Page 1_.

qxd 3/25/2013 5:56 AM Page 1

8 Pages Rs: 1.00 Jammu Edition www.thestudentage.com

STUdent aGE
THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2013

JKENG/2012/41612 Vol. 2 No: 73

India cannot completely abandon GM crops: Jaipal Reddy

Jawans pay the price as our Netas dither

Xi Jinping hopes for better ties with US

PAGE 6

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

Crisis grips UPA as DMK ministers submit resignations

NEW DELHI: As all the five DMK ministers submitted their resignation to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday crisis deepened within the now brittle UPA. Those who resigned include MK Alagiri, Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers, and D Napoleon, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, S Jagathrakshakan, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, S Gandhiselvan, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, and SS Palanimanickam, Minister of State for Finance, put in their papers after their party chief M Karunanidhi announced on Tuesday he was pulling out of the UPA to protest India's stand on Sri Lanka at the UNHRC. After DMK pullout, speculation has mounted that the UPA will be vulnerable to pressures from its crucial outside supporters SP (22) and BSP (21) who together contd on page 2

PAGE 5

PAGE 7

Youth killed by militants inside a Mosque in Kashmir

JAMMU: Targeting those spearheading protests over killings due to security forces in the Valley, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday strongly condemned the gunning down of 17-year old boy from Sopore, saying militants chased and killed him inside the Mosque. "I strongly condemned the killing of Suhail Ahmad Sofi son of Ghulan Nabi Sofi a young person from Doabgah Sopore by militants last night", Omar told the Legislative Assembly while making a statement about the incident on Wednesday. "Suhail was chased by militants and he entered a mosque for refuge but the militants shot him inside the mosque and killed the young boy there", the CM said. The Chief Minister expressed dismay over the behaviour of a particular faction of members who raise their voices vehemently against similar incidents in which security personnel are involved but keep mum when militants kill innocent people. "If this kind of killing had

Omar angry at netizens' silence on youth killing

SRINAGAR: Lashing out strongly at netizens Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday who maintained silence over the killing of a teenage boy by militants in Sopore town but had showed outrage against killing of a youth in security forces firing last week. He questioned the silence and partisan approach of netizens who should contribute to peace instead of becoming willing pawns in the hands of separatists. "Militants chase an 18-year-old boy in to contd on page 2 been committed by security forces they would have torn out their clothes, castigated the country and asked me to give the answer for bleeding of innocent blood", he said. "Shedding of innocent blood and killings of people are 'killings' either committed by security forces or by militants and should be condemned contd on page 2

DMK pullout makes no difference to government's survival ?

Let us look at the numbers. The majority mark for government's survival is 272. With DMK's 18 MPs, UPA had a total of 248 members, and it had the outside support of 59 (SP - 22, BSP - 21, RJD - 4, JD (S) - 3 and Independents - 9), making it a total of 307, which is well over the majority mark. Now let us take the 18 MPs of DMK out. That would bring UPA down to 230, but with the outside support of 59, it would still be 289, which is well over the safety mark.

Strike evokes mix response in Kashmir Valley

SRINAGAR: A strike called by a group of separatists demanding return of bodies of Parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru and JKLF founder Mohammad Maqbool Bhat on Wednesday evoked mixed response in the Kashmir Valley. While most of contd on page 2

Governor,CM greets people on Nouroz

JAMMU: N. N. Vohra, Governor and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have greeted the people on the auspicious occasion of Nauroz. In his message of felicitations, the Governor observed that the festival has both cultural and religious contd on page 2

Govt rules out early polls, hopes on SP, BSP

NEW DELHI: Putting up a brave face the Congress on Wednesday ruled out early general elections, expressing hope of continued support from the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party, both of which are supporting the UPA government from outside. Party leaders, however, admitted privately that dealing with the two may not be easy. "The government will complete its full term. Lok Sabha polls will be held in 2014," Minister of State for Home R.P.N. Singh told reporters, while Law Minister Ashwani contd on page 2

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

Please Sir! Kuch to Sharam karo

Some politicians have a strange disposition. They develop addiction for power. When they taste it other things many of which are undesirable follow in train. As the saying goes-- Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. These politicians turn into loud mouths, exhibit lung power when their position is at stake but display timidity, cowardice and total non-seriousness when some very serious things are debated and thrashed upon. Otherwise how come during the crucial debate in Parliament on the anti -rape law bill the comments made by some 'seasoned' and would be best parliamentarians reflect the rot that has set in the society and our political system. We Indians have a very short memory. When Nirbhaya was alive whole nation rose up and wanted some tough anti rape law. These very politicians were issuing statements condemning her ghastly rape. But when the time came to discuss it they resorted to puerile and non-serious attitude. One is always left high and dry, even befuddled at the way these politicians behave. It is difficult for the simple Indians to understand the mental attitude of these law makers. Were they really concerned when Nirbhaya had shaken the conscience of the nation or not? Today these politicians have mystified the art of politics. You never know what the politician says is his inner belief or not. He has developed an uncanny art of deception and this way he makes his political space more adjustable. But anti -rape bill demanded all earnestness and serious debate. After all the honour of our women folk was at stake. This was no time for a joke or a lighter moment. The whole nation through the sense of Parliament wanted to do something after Nirbhaya's gang rape and murder. But with some politicians these crucial issues seem of no ambivalent merit otherwise what emanated from Parliament has all the ingredients of an emotional nightmare. One senior member during the course of debate raised apprehensions that-Mohabat Ab to khatam hi contd on page 2

How can a terrorist become a role model?

he way Afzal Guru issue is being allowed to disturb peace in the valley and normal business in the Assembly, a doubt is bound to arise among the people of the State. How can Guru be a role model, he was a terrorist who dared to plan and execute the bombing on Parliament-- our sacred seat of democracy. He was responsible for killing of nine innocent persons in the attack. And if the terrorists would have succeeded in entering the Parliament what would have happened is any body's guess. Then how come he is sought to be made a martyr. The political parties who are championing the case of

