THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016 DAILY EXCELSIOR, JAMMU daily Excelsior Established 1965 Change in Pak military hierarchy Founder Editor S.D. Rohmetra Harsha Kakar ments are significant. The first is the counter strike by India across The new ISI chief, Lt Gener- gence of launch pads close to the cates his strategy of confining the ISI chief, who would imple- the LOC, the tempo of ceasefire al Naveed Mukhtar, is known to LOC and the IB. Post the surgi- terror groups in remote areas. en Bajwa, the new Pak- ment his chief'spolicies against violations was on the rise, with have strong views on India's role cal strike, the camps had been The chief has inducted those istan Army chief, within India and Afghanistan. Official- casualties to both sides. It was in Afghanistan. He is also known moved deeper inside. Their whom he trusts to implement his Ladakh solar project weeks of taking over G ly the ISI chief is meant to report Indian firepower verses Pak- to be related to Nawaz Sharif, move back indicates Pak's inten- plans. Surprisingly, there has command, altered the hierarchy arnessing of solar energy is part of relentless to the Prime Minister and hence istan's sleazy Border Action hence maybe more receptive to tion of signalling no change to its been no indication of any change of the Pak army. He replaced his is appointed by him. In reality,it Team (BAT) attacks on Indian their views. In his opinion, a policy at present. Irrespective of effort of engineers and policy planners every- DG ISI, DG ISPR (public rela- in the National Security Advisor, where in the world to overcome the grim of is the army chief who decides on soldiers leading to decapacita- strong, stable and friendly Pak Government desires to initi- retired General Janjua, who is a H tions) and the Corps Comman- the DG ISI while the prime min- tion. Each ceasefire was retaliat- Afghanistan, with the Taliban as ate talks, the army continues to shortage of hydroelectric or atomic power sources. ders of 2,5, 10, 11 and 31 Corps. confidant of the previous chief. ister's approval is only nominal. ed with full force, resulting in part of the Government, is essen- remain wary. Once this change is announced, Many countries in the world are making successful This is possible only in a coun- The second appointment is that damages to Pak posts. Post the tial for the future security of Pak- The appointment of Lt Gen- try like Pakistan, where the Army which could be once Bajwa set- experiment with solar energy. For quite some time we of the Chief of General Staff conversation between the two istan as also providing strategic eral Bilal Akbar as CGS is equal- tles in, then his control on all chief once appointed becomes (CGS). This appointment is most DGMO on Pak's request, the bor- depth. His clear intention would ly important. The CGS is vital for have been told that Ladakh, the 11,000 feet above issues would be complete. A the all-powerful and changes the powerful in the army next only der has generally remained be to reduce Indian influence implementing the chief's priori- major internal issue which would sea level plateau has the potential to become the top brass. The basic significance to the chief. He controls the oper- peaceful. there.To achieve this, Pak sup- ties. General Akbar was head of always persist is changing the foremost area in the country to have the solar energy of the change is that the team ations and intelligence direc- Firing reduced just prior to port to the Taliban would have to Rangers, which was largely provided for consumption in all of its households. comprises of officers of his torates. The third is the appoint- the changeover of chiefs. How- continue unabated. Unless the responsible for restoring near mindset within the army on its choice in right places. It provides anti-India stance. Similar diffi- In fact, in our State, we have Jammu and Kashmir ment of the corps commander of ever, on the day of the turnover Taliban seizes enough territory, normalcy in Karachi, post a tur- him with complete liberty in 10 Corps. He would be responsi- was the attack in Nagrota. India it could never be a major player bulent period of lawlessness. culties could arise at efforts on Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) at the State implementing his decided poli- ble for defence of the border has not retaliated to the same, in the country, capable of com- Speculations are ripe of growing reigning in the LeT and HuM. level and Ladakh Renewable Energy Development cies. In India, the chief can only against India in Kashmir, thus giving the new chief a chance to pelling the Afghan Government interest in controlling the inter- The fact that the LOC has Agency and Kargil Renewable Energy Development contemplate changing subordi- either maintaining tranquillity or indicate his policies. It is expect- to change its India policy. If the nal security environment. This remained generally quiet since nates once their tenures are com- Agency at sub-regional level which have been increasing tempo along the LOC ed that he is likely to be more recently concluded 'Heart of implies continuing emphasis in he assumed power is a positive plete. Here again, all senior would be his decision. practical in his views on export- Asia' conference, where Pak was acting against anti-Pak terror indicator. If it continues, the two assigned the task of generation of power from appointments are approved by While the civilian Govern- ing terror and firm in dealing insulted by Ghani, is any indica- groups. It could