Govt forms expert committee on shifting

sheep farm from Dachigam

New Delhi, August 07:

Under attack from the oppo-sition over the killing of sol-diers in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch sector, the government on Wednesday said that viola-tion of the Line of Control will not be tolerated. Both Houses of Parliament wit-nessed uproarius scenes over contradictory statements by De-fence Minister A K Antony and

the Army on the incident. "The Defence Minister has made

a very clear statement in the House. Now the Army chief has gone to the spot and whatever information he will get that will be conveyed to the nation. "Violation of the LoC will not be allowed at any cost," Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Shukla said outside Par-liament House. Asked about BJP's demand for an apology from Antony over the contradictory statements on

border incident, Shukla said, "I do not agree with it.

"In their (NDA) time, Parlia-ment was attacked. What did they do?" Shukla asked and add-ed, "BJP was trying to get politi-cal advantage out of it." However, BJP leader Prakash Javadekar said, "This is not NDA vs UPA. The issue here is what has happened on the bor-der is not being told to Parlia-ment. Actually the Defence Minister has provided an alibi to Paki-stan government and that's the issue." Attacking the opposition for de-manding an apology from Ant-ony, Congress leader Renuka Choudhury said ,"It has reached the level of absurdity in public life. The Defence Minister has cat-egorically clarified that he had certain facts on Tuesday which he articulated. "He said the Army chief is seized of the matter and further infor-mation is being gathered and he would share that with you. In the meantime, for BJP to talk like that to spread insecurity in the country and say that we have given a clean chit to Paki-

stan is nothing short of slander-ous talk." She said, "I am a daughter of a soldier and I do not think sol-

diers want to hear things like this. They fight for the country at the borders. We are deeply concerned over those killings and we are proud of our jawans."

Entrepreneurship development answer to unemployment: CM

Srinagar, August 07:

Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Wednesday high-lighted the handholding of youth in their pursuit to generate self-employment and be part in the presti-gious entrepreneurship development programme in the State as one of the most stupendous tasks add-ing that entrepreneurship development is the right answer to unemployment crisis.Omar Abdullah described generation of some 2 lakh job opportunities for youth under various initiatives

of the Sher-i-Kashmir Em-ployment and Welfare Pro-gramme for Youth (SKEW-PY) and impressed upon the concerned departments to redouble their ef-forts in realising the goal of generating employment for five lakh youth in five years.The Chief Minister was taking stock of the SKEWPY and its various initiatives under implementation in the State to help comprehensive em-ployment generation and welfare of the youth besides enhancing their skill and

capacity building to get ab-sorbed in the modern job market within and outside the State, at a high level meeting he chaired here

today.According to KNS, Minister for Fi-nance, Abdul Ra-him Rather, Min-ister for Planning and Development, Ajay Sadhotra, Chief Secretary,

Mohammad Iqbal Khandey, Economic Advisor to Gov-ernment, Jalil Ahmad Khan, Principal Secretary Planning and Development, Principal Secretary Fi-

nance, B. B. Vyas, Commis-sioner Secretaries, Surav Bhagat, B. A. Runiyal and other senior officers were present in the meeting.The Chief Minister ex-pressed satisfaction over the fillip received by Seed Capital scheme by the strict monitoring by Jammu and Kashmir Bank top brass in getting EDI sponsored cases cleared on fast track and disbursing the loan compo-nent for establishment of in-dustrial units by the youth in a time bound manner. He asked the Entrepreneur-ship Development Institute

See CM on Pg. 11

Shoppers complain of increase in

pricesSrinagar, August 08:

As Eid-ul- fitr is round the corner Markets on Wednesday witnessed a heavy rush of shoppers with people laying their hands on everything that came in their way. Shoppers complained of increase in prices of es-sential commodities. How-

ever the Minster of Con-sumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department, (CAPD) Chowdray Mo-hammad Ramzan claimed that checking squads con-ducted market inspections to curb inflating rates of commodities.According to KNS, on Wednesday different mar-kets across the valley were flooded with shoppers. The busy markets of Residency Road, MA Road, and other small and big markets in Srinagar witnessed a huge rush of customers. In most of the markets, people were seen busy buying bakery, confectionary, dress material, kids wear

and grocery. But the soar-ing prices of commodities left many customers high and dry.Many shoppers, who spoke to KNS¸ complained that price of vegetables, fruits, and other items have been ‘arbitrarily increased’ manifold by traders in view of Eid.“The CAPD Department is doing noth-ing to curb this problem. The claims of having con-stituted market checking squads seem to have fallen flat because the traders have increased prices of commodities arbitrarily,” said Shabir Ahmad, a cus-tomer at Lal Chowk.

See Markets on Pg. 11

Srinagar, August 07:

Jammu and Kash-mir government on Wednesday consti-tuted a seven-member expert committee to examine in total-ity the issues involved in shifting of Sheep Breeding and Research Farm from Dachigam National Park here. Headed by Commis-sioner Secretary to Government, Forest Department, the com-mittee has been asked to submit its report to the government within a month.

To be serviced by the Forest Department, the other members of the committee include Secretary to Govern-ment Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Chief Wild Life War-den, Director, Sheep Husbandry, Repre-sentative of SKUAST Kashmir (at-least pro-fessor ranked), Envi-ronmental Scientists from University of Kashmir and a repre-sentative of National Wild Life Board. Official sources told KNS that a formal

See Committee on Pg. 11

CMYK

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CMYK

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ThurSDAY August 08 | 2013 | 29 ramzan 1434 Ah | PAGES 12 | VOL NO: 3 | ISSuE NO: 194 | rS: 2/- (AIr SurChArGE FOr JAMMu /DELhI/LEh 50 PAISA)Pen For JusticeLargely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K

Violation of LoC will not be tolerated: Govt

Srinagar, August 07:

Joint Consultative Committee (JCC), an amalgam of various employees unions, on Wednesday called for protest demonstrations and strike on 22 and 23 August to protest the fail-ure of the government to fulfill their demands.Addressing reporters here, JCC leaders includ-ing Abdul Qayoom Wani and Rouf Ahmad Bhat also threaten to intensify their protests if govern-ment continued to main-

tain what they termed as criminal silence. “We have decided em-ployees of all the three regions will stage protest demonstrations in all the three regions—Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh,” Qayoom Wani said, ac-cording to a KNS report-er.He said that on the day (August 22), thousands of employees will assemble at SK Park here and “we will march peacefully towards the residence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.”

On the day, employees of civil secretariat led by Rouf Ahmad Bhat will stage protests inside the premises the secretariat. In Jammu, he said, em-ployees led by JCC leader Gafoor Dar will stage protests outside the of-fice of Divisional Com-missioner Jammu. “On August 23, there will be a complete strike in all government offices in-cluding Civil Secretariat and Public Sector Under-takings,” Wani, who also heads EJAC (Q), said.

