Zabarwan Times E-Paper English 12 September

Omar for maintaining balance between development, environment

Srinagar, September 11:

The inhabitants of Gan-zbagh area of Lal Bazar Srinagar on Tuesday said thefts are on the rise in the locality and they have started feeling insecure because thieves carry daggers along to frighten them.“A number of thefts have taken place in the locality is last few days but noth-ing has been done so far to instill security among the residents,” the locals told KNS.Women especially feel in-secure as they are alone

at home during the day when their husbands and children are away, the residents said. They said that a domestic help of a particular residence was attacked with the dagger by the thieves.“We have al-ready informed the police about the incidents but nothing substantial have been done so far to allay our fears,” they said.However, the police said that it has already started night patrolling in area and is doing “what is required.”“We have also arrested few thieves and

See Thieves on Pg. 11

Shift Gagran camp, youth deliberately being targeted

Srinagar, September 11:

Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today stressed on maintaining balance between development and environmental requirements to protect State’s natural grandeur and heavenly beauty.Taking review of the performance and achievements of the Pahal-gam Deployment Authority (PDA) and Mansbal Development Au-thority (MDA) in the two separate meetings, he chaired here, the Chief Minister said that in order to sustain the tourism glory of the

State ‘’we have to conserve and preserve the eco-balance and bio-diversity of the State’’.

The Chief Minister said that focus-sing attention of protecting water

See Omar on Pg. 11

Shopian, September 11:

CRPF personnel 'let loose a reign of terror' in Gagran area of South Kashmir’s Shopian district after allegedly killing a youth in firing. CRPF men deployed at Gagran Camp at-tacked the funeral procession with tear smoke shells and beat women and elderly per-sons. People alleged that CRPF personnel caught hold of men and women and detained them at their camp. Director Gener-al of Police Ashok Prasad said that matter is being investigat-ed and so far, “police is busy in maintaining law and order in the town.” Eyewitnesses told CNS that a 27 year old youth Moham-mad Rafiq Rather, a resident of Shopian’s Saidpora hamlet was killed when CRPF person-nel from 14th Battalion fired upon protestors near Gagran

area. Witnesses said soon after curfew was lifted in the town on Wednesday, hundreds of people assembled outside the CRPF camp in Gagran, Shop-ian, demanding the camp shall be shifted elsewhere.The protestors raising pro-freedom slogans and pelting stones on the CRPF person-nel were chased away by the CRPF men. The protestors re-taliated and blocked the road. Eyewitnesses said that CRPF resorted to heavy firing injur-ing at least nine persons. Rafiq Ahmed Rather alias Rafi was seriously injured and he was immediately taken to hospital where he breathed his last.As the word about the death of the youth spread, hun-dreds of people came on roads and assembled near Gagran camp. Protestors attacked the residential quarter of Assis-tant Commissioner Revenue,

Parvez Sajad and try to set his quarter ablaze. Police swung into action and dispersed the protestors by using tear

smoke shells. During the clashes at least 7 persons including Station House Officer, Shopian, Ir-shad Ahmed was injured. Reports said that at least

four thousand protestors as-sembled at Golchakri, Shop-ian. Protestors were raising pro-freedom and anti-India

slogans. Despite curfew was reimposed, protestors defied curfew and clashed with po-lice and CRPF personnel.Eyewitnesses told CNS that thousands of people partici-

pated in funeral procession of the slain youth. “As the pro-cession was moving ahead, some youth pelted stones on CRPF personnel who reacted sharply and used tear smoke shells on the procession. There was panic and the body of the youth was lying on the road for almost half an hour,” one of the witnesses told CNS.People alleged that CRPF men caught hold of men and woman and detained them in Gagrin CRPF camp. This infu-riated people and they assem-bled in thousands on roads. Curfew was re-imposed in the town, even as the clashes be-tween the protesters and the security forces were on when this report was being filed. Director General of Police Ashok Prasad told CNS that police is investigating the mat-ter. “We are busy in maintain-ing law and order in the town

so far but we are investigating the killing of youth,” he said adding that police did not see the body of the youth and we can’t say how he was injured.Prasad said that the injured youth was taken to hospital by the crowd and police did not know how he died.Public Relations Officer, CRPF, Kishor Prasad told CNS that CRPF did not shot a single fire. “CRPF is blamed for everything. We did not fire a single fire there. CRPF did not kill the youth and we are not responsible for his death,” Prasad said. Reports said that slain youth was the resident of Meiman-dar, Shopian and was the driv-er of a private school bus. Unconfirmed reports said that the CRPF party which killed the youth was on their way to the residence of National

See Shopian on Pg. 11

Srinagar, September 11:

While condemning the Shopian killing Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti Wednes-day warned the govern-ment of dire consequences if it failed to lodge an FIR and also to shift the Ga-gran camp from the local-ity within two days.According to KNS while addressing a press confer-ence at her Gupkar Resi-dence Mehbooba said, “We demand that FIR should be filed in the Shopian kill-ings and the family ver-

sion should be taken we give an ultimatum of two days to the government. She said that it is ironical on part of state government to take CRPF ver-sion and refusing the viewpoint of families,”.“It is just a one more incident as security forces have become habitual of committing such a heinous crime. Police has already accepted that three of the youth among the four were innocents and has nothing

to do with militancy. Then what stops government to lodge an FIR and punish the guilty, “she said.

“I tried to reach out to the people of Shopian today but it is an unfor-tunate that I was stopped. Earlier the government used to put the separatists house

arrest but that hospitality is being extended to me off and on who shows how the present government has failed completely,” she said according to KNS Re-

porter.Mehbooba said, “It is like the Neelofar and Asiya case wherein no FIR was lodged by police for seven days and now police is again repeating the same. She claimed that if they would have been allowed to visit the families they would have calmed down the anger of people and helped file FIRs. When Kishtwar incident hap-pened I tried to go there but they did not allow me whatever is happing is be-cause of the present

See Gagran Camp on Pg. 11

New Delhi, September 11:

Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare delivered the inaugural address at the International Confer-ence on Public Health Pri-orities in the 21st Century- “Endgame for Tobacco”, here today. Also present during the function was Dr. Margaret Chan, Direc-tor General, WHO.Through a recorded mes-sage addressing the confer-ence, the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said that use of tobacco claimed about 100 m deaths in the

20th century. Use of tobac-co imposes serious conse-quences on the society and economy of any nation, he said. He also stated that tobacco control needed

a combination of multi-sectoral policies and pub-lic awareness to contain it. India is committed to a tobacco-free society,

See Azad on Pg. 11

Srinagar, Sep. 11:

Amid growing con-frontation between state Government employees and State Government, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president Prof. Saif ud in Soz on Wednesday came out in support of the state employees in their demand of the increase in retirement age and appealed the government to con-cede to the demand. The support from the state chief of the ally party in the coalition

government has come when the state gov-ernment employees are on a two day lock-out strike and have on Wednesday an-nounced more strikes in the coming days to put pressure on the government for their demands to be met.Soz however suggested that the employees should not hold pub-lic hostage for their demands and should hold deliberations with Ministers and other conference after the working hours.

