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THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2013
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IN BRIEF
Srinagar-Leh National Highway to open by March 31
SRINAGAR: The SrinagarLeh National Highway will be re-opened for vehicular traffic by the end of this month, almost a month ahead of schedule, officials said on Wednesday. "The SrinagarLeh National Highway is being opened to vehicular traffic contd on page 2
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Security forces busted major Jugal-Itoo Slugfest: BJP, NC Workers Clash in Jammu terror hideout in Kishtwar
25 Kg explosive including 15 KG IED also recovered
BJP, NC WORKERS CLASH
Several workers of ruling National Conference and Opposition Bhartiya Janata Party today clashed while protesting over the heated exchange of words between BJP state President Jugal Kishore Sharma and minister Sakina Itoo in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. Over 100 workers of NC mainly women, led by Legislator Bimla Luthra, marched to the BJP headquarters at Kachi Chawani, blocked traffic and held protests against Sharma, demanding his sacking from the post. BJP workers particular contd on page 2
Azfal Guru issue: Cong in a fix over pulling out of Govt as high command for wait and watch
KEWAL RAJPUT The issue of Afzal Guru has put the ruling alliance partner Congressin a fix and virtually divided the party legislators over pulling out of the National Conference headed Government in Jammu Kashmir.While some Jammu based Legislators are in a mood for breaking alliancewith National Conference over the issue, sources said that majority of the party ministers, especially those from Kashmir Valley and those inducted recently in the council of ministry, are not in favour of such a move. Caught in a catch 22 situation over the issue, particularly over the attitude of National Conference, the State unit of Congress has sought direction from the party high command for future course of action, informed the sources. PCC chief Prof Saif-udDin Soz is understood to have apprised the All India Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi with the situation during his meeting with the latter on Monday last. Prof Soz was accompanied by Mohan Parkash, who is In-charge Congress Party for Jammu Kashmir. However, sources added, the party high command has not discussed the issue and only conveyed to the State unit to wait and watch the situation owing to certain political developments at the Centre. Even as the Minister for PHE Irrigation and Flood Control Sham Lal Sharma has been trying to oppose the glorification of Afzal Guru in State Assembly by some Kashmir based MLAs, particularly Engineer Rashid, the party is feeling embarrassed contd on page 2
KISHTWAR MARCH 20:Security forces in Kishtwar District claims to have achieved a major success in busting the terror hideout in Chatroo Tehsil of Kishtwar district and recovered 25 Kg explosive including 3 IEDs of 15 Kg, 1 Kg and 500 grams in weight, beside large quantity of arms and ammunition. According to reports, acting on a tip off, troops of 11
RR and Chatroo police under the supervision of commander 9 Sector RR Kishtwar Brigadier Hatish Kholi and SSP Kishtwar Thakur Kulbir Singh launched a search operation in Dichar area of Sigdi in Chatroo Tehsil and found the natural cave hideout of 2.5 X 1.3 meter and during the search of cave, a war like store was found. After search, Indian grenade 20, contd on page 2
Police trying to control the scuffle between BJP Mahila Morcha and NC activists at Jammu. JAMMU, MARCH 20: To vent their anguish over the suspension of Senior State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State President Jugal Kishore Sharma a massive protest was taken by workers of BJP on Wednesday. Accompanied by Leader of Legislative Party Ashok Khajuria, State President BJP Jugal Kishore Sharma senior leaders Dr. Nirmal Singh, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Usha Choudhary, Ramesh Arora, Bali Bhagat, Kavinder Gupta, Sukhnandan Kumar (MLA), Sham Choudhary (MLA), Sat Sharma (C.A), Yudhvir Sethi, Karan Singh, Ravinder Raina, Priya Sethi and Surinder Bhagat, led the massive protest March to Raj Bhawan seeking Governor's immediate intervention and dissolution of State Assembly in the wake of speaker's dictatorial ruling on Monday suspending Jugal Kishore Sharma for the rest of the Assembly session under pressure from NC Ministers. BJP Mahila Morcha activists under their State President Priya Sethi led the protest march of women workers who in hundreds had gathered to take part in the protest contd on page 2
House established after sacrifices by our elders, uphold its sanctity: Gul appeals members
JAMMU, MARCH 20-The Speaker Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Mubarak Gul today sought cooperation from all political parties to ensure smooth proceedings in the House so that maximum public importance issues are raised. He said it is the forum where the legislators have a chance to raise the problems of their respective areas. Chairing a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC), the Speaker described the House as contd on page 2
Guru should do a rethink. Are they against terrorism or supporting terrorism? The ordinary man is bewildered as to what has happened to the conscience of these representatives of the electorate of the State. Regular commotion and unruly scenes in the Assembly suggest that either the political philosophy of these politicians is blurred or they are showing their true colours. Then the common man has a pointed question to ask. What is the difference between the perception of separatists and the se so called mainstream politicians? Please clear the doubt once for all.
Ranasahib
CONTD.
party workers who had tried to attack the BJP office. Meanwhile, over 300 BJP workers had marched toward the Raj Bhawan against the decision of suspension of Sharma by the Speaker, seeking Governor's immediate intervention and dissolution of state assembly in the wake of the speaker's ruling yesterday. BJP State President Jugal Kishore Sharma, accompanied by Leader of Legislative Party Ashok Khajuria, senior leaders Dr Nirmal Singh, Dr Jitendra Singh, Usha Choudhary, Ramesh Arora, Bali Bhagat, Kavinder Gupta, Sukhnandan Kumar (MLA), Sham Choudhary (MLA) led a massive protest march. BJP Mahila Morcha activists led by State President Priya Sethi marched as well followed by BJYM activists under Ravinder Raina and hundreds of other party activists.
