Voice of Ladakh 27 March 2018

Chairman LC Reviews Snow Clearance Work on Srinagar Kargil Road
Kargil, March 26: - Chairman Legislative Council, Haji Anayat Ali today visited Zojila Pass and took stock of snow clearance operations on Srinagar-Kargil road. The Chairman was informed that the road shall be opened for movement of light vehicles in a couple of days.
CEC Kargil Kacho Ahmad Ali Khan, Deputy Commissioner Kargil Haji Gulzar Hussain, SSP Kargil T Gyalpo, ADC Ganderbal Shahnawaz Bukhari, SDM Kangan Mehrajuddin Shah, Deputy SP Traffic Ganderbal, officers of Project Vijayak and Beacon besides other officers of civil and police administration also accompanied the Chairman.

The Chairman said that efforts will be made to officially reopen the road for vehicular traffic and he is in consultations with the Divisional Administration Kashmir as well as BRO authorities.
The Chairman said that he has taken up the issue of handing over of snow clearance operations from Zero Point to Sonamarg to Project Vijayak with the Union Minister for Defence and the Director General Border Roads.
   Haji Anayat also appreciated the efforts of Project Vijayak, Project Beacon, District Administration Ganderbal and Kargil as well as the engineers, dozer operators and laborers for speedy and timely snow clearance operations on the highway this year.
  He also impressed upon the concerned agencies to clear up minor clearance works, besides fulfilling necessary official formalities at the earliest so that the highway is thrown open for vehicular traffic in due course of time.
  Meanwhile, 30 light vehicles including passenger vehicles and those carrying vegetables and other essentials were allowed to move towards Srinagar and Kargil.
IKMT Organizes Seminar On Importance Of Jurisprudence 
Kargil, March 2018 (News Desk, VOL): There have been continuous efforts by the  imperialist regimes of UK, US and Israel  to undermine and  erode the credibility of the leadership under Willayat Faqi and leader of Islamic revolution in Iran and to deflect the attention of the public from their failures in Syria, Iraq and Sham, through indulging in false  propaganda. These efforts to mislead the public through falsehood by the propagandists based in UK and India have been condemned across nations by the followers of Willayat-e-Faqi and leader of Islamic revolution of Iran.

In order to show its complete support to and solidarity with Wilayat-e-Faqi and his philosophy, Imam Khomeni Memorial Trust, Kargil organized a massive seminar to educate the people on the ground realities. This seminar was organized at Syed Mehdi Memorial Hall Kargil, in which thousands of people from Kargil participated with great enthusiasm. The seminar began with the recitation of Holy Quran by Sheikh Khadim Hussain Sadiqi. Various prominent speakers highlighted the relevance and importance of Villayt-e-Faqi and condemned the false propaganda spread by groups based in UK and India. Haji Ghulam Murtaza, Advocate speaking on the occasion said that the present regime in Iran under the leadership of Willayt-e-Faqi is a model which should be followed by all Islamic countries. Shabir Hussain Fayaz said that the youth should remain aware of the false propaganda spread by the agents of the imperialist and capitalist regimes. Sheikh Nasir-ud-Din Khafi said that the people should be educated on the philosophy of Willayat-eFaqi and taken this as a mission to remove any doubts from the minds of the people particularly the youth of the society.  He also said that the powers be and the propagandists are scared of the popularity of the philosophy and principles of Willayat-e-Faqi and his leadership and said that the false propaganda spread  from London and Lucknow are clear indications of this. Speaking on the occasion Haji Mohammed Baqir, member Guardian Council IKMT, Kargil said that the public can very well understand the intentions of the propagandists from London if we look closely at their behavior. Elaborating further, he said that the people under the leadership of Willayat-e-Faqi and his philosophy and teachings all over the world are on the rise and progress and hence the regimes in USA and Israel are working against the Iran leadership. Speaking on the occasion Shiekh Abdul Hamid Nasri said that we strongly condemn the propaganda against the Iran leadership and express our solidarity with his strong leadership.Delivering his presidential address   he said that our Imams(A.S) also faced the same situation through false propaganda and manipulative actions  and provision of 18 electronic/TV channels   to the propaganda group in UK is an effort to facilitate  such nefarious propaganda and    activities against the Willayat-e-Faqi and his leadership in Iran. He also said that the youth should remain aware and alert of the nefarious intensions of the imperialist regimes emanating from London. Sheikh Bashir Shakir facilitated the programme and at the end his thanked all the participants and the media for making this programme a huge success.
Kargil-Zanskar Highway Reopens for Traffic
Kargil March 25, 2018:- The Kargil-Zanskar highway was reopened for traffic on Sunday, after remaining closed due to heavy snowfall for nearly five months.
Executive Councilor for Zanskar Affairs Tenzin Sonam along with Deputy Commissioner Kargil Haji Gulzar Hussain and SSP Kargil Tsering Gyalpo formally declared the road open by flagging-off vehicles towards Zanskar at a function held at Latomarpo in Penzila.
Officer Commanding 72 BRTF Vijayak Col R L Manoj, officers of police and civil administration, besides media persons were also present on the occasion.
Vehicles laden with petrol, diesel and other essentials as well as passenger vehicles were allowed to move towards Zanskar.
Pertinently, after remaining closed for nearly five months, the highway has been thrown open for vehicular traffic for the first time in the month of March this year, which is a record in itself.
Meanwhile, the Executive Councilor, Deputy Commissioner and SSP interacted with the snow clearance team. They while congratulating the team hailed the tireless efforts of dozer operators, engineers and laborers of Mechanical Division Kargil and Zanskar for clearing the 234-kilometre long highway in record time.
Earlier Sub Divisional Magistrate Zanskar Tundup Namgyal Lonpo today inspected the pace of snow clearance work.
The SDM took stock of the progress of road clearance work on the highway from Zanskar side. The engineers apprised the SDM that the road clearance work being completed very soon.The SDM  appreciated roll of the engineers and dozer operators of Mechanical Division Zanskar.
SHO Zanskar and other concerned officers of the Sub Divisional Administration accompanied the SDM.
CEC calls for Wider Awareness of Social Justice and Empowerment Schemes
Kargil March 27, 2018:- Chairman and Chief Executive Councilor Kargil Kacho Ahmad Ali Khan has today called for wider publicity of social justice and empowerment schemes so as to ensure satisfactory fulfillment of the objectives towards educational development, economic and social empowerment of needy people. The CEC stated this while speaking at a one day awareness programme on social and educational welfare schemes organized by Social Welfare Department Kargil at Auditorium Hall Kargil here today. Executive Councilor for Education Advocate Muhammad Amir and Deputy Commissioner Kargil Haji Gulzar Hussain were also present on the occasion.
 The CEC while underlining the importance of welfare schemes for betterment of the masses called upon the Anganwari workers and students to act as ambassadors in spreading out requisite information pertaining to the Central and State Government Departments and their activities in the social development sector.
Meanwhile a number of speakers including Programme Officer ICDS Kargil Nargis Banoo, Assistant Labour Commissioner Kargil Muhammad Kazim, District Social Welfare Officer Kargil Aga Syed Jamal, Assistant Professor Dr Javed Naqi, District Coordinator Nehru Yuva Kendra Kargil Aga Syed Sajjad and other speakers enlightened the audience about social welfare schemes and scholarships, labor welfare schemes, Prime Minister's Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS), ICDS, ICPS and Tribal Affairs Schemes besides  other allied schemes etc.
A jam packed hall of audience comprising of Anganwari workers, NYK volunteers and students from Government Degree College Kargil, Girls Higher Secondary School Kargil and other educational institutions attended the day long awareness programme.
MVD Kargil organizes Awareness Program on Traffic Rules
Kargil, March 24, CNS : In order to impart awareness to the drivers about traffic rules, norms and road safety measures Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) Kargil today organized a one day awareness programme for drivers and the general public at Tourist Facilitation Center Kargil.
        Deputy Commissioner Kargil Haji Gulzar Hussain was the chief guest on the occasion while as Senior Superintendent of Police Kargil Tsering Gyalpo was the guest of honour.
  During the course of the awareness program speakers apprised the drivers about the importance of following the traffic rules and regulations besides to avoid over speeding and rash driving. They were also enlightened about the role of drivers in giving boost to tourism in the district by adopting utmost civility in conducting and interacting with visitors. The drivers were also educated about road safety rules and observance of driving etiquettes.  The Deputy Commissioner in his speech while appreciating the efforts of Motor Vehicle Department in conducting the awareness camp urged upon the drivers to follow traffic rules and regulations in letter and spirit and not to indulge in malpractices  like rash driving and overloading which put the travelers to discomfort. Meanwhile the Transport Unions projected a number of demands. The DC assured that all their genuine issues would be redressed on priority.  Superintendent of Police Kargil Tsering Gyalpo, Additional Deputy Commissioner Kargil Imteeaz Kacho and Assistant Regional Transport Officer Kargil Haji Muhammad Baqir also spoke on the occasion.
  The speakers who delivered awareness addresses included Dy SP Traffic Kargil Manzoor Ahmad Khan, Dy SP DAR Kargil Rigzin Sandup, Senior Prosecuting Officer Nawang Nurboo, Public Prosecutor Kacho Manzoor Ahmad Khan, AD tourism Aga Syed Taha, Medical Officer Dr Liyaqat Ali, SHO Kargil Ghulam Ali and Inspector Traffic Muhammad Nissar.
  The officers and officials of concerned departments, representatives of Transport Unions, staff members, members of civil society besides a large number of drivers and conductors attended the camp.

Bedi Ram Assumes Charge Of Chief Enginner  NHPC Chutak 
VOLKargil/  Er.Bedi Ram has assumed the charge of the chief Engineer 44MW chutak Hydel Project,Kargil on 17th March .

Sources told Voice of Ladakh that he has earlier served as Chief Engineer Loktak Power Station in Manipur state. Bedi is also credited for having rendered meritorious services at various power projects in the country .A function  was organized in this connection at NHPC HQ at Chutuk in his honour by staff members of the power project. Speaking on the occasion he thanked the staff members for such a warm reception. Terming Chutuk Hydel Project a prestigious and of immense significance for the people of Kargil, he urged upon all the staff members to work with dedication. He assured his staff members of his fullest support and guidance and requested them for their best cooperation. Sources privy to NHPC told VOL that Er. Bedi  is a outstanding performer and he is likely to bring in major reforms in the functioning of Chutuk Hydel Project.