See JCC on Pg. 11

JCC calls for protests, strike on August 22, 23

Srinagar, August 07:

In wake of the killing of five Indian army soldiers and injuries to two Pakistan’s rangers in last two days along the Line of Control, Chairman Hurriyat Con-ference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Wednesday said that flare-up has potential to harm improving ties be-tween India and Pakistan. Addressing a gath-ering at the Histori-cal Bazaar Masjid at Bohri Kadal Masjid, Mirwaiz stressed upon both countries to demilitarize the borders and ensure the safety of Kash-miris living along the LoC on both sides of the divided Kashmir.He said that killing of In-dian or Pakistani soldiers during border tension has always remained a cause of concern. “Kashmiris have repeat-edly stressed upon both the nation to solve Kashmir to stop the wastage of lives on both sides of LOC,” he said, according to KNS.Mirwaiz said a conducive atmosphere was needed to

solve the Kashmir issue in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the peo-ple of Jammu and Kashmir. “Till basic issue of Kashmir is not solved, all other steps to stabilize the relations would prove to be a futile exercise,” he said, adding, “Improving trade relations, water, sir creek, and si-achen issues can’t be solved till creation of a favourable

atmosphere.”Mirwaiz said last-ing solution of Kashmir issue would create a con-ducive atmosphere for addressing other problems existing between the two

countries.Stating that Kashmiris are the worst victims of tense relations between the two neighbours, Mirwaiz ex-pressed desire that Indi and Pakistan would show po-litical prudence and would take appropriate measures to normalize their relations.Expressing serious concern over the reports that four herb collectors, labeled as militants, were killed by the army along LoC in Machil

See Mirwaiz on Pg. 11

LoC flare-up can worsen Indo-Pak ties: Mirwaiz

http://www.zabarwantimes.com

Srinagar, August 07:

Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Com-mittee (JKPCC) chief and former Member Parliament Saifuddin Soz on Wednes-day asked Defence Ministry no to hesitate in operat-ing evening flights from Srinagar. Soz met Minister of Civil Aviation, Ajit Singh, Hon'ble in New Delhi and urged him to take urgent measures to start early morning and late evening flights to and fro Srinagar. “I emphasized the fact that since the Defence Ministry

has granted the much-need-ed permission for operating evening flights, the Minis-try of Civil Aviation should not now hesitate to operate its flights in the evening to and fro Srinagar,” Soz was

quoted as saying in a statement issued to KNS here. “I also told the Min-ister that people of Jammu & Kashmir have been seeking this facility for long,

especially from the time ILS (instrumental landing system) was installed at Srinagar airport, two years ago.” The Minister, Soz said,

See Soz on Pg. 11

Soz appeals for early morning and late night flights

Hustle bustle in markets ahead of Eid-ul-fitr

Jammu, August 07:

Underlining commitment of the government for socio-economic develop-ment of rural pockets, Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand today said re-mote and border belts are getting focused attention and work on the roadmap to upgrade infrastructure in these belts is going on at fast pace. He said exem-plary development initia-tives have been taken and focused attention is being paid to equip these areas with all required basic in-frastructure.

“Encouraging support from the central govern-ment in funding different

projects in the state has resulted in lauching of mega infrastructure de-

velopment projects in all regions and sub-regions

See Tara Chand on Pg. 11

Govt committed to socio-economic development of rural pockets: Tara Chand

To support DAK’s stir against Spurious Drugs

New Delhi, August 07: Amid the raging controversy over his statement on the Poonch killings, Defence Minister A K Antony on Wednesday briefed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the situ-ation on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir where five troops were killed in an ambush. Antony met Singh against the backdrop of controversy over his statement regarding Indian soldiers killed along LoC.

See Antony on Pg. 11

Jammu, August 07: As the last journey of the five jawans martyred in the Pakistani attack in Poonch began from here, Army Chief Gen Bi-kram Singh today laid wreaths on their bodies. Soon after his arrival from New Delhi, Gen Singh laid wreaths on the coffins draped in the tri-colour at the Technical Airport in Jammu, Defence Spokesman

See Army Chief on Pg. 11

Antony meets PM, briefs him on situation on LoC

Army Chief pays floral tributes to

slain jawans

Court issues warrant to ex-bank employeeSrinagar, August 07: Baram-ulla Court has issued an arrest warrant against one Nazir Ahmad Malik of Saripara Budan, Rafiabad for fraudu-lently misappropriating huge amount of Rs.2523270/-. Nazir, an ex-employee of the J&K Bank had fraudulently embezzled the money while being in the services of the bank. The Bank had terminated Nazir from the services of the bank following an internal enquiry into the matter. Subsequently, bank moved the court to seek action against the fraudster and re-cover the embezzled money.Further, the court has re-strained the sale/ transfer of property that includes his house and landed property. ”The non-applicant is restrained from transferring/ alienating/ creat-ing third party in the property described in the plaint/applica-tion till further orders”, reads the order issued by Principal District Judge Baramulla.

Poppy Straw recovered Srinagar, August 07: Qazigund police recovered 28 Kgs of poppy straw from a truck, besides, arrested two brothers for misap-propriation of Government cement.Five bags around 28 Kgs of Poppy straw were recovered from a truck bearing registra-tion number JK14A/8755. The truck was intercepted on receiv-ing a tip off at Ujroo on National Highway. However, the driver of the truck Bashir Ahmad Sofi son of Abdul Rehman Sofi fled away from the spot. Qazigund Police has registered a case FIR number 168/13 under section 8/15 NDPS act and a manhunt has been launched to arrest the truck driver.Meanwhile, Qazigund police arrested two brothers for misap-propriation of Government cement. 25 bags of government supply cement was recovered at Sadoora from two brothers, Nisar Ahmad Mir and Showket Ahmad Mir sons of Ghulam Ahmad Mir resident of Sadoora. Both the accused have been arrested.A case FIR number 163/13 under section 409,411 was regis-tered in Police station Qazigund against the two brothers.

7 injured in road mishaps Srinagar August 07: Seven per-sons were injured in different road accidents across the valley.Five persons were injured when a Matador bearing registration number JK05/329, they were travelling in skidded off the road at Ussan crossing, in the jurisdiction of Police station Kunzer. All the injured were shifted to JVC, Bemina for treatment. Kunzar Police has registered a case in this regard. Meanwhile, a motorcyclist Waheed Ahmad Mantoo son of Mohammad Yousuf resi-dent of Panzmullah, Salia was injured when a Tata Sumo bearing registration number Jk03/5015 hit him near Brad, in the jurisdiction of Police station Ashmuqam, Anantnag. The injured was shifted to Bone and Joint Hospital, Srinagar for treatment. Ashmuqam police has registered a case in this regard. In another accident, a Maruti car bearing registra-tion number Jk04B met with an accident near Hill view colony Rangraith, in the jurisdiction of Police Station Budgam, result-ing in injuries to the driver of the car. The injured was shifted to hospital for treatment.

Lok Adalat held at AnantnagAnantnag, August 07: A Lok Adalat was organized at ADR Centre in District Court Complex, Anantnag under the Chairmanship of Chairman, District Legal Services Authori-ty, Anantnag, Mr. Abdul Rashid Malik here today.As many as 12 cases of different nature were taken up during

See Lok Adalat on Pg. 11

BANDIPORA, AUGUST 07:

A meeting of District lev-el officers was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, M.Y. Zargar here Wednes-day. During the meeting, arrangements with regard to celebrations of Indepen-dence Day were reviewed. The officers on this occasion were asked to keep close co-ordination with each other and ensure better arrange-ments for the said function.