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

Page 1_.qxd 3/25/2013 5:56 AM Page 2

STUDENT AGE THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2013

pension from the House was submitted to the Governor under the signature of Leader of Legislature Party Ashok Khajuria, BJP Mahila Morcha President Priya Sethi and BJYM State President Ravinder Raina. Before the start of protest march Jugal Kishore, while addressing the workers, said that BJP MLAs had only tried to raise issues of development and discrimination but they were not allowed by the Speaker whereas those MLAs speaking against India and in favour of Afzal Guru were given full time by the speaker. He said BJP MLAs are even ready to sacrifice membership of the house for nationalist cause and therefore they will never allow the speaker and the NC members to misuse the house for promoting separatist and anti-national elements. Ashok Khajuria said that state Assembly has become a forum of pro-Pakistan elements. He said the NC led government is a government of Pakistan agents. Dr. Nirmal Singh said attack on BJP activists is undemocratic and deserves severe condemnation. He said BJP has always fought for rights of people and will continue to do so. Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the happenings in the State Assembly had thoroughly exposed the ruling party whose leaders did not have the courage to utter a single word against Afzal Guru but could only hit at soft targets among nationalist BJP members. Suresh Jamwal, Bansi Lal Bharti, Mamta Singh, Munish Sharma, Rajni Sethi, Dr. Nirmal Kamal, Sanjeev Sharma, Arun Chhibber, Rajinder Sharma, Naresh Dogra, Ashok Kumar Khajuria, Pardeep Sharma, Sat Pal Pappi, Ashwani Sharma, Sanjay Baru, Praduman Singh, Vinay Gupta, Ayodhya Gupta, Sat Pal Choudhary, Tarseem Choudhary, Vikram Randhawa, Priya Jral, Arvind Gupta, Kamla Gupta, Surinder Choudhary, Vijay Choudhary, Subash Bhagat, Anuradha Charak, Anju Dogra, Subash Jandial, Suraj Singh, Kashmira Singh, Monika Khosla, Sanjay Kumar, Neelam Anand, Bharat Sharma, Karan Sharma, Sangeeta Dogra, Bhanu Singh Jasrotia, Sureshta Jamwal, Mahinder Partap Gupta, Sonia Gupta, Vikas Sharma, Tarun Sharma, Makson Bharti, Rajeshwar Singh, Rajiv Dubey, Mnumanav Majahan, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Parveen Arora, Ajay Vaid, Vikas Choudhary, Sangeeta Gupta, Ankush Mahajan, Keshav Chopra, Gourav Mangotra, Naresh Sharma, Yash Gupta, Sushant, Sunil, Saroj Gupta and others took part in the protest demonstration.

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.

2
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.

Srinagar-Leh National ....

by March 31 -- much earlier as compared to previous years," said a spokesman of Border Roads Organisation which manages the highway. "Sophisticated machines have been deployed for clearing snow along with experienced engineers and skilled operators and labourers to make the highway suitable for vehicular traffic by the end of this month," he said. The 434-km highway, the only road linking the frontier region of Ladakh with the rest of the state, remains closed during winter months due to snowfall and snow avalanche in the Zojila area. Last year, the arterial road was opened on April 26.

Strike evokes mix ....

the shops and business establishments in the commercial hub of Lal Chowk remained closed, they were open in most areas of the Valley. Though public transport remained off the roads in most of the major towns, it plied in Lal Chowk and the adjoining areas. Private cars were plying normally on all the major routes. In the suburbs and other districts of the Valley, life was near normal as the strike call by Majlis Mashawarat (Consultation Committee), of the separatist group, failed to evoke much of a response in these areas. Government offices and banks remained open, while most of the educational institutions functioned normally. The Majlis, which has both factions of Hurriyat Conference, JKLF, Kashmir Bar Association and Dukhtaran-e-Millat as constituents, had called for a complete shutdown in the Valley and also issued a weekly protest calendar on Sunday. The Majlis was formed in the wake of Guru's execution inside Tihar Jail on February 9. The main demand of the Majlis is to seek return of mortal remains of Guru and Bhat. Bhat was hanged and buried inside the Tihar Jail on February 11, 1984, after he was convicted for murdering a police officer.

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.

Crisis grips UPA....

account for 43 seats. "We will continue to support government from outside but not be part of it," said BSP chief Mayawati on Wednesday. Earlier, the government insisted that it has not become "lame duck" after key ally's exit. Finance Minister P Chidambaram told a press conference in New Delhi on Wednesday that the government is "not aware" of the reason why the DMK chief changed his mind on supporting the government from the night of March 18 and the morning of March 19. Unfazed by the DMK's withdrawal of support to the UPA, government on Wednesday asserted it was "absolutely stable" and not a "lame duck" and said it will move amendments to the resolution on Sri Lanka at UNHRC to send a "resolute message" on that country's human rights. The government fielded three senior ministers - P Chidambaram, Kamal Nath and Manish Tewari - before the media to insist that DMK's demands were in the process of being considered and wondered why the ally changed its position after promising to reconsider its decision to withdraw support. The UPA's second biggest constituent with 18 Lok Sabha MPs quit the alliance on Tuesday. With questions being raised about the stability of the government, Kamal Nath, the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, firmly said, "We are not a lame duck government." "The government is neither lame nor is it a duck. We are absolutely stable. No political party has come out to challenge our majority," he said. Stating that India wanted the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council to adopt a "strong" resolution on Sri Lanka, Chidambaram said India will move amendments to the draft to send a "resolute message" to that country on alleged human rights violations of Tamils and "goad" it to have an independent inquiry, a key demand of the DMK. The Finance Minister also dismissed allegations that India had sought dilution of the strongly-worded resolution by the US, saying it was an absolute "canard". He said DMK's other demand for a resolution to be adopted by Parliament on Sri Lankan Tamils issue was also in the process of consultations with other parties. Chidambaram claimed that the DMK was aware of the government's position on the issue but had changed its position between the night of March 18 and morning of March 19. "We are not aware of the reasons why the DMK changed its position between the night of March 18 and the morning of March 19," Chidambaram said, while noting that DMK supremo M Karunanidhi had said the party would reconsider decision to withdraw support if Parliament adopts a resolution before the end of current

Please Sir! Kuch....

ho jayega. Ladka jab Ladki ki taraf dekhega hi nahi aur uska peecha nahi karega to mohobat hoga kaise? This worthy member is concerned about how Love will take place, when Nirbhaya and thousands of rape victims are demanding justice. Another law maker in his maverick style asked whether Acts on Stalking and Voyeurism will be applied to his wife also. Another worthy law maker put the fantastic theory that rape occurs because women dress in an indecent way on television and in films. With such a mindset serious and moral issues turn disparaging and flimsy for our lawmakers whom we through our votes have made them craft our destiny. Is it not time to tell them---Kuch to Sharam karo and show them a permanent exit?

Azfal Guru issue....

over open support of National Conference for bringing back the mortal remains of the Parliament attack convict from Tihar Jail. Tuesday's incident in the Assembly, when the Minister for Higher Education and NC MLA Mohd Akbar Lone dared the Congress to pull out from the Government following Sham Lal Sharma's threat for the same over the issue of Azfal Guru, has added more insult to the party, which is just looking towards the high command for the next signal.

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.

Govt rules out....

Kumar said the government was confident the SP will support the policies of the UPA. "There is no threat to the government," he asserted. Congress sources said that after the exit of DMK, which has 18 MPs in Lok Sabha, the party's dependence on the SP (22) and BSP (21) will increase. "Both parties are known to be tough bargainers. Dealing with them may not be easy now," a Congress leader confided after the five DMK ministers submitted their resignation to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Congress leaders claimed the government had the support of 278 members in the 503 member Lok Sabha. The half way mark is 273. The next Lok Sabha election is scheduled in April 2014 but could be advanced to November this year and held along with a slew of assembly polls in case the going gets difficult for the Congress, said party sources. SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav has been flexing his muscles over the past few months by declaring many candidates for the general elections and repeatedly urging party workers to be prepared for an early poll. According to poll watchers, Mulayam Singh sees himself as a possible compromise candidate for prime minister in case a third front government is cobbled up after the 2014 Lok Sabha elections in case the two major alliances fail to achieve a majority on their

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-

Youth killed by ....

in unequivocal terms

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

House established ...

the temple of democracy and aspirations of people. He said parliamentary democracy in the State has been established by great sacrifices by our elders. He appealed members to uphold the sanctity and decorum of the House and in no way let it either lower it or become an involuntary party in doing do.