Kashmir University Clarifies After Facing Criticism Over Flawed Answer Key System
Srinagar, Mar 23, : After coming under criticism for uploading “flawed” answer keys of State Eligibility Test (SET) held across Kashmir on March 11, Kashmir University (KU) on Friday clarified that it was not “involved either directly or indirectly in setting the question papers or framing of keys”.
It also promised action against paper setters under the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines.
A varsity spokesman, in a statement, today said: “The question papers are set at the national level as per the UGC guidelines by a team comprising minimum five senior faculty members of the concerned subject from different universities/zones, who sit together for a week and draft the papers/keys as per the UGC scheme and forward the same to the conducting authority”.
Saying that the answer keys, as received, are “faithfully uploaded for assessment/objections by the aspirants who are provided ample time to conduct the assessment or raise objections and submit the same to the conducting authority for rectification”, the spokesman said that the rectification is done after assessment of objections by a team of senior faculty members, who are not amongst paper setters of the concerned subject, and the revised/modified keys are uploaded thereafter.”
He said that the University of Kashmir, in case of SET (2017-18), “is not involved either directly or indirectly in setting the question papers or framing of keys”.
“Any deviations found in keys will be taken care of, while action under UGC norms will also be initiated against the concerned paper setters under UGC guidelines.
Orientation for PETs of Kargil & Leh Concludes
Srinagar, Mar 23, : After coming under criticism for uploading “flawed” answer keys of State Eligibility Test (SET) held across Kashmir on March 11, Kashmir University (KU) on Friday clarified that it was not “involved either directly or indirectly in setting the question papers or framing of keys”.
It also promised action against paper setters under the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines.
A varsity spokesman, in a statement, today said: “The question papers are set at the national level as per the UGC guidelines by a team comprising minimum five senior faculty members of the concerned subject from different universities/zones, who sit together for a week and draft the papers/keys as per the UGC scheme and forward the same to the conducting authority”.
Saying that the answer keys, as received, are “faithfully uploaded for assessment/objections by the aspirants who are provided ample time to conduct the assessment or raise objections and submit the same to the conducting authority for rectification”, the spokesman said that the rectification is done after assessment of objections by a team of senior faculty members, who are not amongst paper setters of the concerned subject, and the revised/modified keys are uploaded thereafter.”
He said that the University of Kashmir, in case of SET (2017-18), “is not involved either directly or indirectly in setting the question papers or framing of keys”.
“Any deviations found in keys will be taken care of, while action under UGC norms will also be initiated against the concerned paper setters under UGC guidelines.
Police Question Netanyahu in Telecom Case For Second Time
Jerusalem, Mar 26 (AP) Israeli police were questioning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today as part of an investigation into a corruption case involving the country's telecom giant, one of a slew of scandals that have engulfed the long-ruling Israeli leader.
Two Netanyahu confidants were arrested on suspicion of promoting regulation worth hundreds of millions of dollars to Israel's Bezeq telecom company in return for Bezeq's popular news site, Walla, allegedly providing favorable coverage of Netanyahu and his family.
It's the second time that Netanyahu, who held the communications portfolio until last year, is being questioned over the affair. Police declined to comment directly, but in a statement said different interrogations were underway in connection to the case.
Police were seen arriving to Netanyahu's residence Monday morning. Israeli Channel 2 TV reported that Netanyahu's wife, Sara, and son Yair are also being questioned, at another location.
Israel's Yediot Aharonot daily reported that police will question Netanyahu over allegations made by longtime family spokesman Nir Hefetz, one of the confidants arrested and later released. Hefetz has turned state's witness reportedly in exchange for full immunity.
The Haaretz newspaper said he will deliver recordings of the prime minister and his wife as part of the agreement. The second confidant, Shlomo Filber, has also turned state's witness in the case.
Israeli police have already recommended indicting Netanyahu for bribery, fraud and breach of trust in two separate cases.
Netanyahu is suspected of accepting lavish gifts from billionaire friends, and promising to promote legislation to help a major Israeli newspaper against its free rival in exchange for favorable coverage. Longtime aide Ari Harow is a state witness in one of those cases.
Israel's attorney general is now reviewing the police recommendations, a process that could take months, and will decide whether to indict Netanyahu on the charges.
Netanyahu has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the accusations as a witch hunt orchestrated by hostile media and an overaggressive police force.
The graft scandals have come as Israel's coalition recently averted a crisis that could have led to early elections. Israel's opposition accused Netanyahu of manufacturing the crisis in order to force a new election.
Early polls would have shifted attention away from his legal problems, and a win would have shored up his position ahead of a possible indictment.

Voice of Ladakh 16 March 2018

Kargil Presented United View

Leading Religious and Political Parties Met Centre’s interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma In One Delegation

VOL/Kargil March 12, 2018//History was created when a joint delegation comprising of the members of various religious organizations and political parties of Kargil presented a Single Charter of Demand to The centre’s special representative for J&K Dineshwar Sharma during his visit to Kargil on the last leg of 4 days Ladakh visit on Monday.

As per sources, a preliminary home work initiated by some prominent citizens, and obtaining mutual consent of prominent factions on the proposal, President Islamia School, Sheikh Nazirul Mehdi Mohammadi called a meeting of all the Religious, Social and Political Parties intending to meet the Central Government Interlocutor on Saturday. Talking to media Sheikh Nazir told that all invitees attended except a minority faction. There was a consensus in the said meeting to visit the Interlocutor as a single delegation on behalf of the Public of Kargil. Accordingly  two members each of the group including Islamia School Kargil, Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust Kargil, Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat Kargil, Anjuman e Sahab Zaman Kargil, Anjuman e Sufia Noorbakshia Kargil, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Kargil, Indian National Congress (INC) Kargil, Peoples Democratic party (PDP) Kargil, and National Conference (NC) Kargil met the Interlocutor on Monday at Conference Hall and submitted a single Charter Of Demand . Shiekh Nazirul Mehdi Mohammadi, President Islamia School Kargi,l was leading the delegation and spoke to the Media after the delegation came out from the Conference Hall. As per his briefing the joint delegation unanimously called upon the resolution of Kashmir issue through a purposeful dialogue process by involving all stakeholders including the Huriat Leadership, negated the UT demand and reiterated that integrity of the state to be maintained at all costs, grant of provincial status to Ladakh region, construction of alternate highways and motorable roads like the Panikhar-Pahalgam Road, Hanu-Tiakshi Road over Chorbat La besides the opening of Kargil-Skardu and Nubra-Khapulu Roads. While expressing gratefulness to the Government of India for clearing the Zojila Tunnel Project and the inclusion of Kargil under Udaan 2 Scheme, the joint delegation urged for timely allocation of financial resources for early start of work on the tunnel project, early start of air services to the district under Udaan besides steps for expansion and renovation of Kargil Airport.      Other demands raised by the joint delegation included the vacation of Kurbathang Plateau by the Army authorities, construction of Suru  Hydel Project, early execution of proposed 5 HEPs, establishment of Medical College in Kargil, reservation in admissions to PG and PhD courses at the University level, enhanced employment opportunities to the unemployed youth in Central Services, inclusion of Kargil as an ‘inspirational district’ by Niti Aayog, construction of Kargil Sarai at Delhi, restoration of the reservation in promotion to ST employees besides other demands.

            A delegation  of LAHDC, Kargil led by the Chairman and Chief Executive Councilor Kargil Kacho Ahmed Ali Khan also met the Interlocutor and  extended warm welcome to Dineshwar Sharma on his maiden visit to the district, urged upon the resolution of Kashmir issue that has direct bearings on the socio-economic and socio-political landscape of Kargil, empowerment of LAHDC by providing additional financial assistance on annual basis, extension and up gradation of Kargil airstrip and construction of air strip at Zanskar, establishment of separate wing of Ladakh Scouts for unemployed youth of the district and other demands. 

            In their presentation a delegation of Buddhist Association Kargil demanded for the creation of a third district comprising of the areas from Shargole to Khaltsi, grant of UT status to Ladakh region, inclusion of Bhoti language in the 8^th schedule of the Constitution, passage of the Minority Property Safety Act Bill, construction of Buddhist temple, sarai and cremation ground in Kargil town, constitution of special team to oversee the status of developmental activities in Buddhist villages of the district besides the  opening of higher secondary schools for girls.

            Among other delegations who met the special representative of GOI included a joint delegation of  All Parties Coordination Committee Zanskar Sub Division which projected a number of demands like grant of UT status to Ladakh, grant of district status to Zanskar, delimitation of Zanskar Legislative Assembly Constituency, inclusion of Bhoti language in the 8^th schedule of the Constitution, early completion of Nimoo Padum Darcha Road, construction of no frill airport at Zanskar, construction of separate division under PWD Circle Kargil for effective execution of works on NH 301, inclusion of Darcha Padum Kargil Road as an alternate route for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, development of tourism infrastructure under PMDP, up gradation of health facilities, development of education sector besides restoration of IAF chopper service for evacuation of serious patients. 

            During the course of meetings a delegation from the LOC areas of Kaksar, Badgam, Karkitchu, Latoo and Hardass projected their demands like the provision of ALC certificate to the residents of these areas, allotment of land vacated by Indian Army to the local residents besides special quota to the youth of the area in belt forces. Besides,Delegations from the Bar Association Kargil, Youth Action Committee also met the interlocutor and projected their demands.

Earlier in Leh also many Public delegates met the GOI Special Representative on Friday.

Efforts on to re-open Srinagar-Kargil-Leh road at earliest

JAMMU, MARCH 15: In view of the pleasant weather and dry spell in winter this year, efforts are on to re-open the 400 km long Srinagar-Kargil-Leh road for vehicular traffic in the last week of March, subject to the fair weather. The BEACON authorities in collaboration with Army and Civil Administration are working in removing snow and landslides from the road especially in Zojila and the process is being completed in a week.

