High Voltage drama at Rajbagh
Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, May 8: The moderate faction of separatist Huriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Omar Farooq is on the verge of split following serious differences among its constituents over what is being alleged as hijacking of the amalgam by some of its leaders.
The statement of former chairman Professor Abdul Gani Bhat on 1948 United Nations Security Council Resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir added fuel to the fire as senior separatist leaders Shabir Ahmad Shah, Nayeem Ahmad Khan and Mohammad Azam Inqulabi raised objections over it.
Bhat while addressing a public rally at his hometown Boitingoo in Sopore area of North Kashmir had said last week that the U N resolutions cannot be implemented for resolving Kashmir issue in view of the prevailing situation in the sub-continent and around the globe.
The Executive meeting of the Huriyat Conference (M) at its Rajbagh headquarters today witnessed heated argument among Mirwaiz Omar Farooq, Professor Abdul Gani Bhat, Shabir Shah, Masroor Abbas Ansari and Bilal Lone over the restructuring of Huriyat Conference and statement made by the former chairman of the amalgam Professor Abdul Gani Bhat.
And outside the meeting hall in the Huriyat headqauters, high voltage drama was witnessed with the supporters of Shabir Shah and Bilal Gani Lone raising slogans against each other. Lone’s supporters raised slogans like “Shaheedoun Kay Paisu Ka Hisab Dou” and Shah’s supporters pointing at Lone raised slogans like “Delli Waalay Delli Jao”.
Bhat statement added fuel to the already differences in the Huriyat Conference constituents over the re-structuring of Huriyat Conference. The Huriyat constituents allege that the separatist amalgam is being hijacked by some Huriyat leaders.
Sources said that Shabir Ahmad Shah was angry over Bhat’s statement during today’s meeting and asked Huriyat Chairman to seek explanation from him and other leaders over the issue. However, sources said that Bhat told the meeting that he had said nothing un-constitutional and repeated that UN resolutions have lost their relevance in the present context.
While talking to media persons after the executive meeting, Mirwaiz Omar said that as per Huriyat Conference constitution, UN resolutions are basis for the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue. He said that UN has its role and they should fulfill their responsibility.
He said that constitution of Huriyat Conference also includes negotiated settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir issue by India, Pakistan and people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Mirwaiz in order to put a lid over the controversy barred the leaders of Huriyat Conference from making “‘un-constitutional” statements in public and directed them to discuss issues in Huriyat Conference meetings.
He also ruled out any Common Minimum Programme with the mainstream parties like National Conference and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) till they follow the electoral politics. Bhat had said last week that if PDP and NC leave electoral politics and join Huriyat Conference, they will be welcomed.
It may be mentioned here that Huriyat Conference leader and National Front, Nayeem Ahmad Khan while taking strong exception to the statement of Professor Bhat during a seminar in Srinagar yesterday said that UN resolutions are relevant in the final dispensation of the Jammu and Kashmir issue. He added that nobody has the mandate to say anything averse in this context.
Nayeem had said that the genuine leaders among the separatist fold are being pushed to the wall. He said the separatist leaders who have sound financial backing are receiving all the support both within the forum and outside the forum.
He also objected to the statement of another Hurriyat leader, Bilal Lone who has termed Shabir Ahmad Shah as hypocrite. He without naming Bilal Lone said that there are some leaders within the conglomerate who have a strong financial backing and as such get the coverage in the media.
Meanwhile, the head of Dukhtaran-e-Millat Asiya Andrabi in a statement expressed shock over the happenings in Huriyat headquarters today. She said that some of the leaders in Huriyat Conference are preparing to take part in elections.

‘Development no solution to Kashmir problem’
Excelsior Correspondent
BUDGAM, May 8: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said mainstream parties were ready to take on the separatists if they decide to contest the assembly elections in the State.
“We are ready to face them (separatists) and then let the people decide who is going to represent them,” Omar told reporters here.
He said the National Conference has been ready for the challenge since 1996 as the then Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah said on record that the assembly will be dissolved if Hurriyat leaders decide to contest the elections.
“The then Chief Minister said on record in the State assembly that if the Hurriyat leaders were ready to contest the elections, the assembly will be dissolved to facilitate their participation,” Omar said.
