NEW DELHI : Amid massive attempts to rescue 40 Indians kidnapped in trouble-torn Iraq, the Government today made it clear that location of the abducted persons have been ascertained and the Iraqi government has confirmed the ‘kidnappings’.
Giving this information, External Affairs ministry spokesperson
Syed Akbaruddin said the crisis management group on the issue had met twice today and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj chaired the meetings here.
Ms Swaraj has already contacted Chief Ministers of Punjab and Kerala and apprised them of the action being taken by the government for the safety of Indians in Iraq. Asked to specify places where kidnapped people had been kept in Mosul or anywhere else by militants, the spokesperson said such
information could not be shared ,but the government efforts for safety of those kidnapped had gained momentum ever since reaching of a special envoy from here to oversee the developments. As many as 40 Indians, largely from northern parts of the country, working in a construction company in strife-torn Mosul town of Iraq had been kidnapped, the government had confirmed yesterday.
However, their whereabouts were not known till yesterday , and the Government was working with International organisation Red Crescent to locate the workers, who had been employed by Tariq Noor Al Huda Construction company, Mr Akbaruddin had told press while replying to questions at a media briefing yesterday.. “It is with deep deep sadness we say that 40 Indians have been kidnapped,” Mr Akbaruddin said.
The information was based on the input by the Red Crescent, he said.
No ransom demand has been received so far, the Iraqi government has informed.
Mr Akbarduddin today again said that all attempts were being made for safe evacuation of stranded Indians and all avenues would be tapped.
Besides the Indians kidnapped, there were 46 Indian nurses trapped in Tikrit town of Iraq with whom the Red Crescent was in touch but it had advised them not to take the surface route for leaving the city as it was not safe due to the fighting. The spokesperson had already made it clear there was no plan to
shut down the Indian Embassy and rather it would be strengthened with more staff.
Mr Akbaruddin said the Government had a contingency plan to deal with the crisis and Secretary, East, Anil Wadhwa, was spearheading the scheme. Besides, seasoned diplomat Suresh Reddy who had served in Iraq, had been sent to help the Indian Embassy. Ms Sushma Swaraj was herself monitoring and reviewing the situation on a regular basis.
The Secretary East yesterday met Iraqi Ambassador Ahmad Tahseen
Ahmad Berwari who apprised him of the situation and they discussed
possibilities of ground-level co-operation and assistance to Indian nationals who were in the affected area. India has already expressed its support to the Iraqi government
against the attack by terrorist outfits which had taken over some cities, including Mosul and Tikrit.
(AGENCIES)
40 kidnapped Indians in Iraq located : Govt
Govt should talk directly to Governors,not through media: Omar
SRINAGAR : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said if the Central government wants to change some of the Governors in the country, it should directly talk to them rather than communicating through media.
“Unfortunately, Raj Bhavans have been pushed into political murk since long. I would have held NDA responsible, had the governments before it not done such things. If the new government wants to change some of the Governors, then it should talk to those Governors,” Omar told reporters here.
The Chief Minister said the approach of communicating with the Governors through the media does not suit either the position of a Governor or the Central government.
“We don’t have any clarity yet if there has really been any talk with those Governors. Governors cannot be communicated through newspapers. If it is being thought that it (government) wants to change the Governors, then it is better that someone picks up a telephone and talks to them (Governors) and seeks their resignation,” he said. (AGENCIES)
Evacuation of Indians from Iraq big challenge for Centre: Omar
SRINAGAR : Terming the evacuation of stranded Indians from strife-torn Iraq as a “big challenge” for the Union government, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today hoped the Centre would do everything to bring them back from the Gulf nation safely.
“The first impact it (the situation in Iraq) has is that many of our people are working there and evacuating them safely has become a big challenge to the present Central government. We hope that the government does everything to get our people back from there safely,” Omar told reporters here.
Omar said the situation in Iraq might have an effect on oil prices and thereby give rise to inflation here.
“Whatever is happening in Iraq, it will have an effect on us. If the oil prices rise, then the inflation will rise here,” he said.
The Centre yesterday said 40 Indian construction workers have been kidnapped in the oil-rich Mosul town of strife-torn Iraq.
They have been presumably kidnapped by Islamic militants but no ransom demands have been received yet. The workers, mostly from Punjab and other parts of northern India, were working on a construction project in Mosul in northern Iraq which has been captured by Sunni militant group ISIS.
Iraq is witnessing serious strife with militants, backed by al-Qaida, capturing various cities and marching toward Baghdad. (AGENCIES)
Chhattisgarh Governor Shekhar Dutt resigns
RAIPUR : Chhattisgarh Governor Shekhar Dutt has stepped down from his post, two days after Uttar Pradesh Governor BL Joshi submitted his papers following a request by the NDA government to some of them to demit office.