The Deputy Commis-sioner directed for special attention to be given to-wards availability of drink-ing water, illumination of government offices, sanita-tion, parade and security arrangements etc.Among others, S.P. Bandipora be-sides Additional Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner Revenue and

the officers from District administration attended the meeting.

Meanwhile, on the instructions of District Development Commission-er, Kupwara, a meeting of officers of Police, Security forces, civil administration was held at District Police Lines Kupwara to review the preparedness and arrange-ments for Independence Day celebrations.The meet-ing was chaired by the Addi-tional Deputy Commission-er, Kupwara, officers of R&B, PHE, Youth Services and Sports, Education, DRDA, Forest Protection Force, Po-lice and Information were presented on the occasion.

It was decided that the function shall start at Dis-trict Police Lines by Shahnai Wadan and the chief guest will hoist the national flag at 9 a.m. followed by inspec-

tion of parade, march past presented by the JKP, JKAP, IRP, CRPF, Forest Protection Force besides contingents of school children and police band.

The arrangements in respect of security, cul-tural programmes, seating arrangements, prizes for participants, besides drink-ing water, power, refresh-ment arrangements were finalized.It was decided that August 11 and 13, 2013 would be the rehearsal days to be held at District Police Lines Kupwara and the gov-ernment installation would be illuminated onAugust 14, 2013 evening.The con-cerned officers were urged to work with more zeal, co-ordination and dedication, the Committees constituted were asked to select the programmes for successful function.

Hopes Bank would move extra-mile in

fulfilling CSRSRINAGAR, AUGUST 07

Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Wednesday appreciated Jammu and Kashmir Bank for its performance despite adverse business environ-ment and expressed the hope that the Bank would achieve new highs in the years to come.

“Your performance has been com-mendable despite adverse business environ-ment and we expect more from you. We would like you to continue your improvement. You are peoples’ Bank and your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is stupendous”, he told the Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Bank and its top level officers at the presentation of handing over of dividend cheques to the Chief Minister for the State Government by the Bank.

Minister for Finance, Abdul Rahim Rather, Chief Secretary, Mohammad Iqbal Khandey, Chairman J&K Bank, Mushtaq Ah-mad, Economic Advisor to the Government, Jalil Ahmad Khan, Principal Secretary Finance, B. B.

Vyas and President J&K Bank, Abdul Rauf Bhat were present on the occasion among others.

The Chief Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir Bank has a great role in socio-economic development and entrepreneurship

development in the State and impressed upon the Bank to move extra-mile in this direction as also in the direction of fulfilling its CSRs.

Chairman J&K Bank, Mushtaq Ahmad presented two cheques for Rs. 128.88 crores to the Chief Minister on account of Platinum Ju-bilee Dividend to the State Government for the financial year 2012-13. The State Government

owns over 53% of Bank’s shares and is the ma-jority shareholder. In its Platinum Jubilee year the Bank approved special dividend of 500% to its shareholders.

In his initial remarks, Chairman J&K

Bank revealed that the State Government has received Rs. 584.31 crores as dividend since the inception of Bank so far adding that out of this amount, over Rs. 282 crores has been received by the Government during last three years.

Mushtaq Ahmad said that the busi-ness of the Bank has increased from Rs. 63564 crores as on 30thSeptember 2010 to Rs. 104143

crore as on March 31, 2013 thereby registering a growth of 64%. He said the annual profits have more than doubled to Rs. 1055 crore as against Rs. 512 crore in March 2010.

The Chairman J&K Bank said the Bank has added 165 business units since Octo-ber 2010 raising the number of branch-es to 6694. He said business branches have been opened in the far-flung, re-mote and un-bankable areas. He said ATM network has also been extended by adding 373 teller machines taking their total number to 682 from 309 in October 2010.

He said that with its focus on the overall development of the State, the Bank addresses the issue of finance and employment in a big way and is the sole financer for the State Government’s flagship schemes of Sher-i-Kashmir Employment and Welfare Programme for Youth (SKEWPY). He said J&K Bank

has so far financed 1784 units under initiative which involves an amount of Rs. 120.12 crore. He said that 410 Kissan Credit Cards have been issued by the Bank till June 30, 2013 across the State involving Credit disbursement of Rs. 2146 crore. He said Bank has also distributed 24000 Artisan Cards and disbursed Rs. 141 crore among various categories of artisans.

Govt committed toproviding basic amenities to people on priority: Gul

SRINAGAR, AUGUST, 07-

Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Ali Mohammad Sagar Wednesday conducted an extensive tour of Srinagar city and reviewed the arrange-ments being made for ensuring the smooth conduct of Eid-ul-Fitr fes-tivities.

The Minister was accompanied by Commissioner Srinagar Munici-pal Corporation, Dr. G. N. Qasba and senior officers of various depart-ments like PDD, PHE, R&B, Police, Health and District Administration.

While inspecting the arrange-ments being made for offering of Eid prayers at Polo Ground, the Minister directed the SMC Commis-sioner to make elaborate arrange-ments for ensuring cleanliness and other related things for the general convenience of the devotees. He also directed the police authorities to put in place a fool proof security mechanism

so that the nimaz is conducted smoothly. Sagar also visited Hazratbal Shrine and

took stock of measures being taken for the smooth conduct of Eid nimaz at the histor-ical place. He directed the officers of differ-ent departments to work in a coordinated

manner to ensure that the devotees do not face any inconvenience. He also asked the

traffic police authorities to ensure smooth plying of public and private transport and ensure that the traffic is regulated in a proper manner without any congestion.

The Minister also directed the officers of health department to put in place vari-

ous medical camps en-route the shrine and also asked the SMC authorities to ensure proper cleanliness in and around the shrine. He also directed the PHE, PDD to ensure un-interrupted supply of water and power supply to the shrine and its catchment areas es-pecially during the prayer times.

Sagar also conducted surprise checks of various CAPD depots and di-rected the concerned officers to ensure the availability of food grains and other essential items like LPG, K.Oil for the general convenience of the people.

The Minister also visited Zainakadal area and directed the officers to ensure the proper rehabilitation of the shop-

keepers whose properties have been ac-quired within the shortest possible time.

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 07:

Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Mubarak Gul Wednesday reiterated that Government is commitment for the prosper-ity and development of the State besides, providing basic amenities to the people.

He said number of welfare and developmental schemes have already been completed and various schemes and projects in this regard are being imple-mented.

This was stated by the Speaker while interacting with the various deputations from Noorbagh and other areas who called him here Wednesday at his official residence.The deputationists put forth their individual and

collective problems which include construction of culverts, renovation of lanes and drains, augmentation of water supply schemes, distribution of ration, Sugar, k. oil, LPG Gas and issuance of timber on concessional rates.

While responding to various issues put forth by the people, Gul directed the officers of concerned department for their redres-sal on the spot and assured the people that their other issues will also be looked into gradually.

Regarding injured Jan Mohammad Khandey of Noorbagh who is undergoing treatment in SKIMS, Soura, Speaker assured the deputa-tion that every possible help will be provided to the injured person.

