TOP STORY: Manmohan asks states to combat extremism
NEW DELHI: Noting that no one can say they are fully immune from terror attacks, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said intelligence agencies have warned of intensified terrorist violence with increased focus on soft targets. At a chief ministers' conference on internal security, he also asked the states to establish specialised, dedicated forces to "cripple" Left wing extremism which he said continued to be the "single biggest security challenge" confronting the country. "While Left-wing extremism may be restricted in its scope to some regions, the larger problem of terrorism affects all states equally. Terror attacks may have happened so far only in some locations. But the reach of terrorists is such that no one can say that they are fully immune from such attacks," Singh said. The Prime Minister said "intelligence agencies warn of further intensification of violent activities by terror groups. "While the actual perpetrators of terrorist violence may belong to a few known organisations, we need to guard against their attempts to recruit local sympathy and support", he said. Referring to high-profile terror attacks this year in Hyderabad, Rajasthan, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, he said the terrorists were able to network across states and even international boundaries organising coordinated strikes. Singh, who held a breakfast meeting with Chief Ministers of seven naxal-affected states, said "not a day passes without an incident of Left wing extremism taking place somewhere or the other". "We need to cripple naxalite forces with all the means at our command.......And we cannot rest in peace till we have eliminated this virus," he said while making a mention of the sensational Dantewada jailbreak in which 300 inmates including over 100 naxals escaped. Admitting that naxal groups have succeeded in enlarging their base, Singh said "although the notions of a red corridor from Nepal to Andhra Pradesh are exaggerated, we have to admit that they have achieved some degree of success in enlarging their areas of militancy." Observing that over the last years, the activities of naxal groups have revealed new aspects, targeting vital economic establishments and eliminating important political leaders, he said "...We cannot rest in peace till we have eliminated this virus. Seeking better coordination between Central and state intelligence agencies, the pri me minister said surveillance and preventive systems also needed to be improved to reduce the probability of terror attacks. The conference, from which the media was kept away even during the inauguration, was organised by the Home Ministry and attended by Chief Secretaries, Directors General of Police, chiefs of para-military forces and intelligence agencies
HOME
`J&K to have new 15 battalions’
New Delhi: Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has underscored the need for maintaining a desirable police-public ratio in Jammu and Kashmir particularly in view of the terrorist violence. He made a strong case for strengthening and modernizing state police.
Chief Minister said the state's huge geographical area with harsh and hilly topography and inhospitable weather conditions necessitates building of modern, professional, well-equipped and adequate police force.
Addressing the conference of Chief Ministers, on Internal Security, at Vigyan Bhavan here today, presided over by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Chief Minister referred to the menace of cross-border infiltration and militancy adding that the state was facing it since 1947. "The last two decades have witnessed its holocaust and we are fighting a proxy war in Jammu and Kashmir", he maintained.
He said "in its heroic fight against terrorism, the Jammu and Kashmir Police has been admirably supported by various security forces, including the army and the intelligence agencies deployed in the state", adding that the security forces will have to be replaced by the local police sooner or later.
Stating that Jammu and Kashmir Police was in the vanguard of country's war against terrorism, Azad strongly advocated the strengthening and modernizing of the police force. "I would like to make it clear that the money invested in strengthening and modernizing the Jammu and Kashmir Police will be money spent not only for safeguarding Jammu and Kashmir but the entire country".
Chief Minister said that state's police needed to be tripled from present level both by raising additional battalions and strengthening police stations. "15 battalions need to be sanctioned immediately", he said adding that these recruits could be trained to increase the operational capabilities of the police. He also asked for increasing the manpower in police by 5000 to man critical areas like CID, Crime Branch and Forensic Laboratory.
"Our experience in the last few years has shown that the level of terrorist violence in the state could not have been brought down to the current level without the active and effective participation of the local police and the Special Police Officers (SPOs). Therefore, if we have to totally eliminate terrorist violence in the state we will need to increase the strength of the local police substantially. This will serve a two-fold purpose of improving effectiveness in fighting terrorism and providing gainful employment to vulnerable sections of the youth who otherwise are exploited", Azad stressed.
He said "some training centres are presently functional in the state where officers and men are being trained not only in tackling of day-to-day crime but they are also given specialized training in anti-terrorist operations. The flag-ship of the Jammu and Kashmir police, the Sher-i-Kashmir Police Academy, has been brought on the national map by BPR&D which organizes vertical interaction courses and other trainings at this Academy. In addition, five more training schools have been established temporarily to meet the needs of training the constabulary. These schools need proper infrastructure including accommodation".
"To keep the police force fit and abreast of the challenges thrown up by the latest strategies adopted by the terrorists, we need to train our constabulary and officers continuously" he said and added that the present number of training schools were inadequate for this purpose, as such, seven more training schools should be sanctioned as a part of the modernization programme of the state police.