own. Congress ally National Conference also feels the general elections could be advanced. "Dealing with SP and BSP will not be hassle free. I think the general elections could be held along with the assembly sittings on March 22. At the same time, the three ministers asserted that there was no threat to the government despite DMK's pull out. "Just because one ally pulled out, the government has not become weak... There is no political instability or political uncertainty... Nobody has questioned our stability except for few voices in the media," Chidambaram said. Asked whether the government will test its stability by going in for confidence motion, the minister rejected any such possibility. "The question does not arise as we have the majority," Chidambaram said. Rejecting the impression that the UPA is now weaker and "on more crutches", Chidambaram said, "We are in the government. It is our duty to steer the ship through the maelstorm and our hands are firmly on the wheel." Reiterating that there should be "no doubt" about the government's stability or any "worry", Kamal Nath said it will continue with its policy decisions. "We are absolutely, absolutely stable. If there is any test, it is on the floor of the House. But no political party has challenged the stability of the government," he said. With the DMK pullout, the strength of the UPA in the Lok Sabha has been reduced to 224 but it enjoyed the support of 281 MPs that included those of outside supporting parties. The Lok Sabha has 539 MPs at present as four seats are vacant. The half-way mark is 27. Asked whether the Congress would try to rope in some other parties, Nath said in politics, doors are always open. Referring to DMK's demands, Chidambaram said the government had begun the process of formulating amendments to the draft resolution before the UNHRC. "The amendments were finalised yesterday," he said, adding India's permanent representative to the UNHRC is in Delhi and he will be given "suitable instructions to move the amendments" at the UN meet. He rejected reports that India was diluting the resolution, terming it as a "canard". "India's position has always been and remains that the UNHRC should adopt a strong resolution that would send a resolute message to Sri Lanka and goad Sri Lanka to accept an independent and credible investigation," Chidambaram said. On the fate of economic reforms and other welfare measures, Chidambaram said, "We will contine to push for legislation. Just yesterday, the Cabinet cleared the Food Security Bill. "The Bill will be introduced in Parliament and I am absolutely confident there will be enough support in Parliament to pass it," he said. "As far as executive action is concerned, only this morning the ministers approved disinvestment in Sail. So we are taking executive actions, we are pushing Bills. I dont' see us any weaker today than what we were yesterday. Asked whether there was a possibility of a dialogue with DMK to persuade it to reconsider its decision, Nath said in democracy, doors are never shut. On Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav's remarks that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had better style of functioning, Nath said it was for him (Yadav) to say "if he finds BJP good or bad". On DMK's other demand for Parliament's resolution, he said opinion was divided among political parties on whether there was a need for it as also the content. Nath said he is holding consultations with other political parties in this regard to arrive at a consensus. The three ministers insisted that the efforts for resolution were irrespective of whether DMK reconsiders its decision to withdraw support or not. Chidambaram said the resolution was being contemplated keeping in view the sentiments of Tamil people. "Every political party represents people. There are Tamils in the state of Tamil Nadu as also outside. There is also Tamil diaspora. Congress, from the time of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, has always stood for the rights of Tamils," he said. In this regard, he referred to Congress President Sonia Gandhi's statement yesterday at CPP that reports of "unspeakable atrocities" on ethnic Tamils cannot go uninvestigated and there must be "independent and credible" probe. Nath said he had told political parties yesterday that the government wanted to bring the resolution keeping in view the sentiments of Tamils.
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without any discrimination", Omar maintained. The Chief Minister asked the members why they were double standards when it came to killing of a Kashmiri youth by militants. "If security forces would have a killed anyone you would have marched to the well and torn your clothes. You would have thrown mikes and demanded answers from me, but when militants kill any one why don't you raise your voice. Why these double standards?" Omar said. Speaker Mubarak Gul and the members of House shared the sentiments of the Chief Minister and condemned the killing of a young boy by militants. Meanwhile sources say that LeT militants were behind the killing of the youth. According to reports the incident took place on Tuesday night at about 10:30 pm. Giving details about the incident, Superintendent of Police Sopore, Imtiyaz Hussain told CNS that on Tuesday night at about 21:45 hours one youth 19/20 years old Suhail Ahmed Sofi son of Ghulam Nabi Sofi resident of Doabgah, Sopore who was sitting with another youth Ghulam Hyder son of Ali Mohammad from same village in the ground near local mosque was fired upon by some unknown militants. "He however escaped the bullets fired by militants and ran away towards the mosque and hid himself in the Hamam of mosque.
The meeting decided that Minister for Law, Parliamentary Affairs Mir Saifullah would personally request the leader of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to join back the House for remaining Business proceedings in the interest of democratic principles. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Speaker, Legislative Assembly Mohammad Sartaj Madani, Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand, Minister for Agriculture Ghulam Hassan Mir, Minister for Law, Parliamentary Affairs Mir Saifullah, legislators; Hakeem Mohammad Yasin, Haresh Dev Singh, M. Y. Tarigami, Ashwani Kumar Sharma, Secretary, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, G. H. Tantray, Secretary Assembly, M. Ramzan and other concerned officers of Assembly Secretariat.
Security forces....
Chinese grenade 7, Gelatin sticks 30 having weight 7 Kg, electronic fuse with detonators 498, one smoke grenade, battery 1, codex wire 100 meter, TNT slabs (600 grams) and 3 ready to use IEDs concealed inside the polythene bags from the said hideout. The recovered arms and explosion has the tendency to cause wide scale destruction to property and human life. The recovered hideout is said to be used by the HUJI militants in past. The entire explosive was destroyed on spot by the police and army.
Governor,CM ...
significance. Noting that this important day is also observed as World Arbour Day, he emphasized the need to plant the maximum number of trees for preserving the environment. The Governor hoped that this auspicious day would be the harbinger of peace, progress and prosperity in the State. In a message on Nouroz-e-Alam, Omar Abdullah expressed the hope that the day will herald a new era of peace and progress in the State. The Chief Minister also highlighted the significance of March 21 as the World Arbor Day and called for massive plantation across the State on this day.
Jugal-Itoo Slugfest...
march. BJYM activists under Ravinder Raina and hundreds of other party activists also took part in the massive protest march. As the party workers walked through various parts of the city including Rani Talab, Pacca Danga, Dhounthali Bazar and Panjtirthi, several people living in these localities spontaneously raised slogans against anti-national and pro-Afzal Guru Policy of the NC-Congress government. Meanwhile, a group of women led by NC leader Bimla Luthra tried to ransack the BJP office at Kachi Chawni but on seeing a huge crowd of hundreds of BJP Mahila Morcha activists, Bimla Luthra and others fled from the scene. Afterwards, the BJP lodged an FIR against Bimla Luthra and her followers who had tried to attack the BJP office. Later, a memorandum against Jugal Kishore's sus-
BJP, NC ....
Mahila morcha members returned to the headquarters, from a separate protest march to the Raj Bhawan, to find a group led women led by NC leader Bimla Luthra tried to trespass the BJP office. The two groups clashed with each other but Police intervened and took away the NC MLA along with their activists on seeing a huge crowd of BJP activists rushing to the spot. A complaint was lodged by the BJP against Bimla Luthra and her
PRESENT:- Y.P. Sharma File No. 287/Civil Date of Inst: 18/03/2013 Smt. Santosha W/o Late Raj Nath Koul R/o Lokhbhawan Tehsil Dorry District Antanag Kashmir At Presdent as migrant at H.No. 93, Gali Agnihotri Panjtarthi Jammu Tehsil & Distt Jammu. Versue 1. Sh. Raj Kiran S/o Raj Nath Koul 2. Sh. Anil Kumar Koul S/o Raj Nath Bhat. 3. Smt. Meenakshi Koul D/o Raj Nath Koul W/o Sh. Ajay Bhat No. 1 and 2 at present residents of H.No. 93, Gali Agnihotri Panjtarthi jammu and No. 3 at present resident of Nagrota near Tool Post Tehsil and District Jammu. IN THE MATTER OF:Suit for declaration declaring the plaintiff as the legal heir of her deceased husband namely Late Sh. Raj Nath Koul S/o Late Janki Nath Koul being the legally married wife and declared entitled to inherit all the service benefits of deceased which include C.P. Fund, Gratuity, Leave Salary, all pay arrears and all other pensioner benefits, insurances claims and all other left over property. Notice to general public Whereas the above titled suit stands filed before this court, which is pending adjudication and by way of present publication, the general public is hereby informed that if anybody has/have any interest or objection with regard claim of the plaintiffs then he/she/they shall file the same in the court on or before the next date of hearing mentioned in the matter i.e. 04/04/2013 at 10.30 AM. Take notice that in case of holiday, the matter will be posted on the next working day. Given under my hand seal of this court today on this 18/03/2013 Munsiff, Jammu .
