CMYK

CMYK

CMYK

CMYK

WEDNESDAY 12 February | 2014 | 11 Rabi-Al-Thani 1435 AH | PAGES 12 | VOL NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 43 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 Paisa)Pen For JusticeLargely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&Khttp://www.zabarwantimes.com

Gurezi for early completion of Veterinary Hospital buildings

Eminent Experts highlight roleof DMAs, NGOs in Disaster Management

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See More On Page 10No rift with salman

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Retains captaincy for Asia Cup

Ruckus in House over administrative units

PDP members scuffled with marshals, MLA Tral injured

WEATHER

TEMPERATUREMAXIMUM MINIMUMSUNSET ON(WEDNESDAY)SUNRISE ON (THURSDAY) 07:19 AM

06:12PM -1.1 0C 5.8 0C

FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:

FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:

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

Partly cloudy sky. Maximum &Minimum temperatures will be around 08°C & -01°C respectively.

Inside story

On Edit PageDrug Abuse and Kashmiri Society

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1 dies, 1 injured in road accidents

Kashmir valley, known as Peer Waer has been an abode of moral values since times immemorial. Almost all the reli-gions flourished here with sincere tol-erance and respect for every religion. Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani (RA), Lal Ded and many other Reshis, Sufis and Saints taught human values and re-ligious tolerance. But all these values are now witnessing erosion particular-ly since when political uncertainty en-gulfed this valley. The youths being im-patient, eager to earn fast buck& make a certain future started adopting short-cut methods & fell prey to materialism as they could not resist temptations. Those who adopted this path landed

22036 benefittedunder ISS: Sakina

Minister for Social Welfare, Ms. Saki-na Itoo today informed the House that under the Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS) the benefit has been extended to 22036 beneficiaries in Budgam, besides 7000 new cases have also been taken up under the scheme. Similarly, under Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWAPS), Indira Gandhi National Disable Pension Scheme (IG-NDPS), Rehabilitation of militancy hit

Fida appointed as acting chairman SHRC

Jammu, Feb 11: Continuing with their tradi-tion of turning Law making House into a fish market, legislators in Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Tuesday created ruck-us while heated arguments were exchanged be-tween ruling and opposition members. According to CNS, as the Assembly proceed-ings started on Tuesday, Peoples Democratic Party members created noisy scenes over the alleged discriminatory allocation of admin-istrative units and some of the members of PDP including Choudhri Zulfkar stormed into well to grab the attention of the Speaker Mubarak Gul on the issue. Some of the members stood on the benches and started raising anti-govern-ment slogans. PDP legislators alleged “discrimination” with Kashmir in the creation of new ad-ministrative units. Some of the PDP mem-bers amid anti- Omar Abdullah slogans pushed the Marshals and threw chairs. The commotion lasted for several minutes and Speaker Mubarak Gul was forced to ad-journ the House for 15 minutes. As the session started again, PDP members protested against and demanded new administrative for those areas which had been ignored. Various PDP members stormed into well again and came to blows with marshals. Mushtaq Ahmad Shah, a PDP legislature and MLA Tral, received injuries after he was allegedly dragged from a bench. he was imme-diately rushed to hospital for treatment, where

his condition was reported to be stable. The op-position membersPDP legislators also raised slogans against Omar Abdullah for not arresting ex-minis-ter Shabir Khan in a molestation case. They also raised issues like JKCA scam allegedly involving NC president Dr Farooq Abdul-lah and custodial death of NC worker Syed Yousuf. Amid chaos and confusion, there

were heated exchanges between Indepen-dent legislator from Langat constituency Engineer Rasheed and minister Moham-mad Akbar Lone from the National Con-ference. Speaker Mubarak Gul's repeat-ed requests to maintain order in the house failed to calm the agitating legislators after which the speaker adjourned the session for the whole day. (CNS)

Rashid takes on Lone

Jammu, Feb 11: Amid pandemonium, chaos and unruly scenes in Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Tuesday over the proposal for new administrative units, therewere heated exchanges between Independent legis-lator from Langate constituency Engineer Rasheed and Minister for Higher Education and National Conference leader, Muhammad Akbar. “People of Kashmir voted for you but your party National Conference is stabbing Kashmiri’s in their back and providing all benefits to Jammu,” Rashid remarked pointing his finger towards Lone who was opposing the move of Peoples Democratic Party legislators over the creation of administrative units. Lone shot back at Rashid saying that it is none of his business to criticize the policies of National Confer-ence. “You take care of your

See Rashid On page 11..

‘Power greedy NC ruining Kashmir’

Jammu, Feb 11: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah this afternoon visited Government Medical College Hospital, Jammu to ascertain the health condition of Legislator, Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami who is admitted there for chest pain. The Chief Minister also enquired the health status of another Legisla-tor, Mushtaq Ahmad Shah who was injured in an unfortunate incident in the Legislative House this morning.The Chief Minister visited both the Legislators inter-acted with them, asked about their health condition and prayed for their early recovery. Legislators and Provincial Presidents of National Conference, Devin-der Singh Rana and Nasir Aslam Wani accompanied the Chief Minister.Meanwhile, reports reaching KNS said that various

See CM On page 11..

CM visits GMC HospitalAscertains health condition of Tarigami, Shah

Srinagar, Feb 11: The speaker had to adjourn the session of the legislative assembly on Tuesday when the main opposition party PDP created ruckus on the floor of the house and protested against the creation of new administra-tive units in the state.After the proceedings of the budget session started today morning, the PDP legislators stormed the session and raised anti establishment slogans. Several leaders went into the well to protest against the discrimination being shown during the creation of new units in the state.The reports informed that due to the nosing scenes and

See Speaker On Page 11..

Speaker adjourns Assembly amid pandimonium Jammu, Feb 11, : Chief Minister Omar

Abdullah Tuesday wasted no time to log into his ‘Twitter’ account when Peoples Democratic Party legislators scuffled with Marshals over the pro-posal for new administrative units in the State. “Want to see shameful behaviour

of elected representa-t ives-check out the oppo-

sition in the J&K assembly standing on tables” Omar Abdullah tweeted. Omar Abdullah continued with his tweet which said, “seems they (PDP legislators) really are totally shaken up by our decision to create so many new administrative units

See PDP On Page 11..

‘PDP legislators behaviour shameful’

OMAR TWEETS

Kathua, Feb 11: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Tuesday said that construction of bridges and roads received a considerable fillip during the last five years of his government to provide better road communication and link up rural and remote areas with main highways. “This was also aimed at ameliorating the lot of people liv-ing in backward areas by helping in the generation of economic ac-tivities of wide-range”, he added.Inaugurating Rs. 17.18 crore, 310 metres span double lane pre-stressed concrete Bridge over Tar-nah Nallah at Magloor in Kathua District of Jammu Division this afternoon, the Chief Minister said that about 265 major bridges were completed in the State during the last five years besides 500 road construction projects.The Chief Minister said that road communication sector being es-sentially important for inclusive

socio-economic growth received priority attention and about 10,000 kilometres of roads have been constructed and upgraded besides macadamizing 15,000 ki-

lometres in the State during the last five years.The Chief Minister said that two flyovers one each

See Omar On page 11..