in time have the nations could commence dia- renewable sources. Experts believe that J&K State the Appointment Committee ment has repeatedly attempted to with internal terror groups. With tor, Pakistan has no option but to army involved in Punjab, an logue. For the present, threat lev- has the renewable energy sources to the extent that chaired by the Prime Minister indicate a desire for talks and his own team in place, it is now openly support the Taliban. action the present Government els remaining the same, India's based on recommendations of reduced tensions, the army, time for assessing his inten- There is unlikely to be any has thus far avoided. The recent security agencies continue to be it can surpass all other States of the Union in gener- the Defence Ministry, which may which controls foreign policy tions.While clearly in the imme- major change in their support to comment of the army chief of on alert. ating power from solar energy. But these are only or may not agree with the chief's towards India and internal secu- diate short term any major anti-India terror groups in the delinking terror groups operat- (The author is a retired Major hollow words without real meaning and significance. choice. rity has scuttled all such changes are unlikely; however, immediate future. Recent intelli- ing in remote areas from their A few of Pakistan's appoint- General of the Indian Army) The reality is that we have harnessed barely 1 per attempts. Post the Uri attack and some aspects do need emphasis. gence reports indicate a resur- facilitators in urban areas indi- [email protected] cent of 111 GW of solar energy which is available to Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat activities to a senior official us. J&K could not generate even single unit of solar posted at the Block level. He energy during 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16. oor to Door garbage Garbage collection in villages may be assisted by a Block collection was a prerog- However, during the current year the generation up Coordinator and a Data Entry Dative of cities and big bringing about improvement in SLWM projects are to be through the Public Private composting and biogas plants Operator engaged on contract. to ending September was only 0.39 Million Units towns only until recently , but hygiene, quality of life and worked out on the basis of total Partnership (PPP) model. Even shall be permitted. Activities These officials shall be provid- (MU), which is only a bit of the available potential of now this facility can be availed cleanliness in rural areas across number of households in each funds from other sectors can be related to maximum reuse of ed emoluments as decided by the State. by our villages as well. On India . Solid Liquid Waste Gram Panchayat (GP), subject utilized for solid waste work in organic solid wastes as manure the State. It is disappointing that though Leh was given the March 28th this year I had writ- Management (SLWM) is one of to a maximum of Rs.7 lakh for a villages reads SBM guide- should be adopted. Such tech- Conclusion : ten a piece in this paper on the name of solar city on the assumption that the town the key components of this GP having up to 150 house- lines…. nologies may include vermi- Waste management should issues of scientific Solid Waste national flagship programme. holds, Rs.12 lakh up to 300 Activities to be undertaken : composting or any other com- not be restricted to big cities or would receive uninterrupted energy round the year Management in rural areas. I The aim of this programme is to households, Rs.15 to 17 lakh up As per the guidelines of posting method, individual and towns only.Due to population and thus save the inhabitants the hassle of running had suggested that funds per- create clean and garbage free to 500 households and Rs.20 Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM- community biogas plants. growth our rural areas have are after other sources of energy this has not materi- taining to Mahatma Gandhi villages. It is essential that the lakh for Gram Panchayats (GPs Grameen ) under Solid Liquid For Liquid Waste also been effected with the National Rural Employment alised. We have information that not only the State Information Education and )having more than 500 house- Waste Management (SLW) , the Management states are to iden- menace of garbage and poly- Guarantee Scheme (MG- Communication (IEC) interven- holds. Funding for SLWM proj- following activities may be tify suitable technologies. thene. State Government espe- Government has been somewhat apathetic and NREGS)be utilized for this tions focus on Solid and Liquid Methods adopted for manage- cially Rural Development unconcerned about the solar projects sanctioned for work. I was not aware about Waste Management so as to cre- ment of liquid wastes may focus Department has to come for- the region of Ladakh, even the Union Ministry of such a facility being already ate a need for these activities on maximum reuse of such ward to meet this challenge available under national flag- Renewable Energy has been lukewarm about pro- amongst the population. waste for agriculture purposes now. Earlier Rural ship programmeSwatch Bharat Through such educational and with least operation and mainte- viding solar source of energy for consumption pur- Development department had Mission (SBM) Grameen sec- awareness programmes on solid nance costs. not a clear mandate to collect poses. We learn that there are numerous agencies tor. The SBM Grameen (Rural) waste disposal a