Srinagar, June 25: Nation-al Conference on Wednes-day accused Pradesh Con-gress Committee (PCC) President Saifuddin Soz of playing a ‘double role’ in recently held Lok Sabha elections.Talking to KNS, Nazir Gurezi, National Confer-ence leader and minster of State Animal Husband-ry, PHE & Flood Control, said: “Prof Soz has vis-ited Gurez to pat Faqir Mohammad Khan former

MLA and Congress lead-er who had openly boy-cotted NC’s Lok Sabha candidate Sahreef-u-Din Shariq, which means that Prof Soz is involved in appreciating and support-ing the Congress workers who boycotted National Conference candidate and voted for PDP in re-cently held Lok Sabha elections.”Gurezi, said that Prof Soz is appreciating

See NC On PG 11..

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THURSDAY 26 June | 2014 | 27 Shaban, 1435 AH | PAGES 08 | VOL NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 176 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 Paisa)Pen For Justice Largely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&Khttp://www.zabarwantimes.com

WEATHER

TEMPERATUREMAXIMUM MINIMUMSUNSET ON(THURSDAY)SUNRISE ON (FRIDAY) 05:23 AM

07:47 PM 14.9 0C 29.50C

FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:

FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:

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

Edit Page

See More On Pg 09

>>>>> PG 10 >>>>> PG 11 >>>>> PG 10

Tourism is a fast growing industry which offers highest number of jobs in the whole world. It is because of this factor that a lot of importance is being attached to this sector. The most beautiful parts of the world have always been attraction for tourists, travelers, adventurers and lovers of nature. But there are plac-es which the man himself has devel-oped as best tourists place despite the fact that there is no natural beauty as compared to former. The tourism in totality has been revolutionized with innovative concepts

Why are young tourists less inclined towards Kashmir?

J&K on threshold of socio-economic transformation: Rather

Sagar for fast pacing devprojects of Srinagar

Blast destroys office of Naib Tehsildar in Poonch’s Balakote

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Srinagar, June 25: (GNS) Min-ister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit Singh has said that the situation in Kashmir is well un-der control and better than ear-lier.Army’s Srinagar based defence spokesman in a statement is-sued to GNS said that the Min-ister of State for defence arrived at Srinagar on 23 June and vis-ited Chinar Corps Headquarters on 24 Jun where he was given a detailed briefing on the security situation prevailing in the Val-ley. “On 25 June, the Minister paid a special visit to the Chinar Corps War Memorial. A solemn cer-emony was organized wherein the minister paid rich tributes to the martyrs who

See MoS Defence On PG 11..

Haj Pilgrims airfare controversy

Possibility of thunderstorm inthe afternoon. Maximum & Minimum temperatures will be around 29°C & 19°C respectively.

Kashmir situation better than earlier:

MoS Defence

Srinagar, June 25: The direc-torate general of civil aviation has said the Jammu and Kash-mir government can take ini-tiatives if it wants to bring the airfare to a desired level.In its reply to a notice shot by State Human Rights Commis-sion (SHRC) following a peti-tion pleading that as compared to other destinations, hike for travel to Kashmir is totally unfair and by all standards is aimed to scuttle the flow of tourists to the valley, the civil aviation department has put the ball in state government’s court.“The initiative of state govern-ment on reduction of charges

under their control like reduc-tion of VAT on fuel uplifted from within the state, under-writing of seats, etc may bring the airfare to desired level. With regard to responsibilities of Directorate General Civil Aviation (DGCA), it is stated that this office has not been delegated powers to control airfare establishing mecha-nism of airlines,” Lalit Gupta, Joint Director General for di-rector general of civil aviation, has said in his reply to SHRC notice.The civil aviation department has said that the matter (no-tice) has been examined by the department. “Airlines are free

to fix the reasonable tariff un-der the provision of Sub-Rule (1) of Rule 135, Aircraft Rules 1937 having regard to all rele-vant factors, including the cost of operation, characteristics of services, reasonable profit and generally prevailing tariff,” the reply of civil aviation reads. It adds: “The airline pricing runs in multiple levels (buck-ets or RBDs) which is in line with the practice followed globally. The lower rate in the fare bucket is available for advance booking much earli-er. As time lapses and date of journey approaches closer, the fare is higher side of fare buck-et is made available as per the respective airlines policy. Air-lines remain compliant to the regulatory provisions of Rule 135 as long as the fare charged by them does not exceed the fare established and displayed on their website.”The civil aviation department has further replied that with a view to achieve better regula-tion of air transport services and taking into account the need for air transport services of different regions and remote areas within country, Central government has issued policy on regional

See Haj On PG 11..

Civil Aviation minister passes buck on state Govt

‘Prefers silence over social boycott against Muslims’

Srinagar, June 25: The spiritual leader of Bud-dhists Dalai Lama, who is currently on three day visit Zanskar area of Kar-gil district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday called for religious har-mony in the regions but ‘didn’t utter a word over social boycott against Mus-lims’, the local Muslims said.The Zanskar region has seen tensions between the Muslim and Buddhist com-munity since 2012 after 22 ‘low caste’ Buddhist mem-bers converted to Islam in Padam area of the region angering Lamas.In September 2012, the ten-sion snow-balled into com-munal clashes which left

dozens of people injured while many of wounded persons from Muslim com-munity were shifted to SKIMS Soura here in Sri-nagar.This year also, a clash took place on May 9 in which a Muslim youth was injured after being thrashed by a ‘Buddhist mob’.The exiled Buddhist spir-itual leader Dalai Lamai addressed a gathering of Muslim Community at Model Public School Pad-am. While stressing on religious harmony, the Dalai Lama called on both communities to live in peace and avoid clash with each other. “He called for brotherhood and said all religions teach peace and brotherhood,” Fayaz Wani, the president of Muslim Association, told GNS over phone.Dalai Lama was in-vited by local

See Lama On PG 11..

Dalai Lama calls for ‘religious harmony’

‘My statement was not record-ed, probe was a formality’: Lady

ComplainantSrinagar, June 25, CNS: A day after Health Minister Taj Mohiuddin claimed that molestation charges levelled against Director Health and other officials have proved baseless, the lady complainant Wednesday said that Minister, and some top Health officials utilized all their resources to save the ‘tainted’ Director Health Kashmir. “When I reached Civil Secretariat to record my detailed statement be-fore the Commissioner

Secretary Health, I was asked to go home with the plea that I don’t need to utter anything. That time all the close aides of Director Health Kashmir were present in the office chamber of Commission-er Secretary Health,” lady complainant from South Kashmir Firdousa Akhtar told CNS adding that no stone was left unturned to save the ac-cused Director. She said that the CCTV footage shows when, “I entered and left from the Directorate of Health of-fice but there is no CCTV footage of the office cham-bers of Chief Accounts Officer (CAO) where the Director assaulted me,” she said. “The Director had claimed that there were number of persons

See Case On PG 11..

Minister, aides saved Director Health

NC- Congress on warpath

Srinagar, Jun 25: Two days after a youth was killed during the firing at North Kashmir’s Sopore and area con-tinued to reel under the continuous cur-few for the 2nd consecutive day, the au-thorities on Wednesday gave relaxation in the curfew.Talking to KNS, SP Sopore Abdul Qa-yoom stated that relaxation in the cur-few has been given, keeping in view the ground situation after two days. He stat-ed that the police will monitor the situ-ation for the night and that the future course of action shall be taken accord-ingly on Thursday morning. According to the KNS north Kashmir correspondent, authorities on Wednes-day had earlier imposed curfew like restrictions in Kashmir’s apple town to thwart any protest demonstration and ‘unlawful’ activities.Reports maintained that concertina wires and barricades were put in place at various points of the area with sever-al streets sealed by the authorities.Huge deployment of police and other paramilitary forces was made in the region with the inner streets and main roads wearing deserted look. Pertinently, a youth was killed and four others were injured on June 23 when security forces allegedly opened fire to disperse a protest rally following an

encounter in Sopore town of Baramulla district.A senior police officer had told KNS that group of youth had started pelting stones at security forces, who returning from Krankishivan Colony of Sopore after accomplishing an counter insur-gency operation in which a top Lash-kar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant outfit was killed.DIG North Kashmir Range Ghulam Hassan Bhat told KNS that the situa-tion remained peaceful in Sopore and any decision on relaxation in curfew tomorrow will be taken only after as-sessing the situation.Security forces had later allegedly opened fire to disperse the protesting youth, resulting in injuries to five of them, the sources said. They said one of the injured, Arshad Ahmad Shah son of Abdul Aziz Shah resident of Naseem Bagh succumbed to injuries while being taken to a hospital. Rest of the four who sustained injuries in the firing have been identified as Naseer Ahmad beigh son of Ghulam Mohiuddin a resident of Jamia Kadeem, Shahid Ah-mad son of Kasim Ahangar a resident of Naseem Bagh, Ilyas Shalla son of At-taullah Shalla resident of Shalpora and Abid Gojri resident of Sopore. The situ-ation in the area is tense as more people

have taken to streets in protest against the killing.Authorities have imposed a strict cur-few in Sopore Wednesday for second consecutive day following killing of a youth on Monday while four others were injured. Reports said that troops have blocked roads with wooden poles and concertina wires to foil any protest march. (KNS)