In response to a question, the Chief Minister said it was not for him to worry about the cracks appearing in the ranks of the moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference.
“It is not for me to worry about the internal dynamics of the Hurriyat Conference. It is for Hurriyat to worry about. Division in their ranks is harmful to their own interests,” he added.
Asked about his assessment of the situation in the Valley during this summer, Omar said he did not have a “magic wand” that can help him in predicting as to how the next six months will pass.
“I can only assure the people that we will not take any step – intentionally or unintentionally – that can lead to deterioration in the situation.
“However, it takes two to tango … I would say the people should be allowed to reap the benefits of peace, as they did last year, and be allowed to earn their livelihood during this (tourist) season,” he said.
The Chief Minister earlier inaugurated a power receiving station in this central Kashmir town, which will improve the electricity supply to Budgam district.
Omar said while development was necessary, it was not a solution to the Kashmir problem, which needs to be addressed through political measures.
“We are not of that grain who would invent slogans and cry hoarse on crucial issues, we believe in working on ground and making the importance of issues felt by all,” Omar said adding his mission on this subject is loud and clear.
He said that the gun has never been solution to any problem and will never be so in future.
“It is common public who have to bear the brunt of the gun and suffer on all counts,” he said underscoring the significance and need for resolving issues through dialogue process.
He expressed the hope that the talks between India and Pakistan would yield positive results for permanent peace in the sub-continent especially in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a public gathering here, Omar said that he has been all along driving home the importance of addressing political issues of Jammu and Kashmir in a political manner to obtain lasting peace and prosperity in the State.
The Chief Minister said that the commitment made by the coalition Government to people on development front would be carried forward with full energy and sincerity. “My Government has done a lot on development and economic front during the last three years and we are determined to achieve the development goals set for the welfare and comprehensive progress of the State”, he said adding that impact of these achievements registered during last three years is visible on the ground.
Referring to the historic legislation of Public Service Guarantee Act (PSGA) enacted by his Government to empower people to obtain public services in six departments within the fixed time frame and restrict the chances of corruption, Omar said that the Act has created topsy-turvy in the practice of receiving bribes from people by the Government functionaries for delivery of public services. “Now any official found showing laxity or failing in delivering the public services like issuance of driving license, ration card, revenue papers, building permission, electricity or water connection, etc in the fixed time frame for such services shall be liable for a fine up to Rs. 5000. This shall be deducted from the salary of the erring official and a part of it paid to the affected consumer as compensation”, he explained.
He also talked of empowering people through RTI to question the Government departments regarding financial transactions and physical progress. “You are now empowered to ask any question to any Government department regarding its functioning, transactions, work done and other relevant matters”, he added.
On the development of Budgam, Omar said that during the last three years, Rs. 150 crores have been spent on the development of power sector in Budgam district. He said Rs. 10 crores have been sanctioned for upgrading HT/LT power distribution system in Budgam town. He said Rs. 70 crores are being spent for upgrading drinking water supply while Rs. 15 crores are being expended on construction of roads in Budgam constituency.
The Chief Minister said that 50 primary schools have been opened in the constituency during last two years where 60 primary schools have been upgraded to middle standard level. He said 10 middle schools are being upgraded to high schools level. He said 260 RTI teachers have been appointed and 58 school buildings constructed in the constituency during the last two years.
The public meeting was also addressed by Minister for Animal Husbandry, Aga Syed Rouhalla, Advisor to the Chief Minster, Mubarak Gul and Minister of State for Home, Nasir Aslam Wani.
In their speeches they highlighted the achievements registered by the coalition government during the last three years and said that holistic development of all areas is the bench mark of Omar Abdullah led dispensation.
Earlier, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the Power Grid Station at Budgam. The 320 MVA, 220/132 KV and 100 MVA/132/32 KV Grid Station and transmission scheme involves Rs. 125 crores. With the commissioning of this Grid Station improved and reliable power supply will be ensured to western part of Kashmir Valley from Yousmarg to Magam and Central Kashmir by overcoming transformation constraints. This is the fourth Grid Station of its kind in the Valley after Pampore, Zainakote and Mir Bazar which will enhance the available transformation capacity.
