Daily Excelsior.........State


Bill seeks to provide effective protection to women’s rights Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 16: A bill seeking to provide more effective protection to the rights of the women, who are victims of violence of any kind occurring within the family and for the matter connected therewith or incidental thereto, was introduced in the Legislative Council today. Moved by Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) Member Prof Bhim Singh, the Bill seeks to cover those women, who are or have been in relationship with the abuser where both parties have lived together in a shared household and are related by consanguinity marriage or through a relationship in the nature of marriage or adoption. In addition, relationships with family members living together as a joint family are also included. Even those women, who are sisters, widows, mothers, single women or living with the abuser are entitled to legal protection under the proposed legislation, Prof Singh said in his statement of objects and reasons pertaining to the Bill. Whereas the Bill enables the wife or the female living in a relationship in the nature of marriage to file a complaint under the proposed enactment against any relative of the husband or the male partner, it doesn’t enable any female relative of the husband or the male partner to file a complaint against the wife or the female partner, the JKNPP Member informed the House. The Bill defines the expression ‘domestic violence’ to include actual abuse or threat of abuse that is physical, sexual, verbal, emotional or economic. Harassment by way of unlawful dowry demands to the woman or her relatives would also be covered under this definition, the Bill mentioned. The Bill provides for rights of women to secure housing, reside in her matrimonial home or shared household whether or not she has any title or rights in such home or household. It also empowers the Magistrate to pass protection orders in favour of the aggrieved person to prevent the respondent from aiding or committing an act of domestic violence or any other specified act entering a workplace or any other place frequented by the aggrieved person attempting to communicate with her, isolating any assets used by both the parties and causing violence to the aggrieved person, her relatives or others who provide her assistance from the domestic violence. The Bill defines for appointment of Protection Officer and registration of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) as service providers for providing assistance to the aggrieved person with respect to her medical examination, obtaining legal aid and safe shelter etc. Prof Singh also moved another bill seeking restriction on shifting of undertrial to any jail or custody outside the jurisdiction of trial court, even if Public Safety Act (PSA) is invoked against him, till the completion of the trial. The Bill has sought to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act 1978 by making insertion of Section 18 A and 18 A (a) in the Principal Act after the Section 18. The Bill has also sought that the State shall forthwith refer the matter to the Union of India after a foreigner, including Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, completes his period of sentence for his immediate deportation to his home country. Prof Bhim Singh, in his statement of objects and reasons pertaining to the Bill, said that Public Safety Act under Section 18 cannot be invoked against any person—Indian or foreigner, beyond a period of two years and added that even this proposition has been declared valid by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court, he said, has also directed the State Government to pay compensation to some detenues. who were kept in continued detention after having completed two years under PSA. "Principle of natural justice and ethos of the sanctity of universal human rights demand that the doctrine of civil rights as envisaged in Article 21 of the Constitution of India as is applicable to the Jammu and Kashmir, should be respected and followed strictly by a democratic Government", he said. He further said that there are more than 100 detenues, who have completed more than 10 years under detention due to repeated imposition of Public Safety Act, 1978 which is in total violation of the rule of law and Article 21 of the Constitution of India. "This amendment is necessary for the clarification of those, who have been misusing the very concept of Public Safety Act, 1978", he added. Both the Bills of the JKNPP Member were introduced by Chairman Legislative Council Abdul Rashid Dar. Congress Member Ashok Kumar Sharma also moved a Bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989. The Bill has sought amendment of Sub-Section 3 of Section 45 of the Principal Act, 1989 for the words "nominated by the Government" by substituting word "elected". In his statement of objects and reasons, Mr Sharma said that the Panchayats are democratic institutions and nominations of the head of highest tyre of institution speaks of tyrannical rule which needs to be amended.