Future course of action to be taken after accessing ground situation: DIG North Kashmir

Srinagar, June 25: The Jam-mu Kashmir Press Association conducted Election at Khidmat Complex on Wednesday, June 25, 2014 where seventy one Members hailing from Jammu, Chenab Val-ley and Kashmir participated and exercised their franchise. Ghulam Hassan Kaloo, Editor Mirror of Kashmir, Zahoor Ahmad Shora, Editor Roshni and Muhammad Iqbal Wani, Editor Iqbal-e- Kash-mir got elected as President, Secretary General and Organizer respectively unopposed. Ashiq Hussain Mir, Editor Vyeth was elected as Finance Secretary after securing 49 votes out of 71 cast by the Members today. It is worth mentioning that the Executive Body of the JKPA de-cided to go to polls after constitut-ing Election

See JKPA On PG 11..

JKPA holds election, elects office bearers

Srinagar, Jun 25: Two days after a youth in North Kashmir’s Sopore area was killed in a fir-ing incident, the sepa-ratist leadership here continues to remain un-der house arrest on the second consecutive day.According to the re-ports received by KNS, most of the separatist leaders continue to remain under house confinement days after they issued a strike call against the killing of a 28 yearSee Arrest On PG 11..

Separatist leaders continue to remain under

house arrest

Srinagar, Jun 25 : Expressing serious concern over the rising menace of corruption in Jam-mu and Kashmir, agriculture minister Ghulam Hassan Mir and senior NC leader Dr Shiekh Mustafa Kamal Wednesday stated that serious efforts must be initiated to put an end to the crises that could damage the foundations of the society.According to the reports re-ceived by KNS, the seminar was organized by Al-Huda College of education in association with the media association Pattan. Addressing the seminar, Ghu-lam Hassan Mir, the minister for agriculture said that the society needs to go for self in-trospection and also the me-dia has a pivotal role to play in curbing the corruption menace in the state. Mir said that both people and the government have an equal role in to play to put an end to the corruption. The seminar titled Corruption and the role of citizens in erad-

icating the menace witnessed the participation of agriculture minister Ghulam Hassan Mir and senior NC leader Dr Shiekh Mustafa Kamal besides various police and civil authorities.Besides Islamic scholar Dr Na-zir the PDP chief coordinator Shahzad Asim was also pres-ent during the occasion. Others who spoke during the occasion include DIG North Ghulam Hassan Bhat who gave patient hearing to the questions posed to him by the students. He stat-ed that there must be the seri-ous efforts from the youth so that corruption could be erad-icated. He stated that there are formal laws against the corrup-tion in the state and that peo-ple must raise voice wherever if one is found nourishing the menace. SSP Baramulla Suhail Mir, senior Journalist Qaramat Qayoom, KNS Baramulla bu-reau Chief Lateef Ahmad Bhat, KMN bureau chief Rahi Nissar. (KNS)

Corruption problem

NC accuses Soz of playing double role during

Lok Sabah elections

Curfew relaxed in Sopore

Baramulla, June 25 (KNS): The Dis-trict Magistrate, Baramulla, Dr. Farooq Ahmed Lone, who has been appointed as enquiry officer into the killing of a civilian at Sopore on June 23, 2014, has notified that any person having any knowledge about the said firing incident can depose before him June 26 to June 30, 2014 from 2 pm on-wards in his office at Baramulla. Ac-cording to a notice, issued today, the depositions can be made orally or in the form of written affidavits. It may be recalled the Government consti-tuted an enquiry committee

See Enquiry On PG 11..

Enquiry officer to record statements from

June 26 to June 30

Kotranka-Chasana, June 25 (KNS): Patron of the Peoples Democratic Par-ty (PDP), Mufti Moham-mad Sayeed today said that PDP’s model of gov-ernance is best suited for the state of Jammu and Kashmir. He reminded that PDP, during its ten-ure of just three years, had proved how to pro-vide corruption free gov-ernance to the people by bringing total transpar-ency and accountability in the functioning of the government.According to a statement issued to KNS, while ad-dressing impressive pub-lic meetings at Kotranka in Darhal assembly seg-ment and Chasana in Gu-labgarh segment, Mufti said that policies and pro-grammes of PDP were for-mulated by incorporating wishes and aspirations of all sections of the society. “Those who are talking, these days, about mod-el of governance should keep in mind that PDP, during its short span of just three years, had set an example of good gov-

ernance wherein every individual were provided with the equal opportu-nity of growth and devel-opment”, he said, adding, “during its tenure PDP had carved out a path of peace and equitable de-velopment and model of governance implemented

by the party is best in all aspects”Recalling the pre-2002 sit-uation, Mufti reminded that gathering that there was total chaos, anarchy, and rampant corruption and the atmosphere of uncertainty and insecu-rity had gripped the State when PDP led coalition government was formed. “Through its

See Mufti On PG 11..

PDP’s model of governance is best suited for J&K: Mufti

>>>> Molestation case >>>>Mir, Kamal speak in

same tune

Children enjoying swimming in world famous Dal Lake in Srinagar on Wednesday

07 Srinagar, Thursday 26 June 2014 Zabarwan Times

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

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Owner , Printer & Publisher: Suhail Malik Editor -in-Chief: Shahana Malik Legal Advisor: Syed Riyaz Hussain RNI NO. JKBII/2011/39764, Email: zabarwantimes@gmail.com Publised at Govt. Quarters , M-13 Magarmal Bagh Srinagar-190001 J&K, Printed at:- Sangarmal Offset Press Humhama Sheikhpora Tele/Fax: 2478370 Cell No. 09999964750, 9796 787844

FRESH NOTICE INVITING E- TENDERSE-NIT NO:- CEJ/PMGSY/276 OF 2014-15 DATED : 17-06-2014

hief Engineer PMGSY (JKRRDA) Jammu on behalf of the Government of J&K state, invites Fresh e-tenders on item rate basis from approved and eligiblecontractors registered with J&K state govt, CPWD, Railways or equilvant and other state Govt up to 2:00 Pm on 09-07-2014 for each the following works includingDefect Liability & maintenance period of five year after construction.