See Soz on Pg. 11

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THURSDAY September 12 | 2013 | 05 Zeeqad 1434 AH | PAGES 12 | VOL NO: 3 | ISSUE NO: 227 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 PAISA)Pen For JusticeLargely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K

CRPF did it once again, Kills youth in Shopian

Srinagar, September 11:

Day after National Con-ference withdrew the claim of forming the council in KAHDC, Con-gress on Wednesday sent across reconciliatory sig-nals saying it was ready to hold coordination com-mittee meeting to sort out the differences. The meeting is likely to take place on Thursday or Fri-day. The party however has authorized its senior leader and Youth Ser-vices and Sports Minster Taj Mohi-ud-din to clear

the ground before the crucial meeting who is said to be busy in holding the deliberations with the National Conference senior leaders including the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. “We are hopeful of a consensus emerging out of the coordination com-mittee and I am sure things will be sorted out amicably.” PCC Presi-dent Prof. Saif-ud-din Soz told KNS, adding that senior party leader Taj Mohi-ud-din has been au-thorized to hold negotia-

tions with the NC.“The ice will be broken in a few days. We will sit together with the NC leadership to iron out the differences.” added Soz.Sources in the coalition government told KNS that National Conference has shown its willing-ness not to stake claim for the chairmanship of the councilor in favor of Congress but there has been no decision on the revocation of the four nominations that have become the bone of

See Congress on Pg. 11

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Pulwama, September 11:

Authorities on Wednesday did not allow Peoples Demo-cratic Party president, Me-hbooba Mufti to proceed towards Shopian and de-tained her in Police Lines Pulwama. Mehbooba was on way to Shopian to grieve the death of innocent youth in CRPF firing. Reports said that Mehbooba Mufti along with top party leaders left for Shopian on Wednesday. Police in Pul-wamma stopped the caval-cade and Mehbooba Mufti was detained in Police Lines Pulwama.

A District Administra-tion official on condition of anonymity told CNS that government is in mood to take any chances. “Curfew is in vogue in Shopian and there were apprehensions that her presence could in-stigate the youth. It was for her safety that we stopped her from visiting Shopian,” he said. According to reports, PDP leader was persuaded by top district and police offi-cials to return to Srinagar, though she was not ready to go back. “It took half an hour to persuade her and

See Mehbooba on Pg. 11

WEATHER

TEMPERATUREMAXIMUM MINIMUMSUNSET ON(THURSDAY)SUNRISE ON (FRIDAY)

06:44 pm06:14 am

16.3 0C29.2 0C

FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:

FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:

Light Rain/ Thundershowers may occur at isolated places over the state.

Possibility of light rain/Thundershowers. Maximum & Minimum temperatures will be around 28°C & 15°C respectively.

LS polls will be a referendum on leadership

Visits Cocoon auction market

7 8 10

Mehbooba Mufti barred to visit Shopian

Health benefits of walking

Azad Inaugurates International Conference on Public Health Priorities

Detained at Pulwama

Thieves give sleepless nights to Lal Bazar residents

Congress softens stand agrees to hold CCC meet

Soz favors enhancement of

retirement age to 60

Mehbooba threatens of dire consequences if Govt fails to lodge FIR

We are investigating the matter: DGP

KAHDC Controversy

Declares 20 new cancer institutes to be setup

CM chairs PDA, MDA meetings, reviews performance

Kabul, September 11:

37 seven armed Taliban militants were killed and 16 others wounded in sev-eral joint clearance op-erations by Afghan and NATO-coalition forces in various provinces of Af-ghanistan during the past 24 hours.A press release issued by the Afghan Interior Minis-try in Kabul today said the

See Killed on Pg. 11

37 Taliban militants killed in

Afghanistan

Youth ends life in AnantnagSrinagar, September 11: A 22 years old Ashiq Ahmad Malik son of Tawheed Ahmad resident of Hakura, Anantnag consumed some poisonous substance at his home. He was rushed to SMHS, Srinagar where he expired. Police has registered a case in this regard. The body of deceased was handed over to his relatives for last rites.

2 injured in road mishapsSrinagar, September 11: Two persons were injured in two separate road accidents across the valley. A Tata 407 passen-ger vehicle bearing registra-tion number Jk05/7758 hit a motorcycle bearing registration number Jk16/4384 at Dand Nakhan, Baramulla, result-ing in injuries to motorcyclist Yasir Ahmad Narwal S/o Abdul Ganie R/o Gulab Bagh,. The in-jured was shifted to Hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, a Tipper bearing registration number Jk01/5035 hit a Scooter bearing registration number Jk01B/9677 near Takeypora, resulting in in-juries to the scooterist Imtiyaz Ahmad Malla R/o Pallar. The injured was shifted to hospital for treatment. Police has regis-tered a case in this regard.

One day conference at Vig Org hqrsSrinagar, September 11: A one day conference of the newly inducted Superintendants of Police in Vigilance Organisa-tion was held here today.Mr. Alok Puri, IGP and Mr. Ali Mohammad Bhat, DIG Hqrs. briefed the officers. Mr. Mukhtiar Ahmad Shah Director of Prosecution in the Vigilance Organisation gave legal directions to them.The conference was chaired by Shaikh Owais Ahmad, ADGP and Director of the Agency. He gave an overall briefing to the officers in day to day function-ing and policy matters.

Govt notifies changes in FDI policy New Delhi, September 11: The government has notified changes in the FDI policy, pav-ing the way for larger overseas investments in sectors such as multi-brand retail and telecom.Department of Economic Affairs Secretary Arvind Mayaram told reporters in New Delhi that it is effective from 22nd of last month.As per the revised guidelines, the government relaxed norms for multi-brand retail trading and eased the mandatory 30 per cent local sourcing norms for com-panies. It has also widened the definition of the term control for mergers and acquisitions involving overseas companies.

Man injured in bear attackSrinagar, September 11: One person was injured when a bear attacked his in Mattan Area of Anantnag district last evening.

