Process of identification for killed non Kashmiri begins

Srinagar, September 13:

Election Commission of the Bar Association ad-ministered the oath of of-fice to the newly elected members of the Bar Asso-ciation at Sadder court Bar Complex Srinagar. The oath was administered by Syed Manzoor Advocate, Chairman of the Election commission of the Bar As-sociation and almost all the lawyers participated in the oath ceremony. Immediately after the oath ceremony was over, an

emergency meeting of the newly Elected executive members was held in the Sadder Court Bar complex itself, under the Chair-manship of Adv. Mian Abdul Qayoom President, where some important matters concerning the Bar came under discus-sion and certain decisions relating to the grievances of the lawyers were imme-diately taken. The Executive Commit-tee paid homage to Abdul Rashid Gazi of People’s League whose dead body

was recovered at Kreeri Pattan on 12th of Septem-ber 2013 under mysterious circumstances. The members also con-demned the killing of Mohammad Rafiq Sumo Driver at Shopian who was killed by CRPF on 11th of September 2013 without any rhyme or reason when he was going back to his home for taking his daugh-ter, who was ailing, for treatment to a Doctor.The members expressed their solidarity with the

See Oath on Pg. 11

Sponsor all IAS preliminary exam qualifiers to higher training: Omar to IMPARD

Srinagar, September 13:

We the bankers, run our business for profitability and uninterrupt-ed growth. We must be on guard always against the unpredictable, both physical and virtual enemy whose sole aim is to interfere with and disrupt our security systems. I hope this forum of Chief Infor-mation Security Officers (CISO) from across the banking fraterni-ty would engage in serious delib-erations on such vital issue facing the banking industry for two days

and add value to the discussions already happening across the in-

dustry. Mushtaq Ahmad, See Chairman on Pg. 11

Srinagar, September 13:

Protests erupted in some other parts of Kashmir Val-ley after Friday prayers in response to a call given by Hurriyat Conference Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani against Shopian killings. Meanwhile, cur-few continued in various towns of South Kashmir including Pulwama, Shop-ian, Kulgam, Anantnag and Bijbehara.Despite restrictions, peaceful protests were reported after Friday prayers in many areas of South Kashmir including Shopian and Pulwama. The protesters were shout-ing pro-freedom and anti-India slogans.Police and paramilitary CRPF men wearing riot gears were deployed in

Shopian, Kulgam, Kai-moh, Pulwama and Kaka-pora townships and some other adjoining villages to foil any attempts of protests by locals, reports said.They said police and CRPF had erected barricades and bunkers at many

places and people were not allowed to venture out. However, peaceful protest demonstrations were wit-nessed in many villages in Shopian, Pulwama and Kulgam.Late in afternoon, the clashes turned violent at

See Curfew on Pg. 11

Srinagar, September 13:

Though the order regard-ing the cabinet decision of replacing the CRPF by JKAP at Gagran camp is yet to reach to district authorities in Shopian, Police and Civil admin-istration in the district began preparations for implementation of the order. Authorities held several rounds of meet-ings on Friday to iden-tify the place where the CRPF personnel of the Gagran camp could be shifted. Reliable sources in the administration told KNS that it was like-ly that CRPF personnel would be accommodated in the police lines, how-ever the process may

take a couple of days, as the administration was still waiting for the formal orders. ‘we have not received the orders as of now, but we have already began the prepa-rations for the shifting of the personnel.’ a senior

officer in the district administration wishing anonymity told KNS, adding that the Police Lines was being consid-ered for the relocation of the CRPF personnel.Meanwhile highly

placed Police Sources told KNS that all the non-state labourers in the Shopian district were on Friday summoned by Police to identify the photograph of the fourth one killed in police fir-ing whose identity was

yet to be ascertained. The police according to sources was trying to es-tablish the identity of the man whom CRPF has been maintaining was a militant. Sources howev-er revealed to KNS that

none of the non-state labourers identified the slain person. A senior Police officer however told KNS that the non local killed in the firing was a militant but the identification was part of a process to ensure transparency.According to police statement, Cur-few was imposed in Sho-pain, Kulgam, Pulwama, Anantnag, Bijbihara towns and Kakpora. Pro-testers tried to disrupt normal life at Papchan, Naidkhai, Barsu, Maisu-ma and in some places in Baramulla district by pelting stones. Police exercised maximum re-straint. 12 persons- 10 Police CRPF and 02 civil-ians were injured.

Srinagar, September 13:

Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has asked In-stitute of Management, Public Administration and Rural Development (IMPARD) to sponsor all the students of Jammu and Kashmir qualifying preliminary examination of Indian Administrative Services (IAS) for further training outside the State to prepare for final exami-nation.‘You should support all the successful candidates of preliminary examina-tion of IAS and help them

to receive further neces-sary training, if they are willing, in the reputed and recognized Institutes out-side the State so that they

prepare in a better way to qualify the final examina-tion’, he told IMPARD and said that J&K youth are second to none in talent.

He said they could prove their mettle at national and international stages if provided opportunity and

See Omar on Pg. 11

Srinagar, September 13:

Police Friday foiled Jam-mu and Kashmir Libera-tion Front’s protest march against Shopian killings and arrested its chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik when he tried to proceed towards Clock Tower in Lal Chowk Srinagar.Most of other senior sepa-ratist leaders including the chairmen of both fac-tions of Hurriyat Confer-ence- Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Nayeem Ahmad Khan, Shabir Ahmad Shah and Muhammad Ashraf Seh-rai were put under house arrest. Police sources said they will continue to re-

main under house arrest till Saturday evening.Malik and his party ac-tivists were detained by police near Food Street after they led hundreds of people in a march towards Clock Tower. The other detained JKLF activists include Muhammad Yousf Naqash, Shabir Ahmed Dar, Muhammad Yasin Bhat, Ahsan Untoo, Syed Nisar, Prof Abdul Rashid Bhat, Gayus-u-Din, Shabir Ahmed Makyai and Noor Muhammad Kalwal.Police used batons to chase away other protesters, leading to violent clashes, but none was injured. Po-lice used tear smoke shells to disperse the youth who

resorted to heavy stone pelting. Malik had ap-pealed people to march to-wards Lal Chowk against the Shopian killings.JKLF has strongly con-demned the police action. A JKLF spokesman said the group had planned to organize a peaceful sit-in at Lal Chowk to seek world attention towards the un-resolved Kashmir issue and the "grave human rights violations" being perpetrated on the people of the state. "The Shopian killings are a glaring ex-ample of how innocents are being killed by Inidan troopers with impunity," he said.