By reducing load on existing Grid Stations at Pampore and Zainakote, the Budgam Grid Station will enable the Power Department to improve power quality in the Valley and will directly benefit about 40,000 population in Budgam, Ichgam, Kremshore, Khansahib, Branwar.

Chopra family murder case
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 8: In the much publicized Chopra family murder case, Principal Sessions Judge, Jammu, Jang Bhadur Singh Jamwal, today framed charges against 13 accused including former MLC of National Conference, Tarlochan Singh Wazir, and Choudhary Nagar Singh while as process under Section 512 CrPC has been initiated against other two accused—Kiran Pradhi and Sanjay Kumar.
The charges against Mahesh, Russi, Vicky, Nanju, Bhawani Singh, Sikander, Narinder and Sangram Singh have been framed under Sections 302/396/201 RPC while as Dalip has been facing charges under Sections 302/ 396/120-B/109 RPC. Similarly, Ajab Singh, Tarlochan Singh Wazir, Ch Nagar Singh and Rajinder Singh are facing charges under Section 302/120-B RPC.
The Court of Principal Sessions Judge, Jammu has also fixed four days calendar for recording the evidence in the case.
After hearing battery of lawyers, Principal Sessions Judge observed, “the statements of various prosecution witnesses—Surinder Singh alias Kala, Harminder Paul Singh, Rajinder Singh alias Raju, Rohit Chopra and Dinesh Kumar under Section 161 CrPC and 164 CrPC prima facie establish that the accused Ajab Singh, Tarlochan Singh, Nagar Singh and Rajinder Singh hatched the criminal conspiracy and executed the same”.
“There is sufficient evidence to proceed against other accused. The entire case hinges upon the circumstantial evidences, which are required to be proved like a complete chain. The Court doesn’t agree with the counsels for the accused that at this stage, the accused can be discharged”, the Principal Sessions Judge said, adding “the law on the subject is that at the time when the charge or discharge is to be considered, the Court has only to consider material brought on record and the material and documents on which the prosecution is relying upon”.
“At the stage of framing of charge, the Court is required to evaluate the material and documents on record with a view to find out, if the facts emerging there have been taken out on their face value. The rulings produced by the counsels for accused have also unequivocally held that the Court at the time of framing of charge has to restrict itself to the extent of only sifting and weighing the evidence for the purpose of charge and has not to give a final verdict and the consequences of the case”, Principal Sessions Judge said.
“So far as delay in surfacing of witnesses is concerned, it is a matter for the trial and an opportunity has to be granted to the prosecution to explain the delay and that can only be done when the opportunity is granted to the prosecution to lead the evidence. The validity of narco analysis has to be taken into account when the trial proceeds”, the Court said.
“The Court is agreed with the learned Special PP L K Sharma that unless the prosecution is given an opportunity to explain its omissions or any doubtful situation, without affording an opportunity to the prosecution, the real facts are not likely to come surface”, the Principal Sessions Judge further observed.
“The arguments raised by the counsels for accused, at this stage, are not tenable and I am satisfied that there is sufficient material on record to implant charge on the accused”, the Judge said.
Accordingly, prima-facie offences under Sections 302/396/201 RPC were made out against the accused Mahesh, Russi, Vicky, Nanju, Bhawani Singh, Sikander, Narinder and Sangram Singh and they were charged for the same offences.
Similarly, prima-facie offences under Sections 302/396/120-B/109 RPC were made against accused Dalip and he was charged for the same offences. The charges under Sections 302/120-B RPC were framed against Ajab Singh, Tarlochan Singh, Nagar Singh and Rajinder Singh.
According to the police case, on September 18, 2006, cement tycoon Rajinder Bhushan Chopra, his wife Madhu Chopra, daughter Saloni Chopra, servant Sonu and driver Jagan were brutally killed at the residence of R B Chopra in Sector No. 3 of Trikuta Nagar.
Accordingly, a case was registered and post-mortem of the bodies was conducted. The statements of various witnesses were also recorded and ultimately a challan against accused Mahesh, Russi, Vicky, Nanju, Bhawani Singh, Sikander, Narinder and Dalip was produced before the Court. However, the investigation was kept on for collecting further evidence.