See Injured on Pg. 11

Daily ZABARWAN TIMES NEWS Srinagar | thurSday 12.9 .2013

Legal awareness camp held at Bandipora

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 11

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board held its 52nd Meeting at New Delhi, on 10th September, 2013, under the Chair-manship of the Governor, Mr. N. N. Vohra, who is the Chairman of Shrine Board. The Board took a number of important deci-sions to improve the management of the Yatra to the Holy Shrine.

The Board reviewed the todate progress of each of the major works and projects which are presently underway and directed the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to ensure their timely completion. While approving the process underway for selecting a suitable partner to operate Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medi-cal Excellence (SMVDIME) Katra, as a Multi Specialty Hospital, the Board reiter-ated its earlier direction that the medical facilities to be provided to the pilgrims, residents of the region and those living elsewhere shall need to be of adequately high standard and rationally priced. The Board also approved the Detailed Project Report of this important Medical Insti-tute which will involve an expenditure of approximately Rs. 285 crores. The Board also directed the establishment of a Med-ical College after the Medical Institute

has got going. The Board was informed about

the to-date status of the approximately Rs. 45 crore project being executed by the Tehri Hydro Development Corpora-tion for securing the stabilization of the Trikuta mountain slopes and thus ensur-ing against falling stones and land-slides which have been causing serious inju-ries to the pilgrims. This project which involves the treatment of 24 slide prone sites above the tracks to the Shrine is planned to be implemented within a giv-en time frame over the next 2½ years.

The Board was informed that the project for a Multi Purpose Audio System being installed along the entire track from Banganga to Bhawan has the objective of enhancing the ambience for the pilgrims who are moving on the track. This sys-tem, to be installed through the reputed M/s BOSE Coy is planned to be completed by August, 2014. The state-of-the-art audio system, which would cost around Rs. 12 crore, shall also be used to provide linkage for the functioning of several im-portant services, particularly CCTV, LAN, EPABX and for making public announce-ments in the event of any emergency.

The Board was informed about the sustained attention being devoted for

enlarging the infrastructure for the pro-gressively increasing Yatra, which crossed 1.05 crore last year. In this context, the Board was informed that the Aashirvad Complex at Katra and Parvati Complex at Bhawan, two major accommodation projects costing over Rs. 10.88 crore, had been completed. The Board noted that, for meeting the projected increase in the pressure on the facilities consequent to the opening of the Udhampur-Katra Rail-way link later this year, the Chairman has directed the time-bound implementation of several arrangements, including the creation of increased Locker facilities and improving the Toilet complexes along the entire track.The Board expressed satis-faction on the very rapid pace at which the Rs. 15 crore Kalika Dham at Jammu is being completed and noted that this ex-cellent facility shall become available for use of the pilgrims by March, 2014. The Board noted the action taken towards re-location of the existing Locker complexes, installation of five new Solar Water Heat-ing Projects on various buildings in the Shrine area, erection of Wire Mesh Fenc-ing along the entire tracks and re-tiling of the worn out and vulnerable stretches for enabling the pilgrims to walk with greater comfort.

BANDIPORA, SEPTEMBER 11: District Legal Services Authority, Bandipora organized an awareness camp today at Watloo Bandi-pora with Principal District and Sessions Judge, Bandipora, Mr. Haq Nawaz Zargar in chair. During the camp, awareness about rights of Schedule Caste, Schedule Tribe besides Alternate Dispute Resolu-tion (ADC) was provided to the people.Speakers on the occasion while delivering lectures about matrimonial disputes, conciliation, mediation, attributing and the confronting difficulties asked to peo-ple to avail benefits facing these progress and schemes launched by the government from time to time. They said that special quota and investing have been kept available in various areas from which such residents can get benefit and make their better livelihood.Among others Chief Judicial Magistrate, Bandipora, Munsiff Ban-dipora, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, President and other members of Bar Association Bandipora, Principal Higher Secondary School Bandipora and Public representatives were pres-ent during the awareness camp.An interactive session between the judiciary and the people was also held on the occasion.

Power shutdownSRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 11: According Power Controller, PDD,

Kashmir Province, to carry out branch cutting and stabilization works, the power supply from 22 KV lines of Shariefabad, Martand Shariefabad, Narabal feeding the areas of Zainakot, Shalteng, Bash-kipora and Narbal shall remain affected during power shutdown period as September 12 and 13, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.mwhile the power supply from 33 KV line Bemian-Karannagar feeding to the areas receiving stations of Bemina-LST-Karanagar shall remain feeding affected during the shutdown period on September 14, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SMVDSB taking new initiatives for improved Yatra management

SRINAGAR, SEPT 11:-

The Minister for Rural De-velopment and Panchayati Raj, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar today directed the executing agencies to ensure the early completion of the Restora-tion/Renovation work of the Dastageer Sahib shrine, so that it can be dedicated to the devotees.The Minster was addressing officers during a review meeting convened to discuss the status of works undertaken by the govern-ment including the restora-tion of the revered Shrine of Dastageer sahib (R.A), con-struction of New Zainakadal Bridge, Rainawari Hospital, construction of various com-munity halls in the city and other related works.District Development Commissioner, Srinagar, Mr. Farooq Ahmed

Shah, Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Dr. G.N.Qasba, Managing direc-tor, JKPCC and other senior of-ficers of various departments were also present in the meet-ing.Mr. Sagar while referring to the restoration work of the Dastagir sahib shrine directed the officers to ensure that it gets completed within the shortest possible time, so that it can be dedicated to the public. He said that Sections of the society are emotionally as well as spiritu-ally associated with it and it is the endeavour of the govern-ment to ensure that the work gets completed as early as pos-sible as has been the commit-ment of the government. “The agencies and the departments associated with the restoration work should work in close co-ordination, so that the timely completion is ensured, besides

lacunae if any are removed”, he added.

The Minister also directed the concerned department to speed up the pace of work on the new Zaina Kadal Bridge and ensure its timely comple-tion. He said that the necessary acquisition if any be done, so that the area is developed on the heritage pattern in accor-dance with the already taken up plan of beautification of the whole area.Mr. Sagar also asked the officers to com-plete the remaining work on the community halls being taken up by the government for the general convenience of the public as soon as pos-sible, so that they can be com-missioned. He said that these serve as important centres for the people to celebrate their social and other related func-tions.

SRINAGAR, SEPT 11 –

Minister for Roads & Buildings Mr. Abdul Majid Wani today laid the foun-dation for upgradation of Pattan-Trikoulbal Hanjiwara road at Gund Ibrahim Mun-dyari today.