PMGSY is fully funded by the Ministry of Rural Development Government of India (Except for maintenance part to be borne by the state Government) Estimated cost

S. Name of work/Package No Name of (Rs in Lacs) Cost of Earnest Time Time andNo Division documents money Allowed date of

(Rs in lacs) (Rs in lacs) for openingcompletion of tender

1 Construction and maintenance of road 46.58 2.80 49.38 0.060 0.99 09 Months 2ndfrom channel to pardhay, package NoJK14-333, phase vill stage ii Black MajaltaDiswtrict Udhampur

2 Construction and maintenance of road 432.05 25.92 459.95 0.060 9.16 12 months 2ndfrom Black Boundary Ghardi to kotwaliStage iind Package No JK14-205 phasevill Black Ramnagar District udhampur

3 Construction and maintenance of three 234.27 14.06 248.33 0.060 4.97 09 Months 5throads: (i) Dhar road laray to sumalPackage No JK14-335 stage ii Black Majaltaphase vill District Udhampur(ii)Nakki toAmwara package no jk14-336 phase villstage ii Black majalta District Udhmpur(iii) Dhar road to also package No jk14-337phase Viii stage ii black majalla districtUdhampur

4 Construction and maintenance of road 426.32 25.58 451.90 0.060 9.04 12 Months 5thfrom Dhar road Sonlote to Garh Samnabanipackage No JK14-248 phase vill stage II blackDudu District Udhampur

5 Construction and maintenance of road 129.24 7.75 136.99 0.060 2.74 09 Months 5thfrom Kaghole to lerhi Shumb package NoJK14-243 phase vill stage ii Black RamnagarDistrict Udhampur

6 Construction and maintenance of road 208.9 12.33 221.43 0.060 4.43 09 Months 5thfrom plassion to punger package No JK14-242 phase viii stage ii Block RamnagarDistrict Udhmpur

7 Construction and maintainance of road 303.38 18.20 321.58 0.060 6.43 12 Months 7thfrom Kamlana to Banjan Black Dude phasevill stage IInd package no JK14 247 DistrictUdhampur

8 Construction and maintenance of road 188.68 11.32 200.00 0.060 4.00 09 Months 7thfrom Sullian to kela Black Ramnagar phaseviii stage IInd package No jk14 328 districtUdhampur

9 Construction and maintenance of road 341.53 20.49 362.02 0.060 7.24 12 Months 7thfrom Sunatar khas to Dhanwalth BlackRamnagar phase viii stage iind package NoJK14 351 District Udhampur

10 Construction and maintenance of two no 332.29 19.94 352.23 0.060 7.04 12 Months 13throads:- i) Lange to Marta Rashela packageno JK14-195 ii) Dalhar to Amrah packageNo Jk14-201 Black Ramnagar phase viistage II District Udhampur

11 Construction ans maintenance of road from 128.06 7.68 135.74 0.060 2.71 09 months 7thSannabanj to Sanal black Dudu phase viii NoJK14-325 District Udhampur

12 Construction and maintenance of balance 272.02 17.38 289.40 0.060 5.78 09 Months 7thwork of road from Kangloo to PachaundBlack Dudu phase vi stage lInd package noJK14-88 District Udhampur

13 Construction and maintenance of road from 208.96 12.53 221.49 0.060 4.43 09 Months 7thTrilla Sunetar to Kotheel Ganjoo BlackRamnagar phase viii stage iind package noJK14-241District Udhampur

14 Construction and maintenance of road from 332.00 19.92 351.92 0.060 7.04 12 Months 7thLehri Shumb to Khein Black Ramnagarphase viiii stage IInd package no JK14-327District udhampur

15 Construction and maintenance of two roads;- 216.15 12.97 229.12 0.060 4.58 09 Months 7th(i)Plassion to Darwala package no jk14-244phase vii stage ii Black Ramnagar Districtudhampur (ii) Rang to Bland package no jk14-326 phase viii stage IInd Black RamnagarDistrict udhampur

16 Construction and maintenance of road from 251.61 15.09 266.70 0.060 5.33 09 months 7thplassain to Rung Black Ramnagar phase villstage Ramnagar phase vill stage IInd packageNo JK14-321 District Udhampur

17 Construction and maintenance of balance 136.93 9.62 146.55 0.060 2.93 09 Months 7thwork of road from plassain to Balnsta BlackRamnagar phase vi stage IInd package NoJK14-89 District Udhampur

18 Construction and maintenance of road 639.46 38.36 677.82 0.060 13.55 15 Months 2ndkulwanta to Bari Ladane package No JK14-206 phase viii stage ii Black Ramnagar District Udhampur

19 Construction and maintenance of road 434.54 26.07 460.61 0.060 9.21 12 months 2ndKulwanta black boundary Ramnagar tooffer -I package No JK14-246 phase viiistage ii Black dude District Udhampur

20 Construction and maintenance of road 138.75 8.32 147.07 0.060 2.94 09 Months 2ndDhar road to Kalmah package No JK14-340 phase viii stage ii Black MajaltaDistrict UdhampurAny registered contractor/Hot Mix plant Holder with state PWD/CPWD Railways or equivalent qualifying eligibility critical as provided in the standard bidding

document can tender for the works The bidding document can be download from the website http://pmgsytendersjk.gov.in from 06:55 Pm on 23-06-2014 to 09-07-2014 (5.00 PM)

2 The bids shall be deposited in electronic format on the website http://pmgsytendersjk.gov.in from 05.00 Pm on 26 -6-2014 to 2.00 Pm on 09-07-2014 The bid receivedwill be opened at 10.00 AM on 12-07-2014 If the office happens to be closed on the date of opening of the bids as specified the bids will be opened on the next workingday at the same time and venue.

2 b The complete bidding process will be online2c A Pre bid meeting will be held on 26-06-2014 ef.12.00 Noon in the office of chief Engineer PMGSY (JKRRDA) Jammu to clarify the issues and to answer questions

on any matter that may be raised at that stage as started in clause 9 instruction to bidder of the bidding documents3 important note: Any information provided on the formate other than those prescribed in the section 3 of SBD shall not be accepted and the bid shall be treated

non responsive out rightly.4 It is for the information of all the prospective bidders that all firms /companies engaged in civil construction works shall enter into the tendering process only

through their Managing Director or Directors or General managers or Proprietor or partner of their firm forming part of their establishment (s) no private partycan be nominated as their authority signatory for entering into any contact of PMGSY works

5 For further complete details identity visit our website http://pmgsytendersjk.gov.in Sd/- Chief Engineer PMGSY (JJRRDA) Jammu

Signature and Designation at the authority inviting tendersDIPK No 2493 For and on behalf of the Governor J&K state

GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU & KASHMIR,OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ENGINEER PMGSY (JKRRDA) JAMMU

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and remote areas connectivity vide order number AV 1303/34/2012-DT dated March 4, 2014. “With regard to control on airfare, it is stated that state governments are important stake holders.” On April 17, the SHRC issued notices asking director civil aviation Safdar-jung, Station Airport New Delhi and all in-charges of airline companies operating in Jammu and Kashmir sector including Indigo, Spice-jet, Air India, Go-Air, Jet Airways to file their respective reports on an un-precedented airfare hike. In his complainant filed by M. M. Shuja General Secretary Peoples Forum has projected grievances regarding hike in the airfare by airline companies operating in Jammu and Kash-mir sector saying that the general public as well as travel associations have also highlighted the matter. “The contents of the complaint reveal that tourism in Kashmir valley has got adversely affected by this unbridled hike,” the order passed by the SHRC reads. (KNS)

the congress workers who voted against national Conference candidate in north Kashmir. “It is now open that Prof Soz is involved in cross voting against NC candidate. He had disowned Faqir Khan and now he is receiving that person warmly. Soz Saheb is on record to distance himself from the statement of Faqir Khan in which he had said that he will boycott NC Lok Sabha candidate in Gurez.”The NC minister said that he is not sure about Prof Soz’s clandestine support to Congress workers for supporting PDP candidates but in Gurez: “The way he (Prof Soz) has now received Faqir Khan shows that Prof Soz had two faces in the recently concluded Lok Sabah elections.”It may be recalled that on March 23, Faqir Moham-mad Khan had announced a complete boycott of Sha-reef-u-Din Shariq, the coalition candidate who lost the recently held Lok Sabha elections from North Kashmir. Talking to KNS, Khan had said: “The Con-gress workers here have decided to go for a complete boycott of National Conference candidate as the coa-lition government has failed us on every front.” He had alleged that the National Conference led coali-tion government has benefited only NC workers and the Congress cadres have been left high and dry. “Our (Congress) workers have been ignored and neglected by this coalition government to the hilt,” he said, add-ing that the Lok Sabha elections would witness a com-plete boycott of the NC candidate from Baramulla Lok Sabah constituency. However, when contacted Prof Saifuddin Soz had told KNS that that Khan’s opinion was his personal and the Congress had nothing to do with it. “I am sorting out such statements. It can be an individual statement. We are duty bound to sup-port our coalition partner in the three seats of Kash-mir valley as they will do it for us in the three seats of Jammu and Ladakh.” Soz had told KNS on March 23. “I am thankful to the National Conference for its whole hearted support to our candidates. We have to go together and there is no question of not supporting the NC candidates in the three seats of Valley,” Soz had told KNS.

