was discussed significantly, but there were no fundamental objections. There could be difference of opinion on one or two aspects and that is why Cabinet meets to discuss the issues threadbare," he said. He said the government will be able to bring the bill
before both Houses of Parliament before March 22, when Parliament takes a recess. Asked whether the bill would be passed, Kumar said given the sentiments, "I doubt whether any parliamentarian would be willing to defeat it... I am sure the ordinance will not be allowed to lapse." On the issue of replacing the term 'sexual assault' which is gender neutral with 'rape' which is gender specific, he said the government has bowed to the "strength" of the logic given for it. The ordinance had replaced the term rape with sexual assault but following objections by women's group, the term rape was reintroduced.
Front government. The government will also face fire over the worsening drought situation in the state due to faulty and allegedly corrupt irrigation planning, continuing suicides of farmers and deepening crisis in the farm sector.
custody.
the college has done nothing wrong." "Media created so much hype on this issue but for us it was like any other event. We think college is bigger than anybody in the world," he said. "To invite Modi is totally the choice of the students. To meet the expectations of students is our duty so no body from the college complained to me about Modi's visit." "The college has invited many dignitaries like APJ Abdul Kalam, P
Chidambaram, Pranab Mukherjee, E Shreedharn and many more in the past. This time our economist PM is expected to speak on economy and growth," Jain added. On February 06, Modi addressed the students saying his mantra was development politics and not of vote-bank. As protesters opposed to his visit clashed with police outside the college, he sought to commend the Gujarat model of governance to the rest of the country.
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Afghan leader alleges US, Taliban are colluding China revamps Cleric Abu Qatada sent ministries, back to UK jail press regulator
ABUL: Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Sunday accused the Taliban and the U.S. of working in concert to convince Afghans that violence will worsen if most foreign troops leave as planned by the end of next year. Karzai said two suicide bombings that killed 19 people on Saturday one outside the Afghan Defense Ministry and the other near a police checkpoint in eastern Khost province show the insurgent group is conducting attacks to help show that international forces will still be needed to keep the peace after their current combat mission ends in 2014. "The explosions in Kabul and Khost yesterday showed that they are at the service of America and at the service of this phrase: 2014. They are trying to frighten us into thinking that if the foreigners are not in Afghanistan, we would be facing these sorts of incidents,'' he said during a nationally televised speech about the state of Afghan women. There was no immediate response from the U.S.-led milito do so under conditions set forward by Afghanistan. "We will tell them where we need them, and under which conditions. They must respect our laws. They must respect the national sovereignty of our country and must respect all our customs,'' Karzai said. Karzai offered no proof of coordination, but said the Taliban and the United States were in ``daily negotiations'' in various foreign countries and noted that the United States has said that it no longer considers the insurgent group its enemy. The U.S. continues to fight against the Taliban and other militant groups, but has expressed its backing for formal peace talks with the Taliban to find a political resolution to the war. Karzai said he did not believe the Taliban's claim that they launched Saturday's attacks to show they are still a potent force fighting the United States. "Yesterday's explosions, which the Taliban claimed, show that in reality they are saying they want the presence of foreigners in Afghanistan,'' Karzai said. BEIJING: China on Sunday unveiled a massive plan to revamp a few of its ministries, administrative organizations and press regulators. The State Council or cabinet aims to curb red tape and reduce administrative intervention in the market and social issues. The number of ministries under the State Council will be reduced from 27 to 25 while several departments and agencies will be reorganized. The ministry of railways will be dismantled into administrative and commercial arms, according to a report by State Councilors Ma Kai submitted to the country's top legislature. The proposed state railway administration, to be supervised by the ministry of transport, will run the existing railway ministry's administrative functions. The proposed China Railway Corporation will run the existing railway ministry's commercial functions. Beijing also plans to merge two media regulators into one to oversee the press, publication, radio, film and television sectors. The General Administration of Press and Publication and the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television will be integrated into one single regulatory authority. The top oceanic administration will be restructured to enhance maritime law enforcement and better protect and use China's oceanic resources. The move will bring maritime law enforcement forces, currently scattered in different ministries, under the unified management of one single administration. China also plans to set up a national health and family planning commission through merging the existing health ministry with the National Population and Family Planning Commission. This would better uphold the national policy of family planning, improve medical care service, and deepen institutional reform of medical care and public health, the report said. The existing State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, currently affiliated with the health ministry, will be administered by the proposed national health and family planning commission. Beijing will also elevate the status of the existing State Administration of Food and Drug to a general administration to improve food and drug safety. The proposed ministry-level General Administration of Food and Drug will be responsible for carrying out a unified supervision on food and drug safety and quality in the process of production, circulation and consumption.