 This was stated by the Minister for Co-operative and Ladakh Affairs, Chering Dorjay, while chairing a high-level meeting of officers convened to review the arrangements for transportation of essential supplies to Ladakh region for the year 2018-19.

 The meeting was attended by MLA Zanskar Syed Baqir Rizvi, Executive Councillor (Health) LAHDC, Leh  Gyal P Wangyal, Commissioner Secretary PDD, Hirdesh Kumar Singh, Commissioner Secretary Forest, Saurabh Bhagat, Principal CCF Ravi Kumar Kaiser, District Development Commissioner, Leh, Avny Lawasa, District Development Commissioner, Kargil, Gulzar Hussain, Chief Engineer, PDD & PDC Ladakh K K Raina, Director Area Planning, Showket Aijaz, RTO Kashmir, Khursheed Ahmad Shah, Registrar Cooperative Societies J&K Peerzada Hafizullah Shah, Director  FCS&CA Kashmir N A Wani, MD SRTC, Mir Afroz Ahmad, senior officers of JAKFED, FCI, IOC and Ladakh Affairs Department and the officers of BRO and Traffic Police.

The Minister directed the concerned authorities to ensure that shortfall items, if any, of essential commodities be dispatched to the region on priority in the first phase. He asked the Transport department to keep available a mobile workshop including a dozer and a recovery van from Gumri to Drass so that no loaded truck may remain stranded in this vulnerable area.

          During the meeting, the Minister was apprised about the proposal of supplies prepared by various departments and other stakeholders for 2018-19 in respect to both Leh and Kargil districts.

            It was disclosed in the meeting that prestigious Srinagar-Leh Transmission Line will be commissioned in October this year for which the required formalities are in advanced stage. The Minister was also apprised that Solar Systems would be provided to those 18 un-electrified villages including 10 in Leh and 8 in Kargil districts which were without electricity so far.

            The meeting was informed that as many as 13164 truck trips are required for transportation of food grains, key construction material and petroleum products for district Leh while as 11515 truck trips are required for the same purpose for Kargil districts.

            It was given out that there is a target of stocking of 3382.86 quintals sugar, 105000 quintals rice, 75000 quintals wheat, 1200 quintals of refined/mustard oil, 5700 quintals fertilizers, 650000 quintals of essential commodities and other key construction materials, 2000 quintals of cattle feed, 500 quintals poultry feed and 57360 bags cement besides 59 MT steel for district Leh during the year 2018-19.

            Accordingly, for the district Kargil, there is a target of stocking of 49363 quintals of atta/wheat, 5951 quintals of sugar, 106360 quintals of rice, 155000 domestic gas cylinders, 3300 commercial cylinders, 133850 bags of cement and 550000 quintals of other essential commodities for the current year, the meeting was told.

          Dorjay directed the concerned agencies not to show any slackness in the supply, dumping, and carriage of essential supplies and building material and the supply should be started early as soon as the road is opened.

The Minister said the road is only surface link which connects the mountainous districts of Ladkh and Kargil with rest of the country which remains closed in winter. He stressed upon the concerned departments to maintain coordination with each other so that the mechanism put in place through an efficient supply chain could function smoothly.

            While participating in the meeting, MLA Zanskar, Aga SyeedBaqir Rizvi has taken up various issue concerning to his constituency including issues of 220 KV transmission line from Kargil to Zanskar, immediate installation of 750 KV DG set at Sanku, enhancement of wages of casual labour working in forest department and early opening of Zojila and Penzila pass for vehicular.

          The Minister assured in the meeting that on opening of road to Zanskar the PDD department shall start execution of 220 KV line from Kargil and other issues would also be looked into.

Delegation Led by Chering Dorjay Meets Governor
VOL/Desk//, MARCH 06: A delegation on behalf of Trade and Service sector of Ladakh led by Sh. Chering Dorjay, Minister for Cooperatives and Ladakh Affairs, met Governor N.N. Vohra at the Raj Bhavan and apprised him about the socio-economic problems faced by the people of Ladakh.

The delegation requested incorporation of necessary safeguards through the GST Act such as reducing GST rates on all supplies and goods & services to the Ladakh region be put under the minimum tax slab of 5%, 
with complete Input Tax Credit; increasing GST exemption for the Scheduled Tribe residents of Ladakh to a minimum of Rs. 40 lakh turnover; all goods and services supply in Ladakh region be made eligible for composition levy scheme upto a turnover of Rs. 1.5 crore; e-filing by residents of Ladakh during the lay-off period of 6-7 months be exempted; removal of Upshi Check Post; and continue exemption to Hotel and Travel Trade services under the SGST tax.
Further the delegation requested that Services Sector be brought within the ambit of the “Jammu and Kashmir Reimbursement of Taxes for promotion of Small/Medium/Large Scale Industries in the State of Jammu and Kashmir”.
Governor advised the delegation to have an early meeting with Finance Minister Drabu, before the matter is mooted to the Centre.

The members of the delegation included Sh. Thupstan Chhewang, Member Parliament; Sh. Nawang Rigzin Jora, MLA Leh; Sh. Riyaz Ahmad, President Merchant Association Leh; Sh. Tanyot Tashi, President Contractor Association, Leh; Sh. Tsetan Angchok, President All Ladakh Tour Operators Association, Leh; Sh. Ashraf Ali, President All Kargil Travel Trade and Association, Kargil; and Sh. Tashi Motup Kau, President All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association.

Hurdles for Kargil Sarai Delhi being removed: CEC

Kargil /March 15/Chairman and Chief Executive Councilor Kargil Kacho Ahmad Ali Khan today said that taking into consideration the plight of the people of Kargil who face a lot of hardships while they travel to Delhi for treatment or other works, the LAHDC Kargil has cleared the bottlenecks in the construction of Kargil Sarai at Dwarka Delhi and work on the project is slated to be kick started in near future.

The CEC while expressing thankfulness to the Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, Chairman J&K Legislative Council Haji Anayat Ali and MP Ladakh Thupstan Chhewang for their personal intervention in expediting the matter.

Kacho said that coming up of the sarai in the national capital will be a great boon to the Kargilities especially the serious patients and travelers.

Project Director KREDA Kacho Ahmad Khan who is on deputation at Delhi by the Hill Council in connection with the project is in continuous touch with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) authorities so that work on the construction of the sarai is kick started in due course of time.

Meanwhile the Deputy Director, Delhi Development Authority has informed that the cost of the land for construction of the sarai has now been reduced from Rs 18 crore to Rs 2 crore. He has further added that construction work of the project will be started soon after payment of the remaining amount is made.

Pertinent to mention here that on 12 March Public representatives of Kargil in a joint memorandum submitted to the central interlocutor Shri Dinesh Sharma had raised the issue and demanded to facilitate reduction in cost of land from Rs, 18 crores and paying the remaining cost by central government enabling the district administration/LAHDC to proceed with construction work on the said sarai.

IKMT Condemns Intrusion on Iran Embassy in UK, Anti Khamenei Utterance by Lucknow based Cleric 

VOL/Kargil/March 2018// Leading Socio Religious Organization of Kargil-Ladakh, Imam Khomieni Memorial Trust Kargil, in its Press Release issued here condemned recent intrusion into the Embassy of Islamic republic of Iran by an extremist group  based in London. It has asked people be aware of such anti-Islam conspiracies and not to over react.

As per news reports men of a group working for the interest of western Imperialist powers mounted their Falg on the embassy building of IR Iran in London on 9th March amidst chanting of anti-Islamic Republic of Iran slogans. It also condemned the utterance of derogative remarks by a Lucknow based cleric named Saif Abass for his highly objectionable remarks regarding Vilayat Faqih and Islamic Republic as well as in respect of  some Shia Ulma. The matter was largely condemned by many leading Shia organizations in the country and abroad. 

In Kargil besides IKMT, Anjuman Sahib Zaman Kargil, Anjuman Inquilab Mehdi, Markaz e Tableegat e Imam Reza (AS), and  Anjuman Ruhulla TSG also issued condemnations on social media. In Leh District, Anjumans including Majlis Ulma Leh also strongly condemned the incidents.

CEC Kargil for preservation, promotion of cultural heritage

Kargil March 14, 2018:- Chairman and Chief Executive Councilor Kargil Kacho Ahmad Ali Khan today said that the best way to preserve cultural heritage is to share it with the younger generations through all possible means so that it is bestowed upon the posterity in its true essence. The CEC stated this while addressing people during the final ceremony of the traditional and modern archery championship at Mini Stadium Sankoo here today.

While underlining the importance of traditional sports tournaments and other such events involving the elements of history and traditions, the CEC said that it is the responsibility of every individual to keep their customs, practices, sports, artistic expressions and ancestral values intact further ensuring the fact that these do not get fade away under the overpowering influence of modernization.

Meanwhile in the final matches played today Thangdumbur defeated A.G Tambis by 14 points to clinch the title in the Modern Archery category while as  the Traditional Archery final contest was won by Sahil Star Saliskote by defeating Jaffaria Stakpa by 3 points. 

The 6 day long tournament was organized by Sports and Development Organization Sankoo in collaboration with Nehru Yuva Kendra Kargil wherein 24 teams, 12 each in traditional and modern formats participated in the tournament.

Later the locals projected a number of demands that prominently included the construction of Indoor Stadium and Ice Hockey Rink at Sankoo. 

Responding to the demands the CEC assured the locals that all their genuine demands would be fulfilled on priority. He also directed the Executive Engineer Suru Valley Division Sankoo to prepare DPRs for construction of Indoor Stadium and Ice Hockey Rink in the area.

Councilor Sankoo Aga Syed Abbass Razvi, SDM Sankoo Ghulam Mohiuddin Wani, Executive Engineer Suru Valley Division Sajjad Hussain Wazir, In Charge Principal ASHRM Higher Secondary Sankoo Ghulam Muhammad Khan, officers of the Sub Divisional Administration, prominent citizens, archery players besides a large number of sporting enthusiasts were present on the occasion.   


