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  • 7/29/2019 Daily Paper February 10, 2013

    1/8

    STUdenT aGe

    R E A D T H E N E E D

    SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 20138 Pages

    Rs: 1.00

    Jammu Edition

    www.thestudentage.com

    JKENG/2012/41612

    Vol. 2 No: 38

    Egypt's President Morsiurges Syria unity at

    Islamic summit

    Karnataka releasesCauvery water to

    Tamil Nadu

    Afzal hanging:Justice delivered

    after 11 yearsPage

    6

    IN BRIEFIN BRIEF

    Page

    E

    ditorial

    NEW DELHI: GDP growth

    for the current fiscal could be

    higher than that forecast by

    the Central Statistical Office

    (CSO), the finance ministry

    has argued, citing improve-

    ment in forward-looking

    indicators and the tendency

    to underestimate growth

    when the economy is on the

    mend. Advance estimates of

    GDP released by CSO on

    Thursday forecast only a 5%

    growth in the current fiscal,

    the lowest since 2002-03.

    Citing GDP numbers for

    two earlier years when the

    final outcome was much bet-

    ter than the advance esti-

    mates, the ministry said it is

    likely that final growth in

    2012-13 will be closer to

    5.5% or more, an assessment

    also shared by some private

    economists.

    Earlier in the day, Chief

    Economic Advisor

    Raghuram Rajan also said the

    CSO estimate could be on the

    lower side. "At turning points

    in contd on page 2

    Signs of upturn in economy,growth likely to be 5.5%: FM

    EC slams Congressleader

    AGARTALA: The Election

    Commission has pulled up

    Tripura Congress leader

    Birajit Sinha for accusing

    Chief Minister Manik Sarkar

    of meeting surrendered

    extremists, an official said

    Saturday. The Communist

    Party of India-Marxist

    accused Sinha of making

    "concocted, unfounded and

    contd on page 2

    Cold conditionsprevail in parts ofPunjab and Haryana

    CHANDIGARH: Amritsar

    remained the coldest place in

    the region with cold condi-

    tions prevailing in most parts

    of Punjab and Haryana.

    Minimum temperature in

    Amritsar settled at 3.6 deg C,

    down by one degree below

    normal, the MeT office said

    here Saturday. Among other

    parts of Punjab, Ludhiana

    and Patiala had a low of 10.3

    deg C and 8.1 deg C respec-

    tively. UTChandigarh

    contd on page 2

    Centre to provide airconnectivity to smallcities & remote areas

    NEW DELHI: The UnionMinister for Civil Aviation,

    Mr. Ajit Singh said today that

    the Centre is committed to

    provide improved air connec-

    tivity to small cities and

    remote areas in the country.

    Inaugurating the new terminal

    building at Puducherry

    Airport, he said, 15 more air-

    ports will be constructed soon

    under the Greenfield policy.

    The new terminal at

    Puducherry airport has state

    of the art facilities including

    Flight Information Display

    System, Arrival Baggage

    Claim contd on page 2

    ECI allowed plainvoters slips for pollbound states of NE

    AGARTALA: Election

    Commission of India (ECI)

    has allowed political parties

    to distribute Voter ID slips

    without name of the contest-

    ant, party symbol, slogan or

    any indication of influencing

    electorates in favour of any

    party or individual for

    upcoming assembly poll in

    Tripura, Meghalaya and

    Manipur. ECI has also asked

    the political parties, which

    distributed slips with name

    and contd on page 2

    US seeking info thatcan convict Hafiz

    Saeed in court of lawWASHINGTON: The US

    on Saturday said it continues

    to seek information on LeT

    founder and 26/11 master-

    mind Hafiz Saeed that can

    convict him in the court of

    law.

    However, it refused to

    comment on the detailed

    interview given by the

    Mumbai attack mastermind,

    arguing that it does not want

    to "dignify" someone on

    which the US has declared a

    reward of USD 10 million for

    information leading to his

    conviction. "I'm not going

    to, you know, dignify the

    interview contd on page 2

    NEW DELHI, FEB 9:

    Twelve years after a terror

    attack on its parliament

    brought it to the brink of war

    with Pakistan, India Saturday

    executed Kashmiri militant

    Afzal Guru in a meticulously

    mounted operation kept

    completely under wraps. He

    was hanged to death at 8 a.m.

    outside his cell in Delhi's

    Tihar Jail and buried quietly

    soon after for his role in plot-

    ting the audacious Dec 13,

    2001 attack in which 10 peo-ple were killed when five

    armed terrorists stormed into

    the parliament complex

    when 100 MPs were inside.

    Afzal Guru's end came just

    six days after President

    Pranab Mukherjee rejected

    his mercy petition on Feb 3.

    "The President rejected the

    mercy petition of Afzal Guru

    on Feb 3 and after that I gave

    my approval on February 4

    and the date and timing was

    confirmed by a judicial offi-

    cial. He was hanged at 8

    o'clock this morning," Home

    Minister Sushilkumar Shinde

    said at a press conference

    here.

    Shinde said mercy peti-

    tion of Guru was first recom-

    mended for rejection by theHome Ministry in 2011 and

    after Pranab Mukherjee took

    over as President last year, he

    had returned all pending

    mercy petitions for reconsid-

    eration sent by him (Shinde)

    after he took charge of the

    Home Ministry in August

    2012.

    "The new President sent

    back all mercy petitions for

    reconsideration... I examined

    the file carefully and recom-

    mended to the President on

    January 21 for rejection of

    Afzal Guru's petition," he

    said. Speaking to the media,

    the Home Secretary said,

    "The decision on Afzal

    Guru's body will be taken as

    per the jail manual. Afzal

    Guru will be buried with full

    religious rites inside the jail.

    We are not apprehending any

    law and order problem in

    Kashmir. The Jammu and

    Kashmir Chief Minister was

    kept in the loop". "The law

    and justice is taking its

    course." Singh added.

    The man from Doabgah

    (Seer) village near Kashmir

    Valley's Sopore town had

    known since Friday evening

    that he was to be hanged. He

    was woken up at 5 Saturday

    and he offered his prayers

    before calmly approaching

    the noose, officials in Tihar

    Jail said recounting his last

    hours.

    He was buried quietly

    soon after, close to the cell he

    had spent so many years in

    contd on page 2

    Afzal Guru executed, buried inside Tihar Jail

    Here is a timeline of

    events after the

    attack:

    * Dec 13, 2001: Five ter-

    rorists enter the parlia-

    ment complex and open

    indiscriminate fire, killing

    nine people and injuring

    over 15.

    * Dec 15, 2001: Delhi

    Police pick up AfzalGuru, a member of terror-

    ist outfit Jaish-e-

    Muhammad (JeM), from

    Jammu and Kashmir.

    S.A.R. Geelani of Delhi

    University's Zakir

    Hussain College picked

    up for questioning and

    later arrested. Two others

    - Afsan Guru and her hus-

    band Shaukat Hussain

    Guru - were picked up

    later.

    * Dec 25, 2001: Under

    immense international

    pressure, the Pakistan

    government arrests JeM

    chief Maulana Masood

    Azhar.

    * Dec 29, 2001: Afzal Guru

    sent to 10 days' police

    remand.* June 4, 2002: Charges

    are framed against four

    people - Afzal Guru,

    Geelani, Shaukat Hussain

    Guru, Afsan Guru and

    Geelani.

    * Dec 18, 2002: Death sen-

    tence awarded to S.A.R.

    Geelani, Shaukat Hussain

    Guru, and Afzal Guru,

    while Afsan Guru was let

    off.

    * Oct 29, 2003: Geelani

    acquitted in the case.

    * Aug 4, 2005: The

    Supreme Court, while

    confirming the death sen-

    tence of Afzal Guru, com-

    mutes Shaukat Hussain

    Guru's death sentence to10 years rigorous impris-

    onment.

    * Sep 26, 2006: Delhi court

    orders Afzal to be hanged.

    * Oct 3, 2006: Afzal Guru's

    wife Tabasum Guru files a

    mercy petition with then

    president A.P.J. Abdul

    Kalam.

    * Jan 12, 2007: The

    Supreme Court dismisses

    Afzal Guru's plea seeking

    review of his death sen-

    tence, saying "there is no

    merit" in it.

    * Dec 30, 2010: Shaukat

    Hussain Guru released

    from Delhi's Tihar Jail.

    * Dec 10, 2012: Home

    Minister Sushilkumar

    Shinde said he would

    examine Afzal Guru's fileafter parliament's winter

    session concludes Dec 22.

    * Feb 3, 2013: President

    Pranab Mukherjeee

    rejected Afzal Guru's

    mercy plea.

    * Feb 9, 2013: Afzal Guru

    hanged in New Delhi's

    Tihar jail at 8 a.m.

    Timeline of events afterDec 13 parliament attack

    Afzal Guru washanged for

    eight minutes

    NEW DELHI, FEB

    09:Parliament attack convict

    Afzal Guru was hanged at

    8am on Saturday in front of

    eight people in the Tihar Jail

    in a procedure that took

    eight minutes, prison

    sources said on Saturday.

    They said that Guru was

    informed about his hanging

    late Friday evening after adeath warrant

    "He was told about his

    hanging yesterday (Friday)

    by the jailor," a source said.