system for the Government can hire pro- garbage from each household in claiming to be engaged in generating solar energy. guidelines issued on October scientific disposal of waste has fessional organisations for villages , but now Swachh 2nd 2014 has a clear policy on But we are told that no support has been provided to be created in such a way, that undertaking Solid Liquid Waste Bharat Mission (SBM) gives Solid Liquid Waste will have a tangible impact on Management at village level. either by state agency or by the Union Ministry of this mandate to Rural Management (SLWM)in Rural the rural population. Under this Under Swachh Bharat Mission Development Department as Renewable Energy under whose jurisdiction the areas of India at each Gram programme, the local communi- Guidelines Government has well. It would be my earnest project should fall. Union Ministry of New and Panchayat( Panchayathalqa). If ty has to be motivated to come been asked to appoint consult- appeal to the Chief Minister Renewable Energy has so far only approved the these guidelines will be imple- forward and demand for such a ants at District and State level Mehbooba Mufti and Rural mented in toto by the depart- system. Once this demand is as well who would guide the establishment of Solar City Project but has not Development Minister Abdul ment of Rural Development / created, to ensure that the department of Rural develop- Haq Khan to start the process of issued orders for the same. Under the scheme the Rural Sanitation across Jammu resources are used efficiently, ment for undertaking solid liq- scientific waste management at Centre is supposed to provide financial support for & Kashmir, I am sure all the vil- Solid Liquid Waste ect under SBM(G) is provided undertaken : uid waste management at vil- village level. This can only be the project as well but that has not been forthcoming. lages in our state will have Management (SLWM) is to be by the Central and State For Solid Liquid Waste lage level achieved by collecting waste facilities like door to collection The point we like to make strongly is this. Power taken up in project mode for Government in the ratio of Management (SLWM) states Under Swachh Bharat from each and every household of garbage, its segregation at each Gram Panchayat (GP) with 75:25. Any additional cost are to decide the technologies Mission (SBM-Grameen) all in villages .The garbage has to generation through various sources is of immense source and making organic financial assistance capped for requirement is to be met with suitable to their areas. the State Governments have be segregated at source and importance to the country and the State in particular compost from the bio degrad- each village (Gram Panchayat) funds from the State/ GP, and Technologies identified by the been advised to post a then both dry (polythene, plas- because ours is a mountainous state with harsh win- able waste material in the vil- on number of household basis from other sources like MP Committee on Technologies Government officer as a full tic , paper) and wet waste lages itself. ter conditions. The only thing that can go a long way to enable all Gram Panchayat's LAD , MLA/ MLC's may also be considered for time Block Sanitation Officer in (kitchen waste , fruits and veg- Clean villages under SBM : to implement sustainable Constituency Development implementation. Collection, each block of district . Till that etable waste) can be processed in helping people either develop cottage industries The objective of Swachh SLWM projects. The total assis- Fund (CDF), Finance segregation and safe disposal of is not made operational, the simultaneously in the village or do some dependable labour that ensures their Bharat Mission (SBM- tance under Swatch Bharat Commission funding, CSR, household garbage, decentral- State governments may specifi- itself. Grameen) lays emphasis on income is the availability of power on uninterrupted Mission (SBM Grameen) for Swachh Bharat Kosh and ized systems like household cally officially assign SBM [email protected] basis. A number of small scale industries can be established if there is enough power. That is the only Dr Shabir Choudhary in Pakistan. His hide out was raided on informa- tion of the secret agencies and in the encounter way of changing and improving the standard of life of had a meeting with a Pakistani friend who five terrorists and Dr Shabir Choudhry was killed. the people in these inhospitable regions. Amusingly, promotes politics of the left in Pakistan. We Denial of NADRA Card They will provide guns and photos of alleged ter- knew each other by name but it was our first I away from Islamabad. You live in a village. How the robbers shot you. Because of the law and rorists as well. the Minister holding the charge of the Renewable meeting. As soon as I was introduced to him, he difficult was it to abduct a man from a village in order situation, people would believe this; and He concluded by saying "my advice is stay in Energy Ministry during the period prior to period paid special attention to me and said, 'It is an hon- Azad Kashmir?' even the British authorities could not have done England and be grateful to the man who blocked our to meet you. I have read a lot about you'. under consideration was none other than the former It was interesting to hear this perspective. His anything to help you as accidents and robberies your card. He has saved your life. I may be I said feeling is mutual; but I hope you have Chief Minister of the State. He could have made sig- reasoning had