“The Governor submitted his resignation papers to President Pranab Mukherjee last night in New Delhi,” Secretary to Governor, Amitabh Jain told today.
Dutt had taken charge as the Governor in January 2010.
Union Home Secretary Anil Goswami had called some of the Governors appointed during UPA government’s tenure to resign in the wake of change of government at the Centre.
While the Uttar Pradesh Governor had resigned on Tuesday, some of his counterparts in other states, who are UPA appointees, appear to have dug their heels in.
While Congress has criticised the government’s move, JD(U) has called for a debate on the issue. (AGENCIES)
CM mulls for power revolution
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced his Government’s serious intention of bringing about a revolution of sorts in power sector impacting generation, transmission and distribution of power in the State. The announcement was made on the occasion of inauguration of Phase II of Re-structured Accelerated Power Development Reforms Programme (R-APDRP-II) for Jammu division. The scheme is aimed to tone up power position in Jammu city and about 10 cities of Jammu Division which have been facing acute power shortage for quite some time. The project has already been launched in Srinagar. It is estimated that about 237002 consumers will derive benefit from the scheme. It is expected to overcome to a large extent the shortage of power during peak season; it is also hoped that load shedding which had become so frequent and which very often damaged the transformers will be overcome with the onset of the project.
The Chief Minister has painted a bright picture of good prospects of power generation, transmission and distribution in the State in near future. Of course we are not as yet self-sufficient in the sector of power, but it shall have to be admitted that besides major power generating projects, a dozen or more of small generating units have also been made functional which are estimated to be creating 900 MWs and augmenting the supply of power to some of the remote places. It is true that being a hilly State, we have good prospect of establishing small units of power generation for which only moderate expenditure needs to be incurred. Obviously since the smaller projects have become successful, we believe that this exercise will not stop with what has already been achieved but will continue further. More sites will be identified for developing smaller units.
We are living in 21st century and power is the mainstay of modern life. Whether our people live in far off villages or nearby towns, electricity has to be provided to each and every household. The policy of the Government to ensure that holistic development is pursued is something that should bring satisfaction. Along with this, the Government has plans also for Phase II and Phase III of Baglihar power generating project. Once these additional phases are completed, the Government thinks it will be a big step towards self sufficiency in the matter of power.
We have been raising the question of shortage of power very often because we needed to give voice to the problems of the people. We have also been emphasizing that power is of highest priority in the State. It is a matter of satisfaction that the Chief Minister has come out with comprehensive policy of his Government in addressing the power shortage and the long range plans it has conceived. We hope and wish that all these efforts and visions come true and people of the State are relieved of a recurring problem of power shortage.
Rasool brings laurels
Pervez Rasool, the outstanding cricketer from J&K has brought laurels to the State for being the first sportsman who will represent Indian team in a One-Day International Cricket. The 25-year old Rasool from Bijbehara is a spin bowler and has won appreciation of the selectors in his performance. We are confident that this talented cricketer will win name and fame as the most outstanding sportsman from the State.
Our youth have enormous potential to be on top in different sports. But the problem is that they do not have proper exposure and facilities. The selection of players and athletes should be broad based so that the youth of rural areas also get a chance of demonstrating their talent. Our towns and villages are not yet equipped with proper infrastructure that would become a source of inspiration for our youth. We do not have playing grounds and coaches and the rest of wherewithal so that the promising youth could develop their faculty and grow into outstanding sportsmen and sportswomen. Pervez Rasool has worked hard with untiring dedication to attain perfection in the game which he loves so much. He will be a source of inspiration for the entire State and younger generation will try to emulate him once he establishes his position in the Indian Cricket team. We congratulate him and wish him great and remarkable success in winning matches for the country.
Omar hints at new faces, leaves pre-poll alliance decision to Farooq
Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, June 18: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that his party would announce the list of candidates for the forthcoming Assembly elections soon and hinted at fielding fresh and youthful faces.
Speaking at the Central Working Committee meeting at Nawa-i-Subh today, Omar said National Conference Parliamentary Board would be meeting soon to finalise the first list of candidates for the forthcoming Assembly elections. He said that list would be prepared after feedback is gathered from the grassroot level and consensus in the party. He asked the party leaders to go to their constituencies and work for the people and address their grievances.
NC general secretary, Ali Mohammad Sagar said that party has asked the district presidents to submit a panel of three candidates from each Assembly segment and Parliamentary Board of the party under NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah in chair will take the final decision about the mandate.
In order to infuse new blood to the party after debacle in the Parliamentary elections, Omar said that new faces would be brought forward that can become the party’s driving force.