Daily ZABARWAN TIMES NEWS Srinagar |thurSday 08 .8 .2013

Sagar tours city, reviews Eid arrangements

REASI, AUGUST 07-The district administration, Reasi, Wednesday finalised plan for holding Joint Awareness pro-grammes across the district by various departments.

The district has been divided into 5 zones with 10 of-ficers designated as coordinators at block/Niabat level. In the next 8 months, 192 awareness programmes, demonstration camps, displays and fairs will be organised involving an expenditure of Rs.22 lakh. Awareness about SKWPY, PMEGP, RTI, PSGA, RTE, Child Rights and Labour laws will form an integral part of these programmes apart from Centrally and State Sponsored Schemes.

Chairing a meeting of district officers, convened to fina-lise launch of mass awareness programme, District Development Commissioner, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, directed the depart-ments to organise programmes at panchayat and block level through inter-departmental coordination.

Assistant Commissioner Development has been ap-pointed as District Nodal Officer for organising multi sectoral awareness programmes and publication of documents related to various schemes for distribution among people.

The meeting approved month-wise calendar of pro-grammes to be organised in urban and rural areas across district.

The departments of Rural Development, DRDA, Agri-culture, Animal Husbandry, Horticulture, Employment, Fisheries, Health, Education, Social Welfare, Labour, Sheep Husbandry, ST/SC Corporation, Industries, JKEDI, Social Welfare, DUDA and Tour-ism will collaborate for providing awareness on one platform.

During the meeting, specific programmes have been earmarked for participation of MLAs/MLCs, DDC and district of-ficers. In this regard, the District Coordination committee, headed by DDC, will review the performance and impact of every pro-gramme at the end of month.The schemes related to livelihood, social security, health and education sector, tourism, self-employ-ment, food production and processing besides loan and subsdies will receive special attention. The Tehsildars and BDOs have been assigned charge holding programmes in Pouni, Katra, Reasi and Arnas while SDM will be incharge of programme for Mahore.

Directs to in-tensify market

checking, tighten noose around

black marketers and profiteers

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 07:

The Minister for Consumer Af-fairs and Public Distribution (CA&PD) Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan Wednesday said that adequate buf-fer stock of food grains and essential commodities including cooking gas and Kerosene Oil is available in the State adding that efforts have been made to provide hassle-free ration to the people during the Holy month of Ramadan including the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr. However, the Minister said that the complaints received from various Districts in respect of supply and dis-tribution of LPG would be redressed before Eid on priority.

The Minister said this while chair-ing a high level joint meeting of of-ficers of CA&PD Department and LPG Dealers convened to take stock of the

supply and distribution position of es-sential commodities, LPG and K. Oil here Wednesday.The Minister said that the LPG is being provided in the city and major towns of the Valley through Home Delivery System which has re-mained a successful exercise. How-ever, he directed the authorities to en-sure home delivery of gas in the rural areas without further delay as the last date fixed for starting the same has already expired. He issued instruction to the authorities to ensure that there should be no complaint in this regard in future.It was informed in the meet-ing that regular dealership for new gas agencies should be set up on merit ba-sis. It was also given out in the meet-ing that setting up of new gas agencies under RGGVY dealership scheme is in process for which 47 Block of the State have already been identified for which 176 application have been received. The draw of lots for setting of these agencies would be held in October this year, the meeting was informed.The Minister stressed for intensifying the market checking in view of Eid-ul-Fitr and tighten noose around black marketers and profiteers to prevent the consumers from being cheated on Eid day. He said that Mobile Checking squads comprising one senior officers of CA&PD Department, Crime Branch and Legal Metrology Department will keep close vigil on the markets round the clock.

Ensure avail-ability of essen-

tials: Malhotra to district adminis-

trationJAMMU, JULY 7: Chairman, Legisla-

tive Council, Amrit Malhotra, who is on Jammu tour,has instructed district administration Jammu to ensure avail-ability of essentials including cooking gas, mutton and poultry products in connection with Eid festival, particu-larly in Muslim dominated areas.

Malhotra asked the authorities of CA&PD department to mobilize and intensify the market checking squads in order to keep check on profiteers and black marketers. He directed Jam-mu Municipal Corporation to launch a massive cleanliness drive in and around the areas where Eid congrega-tions are expected to take place.

The Chairman asked the authori-ties of Power Development and Public Health Engineering Departments to take preemptive measures for making round the clock availability of power and water supply to the people during festival days

JAMMU, AUGUST 07-

Minister for Medical Edu-cation, Technical Education, Youth Services and Sports, Taj Mohi-ud-Din, Wednesday handed over three ambulanc-es and one critical care ambu-lance to Government Medical College, Jammu.

Commissioner Secretary, Health and Medical Educa-tion, Shalen Kabra, Principal, GMC, Jammu, Medical Super-intendent, Ravinder Rattan Pal besides HODs of various departments were present on the occasion.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the government is committed to upgrade health infrastruc-ture in the State so that all advanced healthcare facilities are provided to the people within the state. He said that work on shifting of various departments to Super Special-ity Hospital is in progress and

units like Cardiology, Urology, Neurology, Neuro Surgery, En-docrinology and others are ex-pected to be made fully func-tional.The Minister expressed gratitude to the Center for increasing the number of seats for MBBS in the GMC, Jammu. He said that the MCI will soon visit the State for inspection of infrastructure and related facilities to be made available to the students in the GMC.Later, the Minister convened a meeting with Commissioner Secretary Health and Medical Education, Principal Medical College, Administration of-ficer, HODs of various depart-ments and discussed various issues regarding up gradation of infrastructural facilities at Government Medical College Jammu in view of increased MBBSseats from 100 to 150. He also inspected the condition of various departments including lecture halls and laboratories

and issued necessary direc-tions for upgradation of the same at the earliest.

The Minister also inspected Oxygen concentrated plant in the hospital and was informed that the capacity of plant is less as compared to present requirement.

Meanwhile, the Minister also inspected AMT School, Government Medical College Jammu and directed the authorities for early repair of the AMT School. He also visited Sir Col R. N. Chopra Nursing Home, Government Medical College Hospital and directed the functionaries for early repair and renovation of the same. He was informed that the Multi-Theatre has also been made functional in Chop-ra Nursing Home.Later, the Minister inaugurated Residen-tial Accommodation for Para Medical Staff at Psychiatrist Disease Hospital Jammu.

Mushtaq presents Rs. 128.88 crore dividend cheques to CM

Stop your pondering over something and do it, Aries. This is a day to be spontaneous and adventurous. Although this may feel a bit foreign and against your usual grounded na-ture, it would be a good idea to take this time to do some-thing on a whim and see where it takes you. Don’t be afraid of the unknown. The future is an exciting concept because it’s unknown. Embrace it.

This may be a climactic day for you, Taurus, especially when it comes to your emotions. You could find that people try to wield some sort of power over you. Maybe they’re try-ing to throw their weight around to get you to do something. Don’t be manipulated. Stand up for yourself and be strong.

Instead of turning all your burning questions inward to-day, Gemini, you might want to consider broadcasting them outward. Engage in discussions and extend your queries to the group. You may usually try to solve all the world’s prob-lems on your own, but once in a while you should stop and consider other points of view in order to enrich your per-spective.