Zero Hour in Council Upgrade Jammu Airport to international level: Micky Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 16: Congress Member Arminder Singh Micky today demanded upgradation of Jammu Airport to international level. Raising a point in the Zero Hour in the Legislative Council today, Mr Micky said that expansion of Jammu Airport was carried about six years back and with the open sky policy several planes are operating from this airport everyday. "The waiting hall and parking place are not sufficient to cater to the immediate need", he pointed out and stressed the need of immediately upgrading Jammu Airport. He urged the Government to take up the issue with Airport Authority of India (AAI) for early action in this regard. Mr Micky also demanded that Jammu Airport be made international Airport on the pattern of Srinagar Airport. He also pleaded for direct flight from Jammu to Kargil. Mr Abdul Rehman Takroo sought assurance for equitable distribution of relief among the quake victims at Watergam and Wagora villages of Baramulla district. Mr Ashok Sharma demanded payment of honorarium to Village Defence Committee members of Poonch and Rajouri districts at par with VDC members of Doda district. Mr Nassarullah demanded promotion of tourism in Chiktan area of Kargil. Mr Mohammad Rashid Qureshi demanded provision for maintenance allowance to the families of detenues under Public Safety Act. Lal Mohammad Sabir and N A Mir also raised the points of public importance.

Bhalla seeks funds for Fly Over PDD X-En posted in PHE: Saifullah Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 16: National Conference MLA Saifullah Mir today said that a PDD Executive Engineers has been posted in PHE in Kupwara district. He raised the issue while participating debate on the grants of PHE, Flood Control, Irrigation and R&B in the Legislative Assembly today. Deputy Speaker Mohd Akbar Lone, who was in the Chair, wanted to know whether he was a civil engineer. However, Mr Mir said the Executive Engineer belonged to the PDD. "Then it’s bad", the Chair remarked. Mr Mir said 45 water supply schemes were non-functional in his Kupwara constituency. Another scheme worth Rs 20 lakh had even been removed from the papers after the expenditure. He said Kupwara district is being discriminated by the Government in allotment of funds as it belonged to the NC. "The NC will not be weakened by such tactics but will be strengthened", he added. Congress MLA Raman Bhalla alleged water shortage in Trikuta Nagar, Greater Kailash, Sainik Colony and Channi Himmat. He demanded installation of hand pumps at Raipur Satwari. He regretted that there were only four hand pumps in the area, which has angered the people. Mr Bhalla lamented that no money has been spent during last two years on Sainik Colony-Trikuta Nagar Fly Over. After the take over of Jammu Municipal Corporation, the condition of roads has worsened, he said and demanded construction of roads in his constituency. Congress chief whip Prem Sagar Aziz recalled that 15 hand pumps were sanctioned for his Bani constituency in District Development Board (DDB) meeting. Later, the number was reduced to 10 and five. However, nothing has happened on ground, he regretted. Mr Aziz demanded strengthening of road network in his constituency which, he said, can contain militancy as well. Qaiser Lone (NC) said the existing PHE schemes were lying defunct in his area. There was no drinking water and the people have taken to roads. The Deputy Speaker again directed the Government that services of unemployed engineers can be utilised on Rehbar pattern where the posts were lying vacant. "This way, the engineers will also get jobs and the people will be satisfied", he said. He said the Planning Department must be accountable for follow up action on the schemes of NABARD and Asian Development Bank etc. Javed Mustafa Mir (PDP) lamented that three years were wasted by the engineers on one water scheme in his constituency. The scheme was later ruled out. He said it will take 16 years to enforce work culture in the Secretariat and 60 years outside. He said the R&B department has collapsed. An X-En posted in Chadoora lives under security as he is a Kashmiri Pandit. How the works will be carried out? he asked. Nazir Gurezi (NC) said there were no roads, water and tube wells in Gurez. People have not seen even one km road in Gurez, he added. Also, there were no NABARD or ADB scheme in his constituency. Dr Mehboob Beg (NC) regretted lack of transfer and appointment policy by the Government. He stressed that basic issued of the people should be addressed without any discrimination. Ghulam Ahmed Mir (Congress) said three to four more bridges were required for construction in Anantnag. He said the R&B Minister should keep himself mobile. Manjit Singh (PDP) said the people in his constituency had to trek two kms for water, which too is unsafe for drinking. The canals have been converted into the nullahs as water has not been reaching the tail end, he claimed. He demanded that water of Ravi, Tawi and Chenab should reach tail end or, otherwise, tube well be installed.