The meeting discussed the debacle of the party in recent polls in which they were routed from Kashmir valley. The NC working president told the meeting: “It is important to take lessons from defeat and make ourselves stronger, better and more resolute in our mission.” He said that his party will inflict crushing defeat on People’s Democratic Party in the Assembly elections which they will remember forever.
Chief Minister said that the final decision on the issue of electoral alliance with Congress party would be taken by the NC President Dr Farooq Abdullah after due consultations with party leaders and grassroots workers.
Omar told the meeting that his party has never and will never compromise on its political ideology and agenda. He said that NC’s stand on the political resolution of Kashmir issue is clear and unambiguous. He said that he has made it clear on the floor of the House and before former Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh during this visit to the State last year.
The Chief Minister targeted the healing touch policy of former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and said that it was a big hoax, based on lies and propaganda. He said that Mufti claimed to have disbanded the SOG and the STF but in fact he institutionalized them by change in nomenclature.
Highlighting the contributions of his Government, Omar said: “We demolished more than 40 concrete bunkers from Srinagar City. These bunkers were turned into concrete and painted and decorated structure by the previous PDP Government.”
Chief Minister said that only 45 stone-pelters are in custody at present with 35 of them booked under regular cases. He hinted at general amnesty against the stone pelters who have not been charge sheeted yet. “Home Department is looking into the possibility of some sort of a general amnesty to those cases that were not challaned and were not under the purview of the Honorable courts”, he said.
Omar blamed PDP for vitiating the atmosphere of peace in the State in 2008 due to their involvement in the Amarnath Land Row Agitation. He described the agitation as a burden which was transferred on to the shoulders of his Government.
The NC Working President constituted a High-Level Committee under the Chairmanship of Senior NC leader Mohammad Shafi Uri to recommend measures for strengthening the party. Members of the committee include GN Ratanpuri, S S Salathia, Irfan Ahmed Shah, Khalid Najeeb Suharwardy, Dr. Mehboob Beg and Sardar Harbans Singh. The Committee will come up with its recommendations in three months. He said that the committee’s recommendations would be put in front of the Central Working Committee for discussion and consideration.
The Central Working Committee of the NC resolved that it appreciates the recent talks between Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharief and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, towards laying a foundation for building confidence, as a step forward in resolving the outstanding issues. “We hope that the burning issue of Jammu and Kashmir, which has been a major reason for tension between the two countries, shall be addressed to the satisfaction of all stake holders”, the NC’s CWC resolved.
The CWC appealed the State Government to grant general amnesty to the youth, who are involved in stone pelting incidents. “This initiative, if taken, shall go a long way, and give hope to these youth as it shall give them an opportunity to be part of the mainstream, and they shall progress and prosper for the uplift of their families and the society as a whole,” the CWC resolved. It also appealed the Government to address the problems of power tariff and ration quota faced by the people.
The CWC resolved that NC stands for the unity, integrity and the special status of Jammu and Kashmir State, and shall continue to strive for defending its secular character. The party also resolved that it stands by the commitment that Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh is a single entity exemplifying unity in diversity, and shall defend the same by defeating the dis-integrative forces.
Governors resist pressure to resign
NEW DELHI/MUMBAI,
June 18:
Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan today appeared to have dug his heels in against Centre’s request to him to quit as some more of his counterparts in other States kept up their defiance.
Two days after Union Home Secretary Anil Goswami called some of the Governors appointed during UPA Government’s tenure to resign in the wake of change of Government in the Centre, pressure appears to have been mounted to secure their resignation but nothing was in the offing.
While West Bengal Governor M K Narayanan, who is said to be one of those called by Goswami, today said he has not resigned “yet”, Sankaranarayanan said he would consider quitting only if an “appropriate decision-making authority” asks him to do so.
“Union Home Secretary Anil Goswami called me twice during last week (asking to demit office). I didn’t reply to him anything…The Governor’s post is a constitutional post. He is a representative of the President, he is appointed by the President. No responsible person has asked me anything in writing to (be) relieved of the post.
“There is no vacuum in the Governor’s post. No position in a democracy is permanent. If an appropriate decision-making authority asks me (to quit), I will definitely think over it,” he told a Malayalam TV channel.
82-year-old Sankaran-arayanan has been serving as Maharashtra Governor since January 22, 2010. He took oath as Governor of the State for a second time on May 7, 2012 after the President granted him a fresh term of 5 years.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Governor H R Bharadwaj met Home Minister Rajnath Singh and spoke in riddles about resignation.
There was speculation that Nagaland Governor Ashwini Kumar may tender resignation soon.
However, Kumar was critical of the Centre’s move to replace the Governors appointed during the UPA rule wondering if the NDA Government wants Governors of a “particular colour” in States.
He said the move smacked of political vendetta”.