Road communication receiving focused attention: Omar

Inaugurates Marlboro Bridge in KathuaSrinagar, Feb 11: Kashmir valley Tuesday observed a complete strike on the third consecutive day on a call extended earlier by Kashmir’s pro-freedom camp against the hanging of Maqbool Bhat and Afzal Guru.Authorities had imposed re-strictions in several volatile ar-eas of Srinagar and other towns of valley. Barricades, concertina wires were placed in the middle of the several connecting roads to thwart the possible protest demonstrations.Shops and business establish-ments remained closed and the centre of state’s summer capital wore the deserted look. Several JKLF activists Tuesday appeared in Maisuma Main chowk and started taking a protest demon-stration. The protesters were raising slogans for Maqbool Bhat. They were later stooped by police and were whisked away.Most of the separatist leaders were either kept under house arrest or were detained in sev-

eral police stations across valley. Chairman Huriyat (G) syed Ali Geelani continues to remain under house arrest while as Chairman JKLF Mohammad Yasin Malik was detained at Police station Kothi Bagh.The reports maintained fur-ther that the senior Huriyat G activists and leaders in-cluding Mohammad Yasin Attae, Bashir Ahmad Bhat and

Imitiyaz Haider continues to remain detained at Budgam police station from the last five days.The similar reports of Shut-down are coming from other areas of valley also with the private and government offices witnessing very thin

See Shutdown On page 11..attendance of the employees.

Day 3

Kashmir observes shutdown

Omar committed towards upholding, protecting human rights - Tanvir

Jammu, Feb 11: Reiterating the stand of the National Conference led govern-ment to ensure that no human rights violation occur, the Political secretary to Omar Abdullah today said ‘that the gov-ernment is committed to ensure that no human rights violation occur’According to a statement issued by NC to KNS, "Death of any innocent civilian is always a matter of concern and pain for any government. We have and shall take all appropriate steps to ensure that no human rights violation occur,' Omar Abdullah’s Political Secretary Tanvir Sadiq said on Tuesday while speaking with Christine Mehta and Ragu Menon of Amnesty International who called on him at Jammu.“Government is committed towards

upholding and protecting human rights and the State has zero tolerance policy against any such reported violation” Tanvir said adding “The Chief Minis-ter has always maintained that Human rights of people should be respected and has also asked the police to differentiate between strictness and misbehaviors while discharging their duties"The Chief Minister has categorically directed the security forces to strictly follow the Standard Operating Proce-dures (SOP) to ensure that no innocent lives are lost and no collateral damage is caused while dealing with law and order situations,' said TanvirThe political secretary said that Neces-sary amendments were brought about in the J&K Criminal Procedure Code last year to enable the State Government to notify the “Victim Compensation Scheme”"This aims at providing financial help for the treatment, care and rehabilita-tion of the victims of crime"

See Amnesty On page 11..

Amnesty International Team calls on CM’s Political secretary

Srinagar, Feb 11: Taking strong note of the protest demonstrations by PDP and BJP during the assembly proceedings, Senior NC leader and a minister Ali Mohammad Sagar Tuesday stated that the ‘bizarre’ acts of the opposition parties is a sheer frustra-tion against the remarkable success of the present coalition government.Sgar, while talking to KNS outside the as-sembly secretariat on Tuesday said that the opposition parties are giving vent to their frustration by causing serious disruption on the floor of the house. He added that the historic steps taken by the government in the recent past like the creation of new administrative units and incorporation of 73rd amendment in the panchayat raj act of the state has given sleepless nights to the opposition and that they are left with no option but to halt the house’s proceedings.Sagar asserted further that the house will not succumb to the disruption being caused by PDP and BJP and that it will

continue to discuss the problems faced by the common masses of the state. “We will continue to raise the issues of people and will strive to resolve the same.”Ridiculing the incidents wherein some legislators stood on tables to register their protests, Sagar stated that the people are the best judges and they can differentiate between friends and foes. “How come the-ses pathetic actions are going to help the opposition? This is clearly unlawful and unconstitutional.”Opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti while striking back at NC stated that her party wants to concrete announcement over the formation of new administrative units in the state and that discrimination must be shunned at the earliest. “They say that our protest was unconstitutional, we want to ask them what was the killing of Haji You-suf, the slaughter of

See NC On page 11..

PDP, BJP frustrated: NCIf our protest is unlawful, what about

Haji Yousuf’s killing: Mehbooba Srinagar, Feb 11: Terming the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah a ‘dynast’, Delhi chief minister and Aam Admi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal stated that his party will sweep the forthcoming polls in the state.Kejrewal while speaking at a Delhi Literature Festival on Monday stated that chief minister Omar Abdullah is a dynast politician and that his party Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will soon open its offices in Jammu and Kashmir and will register a glorious triumph in the forth coming polls.Replying to the question that Omar Abdullah had recently challenged Kejriwal that his party will face de-feat if it contests elections in the state, Kejriwal while striking back at Omar stated that AAP will in near future open its offices in the state and will give lesson to the corrupt politicians there. (KNS)

AAP will sweep Lok Sabha polls in J&K: Kejriwal

Srinagar, Feb 11: One dies while a minor girl was injured in road traffic accidents in the valley.According to a police statement issued to KNS, Farhat Hussain son of Ghulam Hussain resident of Dab Ganderbal who was injured when his motorcycle he was driving skidded off the road near Wayil bridge, Ganderbal on 09-02-2014 succumbed to his injuries at SKIMS Srinagar. Ganderbal police has already registered a case in this regard.An Auto bearing registration num-ber JK03/2258 driven by Muzaffar Ahmad Sheikh son of Mohammad Abdullah resident of Doonipawa Anantnag hit and injured a minor girl Mehvish Jan daughter of Mo-hammad Iqbal

See Dies On page 11..

Srinagar, Feb 11: Governor of the state NN Vohra Tuesday appointed Rafiq Fida as Acting Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) with immediate effect recognising his services and contribution in the Commission. Necessary orders in this regard have also been issued vide SRO No. 30 dated 10.02.2014.The details received by KNS stated that Rafiq Fida, who is the senior most Member, is serving as Mem-ber of the Commission

See Fida On page 11..

11 Srinagar, Wednesday 12 February 2014 Zabarwan Times

From the front page

Speaker

NC

Dies

Fida

PDP

Rashid

CM

Omar

Shutdown

Amnesty

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

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 11- Deputy Commissioner Jammu Ajeet Kumar Sahu today discussed the preparations for the Wake up Jammu Campaign under SVEEP Programme of Election Commissioner of India with Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and other concerned officers of Jammu district. The programme is scheduled to start in the mid of February and shall continue for one month. The aim to organize the campaign is to enroll maximum number of young voters and missing eligible voters espe-cially in 18-19 age group and to motivate the voters to cast their vote. Threadbare discussion were held

on various issues like conducting of YUVA shows in various colleges, open-ing of voters facilitation centres at var-ious government and private colleges and also in the office of RTO, JMC and Jammu University. Deputy Commissioner finalized the dates for conducting YUVA shows in various colleges so that the young voters would be enrolled. He stressed upon the EROs to remain in touch with their concerned BLOs and BLAs so that the campaign would give fruitful results. Deputy Commissioner asked the EROs to work with utmost zeal and dedication to ensure maximum participation of young voters during

the campaign. He also stressed for covering all colleges including private colleges for ensuring maximum par-ticipation. ACG Shahnaz Choud-hary, SDM R. S. Pura Sukhdev Singh, SDM Akhnoor Girish Dayalan, Joint Commissioner JMC Kapil Sharma, Deputy Director Information Jyoti Salathia, AC (UT) Jammu Dr. Piyush Singh, AVP –JK Bank Raman Koushal, BDO Marh Waseem Raja, BDO Bhalwal M. Latifi Tasir, Programme Head Radio Kashmir Ravi Magotra, HDFC Bank Head Abhishek Khajuria, Station Head 92.7 Syed Ali Jafari, other senior officers of concerned departments also attended the meeting.

