WASHINGTON, Mar 6: Asserting that the US faced tough threats from the American recruits of al Qaeda, a top Obama Administration has said the government has “clear authority” to kill its citizens abroad who are believed to be holding a terrorist threat.
“Given the nature of how terrorists act and where they tend to hide, it may not always be feasible to capture a United States citizen terrorist who presents an imminent threat of violent attack,” US Attorney General Eric Holder, said.
“In that case, our government has the clear authority to defend the United States with lethal force,” Holder said in his remarks at the Northwestern University School of Law, in Chicago.
Holder said the argument by some that the US President is required to get permission from a federal court before taking action against a US citizen who is a senior operational leader of al Qaeda or associated forces is not accurate.
“Due process” and “judicial process” are not one and the same, particularly when it comes to national security, he said, adding that the Constitution guarantees due process, not judicial process.
The Attorney General said the unfortunate reality is that US will likely continue to face terrorist threats that at times originate with its own citizens.
“When such individuals take up arms against this country—and join al Qaeda in plotting attacks designed to kill their fellow Americans—there may be only one realistic and appropriate response. We must take steps to stop them—in full accordance with the Constitution.
“In this hour of danger, we simply cannot afford to wait until deadly plans are carried out and we will not,” he said.
Holder said any such use of lethal force by the US will comply with the four fundamental war principles governing the use of force—the principle of necessity that requires that the target have definite military value, the principle of distinction that requires that only lawful targets may be targeted intentionally, the principle of proportionality of use of force and the principle of humanity that requires use weapons that will not inflict unnecessary suffering.
“These principles do not forbid the use of stealth or technologically advanced weapons. In fact, the use of advanced weapons may help to ensure that the best intelligence is available for planning and carrying out operations, and that the risk of civilian casualties can be minimised or avoided altogether,” Holder said. (PTI)
US has authority to kill American threats abroad: Holder
Afghan artists use graffiti to depict war, oppression
KABUL, Mar 6: Encased in a head-to-toe burqa, the image depicts a distraught woman slumped on a cement stairwell, the work of Afghanistan’s first street artists who use graffiti to chronicle violence and oppression.
The female-male duo surreptitiously spray-paint the crumbling and dilapidated walls of buildings in the capital Kabul, abandoned and destroyed during 30 years of war that still rages today. Talking of her woman on the steps, Shamsia Hassani, 24, said: ‘She is wondering if she can get up, or if she will fall down. Women in Afghanistan need to be careful with every step they take.’ The sombre depictions of Afghan women on Kabul’s rutted streets offer rare public insight into their lives, still marred by violence and injustice despite progress in women’s rights since the Taliban was toppled over a decade ago. In an abandoned textile factory, Hassani spray-painted a wall with six willowy figures in sky-blue burqas, who rise out of the ground like ghosts. ‘In three decades of war, women have had to carry the greatest burdens on their shoulders,’ Hassani, who also works in the faculty of fine arts at Kabul University, told Reuters. Her friend and fellow artist Qasem Foushanji, 25, said he avoids images he describes as cliche, such as the Taliban, but wants to produce socially political art about aspects of Afghan life that ‘make people go nuts, like women being beaten’. His works include a huge red heart flanked by bones, with the words ‘the positive anger’ spray-painted across it in English.
The pair, taught how to spray-paint at a workshop in Kabul two years ago, hope their graffiti will gradually bring art back to Afghanistan, where cultural development has been severely hindered by turmoil. ‘People were too busy trying to feed their families and art was shelved,’ said Hassani, whose family comes from Kandahar, the Taliban’s birthplace. Like millions of Afghans fleeing violence, Hassani grew up in neighbouring Iran as a refugee. ‘We can develop our culture with art, but not suddenly, and not alone. For a country that’s undergone so much pain and war, it will take time,’ she said, sporting a dark overcoat and a head scarf the shade of blue she uses in her paintings. (agencies)
Jeera futures rise as demand picks up
NEW DELHI, Mar 6: Jeera prices rose by Rs 187.50 to Rs 13,800 per quintal in futures trading today as speculators enlarged their positions, driven by pick up in spot demand.
However, mounting supplies from the new season crop in the physical market and estimates of higher output restricted the gain.
At the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange, jeera for delivery in April rose by Rs 187.50, or 1.38 per cent, to Rs 13,800 per quintal, with an open interest of 13,731 lots.
Similarly, the spice for delivery in March moved up by Rs 177.50, or 1.33 per cent, to Rs 13,570 per quintal, with an open interest of 9,111 lots.