The day ahead will be trying for you, Cancer. You will have a fire raging inside. You may have a speech to deliver or a private performance to put on for your loved ones. In any case, you will have to prove yourself, and you will spare no energy in the attempt. You will be completely drained by the end of the day. Plan to rest.

Try not to weigh everything down. Don’t pick things apart to the point that all that’s left are the tiny details of the situation, Leo. Deal with it as a whole. Mental and emotional issues are apt to be of greater concern to you. You shouldn’t try to dissect them. That will only create more issues than you started with.

As you work to keep things in balance today, Virgo, re-member that one of the key things is to have fun. Happiness is an extremely important element of the cosmic equation, especially on a day like this. The more upbeat you can be regarding a certain situation, the easier it will be to tackle it. A smile can get you through just about any door you wish to enter.

Don’t get too emotional about a situation today, Libra. You could feel a sinking feeling, but if you go that route you may end up in a pit of emotional quicksand that’s hard to escape. Make sure you have a friend to talk to so you’re pre-pared for whatever you might encounter on your emotional journey.

This is a terrific day for you, Scorpio. You should easily feel its power coming together in an upbeat, positive way. Others are apt to fall into place by your side as they realize the wisdom in your way of doing things. Remain confident and positive. Your adventuresome spirit is ready, so push away from the dock.

Your normal steady pace usually wins the race, Sagit-tarius, but today you might need to take some shortcuts. Jump on opportunities that seem to come out of nowhere, but don’t feel like you need to commit to anything now. Take your chances and see where luck takes you. There’s an ad-venturous spirit in the air urging you to take an unexpected gamble.

Don’t deny your emotions today, Capricorn. They will be of great use to you. There’s an intensity about your feelings that’s helping you stay strong in just about every situation. Opportunities lie within groups of people. Shared enthusi-asm for a task makes the job go more quickly. Join others in the pursuit of prosperity.

Indecisiveness may plague you today, Aquarius. Be care-ful that you don’t avoid doing something simply because you don’t know which way to go. To cure your restlessness, you should think about going on a short trip. Travel will most certainly help alleviate any worries about a certain situation. The answer you seek will come more easily.

Take things to the limit today, Pisces, and then go be-yond. This is one of those days in which people may go to extremes, especially emotionally. You have the right to push the boundaries and see how far you can go. There’s no need to delay. If you’re going to do something, do it now. There’s an intense surge of power that should be there to help you along your way.

I-Day arrangements reviewed at Bandipora, Kupwara

Hassle-free ration provided to the people during the Holy month: Ramzan

DDC approves plan for 192 programmes

Omar appreciated J&K Bank’s performance

Taj hands over three ambulances, one critical care ambulance to GMC

Researchers have found that children exposed to diethyl phthalate (DEP) and butylbenzyl phthalate (BBzP)—phthalate chemi-cals commonly found in personal care and plastic products—have elevated risk of asthma-related air-way inflammation.Of the 244 children aged 5 to 9 in the study, all had detectable levels of phthalates in their urine although these varied over a wide range.Higher levels of both phthalates were associated with higher levels of nitric oxide in exhaled breath, a biological marker of air-way inflammation.The association between BBzP exposure and air-way inflammation was especially strong among children who had recently reported wheeze, a com-mon symptom of asthma, according to the research-ers at Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health (CCCEH) at the Mailman School of Public Health."While many factors contribute to childhood asthma, our study shows that exposure to phtha-lates may play a significant role," said Allan Just, PhD, first author on the new CCCEH study and current

postdoctoral researcher at the Harvard School of Public Health.Dr. Just and co-investi-gators looked at children enrolled in the CCCEH Mothers and Newborns study. All live in Northern Manhattan and the South Bronx where asthma prev-alence is high. Exposure to phthalates was measured through a urine test, and the level of nitric oxide in the child's exhaled breath was quantified as a marker of airway inflammation.The study is the first to use exhaled nitric oxide in a

study of phthalate expo-sure in children. By using the biomarker in exhaled breath, the researchers overcame a significant hurdle."Many asthma patients only have asthma exac-erbations a few times a year, making it difficult to discern short-term asso-ciations between environ-mental exposures and the disease," explained Mat-thew Perzanowski, PhD, senior author and Associ-ate Professor of Environ-mental Health Sciences at the Mailman School.

"To solve this problem, we used nitric oxide, which has been shown to be a reliable marker of airway inflammation in response to known asthma triggers like vehicle emissions," he said.Phthalates are used widely in consumer prod-ucts, including plastics, vi-nyl flooring, and personal care products, making ex-posure ubiquitous in the United States and other developed nations.Phthalates enter the body through ingestion, inha-lation, and absorption through the skin.

E ++HHEAAL L HH5 ZABARWAN TIMES

THURSDAY | 08 AUG 20138 ZABARWANTIMES

Exposure to pesticide behind childhood coughChildren exposed to the widely used pesticide ad-ditive piperonyl butoxide (PBO) in the womb have heightened risk of non-infectious cough at ages 5 and 6, a new study has found.The findings support the premise that the children's respiratory system is sus-ceptible to damage from toxic exposures during the prenatal period. A com-mon symptom, childhood cough can disrupt normal daytime activities and in-terrupt sleep for both child and parent. Researchers at the Colum-bia Center for Children's Environmental Health (CCCEH) at the Mailman School of Public Health and of Columbia Univer-sity Medical Center con-ducted the study. Piperonyl butoxide (PBO) is an organic compound used to bolster the effects of pyrethroid pesticides. Pyrethroids are the most commonly used pesticides for both professional pest control and non-profes-sional residential use, ac-cording to a 2011 study by Mailman School research-ers. Exposure to one pyre-throid, a variation of per-methrin, was linked with increased risk for cough by

age 5 in a 2009 study by Rachel Miller, MD. In the current study, Dr. Miller and colleagues sought to build on these findings by exploring the effects of subsequent ex-posure during childhood, looking specifically at the effects of PBO exposure. Researchers looked at 224 mother-child pairs enrolled in the CCCEH birth cohort study of en-vironmental exposures, examining measures of PBO and pyrethroid in personal air monitors worn by the mothers dur-ing pregnancy.

Air samples also were col-lected from the home over the course of two weeks when children were be-tween 5 and 6 years old. Questionnaires were used to evaluate respiratory outcomes. Researchers found that children exposed to PBO during pregnancy had in-creased odds of reporting cough unrelated to cold or flu. Exposures to PBO dur-ing childhood were not a factor. There was no observed as-sociation between prenatal or childhood permethrin exposure and cough,

something the researchers say may be explained by the fact that PBO is much easier to measure in air samples than permethrin. There was also no asso-ciation with PBO or per-methrin exposure and oth-er respiratory outcomes like wheeze or asthma. While it is unclear wheth-er the effect is due mainly to PBO itself or residen-tial pyrethroids of which PBO is an indicator, it is important to remember, said Dr. Miller, that "these exposures may be a factor in a very common problem for children—cough.