STATE
FISHERIES DEPTT GRANTS PASSED
and very encouraging results have come to fore. The Department has conducted sale of 82 tonnes of trout fish through its own units during the current year and generated revenue of Rs. 1.90 crore. The Department also supplies trout seed to the private fish farmers as well as for augmenting the trout stock in the natural water bodies for which 1557 water bodies were stocked during the year 2012-13, he added. Elaborating the details about the measures initiated for the development of fishery sector and to attract more and more people to adopt this activity as income generating ventures, the Minister said that Government has established two National Fish Seed Farms, one each at Kathua in Jammu division and Manasbal in Kashmir for producing quality seed of fast growing carp
NEWS IN BOX
Work on Lakhanpur travellers mart on in full swing
JAMMU: The construction of travellers mart in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir is on in full swing and once completed, it will give a big boost to tourism activities in the region, Tourism Minister Ghulam Ahmed Mir said on Wednesday. The Rs 49 crore-project in Lakhanpur will be home to tourist facilities including an art gallery, restaurant, kitchen block, tourist office with staff room and information office, Mir told the Assembly. The construction of budgeted accommodation, public convenience and children parks have been taken up through Lakanpur-Sarthal Development Authority within the premises of the land acquired for the mart, he said. Out of the allotted amount of Rs 81 lakh for the ground floor, Rs 34.25 lakh have been incurred till date, the minister said, adding that some additional works have also been taken up under the project.
has taken several measures to promote trout fish culture in the State, the Minister said during the current year (ending February 2013) the trout production has touched 260 tones. For the first time the Government has involved the private sector to promote the trout fish
Minister for Rural Development, Ali Mohammad Sagar addressing grass root level workers and officials of Engineering Wing. officers to effectively monitor execution of different works, redressal of complaints on the spot, formulation of wage bills besides taking care of problems of rural people with the help of local Panchayats. Mr. Sagar asked the field functionaries including officials of Engineering wing to ensure strict adherence to the guidelines of MG NREGA and refrain from causing unnecessary delay in implementation of this ambitious programme. He also asked them to make sure that the workers get timely payment under the scheme. The Minister also hailed the role of Director Rural Development and other officials for achieving good results in implementation of various programmes under different schemes of Rural Development Department despite of certain odds.
Saroori demanded Sub Division for Chatroo, Thatri on the floor of the Assembly
JAMMU, MARCH 20: Congress MLA from Inderwal Ghulam Mohammad Saroori raises important issues regarding R&B and Revenue department on the floor of the Assembly. He demanded rehabilitation of the habitations whose land has been acquired for construction of Hydro Electric projects in Chenab Valley; demanded creation of staff in Revenue Department for immediate settlements of cases; demanded early enhancement of remuneration honorarium of Numbardars and Chowkidars to Rs1500 each; Tehsil wise construction of Mahfooz khans for issuance of record to the public; Implementation 2011 census. He stressed for immediate release and payment of compensation in favor of structure holders/fruits plant holders which falls under the alignment of construction of Roads and Buildings. He Saroori appeals to government for immediate creation of sub-division at Chatroo and Thatri; Tehsil status should be given to Bunjwah Nali; Naibat status should be given to Lass Saroor; Creation of new Blocks at Thakrie, Bunjwah, Mugalmaidan, Sarthal, Khara and Bhatyas. Delimitation of revenue villages which are so vast and one patwari is not able to reach every village for work adding that Patwaris should be appointed as Naib Tehsildars who knows Urdu language for settling of the cases. He demanded free ration for 6 months to District Kishtwar and Doda as per the drought report of revenue department. Saroori demanded inquiry should be initiated against illegal occupants of 110 Kanals of pasture land at Loopa in conveyance of some officials of department by one Retired Medical Assistant so called Doctor; the land has been acquired by JKPDC for construction of Kalani II power project as the land was common pasture of the public of villagers but so called Doctors had illegally occupants 110 Kanals which is injustice with the villagers. On Roads and Building department Saroori demanded detail projects should be furnished to connect the villages which are having population of 250 souls under core net work programme of PMGSY; Release of compensation amount under PMGSY, CRF and NABARD for smooth construction of roads without the hindrance of land and structure holders. Saroori demanded immediate start of work on Ganpath Bridge, Seva Dal Loopa Bridge; immediate release of funds against work done liabilities; Immediate black listing of some outsider contractors of the state who have been provided 200 crore for PMGSY roads in erstwhile doda district and they have left the work after CD works; Immediate opening of Chatroo Sinthan pass by way of removal of snow at Sinthan area.
STATE
Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Mir Saifullah discussing on the demand of Grants of Departments of Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs in the Legislative Assembly. Affairs in the Legislative Assembly today. The Minister said that the Government is going to establish a Law Commission in the State in 2013 to help the Government to make new laws. The Members of the Commission would get suggestions from people and submit their recommendations to Government, he said. The Minister said the Government is implementing State Litigation Policy in let-
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Ghulam Nabi Azad along with others interacting with patient at Udhampur. Coordinators, PDG. Dr. Vinod Sharma and Rtn. D. N Sharma were present on the occasion. Azad said that the purpose of the camp was to provide advance specialized health services to people of remote and far-flung areas of the state and added that the Central Government was committed to improve the medicare facilities in the state. He said for the purpose two Super Specialty Hospitals one each for Kashmir and Jammu. Appreciating the selfless and noble initiative of the Rotary International towards the service of mankind , Azad expressed his gratitude to R. K Saboo and other Coordinators of this medical
Plantation imperative for ecological balance, pollution free atmosphere: Div Com
SRINAGAR, MARCH 20: Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon urged upon officers of various departments to ensure large participation of people in plantation drives so that the environment, ecology and natural resources of the State can be preserved for the future generation. This was stated by the Divisional Commissioner while chairing a meeting of officers to discuss the plantation drives being implemented throughout the Valley. Divisional Commissioner said that it is our moral obligation to go far large scale plantation to protect and preserve ecological balance. He enjoined upon officers to make all out efforts for successful implementation of plantation programme on ground level, which is very essential for maintaining beauty and landscape of Valley, besides pollution free environment. He specifically stressed for involving the NGO's, students and common people. He said that public involvement was imperative for optimum results on the ground. Dr. Samoon urged for plantation on wastelands and areas around highways, road sides, canal banks, educational institutions and other government offices so that target of preservation of environment is achieved. On the occasion, it was informed that about 200 Chinar trees will be planted in various areas of Srinagar city on Thursday. It was also given out that Horticulture department has also planted 526750 fruit plants of different species across the Valley during current fiscal. The meeting was attended by Director Agriculture, Director Health Services, Kashmir, Director Pollution Control Board, Director Horticulture, ADC Srinagar, Joint Director Floriculture, Joint Director SMC, Joint Director Education, Kashmir, CEO Srinagar, Medical Superintendent SMHS, Deputy Director Urban Local Bodies, Superintendent Engineer R&B, Deputy Director CA&PD, other officers and representatives of NGO's. Later, Divisional Commissioner also reviewed situation, stock and supply position, besides progress of developmental works being executed in the Kashmir division with all Deputy Commissioners and Heads of Departments through a Video Conference. The Divisional Commissioner was apprised by all the Deputy Commissioners that adequate stocks of essential commodities are available in their respective districts.