youth Arshad Ahmad Shah.The reports maintained that as the situation in the summer capital turned normal after three days, the authorities here didn’t lift the restrictions imposed earlier on the pro-freedom camp.The senior Hurriyat Conference (G) leaders including Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai, Altaf Ahmad Shah, Ayaz Akbar and Peer Saifulllah remained under house arrest. Also the deployment continues to remain in force outside the residence of the senior separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani. The police sources told KNS that the separatist leaders will continue to remain un-der house arrest till the charum of the slain youth of Sopore is observed. (KNS)

comprising District Magistrate Baramulla to ascer-tain the factual position with respect to the causes and circumstances of the firing incident that took place in Krankshivan, Sopore on June 23, 2014 lead-ing to the death of one civilian, Arshad Ahmad Shah S/O Abdul Aziz Shah R/O Naseem Bagh, Sopore and injuries to four other persons. (KNS)

conviction and vision, PDP led government had cre-ated sense of security among residents of Jammu and Kashmir”, Mufti recalled and mentioned that PDP led regime had simultaneously pursued the agenda of development, peace and reconciliation in the State and restored dignity and honour of the people. “We, through our convictions, had changed mindset of the BJP leadership and convinced the then NDA govern-ment at the Centre to take concrete steps to restore peace in J&K and to normalize relations with Paki-stan”, he said. Mufti, however, regretted that present regime headed by National Conference has derailed the process of peace and development in the State. “It is very unfortunate that the present regime has failed to carry forward the agenda of peace initiated by the previous PDP led regime”, he said Mufti further point-ed out that that PDP led coalition regime had laid a foundation of mutual trust and confidence among in-habitants of different regions and sub-regions of the State. PDP patron further observed that present regime has also failed to carry forward the agenda of devel-opment initiated by the previous PDP led regime. He said that on the one hand corruption has been crossed all limits in the state while on the other hand system has completely been collapsed in the State.Reiterating his resolve to pursue the agenda of peace and development, he said,“in the state of Jammu and Kashmir PDP’s model of governance is best suited to address aspirations of all regions and sub-regions”. PDP patron, while assuring to formulate a compre-hensive policy for the development of backward ar-eas, said that this region has huge potential of horti-culture. “There is a need to give special focus to this region to exploit horticulture potential”, he said and assured that PDP would utilize services of experts to develop this region as hub of horticultural activities especially in growing walnuts and related products. Yash Pal Sharma, MLC, Choudhary Zulfikar, MLA Budhal, Basharat Bukhari, MLA, Sangrama, Qayoom Dar, district president, Ashad Bari Shah, candidate

Kalakote, Shafiq Choudhary, Ch Ali Mohammad, Shamima Akthar, Abdul Rashid Trabi, Mushi Alam Din, Sardar Chouhan, Mohammad Shafi, Arshad Malik, Adv Sarwar Mir, Mohammad Isreal, A R Wani, Farooq Inqulabi, Mushtaq, Sheikh Altaf, Ai-jaz Magrey, Abdul Rashid, Haji Mohammad Sharief, Haji Mohammad Gani Shah, Haji Mohammad Gani Sheikh, Abdul Rashid and others also spoke on the occasions. During the public meeting at Kotranka Kabir Malik, retired ADC, Naseem Malik, retired DC and Aijaz Mirza joined PDP. At Chasana, prom-inent Congress leader advocate Shafiq ur Rehman along with hundreds of his supporters joined PDP. Prominent among those who joined PDP along with Shafiq ur Rehman included Haji Abdul Rashid Khan, Kapoor Singh, Ali Mohammad Malik, Sheikh Mo-hammad, Bashir Ahmed Bhat, Tanyat Singh, Nazir Ahmed, Abdul Rashid Khan, Nazir Ahmed Bhat, Qa-mir Din, Farooq Ahmed and others.

Muslim groups, a resident told GNS.Fayaz said they also presented a memorandum to Dalai Lama in which they mentioned the ‘hardships Muslim community is facing since 2012 at the hands of Buddhist community in the region’.He, however, expressed his displeasure over Dalai Lama’s silence over ‘social boycott’ against Mus-lims.“He did not utter a single word over it. Though we were expecting that he would also speak over it,” he said, adding: “In memorandum, we had also men-tioned the issue of social boycott against us’.“His Holiness Dalai Lama today addressed Muslim community. He spoke over the unity and appealed both the communities to live peacefully,” Muham-mad Shafi, a local government teacher, told GNS over phone. “However,” Shafi said, “He was silent over social boycott against Muslims.”The local Muslim population has been saying that since 2012, Buddhist community has enforced social boycott against them.The Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Zanskar, Feroz Ahmad Khan, while talking to GNS said he also met Dalai Lama and apprised him about the situation. “I told him to play role in normalizing situation and I also told him about the issue of so-cial boycott,” he said.Fayaz, like many other Muslim community mem-bers, is hopeful that ‘hardships which Muslims are facing’ would end after Dalai Lama’s visit.“He told us that he has conveyed to Buddhists to maintain peace,” Fayaz said. (GNS)

present in his office chamber when I met her, but he did not mention that the meeting between us took place at CAO’s chamber. I demanded to check the CCTV footage of that office and truth will come to fore,” the lady complainant told CNS. The Staff Nurse further added that it was true that I met the Director Health in presence of many persons, but the fact is that he directed me to wait outside. “When I came out from bathroom he was coming down from stairs. As he saw me, he asked me to wait for him in the CAO’s office where no-body was present,” she said adding that there is not an iota of doubt that the accused used his influence to impress upon the higher officials to prove him innocent. She accused Health Minister of saving the Direc-tor Health and said that it was inappropriate on part of Health Minister to tell her that, ‘keep your history with you, I know everything.’ “How and why before the completion of the probe the Health Minister termed the allegations baseless while the Director mislead the media,” she said adding that if inquiry would have been fair then her detailed statement could have recorded in an appropriate man-ner. (CNS)

have laid their lives defending the Nation”, the statement said, adding that “Senior Army officers posted in the Badami Bagh Canton-ment were present during the ceremony”. The visit of the minister assumes importance as it comes close to the recent visit of defence Minister to the Valley, the statement said. “When asked regarding the prevailing secu-rity situation in Valley, Inderjit Singh con-veyed that the situation is well under con-trol and better than earlier. Commending the Security Forces, the Minister said that the present situation is due to the efforts and restraint shown by the Security Forces who have ensured that the situation does not out of bounds”, the statement added. (GNS)

Authority with G.N. Noorani as its Chairman and as-sisted by Mukhtar Ahmad Wani, Editor Nigran and Ghulam Rasool of Kashmir Rays. The Elec-tion Authority issued a proper Notification on June 16, 2014 with detailed conditions and gave a wide publicity to ensure full participation of the registered members. Two members name-ly Vajeeh Ahmad Andrabi and Tariq Mohidin had also filed forms for the post of Secretary General, but later withdrew from the contest, thereby leaving Zahoor Ahmad Shora alone for the post. The JKPA had conducted Election in December, 2010 when it was Kashmir Press Associa-tion and later re-designated as JK Press Association when Mediamen from Jammu and Chenab Valley also joined it.

Poonch, June 25: The office of a senior revenue official was de-stroyed in an explosion in border district of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir, official sources told GNS on Wednesday. Official sources told GNS that last night at around 1:15 am, a powerful explosion, apparently triggered by an Improvised Ex-plosive Device (IED) rocked the office of Naib Tehsildar Assistant Collector First Class Bhimber Gali (BG) Balakote located at BG Dhargalol in Mendhar Tehsil of the district.“The blast completely destroyed the one storey building compris-ing of four rooms while the of-ficial record has also been lost. It was intense and created fear among residents,” witnesses and locals told GNS.The charge of the Naib Tehsildar post was vacant since more than two months while Aftab Ahmad Shah, who is Naib Tehsildar Mendhar, had been given addi-tional charge of the post, official sources said.They said Qazi Muneer was ap-pointed yesterday for the vacant post and he was scheduled to join duty today on Wednesday.Besides, two fourth class employ-ees Amjad Naseer and Talib Hus-sain are working in the office, which has been completely de-

stroyed now.To take stock of the situation, the senior civil, police and army officials rushed to the spot. The officials include Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Mendhar Surrendar Chowdhary, Sub-Dis-trict Magistrate (SDM) Ramesh Kumar, Tehsildar Mendhar Mu-hammad Rafiq Shah, Naib Te-hsildar Mendhar, Aftab Ahmad Shah, Commander Officer 37 RR Colonel Satindra Singh, Colo-

nel KP Mishra of 49 RR, Deputy Commander 13 Sector Colonel T C Malhotra and 120 Brigade Com-mander.Interestingly, the camp of army’s 120 TA unit camp is around 100 meters away from the Naib Te-hsildar Office.Meanwhile, the police have start-ed investigations in this regard and have detained Talib Hussain, an employee, for questioning, offi-cial sources said. (GNS)

Blast destroys office of Naib Tehsildar in Poonch’s Balakote

Daily ZABARWAN TIMES NEWS SRINAGAR | THURSDAY 26. 06 .2014

Conducts extensive tour

of Eidgah constituency SRINAGAR, JUNE 25:

Speaker, Jammu and Kash-mir Legislative Assembly Mr. Mubarak Gul today maintained that the Gov-ernment is committed to ensuring speedy overall development of the State by undertaking different schemes in R&B, PHE, PDD, SMC etc

The Speaker was inter-acting with officers and people of different areas during his extensive tour of the Eidgah Constituency.