See Police foils on Pg. 11

Srinagar, Sep 13:

Day after NC-Congress Coordination commit-tee broke the deadlock, Deputy Commission-ers of Kargil has fixed Sunday for oath Cer-emony where District and Sessions Judge of the district would administer oath to all the newly elected councilors. The oath ceremony would take place at 4 pm. A se-nior Congress Minster told KNS that senior party leader Asgar

Karbalaye has been nominated for the chairmanship of the council and he would be formally elected on Monday when all the councilors would hold first meeting.Karbalaye while con-firming the develop-ment told KNS that the party leadership has already conveyed him about his nomination for the chairmanship of the council. ‘I have been informed about the decision and the

See Kargil on Pg. 11

CMYK

CMYK

CMYK

CMYK

SATURDAY September 14 | 2013 | 07 Zeeqad 1434 AH | PAGES 12 | VOL NO: 3 | ISSUE NO: 229 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 PAISA)Pen For JusticeLargely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K

Authorities in Shopian gear up for the shifting of Gagran camp

Srinagar, September 13:

The opposition PDP took out a protest march against the ruling Na-tional Conference and the government lead by Omar Abdullah alleging lawlessness and unabat-ed killings of youth’ in the State.Lead by PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, several PDP legislators and hun-dreds of party workers carrying banners and placards marched from the party headquarters to Lal Chowk through Resi-dency Road. They held a sit-in at Regal Chowk af-ter the riot police stopped them. The opposition

party was demanding that the “killers” of Shop-ian, be identified and brought to justice.A large number of police-

men had cordoned off the road leading to the Clock Tower. Addressing party workers and legislators at Regal Chowk, Meh-booba alleged that there had been a breakdown in the system of governance

in the state and accused Omar of playing with the innocent lives.Asserting that Omar Abdullah-led govern-ment is “ruling Kash-miris through pellet guns and bullets,” the opposi-tion Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti said “Kashmiris have become cannon fodder for Omar Abdullah to be in power.Terming the situation in the Valley as a matter of grave concern, Mehboo-ba said the government headed by NC is ruling the State, especially the Valley, “through the bar-rel of gun, pellet guns and

See Mehbooba on Pg. 11

http://www.zabarwantimes.com

Srinagar, September 13:

Rejecting the Enquiry ordered by state Govern-ment in Shopian Firing incidents that resulted in the death of five persons, Separatist leaders Friday said that Government was misleading people and the international community by ordering such enqui-ries. While doubting its (Govt’s) intentions behind the move, these leaders said that ordering enquires after the ‘bloodshed’ has become a common practice for the government and the pro-

cess has always proved fu-tile and resultless.‘This is a very clear case of murder. CRPF shoot four people in broad day light. What is the fun of holding the enquiry into it.’’ Hur-riyat Conference (G) Chair-man Syed Ali Shah Geelani told KNS, adding that now the congress itself is admit-ting that the fourth one who was branded earlier as mili-tant was a laborer. Geelani demanded that the CRPF personnel who opened fire should immediately be ar-rested and an FIR should

See Separatists on Pg. 11

WEATHER

TEMPERATUREMAXIMUM MINIMUMSUNSET ON(SATURDAY)SUNRISE ON (SUNDAY)

06:41 pm06:15 am

15.7 0C20.7 0C

FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:

FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:

Light to Moderate Rain/ Thundershowers would occur at a few places over J&K division.

Possibility of Light Rain/Thundershowers. Maximum & Minimum temperatures will be around 24°C & 15°C respectively.

Country will never accept Narendra Modi

Reviews functioning of PMGSY

7 8 10

Separatists term enquiry orders a gimmick

Top stress related diseases

Most of South Kashmir continues to be under curfew

Info-security becomes critical as banking turns complex: Chairman

Police foils Malik’s ‘sit-in’

BAR administers oath to newly elected body

Unabated killings alienating youth: Mehbooba

Kargil Hill Council to take oath on Sunday

Protests erupt after Friday prayers

Most of the separatist leaders under house detention

J&K Bank hosts forum on information security

Authorities held several rounds of meetings on Friday to identify the place

where the CRPF personnel of the Gagran camp could be shifted.

Vyas presents resume of IMPARD functioning

Shopian Firing incidents

Demand arrest of CRPF personnel Karbalaye nominated by

congress for Chairmanship

SSRB re-schedules exams Srinagar, Sep 13: According to the notification issued by the Service Selection Board, the ob-jective type written test for the posts having basic qualification as 10+2 shall now be conducted on 17th September 2013.However the venues and the time (12 Noon to 3 PM) as already notified shall remain the same as per SSRB. The tests were earlier supposed to be held on 14th September 2013.

7th batch of Hajj pilgrims leaves for MadinahSrinagar, September 13: The 7th batch of 551 Hajj pilgrims including 305 male, 246 female embarked from Srinagar Inter-national Airport in two flights for the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. As many as 3849 Hajj pilgrims have left for Madinah Munwara till date.On the occasion, Director Airport Authority Srinagar, officers of District Administra-tion Budgam and Executive Officer, State Hajj Committee, Srinagar were also present.

Saifullah approves appointment of 38 MunsiffsSrinagar, September 13: In order to fill up the posts of Munsiffs and Sub-Judges on fast-track basis in the newly established courts in the State, Minister for Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs, Mir Saifullah today accorded ap-proval to the appointments of 38 candidates as Munsiffs.It may be mentioned that the Government has established 36 new Courts of different levels in the State to strengthen the network of judicial institutions to provide speedy justice to the people at their doorsteps.

Cloudburst hits Pulwama village, 1 killedSrinagar, September 13: A 20-year-old youth was killed and another injured in a cloud-burst in Pulwama district of South Kashmir on Friday, po-lice said. The cloudburst struck Bun Drabgam village resulting in the death of Hilal Ahmad Dar son of Abdul Rashid Dar and injuring another youth Mo-hammad Ashraf Dar son of Ali Mohammad Dar, both hailing from Bun Drabgam village, a police spokesman told GNS.The two persons were working in their fields when cloudburst hit the area, he said, adding the injured have been admitted to a hospital.

4 injured in Pahalgam accidentSrinagar, September 13: Four person were injured when a Wagon-R bearing registra-tion number Jk01G/2726 hit and injured them at Batekote, Pahalgam. All the injured were shifted to hospital for treatment.

Daily ZABARWAN TIMES NEWS Srinagar | Saturday 14.09 .2013

Rich ethnic diversity of Kargil displayed at cultural eveningSRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 13:

Minister for Roads & Buildings Mr. Abdul Majid Wani chaired a meeting of the Governing Body of J&K State Rural Roads Development Agency which was convened here today to review the im-plementation and the status of various on-going projects under the Central Gov-ernment’s Flagship Programme namely Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMG-SY). Chief Secretary, Mr. Mohammad Iqbal Khandey, Commissioner Secretary, R&B Mrs Tanveer Jehan, Commissioner Sec-retary, Forests, Sheikh Aijaz Iqbal, Commis-sioner Secretary, Revenue Mr, Vinod Koul, Commissioner Secretary, Rural Develop-ment, Mr. Farooq Peer, Director Budget, Mr. Mohammad Ishac Wani , Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr. Abhay Kumar, Director Centrally Sponsored Schemes, Planning and Development Department, Mr. S S Jamwal and Chief Engineers PMGSY Kashmir, Jammu were present in the meet-ing.While highlighting the importance of road connectivity in the rural areas, the Minister said that better roads are vital for ensuring all round development and im-proving the socio-economic conditions of the rural folk. He said the road communica-tion always proves a strong backbone for

the village population which provide easy accessibility to them with their counter-parts living in other parts of the area. Ow-ing to this, the Government has been giving focused attention to strengthen this vital sector and during the past over one decade a remarkable progress has been registered in developing the rural road infrastructure.