The 10.5 kilometres road project would be constructed by R&B department by utiliz-ing Rs. 3.75 crore under NA-BARD (RIDF) and is expected to be completed within three years.

The Minister, who was on a day-long tour of Baram-ulla District, inspected vari-ous developmental projects and took stock of the pace of works being executed under R&B sector in the District.

The Minister also ad-dressed the gathering, after foundation laying ceremony. He highlighted the impor-tance of road connectivity, saying that it directly linked with socio-economic trans-formation of people and

holistic development of the State. He said that the devel-opment and upgradation of road communication is re-ceiving focussed attention of the Government, adding that

various steps have been initi-ated in this regard. He said, besides R&B Department, various Central Government agencies have also been en-gaged for execution of some mega road projects in the state for ensuring cent per cent road connectivity in the State.

Mr. Wani said that hun-dreds of new bridges and vital road links have been constructed and existing ones have been metalled and upgraded to provide easy ac-

cessibility to the people living in remote and far-off areas for ensuring their growth and development.

During the day-long tour, the Minister also inspected Government District Hospi-tal, District Court Complex, Macadam Plant Veerwan and Jetty Bridge.

Sagar for early completion of restoration work of Dastageer

sahib(R.A) shrine

Wani lays foundation of 3.75 cr road project in Pattan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 11: The 5nd batch of 550 Hajj pilgrims including 335 male, 215 female embarked from Srinagar International Airport in two flights for the annual Hajj pilgrim-age to Saudi Arabia. As many as 2749 Hajj pilgrims have left for Jeddah till date.

On the occasion, Director Airport Authority Srinagar, officers of District Administration Budgam and Executive Officer, State Hajj Committee, Srinagar were also present.

Daylong Save the Girl Child symposium held at GHSS, Zadibal

Srinagar, September 11: To provide equal rights and opportunities to the girls, the hands which rock the credible and to improve the socio-economic conditions of a girl child besides attesting the declining sex ratio, a symposium entitled ‘Save the Girl Child’ was organized at Government Girls Higher Secondary Institute, Zadibal, Srinagar here today. The symposium was held in collaboration with National Rural Health Mission.Among others, BMO Zadibal, State Consultant NRHM, Programme Manager, Teachers and large number of students partici-pated in the symposium.

Governor summons Session of J&K Legislature on 30th September

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 11 – Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, in exercise of the powers conferred upon him under section 53 of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, has summoned the Jammu and Kashmir Legislature to commence session on 30th September, 2013.The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council shall meet at Srinagar on Monday, the 30th September, 2013 at 10.00 A.M and at 11.00 A.M, respectively.

Visits Cocoon auction market Srinagar

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 11

Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Has-san Mir Wednesday visited the Silk Cocoon Auction Market set up by the Sericulture Department at Srinagar to facilitate selling and buying of local silk cocoons.

Cocoon producers from Pattan, Tang-marg, Bandipora, Sonawari, Budgam, Sri-nagar, Ganderbal, Kangan and Tral have brought their produce for selling to this market, thronged by both local and outside State buyers. Similar auction markets have already been set up at various other places across the State.

With weavers receiving double the price for their produce this year in the auction market than last year, Mr Mir expressed his happiness with the upshot saying that it was due to the sustained efforts of the Gov-ernment that both Silk Cocoon production and its quality has seen marked improve-ment, resulting in higher returns to the Silk weavers this year around.

Mir said last year per Kg price was

around Rs 550, whereas we have seen this time around, it is selling anywhere between Rs 750 to Rs 1065 per Kg here depending upon the quality. The Sericulture Depart-ment has been facilitating selling and buy-

ing by roping in local as well as outside buy-ers and setting up Cocoon auction markets, he added.

Mir said Silk Cocoon rearing is turning

out to be a profitable and viable option for farmers as Government is extending assis-tance through various incentives, techno-logical inputs and guidance in this regard. As many as 2000 families are associated

with this trade which has grown to Rs 20 cr from Rs 5 cr last year, he said.The Min-ister said assistance is also being provided to local Silk reeling units through loans

and other incentives which will be carried forward for the benefit of both the farmers and local unit holders.“We are also looking into providing market support to local reel-ing units so that an integrated Silk Industry

flourishes in the State” he maintained.During the Visit to the auction market,

the Minister was also accompanied by Di-rector Sericulture and other officers.

Silk Cocoon production, quality improved, farmers getting good returns: Mir

5nd batch of Hajj pilgrims leave for Jeddah

Srinagar, September 11

Minister for Medical Educa-tion, Youth Services & Sports, Mr. Taj Mohi ud Din today reviewed the functioning of Department

of Youth Services & Sports. He also reviewed the steps taken recently to strengthen sports infrastructure in the State.

Addressing the meeting, the Minister impressed upon the officers to further augment and strengthen sports infrastruc-

ture in the State in view of the growing demand from youth. He said the infrastructure has been raised decades ago and, therefore, falls short of the re-quirements of present times.

Mr. Taj said the Central Government has approved a special package of Rs. 1000 cr to strengthen sports infrastructure in the state. Under this pack-age, he said, a sports complex comprising both indoor and outdoor facilities would be con-

structed in every block of the State. Besides, he said, a sports field would be constructed in every panchayat.

The Minister said already work has started on some am-bitious projects in the State. He said astro turf grounds are being readied at TRC Srina-gar and Azad Gunj Baramulla whileas the foundations of Rs. 18 crore sports complex and a Football academy have already been laid. He said every district would have sports academy where young boys and girls would be imparted coaching by reputed experts. Similarly work on indoor stadium Jammu, renovation of M. A. Stadium, Jammu and other augmenta-tions are in full swing, he said.

Mr. Taj said youth in the Valley do not have much time to indulge in recreational ac-tivities as the region remains in the grip of severe cold for major part of the year. Thus, he said, need of indoor stadia was felt very much.