Mr. Gul said that the Government has launched

several welfare schemes for upliftment and improv-ing the living standards of weaker sections of the so-ciety. He sought peoples’ cooperation for implement-ing these programmes and policies of the Government on ground.

Mr. Gul inspected pace of progress on several under execution projects, taken up under core sectors for im-proving basic facilities in the area. He instructed the con-cerned Engineers and Offi-cers to ensure use of quality material and judicious utili-zation of funds for creating durable infrastructure.

Interacting with the people, he assured them that their genuine individ-ual problems and develop-mental needs would be got redressed from concerned

Departments as early as possible.

During the tour, the Speaker also addressed se-ries of public meetings in the area. He said that the present Government has given focused attention to-wards the all-round devel-opment of the State adding that keen attention was given to expand education, health, road connectivity, drinking water and power supply facilities in all the re-gions of the State.

Referring to the develop-mental works under execu-tion in the area, the Speaker said that the construction work on various develop-mental works under differ-ent sectors is apace and on completion of these projects it will change the develop-mental scenario of the area.

SRINAGAR, JUNE 25: Asking the officers to fast pace various devel-opment projects undertaken for the comprehensive and sustained devel-opment of Srinagar, the Minister for rural Development and Panchayats Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar has said that the same is necessary for ensur-ing timely completion of these pro-grammes.

The Minister was interacting with officers during his extensive tour of Srinagar city to get first hand in-formation about implementation and status of various programmes undertaken under different sectors like Housing, R&B, PHE, PDD, SMC, etc he was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mr. Farooq Ahmed Shah, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Dr. G. N. Qa-sba, Managing Director JKHB, Mr. Rampaul, Chief Engineer R&B, Mr. Bi-mal Tickoo and other senior officers of PDD, JKPCC.

The Minister directed MD Hous-ing Board to develop the areas in the vicinity of the prestigious cable car project and ensure that they are developed into leisure parks for the general convenience of the people living in the area. He said that the government has undertaken a com-prehensive programme for devel-oping the area around the revered shrine on the heritage pattern and Naggar-Nagar Project is an initiative in this regard.

Mr. Sagar also inspected the pace of work on the community hall being constructed at Makhdoom Sahib and asked for the early completion of the same. He said that it would go a long way in providing the much requisite assets to the people of the locality and catchment area for celebrating their social functions.

The Minister also inspected the pace of work on the prestigious KZP and SMS road projects and directed

the officers to speed up the pace of work on the same as it is one of the important initiatives undertaken by the Government for regulating the traffic movement in the Srinagar city. He said that the adequate com-pensation should be provided to the persons whose properties have been acquired for carrying out road wid-ening and other related things.

Mr. Sagar also directed for speeding up of leftover restoration work of the revered shrine of Dasti-gir Sahib (RA) and said the due care should be taken to ensure its time bound completion. He said that the requisite funds have already been placed at the disposal of the execut-ing agencies.

Minister also inspected the work on the expansion project of the Naqa-shband Sahib Shrine and directed for its early completion. He said that the acquisition if necessary should also be done.

SRINAGAR, JUNE 25: Describing the engineers as backbone of the so-ciety, Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Mr Sham Lal Sharma has said that they have significant

role for developing the infrastructure of the State.

This was stated by the Minister while interacting with the delega-tion of All J&K in service Diploma En-gineers Association here today. The delegation led by its President Mr.

Gulal Ahmad Shah projected their several demands before the Minister, which include promotion of Junior Engineer (Diploma) against newly created 272 posts of Assistant Engi-

neers, maintenance of cadre strength as per prevailing rules and filling of vacant posts of Assistant Executive Engineers and Executive Engineers of Diploma cadre and release of Ju-nior Engineer grade-I upto Septem-ber, 2011 (back log).Mr Sham Lal said

the Government is aware about their genuine problems and assured for their early redressal.

Another deputation from Payer, Pulwama led by Namberdar, Ghulam

Mohammad also met the Minister to project their demands includ-ing Irrigation, restora-tion of local canal and other irrigation related facilities.

Several other depu-tations from different areas of the State also met the Minister and put forth their local demands before the Minister.

The Minister gave patient hearing to the deputationists and in-dividuals and said that he will take up the is-

sues with the appropriate authorities for their immediate redressal.Chief Engineer, PHE, Irrigation and flood Control, Kashmir, Mir Javed Jaffer and other senior officer of concerned department were also present on the occasion.

SRINAGAR, JUNE 25: State of Jammu & Kashmir has wit-nessed a huge inflow of tourists, which has thrown out new business opportunities in the hither to untouched areas.

A number of Handicrafts business establishments have come up along the road side from Narbal to Tangmarg tourist area, where tourists are visiting to purchase genuine handi-crafts made by Kashmiri artisans.

In order to ensure that these establishments are running their businesses in conformity to the J&K Tourist Trade Act 1978 and also to safeguard the interests of tourists visiting the state, an enforcement team of Directorate of Handicrafts conducted surprise inspection of Handicrafts Showrooms in Narbal, Chichlora, Waripora, Kunzar, Dhobiwan, Nishat and Shalimar tourist areas.

During the course of inspection, it was found that some of the handicrafts business establishments are violating the norms of the above said Act. On spot fine was imposed on the erring dealers and an amount of Rs 11,000/-was realized as fine.It has been impressed upon all the handicrafts deal-ers that their businesses shall fall within the ambit of J&K Tourist Trade Act 1978, as per which it is mandatory for them to acquire a valid Tourist Trade Registration Certificate from Directorate of Handicrafts. The dealers should refrain from indulging in any kind of malpractice which includes cheat-ing, dishonesty, touting, impersonation, charging exorbitant prices, failure to display price on the labels, failure to give cash memo’s etc. The inspection teams are closely monitoring all such business activities and action as warranted under J&K Tourist Trade Act, 1978 shall be initiated against defaulters.

Reviews the functioning of Co-operative Societies on

groundBUDGAM, JUNE 25:

Secretary to Government, Cooperative Department Mr. R.K. Koul today visited the office of Deputy Reg-istrar Co-operative Societ-ies Budgam and District Audit Officer, Co-operative Societies District Budgam to take stock of different activities and review the functioning of the Co-op-erative Societies.

The Secretary empha-sized the need of reener-gizing the cooperative sec-tor in the district, so that the benefit of the schemes

reaches the rural masses. On the occasion,

the Deputy Registrar Coop-erative Societies Budgam gave a detailed account of the activities and progress of the department during previous fiscal. It was given out in the review meet-ing that the total number of functional Co-operative Societies in the district is 102 and the quantum of funds released for poul-try sector through NCDC was Rs. 4.03 crores during 2013-14. The total business turnover was Rs. 20.57 crores which includes sale of fertilizers also. It was also disclosed in the meet-ing that 24 lakhs litres of kerosene oil was supplied to the consumers in the district through co-opera-tive sector during previous financial year.

Later, the Secretary also visited various Co-op-

erative Societies including Nidah Poultry Co-oper-ative Marketing Society Ichkote, Wolliona Poultry Co-Operative Marketing Society Ltd. Wolliona Ich-gam, Gousia Co-operative Educational Institute Pan-zan, Wagam Poultry Co-operative Marketing Soci-ety Wagam Chadoora, sale and service Co-operative Society Chadoora of the district and asked for mak-ing these societies more vibrant.