Expressing satisfaction on the performance of the Agency, the Minister directed for ju-dicious use of funds and maintaining qual-ity of works strictly as per the specifications laid down by the Government. He sought strict action against the defaulter contrac-tors and directed for blacklisting those

who do not honour the projects allotted to them. He emphasized the need for close coordination among the agencies involved in the implementation of PMGSY Pro-gramme for achieving the better results. He stressed for early settlement of land acquisition and forest clearance cases for ensuring timely completion of proj-

ects.The meeting was informed about the phase-wise physical and financial details of PMGSY projects. As many as 2038 projects with 10506 Kilometres road length at an estimated cost of Rs. 5486.14 crore covering 2184 habitations were taken-up under Phase I to IX.

KARGIL, SEPTEMBER 13: As part of the 2-day Kargil Cultur-al Festival organized by J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, groups of local artists Thursday evening presented rich ethnic di-versity of Kargil in a jam packed auditorium here.

As many as 36 artists clad in traditional costumes per-formed Balti, Dardi and Purgi folk music and dance items to the delight of the audience who greeted each performance with ap-plause. The cultural evening followed the inauguration in the morning of the 7-day All India Painting Camp, the first ever held in Kargil, in which 14 artists from different parts of the country, be-sides J&K, are participating.

Artists from the valley of Garkone belonging to the Dard ethnic tribe presented song and dance items highlighting the race as brave, hardworking and the one that never compromises on self esteem and the tribe’s migration from the valleys of Gilgit, Naagar and Hunza.

The Purgi culture was represented by artists from Bodh Kharboo who presented songs and dances of joy, hope and peace. The Balti folk performances, presented by artists from Balti village of Hardass, depicted love and praise of a poet for his beloved as well as prayers for the health and prosperity of the people in the river valleys.

The programme was anchored by Aijaz Hussain Munshi who gave historical and cultural background of the ethnic groups represented in different cultural presentations.

The audience praised the performances of the artists and appreciated the efforts of the Academy for successfully organizing a wonderful cultural evening.

Wani reviews functioning of PMGSYSays road connectivity vital for socio-economic growth

NEW DELHI, SEPT 13:-

India and Chile have agreed to enhance their cooperation in the field of Renewable Energy. This was decided at a meeting held between the Chilean Ener-gy Minister, Jorge Bunster and Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Minister of New and Renewable Energy at Ankara today. Dr. Farooq Ab-dullah is visiting Chile along with a high level delegation to explore greater opportunities for cooperation and collabora-tion between Indian and Chile.Dr. Abdullah briefed his coun-terpart on the energy situation in India and India’s plans to add over 30 GW of renewable ener-gy to its energy mix in the next 5 years alone. He also dwelt on the success of the wind programme as well as the sig-nificant cost reductions in solar energy through the Jawahar Lal Nehru National Solar Mis-sion (JNNSM). Mr Bunster in-formed Dr. Abdullah that Chile

is almost entirely dependent on imports for its energy needs and is therefore extremely keen to diversify its energy mix by introducing a large component of renewables. It has consider-able potential in wind, hydro, solar and geothermal energy. Mr Bunster recognized India’s considerable achievements and strengths in renewable en-ergy and noted that India had made large strides in the same. He expressed his government’s desire to set up a 50 MW Solar thermal generating capacity in the north of the country. Dr. Abdullah offered India’s support and expertise to Chile in setting up renew-able projects. He offered the services of Indian experts and institutions like Centre for Wind Energy, Solar En-ergy Centre, Alternate Hydro Energy Centre for resource assessment of renewable energy sources, training of personnel and also prepara-

tion of projects for exploit-ing these technologies in Chile. He also offered training slots in India to Chilean scientists, engi-neers and technicians through the ITEC programme. Dr. Ab-dullah expressed his country’s desire for a serious and mean-ingful cooperation with the entire Latin American region, especially Chile, in renewable energy and offered all pos-sible assistance.Earlier in the day, Dr. Abdullah held a bilat-eral meeting with the Foreign Minister, Mr Alfredo Moreno Charme. The two ministers discussed a variety of issues of bilateral interest including the proposed visit of the Chilean president to India in October.Dr. Abdullah also met Jorge Pizzaro, the President of the Chilean Senate. He also ad-dressed a meeting of the UN ECLAC in Santiago where he offered India’s fullest support to the entire region in devel-opment of renewable energy.

Jora appeals film makers to

consider Ladakh for their future

projectsLEH, SEPTEMBER 13:-

Ladakh International Film Festival (LIFF) was jointly or-ganized by Minister for Urban Development, Nawang Rig-zin Jora, veteran Bollywood lyricist and filmmaker Gulzar and Chief Executive Council-lor, LAHDC, Leh Rigzin Spal-bar today at Sindhu Sanskriti Kendra Leh amid galaxy of personalities from all walks of life.

The 3-day festival being organized for second consec-utive year features an elabo-rate programme ranging from screening famous inter-

national, national and local films and documentaries of selected films. To inspire the Ladakhi filmmakers, selected local films under special Ladakh section are also being screened.

Nawang Rigzin Jora in his address expressed immense pleasure and joy over orga-nizing such an important and successful event for second year in succession, and he felt that Ladakh being chosen as the venue for such interna-tional film festival is a matter of great pride for J&K in gen-eral and Ladakh in particular.

Minister said, Cinema in general had great impact on Ladakh’s economy in terms of attracting tourists in large number particularly after the film “3 Idiots” which was shot in Ladakh, and great film personalities like Gulzar, Aparna Sen, Vishal Bharad-waj and Rakysh Om Prakash visiting this region only re-inforces such development. He expressed hope that the

filmmakers would continue to consider Ladakh an ideal place for shooting their forth-coming projects, which he said would ultimately help in the growth of Ladakh’s econ-omy. He expressed gratitude for having such an important event organized in Ladakh by a team led by Melvyn, the fes-tival director.On the occasion CEC LAHDC Leh ,Rigzin Spal-bar speaking high of holding the film festival here for the second consecutive year with special focus on conservation of local fragile environment urged upon the filmmakers to choose this as an impor-tant theme in their future ventures. The other objec-tive of holding the LIFF here is an attempt to bring Ladakh on the map of world tourist destination so as to make it an important destination for national and international filmmakers besides it is for the local aspirants to learn a great deal from such experi-ences, he added.

India-Chile to Enhance Cooperation in Renewable Energy

3-day LIFF begins in Leh with great enthusiasm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 13

Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today re-ceived brief on the functioning of Baba Ghu-lam Shah Badshah (BGSB)University at the 3rd review meeting, he chaired here.

Omar Abdullah who is also the Chancellor of the University highlighted the need for producing boys and girls of high excellence and high market demand from the University by offering subjects of pres-ent day need to them in the University aca-demic programmes.

The Minister for Hajj and Auqaf, Peerzada Mohammad Syeed, Minister for Higher Education, Mohammad Akbar Lone, Minister of State for Higher Education, Dr. Manohar Lal, Vice Chancellor BGSB Uni-versity Prof. I.A Hamal, Principal Secretary Planning B.R. Sharma, Principal Secretary Finance B.B. Vyas, Secretary Higher Educa-tion, Mushtaq Ahmad, Secretary Technical Education, Parvaiz Malik, Registrar BGSB University M.R. Choudhary and various se-nior officers were present in the meeting.