During the course of further investigation, it came to fore that Sangram Singh, Kiran Pardi, Mahesh, Russi, Sikander, Nanju, Narinder, Vicky and Bhawani had committed the offence and Dalip had helped them in reaching from Gona to Delhi and then Delhi to Gona (MP). Except accused Sangram Singh and Kiran Pardi, challan was produced in the Court and proceedings under Section 512 CrPC were initiated against accused Sangram Singh and Kiran Pardi.
Later, Sangram Singh was arrested by Madhya Pradesh police and produced in the Court. Thereafter brain mapping and narco tests were conducted on him in Gujrat and supplementary challan against the accused Sangram Singh was produced in the Court on October 4, 2010.
During further investigation, a new team under the supervision of DIG, Jammu was constituted and this team arrested Ajab Singh and sent him to Gujarat for narco and brain matching tests. It came to fore that Ajab Singh had hired killers to murder R B Chopra and his family and he had also participated in the gruesome murder.
During the investigation, involvement of Tarlochan Singh Wazir also surfaced and it came to light that Tarlochan Singh had informed Ajab Singh about Supari killer Sanju. One H P Singh was also interrogated during the investigation and he disclosed that R B Chopra was having business with accused Nagar Singh group. After disclosure of accused, eight more accused were arrested and in August 2010 the custody of accused Sangram Singh was given to new police team.
It was established from the statements of some of the witnesses that motive behind the murder was business of loading and unloading of cement, sleeper and tar coal at Railway Station.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 8: The State Government has formally enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF) of the legislators including MLAs and MLCs from Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.5 crore per year from the current financial year of 2012-13. The increase has, however, been effected with some riders that the legislators would have to spend a particular amount under Power and Health sectors.
Significantly, the legislators, for the first time, have also been empowered to release amount not exceeding to Rs 8 lakh for helping poor patients purchase medicines or undergo diagnosis but only on the prescription of registered Physicians.
Official sources told the Excelsior that the General Administration Department (GAD) headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has issued orders for enhancement of CDF of the legislators from Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.5 crore from the current financial year that began on April 1, 2012.
They said Legislative Council Chairman, Amrit Malhotra, Assembly Speaker Mohammad Akbar Lone, Deputy Chairman MY Taing and Deputy Speaker Sartaj Madni, all Ministers and legislators have been issued a detailed circular on increase of CDF to Rs 1.5 crore, which contained some conditions on its expenditure by the MLAs and MLCs.
Deputy Commissioners-cum-District Development Commissioners would continue to act as Nodal Officers for expenditure of the CDF of the legislators.
Sources said out of a total of Rs 1.5 crore CDF, an expenditure of Rs 25 lakh on power sector has been made mandatory for the legislators.
“This had been done to ensure improvement in electricity supply especially in the rural areas’’, sources said, adding the MLAs/MLCs would identify the works to be executed under power supply scheme, which would be executed by the Power Development Department (PDD) after release of funds by the Deputy Commissioner. Installation of new transformers, change of transformer or laying electricity lines would also be covered under the power sector.
Expenditure of Rs 25 lakh on power sector from their Rs 1.5 crore CDF would be mandatory for the legislators. “If the MLAs/MLCs didn’t recommend Rs 25 lakh for power sector, this particular amount would lapse’’, sources said.
They added that the legislators have also been empowered to incur an amount up to Rs 10 lakh for development of sport activities in their respective segments.
However, most significantly, the MLAs/MLCs, for the first time, have been authorized to release up to Rs 8 lakh for purchase of medicines or undergoing tests duly prescribed by the registered/authorized Physicians for the poor patients, who were unable to afford their treatment.
In these case also, the payment would be released by the concerned Deputy Commissioners on the authorization of the legislators along with duly attested certificates of the doctors.
“There had been a long pending demand from the legislators that they should be allowed to help the ailing community by extending them monetary benefits through their CDF. The Government has conceded the demand and allowed the legislators to incur up to Rs 8 lakh for the welfare of ailing community’’, sources said.
The MLAs/MLCs had been getting Rs 50 lakh worth CDF till last year. However, it was in the last financial year (2011-12) that their CDF was doubled from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore with the assurance that it would be further enhanced to Rs 1.5 crore in the current financial year of 2012-13.