Taj reviews functioning of Youth Services, Sports Deptt

E ++HHEAAL L HH5 ZABARWAN TIMES

THURSDAY | 12 SEPTEMBER 20138 ZABARWANTIMES

Exercise keeps body and mind healthy

Exercise is not just good for physi-cal health, but it can also boost our mental health, say experts.Now, a new study has explored psychosocial factors that may help to explain connection be-tween physical activity and mental health.Karin Monshouwer of the Trimbos Institute in the Nether-lands and colleagues at Trimbos and VU University Medical Cen-ter specifically wanted to examine two existing explanations for the link between exercise and mental health.The self-image hypothesis suggests that physical activity has positive effects on body weight and body structure, leading to positive feedback from peers and improved self-image, and ultimately im-proving mental health.The social interaction hypothesis, on the oth-er hand, holds that it's the social aspects of physical activity - such as social relationships and mutual support among team members - that contribute to the positive ef-fects of exercise on mental health.Monshouwer and her colleagues surveyed over 7000 Dutch stu-dents, ages 11 to 16. The adoles-cents completed validated surveys aimed at assessing their physical

activity, mental health problems, body weight perception, and par-ticipation in organized sports.The researchers also gathered data on the adolescents' age, gender, and socioeconomic status; wheth-er they lived at home with their parents; and whether they lived in an urban area.The researchers found that ado-lescents who were physically inac-tive or who perceived their bodies as either "too fat" or "too thin" were at greater risk for both inter-nalizing problems (e.g., depres-sion, anxiety) and externalizing problems (e.g., aggression, sub-stance abuse). Adolescents who participated in organized sports, on the other hand, were at lower risk for mental health problems.Confirming both the self-image hypothesis and the social inter-action hypothesis, adolescents' body weight perception (i.e., "too heavy," "good," or "too thin") and sports club membership each par-tially accounted for the relation-ship between physical activity and mental health, even after taking adolescents' backgrounds into ac-count.These results suggested that certain psychosocial factors - body

image and social interaction - may help to explain at least part of the connection between physical ac-tivity and mental health. The re-searchers acknowledge, however, that other factors, such as the physiological effects of exercise, are probably also at work."We think that these findings are important for policymakers and anyone who works in healthcare or prevention. Our findings indi-cate that physical activity may be

one effective tool for the preven-tion of mental health problems in adolescence," said Monshouwer.Monshouwer and her colleagues hope that future studies will be able to examine similar questions while following participants over time. Such longitudinal studies could help researchers to under-stand how physical activity type and context might influence the relationship between exercise and mental health.

Did you know that walking not only helps you to lose weight but also prevent di-abetes and breast cancer? Read on to know the health benefits of walking. Walking is said to be a great exercise which has proven to be an excellent fat burner. If you walk at a steady pace for 30 to 45 minutes at least six days a week along with a healthy diet, you will gradually witness a change in your weight. There are several benefits of walking. Some of them are as follows-

Walking regularly at a good speed improves your mus-cle strength and endur-ance and also helps build stamina. It is good for your heart. Walking is known to reduce your blood pres-sure, improve your blood circulation and all round cardio vascular functions. Walking is said to be good for your bones. It is a great way to strengthen your bones. Walking about 30 minutes a day increases your bone density and slows down bone loss in your legs. This low-impact exercise

is also said to target your spine, legs and hips. It pro-motes mental well-being. Known as a great stress-buster, if you walk outdoors, the combination of fresh air and exercise is an excellent way to boost your morale and mood. Helps prevent type 2 diabe-tes. Studies have revealed that walking approximately 150 minutes per week can reduce the risk of diabetes. Reduces the risk of colon and breast cancer. Last but not the least, walking is said to be safer than running.

Deep sleep turns on puberty

Slow-wave sleep or 'deep sleep' is intimately involved in the complex control of the onset of puberty, a new study has suggested. The many changes that oc-cur in boys and girls dur-ing puberty are triggered by changes in the brain. Previous studies have shown that the parts of the brain that control puberty first become active dur-ing sleep, but the present

study shows that it is deep sleep, rather than sleep in general, that is associated with this activity. "If the parts of the brain that activate the repro-ductive system depend on deep sleep, then we need to be concerned that inad-equate or disturbed sleep in children and young ado-lescents may interfere with normal pubertal matura-tion," Natalie Shaw, lead

researcher from Harvard, said. "This is particularly true for children who have been diagnosed with sleep disorders, but may also have more widespread im-plications as recent studies have found that most ado-lescents get less sleep than they require," she said. In the study, research-ers examined pulses of luteinizing hormone (LH)

secretion in relation to specific sleep stages in children ages 9-15. LH is essential for reproduction and triggers ovulation in females and stimulates the production of testosterone in males. They found that the major-ity of LH pulses that occur after sleep are preceded by deep sleep suggesting that deep sleep is intimately in-volved in pubertal onset.

Green benefits of fruits and veggies

Fruits and vegetables give you high nutrition and low calories. They have enor-mous therapeutic value with their rich nutritional composition, high fibre and water content and boost immunity, improve stamina and protect us from several health prob-lems.Research shows di-ets containing substantial amounts of varied veg-etables and fruits reduce chances of cancer by 20 per cent and of stroke and cardio vascular disease by 60 per cent.Helps in weight management Be-

ing low in calories and fat content and high in fibre, micronutrients and an-tioxidants with a high satiety value, they help in weight management. They work as fillers and can be treated as free foods with the exception of potatoes, sweet pota-toes, jimikand and arbi, which must be used in moderation.Keeps BP in controlOwing to their high po-tassium and low sodium content, intake of fruits and vegetables is recom-mended for BP patients.

4 Foods for a raging libido

If you feel that your relationship is turning from deeply-in-love to boring, it isn't because you want to make it dull.The reason is that you simply find yourself in no mood for romance. Grab these foods to spice up your relation-ship and sex life.The reasons for a lacking libido can range from too many things on your to-do list and working too many hours to your hormones being out of whack. This is where food plays a role. Here are four delicious items you can work into your diet that will increase your libido, and help you work out of your clothes...

1. WatermelonCoined 'the new Via-gra', watermelon con-tains citrulline, an amino acid that relax-es blood vessels there-

by increasing your sex drive.

2. AparagusAsparagus is high in the B vitamin folate that helps increase your production of histamine. Histamine is important for in-creasing the sex drive in men and women.

3. AvocadosLoaded with potas-sium, avocados boost libido for both sexes. And they're rich in fo-lic acid that provides energy and stamina - both of which are important once your libido is restored.

4. ChilliesIf you like it hot and spicy, this one will bring a smile on your face! Chillies contain capsaicin, a chemical which also increases blood flow and triggers the release of mood-en-hancing endorphins that naturally pump up your libido.

Top 10 exercises to boost your brain powerYou keep your body active by doing regular workouts. Similarly, your mind also requires certain brain fit-ness workouts that can help your mind process information more quickly. This increases your abil-ity to perform multiple tasks at the same time.To help you achieve this, you will find simple but effective brain train-ing games and exercises such as solv-ing math problems to achieve great-er mind fitness. Include this brain stretching exercise in your daily rou-tine to get boost your brain power. Here are the top 10 daily brain exer-cises that can help you stay mentally sharp at any age. Art projects: Art is a great source of exercise for your brain, as it helps to boost that part of the brain that works without words and can only express itself non-verbally. Art requires you to be creative, use fine motor skills, and think analytically. Hence, art encourages the brain to think out of the box, and trains your brain to think on different planes. All this while being fun as well. Expand your vocabulary Learn new words, sign up for news-letters, read articles closely, and list out words that you are not familiar with. This technique will help you out-smart the conversation with your boss, as well as sharpen your memo-ry, by increasing your vocabulary.