    The source said Guru was

    hanged about 20 metres

    from contd on page 2

    Allow family toperform last rites:

    Afzal's wifeNEW DELHI, FEB 9:The

    family of Afzal Guru, who

    was hanged in Tihar Jail

    Saturday, sought permission

    from the authorities to per-

    form his last rites in accor-

    dance with religious tradi-

    tions. Guru's body was

    buried inside the jail premis-

    es, said officials. In a letter

    to Jail Director GeneralVimla Mehra, drafted by

    Guru's lawyer N.D.

    Pancholi, wife Tabassum

    said the last rites of her hus-

    band should be performed in

    a dignified manner. "We are

    writing contd on page 2

    BJP welcomes Afzal's execution

    BJP today welcomed the execution

    of Parliament attack convict

    Mohammed Afzal Guru, saying it

    was a "much awaited and much wanted

    decision". "This action is delayed. But

    undoubtedly it is a welcome action. It was

    a much awaited decision, much wanted

    decision so that the world could see that India is committed

    against terror, the fight against terror," contd on page 2

    Afzal's family was informedabout hanging: Home secretary

    Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru's family had been

    informed ahead of his hanging in Delhi's Tihar jail

    Saturday morning, Home Secretary R.K. Singh told

    reporters. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar

    Abullah was also kept in the loop about the hanging. "The

    chief minister was taken into confidence," R.K. Singh said.

    "The family was informed earlier. contd on page 2

    Afzal's execution has sentstrong message: Congress

    Congress today said the message of "zero tolerance"

    against terrorism has been sent through the execution

    of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, close on the

    heels of Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab's hanging. Party

    spokesman Rashid Alvi said "after Independence, two major

    acts of terror have taken place in the country -- the attack on

    Parliament and the Mumbai terror contd on page 2

    Better late than never: Modi

    Gujarat Chief Minister

    Narendra Modi today wel-

    comed the hanging of

    Parliament attack convict Afzal

    Guru. "Better late than never," Modi

    posted on microblogging site

    Twitter after the Centre announced

    that Guru was hanged at Tihar Jail here this morning. Guru,

    a Jaish-e-Mohammed militant, contd on page 2

    SRINAGAR, 9: Residents in

    Kashmir Valley woke up to

    the shocking news on

    Saturday morning that

    Kashmir youth Afzal Guroo

    was executed in Delhi's Tihar

    Jail. The news broke with

    clamp down as thousands of

    police and para-military per-

    sonnel were deployed in

    Srinagar city and other major

    towns to prevent any back-

    lash. Despite curfew and

    strict restriction, processions

    were taken out at dozens of

    places and police resorted to

    aerial firing in South

    Kashmir's Pulwamma

    District and North Kashmir's

    Khanpora and Sopore areas.

    According to protests ,

    erupted across the Valley

    including home town of

    Afzal Guru so after the news

    spread about his execution.

    According to reports,police

    and paramilitary troops fired

    upon protesting people in the

    home village of Afzal,

    Mazebugh Sopore resulting

    in the injuries to eight pro-

    testers. Police spokesman

    however, said that they have

    no information about the

    incident. Another police offi-

    cial contd on page 2

    SRINAGAR, 9: "Execution

    of one Afzal Guroo will pro-

    duce thousands of Afzal

    Guroo's in Kashmir. It is

    absurd and foolishness to

    expect justice from the

    Government of India. India is

    doing grave injustice in

    Kashmir and it will be per-

    ished soon by the grace of

    God." This was stated by rul-

    ing National Conference

    Additional General

    Secretary; Dr Shiekh Mustaf

    Kamal in an interview short-

    ly after Afzal Guroo was

    hanged in Tihar Jail on

    Saturday morning.

    Kamal while spewing

    venom against the

    Government of India said

    that India is insensitive

    towards the people of

    Kashmir and is ruling the

    Kashmir on the basis of mili-

    tary power. "Half of India's

    military force has been

    deployed in Kashmir to sup-

    press the voice of people. Not

    speaking of a common

    Kashmiri, even our Chief

    Minister Omar Abdullah was

    not taken into confidence and

    despite his repeated pleas

    Central Government did

    what suited to them." Kamal

    said and added that he

    appeals Kashmiri people not

    to expect any justice from the

    Government of India.

    "By hanging Afzal

    Guroo, Government of India

    appeased the Hindu extremist

    forces and played with the

    sentiments of people of

    Kashmir. "National

    Conference including Omar

    Abdullah had requested

    Centre Government to award

    Afzal life imprisonment

    because by hanging Afzal,

    large scale violence may ere-

    upt in Valley which they

    ignored." He said and further

    added that the decision came

    as a big disappointment for

    National Conference.

    National Conference

    Additional General

    Secretary; Dr Shiekh Mustaf

    Kamal accused India that it is

    not serious about Kashmir

    and right from 47 it has sup-

    pressed the sentiments of

    people.

    "Indian democracy is in

    vogue only in other states of

    India while in Kashmir it has

    been always trampled. India

    desperately wants to enslave

    we Kashmiri people. In Holy

    Quran, Allah has cursed upon

    the oppressors. India is an

    oppressor and she is destined

    to perish." Kamal said

    contd on page 2

    Curfew across Valley, Life came to standstillNEW DELHI,FEB9: In the

    aftermath of execution of

    Parliament attack convict

    Afzal Guru, Jammu and

    Kashmir Chief Minister

    Omar Abdullah today

    appealed for calm and asked

    people not allow those with

    vested interests to exploit the

    situation.

    "I understand there is a

    certain degree of angst as a

    result of execution. I also

    understand there are among

    us those who would like to

    exploit the situation for their

    own personal and political

    advantage thereby putting the

    people of the state to more

    inconvenience," Omar said in

    a brief interaction with

    reporters.

    Instructing police and

    para-military forces for exer-

    cising maximum restraint

    while contd on page 2

    Omar appealsfor peace in J&K

    Mobile internet servicessnapped in KashmirSRINAGAR: Mobile internet services in the Kashmir

    Valley were today snapped following the hanging of

    Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru amid apprehensions of

    a backlash. All the mobile internet connections stopped

    functioning this morning as the news about hanging of Guru

    broke out. Although, no reason has been given for snapping

    the services, it is believed that the step was taken as a pre-

    emptive measure to stop misuse of internet. In the past,

    authorities have suspended internet and mobile services dur-

    ing the 2010 summer unrest in contd on page 2

    FIRING IN BARAMULLA HAZRATBAL AND SOPORE

    Kamal did it once again: "India isan oppressor and it will perish"

    'J&K keen to welcomeforeign tourists' : Mir

    MUMBAI, FEB 9: The

    Jammu and Kashmir Tourism

    Minister, Mr. Ghulam Ahmad

    Mir has Called upon the

    overseas' Tour and Travel

    bodies to guide and steer the

    people of their Countries to

    visit Jammu and Kashmir,

    describing it the most ideal

    tourist destination in the

    world. He assured that J&k is

    as peace full as any other part

    of the World and people of

    State remain enthusiastic to

    welcome the foreigners on

    their visit here with all hospi-

    tality facilities.

    Speaking at the one day

    Overseas' Travel Mart held

    here today, the Minister said

    that tour and travel operators

    can contd on page 2

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    Afzal Guru....solitary confinement. The

    Supreme Court had sentenced

    him to death in 2004.

    As news spread of the exe-

    cution - the second in India in

    just three months after the

    hanging of Pakistani Ajmal

    Amir Kasab for the Mumbai

    terror attack - scattered protests

    broke out in the Kashmir valley.

    Curfew was clamped in

    major towns as police and para-

    military Central Reserve Police

    Force (CRPF) in full battle gear

    fanned out. Several people were

    injured, two of them critically,

    in clashes with forces. The

    moderate faction of the sepa-

    ratist group Hurriyat

    Conference called for four days

    of mourning. The hanging, it

    said, was "political killing

    which has nothing to do with

    the legal system of India". The

    government explained that legal

    process was followed.

    Jammu and Kashmir Chief

    Minister Omar Abdullah said he

    had been informed about the

    decision at 8 p.m. Friday. The

    government's move, which

    came shortly ahead of budgetsession of parliament beginning

    Feb 21, was welcomed by the

    BJP that has been demanding

    that Afzal Guru be hanged. The

    Left welcomed it too.

    With the opposition silenced

    somewhat in the last year of the

    UPA II government, ministers

    said the law had taken its

    course. But rights activists and

    others said this was not so.

    "There should have been

    decency about (today's) hang-

    ing," said Rajinder Sachar, for-

    mer chief justice of Delhi High

    Court. "He was not like Kasab.

    He was an Indian." Protocol

    had not been followed, said

    Delhi University lecturer

    S.A.R. Geelani, who was arrest-

    ed in the case but acquitted by

    the Supreme Court in October2003.

    Afzal Guru's cousin Yaseen

    Guru said that they were not

    told in advance about the hang-

    ing or about the president

    rejecting his mercy plea. He

    said Afzal Guru's wife

    Tabassum was in a state of deep

    shock. "All that she and the rest

    of the family now want is his

    body," he said. Home Secretary

    R.K. Singh, however, asserted

    that the family was informed

    about the hanging.

    In contrast, Vishwa Hindu

    Parishad and Bajrang Dal

    activists celebrated the hanging

    near Jantar Mantar in the heart

    of Delhi. Afzal Guru, who

    leaves behind a son in Class 8

    and who is believed to have

    given up his MBBS course in

    the first year, had wanted an

    end to the "living death".

    "I don't think the (UPA-I)

    government can ever reach a

    decision," Afzal Guru had said

    in what was perhaps his last

    interview. He was proved

    wrong.

    Afzal Guru....

    his cell where he spent 12

    years in solitary confinement.