DC discusses Wake up Jammu campaign preparations

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 11- Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Shantmanu who is also Chairman Regional Red Cross Society today inaugu-rated a blood donation camp organized by Sun Pharma Laboratories Limited in col-laboration Regional Red Cross Society and Govern-ment Medical College Jam-mu at Bari-Brahmana here today. About 50 volunteers of Sun Pharma Laboratories Limited donated blood on the occasion. Among others, Sec-retary Regional Red Cross Society, R.C. Puri, HOD, Blood Bank, GMC, Jammu,

Dr. Vijay Sawhney were also present on the occasion.. Divisional Commis-sioner while speaking on the occasion lauded the gesture of Sun Pharma Laboratories Limited for organizing blood donation camp. Describing blood donation as a noble cause, Shantmanu said that everybody should come for-ward for this cause to save precious lives. Maintaining that many NGOs and so-cial organizations are doing good work in this field, he emphasized the need to gear up the efforts and motivate more and more people to come forward and support the cause.

Div Com inaugurates blood donation camp

DODA, FEBRUARY 11-De-partment of Agriculture, Dis-trict Doda today organized a programme to webcast Kri-shi Vasant, National Agri-culture Fair-cum- Exhibition organized at Nagpur ( Maha-rashtra ) by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperation Government of India from February 9 to 13, 2014. Additional District Devel-opment Commissioner Doda, G.N Balwan who was the chief guest on the occasion inaugu-rated the webcast live demon-stration programme. During the live telecast the participant farmers were apprised about different crops, animals, birds and the intensive discussion/

interaction between farmers and scientists. Balwan impressed upon the farming community to take benefit of the event to boost the production of ag-ricultural crops and other enterprises by adopting latest and scientific approach in agri-culture and other allied sectors to raise their economic condi-tion. He also enjoined upon the farmers to cultivate disease resistant, high breed and better quality of crops to get desired and enhanced economic benefits. Earlier, Chief Agriculture Officer Doda, H.K Razdan welcomed chief guest and other District offi-cers in the programme.

Krishi Vasant 2014, webcasted in Doda

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 11-Members of IAS Officers Wives Association today joined Indian Red Cross Society as Life Member in presence of its Chairman, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Shant-manu. Those who joined the Red Cross Society include President IAS Officers Wives Association, Kaneez Fatima, Sec-retary, Arunima Sinha, Treasurer, Ridhi-ma Bhagat, Mrs. Veena Koul, Mrs. Rajni Sahu, Mrs. Sushma Chouhan and other members. Secretary Regional Red Cross So-ciety, R.C. Puri, Director Health Services Jammu, B.S. Pathania, HOD, Blood Bank, GMC, Jammu, Dr. Vijay Sawhney were also present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, President IAS Officers Wives Association said that main aim to join Red Cross Society is to help strengthen the initiatives of the so-ciety and to contribute in the betterment of the society .She said that the associ-ation is looking forward to promote Red Cross activities in the state by launching membership drives so that more and

more people join this movement to meet challenges during man made or natural disasters besides strengthening Red Cross Society. She also underlined the need to organize health check-up, legal aid, gen-eral awareness camps, skits and plays to generate awareness among general public regarding activities of Regional Red Cross Society. The Red Cross Society was urged to impart First Aid Training to IAS Of-ficers Wives Association and sensitize them about various other activities of the society Divisional Commissioner said that Red Cross Society is working hard to serve the mankind. He stressed for involvement of youth, doctors, NGOs, social and reli-gious organizations to strengthen the so-ciety for the benefit of needy people. Secretary IRCS said that the Red Cross is a global movement and its motive is to uphold the human dignity and save precious lives. He highlighted the schemes and activities of Indian Red Cross Society. He added that every effort is being made to strengthen the Red Cross Movement.

IAS Officers Wives Association join IRCS

DDC convenes meet to finalizes rates of

nutrition items UDHAMPUR FEBRUARY 11- To finalized the rates of nutri-tion item rates under ICDS Project, a meeting of purchase committee was held under the chairmanship of District Development Commission-er, Udhampur, Mrs. Yasha Mudgal here today. Joint director Planning, Mrs. Rakesh Jamwal, Project Officer, ICDS, Mrs. Nirupa Rai and officers of the department attended the meeting. DDC directed Project Officer, ICDS, Mrs. Nirup Rai to check the specifica-tion of the nutrition items. She instructed the officers concerned to ensure that the process is carried out in a time bound manner so that the items are provided to respec-tive ICDS blocks on time DDC directed Project Officer, ICDS, Mrs. Nirup Rai to check the specification of the nutrition items. She instruct-ed the officers concerned to ensure that the process is carried out in a time bound manner so that the items are provided to respective ICDS blocks on time .

UDHAMPUR, FEBRUARY 11:- To review the physical and financial achievements made by Health Department under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) District Development Commission-er who is also the Chairman District Health Society Mrs. Yasha Mudgal convened a meeting of functionaries of Health Department today. During the meeting, threadbare discussions were held on various issues which include block wise achieve-ments under Janani Surak-sha Yojana (JSY) and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), status of RKS funds, referral transport services un-der JSSK, quality of diet given to pregnant women under JSSK, physical achievements under National programmes like RNTCP(TB), national Programme for Control of Blindness, NACO ,Maternal

Death, besides various other issues were also discussed in the meeting.DDC exhorted upon the concerned Officers to make people aware about the ob-jectives of NRHM to reduce Maternal and Infant Mor-tality Rate in the district and stressed on involving PRI functionaries to aware the masses about various schemes.She impressed upon the con-cerned officers to gear up their field functionaries to achieve the set targets under the different components of NRHM.cleardot Among other, Joint Director Plan-ning, Mr. Rakesh Jamwal, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Education Officer, Medical Superintendent District Hos-pital, District Immunization Officer, Block Medical Offi-cers and concerned officers were present in the meeting.

Physical, financial achievement under

NRHM reviewed JAMMU, FEBRUARY 11– Additional Deputy Com-missioner Jammu Kalyan Singh today discussed the ar-rangements for the upcom-ing Maha Shivratri festival and reviewed plans for the smooth conduct of Jhankis. The meeting was at-tended by SSP Jammu Atul Goel, SP Security Jammu Ra-mesh Angral, Joint Commis-sioner JMC Kapil Sharma, Deputy Director Informa-tion Jammu (PR) Jyoti Sala-thia, DHO Jammu Dr. Sanjay Turki, XEN ED-I A. K. Ch-hiber, XEN PHE City-I J. K. Sharma, other senior officers and representatives of various religious organizations. Officers of various de-partments were directed to ensure all necessary arrange-ments are put in place, adding that there should be no short-age of essential commodities. ADC asked Health Department to provide am-bulances to accompany the

Jhanki/procession which will pass through different parts of the city. PDD was directed to ensure un-interrupted pow-er supply during the festival days. JMC was assigned the task of cleanliness and sanita-tion around the main tem-ples likely to be thronged by the devotees and enroute the procession . Arrangements with regard to traffic, secu-rity, barricading were also reviewed. Representatives of local religious organizations also putforth their various de-mands. ADC called upon the organisers to ask their volun-teers to regulate the entry of devotees in the temples and also keep close watch during the procession. The meeting was told that the Shiv Sevaks with the active participation of others will organize a procession consisting of 30 Jhankis on February 26.

ADC Jammu discusses Maha Shivratri arrangements

DODA, FEBRUARY 11-Depart-ment of Agriculture, District Doda to-day organized a programme to webcast Krishi Vasant, National Agriculture Fair-cum- Exhibition organized at Nagpur ( Maharashtra ) by the Min-istry of Agriculture and Cooperation Government of India from February 9 to 13, 2014. Additional District Develop-ment Commissioner Doda, G.N Bal-

wan who was the chief guest on the occasion inaugurated the webcast live demonstration programme. During the live telecast the participant farmers were apprised about different crops, animals, birds and the intensive dis-cussion/ interaction between farmers and scientists. Balwan impressed upon the farm-ing community to take benefit of the event to boost the production of agri-

cultural crops and other enterprises by adopting latest and scientific approach in agriculture and other allied sectors to raise their economic condition. He also enjoined upon the farmers to cultivate dis-ease resistant, high breed and better quality of crops to get desired and enhanced eco-nomic benefits. Earlier, Chief Agricul-ture Officer Doda, H.K Razdan welcomed chief guest and other District officers in the programme.