Ladakhi Women Players Excel In Ice Hockey

VOL Desk/ 8 March: Indian Women Ice Hockey Team has showed a spirited performance in Malaysia, Challenge Cup of Asia as Stanzin Dolkar and Rigzin Yangdol hailing from Ladakh were awarded as the best players of the game. Ladakh feel proud for the achievements  of its daughters on the occasion of International Women's Day.  

 Centre’s interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma visits Kargil,

holds talks with various delegations

Kargil March 12, 2018:- The centre’s special representative for J&K Dineshwar Sharma during his 4 days visit of Ladakh region met a number of delegations and members of civil society at Kargil here today and listened to their demands and grievances.

During the course of the meetings a joint delegation comprising of the members of various religious organizations and political parties including Islamia School Kargil, Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust Kargil, Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat Kargil, Anjuman e Sahab Zaman Kargil, Anjuman e Sufia Noorbakshia Kargil, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Kargil, Peoples Democratic party (PDP) Kargil, Indian National Congress (INC) Kargil and National Conference (NC) Kargil projected a number of demands.

The joint delegation unanimously called upon the resolution of Kashmir issue through a purposeful dialogue process by involving all stakeholders, integrity of the state to be maintained at all costs, grant of provincial status to Ladakh region, construction of alternate highways and motorable roads like the Panikhar-Pahalgam Road, Hanu-Tiakshi Road over Chorbat La besides the opening of Kargil-Skardu and Nubra-Khapulu Roads. While expressing gratefulness to the Government of India for clearing the Zojila Tunnel Project and the inclusion of Kargil under Udaan 2 Scheme, the joint delegation urged for timely allocation of financial resources for early start of work on the tunnel project, early start of air services to the district under Udaan besides steps for expansion and renovation of Kargil Airport.

          Other demands raised by the joint delegation included the vacation of Kurbathang Plateau by the Army authorities, construction of hydel project at Suru Valley, establishment of medical college in Ladakh, reservation in admissions to PG and PhD courses at the University level, enhanced employment opportunities to the unemployed youth in Central Services, inclusion of Kargil as an inspirational district by Niti Aayog, construction of Kargil Sarai at Delhi, restoration of the reservation in promotion to ST employees besides other demands.

          A delegation led by the Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor Kargil Kacho Ahmed Ali Khan while extending warm welcome to Dineshwar Sharma on his maiden visit to the district urged upon the resolution of Kashmir issue that has direct bearings on the socio-economic and socio-political landscape of Kargil, empowerment of LAHDC by providing additional financial assistance on annual basis, extension and up gradation of Kargil airstrip and construction of air strip at Zanskar, establishment of separate wing of Ladakh Scouts for unemployed youth of the district and other demands. 

          Meanwhile a delegation of Buddhist Association Kargil demanded for the creation of a third district comprising of the areas from Shargole to Khaltsi, grant of UT status to Ladakh region, inclusion of Bhoti language in the 8^th schedule of the Constitution, passage of the Minority Property Safety Act Bill, construction of Buddhist temple, sarai and cremation ground in Kargil town, constitution of special team to oversee the status of developmental activities in Buddhist villages of the district besides the  opening of higher secondary schools for girls.

          Among other delegations who met the special representative included a joint delegation from Zanskar Sub Division which projected a number of demands like grant of UT status to Ladakh, grant of district status to Zanskar, delimitation of Zanskar Legislative Assembly Constituency, inclusion of Bhoti language in the 8^th schedule of the Constitution, early completion of Nimoo Padum Darcha Road, construction of no frill airport at Zanskar, construction of separate division under PWD Circle Kargil for effective execution of works on NH 301, inclusion of Darcha Padum Kargil Road as an alternate route for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, development of tourism infrastructure under PMDP, up gradation of health facilities, development of education sector besides restoration of IAF chopper service for evacuation of serious patients. 

          During the course of meetings a delegation from the border areas of Kaksar, Badgam, Karkitchu, Latoo and Hardass projected their demands like the provision of ALC certificate to the residents of these areas, allotment of land vacated by Indian Army to the local residents besides special quota to the youth of the area in belt forces.  

          Delegations from the Bar Association Kargil, Youth Action Committee besides representatives and members of other social, religious and cultural organizations also met the interlocutor and projected their demands.

CEC stresses upon youth to take benefit of incentives, soft loans in tourism sector

Kargil March 11, 2018:- Chairman and Chief Executive Councilor Kargil Kacho Ahmad Ali Khan today called upon the unemployed youth to come forward and take benefit of the Government incentives and soft loans available in the tourism sector so that they are able to earn their livelihood in the best possible manner. The CEC stated this while addressing the participants of the two days orientation cum awareness programme for the youth on prospects in tourism sector which concluded at Conference Hall Baroo here today.

Deputy Commissioner Haji Gulzar Hussain, Senior Superintendent of Police Tsering Gylapo, Assistant Director Tourism Aga Syed Toha, Member All Kargil Travel Trade Association (AKTTA) Haji Muhammad Parvez Bagh, several officers of the administration and other participants were also present on the occasion.

Kacho said that the major object behind organizing an awareness programme of this nature was to spread awareness among the local unemployed youth about the training programmes available in the tourism sector so that they are in a position to acquire jobs and start their business ventures in the sector which has immense potential and bright prospects in Kargil in the times to come.

The CEC said that the Council is keen to give fillip to tourism sector in the district and several concrete measures like the development of new potential sites, strengthening of infrastructure, national level publicity campaigns, provision of incentives and soft loans and other key measures are underway. The CEC said that these efforts have borne fruits with the enhancement of top class accommodation facilities to the tourists at hotels and camping sites besides the mushrooming of hotels and guest houses in the district over the past several years now.

Meanwhile members of AKTTA and participants highlighted issues like opening up of a Food Craft Institute at Kargil, introduction of diploma and certificate courses in tourism and hotel management at ITI and Polytechnic Kargil, sponsorship to local unemployed youth for skilled training in tourism management and training programmes to the members of Taxi Operators Union.

Pertinently the two days orientation cum awareness programme was organized by Tourism Department Kargil under the aegis of LAHDC, Kargil wherein the resource persons from the Food Craft Institute Leh imparted awareness to around 150 participants between 18 to 35 years of age on various trades of hotel management like Food Production, Food and Beverage Service, Housekeeping Operation and Front Office Operation etc.    

Kacho reviews pace of work on key projects, stresses for timely completion, strict adherence to quality parameters

Kargil March 9, 2018:- Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor Kargil Kacho Ahmad Ali Khan today reviewed the pace of work on various key projects in the district. During the meeting threadbare discussion was held on the physical and financial status of the execution of projects under AMRUT, 200 bedded hospital at Kurbathang, Council Secretariat, construction of Girls Hostel at Jammu and other related projects. Land compensation cases, current status of power supply from Chutuk Hydel Project, introduction of Arabic and Purgi languages in schools besides several other issues also came up for discussion.

Executive Councillor for Education Advocate Muhammad Amir, Executive Councillor for Health Muhammad Hussain , Executive Councillor for Zanskar Affairs Tenzin Sonam, Deputy Commissioner Haji Gulzar Hussain, Additional Deputy Commissioner Imteeaz Kacho, Chief Engineer NHPC Kargil, Superintending Engineer PWD Kargil besides other concerned officers were present in the meeting.

It was given out in the meeting that development of 3 parks at Baroo, Shair Bagh and Bemathang is in the full swing at a cost of 2 crore 90 lacs while as projects worth Rs  37 crores including septage management and procurement of machines for Kargil town, up gradation/ laying of distribution network for water supply scheme Kargil Town and laying of raw water main and construction of reservoir, rapid sand filtration plant for Kargil town Phase 1^st  and Lift Scheme Kargil Town are also underway which are expected to be completed in near future.

While reviewing the status of power generation form Chutak Hydel Project, the CEC directed the concerned to constitute a committee headed by the Executive Councillor Power to ascertain the factual position of power generation from the project. He also directed the   officers of NHPC and PDD to work in tandem and close coordination to ensure that the   people get satisfactory power supply.

The CEC also directed the Chief  Engineer NHPC to  furnish  the  factual  details/ technical data  of  power  generation from  Chutak Project  during winter months  so that  the  Hill  council  can  take  up  the matter with regard to  the  operationalization  of   all   4  turbines   of   the  project  besides   to   project  for  funding from the State Government to   operate  the  4 MW  DG Set at Kurbathang for  backup   during   winter months   when    the   water   discharge level   in   Suru  river   is  quite low.  He  was  further   directed   to   complete   the  restoration  works  of the 4 irrigation khuls  around   the  project under CSR    by  21st  March  2018   besides  to     kick  start   the    works   under the  2nd  phase  in   consultation  with  I&FC  Department  Kargil.

Underlining   the   importance  of  the  200  bedded  hospital   at  Kurbathang,   the  CEC   impressed  upon   the  concerned officers to  start  the   work  on  the   project  in   due  course  of  time  out  of the  already  released funds to the tune of 2 crore 90 lacs. While  reviewing  the   status of the   pace  of   ongoing   works  at  the  Council Secretariat  Kargil,  Kacho directed the  Executive Engineer  concerned    to    complete   all  the  remaining   works  like   the   construction of   leakage proof  flat  roofing   and   other  related   construction   works  well within the stipulated period of time.

While  enquiring about the status of the introduction of Arabic and Purgi language  in Government schools of the  district,  the CEC directed the concerned officers to take  immediate   necessary   steps   in this regard   soon  after   the   opening  of  schools.

It  was  decided  in the meeting   that   no officer  serving  in the  district   shall  leave   on  deputation   or   any  sort  of   official  assignment outside the  district  without   the  prior   consent   of the   DC    and  CEC,  LAHDC Kargil.

Meanwhile the CEC impressed upon the executing agencies to ensure the    completion of   these    projects   well   within the stipulated time period while taking   due care   of   the   quality and quantity of materials used   in the construction work.

It was decided to allocate  an amount  of  Rs. 6.40 lacs for registration of procured  land for construction of the hostel  building for girls at Jammu while as directions were  also passed to  the  SE PWD  Kargil  to send  a  technical  team  to  assess the  much needed   construction of protection bund  along  Suru  river  at  Adul Gund. 