Use your non-dominant hand While doing basic tasks which re-quire no concentration, try using the non-dominant hand; say if you are right-handed, try using your left hand to eat, brush etc. This activity will require extreme at-tention, and you will find yourself focusing on completing these simple tasks.

Do your own math For your daily calculation, do not use calculators. Instead, opt for the old fashioned mental math. As we grow older, it gets difficult to do even the normal math in our heads and we opt for calculators. It's better not to take the help of the calculator, and do math in your head. This is a very common way to

keep your brain active. If you are not good at calculations, then put in som practicez Listen to your favourite song again and again If you like a specific song, keep listen-ing to it over and over again as this will help your brain memorize the lyrics and after some time you will know the lyrics of the entire song.

This activity will help your brain boost its memorizing power. Multi tasking is good for you Performing activities like working at the computer, putting your little sis-ter to sleep, listening to music, solv-ing math etc - all at the same time, requires a lot of attention. All these are simple basic activities, which can be done together; but, dis-

tractions can cause confusion. Prac-tise multi tasking simple tasks so that it increases your concentration levels. Study a foreign language The advantage of learning a new language is that it is a great source of exercise for the mind and it's a great way to boost your professional career as well. Further, people who have knowledge of foreign languages are always in great professional de-mand. Besides, studying something new always keeps your brain busy. Skip GPS - Opt for maps Thanks to new technology, reach-ing an unknown destination has become very easy. However, we are becoming too dependent on these technologies as we are losing our mind's power of analysis. We need to stop letting these gadgets do all our tasks for us, and use maps instead. This utilizes your imagination and analytical skills. Use a brain training video game When you are free or when you have nothing to do, engage in playing video games. Not all video games are brainless. Some video games like Halo, would require lots of reason-ing and thinking. Engaging in play-ing games like this or even solving Sudoku puzzles will help your brain power develop. Avoid using a shop-ping list Always shopping with a list in hand is a simple job. The real task begins when you memorize all the things in your head and then do the shopping.

NATION DAILY ZABARWAN TIMES

7 SRINAGARThursday, 12 September,2013

Delhi gang-rape: quantum of punishment order for guilty reserved for Sept 13

The arguments on the sentence have ended. Now the sentence will be an-nounced on Friday at 2.30pm.The four-- Mukesh Singh, Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta and Vinay Shar-ma—were declared guilty by the court on Tuesday of raping and murdering the 23-year-old physiotherapy intern on the basis of her dying declaration, forensic evidence, DNA samples, elec-tronic evidence and the testimony of her friend and prime eye witness to the gory incident.Wednesday, public prosecutor Dayan Krishnan strongly presented the de-mand for death penalty before the court. He prayed before the court ‘show no mercy for merciless convicts’. It was a premeditated crime, which fell in "the rarest of the rare category", warranting "the death sentence, he argued.The men had used a metal rod and their hands to pull the woman's organs from her body after raping her, the prosecu-tion said. Her injuries were so severe that she died in hospital two weeks af-ter the attack.Judge Yogesh Khanna, who found the four guilty of "cold-blooded" murder, was hearing arguments from the pros-

ecution and defence on sentencing. The minimum sentence the men could re-ceive is life in prison.Defence counsel appearing for Pawan Gupta, one of the convicted in the Dec 16 gang rape and murder case, pleaded for mercy citing his young age. Gupta, a fruit vendor, is 19 years old. Defence counsel also said the crime was com-mitted on the spur of the moment and was not premeditated. Counsel opposed the prosecution's demand for death penalty for the con-victed, and said life imprisonment may be given to Pawan instead of death. Pawan is "just 19 years old and there are chances of his reform", the advo-cate said. Arguing on the quantum of sentence in the case, the prosecution sought death penalty for the four men accused who were convicted for the gang rape and murder of the physi-otherapist intern.Meanwhile, the court also rejected the defence lawyers' plea to issue contempt notice to home minister Sushilkumar Shinde for predicting death for con-victs.The police had charged six persons in the incident. The case against one of

the main accused, Ram Singh, was dropped following his death in Tihar Jail during the trial earlier this year.The sixth juvenile accused was held guilty by the Juvenile Justice Board on August 31, and was sent to a remand home for three years.The charges in the instant case were framed on February 2 during which

the court also invoked section 366 IPC against them for abducting the girl with the intention of committing "illicit in-tercourse".It had in its order described the juvenile as an associate of the adult accused, who committed gang rape in further-ance of the conspiracy and "common intention."

Shops selling Asaram merchandise may face tax scrutiny

Local tax authorities are likely to undertake scrutiny of the ac-count books of as many as 23 shops in the district selling the products manufactured by the Ahmedabad-based ashram of self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, an official said today."These shops merchandise the products manufactured in Ahmedabad-based ashram of Asaram and Yoga Vedant Samiti. We may scrutinise their books," a sales tax officer said without elaborating.He also refused to come on record. According to sources, ownership of the five-acre-plot housing the ashram, located 9 kms away on Akola-Washim

state highway, also appears dubious though no formal in-quiry has been launched so far in this connec-tion.'Bapu ki Kuti-ya', as the place is called, is a plush bungalow where Asaram, currently in jail on charge of sexually assault-ing a minor girl in Jodhpur ashram, had reportedly stayed on at least six occasions in last nine years.Though it is said that Yoga Vedanta Samiti manages

the ashram, none of its officials could be contacted despite re-peated attempts. The ashram now wears a deserted look as the flow of Asaram's disciples visiting the place coming down to a trickle since his arrest.