Krishi Vasant 2014, webcasted in Doda

PDP’s ruckus, speaker Mubarak Gul adjourned the proceed-ings for fifteen minutes. The reports informed further that lat-er during the protest, a PDP legislator and MLA tral Mushatq Shah was allegedly dragged from a bech due to which he was injured. Shah was rushed to Hospital.Medical Education minister and Congress Leader Taj Mohi-du-din after visiting the injured legislator at Hospital, told KNS that his condition is stable and his test reports are normal.Earlier, scenes were witnessed in the Assembly as PDP leg-islator threw chair and pushed the Marshall and raised slo-gans against Chief minister Omar Abdullah. PDP legislators stormed into the well of the House raising slogans against Omar Abdullah for not arresting ex-minister Shabir Khan in a molestation case.PDP legislatures also raised issues like JKCA scam allegedly in-volving NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah and custodial death of NC worker Yousuf Shah. While terming the behaviour of PDP shameful, Chief minster Omar Abdullah cornered PDP over standing of the tables in the house during the protest and their scuffle with the marshals.“Want to see shameful behaviour of elected representa-tives-check out the opposition in the J&K assembly standing on tables,” Omar Abdullah tweeted. Later Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah visited GMC hospital to inquire about the health of Mohammad Yuosuf Tarigami who is admitted there for chest pain.The Chief Minister who was accompanied by Davindar Singh Rana and Nasir Aslam Wani, also enquired the health status of another Legislator, Mushtaq Ahmad Shah who was injured in a scuffle with Assembly Marshals in the Legislative House this morning.The Chief Minister interacted with them, asked about their health condition and prayed for their early recovery. (KNS)

which has been well received.” There was ruckus and unruly scenes were wit-nessed in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly over the proposal for new administrative units in the state. The assembly was adjourned after members of Opposition PDP clashed with marshals on the floor of the House. Amid slogans, PDP legislators climbed on furni-ture and stormed into the well of the House. There was noise all around while, some of the PDP MLA’s resisted when Marshals tried to drag them out from the Well. (CNS)

Constituency where people are satisfied with the decision of the government,” Lone told Rashid. Er Rashid shot back and said that that “Congress party is using you as you people are power hungry. You are diverting all the funds allocated for Kashmir to Jammu. You are power mongers and Congress party is exploiting you as a result Kashmiri people are facing discrimination,” Rashid said. The argument between the two legislators continued for several minutes. (CNS)

other leaders from National Conference, Congress and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party visited GMC Jammu to enquire about health of Tarigami and Shah. Those who visit-ed Tarigami in GMC hospital include deputy chief minister Tara Chand, minister for medical education Taj Mohi-u-Din, minister for higher education Mohammad Akbar Lone, minister PHE Sham Lal Sharma minister for tourism G A Mir, minister transport Choudhry Ramzan, minister of state Nazir Gurezi and minister of state Vikar Rasool. According to CPI (M) state unit, Tarigami was admitted in GMC Jammu on complaint of chest pain. He was evaluated by doctor and investigations suggested that there is no heart problem. He is recovering fast and shall be discharged in due course of time, a CPI (M) state unit spokesman said.

at Jammu and Srinagar have been launched to provide bet-ter road communication in the twin cities and give relief to the commuters from frequent traffic jams. He said under the PMGSY over 1150 road projects were launched in the rural areas and 713 have been completed so far.Omar Abdullah said that the State Government got 650 road schemes costing Rs. 1774 crore aimed at constructing about 3500 kilometres, cleared from the Union Government under Phase VIII and IX under PMGSY. He said a massive roads and bridges construction programme is in full swing in the State adding that the current year will witness completion a lot of more roads and bridge scheme.The Magloor Bridge inaugurated today by the Chief Minister will benefit villages of Magloor, Torsi, Rehni, Malani, Gurah Panditan, Satt, Bakhta, Forelain, Dhani, Baria and adjacent ar-eas. It will benefit about 25000 people and generate economic activities in these areas.The area being remote and people largely dependent on ag-riculture and allied activities were facing difficulties in trans-porting their produce to markets as also tranship fertilizers, seeds and domestic goods from towns and cities to their areas. The lack of connectivity was also hindering the development process. The education and medicare sectors were also under pressure. The construction of this bridge has opened a new era of economic welfare and development in the area.The executing agency of the bridge was J&K Projects Con-struction Corporation (JKPCC). The JKPCC completed the bridge about one year ahead of the schedule date of comple-tion.Present on the occasion were Minister for R&B, Abdul Majid Wani, Minister of State for Cooperatives, Dr. Manohar Lal, Minister of State for R&B, Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, Parliament Member, Ch. Lal Singh, various Sarpanches, Panches, Man-aging Director, JKPCC, P. R. Bhagat, Chief Engineer R&B, Jammu, Abdul Hamid, various officers and a large number of locals. (KNS)

The deputy commissioner Srinagar Farooq Shah told KNS that no untoward incident was reported from any part of the city and there will be no restrictions on public movement on Wednesday. When contacted the Inspector General of Police IGP Kashmir said that the situation remained normal through the Valley and there would be no restrictions imposed on Wednesday. (KNS)

said Tanvir. The political secretary said that the human rights record of the state government was good and it was the state organ that has brought many issues to light.“There has been a lot of perception that has been put togeth-

er around the rights abuses in the state” said Tanvir adding “Omar Abdullah has always maintained if the government of India and Pakistan want to give the people of Jammu & Kash-mir one CBM they should give them a Truth and Reconcil-iation Commission which will look into the entire gamut of developments that have taken place in Jammu and Kashmir on both sides of line of actual control since 1990 including mil-itancy” Tanvir told the team. (KNS)

120 people in 2010 and the Shopian double rape and murder case.”Mehbooba stated that till the government comes up with the announcement of the new administrative units wherein justice is done to all the regions of the state, PDP will continue to pro-test. “We want announcement and not the discussion. Now the ball is in the court of the government.”However senior BJP leader Ashok Khajuria told KNS that they have been protesting against the hardships the people of the state are facing at large. He stated that they have not committed any unlawful act and that to protest against the wrong policies of the present dispensation is the right of every citizen of the state. “This government has failed to deliver on all fronts and it is not we are frustrated but the wrong policies of the pres-ent coalition have compelled the common masses to take the front.” (KNS)

Malik resident of Check-i-Nesu, Badragund in the jurisdic-tion of Police Station Anantnag. She was shifted to District Hospital Anantnag for treatment. A case has been registered in this regard. (KNS)

since June 2011 and has passed some land mark judgments regarding some important, serious and sensitive matters.The Commission, which has recently shifted its headquarters to Old Assembly Complex, Srinagar, was functioning under tremendous pressure/ legal difficulties without Chairman from 24.10.2011 when JusticeBashir-ud-din completed his term of three years as the chair-man of the Commission as certain powers/authorities have specifically been vested with the Chairman of the Commis-sion only under the J&K Protection of Human Rights Act, 1997.With the appointment of Rafiq Fida as Acting Chairman of the Commission, a long pending demand of intellectual fra-ternity, HumanRights Activists, individuals from journalism and mass media and other stake holders has been fulfilled who had been demanding for immediate posting of the Chairman of the Commission and other Members which are vacant in the Commission. (KNS)

Srinagar, Feb 11 (KNS): Jam-mu and Kashmir people’s League headed by Mukhtar Ahmad Waza today paid glowing tributes to Moham-mad Maqbool Bhat on his 30th death anniversary.In a statement issued to KNS, JKPL said that Shaheed Ma-qbool Bhat has sacrificed his life for the better future of KashmirPaying tributes to martyrs of Kashmir including Ma-qbool Bhat PL said that the sacrifices of our martyrs are priceless assets lying with the Kashmiri people and leader-ship. “Kashmiri martyrs have centre staged Kashmir issue at global level and have laid down a path for our through which we can strive our birth right.” Party Spokesman, Im-

tiyaz Ahmad Reshi said.He said that denial of mor-tal remains of our two great martyrs have exposed India’s cruelty, hence international human rights organizations and international communi-ty must play its role so that families van get mortal re-mains of both the martyrs.Spokesman condemned the continued detention of party chairman Mukhtar Ahmad Waza and other dozens and said that Indian government and its collaborators have turned Kashmir into com-plete jail and the movement of Kashmiri has been re-stricted since from past two days by imposing undeclared curfew in the valley and by arresting over 500 hundred political activists and youths from the valley. (KNS)

JKPL paid tributes Maqbool Bhat

New Delhi:After eradication of polio from the country, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday set full im-munisation of every child as the next target.