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 .

IN THE COURT OF MUNSIFF, JAMMU

Page 1_.qxd 3/25/2013 5:56 AM Page 3

STUDENT AGE THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2013

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.

Fish prod touches 19.95 thousand tonnes this fiscal: Manohar

JAMMU, MARCH 20- Minister of State for Fisheries, Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma has said that Jammu and Kashmir has tremendous scope for the development of fisheries and fish production in view of its varied climatic conditions and plenty of water resources. The Government will make all out efforts to explore the unutilized potential in all areas to boost the fish production, he said. Replying to the discussion on demand of Grants of Fisheries Department in the House today, the Minister said that overall fish production of the State has increased from 19.85 to 19.95 thousand tonnes during 2012-13. Against a target of Rs. 4.67 crore for current fiscal, the Department has generated revenue to the tune of Rs. 4.09 crore by the end of February, 13, the Minister said. Maintaining that Government fish species. As many as 6 more Trout hatchery units like Panzath, Mamer, Bheja, Tchancer, Laribal and Khag have been commissioned for Trout Seed production. One Mahaseer Hatchery has been established for conservation of this endangered species at Anji Reasi. Mahaseer fish angling is being started in Reasi, Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur and Rajouri districts, said Dr. Manohar. The Minister said for providing marketing facilities, one whole sale fish market at Jammu is under construction under National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) and will be completed during 2013-14. Besides, he said two retail market outlets have been taken up under National Mission for Protein Supplement (NMPS) at Basohli and Bandipora respectively. Two refrigerated vans have also been sanctioned under this scheme for the conservation of fish, said the Minister. As welfare measures to the fishermen, State Government has provided 2485 Low Cost Houses to the bonafide fish farmers under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) Scheme and State Plan till 2011-12. During the current fiscal, 300 more such houses will be provided to the deserving beneficiaries, the Minister maintained. Earlier, the Minister moved that a sum of Rs. 61.70 crore be granted to the Government to defray the charges which will come in the course of payment during the year ending March 31, 2014. As many as 14 Members took part in the discussion on the Grants for the Fisheries Department and gave their valuable suggestions to further improve this sector.

Saifullah reviews SRFAENI Act-2002

JAMMU: Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Mir Saifullah today reviewed the extension of Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assistance and Enforcement of Security Interest (SRFAENI) Act-2002 to the State at a high level meeting of officers here this evening. Advocate General, Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Qadri, Chairman & CEO, J&K Bank, Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad, Commissioner Secretary Revenue Mr. B. A. Runyal, Secretary Law, Mr. G. H. Tantray, Secretary Assembly Mr. Mohammad Ramzan, Secretary Legislative Council, Mr. Mohammad Ashraf and Special Secretary Finance were present in the meeting. The meeting discussed the issues regarding amendments of state laws in this regard.

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

Sagar for strict adherence to guidelines of MG NREGA

SRINAGAR, MARCH 20: Minister for Rural Development, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar, asked the officers and officials of Rural Development Department to take MG NREGA as a mission in order to harvest the fruits of this flagship programme at the ground level. The Minister was addressing grass root level workers and officials of Engineering Wing at his residence here today. Mr. Sagar stressed for speedy plan formulation for the year 2013-14, its wetting from concerned quarters, taking on board Panchayats while formulating the action Plan, transparency at all levels, maintenance of records like Job Card Register, assets register, employment Register, etc. The Minister asked the

Jora reviews physical, financial status of SJSRY

JAMMU, MARCH 20: Minister for Urban Development and Urban Local, Nawang Rigzin Jora, today chaired a meeting of Project Officers of District Urban Development Agencies of Jammu Division to review the physical and financial achievements for the year 2012-13 under Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY). The Minister said that among various poverty alleviation schemes, the SJSRY scheme, administered by Urban Development Department has proved to be of immense help in reducing poverty in urban areas to some extent. The scheme provides loans, skill development training and other incentives to the urban poor people. He said the SJSRY is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at to provide gainful employment to un-employed and under-employed urban youth living below poverty line. Earlier, the Minister was given a brief account of various incentives being provided to the beneficiaries under this scheme including Urban Self Employment Programme(USEP), Development skills through training ,Urban Wage Employment progamme (UWEP), Skill development training for employment programme among urban poors. It was informed that in the meeting that under USEP, against a target of 209, 197 cases have been sanctioned while 276 cases were sponsored by the agencies and accordingly Rs.82.60 lakh financial achievement has been made up to March 15,2013. The Minister was also told that under Set-up scheme, 429 persons were covered while 832 cases have been covered under Computer training scheme on which Rs. 7.95 lakh have been spent by March 15, 2013. Besides, under USWP, Rs.5.08 have been expended achieving full targets. Similarly, 1399 cases have been covered under UWEP with an expenditure of Rs. 3.49 lakh, so far. The meeting was attended by CommissionerSecretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Jeet Lal Gupta, Joint Director (P&S), P. S. Kakroo, Chief Executive Officer, JUDA, Dr. Shubra Sharma, Project Officers, JUDA, Kathua, Doda, Ramban, Kishtwar, Udhampur, Reasi, Poonch and Rajouri. The Minister emphasized on the JUDA Project Officers to ensure timely completion of the fixed targets with transparent and judicious utilization of funds.

Tourism Minister introduces Bill

JAMMU: Minister for Tourism, Ghulam Ahmad Mir today introduced a Bill in the House to constitute a Board for the shrine of Mata Sukhrala Devi and Mata Bala Sundari. The Bill provides for the better management, administration and governance of and its endowments including the lands and buildings attached, or appurtenant, to the shrines and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. The Bill seeks constitution of a Statutory Authority on the pattern of Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board for the better management, administration and governance of above mentioned shrines in view of heavy influx of pilgrims.

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.

Farooq Lone assumes charge as DC Anantnag

ANANTNAG: Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone today assumed charge as Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag. Soon after assuming charge, he accompanied by a team of officers inaugurated plantation drive at K.P. Road, Anantnag. Dr. Lone also convened a meeting and interacted with the officers and officials of the district. He asked them to work with dedication and honesty for welfare of the people. The officers and officials of the district assured him of full cooperation and support. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone along with District Officers accorded warm send off to Mr. Farooq Ahmad Shah, who has been transferred as Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar. The speakers lauded his selfless services done for betterment of the district as D.C Anantnag.