NC condemns BJP
JAMMU: In a meeting of senior NC functionaries held at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan Jammu under the chairmanship of Rattan Lal Gupta State Vice-President condemdned the unruly behaviour of State BJP Chief Jugal Kishore Sharma when he misbehaved with Social Welfare Minister Mtr. Sakina Itoo the other day in State Legislature. The meeting further condemdned the BJP leadership that in spite of the leader of opposition in Parliament being a woman, the state unit chief showed disrespect and aggressive posture to a woman minister. This reflects the mindset of the BJP at the centre as well as at state level. The participants demanded unconditional apology from the state & central BJP leadership for the incident & warned that any such attempt in future will not be tolerated. They further said that on one side, we are talking of protecting & empowering women and giving them respect while on the other side, the elected representatives demonstrate such disrespect and unruly behaviour against a lady mininster. This deserves to be condemned in strongest words. Those who were present include; Sheikh Basher Ahmad, Th. Kashmir Singh, Jugal Mahajan, Pardeep Bali, Anil Dhar, S. S. Bunty, Rajesh Bakshi, Dharm Veer Singh Jamwal etc.
Director General of Police (DGP), Ashok Prasad speaking at the one day workshop of friends of civil society and members of youth clubs of Jammu Province. the society which is need of the hour, said Prasad. The DGP, referring to the sacrifices offered by Jammu and Kashmir Police said that the force has faced tough situations during the past more than two decades and with the cooperation of the people have succeeded in tackling these effectively. He said that Jammu and Kashmir Police has been bringing tremendous changes in its functioning making itself a leading and pro people civil force. The JKP has been strengthening its functioning in order to provide better police services to the people, said the DGP. Deliberating on various initiatives taken by the organization for the benefit of the people, Prasad said that Civic Action Programme, community policing and youth clubs have proved helpful in strengthening our relations with the public. Through these initiatives humane face of "men in khaki" is being recognized by the people who have appreciated the efforts made for betterment of the society. More improvements in work culture at grass root levels are under way and personnel highly acquainted with the importance of police public relations have been deployed at these levels to further cement the relations, he added. He said that training skills have
EDITORIAL
or an equitable development of the State it is imperative to develop all three regions of the State. Jammu and Kashmir is a tourist destination but ask anybody outside the State about the hot tourist spots he will name the already famous spots in the valley. The number of people who know Jammu as a pleasure spot is very less because barring the pilgrim shrine of Mata Vaishnao Devi the tourist potential of Jammu is not been realized. The reason is not difficult to find, but as they say it is never too late. Jammu region has breath taking scenic places scattered over Poonch, Rajouri, Kishtwar ,Bhaderwah, Doda, Ramban, Billawar , Basohali etc. Recently some measures have been taken to develop these place but the efforts of the government are halfhearted and feeble. It seems as if the government is not interested to develop the tourist potential of Jammu at par with Kashmir. One Example will set the doubts to rest. If we take the condition of lakes in Jammu into consideration it will be evident that precious little has been done in this regard. Mansar and Surinsar are two beautiful lakes in Jammu. Both these lakes have received scant attention when it comes to develop these lakes on modern lines. Funds allocation for these lakes is about ten crores while as the Wullar lake has received more than three hundred crores. The road leading to Mansar from Samba is in a pathetic condition and government is still to arise to the need of developing a first class road to this lake. With lack of interest shown by even the Jammu political class there is little hope that Jammu tourist spots will ever receive due attention they deserve.
Develop Jammu tourist spots Jawans pay the price as our Netas dither
By Ashok K Mehta ver since the first peace talks took place between India and Pakistan, the idea of converting the LoC into an International Border has been the most consistent formula for a resolution of the Kashmir dispute. Can there ever be peace in Kashmir? This is the weary question that has to be asked, as once again, the State of Jammu & Kashmir is on the boil. The ostensible reason - as if an excuse was needed - is, what the people of Kashmir see as the unjust hanging of Afzal Guru. But the real reason is that India doesn't have enough proponents of peace while Pakistan seems to have an unending stream of protagonists of war, starting with Hafiz Saeed and ending with Rehman (or Farooq, or Wasim, call him what you like), the desperately poor victims of circumstance who, like Ajmal Kasab, willingly embrace brainwashing and suicide terrorism. Take the latest incident: Personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force were hit by a fidayeen attack at Bemina in Srinagar at about 11 am on March 13 when about 50 of them were at the Police Public School grounds to be assigned duties. Right next to the school is the headquarters of the 73rd Battalion. Some boys were playing cricket in the grounds. The militants, dressed in civilian clothes squeezed through the fence carrying arms, ammunition and grenades hidden in their bags, entered the play ground, mingled with the cricket-playing boys and then threw the grenades. Five CRPF jawans died. A tube of Betnovate, a skin ointment, found at the spot gave the game away: The tube was manufactured by Glaxo Smithkline Pak Ltd, at 35 Dockyard, Karachi. The numbers mentioned in the diaries, recovered from the scene, were Pakistani, and the bodies were shaved and hairless - a normal practice for suicide bombers.
Pakistani deceit
he aftermath of partition is Pakistan and its anti India attitude that will perhaps never change at least for decades. The substratum for the existence of Pakistan has been the India hate syndrome from whose shackles the rouge neighbouring will never break free. The Hopes and aspirations of having a Land For The pure that Jinnah bred in his crafty political vision have turned topsy-turvy and he must be turning in his grave at the sordid plight his pet child is at present . The truth is that Pakistan has never matured. It has remained a child when it comes to political sagacity. Otherwise the seemingly moderate Pakistan was turned into a n Islamic nation just barely two years after its birth during the regime of Liyaqat Ali Khan. Since then it has been a constant migraine for India. We have fought three wars with each other then the Pakistani support for Khalistan cropped up. In 1990 it uncovered a long drawn proxy war to wrest from India Kashmir which Pakistan calls its jugular vein. The bloodshed and mayhem on account of the proxy war is still not ending. Not to be left undone at any moment Pakistan launched the Kargil war and then master minded the attacks on Mumbai and Indian Parliament. Constant India bashing and hurting our interests worldwide has become the bed rock of Pakistani policy. Its Hate -India malady has translated into a sustained onslaught on its minorities which are being dubbed as Indian agents. This patently anti India mindset found its way into Pakistani National Assembly when a resolution was passed which praised the Indian Parliament bombing master mind Afzal Guru as a martyr. The resolution asked India to return the body of Guru to their relatives. This is yet another unacceptable act of flawed diplomacy of Pakistan. With India's Parliament reacting to Pakistan's brazen act of provocation of passing a resolution in its National Assembly condemning the hanging of Indian Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru and demanding the return of his body to his family, relations between the two neighbours have hit a new low. The responsibility for this nadir in our mutual relations lies squarely on Pakistani shoulders. The Indian Parliament's unanimous resolution has rightly rejected interference in India's internal affairs and called upon Pakistan's National Assembly to desist from such acts of support for extremist and terrorist elements. For too long has India been swallowing its pride and working towards peace while Islamabad continues to play truant. It is time the Pakistan government is made to realise the extent of exasperation over Pakistani brinkmanship. The Indian Parliament's reiteration that the entire State of Jammu and Kashmir including the territory under illegal occupation of Pakistan is and shall always be an integral part of India may sound rhetorical but it was necessary since India's soft approach in the past has made it seem that we are reconciled to the permanent loss of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. That the whole country is united in seeking to frustrate Pakistani designs is also something that our audacious neighbour needs to appreciate.The Indian response of passing a counter-resolution, lodging a formal protest, cancelling the India-Pakistan hockey series and putting off extending group visa facilities to Pakistanis is not enough. The government must stop handling its belligerent and unabashedly hostile neighbour with kid gloves and send a clear and stronger message. It should immediately stop the dialogue and suspend all trade and cultural relations. There cannot be any more confidence-building measures from India. The least that Pakistan needs to do is to dismantle all its terror apparatus and close its terror camps for India to return to the negotiating table. Indian response to Pakistani brazenness has always been muted. But the time is now ripe for us to show some teeth. Let us look like an assertive power when it comes to deal with neighbours like Pakistan.