Giving brief details of the present security scenario in the state, he said the overall terrorist incidents have decreased by around 35 percent this year. "We have lowest violence this year during the last 18 years of terrorism", adding that number of hartals, incidents of violence and civilian killings have been lowest ever since 1990. Further, there has been no custodial disappearance this year. He said "while we are all proud of achieving this but it could not have been possible without the supreme sacrifices made by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, army, other security forces and millions of peace loving people of the state. Despite grave provocation by terrorists our police and security forces have been avoiding collateral damages and loss to civilian lives and property, while conducting operations against terrorists".
Azad said emphasis has been laid on intelligence-based surgical operations even if, it takes longer time to neutralize terrorists. "In this backdrop of improved security scenario I would like to seek indulgence, help and cooperation from all wings of Government of India in the process of reconstruction and re-building of Jammu and Kashmir state", he said.
He also sought proactive support from Chief Ministers across the country in providing the youth of Jammu and Kashmir employment, education and above all conducive atmosphere for carrying out business and trade activities in their states without fear and harassment.
"Should any arrest of Jammu and Kashmir subjects take place in any state, I would request the Chief Ministers to direct the field agencies, to inform Jammu and Kashmir Police immediately, so that antecedents of the arrested persons are verified and conveyed and any undue harassment avoided", he asserted
HC issues notices to Div Com, IGP
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir High Court today issued show cause notices to Divisional Commissioner and Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, seeking replies from them as to why contempt of court proceedings should not be initiated against them.
A division bench of the High Court comprising acting Chief Justice Nisar Ahmad Kakru and Justice Imtiyaz Hussain issued the notices to Divisional Commissioner Mehboob Iqbal and IGP S M Sahai for not adhering to previous court orders passed in the Dal Lake conservation case.
The bench had expressed strong resentment over the absence of Divisional Commissioner and Inspector General of Police during demolition drive of illegal constructions and encroachments in the Dal Lake.
The Court had sought an explanation from government counsel, advocate general Altaf Naik, who was not present in the court.
The Court had rejected the plea of the state to exempt the two officers from personal presence during the demolition drive and ruled that both the officers shall invariably inspect the spots during the drive.
NATIONAL NEWS
Observations of judges not binding on lower courts: SC
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has ruled that neither everything that a judge says constitutes a precedent, nor does the observation of a superior court has a binding effect on the subordinate judiciary.
Reliance by courts on an earlier decision without looking into the factual background of the case before it is not permissible, a bench of Justices Arijit Pasayat and P Sathasivam observed.
The ruling comes at a time when there is considerable confusion as to whether courts can entertain PILs following the recent observations by a two-judge bench of the apex court criticising the judiciary for its "over-reach" in the executive and legislative domain.
"The only thing in a judge's decision binding a party is the principle upon which the case is decided and for this reason it is important to analyse a decision and isolate from it the ratio decidendi (general rule binding on lower courts)," the apex court said.
The apex court passed the ruling while quashing a Karnataka High Court judgement in which it had ruled that ownership of some trees in forests was vested with their "owners" and not the State Government.
The High Court decided the issue in favour of private individuals by relying upon certain observations in another case, following which the State moved the apex court.
Quashing the high court order the apex court said a decision is a precedent on its own as each case presents its own features.
"What is of the essence in a decision is its ratio and not every observation found therein nor what logically flows from the various observations made in the judgement," the apex court said.
The bench said that the enunciation of the reason or principle on which a question before a court has been decided is alone binding as a precedent.
"A case is a precedent and binding for what it explicitly decides and no more. That words used by judges in their judgements are not to be read as if they are words in an Act of parliament," the bench said.
The bench cautioned that courts should not place reliance on decisions without discussing as to how the factual situation of a case before them fits in with the factual situation of a decision on which reliance is sought to be placed.
"To interpret words, phrases and provisions of a statute, it may become necessary for judges to embark into lengthy discussions, but the discussion is meant to explain and not to define. Judges interpret statutes, they do not interpret judgements. They interpret words of statutes; their words are not to be interpreted as statutes," the bench stated.
The apex court said one additional or different fact may make a world of difference between conclusions in two cases and disposal of cases by blindly placing reliance on a decision is not proper.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
SAARC stresses on economic co-operation
LAHORE: President elect South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tariq Sayeed said that all out efforts would be made to accelerate the process of economic and social development among the South Asian countries.
Tariq Sayeed former President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Patron-in-Chief of Pak-China Business Council who will head the SCCI from Jan 1 next after 14 years in an interview with APP on Thursday said that SCCI,an apex organisation of SAARC and a representative of the private sector has been involved in creating awareness about regional integration through various activities in the region and beyond.