LC passes resolution condemning unruly behaviour of legislator

JAMMU: A resolution moved by Devender Singh Rana condemning the unruly behaviour shown by BJP legislator, Jugal Kishore towards lady Minister was unanimously passed by the Legislative Council today.

Self Employment Cases under KVIB approved

SAMBA, MARCH 20- District Task Force Committee of District Samba meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Mubarak Singh, District Development Commissioner, Samba at District Employment and Counselling Centre Samba. Screening of the cases for sanctioning loan cases in favour of un-employed youth under KVIB Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme was conducted. General Manager, District Industries Centre, Assistant Director, Employment Samba, District Officer, KVIB Samba, besides the District Coordinators of PNB, District Coordinators J&K Bank, District Manager SC/BC Corporation were also present in the process of clearing the cases. It was informed that 53 cases were examined by the committee and candidates were interviewed, out of which 48 cases were cleared for setting up Manufacturing Units, Small Scale Industrial Units, Retail/Business, Servicing Units and recommended to various banks for sanctioning loan in their favour with the project cost of Rs3.36 crore and margin money (subsidy) of Rs. 1.09 crore shall be provided. The District officer KVIB and Assistant Director, Employment Samba informed that subsidy in all these cases shall be provided to the entrepreneurs which shall facilitate sustenance of their units of self employment.

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.

Speaker visits MLA Hostel, Jammu

JAMMU, MARCH 20: Speaker, Legislative Assembly Mr. Mubarak Gul has directed the Estates Department to prepare a comprehensive proposal for face-lifting and beautification of the Park of MLA Hostel Jammu. The direction was passed by the Speaker during his spot visit and inspection of the Hostel, here today. The Speaker directed the Secretary Assembly to ensure proper sanitation in and around the Hostel premises. He also directed the concerned Department to restore proper beautification of paths, installation of benches in the premises. Mr. Gul went round various sections including Telephone Exchange, Manager's office and Allopathic Dispensary and took stock of the facilities available to there. During the inspection of dispensary, the Speaker directed the concerned to ensure punctuality and proper upkeep and sanitation of equipment. Later, Mr. Gul inspected the pace of ongoing construction work of 10 rooms Staff Hostel at an estimated cost of Rs 21 lakh. He directed the executing agency to speed of the pace of the work and complete it in a stipulated time frame. Secretary Assembly, M. Ramzan, Director Estates Mr. M. H. Malik, Deputy Director Estates, Mr. Arun Manhas and other concerned officers and engineers accompanied the Speaker during his visit.

Sagar extends Nouroz greetings

JAMMU: Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Ali Mohammad Sagar today felicitated the people on the eve of Nouroz. In a message, the Minister hoped that the event will prove a harbinger of peace in the state and usher an era of prosperity and development.

GOC Romeo Force briefs Governor

JAMMU, MARCH 20: Maj. General I. Narayana, GOC, Romeo Force, called on N. N. Vohra, Governor Jammu and Kashmir, at Raj Bhavan here today. He was accompanied by Brigadier K. S. Rao during his meeting with the Governor. Besides briefing the Governor about the security situation in the area of his responsibility, Maj. General Narayana invited the Governor to participate in a Seminar on "Security and Development in Conflict Areas" which is planned to be held shortly at the Nagrota Military Station. The Army is organizing discussions on this important subject in collaboration with the University of Jammu, Central University of Kashmir, IDSA and CLAWS.

SDH Bishnah to be completed in 2014-15: Manohar

JAMMU: Minister of State for Cooperatives, Dr. Manohar Lal today informed the House that construction work of Rs. 14.42 crore 50 bedded additional block of Sub-District Hospital, Bishnah would be completed during 2014-15 adding that presently this hospital is functional in old building.Replying to a question by Mrs. Bimla Luthra, the Minister informed that Primary Health Centre, Arnia is functional with diagnostic facilities like X-ray, dental unit and lab facilities. He said a baby care corner has been also established in the Hospital to provide Neo-Natal Care Services. The Minister said the services of specialist consultants are utilized on call and need basis. He said doctors are available round the clock in the Hospitals to coup up with emergent situation.

Comprehensive plan framed to improve basic facilities in every corner: Bhalla

JAMMU, MARCH 20Minister for Horticulture, Housing and Culture, Raman Bhalla today said that the government has framed a comprehensive plan to improve basic amenities in every corner of the state. He was addressing locals, after inaugurating Sulabh Toilet Complex at Qasim Nagar in Bahu Fort area, completed at an estimated cost of Rs. 13.86 lakh. The facility has been constructed by Jammu Municipal Corporation and would cater to more than 10,000 people of the area. Bhalla asked the Sulabh International Social Service Organisation to maintain its cleanliness regularly. Interacting with the locals, the Minister called upon the people to protect public property in their area adding that such type of assets are meant for their convenience and need proper upkeep and protection. He said it was the duty of the Government to provide all basic amenities to the people across the state like safe drinking water, road connectivity, healthcare, education, power besides better lanes and drains. Bhalla said Government was making best possible efforts to solve development related issues of the people on priority basis . The Minister said directions have been issued to the officers to reach out to the masses and take the required steps to solve their grievances. He said that priority of the Government was to provide relief to the people in their respective areas. He added that government has launched a number of welfare schemes to upgrade the socio-economic condition of the people. Responding to the demand of Rajiv Nagar residents, Bhalla asked the concerned authorities to depute a team of Safaikarmcharies to ensure cleanliness in the locality. Bhalla said that Government has chalked out a comprehensive strategy for developing the tourism infrastructure in Bagh-e-Bahu, adding that the area was blessed with varied potential required for bringing a place on the tourist map of the country. He said that providing of much needed tourist infrastructure for these areas would be the top agenda of the Government. Earlier, the Minister visited Rampura and kick started construction work on lanes and drains in W No. 23, for which Government has earmarked Rs. 8 lakh. He asked the JMC to complete the works by fixing interlock tiles and grating over drains within prescribed time frame. Bhalla assured the people that all their genuine demands and development needs would be fulfilled in a phased manner.

KAS Officer to be posted as SDM Drass soon: Rather

JAMMU: Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, Abdul Rahim Rather on behalf of Chief Minister while replying to a question by Aga Syed Ahmad Rizvi informed the House that as and when formal promotion orders of officers of different departmental feeding services into KAS are issued efforts shall be made to post an officer as SDM Drass.