So infiltrators were at work again. Since 2003 - and don't believe anything anyone says to the contrary - infiltration levels have declined. This is largely because of the efforts of Chief of Army Staff General NC Vij between 2003 and 2004. He had brushed aside internal and Pakistani objections, revived the idea of fencing astride the Line of Control and had it ready in a record nine months, using Army engineers. Smartly, the Union Ministry of Defence was informed only after a quarter of the 740 km LoC had been fenced. Fencing is an obstacle system integral to the new anti-infiltration grid. In 10 years, its effectiveness has been proven beyond doubt. Coupled with the ceasefire, the fencing has shrunk the space for infiltration. But the fact is, both India and Pakistan have to work to get peace. It isn't that peace efforts have not been attempted. The first window of opportunity on Kashmir opened after the 1962 Sino-Indian war. Moscow's open support for China came as a shock to India, that had had a traditional strategic partnership with the USSR, and heightened India's sense of isolation. At that
moment the US and the UK Governments presented a joint initiative to resolve the Kashmir conflict. A mission led by American politician and diplomat W Averell Harriman and British politician Duncan Sandys created conditions for six rounds of bilateral talks on Kashmir between Foreign Ministers Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Swaran Singh between December 1962 and May 1963. US President John F Kennedy himself guided the two sides and the agenda of the talks. The US strategy was to get Pakistan to consider the possibility of "an international boundary running through Kashmir," that is, making the existing LoC into an International Border. The Indian position, broadly speaking, was that Pakistan could keep territory held by it and India would give up more territory west and north of the Srinagar valley but concede nothing in the valley itself. Pakistan, on the other hand, demanded to keep the valley and let India keep parts to the north in Ladakh and to the south in Jammu, while providing a corridor through the valley for connectivity between north and south. The talks inevitably broke down
over the possession of the Muslimmajority Srinagar valley. The next opportunity for a Kashmir solution came in 1964. The main players then were Kashmir's Sheikh Abdullah, Pakistan's President Ayub Khan, and Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The peace talks of April-May 1964 considered three options: Condominium over Kashmir between India and Pakistan, with defence and foreign affairs being the joint responsibility of the two countries; acceptance of the Line of Control with both Pakistan and India giving greater autonomy to the part of the State under their control; and the most formidable of all, a full-fledged confederation of India, Kashmir, and Pakistan. The death of Nehru in May 1964, however, ended any chance of exploring those solutions. In September 1965, after the second India-Pakistan war, Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin brokered a ceasefire in Tashkent. He tried to persuade Pakistani President Ayub Khan to accept the Line of Control, with adjustments, as the International Border. However, Ayub Khan was unwilling to do a deal without the Srinagar valley.
Even after the 1971 conflict in which India won an outright military victory and took 90,000 Pakistani prisoners of war, New Delhi could not get Pakistan to accept the conversion of the LoC into an International Border. However, India came close to extracting a commitment from Pakistan on creating a permanent border, with Prime Minister Bhutto agreeing in principle to making the LoC into a "line of peace" and giving an assurance to Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi that the arrangement would be formalised later. Since the first peace talks, the idea of converting the LoC into an International Border has been the most consistent formula for a resolution of the Kashmir dispute. India had hoped that over the course of time and with a civilian Government in Pakistan, it could sell the idea of the LoC with some adjustments as the basis for a final settlement. However, the Pakistani military was never ready to accept the status quo. Now, there's a chance again. We have to see how much of an issue Kashmir is, during the elections in Pakistan. Some delicate moves are afoot to give Pakistan some semblance of civilian oversight over the military. For instance, a Standing Committee of Pakistan's National Assembly has been created (like in India) which is asking questions about the way the military functions. For Pakistan, that is unthinkable. If the military concedes some, however minimal, civilian oversight, it could open the window to monitor misadventure. But till that happens, Kashmir, and India, will remain vulnerable to infiltration. In the absence of a political resolution, Kashmir will continue to bleed and security forces suffer - even when the latter are backed by the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.
it is also visibly, the most significant impediment to a Chinese first attempt at taking over the islands by force. Nonetheless, both China and the US have not made much about these possible eventualities and both have been inclined to manage rather than escalate the situation. However, there has been a fresh spike in Japan's recent rhetoric on sovereignty over the islands and in anti-Japan protests in China. Assured support and retaliatory response by the US grants Japan a great degree of impunity and space to delay unfavourable outcomes through prolonged stand-offs. It emboldens the hard-line in Japanese foreign policy and projects a willingness to risk war at a time of internal political fragility and economic slowdown. The perceived benefits of the alliance in terms of external balancing take the edge off the costs of escalation for Japan. But, the uncertainty of whether the US will ulti-
mately and unequivocally side with Japan against China, drives Tokyo to pursue hedging. Japan's deliberate shift towards an assertive foreign policy and active defence measures is to satisfy the alliance's dilemma. These dynamics sharpen and bring into contrast China's image of a rising and dissatisfied power seeking immediate revision of rights and claims with little regard to the dividends of regional peace and stability. Arguably, the Japan-US alliance has precluded a negotiated settlement of the dispute between China and Japan. It has reduced the chances of furthering a diplomatic understanding between the actors toward non-aggression at the minimum. The Liabilities of 'Rebalancing' To some, the US's geostrategic rebalancing in favour of its stakes in the western Pacific will seem much too delayed, if not altogether headed into a
potential minefield. Its role as the offshore balancer and keeper of regional peace is expected to transform into that of an urgent powerplayer, one that is much more conscious of self-interest and active in its pursuit. The US's allies in the region now sense the opportunity to redirect the energy, which comes with the apparent pivot, into consolidating territorial claims that have failed to take off against China. Understandably, the maximum that this can hope to achieve is to safely stave off punishing military responses from Beijing. China itself does not have a pressing need to antagonise the US at a time when it is far from clear if the rebalancing would seriously hinder China's external engines of growth and influence. Japan, however, is in physical possession of the territory it claims and is considering a military 'rejuvenation' of its own. Its extensive bilateral engagements with the US constantly reinforce the latter's
alliance commitments and sustain a strong pro-Japan constituency in Washington DC. A greater tilt toward the Pacific in US foreign policy signifies even greater emphasis on Japan, its most reliable ally and partner in East Asia. Conversely, Japan may count upon an unstable political situation that endangers the US assets to force the latter's hand. This appears to be an imminent threat to regional stability, something China places a high premium on. Can the Alliance 'Contain' Forever? China would perceive these tilts in the balance of power politics as a resurgence of the Cold War containment strategy which the US successfully employed against the Soviet Union. No one in China's neighbourhood is placing any bets on its 'peaceful rise' and therefore, all existing alliances are expected to flex more muscle as their biggest guarantor, the US, pivots. To make matters worse, China sees the US as unreli-
ably neutral on the issue of the islands and unwilling to persuade Japan into exercising self-restraint. There is little certainty of how much Beijing will be able to gain, in case armed conflict breaks out, before the US intervenes. On the other hand, China can negotiate, commit, or even concede in principle but to give up on the claims so well entrenched in nationalist rhetoric would be none too probable. Japan's present dispensation compounded by the domestic impression and international projection of US's rebalancing makes it difficult for China to backtrack from the spiral of escalation. Beijing increasing its naval and air activity in the neighbouring seas is a sure sign of pre-empting containment manoeuvres in the near future. But, breaking the deadlock and reverting back to status quo are outcomes precariously moored on how far the Japan-US alliance ultimately pushes China to the brink.