Among others, Ad-ditional Registrar Coop-erative Societies, Kashmir, Deputy Registrar Co-op-erative Societies, Kashmir, Deputy Registrar Coop-erative Societies, Budgam, District Audit Officer Coop-erative Societies, Budgam and Assistant Registrar Co-operative Societies Bud-gam and the field staff of the department attended.

Govt committed to ensure speedy dev of State: Gul

Sagar for fast pacing dev projects of Srinagar

Deputations calls on PHE Minister Rs. 11,000 realized from erring handicraft traders

Secretary Co-operative department visits Budgam

Releases Rs 1.20 cr out of CDF for accelerating dev tempo in Chrar

SRINAGAR JUNE-25- Assert-ing that J&K is on the threshold of a far reaching socio-economic transformation, the Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, Mr Abdul Rahim Rather today said developmental tempo has been further accelerated in the nock and corner of the State. He said an amount of about Rs 1.20 crore has been released out of his Constitu-ency Development Fund (CDF) to give impetus to the development works in various areas of Chrar-i-Sharief Constituency with special emphasis on improving power supply, upgradation of roads, lane and community centres.Address-ing a public gathering compris-ing senior citizens and gross root functionaries at his official resi-

dence Tuslibagh Srinagar today. He said an amount of about Rs 1.20 crore has been released out of his Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to give impetus to the development works in various areas of Chrar-i-Sharief Constitu-ency with special emphasis on improving power supply, upgra-dation of roads, lane and commu-nity centres.Addressing a public gathering comprising senior citi-zens and gross root functionaries at his official residence Tuslibagh Srinagar today, Mr. Rather said that in order to bring green revo-lution in the upper belt of Charar-i-Sharief constituency, the Arzan Garzan Irrigation Dam will be re-vived at a cost of Rs. 30 crore. He said two new Receiving Station at Nowpora and Pakherpora will also be set up to further improve power supply in the constituency adding that work on reconstruc-tion of Maharaja road from Chow-dhary Gund to Buzgoo-Nilnag has been expedited at a cost of Rs. 6.50 crore. The road on completion

will give boost to tourism activi-ties in the area.Cautioning about the machinations of the political opponents, Mr. Rather asked the people not to get swayed by their baseless propaganda about the present government adding that the state has witnessed a golden era of development during the five and half year of the present government. He asked the people to be united and defeat nefarious designs of the opposition parties who want to grab the power by un-leashing falsehood and deceit.

“They will come in different guises before you to exploits your sentiments but we should not get mislead by their false propaganda”, Mr. Rather cautioned. He said op-position is so desperate that they are trying to polarize the society on regional and religion basis not withstanding that fact that it was against the rich secular traditions of the state. He said J&K is a single entity and any conspiracy to dis-integrate it would be fraught with full might.

BANDIPORA, JUNE 25: A daylong ‘’Plant Clinic Camp’’ was organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Bandipora at Nesbal Sonawari with regard to control various diseases prevailing in orchards.The camp was attended by the Scientists of KVK, field functionaries of Horticulture department besides a large num-ber of fruit growers.During the camp, the farmers raised several problems faced by them in managing diseases of fruit trees. The Scientists of KVK Bandipora assisted the farmers in improving di-agnostic skills for identifying various diseases of fruit trees.

JFC Kaloosa lifts football trophy

BANDIPORA, JUNE 25: Jamal Football Club (JFC) Kaloosa lifts Dada Sir League Football Trophy beating Iqbal Sports Football Club Kaloosa by 4-0 in the final match played at S.K. Sports Sta-dium Bandipora.The tournament was organized by District Foot-ball Association, Bandipora. Assistant Commissioner Revenue Bandipora, Mr. S. A. Raina, Association President, Mr. N.D. Wani, Senior Officers, Traders Federation, respectable and sports lovers witnessed the final match.

J&K on threshold of socio-economic transformation: Rather

KVK organizes ‘’Plant Clinic Camp’’

Workshop on Master Plan preparation held

SRINAGAR, JUNE-25- Spe-cial Secretary, Housing Mr. Mohammad Akbar Ganai inaugurated Day-long State level workshop on Master Plan “Formation of GIS based Master Plan using BHUVAN-NUIS” here today.

The workshop was or-ganized by Town Planning Organization, Kashmir in collaboration with Town & Country Planning Organization, Union Ministry of Urban Devel-opment and National Remote Sensing Centre, Hyderabad.The Special Secretary stressed the need for adopting the NUIS tools and methods in an effective way while preparing the Master plan for the cities and towns of the state. He also called for proper implementa-tion of Master Plan on ground, saying that plan on paper is not sufficient. He said that the strategy for preparation of Plan for the cities and towns should

be envisioned for long run. Referring to National Urban Information System (NUIS), the Special Secretary said that it is a Thematic Geospatial database scale prepared from high reso-lution satellite data for towns and cities, as basic spatial input for Master plan preparation. He called for effective utilisation of these database elements to provide the access of the NUIS towns' geospatial databases to the Urban Local Bodies through Bhuvan Geoportal, developed by NRSC/ ISRO.Director, Local Bodies, Mr. Hilal Parray also spoke on the occasion, saying that NUIS is a new domain dealing with the problems erupted due to rapid urbaniza-tion. He said that the partici-pants would also get benefitted with the deliberations held during the workshop. NUIS a web based geospatial frame-work and software tools designed and developed.

Consider making some plans for a vacation or short getaway, Libra. Looking forward to something fun can make even the tough-est of days far easier to handle. You’ll be amazed how much you can manage when there’s an end in plain sight. Your entire attitude can lighten. So take the bull by the horns and create an incentive for yourself. Do something special to reward the hard work you do day after day.

Don’t judge someone if he or she has a different lifestyle than what you consider to be OK, Scorpio. You probably lean toward the traditional, yet not everyone feels this way about re-lationships, working, or lifestyle. While it may seem impossible to understand and even frighten you, try not to be too harsh on those you deem odd. You’d be better off using that energy to keep your own life on track.

Friends seeking advice or a shoulder to cry on could be plentiful today, Sagittarius. You’re one of best people to give them the support and care they need. Just be sure that you don’t give so much to others that you don’t have anything left for yourself. True friendship is about sharing and the exchange of problems and help. Running yourself down will leave you in a place where you aren’t going to be much help to anyone.

Getting through today shouldn’t pose too big a problem for you, Capricorn. You may feel a huge second wind that can give you the drive and determination to see your chores and projects through. Make some plans for this evening, such as getting to-gether with friends or taking in an event that really intrigues you. Until then, go about your tasks bit by bit. You’ll get things finished before you know it.

Working within boundaries and restrictions could really get to you today, Aquarius. Yours is an independent spirit and your best achievements are often born of doing things your own way. Yet like it or not, we all have to follow guidelines and rules. Do your best to follow suit and finish what needs to be done. Afterward, you may find more freedom to act independently without consequences. Exercise patience and diligence as needed today.

Chances are that you’ll feel upbeat and positive today, Pisces. Consider sharing this energy with those around you who are feel-ing less than content. Your attitude can have a profound effect on friends, partners, spouses, and children. Even neighbors and ex-tended family can pick up on your spirit without you even real-izing it. Share your optimism with everyone you can today. If you see someone hurt or angry.

Feeling the effects of today’s energies, Virgo? Take heart if this is the case, because the end of the tunnel isn’t as far away as it seems. Do your best to take things one step at a time and see about making some plans for a little fun this evening. Get together with friends or take in a movie. Help yourself feel better by staying busy and focused and follow up with some recreation. Before you know it, the aspect will pass and you’ll be back to normal.

Don’t discount your ability to be extremely resourceful if you need to be, Aries. If you don’t have everything you need or all of the required information, take time to think. Who can you ask? What places can you access? Who might know where you can find what you need? Rather than panic because the pieces aren’t all there, instead make a list of contacts and go for it. Trust in yourself.

Try not to let today’s blues get you down, Taurus. While it’s true that some days can seem to drag on, the busier you are the faster time will pass. Get down to finishing any work still before you and then make plans for tonight. If there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, not only will things seem to speed up but you’ll feel better knowing it’s coming.