A galaxy of dignitaries, in-cluding President Pranab Mukherjee, Congress Presi-dent Sonia Gandhi, BJP lead-er Sushma Swaraj, Union Ministers and those from the WHO and UNICEF, came together to celebrate "India's Victory Over Polio" after three years of no polio cases which will result in the coun-try being certified polio-free by the WHO. "This is indeed a historic day," Singh said amid thunderous applause from hundreds of invitees. "We should try and deliver life-saving vaccines to every child.... Even the remotest of corners should achieve full immunisation of all children against prevent-able diseases," he said in New Delhi on Tuesday. Gandhi termed India's health eradication drive un-matched by any other health programme and "one of the several successes of the UPA government"."It is something we can be proud of," she said, noting that the country had almost 50,000 polio cases over 20 years back. "Let us bring same dedica-tion... to eradicate other dis-eases, especially those which are a burden on children," she said as she pitched for universal affordable care. The PM underlined the chal-lenges the country faced in

rooting out polio as until re-cently it accounted for more than half of polio cases in the world. "It says something about our strong commitment and de-termination to eradicate this crippling disease from our midst that within a few years we have managed to reach a stage where we can be cer-tified polio-free, reaching a goal that we had set for our-selves about a decade and a half ago," he said. UPA was working to acceler-ate child survival and improve maternal health, he said, add-ing "it is only by ensuring a healthy and disease-free future for our children that we can reap the true demographic dividend of our country". President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday got the Rotary's highest award for his leader-ship in the country's victory over polio. The award is a recognition for heads of countries or gov-ernments who have rendered unique service to the human-ity and served the country and its people upholding val-ues reflected in the Rotary's motto 'Service Above Self '."Ron Burton conveyed greetings and admiration of Rotarians across the world to Mukherjee for the leader-ship he has provided and the country's victory over polio," a Rashtrapati Bhavan release said.The President appre-ciated the work the Rotary movement is doing world-wide and in India, especially its support to the govern-ment for the eradication of polio, it said.

Full immunisation of every child the next target for India: PM

NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 11- The Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Fa-rooq Abdullah, today gave the green light to intensifying co-operation between India and the Netherlands on renewable energy. The Minister presided over a ceremony where the Dutch Ambassador Alphonsus Stoelinga and the Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Satish Balram Agnihotri, signed a Memorandum of Understand-ing (MoU). Under this agree-ment an Indo Dutch Joint Working Group will be set up and the exchange of technical and institutional knowledge on clean energy will be facili-tated.

Speaking on the occa-sion, Dr. Abdullah welcomed the decision of both the gov-ernments to enhance their

cooperation in the Renewable Energy sector and hoped that the signing of the Memoran-dum would be a just the be-ginning of a symbiotic and mutually beneficial wave of cooperation in the clean en-ergy sector. The Dutch Am-bassador emphasized that both their countries have similar ambitions and face similar challenges in realiz-ing clean energy options in the respective countries. He hoped that the MoU would encourage cooperation not only at the official and gov-ernmental levels but also between leading Indian and Dutch private companies and research institutions. A num-ber of private companies in-cluding DSM, Thermax India and PwC were also present on the occasion.

On this occasion Dr.

Abdullah also spoke about the energy situation in India and the rapid growth of the renewable energy sector in In-dia. He spoke of India’s plans to add over 30 GW of renew-able energy to its energy mix in the next 5 years. He dwelt on the success of the wind programme as well as the significant cost reductions in solar energy through the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM). He also highlighted India’s con-ducive and investor friendly policy framework for pro-moting renewable energy in a big way. Dr. Abdullah sug-gested that India and Neth-erlands had great potential for enhancing cooperation in promoting renewable en-ergy and offered to provide all possible assistance for the purpose.

JAMMU, FEBUARY 11: Minis-ter of State for Animal and Sheep Husbandry, PHE, Ir-rigation and Flood Control Mr. Nazir Ahmad Gurezi today directed the execut-ing agency, J&K Horticul-ture Planning and Mar-keting (JKHPM) to speed up the pace of work on all on-going construction works of Veterinary Hos-pital buildings and com-plete them in a stipulated time frame.This direction was given by the Minister while chairing a meeting of of-ficers of various depart-ments including R & B, Animal and Sheep Hus-bandry and JKHPM, to review the progress and status of various projects under execution.Threadbare discussion was also held on progress and status of various flag-ship programmes.Addressing the meeting, the Minister said that the Gov-

ernment has launched various

flagship programmes with

an aim to upgrade the socio-economic conditions of the people of the State so it is obligatory for the of-ficers responsible to im-plement the schemes on ground. He stressed them to ensure that benefits of the Centrally Sponsored schemes percolate to the breeders and farmers well in time.He also called for launch-ing vigorous awareness to educate the farmers and breeders about the latest techniques and the schemes meant for promotion of sheep and cattle rearing besides welfare of farmers.Among others, Commis-sioner Secretary, R & B Mrs.Tanveer Jahan, Direc-tor Sheep Jammu, Direc-tor Sheep Kashmir, Direc-tor Animal Husbandry Jammu, Director Animal Husbandry Kashmir and other officers attended

the meeting.

India and Netherlands sign MoU, agreed to enhance

cooperation in Renewable Energy

Gurezi for early completion of Veterinary Hospital buildings

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY | 12 | 2014Daily ZABARWAN TIMES NEWS

An opportunity to travel could come your way today, Li-bra, perhaps in the company of friends or colleagues. This might involve education in some way. What you learn on this trip is likely to alter your life somehow, as it could open new doors for you. New friends and valuable contacts could also come on the scene. Don’t hesitate; go for it! Another op-portunity like this might not come around for a while.

A number of new people could come your way, Scorpio, perhaps through projects of some kind with which you’re involved. Some of them may appear to be trustworthy and some may not. Today, however, your instincts are highly at-tuned and you’ll be better than usual at sizing up people you don’t really know. Make the most of this ability, and don’t let logic get in its way. Follow your heart!

The opportunity to attend one or more huge social gatherings, such as balls or banquets, might come your way today, Sagittarius. You might want to attend in the company of a small group of friends. This could be business related or involve a group with which you’re affiliated. Nonetheless, it shows the promise of developing into an enlightening experience in one way or another. Accept the invitation and start making your plans!

Expect a strong boost to your ego and self-confidence today, Capricorn. Your physical and mental energies are very high, and you’re apt to feel that you’re capable of moving mountains. Take advantage of this new motivation while you can, since today you could make definite progress on any goal toward which you may be striving. The support and encouragement of friends and colleagues should prove invaluable. Go for the gold!

Today you should feel more energetic, enthusiastic, and mo-tivated than you have in a long time, Aquarius. You feel very opti-mistic about your future, thanks to recent successes and support from those closest to you. As a result, your intellectual and cre-ative faculties are more than inspired enough to move forward. The only downside is that there could be so many ideas coming to you that you might not be able to choose among them.