    "There were eight people,

    including a doctor, a magistrate

    and some jail officials, present

    when he was hanged. He was

    hanged for eight minutes," the

    source said.

    Guru was buried quietly

    soon after the hanging.

    After he was woken up at

    5am, he offered prayers before

    calmly approaching the noose,

    officials said. A Muslim cleric

    was also present during his

    hanging.

    Guru was convicted for his

    role in plotting the December

    13, 2001, attack on Parliament

    House, in which 10 people were

    killed when five armed terror-

    ists stormed into the complex

    when 100 MPs, then prime

    minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee

    and his cabinet ministers were

    inside.

    Allow family....

    you to please permit the

    family members to give

    Afzal Guru a proper dignified

    last rites in accordance with the

    religious traditions.

    "If you could inform us

    when the family members can

    perform their 'Namaaz-e-

    Janaza', we would appreciate

    it," said the letter.

    "We do not wish to make it a

    political issue in an atmosphere

    which is already volatile but the

    family members, as citizens of

    India, have a right, which must

    be respected," the letter said.

    BJP welcomes ....

    BJP spokesman Rajiv Pratap

    Rudy told reporters here.He

    said the BJP has always

    been pressing for strong and

    prompt action against perpetra-

    tors of terror.

    "Any action against terror

    like the hanging of Afzal Guru

    should be immediate. It cannot

    be delayed. If the highest court

    of the land upheld the convic-

    tion of Afzal Guru in 2007,

    thereafter there was no reason

    that any mercy petition should

    have been delayed for so long,"

    he said.

    "Though delayed, we stillfeel that the hanging of Afzal

    Guru was a right action. It has

    been done and the people of this

    country have been wanting and

    waiting for it for a long time,"

    he said.

    Days after his mercy petition

    was rejected by the President,

    Guru was hanged at 8 AM at

    Tihar jail here.

    Guru was convicted of con-

    spiracy in the December 2001

    attack on Parliament and was

    sentenced to death by the

    Supreme Court in 2004.

    On December 13, 2001, five

    heavily-armed gunmen stormed

    the Parliament complex and

    opened indiscriminate fire,

    killing nine persons.

    Welcoming the execution of

    Guru, BJP Vice-PresidentMukhtar Abbas Naqvi said he

    was "a conspirator in waging

    war against the nation and

    responsible for attack on the

    temple of democracy

    (Parliament) in India."

    "It is a late decision but in

    national interest. There was a

    strong anger across the nation

    due to the delay (in execution).

    Despite the late action, people

    in the country have heaved a

    sigh of relief and this hanging

    has given a message to the ter-

    rorists and the anti-national

    forces working against the

    country," he said.

    "We should adopt a zero-tol-

    erance stand against terrorism,"

    Naqvi added.

    Better late....

    was convicted of conspiracy

    in the December 2001 attack on

    Parliament and was sentenced

    to death by the Supreme Court

    in 2004. After the hanging of

    Mumbai terror attack convict

    Ajmal Kasab, main opposition

    BJP had stepped up its demands

    for speedy execution of Guru.

    Afzal's execution....

    strikes, and those who were

    responsible for both have been

    hanged."

    Kasab was hanged in Pune's

    Yerawada jail on November 21

    last year.

    "We have sent the message

    to the world that we cannot tol-

    erate terrorism at any cost. If

    anybody tries to commit (any

    act of terror), he will be pun-

    ished. People of our country

    and government have zero tol-

    erance against terrorism," he

    said. Hitting out at the opposi-

    tion NDA, he said those who

    were released in Kandahar (Air

    India plane hijack) eventually

    made the conspiracy to attack

    Parliament.

    Afzal's family....

    I checked from the jail

    authorities and they informed

    me that two letters had been

    sent by speed post. The DGP

    Kashmir was asked to cross-

    check too. It is not correct that

    the family was not informed,"

    he said.

    Kamal did....

    and added that Afzal Guroo's

    execution would result in

    bloodshed in Kashmir and his

    death will actually be the birth

    of thousands of Afzal Guroo's.

    "India will get nothing out of

    this. Centre always creates trou-

    ble for National Conference

    which pitches for development

    and peace in Kashmir.

    Whenever we cooperate with

    Central Government, they

    backstab us." He said.

    Curfew across....

    said that only two persons

    were injured in the incident.

    Sources said that people of

    Mazebugh Sopore came on

    roads to protest the hanging of

    Afzal Guru. The protesters were

    demanding body of Afzal as

    well. They said that the police

    and paramilitary personnel fired

    upon peaceful protesters injur-

    ing at least eight persons.

    While talking To reporters ,

    one of doctors said that in the

    district hospital Baramulla thhe

    received eight injured people inthe hospital which are being

    treated. However, 02 of them

    were serious and have been

    shifted to Srinagar. "One of

    them had a bullet injury on neck

    and other on his thigh so they

    were shifted to Srinagar,"

    Doctor said.

    Protests were also held in

    Kulgam, Baramula, Qazigund,

    Banihal, Pulwamma,

    Shopian,Sumbal, Dangiwacha,

    Hazratbal, Pattan and at other

    dozens of places across the

    Kashmir Valley. In Hazratbal

    area of Srinagar city, large num-

    ber of people came on roads

    raising anti-Omar and anti-BJP

    slogans were fired upon by the

    police and para-military forces

    when they allegedly pelted

    stones of police personneldeployed in the area. One youth

    Reyaz Ahmed Wani from

    Batapora Hazratbal received a

    bullet and was rushed to

    SKIMS in critical condition.

    People in Kralgund

    Handwara protested against the

    execution of Afzal Guru and set

    a CRPF Bunker on fire located

    in front of police station

    Kralgund. Police and CRPF

    personnel fired several round in

    air and in retaliation agitated

    protestors resorted to heavy

    stone pelting resulting in the

    injuries of dozens of people.

    In Bogam area of District

    Kulgam, SP Kulgam's escort

    was attacked by agitated people

    and according to reports, people

    tried to disarm the police and

    CRPF personnel. "A policeman

    and a CRPF jawan was injured

    when people pelted stones on

    the police vehicles in Bogam,"

    a police official told news

    source At Lower Munda toll

    post, youth pelted stones on

    army vehicles to which CRPF

    and Police deployed there

    responded with aerial firing and

    tear gas shelling. According to

    police sources, "curfew was

    imposed in major towns of the

    valley including Srinagar city.

    Six persons including four

    policemen were injured while

    tackling the pelters. Stray inci-

    dents of stone pelting were

    reported from different places.

    One person Bilal Ahmad Gojri

    son of Abdul Rahman Gojri res-

    ident of Azad Gunj, Baramulla

    was injured in his left thigh in

    Old Town, Baramulla who was

    shifted to SKIMS where his

    condition is reported to be sta-

    ble. Another person Firdous

    Ahamd Bohroo received

    injuries in his left arm in

    Sopore. He was shifted to

    SKIMS, Srinagar where his

    condition is also reported to be

    stable.Four policemen were

    also injured including an ASI

    who received injuries in his

    head."

    Mobile internet ....

    the Valley as some people used

    the internet to mobilise protests.

    These services are suspend-

    ed on every Republic day and

    Independence Day as a precau-

    tionary measure as well.

    Omar appeals....

    dealing with any situation,

    the Chief Minister in his appeal

    to people said, "Please allow us

    to get through this period.

    Please do not let the situation

    go out of hands.

    "Please do not indulge in

    any violent protests that will

    make matters worse," he said.

    Omar also appealed to

    media, especially electronic

    media, to cross check the facts

    before putting out any stories.

    "Please check, cross check

    and re-verify before putting out

    any story. My experience dur-

    ing 2010 was that many a times,

    in order to break the news,

    rumours and not facts are used."

    Omar said Home Minister

    Sushilkumar Shinde had

    informed him last night that

    Afzal Guru's hanging will take

    place at 8 AM today as all the

    judicial process had been com-

    pleted.

    "We made a quick assess-

    ment of the situation and decid-ed to impose some restrictions

    in the Valley," he said, adding

    that Army had not been called

    out to assist the state govern-

    ment. "The Jammu and

    Kashmir police and para-mili-

    tary forces are carrying out their

    duty," he said.

    He also said unlike in the

    case of Maqbool Bhat, there

    was no case against Guru in the

    state and hence there was no

    death warrant signed against

    him in Jammu and Kashmir.

    Signs of upturn....

    GDP growth, looking at past

    data underestimates the

    change... When you are trend-

    ing down, you tend to underes-

    timate and when you are trend-

    ing up, you tend to overesti-mate," he said at a symposium

    organised by Citi-MIT Sloan.

    Economists also felt the

    final growth could be higher.

    "There could be a marginal

    upward revision to final FY13

    GDP growth, on account of

    construction activity. The final

    numbers would be somewhere

    around 5.4%," said Shubhada

    Rao, chief economist, YES

    BankBSE 0.27 %.

    DK Joshi, chief economist at

    CrisilBSE -0.27 %, said, "We

    expect the final numbers to be

    at around 5.5%."

    In 2009-10, in its advance

    estimates, the CSO had pegged

    growth at 7.2%, which was

    eventually revised upwards to

    8.6%, the finance ministry said

    in a statement. Similarly, in

    2010-11, the final 9.3% growth

    was well above the 8.6% esti-

    mated initially.

    In contrast, when the econo-

    my was slowing down in 2008-

    09 because of the global finan-

    cial crisis, the final growth rate

    of 6.8% was below the 7.1%

    indicated in advance estimates.