54 detenues escaped from police custody, 16 from jails: Govt Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 16: Fifty-four detenues have escaped from police custody while 16 detenues escaped from jails since the outbreak of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. This information was given to State Legislative Assembly in a written reply to the question of BJP’s Jugal Kishore Sharma by Minister in charge Home today. He said 25 detenues have been later rearrested. The Minister said weapons of 282 police personnel were snatched by militants during this period and two policemen and 31 SPOs have joined the militancy alongwith their weapons since the eruption of militancy in the State. Among those who escaped from the police custody include Mehmood Ahmed alias Kakka Hussain of Jammu, Mohammed Hafiz of Kangra Pasor, Sialkot Mohammed Ismail, Kachi Line 58, Chak Pasroor, Mohammed Arshad of Sialkot,Surfaraz Ahmed of Marala Cantt, Sialkote, Mohammed Afzal and Gazanfar Ali all Pakistani nationals, Mehmood Khan of Kabul, Afghanistan and Jinarhan Hengis of Malaysia.

Sakina stages walk-out over creation of Tehsil issue Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 16: Opposition National Conference legislator Sakina Ittoo staged walk-out over the issue of creation of tehsils from the Legislative Council during Question Hour today. Minister Incharge Transport and Ladakh Affairs Pt Mangat Ram Sharma was responding to the joint question of NC member Sakina Ittoo and Mohd Sultan Panditpuri from PDP on behalf of Minister incharge Revenue in the Upper House. The Minister disclosed that ten tehsils have been created in the last two years and they are—Marwah, Paddar, Chhatroo, Darhal Mandi, Charar-i-Sharief, Khan Saheb, Khag, Rafiabad and Awantipora. Replying to another question regarding tehsil status to Langate and Noorabad, he said a proposal was under consideration of the Government to make tehsils co-terminus with CD &NES blocks. As and when financial position permits, the remaining areas may be considered under relevant criteria. Sakina Ittoo pointed out that Qazigund has also been made tehsil besides a few other places but they have not been included in the list of reply. Bashir Naaz pointed out that former Chief Minister Mufti Mohd Sayeed had laid foundation stone at Qazigund and organised a grand function to give it status of tehsil then why the Government was not coming out with clear reply. Ms Ittoo asked how many tehsils have been given in Anantnag district. Another Minister for Housing and UD, T A Qarra however, replied that only ten tehsils were created and others may be under consideration. Not satisfied with the response of Minister the NC member Sakina Ittoo staged walk-out. Ashok Sharma asked about the fate of the tehsils recommended by Wazir Commission and providing any such status to Taryath in Rajouri. The Minister, however, claimed that tehsils recommended by the Wazir Commission will be taken care of in due course of time and Taryath will be provided block status before being granted the status of Tehsil.

Quota of hard-coke, fire wood for Kargil to be increased: Mangat Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 16: Allotment of hard-coke and fire wood for the Government offices in Kargil during winter season would be increased from the next financial year.