“The Government has honoured its commitment and issued orders for enhancing CDF of the legislators from the current financial year of 2012-13’’, sources said.
They pointed out that increase in CDF of the legislators would help not only in carrying out power reforms and development of sport activities besides helping the ailing community but also facilitate MLAs/MLCs to carry out development works of their areas.

Neeraj Rohmetra
Jammu, May 8: Though the security situation in the border State has been stable for the past some time, the nexus between the Pakistani elements, terrorists and the separatists continued with their attempts to foment trouble.
These serious apprehensions have been expressed by the Ministry of Defence in its latest annual report. “There has been overall reduction in the level of violence during the past one year, but elements who formed part of this nexus continued with their sustained efforts to disturb peace in the State”, the report said, adding, “their basic aim is to internationalise the Kashmir issue and they would adopt all possible means required to achieve this purpose”.
The report stated that the Pakistan’s support to the ongoing proxy war continued unabated and the terrorist infrastructure, both in Pakistan and Pak Occupied Kashmir (PoK) also remained intact. Infiltration attempts into Jammu and Kashmir by terrorists from across the border are continuing, although the Security forces are effectively tackling such attempts. Also, the activities of certain militant groups, who continued to be engaged in building up capabilities are being closely monitored.
“India has maintained that a strong and prosperous neighbour is in its best interest and has supported dialogue and engagement with Pakistan. However, security concerns vis-à-vis Pakistan continued to be a cause of concern due to the undiminished activities of terrorist organizations functioning on its territory. The existence of terrorist camps across the India-Pak border and continued infiltration across the Line of Control (LoC) continued to post a threat”.
The report stated that Army and other Security Forces have been acting as major contributors in improving the overall security environment in the State through persistent proactive and surgical Counter Terrorist operations. The surges in domestic and foreign tourism are all indicative of the achievements of the Armed Forces in providing conductive and secure environment. Through the situation has improved, there is need to consolidate the gains.”
While commenting on the situation along the borders, the Report stated that the ceasefire on the borders is holding out with a few aberrations. There have been 56 cases of ceasefire violations along the borders during the current year, as compared to 57 in 2010. The incidents of ceasefire violations are being taken up through the established mechanism of DGMOs talks, local level flag meetings and hotlines.
Strict vigil is being maintained along the borders and Counter Infiltration measures being adopted by the Army have been strengthened further. “Infiltration attempts, however continued to take place with help from across the border”.
Incidents of terrorist related violence remained low due to the operational ascendancy achieved by the Army. The terrorist leadership has successfully been targeted and many terrorist leaders have been neutralized. Security Forces are committed to the defence of the country from external and internal threats across the entire spectrum of warfare and the Army operations have significantly reduced the terrorist related incidents.
While commenting on the developments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the report commented that the Army is fully seized of the security need of the country as well as the requirement of development of infrastructure and force structuring to secure the desired national objectives along the Northern borders. A holistic review of the infrastructural development and military mordernisation programme has been undertaken in consonance with the overall Border Areas Development Programme. Strategically important infrastructure requirements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) have been identified and are being developed in a phased manner.
While policy of positive engagement and maintaining peace and tranquility along the LAC is being followed, concurrently necessary development of infrastructure and military preparedness to include force mordernisation continue to meet the present and future security challenge, the report added.

Regulations of Heritage conservation Authority too laid down
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, May 8: Though rules are imperative for better implementation of any legislation yet in the monuments rich Jammu and Kashmir the same for a vital piece of legislation— Ancient Monuments Preservation Act remained out of focus of the successive Governments during the last 92 years. But, the same have now been prepared and are being submitted to the Law Department for vetting and notification in the Government Gazette.
The Ancient Monuments Preservation Act was enacted in this erstwhile princely State during the tenure of Maharaja Hari Singh in 1920 AD and thereafter this vital piece of legislation failed to receive any attention of the successive Governments despite the fact that there is a provision for the framing of rules under Section 20-B and 23 of the Act.
“In the absence of proper rules, several vital points vis-à-vis preservation of monuments of the State remained amorphous and monuments were being declared State protected only by way of issuance of notification. Even it was not clearly defined as to how much old a monument should be for declaration as State protected one”, official sources told EXCELSIOR.