    The ministry argued that the

    advance estimates are based on

    data till November-December,

    and may have missed the upturn

    that the statement asserts is

    underway. "(This) makes its

    estimates accurate when GDP

    growth is following a trend, but

    not when it is turning," the

    statement said.

    CSO releases three estimates

    of GDP before unveiling the

    final numbers. The first esti-

    mate, also called advance esti-

    mate, is made public in the first

    week of February of the rele-

    vant year. Subsequently, revised

    estimates are released at the end

    of May (in the nest fiscal) and

    are followed by quick estimates

    by January-end. The final num-

    bers come in later.

    The ministry pointed out

    that the Purchasing Manager's

    Index (manufacturing) has been

    moving up since October 2012

    and seasonally adjusted IIP

    growth has stabilised since

    October 2012.

    The annual growth in excise

    duty and service tax in April-

    December 2012 was 16% and

    33%, respectively. The ministry

    added that the Reserve Bank of

    India's decision to cut policy

    rates by 25 basis points follow-

    ing a moderation in core infla-

    tion will also stimulate growth.

    "The government's objective

    is to create conditions con-

    ducive to growth such as

    macroeconomic stability, and a

    number of steps had been taken

    in that direction," Rajan said,

    highlighting the setting up of

    the Cabinet Committee on

    Investments and nod to debt

    restructuring of state electricity

    boards. However, he admitted

    that more needed to be done

    and that the economy was

    growing well below potential.

    EC slams....baseless allegations".

    Tripura Chief Electoral

    Officer Ashutosh Jindal told

    reporters: "The EC reprimand-

    ed Sinha for making unsubstan-

    tiated remarks against Sarkar.

    (He has been told) to desist

    from such acts."

    Cold conditions ....

    recorded minimum at 7.3 deg

    C. In plain areas of Haryana,

    Narnaul braved cold at 5 deg C,

    down by one degree below nor-

    mal. Ambala, Hisar and

    Bhiwani experienced cold at 8

    deg C, 6.8 deg C and 6.4 deg C

    respectively. Karnal shivered at

    6.2 deg C, down by two notch-

    es below normal. The MeT

    Department predicted that dry

    weather conditions will contin-

    ue during next 48 hours with

    fog and mist during night and

    morning in Punjab and

    Haryana.

    Centre to provide ....Conveyor and CCTV for

    surveillance. The terminal con-

    structed at a cost of 30 crore

    rupees has the capacity to han-

    dle 150 passengers at a time.The airport has a runway of

    1502 meters which is safe for

    operating ATR-72 type air-

    crafts.

    ECI allowed ...symbols among the voters to

    withdraw it immediately from

    the voters, instead if they wish

    can distribute plain voters' slip

    only mentioning the name and

    other indication of the elec-

    torates.

    US seeking ....

    with a detailed response,"

    State Department spokesperson

    Victoria Nuland told reporters.

    Nuland said that Rewards

    for Justice Proposal that was

    put out against Saeed last year

    is not a bounty.

    "What it's designed to do is

    to help obtain information lead-

    ing to his arrest and conviction,

    so we're looking for people to

    come forward, whether they are

    in Pakistan or anywhere else,

    with information that can stand

    up in court, can withstand judi-

    cial scrutiny in US or a foreign

    court and help create the con-

    viction, so that's what this is

    about," the spokesperson said in

    response to a question.

    'J&K keen ...

    play active role to promote

    tourism between Countries. He

    assured fullest cooperation of

    Jammu and Kashmir govern-

    ment to foreign and domestic

    Tour and Travel Operators in

    this regard. He said that J&K

    government has taken all neces-

    sary steps to upgrade the world

    class tourist infrastructure at

    varied destination across all the

    regions of the State, besides

    new destinations at Yousmarg,

    Doodipathri, Lolab, Bangus,

    Drangyari, Bhaderwah,

    Kishtawar, Rajouri, Poonch and

    Mughal road are being explored

    and promoted fully. He said that

    the tremendous scope of adven-

    ture, Sports, heritage and pil-

    grim tourism also received

    focused attention of the govern-

    ment and by the financial assis-

    tance of the Central government

    new golf courses, adventure

    tracks, conservation of histori-

    cal monuments, promotion of

    skiing, water sports and devel-

    opment of new leisure spots

    have been carried out to a large

    extent in the State.

    The Tourism Minister

    assured the Tour and Travel

    Operators that State govern-

    ment would facilitate in easing

    the air travel of foreign tourists

    while visiting Jammu and

    Kashmir. He said the issue for

    direct flights besides additional

    flights from Mumbai and Delhi

    to Srinagar and Jammu would

    be taken with Union Ministry of

    Civil Aviation on priority.

    The Tourism Minister invit-

    ed domestic and over seas' Tour

    and Travel operators to the visit

    of the State for their own

    assessment of the peaceful situ-

    ation besides avenues of varied

    tourism potential of the State.

    He called upon them that their

    visit would help in showcasing

    the rich tourism potential of the

    State. He said that State govern-

    ment has also developed con-

    ventional tourism facilities in

    the State and Kashmir is an

    ideal place for holding of

    national as well as internationalconferences. He appealed the

    participant Tour and Travel

    operators to be the ambassadors

    of J&K and spread good mes-

    sage among their Countrymen

    about the magnificent and mes-

    merizing tourism of Jammu and

    Kashmir. The Conference was

    attended by representatives of

    various over seas' Countries

    like Srilanka, Malaysia,

    Maldives etc who deliberated

    upon several issues for show-

    casing the tourism of their

    respective Countries.

    Over 150 Tour and Travel

    operators of the State participat-

    ed in the Mart. They interacted

    with their counterparts and

    assured their whole hearted

    cooperation for providing all

    facilities to the tourists inJammu and Kashmir.

    Manohar convenesPublic Grievances

    Camp at village Khairi-Hiranagar Tehsil

    KATHUA, FEB 9: Minister of

    State for Cooperatives,

    Fisheries Stationary and

    Finance Dr. Manohar Lal

    Sharma convened a Public

    Grievances Camp at village

    Khairi in Tehsil Hiranagar of

    District Kathua here today.

    Representatives of various vil-

    lages put forth their demands

    and problems before the

    Minister. Responding to the

    demands Mr Manohar Lal

    directed the officers of the

    PWD department to complete

    the road from Babyati to Daabi

    before June. Minister further

    informed that tenders for the

    construction of Bridge over

    Tarnah Nallah for the village

    Khairi and Daabi have been

    floated and work will be started

    soon. He said that drilling work

    for the tube well would be start-

    ed within a week's time. He also

    said that a new water Supply

    Scheme for Village Khairi will

    be projected in the district Plan.

    The Minister made a fervent

    appeal to the public to safe-

    guard the traditional water bod-

    ies adding that government is

    already providing labour and

    funds under MNREGAScheme

    for renovation of these tradi-

    tional water bodies.

    Responding to the demand

    of giving RBA status to Khairi

    Khui and some areas of Maltha,

    he asked the people to move a

    resolution in this regard and he

    would take it up with the

    Backward Commission.

    Minister also announced as

    many as 20 electric poles to be

    provided for Bakerwal mohalla

    at Khairi village. Minister also

    sanctioned Rs 50,000 for the

    construction of boundary wall

    at Middle school Khairi and

    another Rs 50,000 were sanc-

    tioned by him for carrying out

    other important development

    works in the village.

    STUDENT AGE

    SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 20132

    Contd. from page 1... Armed forces housing formarried by 2018: Antony

    NEW DELHI: Defence Minister A.K.

    Antony Friday told members of the parlia-

    mentary consultative committee attached to

    his ministry that Married Accommodation

    Project (MAP) for the armed forces personnel

    will be completed by 2018.

    Addressing the committee meeting,

    Antony said there was delay in the implemen-

    tation of phase two of the project and the third

    and fourth phases have been combined to

    catch up with the time lost.

    The meeting was held to discuss on

    Military Engineering Service (MES) and

    Married Accommodation Project (MAP).

    According to an official press release,

    MAP was initiated after a study carried out by

    the three services and the service headquarters

    in 2001. It identified the acute shortfall of

    married accommodation for Officers and

    other ranks of the armed forces, to the tune of

    198,881 dwelling units.

    In order to complete the project in a limit-

    ed timeframe and to put the construction

    process on a fast track, the need was felt to

    create a dedicated agency and accordingly, a

    directorate for MAP was carved out of the

    MES in 2002. The release said the members

    told the meeting that MAP project should be

    expedited without further delay.

    Indian Army gets its

    first indigenously-made Rudra attackhelicopter

    BANGALORE:The first indigenously built

    Weapon System Integrated Advanced Light

    Helicopter, Rudra, was handed over to the

    Indian Army by the Hindustan Aeronautics

    Limited (HAL) here at the Aero India

    R K Tyagi, Chairperson, HAL, said: "The

    handing over of Rudra was a symbol of

    defence preparedness and assured HAL's

    commitment towards all the projects of the

    Army."

    Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen

    Narendra Singh said the chopper, true to its

    name, is a modern helicopter with the state-of-

    the-art weaponry. "This combat platform

    would help the Army to march ahead towards

    victory in future battles, if any," he said.

    Rudra is the Mk-IV variant of the

    Advanced Light Helicopter designed andmanufactured by HAL. The helicopter is fitted

    with weapons, targeting systems, warning and

    counter-measure systems and survivability

    features. Aweaponised platform, Rudra caters

    to attack roles with self-defence capability.