He said SCCI remained committed to playing a pivotal role in deepening and widening economic and regional co-operation under SAARC. SCCI has also supported the government-industry partnership and remained engaged in dialogue with governments of the SAARC region.
Vice President elect SCCI,Pakistan chapter Iftikhar Ali Malik who is also founder President Pak-US Business Council and former President FPCCI and LCCI was also present on the occasion.
Tariq Sayeed said that SCCI was established in 1985 with a main agenda to promote regional and economic co-operation in South Asia, however political tensions and development constraints that the region has faced over the years has played a decelerating role in economic integration of South Asia.
Unfolding the statistic figures, he said as a region, South Asia houses 1.4 billion world's population thus representing a large workforce and tremendous business andinvestment opportunities.In addition, this area is rich in natural resources, which if properly used can lead to South Asia becoming a hub of business activities.
He said however,the intra-regional trade figures for South are disappointing. He said according to the world development indicators, trade in the region constitutes only 1.4 per cent of the total world imports and 1.2 per cent of exports whereas merchandise trade has been only 27.9 per cent of GDP,the lowest in the world.
Tariq Sayeed said that although South Asia has significantly reduced import tariffs,the cost of trading across its borders is one of the highest in the world.A number of non-tariff barriers have been identified which hamper trade and increase cost.
About SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Agreement) will also made more effective to revive economic co-operation for free trade in the region.He said that SAFTA has to be implemented in letter and spirit for South Asia to become an integrated and strong bloc.He said all out efforts will be made that SAFTA to help build confidence among the business communities of both Pakistan and India,the two largest economies in the region.
Vice President elect SCCI Pakistan chapter Iftikhar Ali Malik sharing his views said that it is great honour for Pakistan to head SCCI for a two year term after 14 years.He said that private sector of Pakistan will help remove constraints of doing business,visa regime and improve communication links,transpiration of goods and infrastructure,banking facilities and insurance,customs and harmonization of standards,non-tariff barriers on goods.
BRIEF NEWS
Eid Mubarak
Kashmir Press extends hearty greetings to all Muslims especially to Kashmiris on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. May this day bring all happiness, prosperity to all and peace in the land. (Ameen)
Azad greets
JAMMU: Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has greeted the people on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha. He hoped the auspicious day would be harbinger of peace and prosperity for the state.
In his greetings message, Chief Minister said "the happiness of the day would get redoubled if it is shared with needy and poor. They deserve special care and affection from affluent on such day. Compassion is always rewarded by Allah Taala", he added.
Azad said that Eid also provides opportunity to strengthen the bonds of love and amity. Its gaiety and fervour should spread the message of brotherhood to all, he said.
Abdullahs greet
Jammu: Chief patron National Conference Dr Farooq Abdullah and President Omar Abdullah have greeted people on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha and called for embracing the spirit of tolerance, charity; solidarity and unity. In a joint message, issued here today, Dr Farooq and Omar Abdullah hoped that the Eid would bring peace and tranquility to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, which has witnessed destruction and bloodshed over all these years.
Khoda felicitates
JAMMU: Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda has felicitated the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the occasion of Eid--ul-Azha. He hoped that the day will bring peace and prosperity for the whole state.
Ministers greet
Srinagar: The Minister for Forests, Qazi Mohammad Afzal, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Tariq Hameed Karra, Minister for Transport, Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen, Minister for Rural Development, Jugal Kishore, Minister of State for Higher Education, Aijaz Ahmad Khan, CPI (M) Secretary and MLA Kulgam, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami and MLA Pampore, Mir Zahoor Ahmad have felicitated the people of Jammu and Kashmir on Eid-ul-Azha.
In a statement, the Ministers and MLAs have prayed that this Eid will bring peace and prosperity in the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
Advisor felicitates
Srinagar: The Advisor to Chief Minister, Manzoor Ahmad Ganai alongwith Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar and other officers of line departments visited Jama Masjid and Hazratbal areas and took stock of the arrangements made for the Eid prayers.
Expressing satisfaction over the arrangements, he asked the officers and management committees of Jama Masjid and Hazratbal to ensure that the people do not face any difficulty while offering Eid prayers.
Ganai has also greeted people on the eve of Eid.
Structures gutted
Srinagar: According to QNS, two house boats and two houses were damaged in different fire incidents across the Kashmir valley today. Fire broke out in the House Boat "Shahbaz" belonging to Khurshid Ahmad Guroo, S/o Gh. Qadir, R/o Dal Lake , Nehru Park Srinagar, resulting in damage to the said House Boat. Cause of fire is being ascertained. In an accidental fire three shops within a houseboat at Dal Gate Nehru Park belonging to Gh. Qadir Padroo , S/o Ab. Rehman were gutted. In an accidental fire at Kundanpeth Hazratbal Srinagar, the residential house of Ab. Rehman Bhat, S/o Ab. Gaffar was partially damaged. In an accidental fire at Saraf Kadal the house of Koka Shah, S/o G. M. Shah was partially damaged.