Page 1_.qxd 3/25/2013 5:56 AM Page 4

STUDENT AGE THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2013

STATE

Govt. to set up 18 fast track courts to clear pendency: Saifullah

JAMMU, MARCH 20: Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Mir Saifullah today said that the Government is considering establishing 18 Fast Track Courts of which 8 of the rank of District and Sessions Judges and 10 Fast Track Courts of the rank of Civil Judges (Senior Division) to clear the pendency of cases and provide speedy justice to the needy. The Minister said this while winding up the discussion on the demand of Grants of Departments of Law, Justice & Parliamentary ter and spirit for helping general public in getting speedy justice and timely disposal of their cases. He said the performance of Government Advocates, Public Prosecutors and Standing Counsels is reviewed periodically through this policy. He said the J&K High Court has fixed time period for disposal of old cases in civil as well as criminal matters adding that action has already been initiated in this regards. He said day to day monitoring is also being held in criminal case. Highlighting the achievements of the Law Department, Mir Saifullah said the Department has constituted a Committee comprising Advocate General, Secretary, Law, some senior officers of Law Department and two eminent Advocates to examine the existing laws and suggests measures to amend the same and remove the obsolete laws from the Statute Book. The Committee has also been asked to consider the Private Members Bills of Legislators. The Minister said that the Department has moved drafts of some new laws, keeping in view the industrialization, advancement in information technology, increasing offences against women and offences relating to narcotics and drugs. Referring to Verma Commission, Mir Saifullah said after preparing a draft of the bill, it has been submitted to Government for consideration. Mir Saifullah said the Department is keen to ensure speedy disposal of pending cases and has adopted certain measures in this regards. He said the Department has recently appointed 5 High Court Judges and 7 District and Session Judges, besides 4 vacancies of District and Session Judges and 10 Munsiffs stand referred to recruiting agency. He said the Department is establishing 14 Sub-Judge and 22 Munsiff Courts at different places of the State adding that further expansion of Court is under process and would be extended to every Block Headquarters. Referring to establishment of Deh Adalats, the Minister said that one each court of Dehi Adalat would be established in the 22 districts of the State in the Phase-I.

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-

Azad visits Multispecialty Health Camp, interacts with patients

UDHAMPUR, MARCH20: Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Ghulam Nabi Azad today visited ongoing Mega Multispecialty Health Camp organized by Rotary Foundation in collaboration with Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, state government and Rotary Clubs of J & K with the active support of District Administration. Minister for R&B, Abdul Majid Wani, Minister of State for Health, Shabir Ahmed Khan, Member Parliament, U d h a m p u r - D o d a Constituency, Choudhary Lal Singh, Legislatures, Balwant Singh Mankotia, Krishan Bhagat, DIG, Jagjit Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, Ms. Yasha Mudgal, PRIP Rtn, Raja Saboo, DG Rtn, Upkar Singh Sethi, PDG Rtn. Dr. Rajiv Pradhan, Chief Project mission for providing such benevolent medicare services to the needy people and hoped that the initiative taken by Rotary International in association with health department would go a long way to help the down trodden and poor masses of the state. "We have always strived towards building a healthy community and such Mega Medical Camps are very important step towards ensuring the overall well-being of the nation. I am happy that so many people have come forward to take advantage of this facility", Azad said. He said such camps would be made regular feature in the entire state, particularly in tourist destinations to provide the doctors a stress and strain free environment during the camps, he revealed. He asked the officers of Health department to compile data of the patients who attended OPD session to use it to plan the future camps to be organized at various places of Jammu and Kashmir, as per the local requirements as per the local requirements. On the occasion, MLA Udhampur demanded provision for healthcare facilities to the local civil patients at the Army Command Hospital Udhampur. Azad assured that the matter would be taken up with the concerned army authorities. Giving details, Rotary International President, Rtn, R.K Saboo apprised that more than 21600 patients were checked in OPD during last four days. He said that 624 operations were also performed under various specialties, including Eye, ENT, Orthopedic, Dental Surgeries, Urology, Dental, Plastic Surgery and Gynecology.

"Crack J&K SSB exams" launched

Sadhotra emphasizes youth to aspire high in life JAMMU, MARCH 20:Minister for planning and Development, Labor and Employment, Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, on Wednesday launched a book "Crack J&K SSB exams" by knowracle publications at function organised at Jammu University. Sadhotra was the chief guest while Vice-President, National Conference, Rattan Lal Gupta, was the guest of honour. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister appreciated the work of the knowracle publications and authors, Vaid Mahajan, Dr. Akash Manahas and Dr. Sandeep Chib for bringing out such an informative book with a significant concept for KAS and IAS aspirants. He emphasized the youth to aspire high in life and make the best use of their time. He said that the book written in accordance with the prescribed syllabus of JKSSB will prove to be of immense help for the candidates. Rattan Lal Gupta congratulated the authors for providing the students with quality and credible learning material. Proprietor of the Publication, Dr. Pranay Mahajan, elaborated the idea and the vision behind the book and explained various steps being taken by the Knowracle Publications to ensure that the book reaches to all the districts and tehsils of the state. On the occasion, Prof. N.K Tripathi, Dean Student Welfare, Ashok Arora, renowned motivational speaker and film maker, HOD's of various departments and Senior Professors were present.

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

Shamima to write to Sushma Swaraj demanding action against Jugal

JAMMU, MARCH 20: Condemning yesterday's incident about derogatory behaviour of MLA, Mr Jugal Kishore, who is also the state President of BJP against Minister for Social Welfare, Ms. Sakina Itoo in the J&K Assembly, MLA Habakadal Constituency Mrs. Shamima Firdous today said that in the capacity as Chairperson of J&K Women Commission, she will write a letter to the senior BJP leader Mrs Sushma Swaraj for taking stern action against the guilty Member. Speaking to the media persons in the lawns of J&K LA today, Mrs. Shamima Firdous said that the incident is very condemnable which has no parallel in any civil society. She said on one side there is hue and cry in the country and the world to empower the women folk and safe guard their rights, while it was most deplorable that an elected public representative misbehaved in most indecent manner with a senior lady Minister of the State, on the floor of the House which is considered the most sacred democratic institution.

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.

Awareness programme organized

DODA, MARCH 20- Awareness programme for Sarpanches, Panches, Anganwari Workers, Anganwari Helpers, adolescent girls, besides local women and children was organised by CDPO Bhagwah Shayesta Sultana. The objective of IEC was to create awareness and build up image of ICDs programme besides stimulate demand for ICDs services, affect, sustain behavioural and attitudinal changes in child caring, nutrition and healthy behaviour and muster and sustain community participation. CDPO advised people to send their children aged 0 to 6 years, adolescent, girls, nursing mother and pregnant women regularly in AWCs to obtain the benefits of schemes. District Social Welfare Officer Rakesh Kumar also highlighted various ICDS schemes and its benefits to the common people. Horticulture Development Officer Abid Hussain advised the public for more and more use of local vegetables and fruits especially for growing children, adolescent girls, nursing mothers and pregnant women. Supervisor Shafia Naz. Medical Officer Bhagwah and Dental Surgeon Rashida Begum laid emphasis on different diseases, like diarrhea, cough, viral hepatitis, dental problems in growing children and also suggested ways and means to prevent from such diseases in children.