It was only in the year 2010 that this Act received the attention of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, and Culture Minister, Nawang Rigjin Jora, who got the legislation updated by getting it amended in the State Legislature.
Since rules function as beacon light for proper implementation of any piece of legislation, the Government also felt it imperative to get the rules of Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1920 framed. Accordingly, Commissioner Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Atal Duloo assigned this task to some officers headed by former Director General of the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums and presently Consultant in the Culture Ministry, Khursheed Ahmed Qadiri.
The exercise of framing rules came to an end in the recent past following which the Department of Archives, Archeology and Museums put the rules in public domain for inviting objections or suggestions, sources informed, adding now this exercise has also come to an end and very shortly the rules are being submitted to the Law Department for vetting and then issuance of SRO and publication of the same in the Government Gazette.
When contacted, Khursheed Ahmed Qadiri, Consultant in the Ministry of Culture confirmed that rules of J&K Ancient Monuments Preservation Act have been framed and are being forwarded to Law Department shortly.
“In the rules, we have clearly defined the procedure required to be adopted for declaration of any monument as State protected”, he said, adding “there was not much clarity on several points but now the rules will properly guide the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums for proper implementation of the Act in the monuments rich State”.
As per the rules, the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums can impose certain prohibitions in order to protect the monuments in better way. It can also impose fee for visit to the monuments. Under the rules, permission would have to be obtained before any sort of excavation in and around the monuments.
Moreover, permission would have to be obtained for removal of anything from the monuments besides filming and photography of the monuments.
Besides rules of J&K Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, regulations of J&K Heritage Conservation and Preservation Authority have also been framed and being forwarded to the Law Department for vetting.
“The regulations will govern the functioning of the Authority, guide in survey, listing and grading of the tangible and intangible heritage of the State”, sources said.
It is pertinent to mention here that a total of 43 monuments in the State have already been declared as State Protected while as process for seven others is going on. The latest addition in the list of State Protected Monuments is Bamiyan type Buddha in Kargil district. This is perhaps the first State Protected Monument from the Ladakh region.
The Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums has already identified 651 heritage places and monuments, which can be considered for declaration of State Protected.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 8: Helicopter services of Global Vectra were today suspended from Katra, the base camp of Mata Vaishno Devi ji shrine, to Sanji Chat, about three kilometers short from the Bhawan after suspension of the company’s flying permit by Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
However, soon after the Global Vectra informed Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) officials that it was suspending its services with effect from this morning, the authorities took up the matter with Pawan Hans, the second company operating on Katra-Sanji Chat route, which arranged another helicopter and started flying the passengers booked in advance through online by Global Vectra.
“The SMVDSB authorities have reached an agreement with Pawan Hans to operate additional helicopter daily in place of Global Vectra to ensure that the passengers didn’t face inconvenience. The Pawan Hans would fly the passengers as per the original contract condition’’, official sources said.
They added that on a normal fair weather day, the Pawan Hans and Global Vectra used to make 75 to 80 sorties each from Katra to Sanji Chat and back. With pressing into service, an additional Pawan Hans helicopter, the passengers wouldn’t face any problem, sources said, adding that an equal number of pilgrims would now fly in Pawan Hans helicopters.
“The passengers, who have advanced online booking through Global Vectra would be eligible to fly through Pawan Hans’’, they said.
However, since Global Vectra has also been listed for flying passenger to holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnath ji for the pilgrimage beginning June 25, the SASB authorities would shortly take a decision.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had yesterday suspended the operating permit of Global Vectra Helicorp Limited whose promoter Ravi Rishi is under the CBI scanner in the controversial Tatra truck deal with the Army.
The Home Ministry withdrew its security clearance and recommended to the Civil Aviation Ministry to annul the non-scheduled operator permit (NSOP) of the company.
“The pilgrims, who already had their advance booking with the firm, this morning initially faced hard time due to the suspension of the service but the SMVDSB authorities immediately reached an agreement with Pawan Hans, which pressed another helicopter into service and started taking the passengers booked by Global Vectra.
With a fleet of 23 choppers, the Global Vectra flies onshore and offshore operations for oil companies, besides catering to tourist travels in the Northeast and operating chopper flights to major shrines like Vaishno Devi and during Amarnath Yatra.