*Zero Hour in Legislative Council* Govt admits discrimination with Jammu over timber depots’ sanction *Excelsior Correspondent* JAMMU, Mar 15: The government today admitted discrimination with the people of Jammu region over the issue of sanctioning concessional timber depots and assured to remove this disparity. Responding on behalf of the Government in the Upper House today, Minister Incharge R&B Gulchain Singh Charak while reacting to the point raised by Congress legislator Ashok Sharma during Zero Hour admitted that as per the figures there has been a major disparity in the sanction of timber depots in Jammu region as against a higher number existing in Kashmir. He assured the House to remove this disparity and provide justice to the people of Jammu region in the sanction of concessional timber depots of A and B zone category. While raising the point, Ashok Sharma pointed out that major discrimination has been done with the people of Jammu as there exist only 32 concessional timber depots in Jammu region while there were 623 such depots in Kashmir region. He further said that as per figures available there were more than 250 A-zone category timber depots in Kashmir while in entire Jammu region there was only one depot of this category of the cheapest class of timber in Jammu and that too, in Mahore. He pointed out that rates of timber available under C zone will now be Rs 1400 to Rs 1600 higher per sleeper after being routed through SFC depots and extra burden will be borne by the people despite the claim of Government to announce give 25 % reduction. Meanwhile, Ali Mohd Sofi raised the issue of patients in Psychiatric hospital Srinagar and said that there was acute shortage of medicines and other health facilities. Sakina Ittoo demanded distribution of BPL ration in Norabad, Wachi and Shopian. She also sought ex-examining of BPL lists so that the left out beneficiaries get benefit of this scheme. Basharat Bhukhari raised the point regarding relief to the earthquake victims from Sangrama, Wagora and Sopore areas and maintained that many victims have been deprived of this benefit. Lal Mohd Sabir raised the point regarding shortage of water in Mendhar tehsil and demanded early completion of water supply schemes and installation of hand pumps. Mohd Iqbal Bhat demanded relief for Doda migrants as per the directions issued by State High Court. Farida Mir demanded the postings of recently promoted SPs while, Arvinder Singh raised the point for regularisation of adhoc para-medical staff working in Health department for the 10 to 15 years. Bashir Ahmed Naaz demanded adequate staff and medicines for dispensaries of Rajouri and Poonch whereas, Prof Bhim Singh raised the point of implementation of Wazir Commission and Delimitation Commission reports as included in the CMP.

NC grills Govt over engagement of 54 persons for water supply scheme Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 16: Opposition National Conference today grilled Government in the Upper House over the engagement of 54 persons in Public Health Engineering Sub-Division Padder for operation and maintenance of water supply schemes without any criteria. The trouble started as soon as the Minister for Housing and Urban Development Tariq Hamid Qarra on behalf of Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Department gave reply to main question of National Conference Member Brij Mohan Sharma. "We wanted to know as to what criteria was adopted for engagement of 54 persons in PHE Sub-Division Padder for the last three years under community participation", Mr Sharma asked and informed the House that he has an information that the persons were engaged with political consideration and their files have been sent to the Civil Secretariat for regularisation. On receiving no specific reply, the NC member asked the Minister to inform the House as to whether educational qualification or economic back-ground was the basis of the engagements of 54 persons and wanted to know "are the posts for running water supply schemes meant for Congress and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) workers only". He was joined by another NC member Sakina Ittoo, who said "Aapne He Logo Ko Lagaya Ja Raha Hai". Both Mr Sharma and Miss Ittoo continued to grill the Government for about 10 minutes demanding elaboration of criteria for engagements. Earlier, in reply to the main question, Mr Qarra informed the House that 37 water supply schemes have been completed and 85 schemes are ongoing in PHE Division Kishtwar and an expenditure of Rs 674.83 lakh has been incurred on completed and ongoing schemes during the last three years. He said that 54 persons were not on the rolls of the Government and engaged on need basis and added that such engagements are neither being made on qualification basis nor under ‘special employment’. "Such engagements are being made under compulsion and not under political considerations", he further said. Mr Qarra informed the House that about 26,000 people were required to run PHE schemes throughout the State and file has been lying with the Chief Minister for approval to engage such a number of persons for operation and maintenance of water supply schemes. In reply to another question of Miss Sakina Ittoo, the Housing and Urban Development Minister said that three persons have been engaged on need basis and community participation whereas 18 persons have been appointed under the provision of SRO-43 (death in harness) from 2003 till date in PHE Division Bijbehara Kashmir. However, Miss Ittoo said that her question was pertaining to such engagements throughout the State but reply was given with regard to Bijbehara only.