    The helicopter is fitted with three sighting sys-

    tems, that is, electro-optic pod, helmet-mount-

    ed sight and fixed sight.

    Further, a 20mm Turret Gun is fitted in the

    nose of the helicopter and the combination of

    70mm rockets, air-to-air missiles and anti-

    tank guided missiles can be fitted on the four

    weapon stations. The warning and counter-

    measures include Radar Laser Missile

    Warning Systems and Flare Chaff Dispensers.

    The helicopter has growth potential for addi-

    tional systems like obstacle avoidance system,

    IR jammer, data link and others.

    Meeting of NC Labour (Wing PHEEmployees Welfare Association) was

    held at Sher -I- Kashmir Bhawan

    JAMMU 09 FEB , 2013 : Meeting of

    National Conference Labour (Wing PHE

    Employees Welfare Association) was held at

    Sher -I- Kashmir Bhawan , Jammu today

    which was addressed by the Th. Rachpal

    Singh, MLA , Kalakote , Central Secretary in

    charge Jammu Poonch Parliamentary

    Constituency I/C Labour Wing .

    Public Health Engineering Employees

    Welfare Association handed Over a Chart er of

    demands Comprising various issues of the

    employees to the Central Secretary .The main

    points are as under ;-

    1) Regularization of left over daily wagers

    who have completed their period as daily

    wagers

    2) Release of pending wages of casual

    labourers .

    3) Enhancement of wages to the Daily

    Wagers / Casual Wagers .

    4) DPC in the department .

    Addressing Th. Rachpal Singh said

    National Conference is a party of the labour-

    ers , farmers and downtrodden people of the

    state . The Chief Minister is very much keen

    to address the crucial issues of the Labourer .

    The party is committed to address all the

    issues as this class is the backbone of the soci-

    ety and nation building .He has almost settled

    the issues of employees and other related

    issues are also under active consideration .He

    assured the participants that issues raised by

    them would be taken up with the concerned

    authorities and action taken report shall be

    communicated .He asked them to work untidi-

    ly in their respective areas and serve the

    nation .Their activities are lifeline for the

    society .

    Page 2_Defence_Bali.qxd 2/10/2013 9:50 AM Page 1

  • 7/29/2019 Daily Paper February 10, 2013

    3/8

    STATESTUDENT AGE

    SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 20133

    NEWS IN BOX

    Polytechnic exam postponedJAMMU, FEBRUARY09 - J&K State Board of Technical

    Education has notified that the examination paper of 1st

    semester regular students of all the government/private poly-

    technics of Jammu and Kashmir State to be held on Monday

    11th February, 2013 is hereby postponed. The new dates for

    the said paper will be notified later on.

    KCCs distributed at ChirdiUDHAMPUR FEBR 09: Agriculture Zone Samroli in col-

    laboration with Punjab National Bank (PNB) organized a

    function to distribute Kissan Credit Card(KCC) among the

    farmers here on Saturday at Village Chirdi in Zone Samroli.

    A total of 146 KCCs were distributed on spot by the bank

    to farmers present in the gathering.

    Speaking on the occasion, Agriculture Extension Officer,

    Mr. Jyoti Parkash advised to the farmers to use Kissan Credit

    Card judiciously by purchasing good quality of seeds, fertil-

    izers, pesticide and other farm machinery to increase the

    agriculture production.

    Highlighting the benefits of KCC, JAEOs Ghantwal, Mr.

    Pawan Dev Singh said that it serves as identity to farmers

    besides providing crop insurance, accidental insurance and

    monetary support to them to purchase quality inputs. He also

    apprised the farmers about various schemes of state and cen-

    tral government for uplifting the farming community.

    Among others, Sarpanches, Naib Sarpanches, Panches,

    functionaries of the Agriculture and PNB besides large num-

    ber of farmers were present on the occasion.

    Orientation course on

    Nutrition Education organizedJAMMU, FEBRUARY 09: Community Food Nutrition

    Extension unit Jammu organized Orientation Training course

    for newly appointed Anganwari Workers of ICDS Gandhi

    Nagar and Trikuta Nagar in collaboration with Social

    Welfare Department and Health Education Bureau

    Directorate of Health Services Jammu.

    Ex- Dy. Director Health Services, Dr. R.P Gupta was the

    chief guest. Spoke on Malnutrition problems and its preven-

    tion and also delivered a guest lecture focusing on Anemia,

    Protein Energy and Vitamin A. Dr. Swati Sharma Dental

    Surgeon Health Education Bureau, Dr. Ujala Gupta I/C

    I.D.D cell and A.K Braroo Ex. Demonstrator of CFNEU,

    Jammu also spoke on Infant/Breast feeding, care of

    Pregnancy/Nursing Mother and facts of diet alongwith

    growth monitoring and tips for good health.

    Jagdish Prashad Officer incharge of CFNEU, Jammu

    highlighted low cost nutritious foods made from locally

    available food stuffs at home, Pankaj Gupta Calligrapher

    Health Education Bureau Directorate of Health Services

    spoke on the Health Schemes launched by J&K Govt.

    A exhibition displaying low cost nutritious recipes weredemonstrated during the period. Literatures on nutrition were

    distributed to the participants and group discussion and eval-

    uation was carried.

    Multilingual mushiara organizedUDHAMPUR FEBRUARY 09: District Information

    Centre, Udhampur organized multilingual Mushiara in the

    premises of Bhartiya College of Education, Udhampur here

    today. Deputy Director Employment, Udhampur, Mr.

    Sandesh Sharma was the chief guest on the occasion.

    The prominent and budding poets of the district which

    mainly include Parkash Premi, Balraj Bakshi, Jial Lal Jia,

    A.S. Anjum, S. D Kotwal, Avdesh Mishra, M.K. Pagal,

    Jagdeep Dubey and Surjeet Hosh etc besides budding poets

    Surbhi, Joytsana, Mudasar Hussain, Rekha Jamwal, Munish

    , Aftab Hussain Azad, Priya Kumari , Ranjit Singh and

    Amrita Kumari etc participat ed in the poetic Mushiara and

    presented their poetic verses touching all aspects of society.

    Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest appreciated the

    efforts of Information department for organizing Mushiara

    and said that such programmes should be organized in near

    future so that people in general and literary personalities of

    the district particular may participate in such programmes.

    He further added that the interaction of young poets with

    established poets of the district would go a long way in shap-

    ing the students talent in poetry.

    The young poets of the host institution also presented

    their poetry in different languages which got appreciation by

    the audience present on the occasion.

    The Principal of the host college, Mr. Sukham Chand

    presented welcome address.

    Among Others, District Information Officer, Udhampur,

    Dr. Jagdish Mehra, Vice Principal of the host college Mr.

    P.L.Suri, staff members and students in large number were

    present on the occasion.

    Stone pelting at Lower Munda, SPKulgam injured, 2 brothers arrested

    SRINAGAR, 9 FEB:Furious over the execution of Afzal

    Guru, dozens of youth pelted stones on police vehicles at

    Lower Munda on Saturday evening. Superintendent of

    Police Kulgam, Mohammad Shafi was hit by a stone who

    was rushed to Emergency Hospital Qazigund. "SP has

    received 5 stitches and he has been discharged." A Doctor

    told sources . Meanwhile police has arrested two brothers in

    this connection. According to news source , dozens of youth

    assembled at Lower Munda this evening. Amid raising anti-

    police and anti-India slogans, youth resorted to heavy stone

    pelting. Eye witnesses told CNS that agitated youth tried to

    beat policemen and thrashed the windowpanes of police

    vehicles. SP Kulgam was hit by a stone and was immediate-

    ly rushed to Emergency Hospital Qazigund where from he

    was discharged after getting 5 stitches in his head.

    Meanwhile police has arrested two brothers in this connec-

    tion who have been identified as Zahoor Ahmed Shiekh and

    Mohammad Muneeb Shiek. Locals told CNS that they were

    dragged from their house by police party and were whisked

    away. They claimed that both the brothers are innocent.

    JAMMU, FEBRUARY 09:

    As part of the continuous

    efforts to beautify Jammu city

    and make it moreneat and

    clean, the Minister for Urban

    Development and Urban

    Development Local Bodies,

    Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora on

    Saturday took a whirlwind

    tour of the Jammu city and

    inspected several ongoing

    construction works at various

    place including Leprosy

    colony, Bhagwati Nagar and

    Sunjwan.

    The Minister while

    reviewing the facilities being

    provided to the leprosy affect-

    ed people living at Leprosy

    colony, Kusht Ashram was

    informed that 36 dwelling

    units have already been hand-

    ed over to the beneficiaries

    constructed at a cost of Rs

    101.88 lakhs against the total

    project cost of Rs.143.51

    lakhs under JNNURUM

    Scheme. He was further

    informed that the leprosy

    affected families have been

    provided all the basic ameni-

    ties.

    Meanwhile, during inspec-

    tion, a number of local resi-

    dents of the colony met the

    Minister and apprised him

    about problems related to ade-

    quate drinking water avail-

    ability, electricity and other

    facilities.

    Mr. Jora directed

    Executive Engineer, Central,

    JMC to redress the grievances

    of the locals immediately, so

    that the residents don't face

    any inconvenience.

    The Minister also visited

    BSUP at Rajiv Nagar,

    Sunjwan and inspected the

    pace of progress of 608

    dwelling units coming up at a

    cost of Rs.1424.55 lakhs. He

    was informed that 64 dwelling

    units are complete while the

    construction work on 272

    dwelling units is in progress

    and till now Rs.801 lakhs

    have been spent against the

    released funds of Rs.656.43

    lakhs. He was also informed

    that construction of one park

    and community Hall is also

    part of the project.