The Vice-Chancellor of the Uni-

versity spelt out the road map for the holis-tic and comprehensive development of the University and said that befitting measures have been put in place to make the residen-tial BGSB University a centre of academic excellence and seat of learning.

In a PowerPoint presentation, Dep-uty Registrar of the University, Suneet Gup-ta stated that BGSB University has shown encouraging growth both in the infrastruc-

ture development and academic excellence since its inception in 2005.

It was stated that the University provides M.Phil and Ph.D. courses in Com-puter Sciences, Information Technology, Botany, Zoology, Biotechnology, Applied-Mathematics, Arabic and Management Studies. Besides the University also offers Post Graduate programmes in Masters in Computer Application, Master of Science in

IT, Master of Science in Applied Mathemat-ics, MBA in Financial Management, M.A Arabic, B.Tech Programmes in Electronics and Communication, Computer Science and Engineering, Information Technology, Civil, Electrical and Renewable Energy.

The meeting was informed that a Solar Park is coming up at the Univer-sity Campus at a cost of Rs. 2.7 crores. The Vice-Chancellor and the Management of the University expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for getting the proposal of Solar Park for the University sanctioned speedily at the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy headed by Dr. Farooq Abdullah.

It was also mentioned in the meeting that various reputed companies have employed 48 passing out students of the University which include 16 under Udaan Programme. The enrolment of the students in the University has gone up from 95 in 2005 to 1915 in 2013. The num-ber of books has gone to 25,012, journals 90 and e-journals to 5,000.

SRINAGAR, SEPT 13

Zonal operational re-search workshop, North Zone RNTCP was organised by centre by central T.B Di-vision Government of India in collaboration with Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Srinagar and T.B cell Directorate of Health Service, Kashmir at SKIMS Auditoriums here to-day.Threadbare discussions were made on the subject and guidelines were issued to the Medical officers who were present in the work-shop. The experts highlight-ed the efforts of RNTCP in the workshop it was also dis-closed in the workshop that Medical Collage involvement has been largely success-ful and efforts were made for sensitization of cause in private sector. The Direc-

tor, Health Service, Kash-mir has also thread lights on preventation of T.B and stressed proper T. B diag-nose and case management reduce T. B transmission and he also exhorted to address the problems of emergence of drag resistant T.B. He said that the all information should be completed for all T. B cases in valley.The to-tal number 50 experts from Jammu and Kashmir, Hary-ana, Panjab, Chandigarh, Utter Pardesh, Uttaranchal Pardesh and New Delhi also participated in the workshop and discussed objectives of the workshop.

The workshop was at-tended by Ex. HOD, Medi-cines, Chairman, National Task Force, Chairman North Zone OR, Committee, Direc-tor, Health Service, Kashmir and State T. B. officer.

Omar for high market oriented courses in educational institutions

Workshop on RNTCP held at SKIMS

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 13: Chairman Legislative Council, Amrit Malhotra has expressed his deep sorrow and grief over the death of 4 people in a tragic road accident that took place on the Mughal Road, the other day. He has extended his sympathies with the bereaved families, including that of Ch. Liyakat an employee of the Legislative Council who’s brother was also amongst the victims.

In a condolence meeting which was held in the Council premises under the chairmanship of Mal-hotra, which was attended by the officers and officials of the Council Secretariat the rich tributes were paid to the departed souls and two-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to the deceased. The employees extended their sympathies with the bereaved families.

Police Public Mela postponed SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 13: According to Police Headquarters spokesman, the 23rd Police

Public Mela, which was scheduled to be held at Bakshi Stadium Srinagar onSeptember 15, 2013 has been postponed in view of unfavorable weather conditions. Next date for organizing the Mela would be announced later.

Feroz inaugurates 2-days Zonal Seminar at NIT

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 13: Minister of State for Education, Science and Technology, Feroz Ahmed Khan today inaugurated a 2-day Diamond Jubilee Zonal Seminar on Leveraging LCT for Growth and Development of J&K at National Institute of Technology, Hazaratbal.The Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE) in association with NIT, Srinagar organised the seminar in which eminent academicians, engineers and technocrats attended.During the 2-days, 4 technical sessions would be conducted and there would also be invited talks from eminent professionals and selected paper presentations from experts in this field from all over the country.

Malhotra condoles demise of Mughal road accident victims

Reviews BGSB University functioning

Floriculture training programme concluded

at Bandipora BANDIPORA, SEPTEMBER

13: Two days training programme for progressive flower growers organised by Krishi Vigyan Kendra Bandipora in collaboration with the Department of

Floriculture concluded here today. In all, 27 flower growers of District Bandipora

who participated in the programme were educated about the utilization of modern

production technology for improving quality and quantity of produce. The experts on the occasion laid

major thrust on Post Harvest manage-ment, Packaging and market intelligence for harvesting maximum benefits from

the produce. Among others, Programme

Coordinator KVK Bandipora experts of the Kendra and Floriculture Department

delivered lectures during the training programme.

E ++HHEAAL L HH5 ZABARWAN TIMES

SATURDAY 14 SEP 20138 ZABARWANTIMES

Top stress related diseasesNoon can deny living in a stress-ful world. One would imagine that people are more stressed now than ever before. Not even children are spared with increased homework, extracurric-ular activities and social pressure. Everyone is angry; whether in a queue, fuming over kids or spouse for being untidy or simply because the roads are dusty. All this has a negative impact, affecting a per-son mentally and physically. The result? Stress related diseases. We take a look at some of these top stress related diseases.DepressionStress can either cause depression or worsen it in those already suf-fering from the illness.Poor sleep brought on by stress can also cause depression in some people.Immune systemStress prevents the immune sys-tem from functioning properly. This decreased functioning may lead to stress-induced diseases.Prolonged stress may cause short-term or long-term harm to the immune system and result in sick-ness.Headaches and migrainesWhen we are stressed our body also tenses up, and in order to deal with it, there is an increased level of the cortisol hormone to control our fight or flight instinct.Gastrointestinal issuesThe stomach and gastrointestinal tract may suffer from too much stress hormone being present in the body on a continual basis.Stomach acids may be released in high quantities and cause damage

to the lining of the stomach, and digestive system, resulting in ul-cers.Overeating may also be linked to chronic stress.InsomniaLack of good sleep can make us ill. Poor sleeping habits are a very common sign of stress.When we are anxious we find it difficult to sleep.DiabetesDiabetes is adversely affected by stress levels in the body.The diabetic patient already has difficulty recovering from physical

ailments, and that alone may be a source of stress.BackacheA very common form of stress in-duced illnesses, are body aches in-cluding backaches.This is due to constantly stressed muscles, which can lead to poor posture and resultant aches and pains.Heart diseaseChronic stress may affect the heart by keeping the heart rate elevated at high levels over a long period of time.Blood pressure tends to increase

during stressful episodes and may result in heart disease after a pro-longed period of time.High blood pressureContinuously high blood pressure, because of stress, increases the risk of stroke and coronary disease.Colds and other infectious illness-esIf you are catching cold quite of-ten, then it may be due to stress, as stress reduces the immunity power of the body.Fertility problemsSevere stress can also affect your fertility, by de-laying your menstrual cycle.