Resolution condemning Varanasi blasts passed in Council Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 16: The House unanimously passed today, resolution moved by Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Forests, Tariq Hamid Qarra condemning the Varanasi blasts in Legislative Council. The resolution reads as, " This august house strongly condemns the Bomb blasts that occurred at Sankatmochan Temple at Varanasi on March 7, 2006 claiming more than 20 innocent lives besides injuring several other devotees. The house also expresses sympathies with bereaved families and affected people wishing early recovery of the injured persons. The house notes with satisfaction the concern expressed by the people across the country and up-holding communal amity at this critical juncture as the motive behind this barbaric act seem to distort the secular fabric of the country and to create communal tension using their nefarious designs. This house respects the sentiments of the people and the courage they displayed after the un-pleasant incident, thus once again up-holding the unique feature of Unity in Diversity. This house also notes the patience shown by the people of our State, as such acts appear, deliberate and ruthless, pursued conspiracy to spread discord and enmity amongst various communities in the country, that too at this juncture when dialogue and peace process moves forward positively for the long lasting peace in the sub-continent. This house strongly condemns terror in all forms and believes in high secular values, ethics, democratic set-up and above all the faith of one of the fundamental duties of our constitution which reads "we ought to respect each other’s religion". Supporting the resolution Abdul Rehamn Tukroo, Ashok Sharma, Prof. Bhim Singh, Bilal Lodhi and Sakina Itoo also spoke in favour of the resolution.

Zero Hour in Assembly Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 16: In all 31 members raised various public importance issues in the Legislative Assembly today during the Zero Hour. Dr. Mehboob Beg raised the point regarding encroachment of Waqf land in the State and demanded to take necessary measures for removal of encroachments on the said land. Speaker Legislative Assembly Tara Chand directed the Government to enquire into the matter with regard to the encroachments on Waqf land. Sajjad Ahmad Kitchloo advocated for providing solar lights in Kishtwar area while Abdul Gani Malik demanded filling up of the post of chairman of State Consumer Protection Forum. Khem Lata Wakhloo pleaded to regularize the ownership rights to those families who have been shifted from New Chinar Bagh in Srinagar city. Ashwani Sharma demanded alternate site for those people who are coming under the shelling range in border areas. Javed Rana demanded engagement of Anganwari Workers on merit basis while Dr. Chaman Lal demanded inclusion of more areas in reserved categories for recruitment purposes. Balwant Singh Mankotia demanded streamlining of welfare fund in Police Department and also sought enhancement of ration money for police personnel. Dr. Ramesh Sharma pleaded for adequate relief to those families whose crops were damaged due to hailstorm and drought. Kanta Andotra demanded filling up of the vacant post of Collector in Basohli besides other vacant posts in her constituency while as Aga Ruhullah Mehdi called for better medicare facilities in District Hospital Budgam. Mohammad Aslam Khan demanded shifting of security forces from Girls Hostel Rajouri. Raman Mattoo and Sartaj Madni advocated for protecting of property of Kashmir migrants and adequate compensation of land by security forces utilizing the migrant property. Harsh Dev Singh demanded uniform relief distribution to 2005 quake victims across the State. Ajay Sadhotra stressed for shifting the Institute of Music and Fine Arts to some safer building, saying that the present building is unsafe. Abdul Majid Wani demanded compensation to those families whose land has been acquired for Pul Doda Dam while Gharu Ram demanded desilting and renovation of irrigation khuls in his constituency. Ali Mohammad Sagar advocated for regularization of Safai Karamcharies working in civil Secretariat. He also demanded for tabling of reports with regard to JAKFED and Health Department while as N. A. Gurezi called for relaxation in eligibility criteria of candidates for recruitment in far-flung areas of the State. Mohammad Khalil Naik demanded suitable accommodation for the office of SDM Shopian whose office building was gutted recently while as Puran Singh demanded compensation to those families whose houses were occupied by the Army in Darhal area. Dr. Ghulam Nabi Bhat demanded rationalization of fair to passenger services in his area while Javaid Mustafa Mir advocated for relaxation in the timing of movement of trucks and load carriers around Srinagar city and G. M. saroori pleaded for filling up of vacant posts in Education Department in Doda district. Mubarak Gul raised the issue of wrong operation of a girl patient of Ganderbal in JVC, Srinagar. He also demanded an inquiry into the matter. Legislators, Usman Majid, Dr. Manohar Lal, Yashpal Kundal and G M Saroori also raised important issues in Legislative Assembly during zero hour in the House today.