Prasad addresses maiden public durbar, emphasizes attitudinal change

JAMMU, MARCH 20: Observing that continuous initiatives are being taken to bring all round improvement in functioning of the state police to serve the people better, Director General of Police (DGP), Ashok Prasad, emphasised the need for attitudinal change in the society for enhancing trust between police and the public. Prasad was speaking at the one day workshop of friends of civil society and members of youth clubs of Jammu Province at District Police Lines here today. He said that police public cooperation is imperative to provide better policing. In the changing scenario both police as well as civil society has to change their attitude towards each other and contribute together in reforming been sharpened to educate the personnel about the humane values and latest techniques to face the situations in the field. The day long workshop was organized under Civic Action Programme to interact with the members of civil society and members of youth clubs of all the 10 districts of Jammu Province which was attended by more than 250 participants besides senior police officers of the province. Representatives from the civil society also spoke on the occasion and appreciated the initiatives to strengthen the police public relations. They stressed for awareness among the masses about civil action programme and other people friendly schemes of the organization. The speakers hailed the community policing and establishment of youth clubs which are helping in channelizing the energies of the youth. The speakers also suggested some measures to improve police working at Thana level as the lower levels have a vital role to play in maintaining trust of the people upon the "men in uniform". They also suggested improvements in the mahila police. Earlier, ADGP, Dilbag Singh, welcoming the Chief Guest and the participants briefed about the objectives of the workshop. He said that such interactions provide an opportunity to the civil society members to express their views about the working of the police and suggest measures for further strengthening police public relations. He said that Jammu police is shortly commissioning Drug Addiction Centre and Mental Health Counselling Centre at DPL Jammu to bring reforms among the affected youth. At the concluding session, Parsad and ADGP (Headquarters), S. P. Vaid distributed sports kits among the youth clubs representing different districts of the province. Among others, the workshop was attended by IGP (Headquarters), Deepak Kumar, DIsGP, Danish Rana and Shakeel Ahmed Beig, AIsGP (PHQ), Ghulam Hassan Bhat, Shabir Ahmed and R. S. Samyal, all Jammu based District Superintendents of Police, Executive Engineer (PHQ), N. D. Khawaja, prominent citizens and other police officers.

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

Page 1_.qxd 3/25/2013 5:56 AM Page 5

STUDENT AGE THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2013

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.

China: How bad does the Japan-US alliance look?

By Rana Divyank Chaudhary he situation in the Asia-Pacific is precarious. Japan and China are neither willing to back down from a peaking military build-up nor a worsening diplomatic standoff. Though going to war might seem unlikely, China is apprehensive about a reinforced alliance between Japan and the US. What kind of impact will the Japan-US alliance and the shift in US focus toward regional geopolitics in the Asia-Pacific have on Beijing's bilateral strategy vis--vis Tokyo? Is there room for China to compromise on the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands dispute in the East China Sea? Downward Spiral of the China-Japan-US 'Triangle' Similar to South Korea and Taiwan, the US is treaty-bound (1960) to assist Japan in defending its territory if a hostile third party attacks. While this dramatically enlarges the scope of Sino-Japanese conflict over the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands,

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

Nitish & Modi

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

Page 1_.qxd 3/25/2013 5:56 AM Page 6

STUDENT AGE THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2013

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.

India cannot completely abandon GM crops: Jaipal Reddy

NEW DELHI: India cannot afford to abandon genetically modified (GM) crops and the government is trying to build a consensus among various stakeholders to reach at a solution soon, Science and Technology Minister S. Jaipal Reddy said Wednesday. Speaking at the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council's (BIRAC) foundation day, Reddy called for treading a cautious path on the issue as there has been difference of opinion among scientists and civil society. "We are trying to build a consensus among various stakeholders like parliamentar, NGOs, scientists and others. We will successfully arrive at a consensus very soon," he said. Reddy said India cannot afford to completely abandon the GM crops as it needs to feed a growing population but has to proceed cautiously. In 2010, the then environment and forests minister Jairam Ramesh imposed an indefinite moratorium on the commercial introduction of wrote to the Environment and Forest Minister Jayanthi Natarajan last month, raising concerns about GM crops. Their primary concern was that the agriculture ministry is allegedly making a case for GM crops by stating that the technology is absolutely needed for India's food security. K. Vijay Raghavan, chairman BIRAC and secretary, department of biotechnology, said Indian needs to devise a good regulatory system and communication mechanism on GM food. "We are a large country with social needs and need to carry technology research," he said. Calling for building trust, credibility and delivering it safely, Biocon chairman and managing director Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw said: "The concerns on GM crops are unfounded and these needs to be answered. The moratorium on GM crops is affecting the whole sector."

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

Govt's strategy meet on Sri Lanka issue begins

NEW DELHI: A strategy meet called by the Centre aimed at breaking the logjam on the issue of moving amendments to the USbacked resolution on Sri Lankan war crimes began here on Wednesday evening. According to reports, the strategy meet is being attended by all top political parties and high ranking ministers from Congress party. The meeting is being held at Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde's office. Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar has also called an all-party meeting on the Sri Lanka issue at 7.30pm. The meeting is significant as the pressure has increased on the UPA government after the withdrawal of support to it by the DMK over the Sri Lanka issue. At the all-party meeting, efforts will be made to reach a consensus on moving amendments to the USbacked resolution on Sri Lankan war crimes. The meeting is also important since the government is running short of time as the UNHRC vote on Sri Lanka is likely to take place as early as Thursday in Geneva. Despite rising political pressure, the government claims that consultations on moving amendments to the US-backed resolution on Sri Lankan war crimes are on. The government said that it was talking to political parties on a resolution concerning the Sri Lankan Tamil issue in Parliament, but the move was not linked to the withdrawal of support by the DMK to the UPA. The remarks were made by Finance Minister P Chidambaram, while addressing media people. He said the government was mulling over the resolution, seeing the sentiments of the Tamils. Answering a query, he said the government was stable: "No one has questioned our stability," Chidambaram said. Later, Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari said it was part of government's duty to highlight the feelings of the people of a state. Referring to the resolution at the United Nations Human Rights Council, he said India's foreign policy was decided keeping the national interest at the forefront. The government also categorically denied that it had diluted the US-sponsored resolution denouncing Sri Lanka over rights abuses at the UNHRC in Geneva. "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," it said. DMK president M Karunanidhi today said that his party quit the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and the government after realizing that India helped to dilute the US resolution. Last year, India had played a similar role even as it voted against Sri Lanka at the UNHRC. Chidambaram said India intends to move amendments to the US resolution at the UNHRC and that the government was also talking to political parties over a resolution on Sri Lanka to be moved in Parliament. However, Colombo has repeatedly denied killing Tamil civilmedia.