The   CEC   directed  the   concerned officers   to  take   concrete   steps   to   settle   the   land  compensation   cases   with regard   to  various   schemes  so   as  to   remove   the  bottlenecks   in  their  execution . It was decided to reflect the land compensation cases   under   centrally   sponsored   and   other schemes   in the    annual capex budget 2018-19.

Meanwhile Kacho also directed  the   Project  Director  KREDA   to  take   immediate   necessary steps   for the   shifting  of   solar  power   plant   dedicated    for   DIET  Kargil    from the   existing   location  near  Degree  College  Kargil    to   the  newly   shifted  DIET  building  at  Chutak.

DIET  Will Get One Crore For Development of basic Infrastructure  Secretary Education

VOL/Desk// The government would release Rs. 1 crore to each District Institute of Education and Trainings (DIET) to strengthen their basic infrastructure and make them fully functional in the state. This was revealed by Secretary Education Farooq Ahmad Shah.The Secretary said this while addressing a meeting through video conference held in Civil Secretariat, Jammu with all the Chief Education Officers and nominated Head of the Institutions of Kashmir Division.

He directed all the Chief Education Officers of Kashmir Division to keep three days for the inspection of the schools and maintain close contact with all the Heads of the Institutions.

Director, School Education, Kashmir Dr GN Itoo along with other officers and the Heads of Institutions of schools of Srinagar briefed the Secretary about the overall education scenario of the Valley. The Director assured that biometric attendance system would be installed in all the Higher Secondary Schools of the Kashmir Division at the earliest.

The Secretary also reviewed the functioning of Education Department in Leh and Kargil and other far-flung areas like Keran, Machil, Tangdhar, Wadwan, Dachan, Paddar, Gurez, Tulail and other areas. He directed concerned CEOs to take necessary steps to provide all the educational facilities in these areas by taking the help of the civil administration.

He further said that strict action would be initiated against the teachers found working in private tuition centers during working hours. He directed all the concerned officers to expedite the process of disposing off pending SRO-43 cases. There should be no negligence in payment of salaries to the teachers, he added. The Secretary also reviewed the construction works going on under RMSA, SSA and other schemes. He directed Chief Education Officer, Kulgam to personally monitor the construction works of schools in the district.

BJP loses all 3 Lok Sabha seats 
VOL/ Desk//: In a stunning blow to the BJP ahead of the 2019 general elections, the party on Wednesday lost bypolls to all three Lok Sabha seats it contested, including its bastion Gorakhpur, and Phulpur in Uttar Pradesh, besides Araria in Bihar.
The shocker for the BJP came days after its surprise win in three northeastern states, including Tripura, where it scripted history, demolishing the Left citadel of 25 years and forming its first government in the state. A consolidation of OBC, Dalit and Muslim votes powered Samajwadi Party candidates to victory in Gorakhpur, a seat represented by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for five successive terms, and Phulpur, which elected his deputy Keshav Prasad Maurya in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. BJP had won Phulpur for the first time.Both of them had won their seats by margins of over 3 lakh votes. Samajwadi Party's Pravin Nishad defeated BJP's Upendra Dutt Shukla by 21,961 votes in Gorakhpur, the seat which was with the party since 1989, while Nagendra Pratap Singh Patel of SP clinched the Phulpur seat drubbing the saffron party's Kaushalendra Singh Patel by 59,460 votes.
Lalu Prasad's RJD retained the Araria Lok Sabha seat where its nominee Sarfaraz Alam beat BJP's Pradeep Kumar Singh by over 60,000 votes. It was also a set back for the JD(U)-BJP alliance, after Nitish Kumar returned to the NDA fold.In small consolation for the BJP, its candidate Rinki Rani Pandey retained the Bhabhua Assembly seat for the party, defeating her Congress rival Shambhu Singh Patel by about 14,000 votes.The RJD retained the Jehanabad Assembly seat, with its nominee Suday Yadav defeating his JD(U) rival Abhiram Sharma by more than 30,000 votes. The victory was attributed to the consolidation of OBC and Muslim voters in favour of the Grand alliance after the two major parties--JD(U) and RJD came together.
The by poll victories may now inspire the secular parties to forge a broad alliance of anti-BJP forces at the national level before the general elections of 2019. Leaders of 20 opposition parties, including the SP and BSP, had congregated at UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's residence yesterday to explore such a possibility.

Voice of Ladakh (TEXT Version) 28 Feb 2018

GRATITUDE Haji Asgar Ali Karbalai

I convey my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to His Excellency the Governor of Jammu & Kashmir Shri N.N.Vohra, Hon’ble Chief Minister J&K Madam Mehbooba Mufti,Leader of Opposition Rajaya Sabha Jenab Ghulam Nabi Azad Sahab, National Conference President Dr, Farooq Abullah Sahab and former Chief Minister Janab Omar Abdullah Sahab, Hon'ble Chairman J&K Legislative Council Haji Anayat Ali Sahab,  Hon'ble Speaker J&K Legislative Assembly Shri Kavinder Gupta, Hon'ble Deputy Speaker J&K Legislative Assembly Janab Nazir Gurezi, President J&K Pradesh Congress Committee Jenab G. A. Mir Sahab,  Hon'ble Chairman/CEC LAHDC Kargil Kacho Ahmad Ali Khan, Hon’ble Cabinet Ministers of J&K State, Hon’ble Ministers of State J&K, fellow legislatures Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, former Ministers, former Parliamentarians, former legislators,   J&K state administrative functionaries,  media persons, Political/Religious/Social/Student organizations of Kargil, Leh,Kashmir,Jammu and different parts of India, Pakistan, Iran and each individual who have extended their deep sympathies and condolences personally/telephonically and through print, electronic and social media to me and my family on the sad demise of my beloved daughter Zaineb Karbalaie. We are exceptionally appreciative to all for your kind expressions of sympathies. Sympathies are not only a declaration of sensitivity, they are not simple words – they are articulation of genuine sentiments. Much thanks to you all for sharing our torment.

Further Iam personally thankful  to Hon’ble Chief Minister J&K, Madam Mehbooba Mufti Shiba and state administrative functionaries and team of doctors in extending their full support and cooperation for the specialized treatment of my deceased daughter at Jammu, New Delhi and Navi Mumbai. We can just pray for their wellness and prosperity. Although it was a tragic moment for us but the sympathies and encouragement extended by these well wishers made us easy to cope up with the grave situation.We are grateful to all those  prayed for her well being during her treatment.

Further more I extend my sincere thanks to All Kargil Students Union Jammu and other organisations for arranging Majlis Fateha Khawani in favour of the deceased as well as each and every individual who have attended the Jenaza at Jammu.

 May Almighty Allah bless you all and bestow us with the will and power to serve humanity.

Haji Asgar Ali Karbalai

Member J&K Legislative Assembly

Haji Anayat Hails Kargil Boxers

Jammu, Feb 2018 (News Desk,VOL):  Kargil Boxers clinched 7 gold, 2 silver and 4 Bronze in the recently concluded State Boxing Championship at M A Stadium Jammu organized by J&K Armature Boxing Association.

All the players who won medals were trained under the supervision of NIS Boxing Coach Ghulam Mustafa at SAI SAG Center Kargil.
Chairman, J&K Legislative Council Haji Anayat Ali who is also the president of Kargil Boxing Association (KBA) appreciated the result of the players of Kargil and thanked Sports Authority Of India for opening Special Center at Kargil and also appreciated the efforts made by the first NIS Coach of Kargil Ghulam Mustafa.
Applauding the players for wonderful results Haji Anayat Ali urged upon them to grab this opportunity and take benefit from the facilities provided by the Government as the government both at Centre as well as State is focused on promoting Sports at Primary level.
Players who won gold medals included Zulfiqar Ali, Irfan Ali, Mohammad Hassan, Sadiq Ali, Nissar Hussain, Stanzin Angmo, Nilzaya Angmo while as Javed Iqbal and Stanzin Yangdol won Silver Medal and Ghulam Rasool, Tariq Alam and Sita Devi won Bronze Medals.



CEC Leh For Smooth Charging Of Kuhls

Leh, Feb 2018 (News Desk,VOL):  To ensure timely and smooth charging of water in all the irrigation Khuls of Leh district keeping in mind the fast approaching of sowing season in the district particularly in Shaam region, an important meeting of all the Councillors of Shaam region with ACD Leh, SE PWD, Exn. I&FC and Exn. PHE was held under the chairmanship of Chief Executive Councilor, LAHDC, Leh Dorjey Motup at Council Secretariat today. The Executive Councilor for Agriculture Tsering Wangdus, Councilor Temisgam Tsering Morup, Councilor Skurbuchan Stanzin Phuntsog and Councilor Khaltsi Lobzang Sherap attended the meeting. 

Presiding over the meeting, CEC DM strictly instructed all the executing agencies to initiate all necessary measures well in time to restore all the major and minor irrigation canals including headworks in Khaltsi region on war- footing so that farmers would not face any problem with relate to cultivation of their annual crops. CEC instructed Exn. I&FC to prepare an exact list of all the major/minor irrigation canals of Leh district under various sectors with all relevant data so that LAHDC would enable to approach the Govt. for funding for permanent and temporary restoration of all the canals besides its maintenance.
After detailed discussion on the current status of all the irrigation canals of almost every villages of Khaltsi Sub Division, CEC cautioned the executing agencies to leave no room for any compliant. On the other hand, he assured for providing funds to carry out the works. To ensure speedy work on some important I/Khuls, Dorjey Motup has tasked Rural Development Deptt. to do the needful by taking technical support from the PWD. 
In the meeting, the EC Agriculture, Tsering Wangdus has pointed out the poor status of water supply schemes in many villages in Shaam and urged the PHE to come up with a concrete solution with workable expertise to end the people’s complaints.
Apart from Shaam region, CEC as a whole perspective on present status of I/Khuls in all over Leh district, instructed the concerned agencies to focus their attention well in time on upgradation and restoration so that no farmer in any village would suffer in the wake of poor performance on the part of executing agencies.