Dare to be different, Gemini. It can be so easy to fall into a drill. Sleeping at the same time, eating at the same time, wearing the same style, and going about work the same way day after day. Be-fore you know it, you feel like you’re in a rut. The only way to get away from this is to make a decision to break free by doing some-thing unique. Try a new haircut. Wear colors that are unusual for you. If the need is there, consider a new career. Pursue expansion.

If your lifestyle is considerably different than that of others, re-sist feeling self-conscience about it today, Cancer. Try to remember that you chose the life you have for specific reasons. Even if you’ve come to a point where you’re considering a change, there’s no need to feel badly, ashamed, or embarrassed about where you are now. Everyone has to make his or her own way. If this conforms to the norm, that’s fine. If it doesn’t, that’s fine, too.

An enhanced feeling of determination could motivate you today, Leo. Finish the things that aren’t complete and make some plans for this evening. Don’t hesitate to take on something that feels compli-cated or big. Chances are you’ll be able to handle most anything and it will feel great when it’s finished. Enjoy your day by making the most of opportunity.

Daily Zabarwan TimesEDITORIAL/ OPINIONEDITORIAL/ OPINIONDaily Zabarwan TimesSrinagar, Thursday 25 June 2014

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

Why are young tourists less inclined towards Kashmir?

Tourism is a fast grow-ing industry which of-fers highest number of jobs in the whole world. It is because of

this factor that a lot of impor-tance is being attached to this sector. The most beautiful parts of the world have always been attraction for tourists, travelers, adventurers and lovers of na-ture. But there are places which the man himself has developed as best tourists place despite the fact that there is no natural beauty as compared to former. The tourism in totality has been revolutionized with innovative concepts that have not only in-creased the tourists flow but have made tourism as best trade, Traditionally Kashmir has been an attraction for tourists from all over world but gradually it has lost the charm and attraction be-cause of lack of innovative and modern concept and services. It is quite but natural that a tourist will not repeatedly enjoy to visit Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Kokernag. He will definitely find something better and inno-vative than his earlier visit. For example Gondola at Gulmarg has definitely increased the in-terest of youngsters. However this too will not attract tourists for longer duration unless some-thing new is added. The whole concept of modern tourism has undergone many changes which in one way or the other have sta-bilized the inflow of guests. Take the example of off road tourism which is gaining a lot of popu-larity among youngsters. As the youngsters from urban areas are fed up with the fast life, they want to spend some days away from hustle and bustle and pres-sures of modern life. This off road tourism has become very popular and beneficial for sev-eral countries which are deal-ing with the tourist trade. This kind of tourism has been initi-ated by many states like Rajas-than, Uttrakhand, Gujrat, Mad-hya Pradesh etc. The youngsters come in groups, stay in clusters and spend some days in leisure. Similarly, the Safari a modern concept of tourism is gaining momentum where in group of people are taken to remotest areas using old means of travel like camels, elephants, horses and buggies. If such things are introduced in Kashmir which is almost peaceful now, tourism industry will definitely get a boost. Besides this, basic infra-structure for high profile tour-ists from Europe in urban areas have to be augmented and made at par with world standards.

I’d rather live with a good question than a bad answer.

Qoute of the day

Aryeh Frimer

Rani-ki-Vav Queen of Step Wells joins UNESCO

World Heritage List n a recent work visit to Gujarat, I had a spare day in hand at Ahmed-abad and wanted to make the best use of it. When my colleague Jag-dishbhai suggested that Rani-ki-Vav at Patan and the Sun Temple at Modhera could be covered as a day trip, there were no two arguments. I had read about the splendour of Gujarat’s famed step-wells and seen a short episode of Rani-ki-Vav on NDTV’s 7 Wonders of India series. A quick Google search revealed that the Indian Government had submitted Rani-ki-Vav for inclu-sion in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Monuments. Rani-ki-Vav was also quite well promoted on television by Amitabh Bachchan in the Gujarat Tourism’s ‘Khushboo Gujarat ki’ campaign. After a two hour drive through a well paved road, going past Kalol, Unjha and Mehsana, we arrived in the bustling little town of Patan, once the capital of Gujarat. Even as the sun played hide and seek, we reached a large ground with a vague board of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) that announced the step well. But we could see nothing, ex-cept vast stretches of well mowed lawn, with shady trees in between. That was because the master-piece lay underneath. This subterranean splendour, bet-ter known as Rani-ki-Vav is about 64 metres long, 20 metres wide and 27 metres deep. It was origi-nally constructed of seven stories of which five are now preserved. As we kept going down the steps, we found ourselves in a different world. The next one hour was pure bliss. Rani-ki-Vav is a highly decorated monument with ornamented pan-

els of sculptures and reliefs repre-senting the height of Maru-Gurjara style of architecture. Most of the sculptures are in devotion of Vish-nu, in the forms of Dashavatar, with eye-catching images of Var-aha, Narasimha, Rama and Kalki. There is a particularly beautiful statue of Mahishasur-Mardini -the Mother Goddess slaying demon Mahishasur. Apsaras – the celestial beauties showcasing 16 different styles of makeup (Solah Singar) is another highlight. Near the water level, you come to a carving of She-shashayi Vishnu, in which the lord reclines on the thousand-hooded serpent Shesha. Till 2001, the visitors could go right up to the end of step-well where the water is. But during the Bhuj earth-quake, the structure became some-what weak and the ASI has now prohibited entry beyond a point. But this decision, in no way hin-ders you from viewing the delicate works that depict rhythm, beauty and various moods, all in stone. The intricacy of this monument at once reminds us of the sanctity our ancestors attached to water. The Vavs of Gujarat are not merely sites for collecting water and social-ising, but also hold great spiritual significance. They were originally constructed quite simply as kunds, but became more intricate over the years, perhaps to make explicit this ancient concept of the sanctity of water. Befitting its name, Rani-ki-Vav is considered to be the queen among stepwells in India.While we have innumerable monu-ments built by Kings in memory of their queens, Rani-ki-Vav is differ-ent. It is believed to have been built by Rani Udayamati, in memory of

her husband Bhimdev I, the found-er of the Solanki dynasty of Patan. The construction began in 1063 AD and continued for several years. A reference to Udayamati building the monument for Bhimdev I is in the ‘Prabandha Chintamani’, com-posed by Merung Suri in 1304 A.D. The Vav was later flooded by the Saraswati River and silted over un-til 1960s, when it was excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India. It is estimated that Vav had nearly 800 sculptures of which approxi-mately 500 are found in pristine condition. Rani-ki-Vav is a well preserved monument and ASI deserves to be complimented for the good work. Besides continuing the conserva-tion efforts, ASI has also got the monument digitally mapped with the Scottish help. The detailed 3D digital survey prepared by the Scot-tish Ten Initiative will help better understanding of the heritage mon-ument and aid its preservation. Rani-ki-Vav has always been a pride of Gujarat. It was in 2012 that an ASI team led by former Superin-tendent Archaeologist of Vadodara Circle, K C Nauriyal, had prepared a dossier for the step-well for UNE-SCO’s approval. UNESCO’s WHC advisory team, led by Professor Zhang Jie of Tsinghua University, China, visited Patan and conducted detailed study of the monument. It even talked to locals on how they perceived the step-well and what it meant to them. Finally, on June 22, 2014, UNES-CO’s World Heritage Committee at its 38th session in Doha inscribed ‘Rani-ki-Vav’ as a World Heritage Monument. UNESCO observed “stepwells are a distinctive form of

subterranean water resource and storage systems on the Indian sub-continent, and have been construct-ed since the 3rd millennium BC. They evolved over time from what was basically a pit in sandy soil towards elaborate multi-storey works of art and architecture. Rani-ki-Vav was built at the height of craftsmen’s ability in stepwell construction reflecting mastery of this complex tech-nique and great beauty of detail and proportions.” Within minutes of Rani-ki-Vav being added to the UNESCO World Heritage list, Prime Min-ister Narendra Modi tweeted “It is a matter of great pride for us. Next time you visit Gujarat, you must visit Rani-ki-Vav, an excel-lent symbol of our great art and culture.” Surely, when you emerge out of Rani-ki-Vav, you return with a whole new understanding about wells. That wells are not always dark, deep and mysterious; in Gu-jarat they are also exquisite monu-ments. And in case of Rani-ki-Vav, it is a living testimony to the artist-ry of 11th century Solanki artisans.