    The Minister also inspect-

    ed work on the protection

    walls and diversion nallah

    meant for safety and prevent-

    ing flash floods during heavy

    rains. Mr. Jora also inspected

    the work in progress on five

    blocks to be constructed under

    phase II of the programme.

    He directed the accompany-

    ing Officers and Engineers to

    expedite the work and com-

    plete the construction of all

    the Dwelling Units within the

    stipulated time frame so that

    the under privileged and

    homeless may be suitably

    accommodated in the newly

    constructed quarters. He said

    that these people also form an

    essential part of the society

    and it is our duty to uplift

    them through government

    support. The Minister was

    accompanied by

    Commissioner Jammu

    Municipality Corporation,

    Mr. K.L Khujaria, Joint com-

    missioner Works, Executive

    Engineer, Central, Health

    Officer and other senior offi-

    cers of the concerned agen-

    cies.

    Jora visits Leprosy colony Bhagwati Nagar, SunjwanSays Govt committed to accommodate slum dwellers at proper places with all basic amenities

    Minister for Urban Development and Urban Development Local Bodies, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora alingwith others inspecting ongoing construction works.

    JAMMU, FEBRUARY 09-

    Minister for Planning,

    Labour and Employment, Mr

    Ajay Kumar Sadhotra has

    called for expediting work

    on various developmentalprojects in Jammu and

    Kashmir with focus on

    achieving in full the physical

    and financial targets set for

    the current fiscal.

    Reviewing achievements

    registered in various districts

    under this year's Annual Plan

    at a high level meeting of

    District Development

    Commissioners of the

    Jammu region here, the

    Minister stressed the need

    for completing the projects

    within stipulated time frame

    and avoiding spill over of

    works thereby delaying the

    benefits to the targeted popu-

    lation.

    He noted with satisfaction

    the 72 per cent spending in

    various sectors and urged

    District Development

    Commissioners to evolve a

    mechanism of closely moni-

    toring for expeditious imple-

    mentation of various

    schemes and programmes.

    He also underscored the needfor maintaining high quality

    standards at all costs and

    referred to the third party

    monitoring mechanism,

    introduced by the

    Government on the initiative

    of the Chief Minister.

    While stressing the need

    for further improving infra-

    structure, especially in the

    priority sectors of health,

    education, power, roads, irri-

    gation and public health

    engineering segments, the

    Minister laid thrust on ensur-

    ing basic amenities to the

    people including those living

    in remote and far-off areas.

    Mr Sadhotra took a

    detailed review on the

    progress achieved on deci-

    sions taken during the

    District Development Board

    meetings chaired by Chief

    Minister Omar Abdullah and

    sought scheme-wise status of

    the projects and various

    other welfare schemes. The

    review covered the imple-mentation of decisions taken

    during the financial years

    2009-10 till date. He called

    for close coordination

    between various departments

    and executing agencies for

    achieving optimum results

    during the limited remaining

    period of the current finan-

    cial year. He also reviewed

    performance of various

    departments-- district-wise

    and sector-wise and asked

    the District Development

    Commissioners to settle

    inter-departmental issues of

    land acquisition and release

    of clearances etcetera on pri-

    ority. He also had an exhaus-

    tive review of the schemes

    taken under RAMSA,

    NABARD and other central-

    ly sponsored programmes.

    Addressing the officers,

    the Minister spelled out the

    developmental priorities of

    the Omar Abdullah led coali-

    tion government and asked

    the field agencies to translatehis vision of equitable devel-

    opment of all the regions and

    their sub-regions with a

    sense of commitment and

    dedication.

    "No initiative will suc-

    ceed unless the government

    agencies work with a mis-

    sionary spirit and the people

    extend their cooperation", he

    said and hoped that all limbs

    of administration together

    with the people of the state

    will work for faster develop-

    ment of Jammu and Kashmir.

    Earlier, Principal

    Secretary Planning and

    Development, Mr B R

    Sharma gave an overview of

    the progress achieved in var-

    ious sectors of development,

    and under various centrally

    sponsored schemes.

    JAMMU, FEBRUARY

    09-Dewan Devi Higher

    Secondary School today

    celebrated its Annual Day

    function with fun and fervor

    in the school premises

    Minister for Housing,

    Horticulture and Culture

    Mr. Raman Bhalla was the

    Chief Guest of the function.

    Students of the school of

    various classes presentedcolorful cultural items on

    different aspects of social

    life, education, moral values

    besides all round develop-

    ment of the students which

    was highly appreciated by

    the jam-packed audience.

    Addressing the gather-

    ing, Mr. Bhalla said annual

    days not only provide stu-

    dents a platform to exhibit

    their hidden talent, but also

    introduce them to the cul-

    ture and heritage of the

    State. He urged upon the

    students to actively partici-

    pate in co-curricular activi-

    ties side by side their aca-

    demics for their overall per-

    sonality development and

    physically fitness.

    The Minister asked the

    students to work hard for

    coming examination and

    bring laurels to their institu-

    tions. He asked the teachers

    to provide quality education

    to the students to facilitate

    their better grooming,

    adding that teachers as the

    Gurus are the main architect

    of the children who shape

    their personality through

    their experience and talent.Mr. Bhalla highlighted

    the role of the teachers and

    parents in the life of chil-

    dren. He said a child is

    nourished by parents, while

    the teacher shapes his per-

    sonality and gives his life a

    positive direction.

    Later, the Minister also

    distributed memento among

    the students who excelled in

    2011-12 examinations and

    extra-curricular activities.

    Among others, Ex-

    Corporator Mr. Manmohan

    Singh, Chairman Mr. S C

    Suri, Principal Mrs. Saloni

    Anand, prominent personal-

    ities besides parents and

    students in large numbers

    were present on the occa-

    sion.

    Redouble efforts to achieve developmental targets in full: Sadhotra tells officers

    Plan spending in Jammu region reviewed

    Minister for Planning, Labour and Employment, Mr Ajay Kumar Sadhotra Reviewing achievements registered in various districts underthis year's Annual Plan at a high level meeting of District Development Commissioners of the Jammu region.

    Bhalla asksstudents to bringlaurels in coming

    examinations

    UDHAMPUR FEBRUARY 09:

    Women Development Cell of

    Govt. College for Women,

    Udhampur under the convener-

    ship of Prof. Ashni Devi in col-

    laboration with Centre for

    Women Studies, University of

    Jammu, organized a seminar on

    the topic "Domestic Violence".

    The Additional District and

    Session Judge, Udhampur Mr.

    M.K. Sharma was the chief guest

    on the occasion while Dr.

    Priyanka Bhau, member of

    Centre for Women Studies,

    University of Jammu was the

    guest of honour.

    Principal, Govt. College for

    Women, Udhampur, Dr.

    Youdhvir Singh welcomed the

    guests.

    Mr Sharma in his address crit-

    icized the various forms of

    domestic violence against

    women. He said domestic vio-

    lence remains invisible and

    under recognized pandemic of

    our times. In his discourse, he

    highlighted the absence of any

    protection cell throughout state

    for women where they can seek

    shelter.

    In post inaugural session,

    Principal of the college high-

    lighted the problem by saying

    there is a subconscious way of

    taking violence as a way of

    expression, a normality and it has

    a lot of effect on the youth in the

    way they absorb education and

    what they hope to get out of life.

    He also said we have to promote

    human solidarity, avoid indiffer-

    ence and play a part with society

    in the solution of the problem.

    Dr. Priyanka Bhau said

    domestic violence causes far

    more pain, than visible marks of

    bruises and scars. Its an appalling

    human right violation. But its not

    inevitable and we can put a stop

    to it. Dr. Saranjeet Kour also

    made the students aware about

    the initiatives taken by the Centre

    for Women Development,

    University of Jammu to spread

    the awareness about women

    related issues.

    The other resource persons on

    the occasion were Advocate.

    Yograj Sharma and Advocate

    Dinkar Gupta who talked about

    various ways to tackle the prob-

    lems legally.

    UDHAMPUR FEBRUARY 09:

    In order to educate the Cyber

    Caf Operators, Computer

    Centers and Operators of

    Community Information Centers

    of the district about the Cyber

    Security and silent features of the

    IT Act -2000, a training session

    on performance of IT Act was

    held in the conference hall of DC

    office under the chairmanship of

    District Magistrate, Udhampur,

    Mr. P.K. Pole.

    Senior Superintendent of

    Police, Mr. Ashkoor Wani, Jo int

    Director (P&S), Mr. Rakesh

    Jamwal, Cluster Head J&K

    Bank, District Informatics

    Officer, NIC, Distrcit

    Information Officer, Cyber Caf

    owners, CIC Operators and

    Operators different Khidmat cen-

    tre attended the training session.

    The District Magistrate

    Udhampur briefly explained the

    importance of IT ACT 2000, its

    amendments and importance in

    the changing world of IT.

    The DM also emphasized the

    need for registration of cyber

    cafes which would be initially for

    a period of one year and would

    be renewed every year in the

    month of January. He instructed

    the every cyber caf owners to

    maintain the internet user records

    in the prescribed format and send

    the same, electronically to the

    DM office before 5th of every

    month.