Stay away from these fitness fads

Whether it is shoes that help you look shapely or pills that help you shed weight, here are a few fads and reasons you should avoid themWe've all seen fitness prod-ucts and diets advertised on television, radio and in stores. They might prom-ise a fitter and a slimmer you in a week but it might not be advisable to adapt them.Only-one-ingredient dietsA diet based solely on eating cottage cheese, a vegetable-only lunch, just grapefruit all day - It's ob-vious when a diet has you eating only one food or ingredient, it's a bad fad. Your body needs a variety

of foods, including grains, healthy fats and protein to thrive. Eat real food and avoid diets that have you skipping out on entire food groups.Toning apparelFrom shoes that help you tone as you walk to sports bras that burn fat as you wear them, it's clear that nothing you wear can help you shed pounds. The shoes may help you ac-tivate different muscles, but you can't rely on them to lose weight or really in-crease your fitness level. Start on a real workout - exercising, dancing, yoga etc to get fit and slim.Pole dance workoutIt's true that dancing ses-

sions help you stay fit, but what is it with the pole? How does learning pole dance from fitness pro-fessionals help you lose weight? There's nothing wrong with pole dancing if you enjoy it, but it's not a great idea for a standard fitness routine.CleansingYou temporarily cleanse your body eating only a few foods or following a cleanse formula. But the truth here is that your liver and kidneys already do a great job detoxing your body. You can lose water weight during a detox, but you can also lose muscle mass due to a lack of nu-trients.

Best fats for healthy livingCommon perception sug-gests that we eat low fat food in order to live healthy. Truth speaks oth-erwise. A person who lives on less than recommended levels of fat consumption will likely suffer from sev-eral health conditions like a weak immune system, poor organ health, and vitamin and mineral defi-ciencies. A better way for-ward is to eat good fats in moderation. Here's look-ing at some must-know in-formation about fats, along with a line-up of the best fats for healthy living. Some facts on fats, which you must know: -Fats are a member of a chemical group called lip-ids. -Fats provide energy of 9 calories per gram. -Fats provide Satiety - pro-vides palatability and a feeling of fullness. -They are carriers of nutri-ents - fat soluble vitamins as A,D,E,K. -The body does need a certain percent-age of fat as it acts as the body's insulator protect-ing organs and absorbing shocks. -The body does not manufacture certain fatty acids as linoleic and linolenic acid and the diet must supply these. Mono-unsaturated fats are the healthiest fats

There are two types of cholesterol - one type of cholesterol clogs our arter-ies, it is known as bad cho-lesterol or LDL and other type helps in removing these clogs, it is known as good cholesterol or HDL. Monounsaturated fats decrease your total blood cholesterol but maintain your HDL (good) choles-terol. Monounsaturated fats, therefore, help lower the risk of heart diseases. Olive oil has 75% of mono-unsaturated fat. Examples of monounsaturated fats are macadamia nuts (80% of fat is monounsatu-rated), avocados (71%), almonds (70%), canola oil (59%), and peanuts and peanut oil (46%). Other sources are almonds, ca-shews, hazelnuts, natural peanut butter, pecans, pistachios, sesame oil and sesame seeds. Eat more of unsaturated fats In order to eat a heart-healthy diet, unsaturated fats are a must for you. Fish, corn oil, olive oil, pumpkin seeds, sesa-me seeds, hazelnuts and pecans have high levels of unsaturated fats in them. Oily fishes like salmon, trout, mackerel, tuna and sardines are full of ome-ga-3 fatty acids. These are the good varieties of fats

unlike the bad saturated fat found in ghee, palm oil, full-fat cheese, fatty beef and pork cuts, and whole milk dairy products. These fishes must consti-tute a part of your heart-healthy diet. Omega-3 fatty acids also lower "bad" LDL levels, decrease blood pressure and lower levels of blood fat called triglyc-erides by 25%-30%. Olive oil should be your preferred choice It con-tains mono-unsaturated fatty acids, which lower the levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides without lowering good cholesterol levels. Different stages of pressing and processing yield different varieties of olive oil. Extra virgin- Ex-cellent for salad dressings and dips Virgin - It is the yield of second press. Pure - This stage of oil goes through a certain amount of processing - filtration and refining. Other healthy oils that you can try are: Rice bran oil: Rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol low-ering properties, this oil also contains natural vi-tamin E. Sunflower/Saf-flower oil: This oil is rich in PUFA particularly linoleic acid, which lowers the lev-els of good as well as bad

cholesterol. So it will be a good idea to alternate this oil's use with other health-ier oils. Mustard oil: This oil has a higher proportion of Mono-unsaturated and Poly-un-saturated fatty ac-ids. Use in moderation. Groundnut oil: Ground-nut or peanut oil contains heart friendly MUFA that lowers levels of bad choles-terol in our body without lowering the levels of good cholesterol. Coconut oil: Coconut oil does not contain choles-terol hence it can be con-sumed for cooking in com-bination with other oils in the kitchen. But always re-member moderation is the key word. Polyunsaturated fats may also be somewhat healthy A polyunsaturated fat has good cholesterol but it de-creases your total blood cholesterol by lowering both the LDL (bad) choles-terol and the HDL (good) cholesterol. Because of this reason we should use them in moderation. The good sources of poly-unsaturated fats can be found in corn oil, may-onnaise, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flaxseed oil, hempseed, hempseed oil, soybean oil, and pista-chios.

Why comfort foods feel so good

Forget gourmet delights or opulent spreads, it is the eternal favourites that brings a smile on one's faceThere's nothing like ap-peasing one's gastronomic cravings. The contentment that a foodie gets after eat-ing that scrumptious food is a high like none other. Even though we are all par-ticular about what we eat and make a fuss about how bad the paneer or chicken was cooked, there are still a good number of things we would love to eat no matter how they are cooked. This is especially true when one is in a foreign land.Says Lakshmi S, a homemaker living in Canberra, "I love idly sambar and can eat it any time of the day. I am a South Indian, who can eat the same for breakfast, lunch and dinner."Idly and bread were once considered as foods for sick people. However, of late, the health benefits of idly came to be under-stood. The steamed prepa-ration is not filling, but also a safe option if you are not sure of the hotel. Nitin Mukesh, a software profes-sional, says, "I am bachelor staying away from home. I can't cook and hate to venture out for food after

a hard day's work. Hence, the best option for me is to order for home delivery."These are what one calls comfort foods — that which you can have any time and any number of times — most importantly it gives you a sense of satisfaction. Heard of food therapy? Various studies have found that you can beat the blues with good food. And the op-tions are aplenty. Hasn't a bar of chocolate lifted your spirit?Debabrata Ghosh, a software consultant says, "When I feel low, I simply order a pizza. It's not just yum, but also a great mood booster."All said and done, some-times we can live on these comfort foods for days without getting bored.All time favourite comfort food:Idly, vada, sambar: No matter which part of the world you belong to, the idly-vada-sambar is an irresistible breakfast combo. Hot idlis dipped in sambar with a dash of ghee is sure to make you crave for more.Alu paratha: This Punjabi staple is popular across the globe. Nothing is more appetizing than to see a hot paratha cooked on tawa with a blob of but-ter melting away.