Visiting Patan:Patan is approximately 125 kms. from Ahmedabad via Mehsana. In-ter-city buses take about 3.5 hours, while a private taxi takes you there in less than 2.5 hours. Shared jeeps are also available, but they are less comfortable. Nearest railhead is Mehsana, from where you will have to travel by road.It is best to visit Patan as a day trip from Ahmedabad, combining the famous Modhera Sun Temple, also built during the 11th century.

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Healthy Food Habits: Ways and means of limiting the Trans Fat intake

Presently, India is facing the dual burden of disease – while large majority of the people are suffering from chronic energy deficien-cy (due to poor quantity and quality of food intake); a sizeable population on the other

hand is also suffering from the diet-related chron-ic degenerative/lifestyle related diseases. The risk factors associated with these diseases include un-healthy dietary practices, physical inactivity, over-weight/obesity, smoking/drinking, drug abuse and psychological stress. Among the diet related factors, apart from the total energy intake, quantity and quality of the dietary fat play an important role.The dietary fats may contain saturated, monounsat-urated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Further, the unsaturated fatty acids can exist either in the cis or the trans configuration depending on position of the hydrogen atoms at the double bonds. In the case of cis configuration, both the hydrogen atoms are on same side of the carbon chain, resulting in a kinked geometry which imparts greater fluidity to the oils. However, in trans configuration, the hy-drogen atoms are on the opposite side, as a result the chain gets straighter with greater rigidity (Figure 1). Conversion of cis isomers to the corresponding trans isomers result in an increase in the melting point. From the health view point, lower the melting point, better is the oil or the fat. H H H

CH3-(CH2)7- C=C-(CH2)7-COOH CH3-(CH2)7- C=C-(CH2)7-COOH H

Oleic acid (9 cis C18:1) Elaidic acid (9 trans C18:1)Figure 1: Structural differences in the cis and trans isomers of fatty acidsElaidic acid (9 trans C18:1) is the geometric isomer of oleic acid (9 cis C18:1). While, oleic acid has a melt-ing point of 16.3ºC, the melting point of elaidic acid (9 trans C18:1) is 43.7ºC and that of vaccenic acid (11 trans C18:1) 44ºC. The trans fats are even more harmful than their saturated counterparts.Trans fats or Trans fatty acids (TFAs) are the most harmful type of fats which can pose many adverse effects on our body. Major TFAs include elaidic acid (9 trans C18:1) primarily found in partially hydro-genated vegetable oils, and vaccenic acid (11 trans C18:1), found in meat/ dairy products. TFAs are also present as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA, C18:2). However, in case of polyunsaturated fatty acids (con-taining >2 double bonds), either one or more of the double bonds can be in trans configuration. Thus, it is possible that in the polyunsaturated fatty acids, there is coexistence of the cis and the trans double bonds.The commonly consumed vegetable oils like soy-bean, sunflower, safflower, mustard, olive, rice bran, sesame are the sources of cis mono and poly-unsaturated fatty acids and their saturated fatty acid content is also low. However, to obtain textural sim-ilarity to pure ghee and to improve their oxidative stability, these vegetable oils are subjected to hydro-genation. Since, complete hydrogenation would re-

sult in a waxy and excessively hard product; these oils are subjected to partial hydrogenation. Partially hydrogenated oils have a longer shelf life and are less liable to rancidity. However, this process converts some of the cis-isomers into their trans counterparts and thus leads to the production of trans fatty acid. Deodorization of fats/oils (usually carried out at high temperatures; 180ºC to 270ºC) also results in the forma-tion of trans fatty acids. Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (PHVOs) have been a significant part of the human diet since ages. Many studies have reported the deleterious effects of trans fats derived from PHVO; and this hard fact has been of great relevance in formulating the health guidelines.Indian consumer today is incognizant of the amount of TFA present in the commercially prepared fried food items and lacks understanding regarding the actual amount of TFA they are consuming during the day through these fried foods. The population in general is ignorant of the adverse effects of TFAs on health.Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (2010) has recommended that the TFA level in PHVOs should be below 10% which needs to be brought down to 5% in 3 years. Further, it has been proposed to mandate trans fat labelling so as to reduce its intake.Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils are the major source of trans fats in our diets. A small amount of TFA though present in dairy fat and meat products is not that harmful.Frying process is another which leads to the production of trans fatty acids; and their formation has been close-ly associated with the temperature of frying the food, duration of frying, number of times the fats/oils are heated/reheated.In 2003, World Health Organization had recommended the trans-fat intake (from industrially produced hy-drogenated oils and fats) should be less than 1% of the total energy. However, the Indian dietary guidelines propose that the trans fat intake should be less than 2% of the total energy. Suitable strategies to limit the Trans Fat intake in-clude: Ø Avoid using “Vanaspati/ Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils” or margarine in your kitchen. Most of our people consider vanaspati to be an economical sub-stitute for pure ghee.Ø Avoid consuming food items prepared in “Va-naspati/PHVOs” or margarine; ensure to check the food labels.Ø Limit the intake of fried/baked foods, particularly the marketed fried foods.Ø Even while frying Poori/ bhatura etc. occasional-ly, use oils (and not the hydrogenated fat) and do not heat the oil for very long time.Ø Do not repeatedly heat the oil or re-use the same oil for frying. Generally, masses are not aware of the ad-verse health effects of TFA and that reheating of fats/ oils results in the formation of TFA.Further, after the frying process, cool the left-over fats/oils, strain out the suspended food particles and store the fat/oil in refrigerator/cool place and use it in the preparation of dry vegetables/curries and pulav etc.Ø Avoid using ready to use/instant mixes for prepar-ing foods as they have a greater chance of containing

the Trans fats.Ø Check the Nutrition Facts label on packaged food items for their TFA content, if indicated.Ø Always check the ingredient list on packaged foods for the words like “shortening”, “partially hydro-genated vegetable oil” or “hydrogenated vegetable oil”, since, these contain trans fats.Ø Avoid processed foods like cookies, chips, cakes and patties. Also, avoid consuming commercial fried foods and mithais esp if prepared in Vanaspati/PHVOs; and limit their quantity as well as frequency of intake. Ø While eating out/ ordering food from outside, try to find out the oil being used in food preparation. If pos-sible, request for reducing the amount of oil in the food preparation. A better option is to skip the deep-fried foods while eating out.Ø For bakery items like biscuits and cake, red palm oil having a semi-solid texture can be blended with other ed-ible oils, in 1:1/ 1:2 blends and used. It will also enhance the Beta-carotene/vitamin A content of the food item. Due to the semi-solid texture, RPO will help in bringing about the shortening effect in baked items without add-ing to their TFA content.Implications for policy, practice and education: The au-thorities need to check the use of vanaspati and marga-rine as well as control an excessive use of the reheated fats/ oils. The halwais should be advised not to use oils over and over again for frying but to consume the used oils in the preparation of vegetables, curries, dough mak-ing, pulav etc. Nutrition education needs to be imparted to the halwais regarding TFA and their adverse health effects as well as they should be trained on correct frying practices.The government should consider specifying achievable lower limits for TFA and SFA content of vegetable oils and the processed/fried foods. Nutrition labels on pro-cessed foods should indicate the TFA and SFA contents separately along with the optimal recommended ranges. The restaurants should avoid the use of ‘partially hydro-genated oils’ and if otherwise, its use should be disclosed.Further, the consumers should be made aware of the health hazards associated with TFA intake. In oil pro-cessing, the food industry should implement newer technologies so as to produce zero trans fat containing products with desired functional properties. A multi-sec-toral and proactive approach is required to successful-ly remove/reduce industrially produced TFAs from the food supply chain. Targeted message campaigns discouraging the intake of trans-fats containing foods can be of great help.While some developing countries have laid down norms for TFA content of food, India needs strict regulations regarding the TFA content of fats/ oils as well as that of the commercially prepared food items. Therefore, at present the responsibility lies with the consumers to safeguard their inter-est. Therefore, steps need to be taken for curbing the trans fat intake through foods prepared both at industrial as well as household level.“Beware of the trans fats in your diet, their high intake increases the risk of degenerative/lifestyle diseases. Say no to the hydrogenated fats/oils and the products pre-pared in hydrogenated fats/oils. Further, reduce the intake/frequency of fried foods, particularly the commercially prepared ones”.