“I believe that the reason behind replacing the Governors in different States is essentially a political consideration. There is a new Government and I believe that it wants Governors of a particular colour in the States and that seems to be the motivation,” he said.
“And if that is not the motivation, if the motivation is to invent cases against the incumbent Governors, then clearly it is not a sign of large heartedness and it smacks of an attitude of political vendetta. I hope that is not the case,” Ashwani Kumar added.
Ruling out his resignation, Bharadwaj said Governors cannot resign unless their replacement is in place.
“There is a provision in the constitution that the Governor shall continue unless the new Governor is appointed. So, that has been the provision, how can you act irresponsibly”? he told reporters.
Bharadwaj, who has sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow, said “Governors cannot resign. They have to stay according to the constitution in their headquarters unless the President appoints a new Governor”.
Uttar Pradesh Governor B L Joshi had yesterday resigned as the Modi Government started the process of removing Governors appointed by the previous regime.
“I had no talk with the Home Secretary throughout five years when I was the Governor. No Home Secretary ever talked to me. Rajnath Singh is my oldest friend and a dignified leader. So, I must wish him well after taking the high office of the Home Bharadwaj added.
Kerala Governor Shiela Dikshit and four more Governors are understood to have been asked to make way in the wake of the change of Government at the Centre.
Among those who are understood to have been called by Home Secretary Anil Goswami for the prod to resign are Sheila Dikshit who was appointed just on the eve of the announcement of Lok Sabha polls, West Bengal Governor M K Narayanan, Ashwani Kumar.
Gujarat Governor Kamla Beniwal, who did not share good relations with Modi during his tenure as Chief Minister, may also be on the way out. (PTI)
Arms, ammunition recovered
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 18: Security forces today recovered arms and ammunition from Handwara forests of North Kashmir during searches of the forest area.
Sources said that a joint operation was conducted by Handwara Police and 47 Rashtriya Rifles of Army in the forests of Uchher, Magam in the frontier district of Kupwara this morning.
“One AK 47, 2 magazines, two UBGL grenades, two Chinese grenades, seven Pica rounds, one pistol, one radio set and three RPG rounds were recovered during searches of the forest area”, sources added.
12500 J&K youth to be selected by Corporate Houses this year
Nishikant Khajuria
JAMMU, June 18: Encouraged over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special emphasis on skill development and employment, the Special Industry Initiative `Udaan’ is all set to fly high in the current year with more than three fold increase in its annual target of providing skills and job to Jammu Kashmir Youth.
During the current financial year, 12500 educated unemployed youth of Jammu Kashmir will be selected for training and placement by the corporate sector and the drive in this regard has been kick started, informed Dilip Chenoy, CEO and Managing Director of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
For affecting three time increase from the previous year’s target, the NSDC has roped in 20 more Corporate Houses whose total number has now reached to 60 while 25 more prominent business groups are on board to join this special initiative of the Prime Minister, he added.
Prominent Corporate Houses like Genpact, HCL Infosystems, Apollo Skills, Accenture and IL&FS Skills etc are currently conducting the drive for selection of candidates in J&K. Every week, two to three Corporate Houses are visiting J&K for the drive, Mr Chenoy said.
Pertinent to mention here that Udaan is a J&K specific initiative of Government of India to skill and employ 60 thousand youth of the State in key high growth private sectors over five years. National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is the implementing agency of Udaan, which targets Graduates, Post-Graduates and 3-year Diploma Engineers of J&K to provide them exposure to the best of corporate India.
Mr Chenoy further informed the Excelsior that to diminish the number of candidates, who either do not join the training programme or drop out during the training, the NSDC has made certain amendments in the selection procedures, such as preparing a waiting list of the candidates, base widening and increasing the conversion phase.
As exclusively reported by the Excelsior in January last, it was revealed that the Udaan was facing a peculiar hitch of drop out cases in training and placement of J&K youth for different reasons, including a general tendency of feeling home sick.
These drop-out candidates not only blocked the selection of other participants but also gave a wrong impression about the J&K youth among the Corporate Houses, which have entered into an MoU with the NSDC for imparting skills and consequent employment of J&K youth under Udaan.
The NSDC thoroughly discussed this issue during its review meeting and proposed certain amendments like issuance of waiting lists by the Corporate Houses, increasing conversion phases and base widening for accommodating more youth, Mr Chenoy told the Excelsior.
Last year, 4300 candidates were selected by different Corporate Houses but more than 700 did not turn up for the training and jobs notwithstanding handsome salary packages above Rs five lakh per annum. These candidates not only refused an attractive job but also deprived other unemployed educated youth from getting placed as the Corporate Houses did not conduct fresh drive for filling up the quota reserved for J&K youth under Udaan. As of date, more than 7,951 candidates have joined and completed training with over 36 corporates across the country.