Neighbourhood trouble
Dear Sir Stray dogs have become a serious menace for residents of the city. Many stray dogs are in the habit of chasing passers-by, including school-going children, old and infirm people, even door-to-door hawkers and ragpickers. It has become difficult to live and move about peacefully in some neighbourhoods. Late at night, the dogs fight, bark and create quite a ruckus. Consequently, people, especially the old and the ailing, are forced to spend sleepless nights. A stray dog even bit a relative of mine, who was on his way to a local shop.
Besides, the roads are often full of the dogs' faces. Some dog lovers feed the dogs regularly. It would be better and more considerate of these people to adopt these dogs and take them to their homes instead of feeding them on the roads, which are meant to ensure a safe walk for pederstrians. The municipal corporation should also take measures so that ill or rabid dogs are carried away and treated properly. Yours etc. Indu Bala Thakur RS Pura,Jammu
Dear Sir Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's stance that he will look
elsewhere if the BJP insists on projecting Narendra Modi as the NDA's prime ministerial is not fair to either the alliance or India. Mr. Kumar should trade his support to the NDA with the demand for a high Cabinet post, even Deputy Prime Minister. Mr. Modi as PM and Mr. Kumar as Deputy PM can be a healthy, winning combination for the NDA. The nation will develop under their collective leadership as both of them are experienced, non-corrupt and know how to take the country ahead. Breaking with the BJP will only weaken the JD(U)'s hold over Bihar and benefit the UPA. Yours Etc. Saurav Kumar Bari Brahamana, Jammu
NATIONAL
Protests intensify in Tamil Nadu ahead of UN vote on Sri Lanka war crimes
NEW DELHI: What started as a fast-unto-death at Loyola College just about 200 metres away from the Sri Lankan high Commission on March 8 has now turned into a massive protest by students from across the state. The protests in Tamil Nadu, seeking justice for war victims in Sri Lanka and an international trial into the genocide, have entered its 12th day today with protests intensifying just ahead of the vote on the UNHRC resolution on Sri Lanka war crimes tomorrow. Today, more than 1,000 students from different city colleges and universities staged a sit-in protest near Gandhi Statue on Marina Beach. Students from different institutions including schools have joined in. "We demand a fair trial of war criminals in Lanka. Indian government should do justice to the victims by taking a rights-based stand," said Deepak Johnson, a student of Madras-IIT. Rajkumar Raj, a political science student of Presidency College said the issue is not only limited to Tamils but is also an international human rights issue. Earlier this morning, a large group of advocates and indefinite closure of arts and science colleges across the state. But a peace march and hunger strike organized in IITMadras gained further momentum with demonstrations of protest by the students of the University of Madras,Anna University, Coimbatore Government Law College, Bharathiar University on March 18. Interestingly, about 38 students of a government boy's higher secondary school in Trichy stopped road traffic for nearly an hour. A furniture shop owned by a Sri Lanka based company was besieged in Coimbatore by students from a private college. Interestingly, all these demonstrations have common characteristics as students groups have taken a conscious decision to keep political parties away from the movement while the whole wave of protests led to a national political realignment on its 11th day with the DMK pulling out of the UPA government. "A seemingly apolitical nature has helped us to attract more students from leading professional colleges and institutions like IIT-Madras and Anna University," said Kani Kasturi, a protester and former student of Anna University.
Tamil activists marched to Raj Bhavan, the official residence of state governor K Rosaiah, but was stopped by the police. The protest which begun as a fast-unto-death by a group of students affiliated to All India Catholic University Federation (AICUF) attached to the Loyola College spilled out beyond the hands of organisers when the students were asked to move out of AICUF campus by the city police on March 9. Many of them had been arrested on March 10 at a protest venue near Koyambedu, after they gave a hostile recemediaon to TNCC president K V Thangkabalu. "We will not allow any political party or Tamil nationalist outfit to influence this protest," shouted a student while raising slogans against
the Congress leader. The strike that continued on March 11 took no time in getting support from other colleges in the state. The overwhelming response from students, especially from those who study in seemingly apolitical and 'disciplined' campuses like Loyola, Madras Christian College, IITMadras, gave momentum to the protests. Presidency and Ambedkar Law College in Chennai, students of Madurai Law College also started demonstrations on March 12. Students from Ramanathapuram and Trichy joined them the same day. With the blessings of management, students of Trichy St. Joseph College sat on a fastunto-death demanding to declare Sri Lankan president Rajapakse a war criminal,
though it was called off the same day citing a government order that banned any form of protests in private colleges. By March 13, the strike had spread to more number of colleges. Hundreds of students from nearly 30 colleges staged hunger strikes and students of several institutions across the state boycotted classes. "Student protesters always made it sure that no political parties hijack or take benefit out of them. Channel 4 videos on Lankan war crimes are screened at many places. Some of the students have organised panel discussions on the UNHCR report," said PUCL leader V Suresh, who addressed a gathering of more than 400 students of IITMadras on Sunday. On March 15, the Tamil Nadu government has ordered
GM brinjal following several public hearings. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture, in a report August 2012, had asked for the banning of GM foodcrops in the country, while industry has been calling for their introduction to ensure food security. The matter is also being heard in the Supreme Court. More than 150 scientists
Akshay was being represented by advocate A P Singh, who will now be appearing for Vinay Sharma only, while the remaining accused Pawan Gupta will continue to be represented by advocate Vivek Sharma. M L Sharma was initially appointed by Ram Singh, who died in Tihar Jail on March 11, as his defence counsel. He was later replaced by V K Anand. Anand, who has been removed as Mukesh's counsel, said a client if he so wishes can change his lawyer and alleged that "police officials pressurized Mukesh to change his lawyer".
examine any witness today. With the proceedings against the main accused Ram Singh having abated after his death on March 11, the remaining four adult accused Mukesh, Vinay, Akshay and Pawan are facing trial in the case for rape and murder of the girl. The sixth accused in the case is a juvenile and therefore is facing proceedings before the Juvenile Justice Board. The girl had died on December 29, 2012 in a Singapore hospital due to the grievous injuries she suffered when she was brutally assaulted by the six accused.