Mangat assures equal treatment to all parties in providing security Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 16: Minister for Transport Mangat Ram Sharma today assured that equal treatment will be meted out to all the mainstream political parties in providing security to their leadership. Replying to the query of Prof Bhim Singh raised during the Zero Hour in the Legislative Council today, Mr Sharma said that he too wanted that discrimination with some mainstream political parties in providing security cover to their leadership should be over. "For free political process it is imperative that all the parties, who believe in secularism and have nationalist character should be given proper security", he stressed and asked Prof Bhim Singh to provide him a list of leaders of his party who have been denied security. The Minister also assured to take up this issue with the Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad. Earlier, raising the issue Prof Singh said that JKNPP’s political process suffered extensively for want of proper security to its leadership and added that no security has been provided to most of its leaders even in militancy affected areas despite the assurances given by the Government in this regard. To the query of Farida Mir, Mr Sharma admitted that the process of making recruitments for class 4th posts by the respective Deputy Commissioners has been delayed and attributed the same on the part of the different Government departments in providing information about the requisite qualification to the DCs. "I hope within next couple of days the required information would be given to the DCs and process of recruitment initiated", the Transport Minister said.

Sawhney threatens to teach a lesson to anti- people officers Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 16: Expressing his anguish over ignoring aspirations of people, former Minister and Congress MLA from Jammu East, Yogesh Sawhney today threatened that he will not hesitate to use physical force to teach a lesson to those officers who, according to him, have been creating hurdles in developmental process. Participating in debate on grants for Roads and Buildings department, Mr Sawhney pointed out that a dream project for the people of Jammu city was inaugurated by the then Deputy Chief Minister, Mangat Ram Sharma along with the then R&B Minister, Madan Lal Sharma near Jogi Gate. "Half of the project has been already completed but one officer has now stopped work on this project", he said while pointing towards officers’ gallery. "From the floor of this House I want to give a warning to the officers to mend their ways, otherwise I will not even hesitate to use physical force to bring them on right track", he stated. Mr Sawhney regretted that status of a MLA has been degraded as Ministers have been relying more on officers rather than elected representatives. Pointing towards to shortage of drinking water in the old city, Mr Sawhney regretted that except promises, nothing has been done to plug leakage of water in the city. Furthermore illegal service stations have been functioning in the city.