some merit. Many known and do take place in Pakistan. wrong, but one way of analysing the situation is also heard some good things about me, and not unknown people are abducted by secret agencies I said are you suggesting that I should not go that someone is promoting you. How silly of them nificant contribution in bringing the State on the solar just the rumours spread by those who promote and only a few lucky ones may see the sunlight to Pakistan and Azad Kashmir even if I get the to say in the High Court that Dr Shabir Choudhry energy map of the country. Even the Ladakh Hill policies of hatred and intolerance. again or return home in one piece. I appreciated NADRA card. The Pakistani politician replied: is derailing the CPEC project. Is Dr Shabir He said don't worry about negative propagan- Development Council has expressed its disappoint- his analyses and acknowledged that many of us It is entirely up to you to decide. The NADRA Choudhry so powerful and resourceful that he can da. When agencies, their agents and their proxies ment with both, the State and the Central didn't see things from this angle. card they will have to renew as they have no legal derail a mega project like the CPEC which is pro- start a negative campaign against someone it is He said, 'Let me give you another angle, and grounds to block it; but they will delay it and drag tected by tens of thousands of Pakistani and Government for their non-serious and casual attitude acknowledgement that the person concerned is an this happens a lot in Pakistan. Your house or hotel you in courts as long as they can. You have limit- Chinese army men?" towards taking concrete steps in transforming Leh important; and that they regard him as a threat. It where you stay could be raided, and later on ed funds and they have unlimited funds and His analyses provided a new perspective to all is because of fear factor they activate their prox- into a solar city. police and secret agencies could claim that they resources. Their propaganda machinery will of us. However, people present there were more ies to defame that person, otherwise no one has In view of the ground situation stated above, we discovered so many lakhs of dollars, Indian defame you, and they will spread rumours in cir- interested in other issues facing Pakistan rather that much free time to waste. need to impress upon the State as well as the rupees, Pounds, whisky, blue movies, guns, secret cle of your friends and relatives to alienate you than a problem of one Azad Kashmiri who was a He also enquired about my NADRA (National documents etc. Their version will appear in print and to demoralise you. victim of Pakistani secret agencies and his mis- Central Government to step up efforts of transform- Database and Registration Authority) card. I told and electronic media again and again; and your He paused for a moment and said, "Doctor guided countrymen. ing Leh into solar city as per the announcement him that we are still waiting for them to furnish version will never be made public. It is sad that Sahib I am also a political activist, a reformist and People can have more than one view on this evidence against me in the High Court. He already made some years ago and maximise gener- people have habit of believing wrong things'. a progressive man. I have also suffered a lot; and laughed and said don't worry 'those you have topic. The bitter fact of the Jammu and Kashmir ating power from solar energy in the State and espe- He was persuasive; and I was perplexed. I did- I don't want others to suffer like I have suffered. I challenged are very good at fabricating evidence'. dispute is that whereas both India and Pakistan n't know what to say. A Pakistani journalist who am only advising you as a well wisher. I know cially in the region of Ladakh. He further said: 'Doctor Saahib denial of the are occupiers, but only India is perceived as a vil- was listening to our conversation joined us and more about the Pakistani society and Pakistani NADRA card is a blessing in disguise. The officer lain on Kashmir because of human rights abuses; said: Once you had gone to Pakistan, you would politics than you do. I have experienced many who has blocked your Card has done a favour to and Pakistan despite all the faults and human Modernizing Jawahar Tunnel be at their mercy. It is clear that they don't like incidents where perceived agents, rebels and rad- you. He must be your well wisher. Just imagine if rights abuses has fooled people in name of Islam. what you do to expose them. I have also seen icals disappear from face of the earth. Their love he 2.9 kilometres long Jawahar Tunnel on your Card was renewed and you had gone to Many people under the influence of the Pakistani some of your TV programmes; and I know ones do not have the privilege to even join their Pakistan. Anything could have happened to you. propaganda detest the view that Pakistan is an strategic Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, Pakistani establishment is really perturbed funerals or visit their graves because no one is the life line of the State joining its two Do you know what happened to Saleem Shezad? occupier. Because of the religious card people of T because you are openly negating their stand on knows where they are buried." Jammu and Kashmir are bewildered; and only He was picked up from a relatively safe town like regions. Nearly six decades old, this tunnel in the Kashmir and oppose militancy. In Pakistan they He further said they can get rid of you in a Islamabad and from a residential