Karnataka assembly polls: Voting Govt nod for two more N-plants at Kudankulam on May 5, counting on May 8
NEW DELHI: Karnataka assembly election will be held in a single-phase on May 5 and counting of votes will be on May 8, the Election Commission said on Wednesday. Announcing the schedule for election to the 224member Karnataka legislative assembly, Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath said "the model code of conduct shall come into force with immediate effect." The CEC said the poll notification will be issued on April 10 when candidates can start filing nominations. The last date for nominations is April 17 and after scrutiny the next day, the last date for withdrawal of candidatures is April 20. The polls will be held from 8 AM to 5 PM and electronic voting machines will be used for these elections. There are a total of 4.18 crore voters in Karnataka and as many as 50,446 polling stations will be set up. While 36 constituencies are reserved for SCs, 15 are reserved for STs in the state. The tenure of the current 224-member Karnataka assembly expires on June 3. The last assembly polls were held in three phases. Sampath said adequate number of general, expenditure, police and micro observers will be deployed to check the use of money power during elections. There will also be close monitoring of any cases of paid news. He said contesting candidates will have to file their details in a single Form 26, the revised format of filing affidavits listing out their criminal record and other details. The CEC said polling parties and security forces deployed for poll duty will be randomized as per EC instructions under the supervision of election observers. NEW DELHI: As engineers race to commission the nuclear power plant at Kudankulam, the government has given its nod to build two more such units of 1,000 MW at the site in Tirunelveli district of power-starved Tamil Nadu. The Cabinet Committee on Security, at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh last evening, approved the proposal to grant administrative and financial sanction for building units 3&4 at Kudankulam site, officials said. The decision comes at a time when engineers of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) are working to commission the first 1,000 MW unit of the Kudankulam nuclear power project. Sources said the estimated cost of building the two plants has been pegged at Rs 20 crore per megawatt electrical. The CCS nod paves the way for signing of the general framework agreement (GFA) between NPCIL and Russian suppliers of nuclear equipment. The GFA will spell out the terms and conditions for building the two 1,000 MW VVERtype reactors at Kudankulam. As per the agreement between India and Russia, a total of six nuclear power plants can be built at Kudankulam. Last year, Indian and Russia had signed a protocol for funding two new units at Kudankulam. As per the protocol, Russia will extend an export credit of USD 3,400 million to Russian organisations to help build the units at four per cent interest. The Kudankulam project is part of a comprehensive Intergovernmental agreement (IGA) signed between India and the erstwhile USSR in 1988 for cooperation in areas of peaceful uses of atomic energy. A fresh IGA was signed between India and the Russian Federation in December 2008 which provided for construction of four more nuclear power units at Kudankulam.
MOS vertically installed in a modular launcher in the pressure hull of the submarine will increase the 'offensive power' of the vessel without compromising on its 'defensive power' as the torpedo tubes can be fully utilised for defence. This new variant of
the Navy's underwater weapon delivery capabilities. When contacted by Journalists, Dr. A Sivathanu Pillai, CEO & MD, BrahMos Aerospace said that "BRAHMOS missile is fully ready for fitment in P75 (I) of Indian Navy in vertical
7
Obama Makes First Visit to Israel as President
JERUSALEM: US President Barack Obama arrived in Israel on Wednesday as he began his first trip ever to Israel and second to the Middle East. Obama will spend three days in Israel, the Palestinian territories and Jordan, before flying back to the US Friday. The Israeli-Palestinian peace process and the Iranian nuclear program are expected to top the agenda of his Mideast visit. The first leg of Obama's regional tour is seen aimed at "warming up" the Israeli people with him. According to a recent survey by the Israel Democracy Institute, 36.5 percent of Jews in Israel view Obama as friendly towards their country, a considerable rise from 29 percent last year. However, the poll also find while 51 percent of the respondents see the Obama's attitude toward Israel as neutral, 10 percent of them view it as hostile. Obama will also be making first trips as president to the Palestinian Authority and Jordan this week. The centerpiece of the first leg of the trip will be a speech to Israeli university students on Thursday, during which Obama is expected to renew U.S. assur-
full term. Since its founding in 1947, Pakistan has spent several decades under military rule (1958 - 1971, 1977 - 1988, 1999 - 2008). Babar said the Prime Minister had advised the President to announce a suitable date for the elections to the National Assembly under the provisions of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act of 1976. In a related development, an eight-member parliamentary committee tasked with choosing a caretaker Prime Minister to oversee the polls held its first meeting this
afternoon. The panel must choose a candidate by March 22, failing which the matter will be sent to the Election Commission. The issue of choosing a caretaker premier was entrusted to the parliamentary panel after Prime Minister Ashraf and Leader of Opposition Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan were unable to agree on a consensus candidate within the stipulated three days. Awami National Party Ghulam Ahmed Bilour was unanimously elected the chairman of the parliamentary committee during on Wednesday's meeting. The panel will finalize its
ances to stand by Israel as it seeks to counter threats from Iran and protect its people in the midst of civil war in neighboring Syria. Ahead of Obama's visit, an Israeli Cabinet minister, Yuval Steinitz, said it is "apparently clear" that chemical weapons were recently used in Syria, and that the alleged attack will be a main topic of conversation with the president. Obama has declared the use, deployment or transfer of the weapons would be a "red line" for possible military intervention by the U.S. in the Syrian conflict. Obama will close out his Mideast trip with a 24-hour stop in Jordan, an important U.S. ally, where his focus will be on the violence in Syria. More than 450,000 Syrians have fled to Jordan, crowding refugee camps and overwhelming aid organizations.
ECONOMY
Sebi allows FIIs to use govt, corporate bonds as collateral Oil Min to move EGoM on changing priority of gas supply
MUMBAI: Sebi on Wednesday allowed FIIs to offer government securities and corporate bonds as collaterals for their cash and derivative transactions on the stock exchanges. FIIs were so far permitted to offer cash and foreign sovereign securities with topgrade 'AAA' rating in derivative segment, while foreign sovereign securities with AAA rating and government securities were allowed in the cash segment. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) said in a circular: "FIIs are permitted to offer the following collaterals -government securities, corporate bonds, cash and foreign sovereign securities with AAA ratings, for their transactions in both cash and F&O segments". As per the new norms, the regulator has asked clearing corporations to ensure certain parameters before accepting the corporate bonds as collateral for transactions. These corporations would have to ensure that the bonds have a rating of AA or above Finance Minister P Chidambaram has said there will be no let up in the govaction and the government will continue to push legislation in Parliament", the minister said. Chidambaram further said the government will not waiver in its commitment to bring down the fiscal deficit to 4.8 per cent in 2013-14 from 5.2 per cent estimated in the current financial year He is scheduled to meet foreign investors in major financial hubs in Japan, UAE, Canada and the United States in the coming weeks. "We are in government. We have a duty to steer the ship even if there is mild storm in the sea. We have our hands firmly on the wheels. We will continue to push for legislation," he said. The government proposes to push through key economic reform Bills in areas such as insurance, pension and corporate law during the ongoing Budget Session. The session, which began on February 21 and includes a month-long break from March 22 to April 22, ends on May 10. accorded top priority to urea-manufacturing fertilizer plants for receipt of natural gas from Reliance Industries' eastern offshore KG-D6 fields. LPG extraction units were placed second on the list and power plants were given third priority. This priority list essentially meant that when KG-D6 output started to fall, requirement of top priority customers in fertiliser and LPG sector was first met and remaining gas was pro-rata supplied to power plants. With KG-D6 output falling to about 17 million standard cubic meters per day this month, there is no gas now left for power plants after meeting requirement of fertiliser and LPG sector. Heads of leading private power producers including Anil Ambani of Reliance Power, GM Rao of GMR Group, G V K Reddy of GVK Group and Madhusudhan Rao of Lanco, first met Moily and the Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia to state that 15,000 MW of gas based plants are getting gas supplies from domestic fields at less than 10 percent of their operating capacity, making their operations unsustainable and unviable. In addition, 8700 MW of new gas based capacities are stranded with no gas available for commissioning of their plants. Moily said the power products suggested according power and fertilizer equal priority so that the current available gas is equally distributed among them. Also, they suggested averaging the price of domestic gas with costlier imported gas to make fuel affordable for power plants. "Scarcity of gas is a great problem," he said. More than two dozen power plants were allocated over 30 mmscmd of gas from KG-D6. These plants faced pro-rata cut in supplies when KG-D6 production started to dip in second half of 2010. Moily said the change in allocation and price pooling involved consultations with ministries of power and fertilizer and the issue has to be dealt at the level of EGoM.