    Speaking on the occasion,

    SSP Udhampur emphasized the

    importance of cyber security and

    explained in brief about how to

    track the electronic foot prints of

    the culprits in a systematic man-

    ner. He also requested the cyber

    caf owners to install the CCTV

    for security purposes. DIO NIC

    Udhampur explained in details,

    with the help of PPTs, about the

    Cyber space issues and its resolu-

    tions. He also explained the Do's

    and Don'ts and how to prevent

    cyber crime and be an aware

    cyber user.

    Seminar on Domestic violence against women organizedLal Singh inauguratesdistrict youth conven-tion at Kathua

    KATHUA, FEBRUARY 09: Nehru Yuva

    Kendra organized 'District Youth Convention'

    here at Kathua today. Over 200 youth and rep-

    resentatives of Self Help Groups, Mahila

    Mandals, and Youth Leaders participated in

    the convention.

    Member Parliament, Ch. Lal Singh who

    was the chief guest on the occasion exhorted

    upon the youth to follow the teachings of the

    great scholars like Swami Vivekananda who

    had tremendous faith in human potential and

    urged people, especially youth, to discover it

    within themselves. He also urged the youth to

    be torch bearer of morality and progress for

    the betterment of the society. He also called

    upon the youth to be pro-active by bringing

    positive change in their mind and character.

    On the occasion Ch Lal Singh distributed

    sports material to the Youth clubs and Mahila

    Mandals.

    Officers of different departments like

    Industries, Horticulture. RSETI, etceducat-

    ed the youth about various schemes launched

    by State and Central Govt. for the welfare of

    the masses. Among others Zonal Director,

    Nehru Yuva Kendra Naveen Kumar Naik,

    District Youth Coordinator, Som Dutt Zard,

    Regional Coordinator, JKEDI, Mr Mahajan,

    General Manager, District Industry Centre,

    Director RSETI and other District level offi-

    cers were also present on the occasion

    Training session on IT Act organized

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    STATESTUDENT AGE

    SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 20134

    SRINAGAR, 9: Condemnations contin-

    ued to pour in against the execution of

    Kashmiri youth Mohammad Afzal

    Guroo. Describing the execution of

    Mohammad Afzal Guru at Tihar Jail

    today as disappointing the Peoples

    Democratic Party (PDP) today demanded

    the handing over of his body to the fami-

    ly for last rites. In a statement issued here

    the party president Mehbooba Mufti said

    while the hanging should not have been

    carried out, the return of Afzal's body was

    the least the government could do to

    show its concern for humanitarian val-

    ues.Mehbooba said we believe that what-

    ever the requirements of legal process,

    there was a need for the government to

    take into consideration the overall politi-

    cal impact of this execution, which is

    why the option of mercy has been provid-

    ed under our constitution.

    She said the PDPhad, keeping this in

    view made an appeal to the president of

    India in 2011 to grant clemency to Afzal

    Guru and commute his death sentence

    into life imprisonment.

    "We feel that at a time when there is a

    need to step up measures to reduce thetrust deficit between the state and rest of

    the country the execution of Afzal Guru

    could produce results to the contrary. Our

    party is generally in favour of scrapping

    death penalty from the statute book and

    we reiterate that position once again", she

    said. Referring to chief minister's claim

    that he had no role in carrying out the

    execution, Mehbooba said that the state

    government cannot be absolved of its

    responsibility in taking this crucial deci-

    sion that can have long term political

    implications on the state. The NC is part

    of the UPAand it must share the respon-

    sibility for this decision she said and

    added "power sharing can't be in isolation

    of sharing the fallout of decisions".

    JKLF leaders in London have con-

    demned the Indian government decision

    to hang an innocent man, Afzal Guru, this

    morning over the parliamentary attack

    case and called it a 'mockery of justice',

    and said that Afzal Guru was framed by

    Indian security services people and

    denied due legal process because they

    needed a scapegoat.

    "The hanging of Afzal Guru is a clear

    indication to Kashmiri masses that Indian

    government is not interested in resolving

    the Kashmir issue and wants to bury the

    independence movement by imprisoning

    and hanging all Kashmiri youth who

    were involved in the pre-1990s revolt".

    In a statement issued from London,

    JKLF president Azmat Khan, has said

    that we never had any doubts that Afzal

    Guru was innocent and he had no part inthe 2001 attack on Indian parliament

    except that he was set up by IB and task

    force personnel to meet with one of the

    alleged attackers so that the Kashmiri

    movement could be defamed as a 'terror-

    ist movement' and another Kashmiri

    could be hanged as a result.

    JKLF president has said that India

    learnt nothing form the hanging of

    Maqbool Butt in 1984, on 11th February.

    Every Kashmiri household produced a

    new Maqbool Butt to fight against Indian

    rule and they have now given a new mar-

    tyr to our independence movement and

    our people will not forget this injustice

    for many years to come. We will not let

    Afzal Guru's blood waste in vein.

    JKLF in London has organized a

    protest demonstration at the Indian High

    Commission in London on Monday, 11th

    February, and will be holding a meeting

    with UK members of parliament to dis-

    cuss this issue along with the demand for

    the return of mortal remains of Maqbool

    Butt and Afzal Guru on the evening.

    JKLF chairman, Yasin Malik, who is

    currently on a private visit to Pakistan, is

    sitting on a 24 hunger strike in Islamabad

    to protest against the hanging of Afzal

    Guru, The JKLF supreme head

    Amanullah khan who is suffering from

    severe ill health is also on hungers strike

    in Islamabad today to protest against

    Pakistani silence over the issue.

    Peoples Conference Chairman Sajad

    Gani Lone has called the execution of

    Afzal Guru a grave miscarriage of justice.Guru's hanging is a ruthless political

    decision shorn of any sensitivity. This is

    yet again an instance of total disregard

    being shown to the sensitivities and per-

    ceptions of the people of Kashmir. Sajad

    Gani Lone added that the people of

    Kashmir have serious reservations over

    the quality of legal defense made avail-

    able to Mr. Afzal Guru. In the context of

    the media-trial, Mr. Guru stood convicted

    even before the trial could have begun.

    Sajad Lone said that, in a brazen show

    of insensitivity, even the constitutional

    provisions of the procedure of consider-

    ing clemency were ignored. "We see the

    National Conference, which is a part of

    the UPA government, as a willing co-

    author of the decision to hang Afzal

    Guru. The National Conference has been

    a common and enthusiastic script-writer

    whenever the son-of-the-soil was

    hanged- be it Maqbool Bhat or now Afzal

    Guru. National conference has three

    members of parliament and one senior

    cabinet minister in the UPA government

    and if they in fact are serious about their

    reservation about this hanging, let them

    recall their minister from the UPAcabinet

    and withdraw their support. Sajad lone

    added that the current legislative assem-

    bly is also a partner and an accomplice to

    this hanging since they categorically

    chose not to support a clemency resolu-

    tion presented before it by an independ-

    ent MLA. Mufti Azam of Jammu and

    Kashmir Mufti Mohammad Bashir-u-Din

    strongly condemned the hanging of AfzalGuru by the Government of India today

    on 9th of Feb.Grand Mufti expressing

    deep sorrow and unhappiness said that

    the hanging of Afzal guru will not solve

    the Kashmir issue nor will serve any pur-

    pose . Grand Mufti further said that it will

    further aggravate the law and order situa-

    tion in the valley. Reacting to the hanging

    Grand Mufti called for 4 day complete

    shut down in the valley and appeal people

    to pay tribute to this great martyr .Grand

    Mufti expressing solidarity with the fam-

    ily said that the whole Kashmir is mourn-

    ing the hanging of Afzal Guru as he was

    not given fear trail. Grand Mufti demand-

    ed that the body of Afzal guru be returned

    to his family in Kashmir so that he is

    buried with due respect as per Islamic

    rites.

    Committee for the Release of Political

    Prisoners (CRPP) condemned strongly

    the illegal execution of Afzal Guru. The

    central home minister and the home sec-

    retary have gone on record saying that

    every procedure has been followed in the

    case of Afzal Guru. None of his family

    members are aware of this decision of the

    Government of India. Nor do the lawyers

    of Afzal Guru. It is mandatory on the side

    of the government to inform the petition-

    ers who had filed the clemency petition.

    Afzal's wife Tabassum had filed a

    clemency petition demanding justice for

    her husband who never throughout the

    trial got an opportunity to defend himself

    and demand justice. She had in that peti-

    tion even traced his early days inKashmir and how he was continually

    being harassed and tortured by the notori-

    ous STF of J&K to act as an informer for

    the state. She showed in that petition how

    the ordeal has still been continuing in the

    life of her husband and their family in

    their quest for justice. The fact remains

    that neither Tabassum nor any of her fam-

    ily members have been informed about

    the rejection of this petition.

    Jammu Kashmir Mass Movement

    Chairperson, Fareeda Behanji called it an

    illegal act on part of the Indian

    Government said that such kind of act

    exposed the violation of all procedures

    and law of India. She paid rich tribute to

    Afzal Guroo and said that his name will

    be written in golden letters in the annals

    of history.

    Parliament attack convict Afzal

    Guru's hanging "shows a very disturbing

    trend by the Indian government", Dal

    Khalsa said Saturday.

    "The hardliner Sikh group opposes the

    death penalty in principle in all circum-

    stances and described it as inhumane

    punishment," said its head H S Dhami.

    He expressed his solidarity with Guru's

    family members, who were not told in

    advance about the hanging.

    Condemning the execution, he said

    "the hanging of Afzal Guru, is a purely

    political decision taken by the Indian

    government to consolidate the Hindu

    vote-bank, keeping an eye on the

    impending 2014 elections".