Baseej-e-Imam Volunteers Fishes Out Body From River Suru


Kargil,Feb-2018(News-Desk,VOL): Exhibiting great courage and commitment, the Baseej-e-Imam(IKMT Kargil) volunteers recovered the body of a youth from Tambis village who fell into river Suru near Tambis village the previous evening. The youth was one Fida Ali Aba from tambis village. On getting information of the incident the volunteers of Baseej-e-Imam,swung into action at 8am in the morning and started a massive search operation in the area. This they did  using hand made search Boat and  after a long and tiring search,  they were to able find the dead body of the youth  in the deep and freezing  water of river Suru. The volunteers later handed over the body of deceased youth to the  Police in presence of the villagers. The villagers appreciated the efforts of Baseej-e-Imam and thanked them for their timely help and the appreciable gesture.



Brown Bear Creates Panic in Lankarchey

Kargil,Feb 2018 (News Desk,VOL): Panic gripped people in  Lankerchey village and its adjacent areas, after a Brown bear found roaming in the area. 
The residents of villages Lankerchey and its adjacent area's were seen  panickin when they saw  a brown bear roaming  in the low lands of nearby mountains and the people have  urged  the wildlife Department Kargil to catch the animal at the earliest to restore calm  in the area.



Governor Inaugurates Literary & Cultural Festival

 Jammu, Feb 2018 (Agencies): Governor N.N. Vohra inaugurated a 3 day ‘J&K Literary and Cultural Festival’ on the occasion of the ‘International Mother Tongue Day’, organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art Culture and Languages (JKAACL), here.

Governor, who is Patron of the JKAACL, complimented Dr. Azizi Hajini, Secretary JKAACL, and his colleagues for regularly organizing meaningful activities in the field of art and literature in all the three regions of the State. Lauding the organising of ‘J&K Literary and Cultural Festival’, Governor observed that such events are useful for promoting heritage and culture and urged that youth from high schools and colleges should be involved in such festivals.

Governor observed that one can learn to appreciate the nuances of  a society’s culture only through its language and urged that children should be encouraged to learn and speak their mother tongue.

Noting the role which is required to be played by the JKAACL in promoting Art, Culture and Languages in J&K, which has three regions, distinct in their geography, climate and culture, Governor noted that the Academy can provide valuable platforms for the three regions to come together and understand each other’s traditions, cultures and art forms. He urged organising more programmes where youth can meet and learn about each other.

Governor released ‘Who’s Who of J&K Writers/Artists’, which is a Directory containing information of writers and artists of the State,and  the Annual Report of the JKAACL. He observed that the Directory will be very useful as it is a handy compilation of all writers and artists in the State.

Earlier, Governor inaugurated ‘Nostalgic Kashmir’ a photo exhibition organised by Sh. S.R. Wani, in which collection of photographs from 1850’s to 1950’s of Royalty, Kashmiri Pandits and Temples of Jammu and Kashmir have been displayed. Governor suggested to Dr. Hajini that these rare photographs should be compiled in book form with suitable titles to explain each picture.

Ms. Priya Sethi, MoS Tourism and Culture, stressed the need for encouraging children to learn and speak their mother tongue and assured government’s active support in the promotion of art and culture in the State.

The Key Note Address was given by Sh. Darshan Darshi, noted Dogri writer and Prof. Naseem Shafai, prominent Kashmiri poetess spoke about importance of the mother tongue.

The Welcome Address was presented by Dr. Azizi Hajini and a Vote of Thanks given by Dr. A.S. Aman, Additional Secretary JKAACL.



DC Leh Appreciates Transport Union

Leh, Feb (News Desk,VOL): The Deputy Commissioner, Leh Avny Lavasa expressed her appreciation to all the transport unions of Leh for their cooperation in shifting to the “New Commercial Vehicle Terminal” at Bombgard. DC, Leh also assured them that the district administration will put in all efforts to make the new terminal equipped with all facilities. Toilets at the terminal will be completed within a month. Drinking water facility and the approach road will be completed within a week time, DC said.  The parking space opposite taxi stand near Leh market has been handover to MC, Leh. In the same space booking office for taxi union shall be given on the roof top of the toilet along with space for about 10 vehicles of Taxi Union. Old Taxi stand shall now be used for multi-storey parking of vehicles. These initiatives have been taken in the larger public interest and will go a long way in decongestion of traffic in Leh town, decrease in pollution and a more organized transport service system. 



Ladakh Scouts Lifts Ice Hockey Trophy


Srinagar, Feb 2018 ( News Desk,VOL):  The 1st J&K State Ice Hockey Championship 2018 was organised at Leh, under the aegis of “Ladakh Winter Sports Club” from 19 Feb to 22 Feb 2018 in which a large number of teams from Ladakh region participated.


The Ladakh Scouts completely dominated the championship. The final match was played on 22 Feb 18 in Karzu Ice Hockey Rink between Ladakh Scouts Red team and Ladakh Scouts Blue team which the Ladakh Scouts Red team won by a margin of 3-1 goals. Mr Gyal P Wangail Executive Councillor for Health and Youth Services, LAHDC, Leh was the Chief Guest and gave away the Championship Trophy and prizes to the winner and the runners up team. 

 2 Days District Level Cultural Meet Concludes

Kargil Feb, 2018 (News Desk,VOL):  The 2 Days District Level Multilingual Cultural and Literary Meet organized by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages Kargil concluded at Language Center here today.

Around 70 writers, poets, scholars and folk artists of the Balti, Purgi and Shina Dardi tribal groups from different areas of the district participated in the two days cultural and literary event.

Among others who were present on the occasion included Former Executive Councilor and Councilor Tai Suru Aga Syed Abbass Razvi, Additional Superintendent of Police Arun Gupta, Assistant Commissioner Development Kargil Barkat Ali Lone Nizami, Assistant Registrar Cooperatives Kargil Muhammad Iqbal and a number of senior officers from the District Administration.

 On the second day of the two days meet today, around 20 poets recited their poetic compositions in Urdu, Balti, Purgi and Shina Dardi languages while as different short stories in regional languages besides research oriented papers on different aspects of art, culture and languages were presented on the occasion. Moreover, folk music performances were also presented by the folk artists which won thundering rounds of applause by the audience.

Writers, poets, intellectuals, district officers, students and a jam packed hall of cultural and literary enthusiasts were present on the occasion.

The poets who presented their poetic renderings included Muhmmad Ali Nowsheen, Muhammad Hussain Rehnuma ,Skarma Junglay, Akhone Safdar Ali Safdar, Aga Syed Hadi Shah Aga, Bashir Ahmad Wafa, Haji Muhammad Ibrahim Rahee, Ghulam Qadir Zaki, Ashraf Ali Sagar, Muhammad Ali Khumar, Muhammad Jawad Jalib, Muhammad Asgar Aasi, Tsewang Rigzin, Mukhtar Zahid, Muhammad Hussain Fayaz, Fida Hussain Wazir Fida, Muhammad Taqi Khan Nayaab, Muhammad Ali Babaa, Zakir Hussain Karbalai, Nissar Hussain Trespone, Sajjad Ali Shujaat, Fida Ali Fida Karkith, Nassir Hussain Tumaily, Farooq Ahmad Noorie, Barkat Ali Lone Nizami, Abdul Majeed Sehra, Ahmad Hussain Olpa and Muhammad Khalil.

During the paper reading sessions Kacho Gulzar Hussain Khan presented his paper on the topic Ladakhi Folklore in the Contemporary Times, Muhammad Sadiq Hardassi on The King of Balti Behre Taweel- Bawa Johar Ali Johar, Raza Amjad Badgami Shina Dardi Folklore- An Overview and Muhammad Shafi Sagar on the topic The Role of Poetry in Reforming the Lives of Communities in Different Times.

Muhammad Abbass Skith, Zakir Hussain Zakir, Akhone Asgar Ali Basharat and Muhammad Abbass Zameer presented short stories while as folk songs were presented by Muhammad Ali and party, Muhammad Ishaq and party, Muhammad Abdullah, Muhammad Hussain Fayaaz and Ahsan Ali.

The proceedings of different sessions was conducted by Bashir Ahmad Wafa.



Academic Arrangement For Remote Areas With 30% Extra Emoluments 

Srinagar, Feb 2018 (PTK): Minister for Education, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari today reaffirmed the resolve of the government to fill gaps in education sector and work towards consolidation of   infrastructure and teaching staff in rural districts, including Ladakh region. Addressing a gathering of students here at the annual day function of All Ladakh Students Welfare Association Jammu (ALSWAJ), the Minister said as short-term measure, the Government has decided to engage candidates on academic arrangements to meet dearth of teaching staff and in areas like Leh and Kargil the selected candidates would be given 30 percent more emoluments than paid to the people in other areas. However, he said government has set the target to fill all vacancies of Assistant Professors, lecturers and teachers in next six months. Chairman Ladakh Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil Hajji Kachu Ali Khan, a large number of students and the association officer bearers including, the President Fayaz Ahmed was present at the function, which witnessed scintillating show by the Students featuring unique rich Balti culture and heritage. Recalling his recent visit to Ladakh with Chief Minister, the Minister said that he was highly impressed by seeing huge strength of Girl students at the Government Degree College Kargil adding this reflects the progressive approach of the   community.  The Minister also announced that the government has approved Degree College for Drass meeting the long pending demand of the locals. He said the government was ready to start the classes from the current session and sought the cooperation of LADHC Kargil chairman in identifying a spacious building to run the classes till the campus is established. He said government has decided to hire private buildings for new colleges contrary to the past practice of running these from Higher Secondary schools, which does not go well with the scheme of things.   The Minister also informed that during her visit to Kargil, the Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti sanctioned funds for up-gradation of the GDC, Hostel and College Buses. He said the government under the leadership of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is committed to meet the education requirements of all regions. He also announced that the government has allotted 5 kanal land for the establishment of girls’ hostel for Jammu. Appreciating the cultural presentations, the Minister said he felt proud to be part of the event which reflected that the young generation of Kargil has preserved their cultural heritage. He encouraged them to preserve it forever do not let it wade away with the coming of development which is knocking at their doors with the construction of proposed Zojila tunnel.  In his address, chairman LAHDC, Kargil Kachu Ali Khan urged the youth of Ladakh to strive hard to meet their goals, especially achieving educational and professional excellence. He reminded them that the problems the region is facing on account of dearth of doctors, teachers and professors could be overcome only when they achieve distinction in the life.  The Association also honored people from Kargil who have excelled in different fields of knowledge and skills.