Market analysts said increased buying by speculators on the back of a rise in demand in the spot market mainly helped jeera prices to trade higher at futures trade. (PTI)
Prakash Diwas of Guru Nabha Dass on Mar 25
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 6: The 439th Prakash Diwas of Guru Nabha Dass Ji Maharaj will be celebrated on March 25. The decision in this regard was taken today in a general body meeting of Mahasha Community which was attended by prominent personalities from various districts.
A Prakash Diwas Committee was also constituted wherein Deep Bhardwaj was unanimously elected as its chairman.
Gharib Dass, Jagdish Raj, Koushal Kumar and Rajesh Bajgal were also unanimously elected as vice-chairman, general secretary, secretary and cashier respectively.
Those who attended the meeting include Dev Raj Kundal, Madan Lal, Ram Dass, Sat Pal Tradia, Sham Lal, Raj Pal, Bahadur Lal, Amar Nath, Kirpal Chand, Gulshan Rahi, Koushal Kumar, Gopal Singh, Pawan Kumar, Duryodan Kumar and Jagdish Raj.
JKCTA calls on Vice-Chancellor JU
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 6: J&K College Teachers Association (JKCTA) led by its president Dr Avinash Kumar Gupta called on Prof MPS Ishar, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu.
The Association expressed resentment over appointment of some junior faculty members of a private college as Superintendent in Government Degree College, Billawar, to conduct BSc Part III annual examination.
The Association alleged that senior Government college teachers have to work under junior private college faculty and demanded withdrawal of decision to maintain sanctity of university examination.
Other issues were also discussed with the university authorities which included holding of One Semester PhD Course work for college teachers in summer break, holding of university examination simultaneously within stipulated time, increase in representation of College Teachers in university bodies etc.
Dr Satesh Bhan, Prof B K Gandhotra, Prof R S Jamwal, Prof Anjali, Dr C K Khajuria, Prof Neeraj Gupta, Prof Jagdish Kumar and Prof Joginder Singh were also present.
Registrar, University of Jammu, Controller Examination and Director Colleges Development also attended the meeting.
Book release function held at JU
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 6: A book release function was held today at Univeristy of Jammu here today. The book titled Conflict in Jammu and Kashmir: Impact on Polity, Society and Economy edited by Lt Gen (Retd) V R Raghavan was released by Prof R D Sharma, Dean Academic Affairs.
The book was a result of seminar jointly organised by Department of Strategic Studies, JU and Chennai based think tank Centre for Security Analysis (CSA).
Gen Raghavan said CSA was carrying out detailed study on internal conflicts in India, Nepal, Myanmaar and Sri Lanka and their internal and external consequences.
In case of J&K, over the years, the original causes have invariably become less salient as the insurgency evolved.
The long term consequences have been felt in all spheres of life-economy, governance, politics, inter-provincial relations and social fabric of the State.
He added that since the outbreak of the insurgency, intra-group cohesion and solidarity have dramatically increased within the State.
Overlapping layers of group/ethnic/linguistic identity have become salient features of the conflict in J&K.
A total of 12 researchers were engaged to study different aspects of consequences. Those who have contributed chapters include Dr Sudhir Bloeria and Balraj Puri.
A panel consisting of former DGP Ashok Bhan, Sujat Bukhari and Prof Rekha Chowdhary discussed issues covered in the book.
A large number of intellectuals, academics, military and civil officials attended the function.
SDRF playing vital role during calamities: ADGP
Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu, Mar 6: Additional Director General of Police, Civil Defence/Home Guards/State Disaster Response Force (SDRF),. D.R.Doley Barman today said that the organisation has an important role to play in future to bring awareness among the people about Disaster Management. She said that many programmes would be conducted in different areas of the State to educate the people at large, as to how to deal disasters.
She was addressing the jawans and officers at a colourful function held at SDRF Headquarters 2nd Battalion Gulshan Ground here today. The function was organised to felicitate the recently promoted personnel of the organisation. She asked the jawans and officers to work with more dedication to prove the prudential of the State Disaster Response Force.
The ADGP said that specialized courses for SDRF would be organized to make the personnel able to deal with the disasters and minimise their affects. She said that the organization is also organising various awareness programmes across the state to educate people from all walks of life so that loss of lives and properties during the natural and man-made disasters is minimized.
Earlier Ghulam Sarwar Chouhan, Commandant, 2nd Battalion SDRF threw light on the activities of SDRF.
DC to conduct inquiry into patient’s death
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 6: Minister for Forest, Mian Altaf Ahmad today informed the Legislative Assembly that Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara would conduct inquiry into the circumstance that led to death of a patient namely Abdul Ahad Tantary in District Hospital, Handwara.