An increased level of physical and mental energy could have you feeling especially determined and highly motivat-ed to move ahead with whatever means the most to you at this time, Pisces. Matters involving home and family might need some attention right now, though in a very positive way. You’ll notice that your inner power is much higher than usual today, as if you could move mountains. Go for it!

Efforts to advance your career that have led to past suc-cesses might actually put you in the public eye today. You could find yourself the center of attention, Virgo, perhaps sharing your methods with others or leading a discussion group. An opportunity to write or lecture about your experi-ences could also be in the offing. Expect compliments from a lot of people, which could boost not only your ego but also your enthusiasm.

New opportunities, perhaps involving modern technology in some way, might present themselves to you in such a way as to transform your working life, Aries. You could find yourself making a lot of phone calls in this regard, which could keep you busy for much of the day. Your level of excitement is likely to be very high, which makes it important that you remember to take breaks, catch your breath, and definitely get a little exercise.

Changes in your working environment could result in a rise in your income, Taurus. You’ve been working very hard in order to advance yourself in this regard, and you’re likely to continue to do so indefinitely. Your natural communica-tion skills continue to serve you well, and your physical en-ergy is likely to be stronger than it has been for a long time. The only downside is having very little time to yourself!

Today you’re likely to complete a creative project of some kind that you’ve been working on for some time, Gemini. You might want to consult with friends or colleagues, get their feed-back on what you’re doing, and listen to their advice. They may point out both strong and weak points of which you were pre-viously unaware, and this should definitely prove valuable to you. The results you achieve could surprise even you. Go for it!

Some revealing conversations with friends or relatives could bring up old traumatic memories from the past that you may have been repressing. This could shed light on a lot of obstacles you’ve been encountering lately, Cancer, and thus enable you to release these emotions and do away with the obstacles. Once that happens, the sky’s the limit! Your per-sonal power and self-confidence should be stronger than ever.

Today you can expect some noticeable changes in your neighborhood, Leo. Some new neighbors who might become your friends could be moving in. This could alter your life ever so subtly, turning it in a more positive direction. You could click immediately with these new people, realizing that they share a lot of your interests. Don’t overanalyze this situation, but don’t write it off as coincidence either.

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 11: A 2-days State Level Conference on “Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation” today started at Police Auditorium here, in which experts from SAARC Disaster Management Centre, NDMA, UNDP, ASDMA Assam, and Universities of Delhi and Jammu threw light on Disaster Management, Communi-cation and Coordination and Role of NDMA, SDMAs, DMAs and NGOs in Disaster Management.

A large number of participants drawn from different departments across the State and Civil Defence Volunteers are attending the Con-ference.

In her welcomed address, the Additional Director General of Po-lice, Homeguards, Civil Defence & SDRF, Smt. D. R. Doley Barman said that aim of the conference was to familiarize the stake holders about the role of disaster management units in the event of natural and manmade disasters and also to seek opinions from the participants dur-ing the deliberations through ques-tion - answer sessions.

In the inauguration session, Dr. Muzaffar Ahmed from NDMA highlighted the quantum of losses at national and international level and said that in terms of causalities and damages caused to the prop-erty due to disasters India ranks at 5th place with average loss of 2 per

cent of its GDP. He said that differ-ent states in the country are prone to different types of disasters and require differently oriented disas-ter management skills to save life and property.

Prof. Santosh Kumar, Director SAARC Disaster Management Cen-tre, New Delhi shared some case studies about handling disasters in different geo-climatic settings. He also emphasised on capacity building among all stake holders

and need to integrate it with local institutions including panchayats as well.

Mrs. Nagma Firdous, Senior Specialist NDMA New Delhi threw light on interagency coordination and communication in disasters and pointed out that there were

habitations which could remain cut off for days together when massive earthquake of 7.6 mag-nitude hit Jammu and Kashmir in 2005. She emphasised the need to have Emergency Operation Cen-tres established at various levels with the use of modern technol-ogy including GIS and GPS.

The forenoon session was chaired by Dr. Ram Lubahaya, re-tired ADGP J&K, who also respond-ing to the quires put by the par-

ticipants. He concluded the session with some suggestions including preparedness at the grass root level and mutual help and self respect in the context of disasters.

During the second session, Mr. G. Padmanabhan from UNDP delib-erated upon mainstreaming DDR in

sectoral programmes and said that while planning for developmental progamme utmost care is to be tak-en to avert risk component afer ex-ecution and in utility. Smt. Nandita Hazirika from ASDMA, Assam threw light on the role of Sate and District level management authorities in Disaster prevention, preparedness, response and management. She said that well fabricated manage-ment authorities with better human resource could be effective post di-

saster management, while as Mr. Mallick from Jammu University gave an over view on earthquake mitiga-tion in Jammu and Kashmir and said that there was need to take every effort to mitigate the loss of life and property in the event of earth-quakes through proper disaster management. Mr.Vikram Mahajan from Sphere India elaborated role of NGOs in disaster management and said that wherever reach of di-sasters management committees could be difficult, the local NGOs with expertise and resources could be instrumental in disaster man-agement.

The session was concluded with panel discussions and ques-tion answers during which the experts responded with satisfac-tory answers and reciprocated the valuable suggestion put forth by he participants. The participating civil defence volunteers also shared their experiences and difficulties con-fronted while managing disasters in the field and suggestion for more equipping and resourcefulness.

A are among the major achievement of the present government. He said making Panachati Raj more powerful was the dream of late leaders like Sher-i- Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and Rajiv Gandhi.

Extending gratitude to the Centre Government, particularly Prime Min-ister for providing liberal funds to the State, Magray said that train to Kashmir, a dream of the Kashmiri people has been turned true; adding the time will come when the state will be connected with the rest of the country through rail net-work.

Magray said that upgrading road connectivity, connecting inaccessible villages through road network besides turning Srinagar-Jammu national high-way a four lane road are also among the major achievements of the present dispensation. He said tourism sectors also received major impetus during the last five years of coalition Government. He said the steps taken by the Govern-ment for tackling unemployment in the State are showing encouraging results. He said schemes like SKEWPY, UDAAN, HIMAYAT, and UMEED etc have opened new employment avenues for youth of

the state, which needs to be taken fur-ther.Mr Vijay Bakaya while speaking on the motion expressed satisfaction over the achievements of the Government. However, he identified certain areas like agriculture, horticulture, health, em-ployment and power as requiring further attention and improvement. He sug-gested that Government should come up with out of the box solutions for absorb-ing and channelizing youth, particularly matriculates and undergraduates.

Referring to the issue of power sup-ply to migrants of Jaggti town ship, he said once the power supply in the town-ship gets properly regulated and im-proved, the people would be persuaded to pay the power tariff bills.Mr Narboo Gialchan while speaking on the mo-tion expressed his satisfaction over the performance of the Government during last five years. Terming creation of new administrative units and approving 73rd amendments revolutionary steps.

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 11-A meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council was held under the chairmanship of Chairman, LC Mr. Amrit Malhotra here today.

Threadbare discussion was held on revised calendar for the sittings of the 110th session of the legislative Council.

As per the revised calendar, Discussion on Motion of Thanks on Governor’s Address shall be taken on February 12, Presentation of Annual Financial Statement of Expenditure for the year 2014-15, Presentation of Supplementary Statement for the year 2013-14 on February 13, Discussion of Governor’s Address and reply by the Government on February 17, General Discussion on Budget on February 18 and February 19, General Discussion on Budget and reply thereto on February 20, Government Business on Feb-ruary 21, Appropriate Bills on February 23, Discussion on work-ing of Ministry on February 24, 26 and March 4, Private Members Resolutions on February 25 and March 3, Private Members Bill on March 1, Government Business if any on March 5.