Home remedies for dry hair

We can do a lot to prevent hair from becoming dry and brittle during winter season. Read on It is a fact that hair be-comes dry during the win-ter season. While we can-not escape the seasonal vagaries, we can do a lot to prevent our hair from becoming dry and brittle during the season. Here are a few tips to keep you in good stead. -It is best to avoid hair colouring and ironing dur-ing the season. However, if that is next to impossible, at least avoid shampooing during the season. -Massage the scalp using hot oil. You can either use coconut oil or olive oil for best re-sults -Do not wash your hair in hot water as it can increase the dryness of the scalp,

resulting in flaking and scaling of the skin of the scalp. Use lukewarm water in-stead and shampoo hair only once or twice a week. -Use a shampoo and a separate hair conditioner. And leave the conditioner on the tip of the hair avoid-ing the roots for at least 10 to 15 minutes to moisturise the hair and prevent hair fall. -The stench apart, beer is a great hair conditioner and so is coconut milk. For a protein packed condition-er, mix eggs and yogurt and rub it into your scalp. Leave on for five or 10 minutes, then wash it off completely. -A haircut doesn't always have to lead to a new style. Trim off dead ends if your hair is too dry to rejuve-nate your hair

Zinc deficiency leads to multiple diseases What causes Internet addictionIn a new study, researchers have revealed the possible causes and effects of Internet addiction."It was shown that Internet ad-diction is not a figment of our imagina-tion," Dr. Christian Montag, lead author from the Department for Differential and Biological Psychology at the University of Bonn, said."Researchers and therapists are increasingly closing in on it," he said.Over the past years, the Bonn research-ers have interviewed a total of 843 people about their Internet habits.An analysis of the questionnaires shows that 132 men and women in this group exhibit problematic behaviour in how they handle the online medium; all their thoughts revolve around the Internet dur-ing the day, and they feel their wellbeing is severely impacted if they have to go without it.For the study, the researchers from the University of Bonn and the Cen-tral Institute of Mental Health in Man-nheim compared the genetic makeup of the pro-blematic Internet users with that of healthy control individuals.This showed that the 132 subjects are

more often carriers of a genetic variation that also plays a major role in nicotine addiction."What we already know about the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in the brain is that a mutation on the related gene promotes addictive behaviour," Dr. Montag said.Nicotine from tobacco fits - just like ace-tylcholine, which is produced by the body - like a key into this receptor. Both these neurotransmitters play a significant role in activating the brain''s reward system."It seems that this connection is not only essential for nicotine addiction, but also for Internet addiction," he said.The actual mutation is on the CHRNA4 gene that changes the genetic make-up for the Alpha 4 subunit on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor."Within the group of subjects exhibiting problematic Inter-net behaviour this variant occurs more frequently - in particular, in women," Dr. Montag added.This finding will have to be validated further because numerous sur-veys have found that men are more prone to Internet addiction than women.

Researchers have sug-gested that it's important for elderly people to get adequate dietary intake of zinc, since they may need more of it at this life stage when their ability to ab-sorb it is declining.Zinc can be obtained in the diet from seafood and meats, but it's more diffi-cult to absorb from grains and vegetables - a particu-lar concern for vegetar-ians.Scientists in the Linus Pauling Institute at Or-egon State University and the OSU College of Public Health and Human Sci-ences have outlined for the first time a biological mechanism by which zinc deficiency can develop with age, leading to a de-cline of the immune system

and increased inflamma-tion associated with many health problems, includ-ing cancer, heart disease, autoimmune disease and diabetes.The study was based on findings with laboratory animals.It found that zinc trans-porters were significantly dysregulated in old ani-

mals. They showed signs of zinc deficiency and had an enhanced inflammatory response even though their diet supposedly contained adequate amounts of zinc.When the animals were given about 10 times their dietary requirement for zinc, the biomarkers of in-flammation were restored to those of young animals.

"We've previously shown in both animal and human studies that zinc deficiency can cause DNA damage, and this new work shows how it can help lead to sys-temic inflammation," said Emily Ho, an LPI principal investigator and associate professor in OSU School of Biological and Population Health Sciences."Some inflammation is normal, a part of immune defense, wound healing and other functions," she said. "But in excess, it's been associated with al-most every degenerative disease you can think of, including cancer and heart disease. It appears to be a signifi-cant factor in the diseas-es that most people die from."

As a result of this and what is now know about zinc ab-sorption in the elderly, Ho said that she would recom-mend all senior citizens take a dietary supplement that includes the full RDA for zinc, which is 11 milli-grams a day for men and 8 milligrams for women."We found that the mecha-nisms to transport zinc are disrupted by age-related epigenetic changes," said Carmen Wong, an OSU research associate and co-author of this study."This can cause an increase in DNA methylation and histone modifications that are related to disease pro-cesses, especially cancer. Immune system cells are also particularly vulner-able to zinc deficiency," he stated.

Saturday 14 Sep 2013

Kashmir ThunderSaturday 14 September 2013

Death to all Delhi gang-rape convicts for 'barbaric and gruesome crime', says court

Additional sessions judge Yogesh Khanna announced the punishment in a packed courtroom at around 2.30 pm. "Death to all," he said."Besides discuss-ing others offences, I straightaway come to section 302 (murder) of IPC. This falls under inhuman nature of the convicts and the gravity of offence they commit-ted cannot be tolerated. Death sentence is given to all the four convicts," he said.

"In these times when crime against women is on the rise courts cannot turn a blind eye towards such barbaric and gruesome crime. There cannot be any tolerance. This crime in every way falls

within the rarest of rare category war-ranting a death sentence."The sentence has to be confirmed by Delhi high court.Holding that the crime committed on a moving bus was in the "rarest of rare category", the court noted that the girl and her male friend were brutally as-saulted, her abdomen ripped apart with an iron rod and internal organs pulled out. They were thrown out of the bus moving at a high speed and the accused tried to run the vehicle over them. She was left on the road half-naked, serious-ly injured, severely bleeding and shiver-ing in the winter chill. READ: Gang of

four: the men convicted for Delhi gang-rape The judge had convicted Mukesh Singh, 26, Vinay Sharma, 20, Pawan Gupta, 19, and Akshay Thakur, 28, on September 10, holding that there was strong evidence they had committed the brutal gang-rape and a "cold-blooded murder". Their underage accomplice, who has since turned 18, has been sent to a reform home for three years after a juvenile board handed down a guilty verdict on August 31.http://www.hindu-stantimes.com/Images/Popup/2013/9/four_convicts_delhi2.jpg The main ac-cused in the case Ram Singh was found hanging in his Tihar jail cell on March 11. Special public prosecutor Dayan Krishnan had demanded noose for all convicts for the "grotesque and diabolic" crime. "There is no chance such crimi-nals can be reformed. If death is not giv-en to such criminals, the common man will lose faith in the courts. Society feels no woman is safe. It is for the courts to change that perception by handing down harsh punishment."Lawyers for the four convicts had pleaded for mercy saying they were young, did not have previous

criminal records and should be given a chance to reform. The court rejected the plea.The brutal gang-rape on the night of December 16, 2012, sparked sponta-neous public outrage across India, bring-ing thousands of people onto streets in protest against authorities' failure to ensure women's safety. READ: It’s not end of road, jail officials counsel con-victs It also triggered uproar in Parlia-ment and prompted the government to enact a tough law to deal with crimes against women, increased policing and fast-tracking of rape cases across the country.After the savage attack, the young woman, a paramedical student, fought bravely for life and was airlifted to Singapore for treatment. But her inju-ries left her with no real chance and she died on December 29. READ: Victim of trial after rapeThe court had convicted the accused of gang-rape, murder, con-spiracy, attempt to murder, unnatural of-fences, dacoity, destruction of evidence, kidnapping or abducting with intent to secretly and wrongfully confining a person, abducting to subject a person to grievous hurt and slavery.