Responding to the issue raised by the Ch. Mohammad Ramzan, Mian Altaf said that patient, when admitted in the hospital, was given the requisite treatment by the staff including one surgeon-specialist who was present in the hospital at that time. He said ECG of the patient was conducted and put on I.C. He said Director Health Services Kashmir has initiated investigation into the incident and the Assistant Surgeon, Dr Irfan has been transferred from the hospital.
However, Ch. Ramzan insisted that nobody was present in the hospital due to which the patient died. Later, the Government decided to get the incident investigated through DC Kupwara.
MLAs denounce Togadia’s remarks
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 6: Cutting across political affiliations, the MLAs today demanded action against Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) national working president Praveen Togadia for what they called his provocative remarks made in Rajouri.
Several MLAs raised the issue as soon as proceedings of the Legislative Assembly began.
Independent MLA Engineer Rashid said while separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani has not been allowed to offer Friday or Eid prayers for last two years, Togadia has made derogatory remarks against a community. He demanded action against the VHP leader including his arrest.
Engineer Rashid said the House should condemn Togadia’s provocative speech.
PDP MLA Javed Mustafa Mir said Togadia has used wrong words, which can’t be tolerated. He added that the Government has failed to take action against Togadia.
Another PDP MLA Zulfikar Choudhary described the VHP leader’s remarks as condemnable and sought action against him.
NC MLA from Poonch Aijaz Jan said peace has been restored in the State after a long time and remarks of Togadia had the potential to vitiate peaceful atmosphere.
Wheat crop on 6296 hectare affected by yellow rust: Dar
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 6: Minister of State for Agriculture and R&B, Javed Ahmed Dar, today admitted that nearly 6296 hectare area of wheat crop was affected due to yellow rust in five districts of Jammu region.
Replying to the Calling Attention Motion of the NC member Ajay Sadhotra in the Upper House today, Mr Dar said that outbreak of ‘yellow rust’ disease in wheat crop has been observed in five districts of Jammu region including, Kathua, Samba, Jammu, Reasi and Udhampur. He claimed that the incidence was first reported in the third week of January 2012 in the border areas of Jammu, Samba and Kathua.
Mr Dar pointed out that the initial occurrence of the disease in the plains of Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts is from the water logged / irrigated areas along the border which provide the necessary moisture regime for outbreak of this disease. The Government has taken several steps to check this disease. He disclosed that as per a survey conducted by the concerned department officials, out of total 71000 hectare area under wheat crop, an area of nearly 1069 hectare has been affected with the yellow rust in the wheat crop in Jammu district, out of 45,894 ha area under wheat crop nearly 3710 ha area under yellow rust in Kathua district, out of total 20480 ha nearly 1146 ha under disease in Samba, 370 ha in Reasi followed by merely one hectare area in district Udhampur.
The Minister said taking lesson from the earlier experience during 2010-11 in five states of North India, the effective steps were taken by the Government and it was suggested to sow rust resistance wheat varieties like PBW175, PBW509, Raj 3765 and Raj 3077 and these varieties were distributed among the farmers of the vulnerable area. The provision of ` 30 lakh was earmarked for providing pesticides on subsidized cost for control of this disease in Jammu division under RKVY scheme with a provision of 50 % subsidy on Propiconazole 25 % EC pesticide used to control the yellow rust. He claimed that stocking of Propiconazole 25% EC in the Zonal stores of these districts was done in advance and 2100 Lts Pesticide Propiconazole 25 % was stocked in zonal stores well before the occurrence of the disease. An adequate provision was made to provide subsidy to the farmers for the purchase of spray pump sets to spray the chemicals.
Mr Dar pointed out that farmer field schools and demonstrations on wheat crop were laid right from the sowing time of the crop, 5000 crop demonstrations and 108 farmer field schools were laid to train 8240 farmers of Jammu division. Close monitoring was started and one departmental officer was nominated as Liaison Officer in each district to coordinate with the SKUAST/ KVK and the Central Integrated Pest Management Centre for surveillance. Besides chemicals, 1173 spray pumps have also been distributed among the farmers at subsidized cost. Mr Sadhotra criticized the Government for not taking proper measures before the outbreak of the disease and demanded compensation to the farmers whose crop has been affected with the yellow rust. He pointed out that recommendations of noted Agricultural Scientist, Dr S D Singh, were not taken seriously and the farmers were made to suffer again in this year. Mr Dar however, denied the charges and said that all possible measures were taken.