Bakaya lays half yearly Reports of SVO

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 11: Mr. Vijay Bakaya on behalf of the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, laid on the table of the House half yearly Reports of the State Vigilance Organization (SVO) for the periods 01-01-2011 to 30-06-2011 and 01-07-2011 to 31-12-2011 as pro-vided in section 9-A of the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Corruption Act, Samvat 2006.

Malhotra chairs BAC Meet

Speaker seeks cooperation of all parties to run House smoothly

22036 benefitted under ISS: Sakina

Discussion on Motion of thanks on Governor’s address

Eminent Experts highlight role of DMAs, NGOs in Disaster Management

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 11- The Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Mr. Mubarak Gul to-day made a fervent appeal to the Mem-bers of all the politi-cal parties to main-tain the decorum of the House and ex-tend cooperation to him in running the proceedings of the House smoothly so that important issues of public interest are raised and discussed in the House.

Referring to today’s unhealthy in-cidents in the House which hampered the normal Business, the Speaker urged upon the Legislators to raise their issues as per the

norms and procedure laid down in Business and Con-duct Rules of the House. He

said the Members are at lib-

erty to raise the issues of pub-lic importance in a democratic way, adding that hampering

the proceedings of the House amount to the wastage of precious time.

Mr. Gul said that All Parties were appealed in the meetings held earlier to extend their cooperation for running the Session smoothly which he had also reiterated today.

The Speaker also expressed con-cern over the inci-dent in the House in which a Legisla-tor Mr. Mushtaq Ahmed Shah and some Watch &

Ward officials were injured.

Minister for Social Welfare, Ms. Sakina Itoo today informed the House that under the Inte-grated Social Security Scheme (ISSS) the benefit has been extended to 22036 beneficiaries in Budgam, besides 7000 new cases have also been taken up under the scheme. Similarly, under Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWAPS), Indira Gandhi National Disable Pension Scheme (IGNDPS), Re-habilitation of militancy hit victims, as many as 11295 persons, 204 persons, 175 persons and 334 persons have been provided the benefits of the schemes respectively.The information was given by the Minister for Social Welfare, Ms. Sakina Itoo while replying to a question by Mr. Ali Mohammad Dar in Legislative Council today.The Minister further informed the House that during the current financial year, 3018 pending cases under ISS have been sanctioned in dis-trict Budgam whereas regarding the pending cases under NSAP the matter has been taken up with the Union Ministry of Rural Development.

Secretary LA informed House about assented Bills

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 11: The Secretary Legislative Assembly, Mr. Mohammad Ramzan to-day read out a message regarding assent of Governor on two Bills already passed by both the Houses of Legislature.

He informed that the Bills namely “The Jammu and Kashmir Dehi Adalats Bill, 2013 (L.A Bill No. 16 of 2013) and the Jammu and Kashmir Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2013 (L.A Bill No.17 of 2103) have got assent of Governor of J&K on 24th October, 2013.

Ownership of 3.48 lakh kanals vested to occupants under Roshni: Ajaz

An area measuring 3.48 lakh kanals has been approved by the government for vesting of ownership to the occupants by the concerned District Price Fixa-tion Committees under Roshni Scheme in the state and an amount of Rs. 7651 lakh has been deposited by the occupants as reported by the concerned Divi-sional Commissioner.

The information was given by the Minister of State for Revenue, Mr. Ajaz Ahmad Khan while replying to a question by Mr. Jehangir Hussain Mir in Legis-lative Council today. The Minister further informed the House that 75401 applications are pending in the state for giving the rights of land to the occu-pants under the scheme. He further said that since ‘Grow More Food Scheme’ being a separate programme, the land allotted to farmers under the scheme is not normally being covered under Roshni and there is no proposal to bring such lands within the ambit of Roshni scheme.

Daily Zabarwan TimesEDITORIAL/ OPINIONEDITORIAL/ OPINIONDaily Zabarwan TimesSrinagar, Wednesday 12 February 2014

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

Drug Abuse and Kashmiri

Society

etlands are complex ecosystems and encompass a wide range of inland, coastal and marine hab-itats. They share the characteristics of both wet and dry environments and show immense di-versity based on their genesis, geographical loca-tion, hydrological regimes and substrate factors. They include flood plains, swamps, marshes, fishponds, tidal marshes natural and man-made wetlands. Among the most productive life sup-port, wetlands have immense socio-economic and ecological importance for mankind. They are crucial to the survival of natural biodiversity. They provide suitable habitats for endangered and rare species of birds and animals, endem-ic plants, insects besides sustaining migratory birds. India has a wealth of wetland ecosystems distributed in different geographical regions. Most of the wetlands in India are directly or indi-rectly linked with major river systems such as the Ganges, Cauvery, Krishna, Godavari and Tapti. India has totally 27, 403 wetlands, of which 23,444 are inland wetlands and 3,959 are coastal wetlands. According to the Directory of Asian Wetlands (1989), wetlands occupy 18.4% of the country area (excluding rivers), of which 70 % are under paddy cultivation. In India, out of an estimated 4.1 mha (excluding irrigated agricul-tural lands, rivers, and streams) of wetlands, 1.5 mha are natural, while 2.6 mha are manmade. The coastal wetlands occupy an estimated 6,750 sq km, and are largely dominated by mangrove vegetation.Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

India is also a signatory to the Ramsar Conven-tion on Wetlands and the Convention of Bio-logical Diversity. The Convention on Wetlands, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, is an intergov-ernmental treaty which provides the framework for national action and international coopera-tion for the conservation and wise use of wet-lands and their resources. There are presently 158 Contracting Parties to the Convention, with 1758 wetland sites, totaling 161 million hectares, designated for inclusion in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. Ram-sar Convention is the only global environment treaty dealing with a particular ecosystem. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was developed as a means to call international attention to the rate at which wetland habitats were disappear-ing, due to lack of understanding of their im-portant functions, values, goods and services. Governments which have joined the Conven-tion are expressing their willingness to make a commitment for helping to reverse that history of wetland loss and degradation. In addition, many wetlands are international systems lying across the boundaries of two or more countries, or are part of river basins that include more than one country. The health of these and other wet-lands is dependent upon the quality and quantity of the transboundary water supply from rivers, streams, lakes, or underground aquifers. This requires framework for international discussion and cooperation toward mutual benefits. The salient features of Ramsar Convention includes recommendations for monitoring of biodiver-sity and anthropogenic impact; improvement of the legislation for protection of the wetlands; elaboration of economic mechanisms for the bio-diversity protection while in nature management; organisation of new protected areas (Ramsar sites) in Kamchatka region; organisation of work with local population and search for sources of funding.Conservation of Natural Resources

Nature has provided bountiful resources sur-rounding us for sustenance of a better life. Thus, any part of our natural environment such as land, water, air, minerals, forest, grassland, wildlife, fish or even human population that man can utilize to promote his welfare, may be considered as Natural Resources. These resources, along with human resources and capital, play a crucial role for ex-pansion to national output which ultimately drives towards economic development. Hence for sustainable development, careful use of the exhaustible resources and maintenance of the quality of renewable resources are needed. For that, certain objectives should be followed. Eco-logical balance has been defined as “a state of dynamic equilibrium within a community of organisms in which genetic, species and ecosys-tem diversity remain relatively stable, subject to