Delhi gang-rape case: Two accused change counsel

NEW DELHI: The Delhi gang-rape case being heard by a fast track court here today witnessed two of the accused ong to change their counsel. Mukesh and Akshay Sharma, two of the five adult accused who had allegedly gang-raped a 23-year-old girl in a moving bus here on December 16 last year, have replaced V K Anand with another advocate M L Sharma to represent them in the case. Sharma was confirmed as their counsel by Additional Sessions Judge Yogesh Khanna who is conducting the proceedings behind closed doors. Sharma told media persons outside the courtroom that he was appointed as their counsel by the judge after consulting with the two accused and Mukesh's parents. The advocate said he had met Mukesh yesterday in Tihar Jail in connection with defending him in the case after his parents approached him. Mukesh's parents came to him saying they had lost hope that their son would be released and had requested him to defend their son, Sharma said. Sharma said that when he was in Tihar to meet Mukesh, Akshay had also asked him to represent him in the case. The court, which has till date recorded statements of 53 witnesses in the case, did not

KINGFISHER employees threatens to disrupt IPL matches

NEW DELHI: Frustrated over not getting salary for last 10 months, Kingfisher Airlines employees today asked the government to prosecute promoter Vijay Mallya and threatened to disrupt IPL matches. They also threatened to disrupt IPL matches of the Royal Challenger Bangalore (RCB), the team owned by Mallya. The protesting employees have urged RCB players to boycott Mallya's team. They have also asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) not to allow RCB to participate in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). Seeking an early intervention on the issue, the employees have written letters to the President, the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of India, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation Arun Mishra. Questioning Mallya's intention to run the airlines, the employees said, "Enough is enough. We want a clear reply from him whether he wants to run the airlines or wants to close it down. If you want to close it, then please pay our dues." The Vijay Mallya-owned cash-strapped airline is grounded since October last year following unrest by employees over non-payment of salaries and subsequent disruon in its flight schedules. The Air Operator's Permit, or the flying licence, of the airline expired on December 31, 2012 and the civil aviation regulator DGCA had refused to renew it, saying they would have to first clear the dues of their employees and other stakeholders. Kingfisher Airlines owes a loan of over Rs 7,000 crore to the consortium of 17 banks, led by the State Bank of India, which had on Monday said that it was taking all steps to recover the loan provided to the grounded carrier.

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.

India successfully launches BRAHMOS missile from underwater

VISAKHAPATNAM: The submarine-launched version of BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile was successfully test-fired at 1410 hrs on Wednesday (20th March 2013) from a submerged platform in Bay of Bengal off the coast of Visakhapatnam. Creating history, the missile took off vertically from the submerged platform for its full range of 290 kms. Following a pre-defined trajectory, the missile emerged from underwater, took a turn towards the designated target meeting all mission objectives. All the telemetry and tracking stations, including Indian naval ships positioned throughout the flight path, confirmed the pin-point accuracy of the mission. This is the first time that any supersonic cruise missile is launched vertically from a submerged platform. BRAHthe supersonic cruise missile will add more firepower to launch configuration which will make the platform one of the most powerful weapon platform in the World." Defence Minister Shri AK Antony congratulated the scientists of DRDO, Russian specialists and members from Indian Navy associated with the project for successful test launch of BRAHMOS missile from underwater platform. The naval variant of BRAHMOS missile has already proved its mettle in both vertical and inclined launch configurations from moving warships. The missile has been successfully inducted in number of frontline Indian Navy warships and will be deployed in other future surface ships. They are capable of both maritime strike and land attack.

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

Page 1_.qxd 3/25/2013 5:56 AM Page 7

STUDENT AGE THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2013

INTERNATIONAL & ECONOMY

Bangladesh President Zillur Rahman passes away
DHAKA: Bangladesh President Zillur Rahman, a veteran ruling party politician named to the largely ceremonial post in 2009, died on Wednesday in a Singapore hospital, an embassy official said. He was 84. "The president died at a hospital in Singapore at 6.47 pm local time," Bangladesh High Commissioner in Singapore M. Mahbubuzzamansaid. Rahman, who was suffering from kidney and respiratory problems, was flown to Singapore's Mount Elizabeth Hospital by air ambulance on February 10 after his condition worsened. His secretary Shafiul Alam said that Rahman, a close aide of the nation's founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, had been suffering from 'old age complications'. The former deputy chief of the ruling Awami League party, the country's 19th president, leaves a son who is a lawmaker and two daughters. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the parliament speaker, who has been discharging the day-to-day job of the president in Rahman's absence, sent their condolences. Rahman's wife Ivy Rahman, also a politician, died in August 2004 after she was critically injured in a grenade attack on an Awami League party rally that also killed 20 other people.

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-

Pakistan general election to be held on May 11

ISLAMABAD: The date for the general elections has been announced and Pakistani's will head to polling stations on May 11. The Election Day will fall on Saturday. President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday signed the summary for the election date which was sent Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf. According to presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar, the prime minister had advised the president to announce a suitable date for holding general elections to the National Assembly in terms of Article 48 (1) of the constitution with the relevant statutory provisions. The National Assembly or lower house of parliament was dissolved after it completed its five-year term on March 16 and, under the rules, polls must be held within 60 days. Pakistan's current government was the country's first civilian administration since independence to complete its terms of reference before getting down to negotiations on the caretaker premier, official sources said. The committee was formed Tuesday night by National Assembly Speaker Fehmida Mirza and comprises four members nominated by the PPP and its allies and four more nominated by the PML-N. The members of the panel are Bilour, Farooq Naek and Khurshid Shah of the PPP, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain of the PML-Q, and Sardar Mehtab Abbasi, Sardar Yaqoob Nasir, Pervaiz Rasheed and Khwaja Saad Rafiq of the PML-N. Four candidates are in the race for the post of caretaker premier - banker Ishrat Hussain and retired judge Mir Hazar Khan Khoso, who were proposed by the PPP, and retired judge Nasir Aslam Zahid and Sindhi politician Rasul Bakhsh Palejo, who were proposed by the PML-N.

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

Sri Lanka says UN resolution is 'biased, politicised'

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka slammed the US-sponsored resolution at the UNHRC which it says seeks to "discredit" and "single out" the country over alleged human rights violations, terming it as "biased and politicized". It also said the language of the resolution was borrowed from a "flawed" report by the UN High Commissioner of Human Rights Navaneetham Pillai. Lankan External Affairs Minister G L Peiris said in his communique to member states setting out his government's stand on the resolution, said, "Drawing disproportionate attention to Sri Lanka's situation and introducing resolution that seeks to discredit, single out and humiliate the country are unhelpful and counterproductive to Sri Lanka's current reconciliation process". "Sri Lanka seeks the understanding and the support of HRC member states at the vote on this resolution." Peiris said that the beneficiaries of the resolution would be none other than the divisive forces that seek to destabilise the hard won peace in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan external affairs ministers warned that "the precedent created by intrusive, biased and politicised actions such as the US sponsored resolution on Sri Lanka would pose a danger for all nations". Meanwhile, Lankan human rights envoy Mahinda Samarasinghe has slammed the US moved resolution to be voted at the UNHRC sessions in Geneva tomorrow as carrying borrowed language from a "flawed" report by UN High Commissioner of Human Rights.