(or with similar rating nomenclature) by recognized credit rating agencies. Besides, the bonds have to be in dematerialized form and "shall be treated as part of the non-cash component of the liquid assets of the clearing member and shall not exceed 10 percent of the total liquid assets of the clearing member". Economic reform agenda will continue says Chidambaram
ernment's efforts to continue with the economic reforms and he will go ahead with his meetings with foreign investors to persuade them to invest in India. "I don't see us any weaker today (than) what we were yesterday. Yes, it is true one ally has withdrawn support. The government enjoys a majority; the government will continue to do its duty. The government will continue to take executive
NEW DELHI: Oil Minister M Veerappa Moily on Wednesday said he will move a note for the consideration of high powered ministerial group to change priority of allocation of the fuel as well as pooling price of imported and domestic gas. The Empowered Group of Ministers had previously
Airtel launches 4G services in SIDBI signs tripartite MoU with Chandigarh, Mohali & Panchkula Egyptian body, World Bank
MUMBAI: Bharti Airtel, the country's largest telecom operator by subscribers, has launched fourth generation (4G) telecom services in three cities Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula in Punjab. The New Delhi-based company will use 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) technologies, a standard for wireless communication of high-speed data for mobile phones and data terminals, to deliver the services. The services would enable users to access high-speed data services, high definition videos, multiple chatting, instant uploading of photos and downloading rich content, among others. "The much-awaited launch of Airtel 4G services fulfil a huge market requirement and will give customers in Chandigarh the power to upgrade to the latest 4G LTE technology. This launch enhances the footprint of mobile broadband in India," said Jagbir Singh, Chief Technology Officer and Director, Network Services Group at Bharti Airtel. The company, which had earlier launched 4G services in Kolkata, Bangalore and Pune, is now readying to launch the services in the remaining license areas. In 2010, Airtel had successfully bid for Broadband and Wireless Access (BWA) spectrum in Kolkata, Karnataka, Punjab and Maharashtra (excluding Mumbai) circles. Industry Minister Anand Sharma on Wednesday. Under the MOU, SIDBI and its associates will provide consultancy for three year period to SFD and establish credit guarantee system for micro, small and medium enterprises in Egypt, Sushil Muhnot, Chairman & Managing Director, SIDBI said. SIDBI will also help SFD in cluster development, introduction of venture capital and risk capital products in Egypt besides developing responsible micro-finance in that country, Muhnot said. World Bank is carrying out a SME development project in Egypt and will fund the technical assistance/consultancy to be provided by SIDBI.
NEW DELHI: SMALL Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Social Fund for Development (SFD) Egypt and the World Bank. The MOU was signed in the presence of visiting Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi and Commerce and
MISC
J&K loses to Delhi INTER-DEPARTMENT SPORTS MEET OF JU by 17 runs in T20 Law School enter semis of Badminton, TT
JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir today suffered third consecutive defeat when they lost to formidable side of Delhi by 17 runs in the ongoing North Zone Twenty20 Tournament for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy at Tata Energy Research Institute Oval, Gurgaon in Haryana. Batting first, after winning the toss, Delhi set a target of 134 runs losing six wickets, which, in reply, J&K failed to attain and exhausted their quota of 20 overs for 116 runs with one wicket remaining. Star cricketer, V. Sehwag could not impress and bowled out cheaply for four runs. He was caught by Banday off Parvez Rasool. At one stage, Delhi was struggling at 48 for four in 7.6 overs, but fine sixth wicket partnership 67 runs between J Anand and Milin Kumar helped the side reach a respectable total. While Anand made 34 runs, Milind contributed 40 runs to the total. From J&K, Parvez Rasool and Raman Dutta took two wickets each while Sambyal bagged one. Later, J&K too made a poor beginning with first four wickets lost for 42 for in 6.4 overs. Skipper Ian Dev Singh continued to perform poorly and gave away his wicket for just five runs. However, Parvez Rasool and Bandeep Singh put some resistance to opponent bowlers and were top scored with 26 and 32 runs in their respective accounts. JAMMU: Law School teams today made it to the semifinals of the Badminton and Table Tennis events in the ongoing Inter-Department Sports Meet, organised by the Department of Sports and Physical Education of University of Jammu (JU). Earlier, in the quarterfinals of Badminton, played today, Law School outplayed Department of Physics and Electronics. Later, Law School women defeated their counterparts from The Business School to qualify for semifinals of Table Tennis. Now, the semifinals of all the four event of Badminton, Table Tennis, Carrom and Chess shall be played on March 22. Today's matches were officiated by Ravish Vaid, Amit Sharma, Pankaj Kumar, Taran Pal Singh, Rekha Rani and Anil Sharma. The Detailed Results: CARROM: Department of Statistics beat Department of Law 2-1: Ruchi Kumari bt Ila Khajuria; Narider Kour lost to Pallvi Gupta; Ruchi and Pallak bt Fatima and Rohini. Department of Physical Education beat Department of Mathematics 2-1: Jyoti Devi bt Rupali Gupta; Samdeep Kour lost to Mehak Kohi; Jyoti and Samdeep Kour bt Rupali Gupta and Mehak. BADMINTON: Law School beat Department of Physics and Electronics 2-0: Deepanshi Isher bt Razia Thakur 21-15; Deepanshi and Antru bt RAzia and Jogrita Sharma 21-17. Department of Computer Sciences bt Department of Statistics 2-0: Akshma Chadha bt Ankita Sharma 21-07; Namita Sharma bt Ruby Sharma 2113. Department of Mathematics 2-0: Upasana Gupta bt Panmeet Kour 2106; Heena Sharma bt Urvashi 21-07. CHESS: Department of Library Sciences beat Department of Mathematics 2-1: Priyanka bt Rajni Kumari; Abidha Shabnam lost to Sonia Gupta; Priyanka bt Rajni Kumari. TABLE TENNIS: Department of Chemistry beat Department of Physical Education 2-1: Komika Sharma lost to Jyoti 09-11, 4-11; Samriti Sharma bt Sandeep Kour 1101,11-04; (doubles) Samiriti and Komika beat Jyoti and Sandeep by 11-09, 11-08. Law School beat The Business School 2-0: Deepansi Isher bt Manasvi Gupta 11-06, 11-04; Bhuvweshwari Bali bt Surbhi Kakkor 11-02, 11-05.
JAMMU: Organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Amateur Fencing Association, the 11th State Open Fencing Championship shall take place Ashoka Palace at holy town of Katra from March 22. The two-day event will witness competition in different age groups of epee, foil and saber events in both boys and girls sections.
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