    With the surreptitious execution ofGuru in Tihar jail, there is strong appre-

    hension that this act of the state would

    pave the way for sending death row con-

    vict Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana to the

    gallows. "I had inkling that the present

    government may hang Bhai Rajoana one

    day all of sudden, as he stands firmly for

    Khalistan and rejects the Indian justice

    system".

    Condemnations continued to pour inagainst the execution of Afzal Guroo

    JAMMU, JANUARY 9:

    Highlighting the importance

    of Vocational Training

    Courses in providing

    employment avenues to the

    youth of the State especially

    those living in Rural and far-

    flung areas, the Minister of

    State for Technical

    Education, Information Mr.

    Vikar Rasool today directed

    the officers to ensure that the

    targets set for the imparting

    technical education to the

    youth in different fields are

    achieved.

    The Minister was address-

    ing officers during a high

    level review meeting of the

    technical Education

    Department here today.

    Principal/ Secretary

    Technical Education, Mr.

    K.B Agarwal, Director

    Technical Education, Mr.

    S.S. Sawhney and other sen-

    ior officers of the Department

    were present.

    Mr. Vikar directed the

    officers to introduce area spe-

    cific trades in various poly-

    technics of the State so that

    the people can get much

    needed employment at their

    doorsteps and also contribute

    in building the economy of

    their respective areas. He

    said that trades like electrical,

    civil and other related ones

    should be introduce in the

    areas of the Chenab Valley so

    that the youth of those areas

    can get employment in vari-

    ous power, and ongoing con-

    struction projects.

    The Minister also directed

    the officers to formulate a

    mechanism by which admis-

    sion can also be given to boys

    in various women polytech-

    nics of the areas like

    Bhalessa and Surankote, so

    that they don't have to go to

    far of places for their techni-

    cal education. He said that

    we have to ensure that state

    of art educational facilities

    are provided to the youth of

    the State as the educational

    sector forms one of the major

    thrust areas of the

    Government.

    Mr. Vikar also called for

    constitution of a committee

    to undertake the inspection of

    various private technical

    institutions so that an effec-

    tive feed back can be

    obtained about the quality of

    the infrastructure as well as

    the education being imparted

    there. He further directed the

    officer to convene monthly

    review meetings about the

    functioning of the depart-

    ment as well as the pro-

    grammes being implemented

    by it and called for complet-

    ing all under constructions

    polytechnics within three

    months.

    The meeting was told that

    an amount of Rs.135 crore

    has been released by the

    Union Ministry of Human

    Resources Development for

    construction of 18 new

    Polytechnics in the State and

    similarly an amount of Rs.85

    crore has also been released

    for upgradation of 37 existing

    Industrial Training Institutes

    in the State. Similarly

    2,70,950 are to be trained by

    the department in skill devel-

    opment in next few years.

    AKHNOOR, FEB 9: In

    order to make available edu-

    cation related facilities to the

    rural students at their

    doorsteps, Minister for PHE,

    Irrigation & Flood Control,

    Mr. Sham Lal Sharma, todayinaugurated the branch office

    of J&K Board of School

    Education (JKBOSE) at

    Akhnoor.

    Secretary JKBOSE, Ms.

    Renu Goswami, SDM

    Akhnoor, Mr. Naginder Singh

    Jamwal, other senior officers

    of JKBOSE and Education

    Department, large number of

    teachers and prominent citi-

    zens of Akhnoor were present

    on the occasion.

    Speaking on the occasion,

    the Minister said that

    Government was committed

    to improve the literacy rate

    and upgrade the educational

    infrastructure across the State.

    He said education sector has

    progressed significantly dur-

    ing the past one decade in the

    State with serious efforts by

    the successive governments.

    The present Government has

    also been paying focusedattention to further improve

    the education set up in every

    nook and corner of the State,

    Mr. Sham added.

    Appreciating JKBOSE

    authorities for establishing the

    branch office in the town, the

    Minster said that the students

    of Akhnoor and parts of Reasi,

    Poonch and Rajouri will avail

    benefits through the facility.

    He said besides students, the

    teachers will also have much

    relief and now they need not

    to rush to Jammu for attend-

    ing the works related to Board

    office enabling them to focus

    on the studies exclusively.

    On the demand of the

    Board authorities, the

    Minister assured that a suit-

    able piece of land will be

    identified around Akhnoor

    town for construction of

    Board's own building. He also

    assured to provide all neces-sary support for smooth func-

    tioning of Board office at

    Akhnoor. Later, the Minister

    also presided over an annual

    day function held at

    Government Higher

    Secondary School, Akhnoor.

    The students presented a

    bonanza of cultural items

    based on secularism, national-

    ism, communal harmony and

    composite culture of State

    which mesmerized the audi-

    ence. The Minister appreciat-

    ed the efforts of Principal

    Government Higher

    Secondary School for nurtur-

    ing the students with extra-

    curricular activities. He asked

    the teachers to explore hidden

    talent of the students so that

    they showcase their skills in

    different fields. He said rural

    students have great potential,

    provided they are nurtured

    appropriately. He also askedthe teachers to provide value

    based education to the stu-

    dents so that they become

    responsible citizens after

    completing their education

    and give their valuable servic-

    es to the nation and society.

    The Minister also distrib-

    uted prizes amongst the stu-

    dents who excelled in aca-

    demic and co-curricular activ-

    ities. A number of schools

    from the adjoining localities

    also participated in the event.

    A large number of teachers,

    students, prominent citizens,

    government officers and

    Sarpanchs and Panchs were

    also present on the occasion.

    JAMMU, FEBRUARY 09:

    Minister of State for Animal

    and Sheep Husbandry, PHE,

    Irrigation and Flood Control,

    Agriculture and Horticulture

    Mr Nazir Ahmad Gurezi

    Saturday paid surprise visit to

    various offices including

    Chief Animal Husbandry,

    Sheep Husbandry,

    Horticulture, Agriculture and

    Executive Engineer, PHE

    Division Samba and took

    stock of their functioning.

    The Minister also inspect-

    ed Disease Investigation

    Laboratory, Kartholi and took

    stock of the facilities available

    in the Laboratory. He was

    informed that under

    Parasitology section different

    eggs of the parasites are iden-

    tified from the dung samples

    of animals by way of flotation

    and sedimentation method.

    He was told that under para-

    sitology as many as 7415

    dung samples have been test-

    ed against the target of 8800.

    Under chemistry section as

    many as 995 urine test have

    been conducted while as

    11,13,900 vaccines were pro-

    cured and issued against the

    target of 25.60 lacs up to end-

    ing January 2013.

    Earlier, the Minister visit-

    ed Raipura village and took

    stock of issues confronting the

    farming community.

    Interacting with the breed-

    ers, Mr Gurezi said that

    Animal and Sheep Husbandry

    was the backbone of the rural

    economy of the State. He

    asked them to avail benefits of

    various welfare schemes

    launched by the government

    for the benefit of farming

    community and to boost their

    animal and sheep productivi-

    ty.

    He was informed that 1.05

    lac vaccine doses in cattle,

    7.45 lac vaccine doses in

    poultry, 26230 artificial

    insemination of animals and

    1.5 lac vaccine dosing in ani-

    mals has been done by the

    Animal Husbandry

    Department in Samba during

    the year so far. He was further

    informed that 2.67 lac doses,

    80701 vaccinations, 1.92 lac

    dippings, 85040 castrations

    and 31487 treatments have

    been performed by the Sheep

    Husbandry department in the

    district.

    A team of officers includ-

    ing District Development

    Commissioner, Samba, Mr.

    Mubarak Singh accompanied

    the Minister during his tour.

    At Raipura the local peo-

    ple projected their demands

    and the Minister gave them a

    patient hearing and assured

    them that every possible help

    will be given to the farming

    community. In respect to the

    demand of drinking water

    facility, Mr. Gurezi directed

    the PHE authorities to start

    construction work on separate

    water pipe lines for the village

    Raipura and Checkdara and

    ensure its completion within a

    month's time so that the peo-

    ple of the area get adequate

    drinking water facilities.

    At Chief Horticulture

    Office, the Minister was

    apprised that the district com-

    prises of 4 blocks having 100

    panchayats. An area of 172

    Ha has been covered under

    Horticulture Mission against

    the target of 180 Ha during

    rainy season 2012-13. Under

    District Plan an area of 41 Ha

    has been covered against the

    target of 30 Ha. Under Special

    Central Assistance (SCA) to

    Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) and

    area of 11 Ha covered against

    the target 10 Ha.

    He was further informed

    that One Fruit Plant Nursery

    at Vijaypur spread over 59

    kanals during this fiscal has

    generated an income of Rs

    1.08 crore by sale of 11,174

    plants.

    Later, the Minister inspect-

    ed the pace of work of Rs. 6

    crore projects under

    Swajaldhara scheme at

    Rajinder Vihar Colony. He

    was informed that tube well

    and overhead tank of the proj-

    ect is completed and other

    works is apace. The Minister

    directed them to speed up the

    pace of work and complete

    the project within a time

    frame. He also asked them to

    use standard material in its

    construction.

    Earlier, the Minister con-

    vened a meeting with the

    Sarpanchs of Nobroo Ladakh

    in his office chamber at Civil

    Secretariat Jammu.

    Addressing the meeting, the

    Minister said that the holding

    of Panchayat elections after

    33 years has strengthened

    democracy in the State and

    laid strong edifice for equi-