Personal care items cause asthma in kids

Replace ghee with canola or olive oilWhen a recipe calls for ghee or butter, substitute it with canola or olive oil for better health.Both these oils can help you to shed weight and reduce liver fat, lipids and triglycerides, says a study. The study conducted by the Diabetes Foundation (India) (DFI) and the Na-tional Diabetes, Obesity and Cholesterol Founda-tion (N-DOC) has found that consuming olive or canola oil can help in de-creasing weight, waist circumference and reduce liver fat, lipids and trig-lycerides. A group of 90 people were part of the study for three years from June 2007 to 2010. They were divided into three groups and asked to use one type of cooking oil — olive, canola or any other oil. "After a period of six months itself, we found that those who used olive or canola significantly re-duced there weight, liver fat and triglycerides," said Seema Gulati, head of nu-trition research group at N-DOC.

The group which used olive oil significant-ly reduced the body weight, waist circum-ference and liver fat. As for the 30 people who used canola oil, they reported a decrease in waist circumference and a significantly improved insulin and blood glu-cose. The group which

used other oils, except the soybean or sun-flower oil — which have a high content of mono-unsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) — as cooking medium had not showed any significant changes. "If the different tradi-tional Indian oils used across the country are replaced by olive or

canola oil, it can lead to multiple health ben-efits," said Anoop Misra, director and head of de-partment of diabetes and metabolic diseases at a leading hospital. he said that the study has important implications for Indians who are at heightened risk for dia-betes and heart disease

Books are tonic for the brainReading is not just another leisurely activity or a way of brushing up your litera-cy skills and factual knowl-edge - it acts as a tonic for the brain too.Neuroscientist Susan Greenfield suggests that reading helps to expand attention spans in kids. "Stories have a beginning, a middle and an end - a structure that encourages our brains to think in se-quence, to link cause, ef-fect and significance," she says."It is essential to learn this skill as a small child, while the brain has more plastic-ity, which is why it's so im-portant for parents to read to their children. The more we do it, the better we get at it," Greenfield added.Reading can enrich our relationships by increas-ing our understanding of other cultures and helping us learn to empathise, the Daily Mail reports."In a computer game, you might have to rescue a princess, but you don't care about her, you just want to win," explains Greenfield.

"But a princess in a book has a past, present and fu-ture, she has connections and motivations. We can relate to her. We see the world through her eyes."John Stein, emeritus pro-fessor of neuroscience at Magdalen College, Oxford, says reading is far from a passive activity. "Read-ing exercises the whole brain," he explains. Read-

ing stories to children will help their brains develop the ability to analyse the cause, effect and signifi-cance of eventsIn 2009, a brain-imaging study in the US showed that reading about land-scapes, sounds, smells and tastes, activates brain areas tied to these experi-ences in real life, creat-ing new neural pathways.

Simply stated, our brains simulate real experiences, which doesn't happen when you're watching TV or playing computer games.In 2009, University of Sus-sex researchers showed how six minutes of read-ing can slash stress levels by more than two-thirds, more than listening to mu-sic or going out for a walk.

Best purple foods for good healthThere has been so much talk on hav-ing a rainbow of foods on your plate - a group of 'colours' of certain fruit signifying certain benefits.Of these purple foods are perhaps most significant as it is a fact that darker the food, the higher the anti-oxidant level. Antioxidants can pre-vent cell damage, and keep one look-ing younger. Here are more reasons to stock up on purple-hued foods today.

Benefits galore:As per data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study (NHANES), in a survey on eating and health, it was seen that adults who eat purple and blue fruits and vegetables are less likely to be overweight. They have a reduced risk for both high blood pres-sure and low HDL cholesterol. It was be-lieved that anthocyanins, or compounds that give purple foods their colour, were responsible for this. Purple foods have a pigment called anthocyanin. This is a strong and antioxidant, which is said to reduce the risk of cancer.

What they are:Eggplant, Purple grapes, figs, plums, dark cherries, raisins, purple cabbage are all candidates.

Get cooking!Here are some quick-fix recipes...Plums: Take fresh plums, and put them in a grill with the skin on. Grill and sprinkle a little cinnamon powder on them. You

can also stick a clove in each of them and rest them awhile, then remove cloves and eat.

Purple cabbage: Take purple cabbage, slice it up. Drizzle some balsamic vinegar or light sweet onion dressing over them.

Enjoy!Figs: To make a healthy salad, just chop fresh figs along with shredded rocket leaves, feta cheese and add toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts on them. Serve.Plums: This fruit is best had on its own. However, it can also be enjoyed in des-serts and savouries. To make poached plums, place plums in a baking dish, add a little sugar and lemon juice and toss them gently so they get coated. Bake for 15 min-utes. Remove and have with cream or just like that.

The use of "smoky coal" for household cooking and heating was found to be as-sociated with a substantial increase in the lifetime risk of developing lung cancer, according to a study from China. This represents one of the strongest effects of environmental pollution reported for cancer risk in any population, the re-searchers said. It also un-derlines the importance of taking action to minimise exposure to the most haz-ardous types of fuel. About half the world's popula-tion uses coal and other solid fuels for cooking and heating, often in simple stoves that are unvented. Exposure to certain types of solid fuel smoke is as-sociated with several dis-eases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute respiratory infections, and lung can-cer. However, the relation-ship between smoky coal use and lung cancer is not

fully understood. So an international team of researchers compared deaths from lung cancer between lifelong users of "smoky coal" and "smoke-less coal" for household cooking and heating in Xuanwei County, Yun-nan Provine, China, where lung cancer rates are par-ticularly elevated. In total, over 37,000 individuals were followed over a 20-year period (1976-96) dur-ing which time more than 2,000 deaths from lung cancer were recorded. Af-ter taking account of other possible risk factors includ-ing tobacco use, lung can-cer cases and deaths were substantially higher among users of smoky (i.e. bitumi-nous) coal for home cooking and heating than users of smokeless (i.e. anthracitic) coal. In absolute terms, the risk of lung cancer death be-fore 70 years of age for men and women using smoky coal was 18 percent and 20

percent respectively, com-pared with less than 0.5 percent among smokeless coal users of both sexes. These risks are almost as high as those reported for heavy smokers in Western countries, ranging between 20 percent and 26 percent. Lung cancer deaths were also associated with the av-erage number of hours that a smoky coal user spent at home and the age at which participants started cook-ing. The researchers say that their findings have important implications for public health in this region of China and suggest that the use of less carcinogenic types of coal or other fuels can translate into a sub-stantial reduction of lung cancer risk. As this chemi-cal and physical composi-tion of coal differs widely in different geographical locations, additional re-search is needed on the carcinogenicity of various types of coal, they added.