NATO working on contingency plans for Syria: US commander

WASHINGTON: The top US military commander in Europe said several NATO countries are working on contingency plans for possible military action to end the two-year civil war in Syria as President Bashar Assad's regime accused US-backed Syrian rebels of using chemical weapons. The Obama administration rejected the Assad claim as a sign of desperation by a besieged government intent on drawing attention from its war atrocities, some 70,000 dead, more than 1 million refugees and 2.5 million people internally displaced. A US official said there was no evidence that either Assad forces or the opposition had used chemical weapons in an attack in northern Syria. As the war enters its third year, the US military, State Department officials and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees delivered a dire assessment of a deteriorating situation in Syria and the sober view that even if Assad leaves, the West Asian nation could slip into civil strife similar to the Balkans in the 1990s. NATO has installed Patriot missile defence batteries in southern Turkey along the border with Syria that are also capable of shooting down aircraft. During an exchange with Senator John McCain, a Republican, Stavridis said the Patriots could be positioned in such a way as to shoot down Syrian aircraft, and he indicated that doing so would be a powerful disincentive for pilots to fly in that area. Turkey's leaders have been "very emphatic" that the missiles be used only for defensive purposes, Stavridis said. Stavridis said his personal opinion is that providing military assistance to the Syrian opposition "would be helpful in breaking the deadlock and bringing down the Assad regime." Syria's staterun news agency said 25 people were killed in a chemical attack on the Khan al-Assad village in northern Aleppo province.

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.

164 die in Nigeria boat capsize

ABUJA: At least 164 people have died when a wooden boat capsized off the coast of Nigeria. The boat conveying 166 passengers capsized some 40 nautical miles off Nigerian coast yesterday. The country's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said only two persons survived from the boat. The boat was heading to the Central African country of Gabon from Nigeria's town, Oron in the oil-rich Delta region. The head of NEMA, David Akate said the passengers could be traders.

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.

Egypt offers to set up free economic zone for Indian firms

NEW DELHI: Egypt on Wednesday invited Indian investments in the country, and said it also proposes to establish a free economic zone for Indian companies. "There is also a proposal to establish a free economic zone for the Indian side and to invite the Indian companies to set up their industrial bases in Egypt, promote their products whether in the Egyptian domestic market or the neighboring markets and to take advantage of the commercial arrangements and frames Egypt has with those large markets," Egypt President Mohamed Morsi said at a business meet organized by industry bodies FICCI, CII and Assocham . "I would like to invite Indian companies, businessmen and investors to take advantage of the promising opportunities Egypt offers and to assure that we will provide all required facilities and create the most inducting atmosphere for investment and business practice," he added. Morsi is heading a high-level delegation of ministers and business leaders on a four-day visit to India which began March 18. Morsi said Egypt's location as a bridge between Asia and Africa together with its skilled human resources makes it an attractive business destination for India. Morsi also told the India-Egypt Economic Forum that Egypt aims to double its trade with India in the next few years. India and Egypt Tuesday signed seven agreements, including one for cooperation in micro and small enterprises, to facilitate sharing of information, meetings between enterprises, technology transfers and to provide consultation services to enhance the abilities of business enterprises of both countries. Around 50 Indian companies, including the Sanmar group, Dabur and Kirloskar, are operating in Egypt with a combined investment of roughly $2.5 billion.

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

Page 1_.qxd 3/25/2013 5:56 AM Page 8

STUDENT AGE THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2013

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.

FIFA backs Brazil

BRAZIL: World football governing body FIFA has backed Brazil to have its 2014 World Cup stadiums and infrastructure ready in time despite construction delays. Only two venues are so far ready for the Confederations Cup in June, considered an organizational warm-up for the World Cup, officials said. Rio's Maracana Stadium, which will host the final of both the Confederations Cup and the World Cup, has an April 27 deadline for the completion of re-development work. The venue last week had its playing surface laid but is still awaiting the installation of a fibre glass roof. The six World Cup stadiums that will host the Confederations Cup matches have been given until December to complete.

Vani leads in Hero Golf after Smriti's pullout

PANCHKULA: Delhi golfer Vani Kapoor grabbed the top spot after the second round of the Hero Women's Pro Golf Tour at the Panchkula Golf Club on Wednesday. Vani, who was tied second after the first round, scored a four over 76 to take a three shot lead over the trio of Saaniya Sharma, Neha Tripathi and Gursimar Badwal, who are tied at the second place after the second round of the sixth leg. Vani, who played extremely well in her maiden season as a pro last year, made a strong comeback, carding three birdies on the third, fifth and 14th holes to finish the second day on top with a total score of 154. She had bogeys on the first, second, fourth, sixth, 12th, 15th and 18th. Local girl Saaniya came up with the best score of the day with a two over 74 which propelled her from her overnight tied 10th position to a tied second place. She carded four birdies on the third, 10th, 11th and 16th.

For More Details Contact:

Shamsher (Chief Advisor) Ph:- +91-9419797242, +91-9018192949

Pietersen ruled out of IPL with knee injury

LONDON: Delhi Daredevils suffered a serious set-back on Wednesday after their maverick batsman Kevin Pietersen was ruled out of the IPL with a knee injury. The former England captain experienced knee pain while fielding in preparation for the four-day game in Queenstown earlier this month, ahead of the Test series. This has failed to resolve satisfactorily. England and Surrey batsman Kevin Pietersen has been ruled out of the remaining Tests against New Zealand commencing Friday due to the injury to his right knee. Recent scans confirm an injury to the right knee with bone bruising and possible cartilage damage to the kneecap.

Milan awarded Ph.D in Visual Art State Fencing

JAMMU: Milan Sharma wife of Vikas Khajuria and daughter of Indu Bhushan Sharma has become first female artist from Jammu and Kashmir to be awarded with Degree of Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Visual Art. The degree of Doctorate was presented to this Jammu Instructor of Painting at at Institute of Music and Fine Arts (IMFA) by President of India, Pranab Mukherjee during the convocation that took place at Delhi. She worked on the topic, "Contribution of the Artists to the Art Scenario in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh after 1947," under the guidance of Prof Jai Zharotia, formerly head Department of Painting, Delhi College of Arts, and Delhi University. Milan got inspiration and guidance for her research work from artists of J&K, who have studied Fine Arts from different universities of the country.

meet starts on Thursday

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.

CHIEF-EDITOR, PUBLISHER, OWNER: Rohit Singh Rana, C.E.O.:Pawan Rathore, DY. CHIEF EDITOR : Vikram Singh Shan, Administrative Head J&K: Vikram Singh Bhandari, Bureau Chief Kashmir: Allayee Faizan, LEGAL ADVISOR: Advocate Ashok Parihar PRINTED AT JK PRINTING & PUBLICATIONS, SUJWAN, JAMMU TAWI. For Contributing articles mail us at callme.ranasahib@gmail.com, editor.studentage@gmail.com. For Complaints, Querries or Advertisement Contact us: 0191-2580342.. Address: Sector-12, H.No-12 Nanak Nagar, Jammu (All disputes are subjected to the exclusive jursisdiction of Jammu District courts only.)