Country will never accept Narendra Modi: Digvijay Singh

Modi was not an issue for the Congress, Digvijay pointed out while saying that his party was not fighting against any individual, but the ideology of spreading commu-nalism.

Congress General Secretary Digvijay Singh has said that the country will never accept Gujarat Chief Minister and BJP's possible prime ministerial candidate Nar-endra Modi as he can not keep the nation united.

"A person, who, because of his personal ambitions, broke his own alliance and created a controversy in his own party can neither keep the nation united, nor the people will ever accept him," Singh said here last night during a programme held by an association of Employees' Provident Fund ORganisation (EPFO).Modi was not an issue for the Congress, Digvijay pointed out while saying that his party was not fighting against any individual, but the ideology of spreading communalism.BJP had always been working for religious polarisation in the country, Digvi-jay said and also alleged that the party was also behind the recent communal violence in Muzaffarnagar.

The Congress leader, who has been charged

with giving government land to self-styled godman Asaram Bapu in Indore in 1998 when he was the state Chief Minister, distanced him-self from the controversial preacher and said that his only guru was Shankaracharya Swa-roopanand Saraswati.He said that in 1998, all political parties had recommended that land be alloted to Asaram since none of them were aware of his character and what he would do in future.The 72-year-old godman is presently in judicial custody after being arrested for al-legedly sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl at his ashram.Digvijay said the lease given to the trust owned by Asaram should be cancelled and the land be taken back.

India will progress if Rahul Gandhi leads in 2014, says Jyotiraditya Scindia

Minister of State for Power Jyotirad-itya Scindia on Thursday voiced his sup-port for Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi as his party’s prime ministerial candidate for the Lok Sabha polls, say-ing it will be beneficial for the country if he leads in 2014.“As far as the issue of Rahul Gandhi (being the Prime Minis-terial candidate for 2014) is concerned, the Congress Party will take a decision and Rahulji will himself take a deci-sion,” Scindia told media here.“But be-ing a youth of this country, I feel that if Rahulji leads this nation it will be ben-eficial for every youngster and every citizen of the country because he thinks about the country,” he added.Scindia, who is the chairman of Madhya Pradesh Congress poll campaign committee, had earlier expressed confidence that the Congress Party would win this year’s assembly elections in the state.Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde yesterday said Rahul Gandhi would be the ruling party’s candidate for the Prime Minister’s post in 2014.“Rahul Gandhi is our candidate for the Prime Minister’s post”, Shinde told media

in New Delhi, while asserting that the same has been conveyed earlier also.The Home Minister’s remark came just days after Prime Minister Dr. Manmo-han Singh said that he was ready to work under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership.Dr. Singh had earlier on Saturday said Ra-hul Gandhi would be an ideal choice for the Prime Minister’s post after the 2014 general elections.“I have always main-tained that Rahul Gandhiji would be an ideal choice for Prime Minister's post after 2014 elections,” Dr. Singh said on-board Air India One, when asked if he would be looking to run for a third term in office.“I would be happy to work for the Congress party under the leadership of Mr. Rahul Gandhi,” he added during his media interaction while returning home from the G20 Summit in St. Pe-tersburg.Rahul Gandhi yesterday kicked off his party’s election campaign in Raj-asthan, and said the country can witness development only when the government concentrates on the welfare of the com-mon man, tribals and poorer sections of society.Addressing a rally in tribal-dominated Udaipur region, he said in-

stead of "Aadhi roti khayenge Congress ko jitayenge (Will eat half a roti and vote for the Congress) the new war cry should be, "Poori roti khayenge, 100 din kaam karenge, dawaiee lenge aur Con-gress ko jitayenge" (Eat full roti, work for 100 days, receive free medicines and vote for Congress).Gandhi highlighted welfare schemes on food security and land acquisition that his party has just pushed through Parliament and accused the opposition, chiefly the BJP, of being anti-poor."The opposition wants that in-

frastructure should be developed - roads and airports should be developed...we say that infrastructure should be built, but the country will only progress when labourers and people contributing to-wards development have sufficient food to eat,” he said.“One person came and made fun (of us)... No matter how much we are fighting for the poor people in the country. I want to crush my dreams and make your dreams mine,” he added without naming Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

Maharashtra cops raid DU professor's home, suspect Maoist links

NEW DELHI: Delhi Police tried to forcibly end the indefinite hunger strike by Delhi University students demanding hostel accommodation and transparency in hostel admissions late on Wednesday night. In a midnight operation, police shifted student activist Pravin Kumar Singh, who has been on indefinite hunger strike for 10 days, to hospital.When fellow students tried to stop police from placing Singh in the ambulance, a scuffle ensued, leaving a few cops and a student of law faculty, Kamlesh Ku-mar Mishra, injured. An inspector's wireless set was snatched, police said. A case of robbery has been registered.Police were trying to take the protesting student to hospital as he needed urgent medical attention. But the students grew violent and set the area SHO's Gypsy on fire. They also had a scuffle with the cops who tried to evict them. Police have rounded up five people in this connection and have registered a case of rioting, obstructing and attacking a public servant on duty and robbery.Interesting-ly, while the university remained silent and refused to meet the protesting students immediately after the incident, the registrar, Alka Sharma, stated in a press statement, "The university strongly criticizes the role of a miniscule segment of the teaching community in misguiding innocent students, jeopardiz-ing their career and endangering their personal security.""It was around 11.30pm when Pravin called me. I came and saw around 50 to 60 policemen trying to force Pravin into the university ambulance. There were around 15 students at that time. We formed a human ring to stop the police. While the po-lice said Pravin was being shifted for medical reasons, we asked them to bring a doctor to the site. As they dragged him to the ambulance I lay down on the road in front of it. The policemen ordered it to be driven over me. Fortunately, I received no internal injuries," said Kamlesh.According to the students, police left with Pravin first and returned to pick up the rest of the students. Teachers and DUTA presi-dent Nandita Narain approached the Maurice Nagar police station to enquire about the whereabouts of the students. The other students continued the hunger strike on Thursday morning.The indefinite hun-ger strike is being organized by a non-political students group—Students Right to Accommodation. This group has been demanding resolution of accommodation issues of the students of the university. In January, seven students of this group had sat on a hunger strike to draw the attention of university authorities towards accommodation issues faced by students of the university. The hunger strike was called off after seven days following assurances .The sions, rooms to be made double-seated, hostel messes for non-resident students, reopening of the canteen of Central Library and new multi-storied hostels and stipend to economically weak students who are not provided hostel facility on priority basis.