gradual changes through natural succession.” and “a stable balance in the numbers of each spe-cies in an ecosystem.” The most important point being that the natural balance in an ecosystem is maintained. This balance may be disturbed due to the introduction of new species, the sudden death of some species, natural hazards or man-made causes. Common property resources (CPRs) constitute all such resources which are meant for common use of the villagers. In the pre-British India, a very large part of the country’s natural resourc-es was freely available to the rural population. These resources were largely under the control of the local communities. Gradually, with the extension of state control over these resources, resulting in decay of the community manage-ment system, CPRs available to the villagers de-clined substantially over the years. Nevertheless, it is widely held that CPRs still play an important role in the life and economy of the rural popula-tion. The beginning of the studies of the CPRs in India can be traced back to early 1980’s. Some of these studies covered fairly a large number of vil-lages scattered over the vast area of the country but majority of those was of the nature of case studies. Biodiversity, or biological diversity, is a term coined to describe the immense variety and richness of life on this planet. Biodiversity includes not only the many species that exist, but also the diversity of populations that make up a species, the genetic diversity among individual life forms, and the many different habitats and ecosystems around the globe. “Biodiversity is the variety of the world’s organisms, including their genetic diversity and the assemblage they form.” Biodiversity” is most commonly used as species diversity and species richness and as the “totality of genes, species, and ecosystems of a region”. Bi-ological variety has been identified as species di-versity, ecosystem diversity and genetic diversity. List of Wetlands In India The wetlands in India are classified as Himalayan wetlands which includes Ladakh and Zanskar Pangong Tso, Tso Morad, Chantau, Noorichan, Chushul and Hanlay marshes, Kashmir Valley including Dal, Anchar, Wular, Haigam, Malgam, Haukersar and Kranchu lakes, Central Himala-yas including Nainital, Bhimtal and Naukuchital and Eastern Himalayas having numerous wet-lands in Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Manipur, Beels in the Brahmaputra and Barak valley. Indo-Gangetic wetlands are the largest wetland system in India, extending from the river Indus in the west to Brahmaputra in the east. This includes the wet-lands of the Himalayan terai and the Indo-Gan-getic plains. Coastal wetlands contains the vast intertidal areas, mangroves and lagoons along the 7500 km long coastline in West Bengal, Oris-sa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karna-taka, Goa, Maharashtra. and Gujarat. Mangrove forests of Sunderbans, West Bengal and Anda-man and Nicobar Islands. Offshore coral reefs of Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar, Lakshwadeep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Deccan Wet-land includes a few natural wetlands, but innumer-able small and large reservoirs and several water storage tanks in almost every village in the region.

National Wetland Policy National wetland strategy should encompass (i) Conservation and collaborative management, (ii) Prevention of loss and promotion of restoration and (iii) Sustainable management. These include Protection of the existing wetlands. Of the many wetlands in India, only around 68 wetlands are pro-tected. But there are thousands of other wetlands that are biologically and economically import-ant but have no legal status. Planning, Manag-ing and Monitoring of Wetlands comes under the Protected Area Network have manage-ment plans but others do not. It is important for various stakeholders along with the local community and the corporate sector to come together for an effective management plan. Active monitoring of these wetland systems over a period of time is essential. Although several laws protect wetlands there is no spe-cial legislation pertaining specially to these ecosystems. Environment Impact Assessment is needed for major development projects and highlighting threats to wetlands need must be included and appropriate measures to be formu-

lated. Coordinated Approach is required because Wetlands are common property with multi-pur-pose utility; their protection and management also need to be a common responsibility. An appropriate forum for resolving the conflict on wetland issues has to be set up. It is important for all the relevant ministries to allocate sufficient funds towards the conservation of these eco-systems. There is a necessity for research in the formulation of a national strategy to understand the dynamics of these ecosystems. This could be useful for the planners to formulate strategies for the mitigation of pollution. The scientific knowl-edge will help the planners in understanding the economic values and benefits, which in turn will help in setting priorities and focusing the plan-ning process. Building Awareness is needed. Awareness among the general public, educa-tional and corporate institutions must be creat-ed for achieving any sustainable success in the protection of these wetlands. The policy makers at various levels, along with site managers, need to be educated. The bi-lateral cooperation in the resource management needs to be enhanced if country’s wetlands are shared.

National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP)

The Government opertionalized National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP) in closed collaboration with concerned State Government during the year 1986. Under the programme 115 wetlands have been identified till now by the Ministry of Environment and Forests which requires urgent conservation and management initiatives. The aim of this Scheme is Conservation and wise use of wetlands in the country so as to prevent their further degrada-tion. The scheme was initiated to lay down poli-cy guidelines for conservation and management of wetlands in the country; to undertake inten-sive conservation measures in priority wetlands; to monitor implementation of the programme and to prepare an inventory of Indian wetlands.

Legislations Wetlands conservation in India is indirectly influenced by an array of policy and legislative measures. Some of the key legislations are the In-dian Fisheries Act, 1857, the Indian Forest Act, 1927, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Water (Prevention and Control of Pol1ution) Act, 1974, Territorial Water, Continental Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone and other, Marine Zones Act, 1976, Water (Prevention and Con-trol of Pollution) Act, 1977, Maritime Zone of India.(Regulation and fishing by foreign vessels) Act 1980, Forest (Conservation Act), 1980, Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986, Coastal Zone Regulation Notification, 1991, Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 1991, based on UN Convention on Biological diver-sity 1992, Biological Diversity Act, 2002 was enacted. National Conservation Strategy and Policy Statement on Environment and De-velopment, 1992, National Policy and Macro level Action Strategy on Biodiversity, 1999 are also formulated by Government.

Wetland Management and Sustainable Development

Wetlands are not delineated under any spe-cific administrative jurisdiction. The primary responsibility for the management of these ecosystems is in the hands of the Ministry of Environment and Forests. Although some wetlands are protected after the formulation of the Wildlife Protection Act, effective coor-dination between the different ministries, en-ergy, industry, fisheries, revenue, agriculture, transport and water resources, is essential for the protection of these ecosystems. Environ-mental management for sustainable utiliza-tion is the prime need of the hour. Industrial development with respect to automobiles, chemicals, fertilizers, insecticides, etc., are coming up very fast in India and due to various reasons these are often held responsible for en-vironmental damage. Lack of environmentally educated society, inefficient management, weak law enforcement, corporate greed to earn more profit with less investment can also lead to chem-ical accidents and causing imbalance in sustain-able development.

Protection oF Wetlands

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Kashmir valley, known as Peer Waer has been an abode of moral val-ues since times imme-morial. Almost all the

religions flourished here with sin-cere tolerance and respect for ev-ery religion. Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani (RA), Lal Ded and many other Reshis, Sufis and Saints taught human values and religious tolerance. But all these values are now witnessing erosion particular-ly since when political uncertain-ty engulfed this valley. The youths being impatient, eager to earn fast buck& make a certain future start-ed adopting shortcut methods & fell prey to materialism as they could not resist temptations. Those who adopted this path landed into a web of drug abuse as they never got satisfied with their achieve-ments. With the time a large sec-tion of young generation are in the trap of drugs and other social evils. They are depending on illegal drug or medication which causes a situation where in the body of the addict is always intensely craving for more and more drugs. Initially most of the youngsters take drug for fun sake which later on leads to drug addiction and results into many health problems and oth-er social evils like theft and other crimes for accumulating mon-ey for their drug dose. Such drug addicts lose their conscience, self control, willpower, memory and energy. They indulge in anti social activities and in turn are hated and shunned by society. Their lives be-come miserable. They cannot live gracefully which has a negative impact on the fabric of the society. Families are split and ultimately they are of no use to family, soci-ety or the nation. Drug addiction kills youths morally, socially, psy-chologically, physically and emo-tionally. They live alone and die in isolation.United Nations International Drug Control Programme survey in 2008 revealed that there are near-ly seventy thousand drug addicts in the Kashmir valley, four thou-sand of them women. The survey also indicated that 65 to 70 percent of the students in Kashmir valley were into drugs and 26 percent fe-male students were drug addicts. Reports further revealed that 70 percent of the addicts fall in the age group of 18 to 35 years, a pro-ductive age group. Now in 2012 the number must have increased at an alarming rate which is a very precarious situation. Now the time has come when religious leaders, intellectuals, parents and social activists put their efforts to wage a war against this impending social evil which is putting our society at the brink of extinction.