Amir Calls For Preservation Of Cultural Heritage

Kargil Feb 2018(News Desk,VOL): Acting Chairman and Chief Executive Councilor Kargil Advocate Muhammad Amir today called for collective efforts to ensure the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage so as to ensure its proper safeguard for the future generations. The Acting CEC stated this while inaugurating the 2 Days District Level Multilingual Cultural and Literary Meet organized by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages Kargil at Language Center here today. Around 70 writers, poets, scholars and folk artists of the Balti, Purgi and Shina Dardi tribal groups from different areas of the district are participating in the two days cultural and literary event.

Advisor to CEC Kargil Haji Muhammad Shafi, Assistant Commissioner Development Kargil Barkat Ali Lone Nizami and a number of senior officers from the District Administration were present on the occasion.

Amir while underlining the importance of upholding the glorious folk literature and ancestral values of the bygone era which form an integral part of the true identity of Kargil urged upon the need of cultural consciousness at the mass level so that every individual can contribute his bit in this regard. The Acting CEC also appealed the writers and poets participating in the two days meet to make the sessions fruitful, purposeful and result oriented by way of their valuable research oriented suggestions, inputs as well as constructive debates and deliberations adding this would enable the Academy to devise a roadmap for future course of action with regard to the challenges and opportunities of the vernacular languages.

Meanwhile 17 poets presented their poetic renderings while as research oriented papers on Shina Dardi and Ladakhi folklore besides short stories were presented during the first day of the event today. Moreover, folk music performances were also presented by the folk artists which won thundering rounds of applause by the audience.

Earlier during the welcome address Special Officer for Cultural Activities Kargil Muhammad Ali Tak while highlighting the aims and objectives of the two days event briefed about the endeavours of Cultural Academy towards the promotion and preservation of the cultural heritage of Kargil.

Writers, poets, intellectuals, district officers, students and jam packed hall of cultural and literary enthusiasts were present on the occasion.

On the second day of the two days meet, several poetry, short story and paper recital sessions as well as folk music performances are slated to be organized tomorrow.



CEC Leh Reviews Development Works



 Leh, Feb 2018(News Desk,VOL):  To speed up the incomplete works under UIDSSMT and AMRUT in Leh town keeping in mind the approaching working season, a meeting of all the four Executive Councilors Tsering Wangdus, Gyal P . Wangail, Tsering Sandup, Mumtaz Hussain, Councilor Upper Leh Gay Lobzang Nyantak, Councilor Lower Leh P. Wangdan and all the executing agencies headed by ADC, Leh Moses Kunzang was held under the chairmanship of CEC, LAHDC, Leh Dorjey Motup at Council Secretariat today afternoon. 



Enquiring about the progress of all the ongoing works under UIDSSMT and AMRUT in Leh town, CEC DM fixed timeline for various works being executed by PHE, R&B, Construction, PDD Divisions and Municipality Deptts. Leh as per which PHE division will start laying of sewerage and drinking water pipe lines between Lamdon School to De-be-too from 3rd March and complete it by 15th April 2018 so that R&B Division will undertake the same road for BT and macadamization which will begin after 15th May. Likewise, DM directed PHE department to complete all the earth excavation works by ending April, 2018. To ensure smooth traffic movement during earth excavation works, CEC DM directed ADC, Leh to provide every possible support from district administration and stressed on close coordination between all the executing agencies taking both the Upper and Lower Leh Councillors in full confidence. 
To ensure minimum inconvenience to the public during work execution, DM directed engineers to take works priority wise in consultation with Councilors. 
DM also directed Exn. PDD to start the underground cabling of electric lines of Leh town including main market at the earliest. 
ADC, Leh Moses Kunzang informed the meeting that due to escalation in the project cost of Sewerage Treatment Plant and Multi Tier Parking Facility for Leh town a meeting at State level will be convened soon to through these projects. 
Stressing on earliest completion of all the works in Leh town, Councilor Gay Lobzang Nyantak requested executing agencies to ensure minimum inconvenience to the public specially farmers during sowing season. 
Councilor Lower Leh P. Wangdan strongly stressed on earliest completion of all the works in Lowe Leh Constituency including macadamization of all the roads in Ibex Colony this year.



Sacred Month Being Observed At Leh

Leh, Feb 2018 (News Desk,VOL): The 1st month of Buddhist Calendar is observed as sacred month and during the entire month Buddhists of Leh organize various prayers at Monasteries and village level. On 14th and 15th of this calendar i.e. falling on 28th February and 1st of March 2018, on this occasion the devotees perform annual Gochak procession which starts from Leh Gate and passes through main market to Tsemo Monastery and culminate on the 3rd day morning at Leh Gate. Thousands of devotees participates in the Gochak prayers every year, in which devotees prostrate and march for whole days on the road.
Sheynam Gochak Tsogspa consisting of about 150-160 devotees have already started their prostration (Gochak) procession in Leh from 26.02.2018, and they will join the main Gochak party at Leh gate on 28.02.2018. 

Moreover, the annual two day long Mela Mathoo Monastery is being celebrated at Mathoo (25 Kms) away from Leh Hqr. on 1st and 2nd of March 2018. 

Elaborate Police / Security arrangements have been made for both the occasion to ensure safety / security of the devotees and maintenance of law and order on the occasion.



CM For Fast Tracking Recruitments

Jammu, February 26, (Scoop News)- Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti has impressed upon the recruiting agencies like Public Service Commission (PSC) and Subordinate Services Recruitment Board (SSRB) to speed up recruitment process in the State even as she asked the Departments to update the vacancy positions and clear the backlog of class IV recruitments.
Chairing a review meeting in this regard here today, the Chief Minister advised the PSC and SSRB to devise a yearly calendar of recruitments to save time and make the selected candidates available to the Government in time. She specifically asked for pacing up of selections in School Education, Higher Education and Health & Medical Education Departments in view of the demand on ground.
Chairman, J&K Public Service Commission, Lateef u Zaman Deva; Chief Secretary, B. B. Vyas and administrative secretaries of all the Departments were present in the meeting.
Mehbooba Mufti also directed speeding up the process of DPCs so that more vacancies are cleared down below for appointment. She also directed fast tracking of the recruitment process of class IV vacancies which have crossed five thousand. She specifically directed the Departments to project their vacancy positions for the current year, refer these to recruiting agencies so that selections are made in time. She also asked the concerned Departments and recruiting agencies to follow the court cases rigorously.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed Department wise status of selections made, vacant positions and under process selections by the SSRB and the PSC.
The meeting was informed that 3290 selections were made by the PSC during the last three years, including 2095 during last year which also includes 510 selections eversince she held such a review meeting on November 22 last. Of the pending 2191 vacancies with the Commission, advertisement process for 1104 is on and soon selections in respect of 700 vacancies would be made, the meeting was informed. The meeting was informed that of the 88 cases of DPC received during last three years, 57 have been cleared and 31 are in various stages of clearance.
As for the SSRB, the Chief Minister was informed that
19, 583 selections were made during the last three years and currently selection process in respect of 9447 vacancies is on. 
As for the Departmental Promotion Committees, 28733 cases have been cleared in various Departments while as 3254 such cases are in various stages of completion, the meeting was informed. Also more than five thousand vacancies of class IV vacancies are yet to be filled, the meeting was informed.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister was informed about the action taken on many of her directions during her last review meeting.



India’s Progress In Science & Technology Exponential’

New Delhi, Feb, 2018 (PIB):Union Minister for Science & Technology; Environment, Forest & Climate Change Dr. Harsh Vardhan recently said, India’s progress in the field of science and technology is exponential and science can address most of the problems the society is facing now.

Dr Harsh Vardhan was talking to hundreds of school children, who turned up at his residence to see a limited exhibition, showcasing advancements in Science & Technology in India. He had already interacted with thousands of school children to generate scientific temperament among them.  The exhibitions include the country’s advancement in aerospace, biotechnology, nanotechnology, green energy, plant genetics, technology to aid healthcare, etc.

The Minister has also been advocating the children to be ambassadors of environmental protection. He told them, the hazard of climate change and global warming is manifesting into a reality and people should take conscious efforts in mitigating stress on environment and climate.  As developmental efforts need to be sustained, its impact on climate should be mitigated through a series of efforts, including environment-friendly lifestyle.

Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change has drawn up a national campaign weaving around some 500 simple lifestyle habits that can be easily adopted, in an effort to sensitise the hazards of climate and global warming.  The campaign named “Green Good Deeds” can have a cascading effect, if everyone adopts even one deed a day.

During the last one month, the Ministry has invited thousands of children from various schools to enlist their support to the campaign. Besides government officials, teachers, professionals, members of voluntary organisations and general public from across Delhi have also come forward to support the cause.

“Every citizen should become a ‘Green Volunteer’ so that we could relay the environment we inherited from our ancestors to the generation that is yet to take birth. That’s our moral responsibility,” said Dr. Vardhan.

He said the present government is undertaking several good deeds including “Green Good Deeds”. He pointed there has been intervention from the highest political level to bring down the level of air pollution in Delhi and its surrounding areas, which has become an international subject of discussion. All states involved in stubble burning have been told that they need to take firm measures to curb it by the next season. In fact, even budgetary allocations were made to support the efforts of Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and the NCT of Delhi to address air pollution. The government have also decided to subsidise machinery required for in-situ management of crop residue to prevent burning of stubble in the next winter. The minister said, he would like all, particularly youth and children to understand that our deeds have to be environment-friendly.  Dr Vardhan said, the   hazard of climate change and global warming is manifesting into a reality and people should take conscious efforts in mitigating further stress on climate.

There should be a judicious balance of sustainable economic development and environmental protection. While the role of the government is to prepare roadmap for environmental protection, adherence to the rules and regulations is the primary responsibility of the stakeholders. Unless there is public involvement and commitment, no such drive can be taken to its logical conclusion. Like Corporate Social Responsibility, it is the Green Social Responsibility of every citizen to maintain environment.