Pawan Hans, which has 45 helicopters, operated additional flights to meet the vacuum created by the suspension of Global Vectra’s operations, sources said.
Normally, about 1000 pilgrims were daily flown from Katra to Sanji Chat and back by Pawan Hans and Global Vectra, sources said, adding that there would be no let up in number of the yatris as similar number of yatris would be flown by Pawan Hans now on the same terms and conditions.

SRINAGAR, May 8:
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said the striking pilots of Air India should call off their strike at the earliest if they are interested in saving the airline.
“The sooner the pilots call off the strike, the better are the chances of saving Air India,” Omar told reporters on the sidelines of a function at Budgam, 14 kms from here.
The Chief Minister said taxpayers money is being spent to bail out the Air India, “but the pilots seem not to care about it.”
“Why do Air India pilots object to Indian Airlines pilots getting training in new planes? This is a joke with the taxpayers,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that one could understand the pilots taking the agitational path if they had some genuine demands to be met.
Earlier, Omar had slammed the striking pilots, saying the cancellation of flights by Air India due to their stir will not help the carrier in dealing with its troubles.
“Excellent, well done, Air India. This is just the way you drag yourself out of the hole you find yourself in, cancel more flights,” Omar said in a sarcastic tweet on the cancellations of flights.
About 100 Air India pilots have not joined duty since last night, leading to cancellation of international flights.
The pilots refused to join duty following the failure of talks with the Air India management over the rescheduling of Boeing 787 Dreamliner training. (PTI)

ISLAMABAD, May 8:
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani faces the prospect of being disqualified as an MP for five years after Pakistan’s Supreme Court ruled today that he “wilfully, deliberately and persistently” defied the Highest Court and brought the judiciary into “ridicule”.
A seven-judge bench headed by Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk issued a 77-page detailed order regarding the conviction of the premier for refusing to act on directives to revive cases of alleged money laundering against President Asif Ali Zardari in Switzerland.
Earlier, the same bench had issued a short order when it convicted Gilani of contempt and gave him a symbolic sentence of less than a minute on April 26.
Even in the short order, the bench had hinted that Gilani faced possible disqualification.
The apex Court referred to an earlier order it had issued on January 10, which had said that under provisions of Articles 63(1) and 113 of the Constitution, a conviction of contempt “may entail a disqualification from being elected or chosen as, and from being, a member of Majlis-e-Shoora (parliament) or a Provincial Assembly for at least a period of five years”.
The seven-judge bench enumerated reasons for the conviction of the 56-year-old premier and analysed the evidence that was presented during his trial in the detailed order.
The detailed order said “the highest executive functionary of the State of Pakistan” had “wilfully, deliberately and persistently defied a clear direction of the Highest Court of the country”.
Such “clear and persistent defiance at such a high level constitutes contempt which is substantially detrimental to the administration of justice” and brings the judiciary into ridicule, it said.
“After all, if orders or directions of the Highest Court of the country are defied by the highest executive of the country, then others in the country may also feel tempted to follow the example, leading to a collapse or paralysis of administration of justice, besides creating an atmosphere wherein judicial authority and verdicts are laughed at and ridiculed,” the detailed order said.
Former Law Minister Wasi Zafar told the media that Gilani’s case would now go to the Speaker of the National Assembly or lower house of parliament.
The Speaker will decide whether the matter should be referred to the Chief Election Commissioner, he said.
If the Speaker decides to send the matter to the CEC, then the Election Commission will decide on the issue of disqualification, Zafar said.
Gilani, who today embarked on a five-day official visit to Britain, has rejected demands from the opposition for his resignation after his conviction.
He has said that only the Speaker of the National Assembly can decide on his disqualification.
Under the existing rules, the Speaker has 30 days to consider the issue of disqualification, following which the Election Commission has a further 90 days to decide the issue if it is referred to the panel.
The Supreme Court has been pressuring the Government to revive the cases against Zardari since December 2009, when it struck down a graft amnesty issued by former military ruler Pervez Musharraf.
The Government has refused to act, saying the President enjoys complete immunity in Pakistan and abroad.