Angry parents ransack Kolkata school after bullied student dies

The death of an 11-year-old student in a north Kolkata school, reportedly because of the mental trauma she suffered after being harassed by her se-niors, saw hundreds of people protesting at the school. CNN-IBN reported that the protesters consisted of parents of students who ransacked the school in Dum Dum. The police had to use batons to disperse the angry protesters who destroyed a lot of school property during the rampage. Parents crowd inside the school after the Class 5 stu-dent died. Ibnlive Class V student Ai-ndrila Das was allegedly “heckled and tortured” by some Class 8 students of the school for not paying them Rs 100 that they wanted. The parents of the girl demanded the immediate identifi-cation of the senior students

who allegedly bullied her last week and locked her up inside a toilet, re-ported CNN-IBN. An attendant of the school found the student crying inside the toilet and took her home. Claiming

that similar incidents have happened with other junior girls of the Christ Church Girls’ School, the parents and guardians accused the principal of in-action, despite full knowledge of the incidents.

“The principal is responsible for her death. She should be arrested,” one of the parents said, as others laid siege to the school premises. NDT-Vreported the girl’s mother Rekha Das as saying, “She was traumatised in school. Thats why she fell ill.

There is also medical negli-gence. The doctors didn’t treat her properly.“ The parents al-leged that the girl became so traumatised that she had to be admitted to a nursing home where she died today unable to get over the shock. Aind-rila’s parents also rubbished school authorities’ claims that the girl had not complained to them of her trauma. “We will take action against the girls who locked her up,” NDTV quoted Sharmila Sarkar, the principal of the school as say-

ing. After Aindrila’s parents regis-tered a police complaint against the school’s authorities, a team arrived at the school to question the authori-ties. As irate parents had already laid a siege outside the school, policemen found themselves unable t principal.

“I have lost my daughter. But at least her death has created awareness which will help save many little girls from the menace of ragging,” the vic-tim’s father Santanu Das said.

Gogoi warns agitators against rail, road blockades

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Friday asked various groups of agitators in the state to withdraw road and rail blockades immediately, warning them that the govern-ment would be compelled to take "appropri-ate steps otherwise". He said that the govern-ment cannot remain a passive spectator to the series of road and rail blockades which have caused great inconvenience to people and hit development. "We cannot allow the situation to deteriorate further. The rail and road block-ades caused great miseries and hardships to the people and affected the economy. Such agitations are detrimental to the state's march towards the path of development and we can-not allow this to continue," he said. Gogoi warns agitators against rail, road blockades Road and rail blockades have been the most popular modes of public protest in Assam, and the state had been witnessing a series of such

protests, particularly after the central govern-ment's decision to create a separate Telengana state. While the Bodos and the Koch Rajbong-shis have been demanding creation of separate Bodoland and Kamatapur state respectively in the lines of Telengana, the Karbis and Di-masas have also stepped up agitation in Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts demanding a separate autonomous state including both the hill districts. The Bodoland Territorial Ar-eas Districts - Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa and Udalguri, the Karbio Anglong and Dima Has-ao districts and several other districts of lower Assam have witnessed over a dozens of rail and road (National Highways) blockades since July. Although the agitations were temporar-ily stopped following discussions between the central government and the agitating groups, agitations as, according to some of them, the talks are not going in right direction.

Haryana govt to reward boy selected for NASA astronaut programme

A teenaged village boy, selected by US' Na-tional Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for its astronaut training programme, will be rewarded by the Hary-ana government, Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said on Friday. The Haryana government will honour Ashish Kumar with its Pratibha Samman, said Hooda, adding he will also get a reward of Rs.150,000 for his achievement, he said, accord-ing to a statement in Chandigarh. Ashish, who is from Dhaulera village of Mahendergarh dis-trict and passed his class 12 exam from Nangal Chaudhary village, and his father Radhey Shyam met Hooda in New Delhi on Friday. Haryana govt to reward boy selected for NASA astro-

naut programme Before his selection for the three-year training programme of NASA recently, he had also cleared IISAT (Indian Insti-tute of Space Aeronautics and Technology) competi-tion organized by Indian Space Research Organiza-tion (ISRO). He also cleared Indian Institute of Technol-

ogy (IIT) entrance examination and got the 112th rank. With his goals clear in his mind, Ashish said that he wants to do something for his coun-try in the field of space science. For the Astronaut Training Programme, NASA had selected only 10 candidates across the world. Three of them, including Ashish, are from India. The three-year training programme will be conducted in Wash-ington at the NASA premises.

Anna Hazare to launch fast for Lokpal Bill during

winter sessionAhmednagar: Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare on Friday

said he will start a 'satyagraha' in New Delhi on the first day of winter session, for the passage of Jan Lokpal Bill in Parliament. The Prime Minister had assured to pass the Jan Lokpal Bill in the last monsoon session. But the central government did not present the Bill in Rajya Sabha as assured, Hazare said at his Ralegan Sid-dhi village about 40 kms from in Ahmednagar. "I will start a hun-ger strike at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi and the people must agitate in their tehsil, DM's offices, till we get a strong Jan Lokpal," said the activist, who is busy making micro plans for his forthcoming nationwide agitation for the anti-corruption Bill. Hazare appealed to the nation and the youths to organise a non-violent 'satyagraha' along with him, similar to the one he took up on August 16, 2011. The subsequent popular agitation had forced the government to convene a special meet of Parliament which passed a resolution, agreeing with three of his crucial demands. Anna Hazare to launch vene a special session of Parliament as the Bill is pending for close to two years after being passed in Lok Sabha.

Disqualify poll contestants who conceal information: SC

New Delhi: Political candidates found to have concealed information while fil-ing their nomination papers for elections will be barred from contesting the polls, the Supreme Court said on Friday.Nomi-nation papers of such candidates are “fit to be rejected”, the court ruled.Pronouncing the judgement, chief justice P. Sathasivam said the “voter has elementary right to know” the candidates. It’s a “universally recognized” right that flows from the Con-stitutional framework, he said.The apex court was hearing a public interest litiga-tion (PIL) filed by Resurgence India, a civil rights group, that sought the disqualifica-tion of candidates who conceal critical in-formation such as their financial assets or past convictions while filing their nomina-tion papers and related documents.While perjury or making false statements on the affidavit, which is required to be filed with nomination papers, is punishable as per the Representation of People Act, leaving questions unanswered is not.

The PIL sought an interpretation that not disclosing information should be deemed equivalent to not having filed the affidavit, a mandatory requirement for

contesting elections and, therefore, the candidate must be barred from elections.Issuing a set of seven directions, the apex court has empowered returning officers to reject nomination papers if candidates fail to provide the requisite information despite reminders.Cautioning that such power should be used “sparingly” by the officers, the court directed that can-didates must use phrases such as “not applicable” where in doubt but must not leave any field in the affidavit blank.The Central government had opposed the pe-tition and submitted during earlier hear-

ings that such a disqualification would be tantamount to “death penalty” for elec-toral candidates.A. Mariarputham, senior advocate for the Union government, had submitted that if the petition was up-held, concealment of information would lead to disqualification whereas perjury would only result in prosecution without affecting candidature.“Is it (concealment of information) such a serious violation that it merits disqualification?” he had asked, arguing that a decision on this “must not have blanket application that any omission results in disqualification”.