Teachers' recruitment scam: SC sets Sept 23 deadline for Chautala to surrender

Convicted former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala's place is in jail and he cannot enjoy hospitality of the hospital, the Supreme Court on Wednesday said, rejecting his plea for extension of interim bail granted on medical grounds in the teachers' recruitment scam.The apex court, which took into account the re-port of the medical board of AIIMS that Chau-tala's "presence is not required in the hospital," said, "the moment big personalities are con-victed, they spend more time in hospital than in prison" but when they are seated at the place of power they never say they will not take the power because they are suffering from high-sounding diseases.While extending from September 17 to Septem-ber 23, the time given to 78-year-old Chautala for surrender before jail authorities without failure, a bench of justices H L Dattu and S J Mukhopad-haya, said, "Today you are fit and your place is in a particular place. You stay there and take rest. You go and take medical treatment there."Right from the beginning you are enjoying the hospitality at the hospital. At the end of the day there is an order of conviction against you."For us status is nothing. He is a convict on in-terim bail. The medical board of a reputed hos-pital says his stay in the hospital is not required. The Delhi High Court has considered the report of medical board for not extending his interim bail," the bench said when senior advocate U U Lalit argued that Chautala's health condition

should be considered.The bench, which directed the jail authorities to "give proper, effective, efficient and expert medical assistance if required by Chautala", said there are so many convicts who remain in jail and suffer from ailments like him."Otherwise, jails would be only for healthy peo-ple," it said.The judges were also perturbed over the Delhi High Court giving priority in hearing the appeal filed by the INLD chief, saying there are pending criminal appeals in the apex court and "people with death sentence are waiting for (disposal) of their appeals filed in 2005".The bench said, "Look at the system. Sometimes, I wonder of the system as to how many criminal cases involving death sentence are pending in the apex court."What a poor man will feel? Does the system care only for well known personalities and well known people are given advantage?"The remarks referring to well known person-alities came after Lalit submitted that "the High Court has been gracious to hear the appeal on priority basis" and now only the prosecution has to make its arguments."We do not consider it gracious but today your appeal has got special treatment which is not permitted. It does not give a better name to the system. We are not able to take death reference case of 2005 which are pending (in apex court) and are in queue. Look at the tragedy," the bench said.

Advani has a choice: He can either play statesman or spoiler

We need freedom from babudom: CBI tells Supreme Court

Facing hurdles from the Centre on its way to attain autonomy, the CBI on Tuesday as-serted in the Supreme Court that the agency needs to be freed from clutches of bureau-cracy. It told the apex court that road blocks are still there on its way to attaining func-tional autonomy as the Centre was averse to vesting its Director with ex-officio powers of Sec-retary which would ensure independent working of the agency. “We (CBI) need free-dom from babudom,” senior advocate Amrendra Sharan said while pointing out hur-dles faced by the agency at evey stage in its administrative function-ing. We need freedom from babudom: CBI tells Supreme Court When a bench headed by Justice RM Lodha asked why he was so much against the bureaucracy, he said “it is because everything which we are seek-ing is returned” and “every proposal passes through head clerks”. The apex court, which was in agreement with CBI’s proposal that its Director be vested with ex-officio pow-

ers of Secretary for reporting directly to the Minister without having to go through the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), asked the Attorney General GE Va-hanvati to make a categorical statement in this regard. The Attorney General told the bench that he can only make a statement after

seeking instructions from the concerned authority as senior advocate Amaren-der Sharan, appearing for the CBI, submitted that the Centre was not agreeing to the agency’s proposal in this regard or for vest-ing the Director with the

power to appoint Special Counsel. Sharan said there are other police forces in which the Director General has been vested with ex-officio power of Secretary to the Govern-ment. The bench, which asked the Attorney General to come out with a stand on the two issues, also wanted to know from him whether any Bill was on the anvil to grant functional autonomy to CBI to insulate it from extraneous influences.

In June, Lal Krishna Advani got a won-derful chance to play elder statesman to the Bharatiya Janata Party — the party he built in the 1980s and 1990s. He flunked the test when he chose to play party pooper by staying away from the Goa meeting of the BJP national executive where Rajnath Singh anointed Narendra Modi as chief of the campaign committee. What should have been an invigorating moment for the BJP turned out to be an exercise in washing the party’s dirty linen in public, crowned by Advani’s famous leaked resignation letter which ranted against unnamed per-sons who were “concerned just with their personal agendas.” Presumably, that was an indirect attack on Modi. This month, Advani gets a second chance to play el-der statesman and make amends for June as the party gets ready to announce Modi as its choice for the prime ministership if the BJP wins the next elections along with allies. Will he play spoiler again? Will he place the crown on Modi’s head himself or sulk in the shadows in the hope of under-mining him at a later stage? The RSS and the BJP are apprehensive about Advani’s stand not because he is truly relevant to the party right now or because he can swing votes this way or that, but because no one wants a joyous ceremony to be reduced to

ashes by giving the ap-pearance of disunity. An internal battle of in-trigue that only Advani is capable of engineering may not do him or his backers any good, but it will certainly provide momentary comfort to the party’s enemies. Ra-jnath Singh, LK Advani and Narendra Modi in this file photo. AFP This does not mean Advani does not matter, or that his views on Modi are irrelevant due to the lat-ter’s growing popularity. It is precisely when power can go to an incumbent’s head that he is in great need of saner counsel and advice. Advani can greatly strengthen both Modi and the BJP by not only backing him in this last stage before becoming the party’s mascot for the 2014 elections, but by offering to be there as a friendly advisor after that. A Modi with Advani’s backing would be infinitely wiser than a Modi with no one to go to for advice. Advani cannot do that if he chooses to play Shakuni. He has a choice between play-ing Shakuni, Bhishmapitamaha or even

Krishna. One can empathise with Advani if he feels bitter about not getting the top job despite being the prime architect of the party’s rise to power. His chances died in 2004 when the BJP lost power by choosing the wrong allies, and, more importantly, by losing badly in Uttar Pradesh. He got one more shot at power in 2009, but five years of great economic growth ensured the UPA a second term in power – and Advani looked like a relic from the past. So, Ad-vani can nurse some grievance against fate for passing him by, but he cannot pretend that Modi is the cause of his deprivation.

Shops selling Asaram merchandise may face

tax scrutiny Akola: Local tax authorities are likely to under-take scrutiny of the account books of as many as 23 shops in the district selling the products manu-factured by the Ahmedabad-based ashram of self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, an official said on Wednesday. “These shops merchandise the prod-ucts manufactured in Ahmedabad-based ashram of Asaram and Yoga Vedant Samiti. We may scrutinise their books,” a sales tax officer said without elaborating. He also refused to come on record. According to sources, ownership of the five-acre-plot housing the ashram, located 9 kms away on Akola-Washim state highway, also ap-pears dubious though no formal inquiry has been launched so far in this connection. The ownership of Asaram’s five-acre-plot housing the ashram, located 9 kms away on Akola-Washim state high-way, also appears dubious, sources said. ‘Bapu ki Kutiya’, as the place is called, is a plush bungalow where Asaram, currently in jail on charge of sexu-ally assaulting a minor girl in Jodhpur ashram, had reportedly stayed on at least six occasions in last nine years. Though it is said that Yoga Vedanta Samiti manages the ashram, none of its officials could be contacted despite repeated attempts.