area. His bat- Indian abuse is taken as violation of rights, and can teach you a lesson. They could arrange an fake encounter. They can make a story that Dr Pir Panchal Mountains has worn out owing to tered dead body was found more than 100 miles Pakistani abuse is conveniently ignored. accident or a robbery in which you resisted and Shabir Choudhry was planning a terrorist activity heavy traffic round the year. Keeping of its strategic [email protected] importance, the Beacon has been maintaining it perfectly for traffic. Keeping in mind that its mainte- nance has to be upgraded and many modern gadg- PR Amendment Bill Small scale enterprises ets now in use need to be inducted into it, the Sir, Sir, Beacon has taken necessary steps to ensure that The assent given by the Governor NN Vohra to Jammu and Dr Jhunjunwala has written a very good and well thought article on Bring Rajouri-Poonch preventive as well as protective mechanisms are Kashmir Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2016 is a step towards small scale enterprises.It seems that he understands where our India made available at the tunnel. The main purpose is strengthening PRIs in the State as is believed. stands as far as small enterprises of India stand today. It would help on railway map When tabled in Legislative House, the Bill evoked stiff opposi- to make the tunnel safer and more comfortable for today's Govt to fulfil the dream of start-up India. In case no change is Sir, tion from National Conference and Congress parties. Despite this, made it will be a futile exercise and small business house s will be com- the passengers. PDP-BJP coalition succeeded in getting it cleared from the pelled to close down their shops.Tax and other duties should be deliberat- Railways occupies vital significance in enlarging eco- We are happy to know that Beacon Project Chief Governor. So far so good. But the question remains- is this step ed thoroughly vis a vis involvement of govt functionaries by creating a nomic and social graph of the area concerned. It is entirely step-motherly and disappointing when Kashmir like moun- Engineer has listed a number of modern gadgets going to strengthen the PRIs in the State ? One remains quite scep- single window certification by involving experts in the fields. tical over the issue if one goes by the present status of PRIs in the taineous region stands blessed with such facilities, the area now put to use at the site. 322 energy efficient and Yours etc... State. Som Dutt from Jammu to Poonch including Rajouri district, remains long life LED lights have been fitted in both the The PRIs in the State have not yet achieved the status they Samba untouched on the railway graph. Tourism, life line of eco- tubes of the tunnel, including inter-connecting tubes enjoy in other parts of the country. The expectations from these nomic development, particularly in the State where other sources of income are thin, possesses rich potentials in the and common areas like approaches and exists, con- institutions have been belied so far. These grassroot institutes have Towards less cash economy never been allowed to flourish in the State for one reason or the Sir, area. Sacred places like Shiv Khouri, Mangla Mata, trol room etc. Around 35 Close Circuit Television other. Shahdara Sharief, Nagali Sahib, Buddha Amar Nath, Noori Cameras have been put in place inside both the There are other steps to be taken to make them fully function- The Government has taken a number of initiatives to make the country Chhamb and many more religious and historical places like tubes, diversion tubes and interconnecting tube with al. a less cash economy. A good move indeed! But one wonders why the forts are of immense attraction for tourists. The area once linked with railway line, it will generate employment oppor- centralized viewing in the control room. All the gadg- No devolution of financial powers under 73rd Constitutional Government printed currency notes of high denomination, instead of less Amendment Bill has taken place even after so much pressure was denomination. High currency notes are not essential for less cash economy. tunities, accelerate trade and commerce and facilitate cheap ets are bound to make the Jawahar Tunnel safer for exerted on the Government for the same. The need of the hour is to digitise rural India where a huge chunk of means of transportation. Obviously, the need for rail link travel to and from Kashmir. Apart from this, we also Likewise there is no State Election Commission (SEC) to hold our population lives. For this, we have to invest in strengthening internet from Jammu to Poonch, is indispensible for all round devel- expect the Beacon and the security forces deployed elections for the PRIs. The Government therefore resorts to other facility in villages. If we have a cursory look around us in villages, most opment of the area, that stands neglected since independ- ence. Since the proposal is already on anvil, what requires, their to keep watch over the tunnel round the clock temporary measures. of them are yet to connected with internet. Banking sector too has to be This will do not good to PRIs in the State. given a push. Unless these are done nothing will change in the country. is speedy action for its execution. and throughout the year. It is snow bound for most Yours etc..... Yours etc... Yours etc... of the year and the security jawans have to live a Sunil Sharma Khalid Bashir Keshwa Nand Sharma harsh life protecting the tunnel. Keran, Jammu Delhi University Salehri (Sunder Bani)