  

15th  Finance Commission Invites Suggestions

New Delhi, Feb 2018 (PIB):The Fifteenth Finance Commission has invited suggestions/views on issues related to the terms of reference from the members of the general public, institutions and organizations.

The Commission shall review the current status of the finance, deficit, debt levels, cash balances and fiscal discipline efforts of the Union and the States, and recommend a fiscal consolidation roadmap for sound fiscal management. The Commission shall take into account the responsibility of the Central Government and State Governments to adhere to appropriate levels of general and consolidated government debt and deficit levels, while fostering higher inclusive growth in the country, guided by the principles of equity, efficiency and transparency. The Commission may also examine whether revenue deficit grants be provided at all.

Some of the key issues for consideration by the commission are as under:

The impact on the fiscal situation of the Union Government of substantially enhanced tax devolution to States following recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission, coupled with the continuing imperative of the national development programme including New India – 2022;

The impact of the GST, including payment of compensation for possible loss of revenues for 5 years, and abolition of a number of cesses, earmarking thereof for compensation and other structural reforms programme, on the finances of Centre and States.

Efforts made by the States in expansion and deepening of tax net under GST;

Efforts and Progress made in moving towards replacement rate of population growth

Progress made in increasing tax/non-tax revenues, promoting savings by adoption of Direct Benefit Transfers and Public Finance Management System, promoting digital economy and removing layers between the government and the beneficiaries;

Progress made in sanitation, solid waste management and bringing in behavioural change to end open defecation.

The Fifteenth Finance Commission as constituted in pursuance of clause (1) of Article 280 of the Constitution, w.e.f. 27th November, 2017 shall make its report available by 30th October, 2019, covering a period of five years commencing 1st April, 2020. The Commission shall use the population data of 2011 while making its recommendations.

All interested organizations and individuals may send their suggestions/views by 30th June 2018 in any of the following manner:

By Post, addressed to the Secretary, fifteenth Finance Commission,

9th Floor, Jawahar Vyapar Bhawan, Tolstoy Marg, New Delhi-110001.

Through e-mail to: secy-xvfc@gov.in

Through website http://fincomindia.nic.in by clicking on hyperlink

‘call for suggestions’.

The detailed Terms of Reference of the Commission has been issued vide notification Number S.O.3755(E) dated 27th November, 2017.

http://www.egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2017/180483.pdf



 EU: All Israeli Settlements ‘Illegal, Obstacle To Peace’


  Feb 2018 (Press TV): The European Union (EU)’s top diplomat, Federica Mogherini, has stressed that all Israeli settlements are illegal, condemning them as “an obstacle to peace.”

“We have stressed, repeatedly, that all settlements are illegal and are an obstacle to peace,” High Representative Mogherini said before talks between EU and Arab League foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday, which she said would focus on “how to bring the Middle East peace process forward.”

About 600,000 Israelis live in over 230 illegal settlements built since the 1967 Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East Jerusalem al-Quds.

Mogherini also commented on the recent closure of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in the Old City of Jerusalem al-Quds in protest against Israeli measures, saying “The special status and the character of the city [Jerusalem al-Quds] must be preserved and respected by all.”

“We hope that a solution can be found quickly, Jerusalem is a holy city to the three monotheistic religions,” she added.

For his part, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi, who arrived in Brussels for talks on the so-called Middle East peace process, stressed that the only solution “is to reach a lasting peace that again will ensure that East Jerusalem [al-Quds] is the capital of a Palestinian State.”

Mogherini expressed the EU’s readiness to “offer the redeployment of our mission EUBAM Rafah (the European Union Border Assistance Mission in Rafah),” a Palestinian city and refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip and to “support even more the economic development of Gaza and obviously also increase our humanitarian aid with the specific focus on hospitals in Gaza.”

Safadi said, “We must also make sure that UNRWA (the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) continues to deliver its vital services to millions of refugees across its five areas of operation.”

In a rare move, church leaders in Palestine decided on Sunday to close the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in the Old City of Jerusalem al-Quds until further notice to express dissent against new Israeli tax measures and a proposed property law that they say is an attack on Christians.

Recently, the municipality of Jerusalem al-Quds canceled a tax exemption it had granted to the church-owned commercial property in the city.

Furthermore, Israeli lawmakers have proposed a bill that would allow the regime to expropriate land in Jerusalem al-Quds sold by churches to private real estate companies in recent years.

Church officials, however, say such a law would make it more difficult for them to find buyers for church-owned land-sales that contribute to operating costs of their religious institutions.

US President Donald Trump on December 6 formally recognized Jerusalem al-Quds as the “capital” of Israel and announced plans to move the American embassy to the occupied city.



Google Not Responsible For Checking Links: Court

 Feb, 2018 (Press TV): An appeals court in Germany has decided to uphold a lower court ruling which stipulates that Google has no responsibility to check the content of links generated by its search engine to see whether they are free from defamatory content.

Presiding Judge Gregor Galke, from the Federal Court of Justice, ruled on Tuesday that "a general responsibility to regulate is incompatible with the function of search engines," adding that forcing Google and others to check every link would practically paralyze the service.

“Without the help of such search engines it would be impossible for individuals to get meaningful use out of the internet due to the unmanageable flood of data it contains,” said the court in a statement.

“Instituting a general duty to inspect the content would seriously call into question the business model of search engines, which is approved by lawmakers and wanted by society.”

The verdict came after a German couple brought a case against Google, arguing that the US-based internet company should be responsible for blocking links to sites where they said they were defamed.

The German court, however, said Google was supposed to act on links where users have reported “concrete evidence” of violations of law, such as child pornography or acts of violence.

Calls for removal of online content directly related to people are part of a broader debate dubbed the “right to be forgotten” which came in May 2014, when the Court of Justice of the European Union (ECJ) ruled that individuals can request search engines to remove inadequate or irrelevant information from web results appearing under searches for their names. Google has accepted to remove more than one million website links since then.   

The ruling to exempt Google from monitoring search results comes against the backdrop of similar calls on European regulators to force internet companies to improve their monitoring of the content, especially those related to violence. The advocates of such calls argue that many of the attacks launched against civilians in Western Europe over the past years have been orchestrated using social networks or have been inspired by online content.

Those providing social networking services like Facebook or video-sharing website YouTube have actively sought to increase checks in a bid to avoid punishments.

 Anti-Iran UN Resolution Vetoed

 Feb 2018 (Press TV): A senior Iranian diplomat says Russia's vote against a United Nations draft resolution aimed at pressuring Iran over alleged missiles provision to Yemeni forces represented another setback for the United States.

Russia on Monday vetoed a resolution at the UN Security Council, presented by Britain and strongly backed by the United States, that would call for "additional measures" against Iran over accusations that it violated the 2015 arms embargo on the war-torn Arabian Peninsula state. The draft resolution gained 11 favorable votes at the 15-member Security Council but was blocked by Russia's veto. China and Kazakhstan abstained, while Bolivia also voted against the measure.

A group of so-called independent United Nations experts monitoring the sanctions on Yemen reported to the Security Council in January that it had “identified missile remnants, related military equipment and military unmanned aerial vehicles that are of Iranian origin and were brought into Yemen after the imposition of the targeted arms embargo.”

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araqchi rejected the "spiteful" allegations.

"Based on a one-sided report, they intended to pass a resolution that also referred to Iran, but they failed," Araqchi said.

"This is yet another failure by the US government to drag Iran to the Security Council," he added.

"Over the past year, the US government has on many occasions tried to one again drag Iran to the Security Council and it has failed every single time and this is another sign of the US isolation on the international scene and the strength of the Islamic Republic of Iran," the senior Iranian diplomat pointed out.

He emphasized that the "biased accusations" were absolutely clear in the way the report was formulated by the UN panel.

He said the UN experts had "made their own judgment even before travelling to Iran to discuss and hear our comments."

It was clear how others had influenced the report, Araqchi added.

"We will definitely continue our policies in the region in a way that will meet the country's interests," he said. The Houthi movement has been defending Yemen against a bloody Saudi-led military campaign, which was launched in 2015 with the help of the US and the UK to reinstall the country’s former Riyadh-friendly government. During a meeting of the Security Council on February 21, Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia voiced his country's opposition to the Security Council resolution.“We do not like condemnations at all, no, in general,” Nebenzia said, adding, “It is a resolution about the extension of the working group, not about Iran. So we should concentrate on extending the working group first.”

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi earlier this month once again rejected the allegations about the Islamic Republic's provision of missiles to Yemeni forces, saying such claims are lies and a foolish scenario. "Iran's missile program is for defensive and deterrent [purposes] and claims about the dispatch of missiles to Yemen despite the all-out blockade on this country are lies and a foolish scenario designed to exonerate the aggressors," Qassemi said.The chief commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) also in January dismissed the allegations leveled by the US and its allies about the Islamic Republic’s provision of missiles to Yemeni forces. After Russia vetoed the Western bids at the Security Council, the United States threatened unilateral action against Tehran.

"If Russia is going to continue to cover for Iran, then the US and our partners need to take action on our own. If we're not going to get action on the [Security] Council, then we have to take our own actions," US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley told reporters on Monday during a visit to Honduran capital Tegucigalpa.

However, she did not specify what kind of action could be taken. "Obviously this vote isn't going to make the decision on the nuclear deal. What I can say is it doesn't help," Haley said, referring to the multilateral nuclear agreement reached between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries in 2015. She added, "That just validated a lot of what we already thought which is Iran gets a pass for its dangerous and illegal behavior." Iran and the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council – the US, France, Britain, Russia and China – plus Germany signed the nuclear agreement on July 14, 2015 and started implementing it on January 16, 2016.

Under the JCPOA, Iran undertook to put limits on its nuclear program in exchange for the removal of nuclear-related sanctions imposed against Tehran.

Trump has repeatedly described the JCPOA, which was negotiated under his predecessor, Barack Obama, as “the worst and most one-sided transaction Washington has ever entered into,” a characterization he often used during his presidential campaign, and threatened to tear it up.

Trump on January 12 reluctantly agreed to waive sanctions against Iran that were lifted as part of the landmark deal, but said it would be the last time he issued such a waiver unless conditions were met.