Scientists now have an ex-planation for why green tea is good for the brain -- it lies in the chemical properties that affect the production of brain cells, improving memory and spatial learning."Green tea is a popu-lar beverage across the world," said Yun Bai, pro-fessor from the Third Mili-tary Medical University, Chongqing, China."There has been plenty of scientific attention on its use in helping prevent cardiovascular diseases, but now there is emerging evidence that its chemical properties may impact cel-lular mechanisms in the brain."Yun's team focused on the organic chemical EGCG, (epigallocatechin-3 gal-late) a key property of green tea. While EGCG is a known antioxidant, the team believed it can also have a beneficial ef-fect against age-related degenerative diseases, the journal Molecular Nutri-tion and Food Research

reports."We proposed that EGCG can improve cogni-tive function by impacting the generation of neuron cells, a process known as neurogenesis," said Yun."We focused our research on the hippocampus, the part of the brain which processes information from short-term to long-term memory."The team found that ECGC boosts the production of neural progenitor cells, which like stem cells can adapt, or differentiate, into various types of cells. The team then used lab mice to discover if this increased cell production gave an advantage to memory or spatial learning, accord-ing to a Medical University statement."We ran tests on two groups of mice, one which had imbibed ECGC and a control group (with-out ECGC)," said Yun."First the mice were trained for three days to find a visible platform in their maze. Then they were trained for seven days to find a hidden platform."

NATION DAILY ZABARWAN TIMES

7 SRINAGARThursday, 08 August,2013

Rahul Gandhi mocks the poor, says pov-erty is just a state of mind

First, Congress leaders Raj Babbar and Ra-sheed Masood mocked the poor by their Rs.12 and Rs.5 for a meal remarks. Now, it’s none other than the Gandhi scion who has come out with his own, bizarre definition of poverty.

Speaking at a function in Allahabad on Mon-day, Rahul Gandhi stirred the hornet’s nest by dis-missing poverty as just a state of mind.

Hailing the role of self-help groups in ad-vancement of marginalised section of society, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said they

provide the poor with “self-confidence to overcome poverty”.

The Congress leader made this com-ment while participating in a discourse on ‘Culture, Deepening Democracy and Most Marginalised Communities’, or-ganised by noted social scientist Badri Narayan.

“I understand the weaknesses of our system. I will try my best to help the people but unless and until the voice of the marginalised comes out from within, nothing can be done,” Narayan quoted Gandhi as having said at the event which

was organised at the GB Pant Social Science In-stitute on the outskirts of the city.

“Poverty is just a state of mind. It does not mean the scarcity of food, money or material things. If one possesses self-confidence, then one can overcome poverty,” he said.

In this context, Gandhi cited the example of a poor woman in Amethi, who redeemed her self-esteem by getting associated with self-help group Rajiv Gandhi Mahila Vikas Pariyojana.

The Congress vice president, who was ac-

companied by the party’s national general sec-retary Madhusudan Mistry, also interacted with people from remote villages of Allahabad and other neighbouring districts.He assured them “my one and only political aim is that I want to tune my ears to the voice of the poor and the mar-ginalised”.Earlier, while inaugurating a branch of city-based Kamla Nehru Memorial Hospital in the district’s trans-Yamuna region, Gandhi ex-pressed concern over “increasing money-mind-edness” among medical practitioners and urged doctors to take a keen interest in serving in rural areas.Meanwhile, the visit of Gandhi here, the first after he was elevated as the Congress vice president, was marked by protests from support-ers of the BJP at a number of places.Activists of BJP’s youth wing Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) and the Congress students’ wing NSUI came to blows near the GB Pant Institute.BJYM activists had been raising slogans against the UPA government at the Centre and were attacked by NSUI activists when some of them tried to jump in front of Gandhi’s vehicle waving black flags, police said, adding that two persons have been rounded up in this connection.

Pranab hails Food Bill as ‘significant milestone’

Describing the govern-ment’s food security measure as a “significant milestone” in the country’s agricultural and social history, the Presi-dent Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday expressed hope that the current session of Parliament will endorse the bill replacing the ordinance.

“The year 2013 marks a significant milestone in our agriculture and social history. Last month the national food security ordinance was promulgated and on Wednesday the bill to replace the ordinance has been introduced in the Lok Sabha. I am sure that this session of Parliament will endorse the bill. This initiative is believed to be the world’s largest social protection measure against hunger” the President said.

He was addressing a function organised here to mark the 25th anniversary of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF).

Mr. Mukherjee praised the initiative which aimed at making availability of food at an affordable cost, a legal

right to over two third’s of the country’s population.

“Every Indian can be proud of this transition from the days of the Bengal famine of 1943 in which over three million people died, to the implementation of the right to food with our own home grown food”, he said.

The president, however, said that the rights based approach to food can be

sustained only if we pay greater attention to farmers and farming.

“The national commission on farmers, chaired by Prof M.S. Swaminathan has given valuable recom-mendations for converting the green revolution into an ever-green revolution, resulting in higher productivity in perpetuity without associated ecological harm,” Mr. Mukherjee said.

Noting that Eastern India has large untapped produc-tion potential, he said, “The future of our food security system will depend upon the progress we make in assist-

India serves démarche on Sri Lanka over jailed fishermen

Sri Lankan High Commissioner Prasad Kari-yawasam was summoned to the South Block on Wednesday and a formal démarche made against the large number of Indian fishermen languishing in Sri Lankan custody for periods up to two months.

The démarche reflected India’s exasperation over the absence of any movement on the release of the fishermen despite several high-level interventions.

It was also pointed out that the delay in their re-lease not only deprives them of their livelihood but also causes anxiety to their family members. Currently there are 114 Indian fishermen and 21 fishing boats in Sri Lankan custody.

An official source pointed out that the demarche follows the issue being previously raised with Sri Lankan Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa during his visit to New Delhi in July and by National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon during his Sri Lanka visit the same month. And while the démarche was being served in New Delhi, Indian High Commissioner Yash Sinha raised the matter formally with the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry in Colombo on Wednes-

day.The official said the Consulate-General of India in

Jaffna has been providing them with basic necessities and medical attention whenever required.

Telangana stir affects banking operations in coastal AP, Rayalaseema

The ongoing agitation against bifurca-tion of Andhra Pradesh has hit banking transactions worth Rs 10,000 crore in coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions.

Many ATMs located in the region ran dry as many banks could not refill cash amid protests.

“As per rough estimates Rs 10,000 crore worth transactions were affected during the past one week. Approximate-ly, all banks put together there are 3,000 ATMs and 4,000 branches in coastal and Rayalaseema regions catering to public needs,” B S Rambabu, Andhra Pradesh Bank Employees Federation General Secretary said.

According to him, there are 6,000 branches with 80,000 employees across Andhra Pradesh.

When contacted, a senior official of State Bank of India admitted that there was disruption to ATM services in these

two regions.“Some places we are not able to put

cash in ATMs due to security reasons. However, we make sure that cash is placed whenever is possible. Sometimes, we do that in early mornings for the con-venience of our customers,” the SBI of-ficial said.

Reports said that long queues were witnessed in front of ATMs in many cit-ies as people withdrew money from their salary accounts. But most of the ATMs located near SBI branches have cash mostly, the SBI official said.

According to data available, SBI has nearly 1,200 ATMs in the state barring Telangana.

On an average in a day, each ATM has 300 transactions with withdrawals in the range of Rs 6-7 lakhs, he said.

Banking services were affected during pro-Telangana agitations previously also.