LS polls will be a referendum on leadership: JaitleyThrowing strong hints that Bharatiya Ja-nata Party is likely to declare Narendra Modi as its Prime Ministerial candidate soon, its senior leader Arun Jaitley on Wednesday said the coming Lok Sab-ha polls would be a “referendum on leadership” as the country had been “suffering hugely” due to leadership crisis under the United Progressive Alliance rule.Berating the UPA Government for its “indecisiveness”, and singling out Prime Minister Manmohan Sin-gh for attack, the leader of the Op-position in Rajya Sabha said: “The elections will also be a leadership referendum when people are disil-lusioned with a leaderless situation.” Though he did not name the Gujarat Chief Minister, Mr. Jaitley said: “When the principal opposition party, which has a proven leadership, throws up a pow-

erful personality, the elections could become quasi-presidential in nature.” Delivering a lecture on “the current po-litical situation in the country” organised

by the Aurobindo Cultural Society here, the BJP leader claimed that the “anti-in-cumbency is writ large on the wall” and the country was looking for a change.

Stating that the run-up for the elections had started, he said “the writing on the wall is clear....rest assure that we will announce very soon...We are fully con-scious of that.” Holding that the UPA had no answer to the challenge posed by the BJP, he said all that it could do was to rely upon the ’dynastic leader-ship.’ “The UPA has no answer for this challenge. When the BJP has a proven leadership and from among them emerge a prominent personality, the Congress has only a dynasty to depend upon,” he said.He said “cynicism and despondency” had eroded the confidence that the na-tion had been enjoying as an emerging power before the UPA came to power.“The political situation in the country is now moving into a certain direction where the cynicism will be converted into hope”, Mr. Jaitley said.

Curfew relaxed in Muzaffarnagar, clashes erupt in Baghpat

MUZAFFARNAGAR/LUCKNOW: With the situation showing improve-ment, curfew was relaxed for five hours on Wednesday in riot-hit Mu-zaffarnagar while Baghpat witnessed a communal clash, leaving a consta-ble injured.District magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma said the situation in Muzaf-farnagar was under control and no untoward incident was reported dur-ing the day.“Curfew was relaxed relaxed from 12 noon till 4pm and later extended till 5pm in Kotwali, Civil Lines and Nai Mandi areas of the district,” IG (special task force) Ashish Gupta told reporters in Lucknow.Two communities clashed in Tirthal village in Baghpat during which stones were pelted at each other. A constable sustained head injuries, Gupta said.Strict vigil was being maintained during the relaxation period and po-lice and paramilitary forces are on

high alert, Sharma said.The administration had imposed cur-few in Kotwali, Civil Lines and Nai Mandi areas of the district on Sat-urday last following the communal flare up. On Tuesday, curfew was relaxed for two-and-a-half in these areas.40 people have died in the clashes in various districts of western Uttar Pradesh. Besides 34 in Muzaffarna-gar, two deaths have been reported from Meerut, one each have been re-ported from Hapur, Baghpat, Sahara-pur and Shamli.In Agra, Samajwadi Party chief Mu-layam Singh Yadav alleged that some political parties were trying to take advantage of the situation in Muzaf-farnagar and adjoining areas and stir-ring up trouble.“If we do not remain alert then such incidents will be repeated, because some people on whom the people of Uttar Pradesh did not trust will try to take advantage,” he said.

“We will not let this happen irrespec-tive of the biggest sacrifice we need to make,” he added.Asked about remarks by UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav suspect-ing a political conspiracy behind the communal violence, Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde said in Delhi, “I cannot say about politi-cal conspiracies till I get a complete report about the violence (in Muzaf-farnagar). But political parties could indulge in it.”“80 companies (8,000 personnel) of paramilitary forces were deployed (in UP). Army was also deployed. Curfew has been relaxed now. Situ-ation is improving,” the home min-ister said.UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav had on Tuesday said, “The state gov-ernment would deal strictly with all those who have tried to create com-munal chasm and vitiate the atmos-phere of Muzaffarnagar and Uttar Pradesh.”

Sushma Swaraj adopting double standards on crimes against women: Congress

All India Mahila Congress president Shobha Ojha on Wednesday accused Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Su-shma Swaraj of adopting "double stand-ards" on sexual crimes against women in the country."There is a substantial rise of 38 per cent since June last year in gang-rape inci-dents in Madhya Pradesh, but Sushma is silent on them," alleged Ojha. She said Swaraj often raises a hue and cry when a crime against women takes place in non-BJP states but keeps mum when it occurs in a BJP-ruled state.Ojha, who arrived in the state capital for

the first time after assuming the charge of AIMC president, also slammed Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for re-

instating Cabinet minister Vijay Shah who had allegedly made "sexist" re-marks against Chouhan's wife."For the sake of power, Chouhan chose to become insensitive even to his wife which shows they (politicians) can do anything to remain glued to power," Ojha said. She alleged that incidents of crime against women in Madhya Pradesh have reached alarming propor-tions. On upcoming Assembly elections in the state, Ojha said a request will be made to party leadership to give ticket to at least one woman candidate per dis-trict in the state.

Indians Vote Mumbai as the World's Second Best City: Ipsos New Delhi: Indians have voted Mumbai as the world's second best city in the world after Singapore for doing business and for living purpose, according to a study by market research com-pany Ipsos. Singapore was voted as the world's best city fol-lowed by Mumbai, New York, London, and Abu Dhabi which makes to list of top five. Commenting on the findings, Ipsos India Head Marketing Communication Biswarup Banerjee said "Mumbai is the commercial and entertainment capital of India and it is also the most populous city in India. No wonder people across India who aspire to make it big have voted Mumbai, the city of dreams as the best place to do business and live in." In terms of doing business, Indians perceive Mumbai as the best city followed by Singapore, Abu Dhabi, New York, London,

Hong Kong, Beijing, Tokyo, Sydney and Paris as the top cities in the world. The report further added that Indians have rated Mumbai as the best place to live in in the world, followed by Singapore, London, New York, Abu Dhabi, Paris, Sydney, Los Angeles, Zurich and Washington. Meanwhile, the global sur-vey by Ipsos, which covered 18,147 people in 24 countries said New York City, London, Paris, Abu Dhabi and Sydney are the world's favourite cities in terms of doing business in, living in and visit. No Indian city was featured in the overall list. Re-spondents chose from a list of 48 major cities and asked which ones were the best to do business in, which were best to live in and which people most wanted to visit.