WE THE PEOPLE
Failure to check price-hike led to open loot on the eve of Eid in Kashmir valley
Hence people urge CM to goad concerned officials into action to discourage profiteering, black-marketing, and hoarding
By: M.Shirjeel
Srinagar: Despite tall claims of the State administration to maintain price-line and make essential commodities available in abundance, people faced severe hardships on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha in Kashmir Valley. No doubt, copies of approved rate-lists were seen hanging on most of the shops, but were openly flouted and the shoppers charged exorbitant rates with no one to check them. The Divisional Administration had appointed Executive Magistrates for different areas to enforce approved rates and ensure availability of edibles, but they were conspicuously missing in most of the areas. Several shops of butchers were seen closed, as they preferred to sell sheep without slaughtering and that too on the rates, which suited them most. The case of poultry dealers was not different as they charged exorbitant rates without any check from any quarter. The garment dealers and bakery shops did not lag behind and resorted to profiteering of high order. People were also hunting and searching cooking gas and kerosene oil as most of the dealers of such items were seen locked. This is a sorry state of affairs as people were left to the mercy of Allah.
Even the claims of the Government of having money in State Treasuries proved complex hoax as the claimants of various claims were seen making rounds of the Treasuries without getting money for no explainable reasons. The Treasury Officers finally came out with strong explanation that the Government had not provided them funds to settle claims of different Government Departments. The mediamen were no exception as they too failed to get cheques, issued by the Information Department, honoured. Bouncing of cheques casts aspersions on the functional mechanism of J&K Finance Department. If the State Government is lacking resources, then why tall claims of development activities are highlighted both through print and electronic media day in and day out. The Central Government has launched several massive development programmes and reportedly placed funds at the disposal of the State Government. If it is so then there should be no difficulty in releasing payments to the concerned claimants. The State Chief Minister is on record to have uttered on various occasions that funds are no problem and it is only for the State functionaries to spend money on execution of works meant for welfare of the people. This shows there is some gap somewhere, which has exposed the Government, especially on the eve of Eid when people had formed beelines in front of State Treasuries.
“It has come to our notice that funds earmarked for Centrally-sponsored Schemes are diverted by the State Authorities towards other Heads which is financially incorrect. The money earmarked for any activity is not allowed to be transferred to any other Head, which does not form part of the Scheme. We hear daily that such and such Scheme costing crores of rupees has been taken-up for execution, but at the end of the day the executing agencies face financial crunch. This is a serious situation, which needs to be explained by the people at the helm of affairs. It is on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha that scores of cheques got bounced on the plea that the State coffers were empty. This is a sign of bankruptcy and has not been witnessed in the past. If the government really lacks resources then it should not launch massive schemes to hoodwink people. There are hundreds of employees who were not paid their salaries on the eve of Eid. This also shows that the Government has no money to pay the wages of its employees. The tale of contractors is all the more regretful. Some of the contractors have executed works costing lakhs of rupees, but have not been paid for the last one and a half-year. This is a messy situation which calls for clarification by the authorities that rule the roost”, said a group of keen watchers of Kashmir situation.
In view of prevailing scenario, people have urged the State Chief Minister to goad officials of CAPDD, Revenue, Weights and Measures and Police anto action and enforce rate-lists of essential commodities to check profiteering and black-marketing in Kashmir Valley. There is also financial indiscipline, which needs proper probe so that misgivings are set at rest. The Government should ensure availability of funds before embarking upon any scheme for execution. Why the executing agencies should suffer for no fault of theirs. Similarly, claims raised by different Government Departments should not face any difficulty in getting money from State Treasuries. Whether necessary action is taken to clear the fog shall be watched with keen interest!
EDITORIAL
The Last Sermon
This is the right occasion to refresh the memory of our readers by reproducing the original text of the last Sermon delivered by the Holy Prophet ( SAW) on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah 10 A.H in the Uranah valley of Mount Arafat after praising and thanking Allah, he said, “ O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore, listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.
O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that he will indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take usury (Interest), therefore all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer inequity. Allah has judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas Ibn’s ‘Abdal’ Muttalib shall henceforth be waived.—
Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.
O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah’s trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.
O People, listen to me in earnest, Worship Allah, say your daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Haj if you can afford to.
All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one Brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.
Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
O People, No Prophet or Apostle come after Me and No New Faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People and understood words which I covey to you. I leave behind me two things, the QURAN and my example, the Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray.
All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again, and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly.
Be my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed your message to your people.”
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