UP Minister downplays LIU report on Nagpal, says inquiry is on

Seeking to downplay the LIU report that suspended IAS officer Durga Sakthi Nagpal was not present dur-ing demolition of a wall of a mosque in Gautam Budh Nagar, a UP minister on Wednesday said inquiry was going on and the truth would come out soon. "An in-quiry is being conducted and the truth will come out soon," UP Minister Brahma Shanker Tripathi told re-porters in Lucknow.

The Local Intelligence Unit report sent to UP gov-ernment had claimed that wall of under-construction mosque was demolished in Gautam Budh Nagar in presence of Circle Officer/ SDM Jewar and that Nag-pal, SDM (Sadar), was not present at the spot. Both Jewar and Sadar fall under G B Nagar.

28-year-old Nagpal, who led the crackdown on sand mining mafia in her district, was suspended on July 27 ostensibly for ordering demolition of the wall allegedly without following the due process. The Dis-trict Magistrate, GB Nagar had stated in his report to the state government that Nagpal had not got the wall of any religious place demolished.

UP Minister downplays LIU report on Nagpal, says inquiry is on

UP Minister downplays LIU report on Nagpal, says inquiry is on

The LIU report had said that on July 27, members of the Mus-lim community were getting a new mosque constructed in Kadalpur village in Raghupura area of G B Nagar. "The administration is saying that the action has been taken as no permis-sion has been sought for construction of the mosque," the report had said. SDM (Jewar) Bachhu Singh, how-ever, had said Kadalpur village does not come under his area.

The LIU had sent its report to the DIG, Intel-ligence and forwarded it to the DGP and Home depart-ment at about 5:10 PM on July 27 apprising them of the situation in the village. On the same day, Nagpal was suspended by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav cit-

ing her lack of foresight in demolishing the wall of a religious place.

Opposition parties, however, have alleged that Nagpal was suspended following pressure from sand mining mafia operating in the state.

AAP leader Santosh Koli dies, Arvind Kejriwal says 'sacrifice

won't go in vain'Koli was seriously injured

on June 30 when a speeding car rammed into a motorcycle on which she was riding pillion.

Thirty-seven days after she was injured in a road accident, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Santosh Koli, who was to contest the Delhi assembly polls later this year, died in a Gurgaon hospital. She was 28.

Confirming the news, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal tweeted: "Santosh passes away. May her soul rest in peace. We all resolve that we will not let her sacrifice go in vain. We have to take her struggle forward.

Koli was seriously injured on June 30 when a speeding car rammed into a motorcycle on which she was riding pillion.

She was rused to a hospital in critical condi-tion. The accident had occurred near the Kaush-

ambi Metro station, which is under the jurisdic-tion of the Link Road police station in Ghaziabad.

Justice R A Mehta refuses to take charge as Gujarat Lokayukta

GANDHINAGAR: Despite the Supreme Court clearing his appointment as the Lokayukta of Gujarat, Justice (Retd) R A Mehta in a letter to Gujarat governor Kamala Beniwal has said he will not take charge.

The Narendra Modi-led Gujarat government had fiercely fought the governor's decision to ap-point Mehta as Lokayukta but was eventually overruled by the Supreme Court.

Justice Mehta in his letter to the governor said he had decided not to accept the post because of the damage to his credibility by the Gujarat gov-ernment and possible non-cooperation from the government while performing his duties.

Wile speaking to TOI, Justice Mehta con-firmed this news and said,"I frankly admit that I will not be able to fulfill the public duty, public

need and high public expectations from the Lokayukta in the circum-stances."

"How can I take up the respon-sibility and become the Lokayukta when my objectivity and credibil-ity are not accepted by the govern-ment and by the public functionaries whose conduct the Lokayukta may have to investigate? Findings and recommendations - for or against a public functionary - will always be under question so I have decided to withdraw my consent for the post," he said.In his letter, Justice Mehta wrote, "The highest courts in the state and in the country have upheld the appointment and repeat-

edly negatived all contentions including that of bias against my appointment as the Lokayukta. Rs 45 crore of public money is said to have been spent by the Gujarat government in this litiga-tion. Humongously disproportionate figure by any standard.""I may be called hyper-sensitive, touchy, timid, shirking and what not. Some may even allege that I have been won over, purchased, threatened and what not. I have very great respect for their views. I have been seriously considering it all along, but I could not persuade myself to ac-cept the office of Lokayukta," he added.

In conclusion, Justice Mehta wrote,"I humbly withdraw my consent for the appointment as the Gujarat Lokayukta and decline to assume the of-fice. Kindly accept my request and relieve me.''

Bihar BJP leader seeks resigna-tion of Uttarakhand CM

Bihar BJP leader Ashwani Chaube on Wednesday demanded the resignation of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna and regis-tration of a case against him for mis-management of rescue work among stranded pilgrims during the floods in the mountain state two months ago.

"Bahuguna is solely respon-sible for the death of thousands of pilgrims due to insensitive and cal-lous handling of rescue works after the tragedy struck Uttarakhand on June 17," Chaube, who was himself on pilgrimage in the mountain state with his family at the time, told reporters.

Chaube said the Uttarakhand government should not have allowed pilgrims to proceed to the higher reaches following weather forecasts suggesting heavy rains. Instead it launched ex-peditious rescue works to save stranded pilgrims after the tragedy struck.

Bihar BJP leader seeks resignation of Uttara-khand CM

Bihar BJP leader seeks resignation of Uttara-khand CM

"Thousands of pilgrims who otherwise per-ished in the natural calamity would have been alive on Wednesday if the state government would have acted in time...the Uttarkhand Chief Minister should be booked under section 302 of the IPC for the death of thousands of people due

to his insensitive handling of rescue works."The BJP leader alleged that Uttarakhand

government also denied compensation to the kin of victims by not issuing death certificate for those whose bodies have not been found till date. Chaube, a former health minister in the Nitish Kumar government till June when NDA split, said the Uttarakhand tragedy had been a harrow-ing personal tragedy for him as six of his relatives and security guards perished in the flash flood in Kedarnath valley.

He and his wife along with other family members had survived by taking refuge in the sanctum sanctorum of Kedarnath temple for days. Chaube said he will sit on a day-long dhar-na at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on August 12 to highlight the Uttarakhand and Bihar govern-ment's insensitive handling of the tragedy.

Birmingham man Vishar Jain jailed for stamping

on boy's headA computer engi-

neer from Birming-ham has been jailed for nine years for an attack in which he stamped on the head of his partner's four-year-old son.

Vishar Jain also repeatedly punched and kicked the boy in front of his mother and threw him on to a wooden floor, Birmingham Crown Court heard.

Jain, 44, of Parker Street, Edgbaston, admitted wounding with intent over the attack in March.

The boy had a fractured skull and broken collarbone.'Sustained attack':He also suffered cuts to his mouth and bruis-

ing during the attack in Weoley Castle.Speaking after Tuesday's court hearing, a West Midlands

Police spokesman said the reason for the assault was not known.The child's mother was also beaten when she tried to intervene

and suffered facial bruising and eye injuries.Det Con Hayley Bubb said: "We will never know why Jain

decided to viciously beat this little boy."This was an unprovoked and sustained attack on a

defenceless child, which he has never explained."Although he has recovered well physically from his

injuries, emotionally it will take a long time for him to get over the attack."