The apex Court’s detailed order could exacerbate the ongoing standoff between the Pakistan People’s Party-led Government and the judiciary, which some commentators have accused of acting in an impartial manner against Zardari and Gilani. (PTI)

NEW DELHI, May 8:
The Supreme Court today directed the Government to phase out Haj subsidy within a period of 10 years, saying that this amount can be more profitably used for social and educational development of the Muslim community.
A bench of justices Aftab Alam and Ranjana Prakash Desai quoted Quran to justify doing away with the subsidy, which was around Rs 685 crores in 2011, noting that many Muslims would not be very “comfortable” to know that their Haj is funded to a large extent by the Government.
“We are also not oblivious of the fact that in many other purely religious events there are direct and indirect deployment of state funds and state resources. Nevertheless, we are of the view that Haj subsidy is something that is best done away with,” the bench said.
The Centre at present foots an amount of Rs.38,000 per Haji by giving subsidised airfare.
The bench fixed a time frame of ten years for gradually eliminating subsidies to Haj pilgrims. Last year, about 1.25 lakh pilgrims went for Haj.
“We, therefore, direct the Central Government to progressively reduce the amount of subsidy so as to completely eliminate it within a period of 10 years from today. The subsidy money may be more profitably used for upliftment of the community in education and other indices of social development,” the bench observed.
“This Court has no claim to speak on behalf of all the Muslims of the country and it will be presumptuous for us to try to tell the Muslims what is for them a good or bad religious practice.
“Nevertheless, we have no doubt that a very large majority of Muslims applying to the Haj Committee for going to Haj would not be aware of the economics of their pilgrimage and if all the facts are made known a good many of the pilgrims would not be very comfortable in the knowledge that their Haj is funded to a substantial extent by the Government,” the bench said.
The bench also directed that the practice of sending Government’s representative with the Haj delegation must be stopped.
“We fully appreciate the idea of the people of India extending their goodwill to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the auspicious occasion of Haj but we completely fail to see how even that purpose can be served by sending such a large, unwieldy, amorphous and randomly selected delegation. On a careful consideration of the issue we are quite clear that the present practice of sending Goodwill Haj Delegation must come to stop,” the bench said.
It further said that the Centre can send a leader and a deputy leader in the course of Haj to send a message of goodwill to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The bench said that Government had started sending Goodwill Delegation to meet the anti-India propaganda which is not needed at present and now it is used for other purposes.
“It is no secret that after the 1965 war Pakistan tried to use even the Haj pilgrimage for anti-India propaganda and the purpose of sending the Goodwill Delegation was to meet the anti-India propaganda.
“The reason for which the delegation was first sent has long ceased to exist and Pakistan is no longer sending any official Goodwill Haj Delegation to Saudi Arabia. It may, however, be contended that with the passage of time the purpose of the delegation has changed and in the changed circumstances the delegation serves other objects and purpose,” the bench said.
The court said that there is no “reasonable basis” for the nomination to the Goodwill Delegation of around 27 people which “evidently” works on patronage and granting of favours.
“From the list of the members of the Goodwill Delegation for a period of 10 years no rational basis is discernible for selecting members for the delegation. The list shows a disparate group of persons randomly put together from various professions and walks of life.
“What is more surprising is that there are some people who were able to go as member of the Goodwill Delegation more than once, some even three or four times. In the absence of a reasonable basis the nomination to the Goodwill Delegation evidently works on patronage and granting of favours,” it said.
The bench also asked the Government to furnish details on how its quota is allocated to applicants on recommendation by dignitaries and eminent persons saying that “We have some initial reservations on allocation of seats on recommendation by dignitaries and eminent persons”.
“We direct the Union of India to file further affidavit stating in greater detail the way the quota of 11,000 seats is being allocated for 2012 Haj. We would also like to know in greater detail the procedure followed by the Haj Committee of India and the state Haj committees in making selection for sending pilgrims for Haj,” the bench said.
It said that it would “specially” like to examine the functioning of the Haj Committees of the States where the number of applicants exceed the quota allotted for the state.
“We direct the Haj Committee of India to file a detailed affidavit giving full details of the process of selection of pilgrims from the applications made to the State Haj Committees. The affidavit should also give details of the charges realized from the pilgrims and the facilities made available to them,” the bench said. (PTI)