LONDON: Terror suspect Abu Qatada sent back to jail by a British judge, just two days before the government was due to make a fresh bid to deport him to Jordan. The radical cleric was found to have breached the conditions of his bail granted last November. "The appellant's bail is revoked forthwith, and he is ordered to be detained," judge Stephen Irwin said in an order, adding that Abu Qatada would be detained at the high-security Belmarsh prison. Abu Qatada had been rearrested by officials from the UK Border Agency on Friday, and his case assessed in an urgent telephone hearing on Saturday before a judge of the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC). The judge said Abu Qatada had breached a bail condition that banned him from having mobile phones switched on in his house while he was there, or from having digital media devices, re-writable CDs or pen drives brought into his house. Another bail hearing will be held on March 21, the judge said. Successive British governments have been trying for a decade to deport Abu Qatada, whose real name is Omar Mohammed Othman, to Jordan where he was sentenced in absentia for involvement in terror attacks.
tary coalition, which is gradually handing over responsibility for securing the country to Afghan forces. Karzai is known for making incendiary comments in his public speeches, a move that is often attributed to him trying to appeal to those who sympathize with the Taliban or as a way to gain leverage when he feels his international allies are ignoring his country's sovereignty. In previous speeches he has threatened to join the Taliban and called his NATO allies occupiers who want to plunder
Afghanistan's resources. His latest remarks come as his government is negotiating a pact with the U.S. for the long-term presence of American forces in Afghanistan and just days after an agreement to transfer the U.S. prison outside of Kabul to Afghan authority fell through. His comments also came while U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is making his first visit to Afghanistan since becoming the Pentagon chief. Karzai said in his speech that any foreign powers that want to keep troops in Afghanistan need
ECONOMY
against Rs 68,221 crore in March 2012, while in case of farm loan, the gross NPAs rose at Rs 30,800 crore in December 2012 as against Rs 24,827 crore in March, 2012. Chidambaram is likely to ask banks to increase lending at the meeting on March 18, official sources said. The meeting will also dwell upon steps to increase credit flow to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), farm sector, infrastructure and housing sector, sources added. The high-profile meeting will be held a day before mid-quarter review of monetary policy by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). It is widely expected that RBI may reduce the interest rate to prop up growth.
The company is now in the process of incorporating itself in India and completing other formalities of submitting the required documents and certificates with the
Ministry, he said. The filing process for the new venture is being completed on a fasttrack basis, he added. Before incorporating itself in India, a company
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Saina gets top billing for Swiss Open
on the second, sixth, 10th and 11th. Pennapa sank birdies on the first, seventh, ninth and 18th and bogeys on fourth, sixth, 12th and 16th. Just like the first round,
BASEL: Two-time defending champion Saina Nehwal has been seeded No.1 in women's singles at the $125,000 Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold which starts on Tuesday. Saina, who lost in the semifinal of the All England Open Badminton Championships Saturday, won the tier three tournaments in 2011 and 2012. In 2011, the current World No.3 beat South Korea's Sung Ji-hyun 21-13, 21-14 in the final. Last year she overcame nemesis Shixian Wang 2119, 21-16 to clinch the only tier three title of March. Shixian, who the Hyderabadi beat in the quarters of All England Friday, has also been drawn in Saina's half of the main draw and a semifinal clash could be on the cards if both win the earlier rounds. Rising shuttler P.V. Sindhu has also got direct qualification. London Olympics quarterfinalist Parupalli Kashyap has been seeded fifth in men's singles. The World No.9 got direct qualification alongside Sourabh Verma, wild card B. Sai Praneeth, H.S. Prannoy and K. Srikkanth.
CHIEF-EDITOR, PUBLISHER, OWNER: Rohit Singh Rana, C.E.O.:Pawan Rathore, DY. CHIEF EDITOR : Vikram Singh Shan, Administrative Head Jammu: Vikram Singh Bhandari, Bureau Chief Kashmir: Allayee Faizan, LEGAL ADVISOR: Advocate Ashok Parihar PRINTED AT JK PRINTING & PUBLICATIONS, SUJWAN, JAMMU TAWI. For Contributing articles mail us at callme.ranasahib@gmail.com, editor.studentage@gmail.com. For Complaints, Querries or Advertisement Contact us: 0191-2580342.. Address: Sector-12, H.No-12 Nanak Nagar, Jammu (All disputes are subjected to the exclusive jursisdiction of Jammu District courts only.)