JU team visits Pak Universities Contributing towards solving Kashmir through academics Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 16: In what can be termed as an effort of contributing towards solving Kashmir through academics, a Jammu University team visited Pakistan and interacted with faculty members and students of various Universities of Pakistan as well as Pak Occupied Kashmir. The JU team, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo, held deliberations to workout modalities for signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with various Universities across the border with regard to student and faculty exchange programmes as well as opening of study centres at Lahore and PoK. This was informed by Prof Amitabh Mattoo himself while talking to media persons at the University, here today, on his return from Pakistan where he had gone to attend a conference on Kashmir, organised by Pugwash. Prof Mattoo was accompanied by a ten-member delegation from Jammu University, including Prof Rajiv Gupta, Prof Posh Charak, Dr Meenakshi Kilam, Dr Shohab Inayat Malik, Annil Suri and others. Claiming that primary purpose of the JU team to visit Pakistan was to meet academicians on other side of the border for seeking student and faculty exchange programmes, Prof Mattoo said that the visit was greatly successful in this regard. "Besides attending workshop on Kashmir, we visited various Universities including Government College Lahore University, Leads University Lahore and Lahore University for Management Sciences," he informed and added that they also discussed the areas of mutual interest like early warning systems for earthquake and disaster management, cooperation for improvement of Quality of teaching-learning, research and practice in higher education institutions and opening of trade between the two countries for economic prosperity of the region. Prof Mattoo disclosed that a team of Lahore University for Management Sciences is visiting Jammu University in the forthcoming month of May for a similar interaction and faculty exchange programme. Hoping a new era of cross border linkage in academics, Prof Mattoo stressed the need for greater and effective role of Universities in the peace process. "For peace and friendly relations, cultural and academic cooperation is must and I feel that there is no substitute of educational institutions as facilitator for cooperation building in this regard," he opined. However, at the same time, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized that Jammu University being an academic body has no political agenda in the ongoing discussions on Kashmir but it was willing to serve only as a forum for the dialogue process. In an apparent reply to the critics of the visit, Prof Mattoo particularly mentioned that the entire expenses for the JU delegation’s Pak visit were borne by Pugwash and not even a single penny was spent by the University for the same.

Relief to World War II veterans Governor eulogises Army’s role in war, peace Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 16: Lauding the heroic role of Indian Army in war and peace, Governor Lt. General (Retd) S K Sinha today said that it has scripted a saga of valour during its chequered military history. Speaking at a function held to disburse relief to the World War II veterans of Jammu and Kashmir provided by Royal Commonwealth Ex-services League (RCESL) here this afternoon, the Governor said that Winston Churchill had recognized contribution of Indians by saying that never in the world has ever such a huge force of volunteers been raised. General Sinha, himself a surviving World War veteran, referred to the two centuries old Indo-British association and said that both the countries have lost and gained from each other. While British are considered to be the Mother of Democracy, India had the distinction of being the largest democracy in the world. Pointing to an observation made by a speaker about the facilities being provided to ex-servicemen in the neighboring country, the Governor attributed it to the military dictatorship that has been there for most of the time and said that Indian ex-servicemen too enjoyed many benefits though much more needed to be done. He also referred to the apolitical character of Indian Army, saying that ‘we have never had a military dictator because of high traditions and rich civilization’. General Sinha hoped that the association between India and United Kingdom will grow and expressed his gratitude to British people for remembering Indian soldiers, who had served during the World War II. ‘We cherish our old association’, he added. The Governor wished happy retired life to surviving World War veterans of Jammu and Kashmir, describing them as a vanishing race. ‘I pray for the surviving ones to scror 100’, he said. The Indian born British, Secretary General, Royal Commonwealth Ex-services League, Col. Brian Nicholson, OBE said that the fund for relief to the World War II veterans is being raised from the British public. He expressed gratitude of his country, particularly the Patron of the League, Prince Phillip and the Queen for Indian soldiers who fought for British and allied forces. He assured of financial support to these veterans and their families in future as well. Col Brian described Jammu as a city of warriors and said that he was impressed by the contribution of this great region to Indian Army. General Sinha and Col. Brian are both the graduates of Royal National Defence College, UK though the former has graduated much earlier. The RCESL provides welfare support for ex-servicemen of Commonwealth countries who have at some time served the British Crown and who are resident overseas. The League provides over Rs 2 crores annually to the Indian Ex-Servicemen league. President, Indian Ex-servicemen League, Maj. Gen (Retd) B S Kanwar, President, J&K Ex-Servicemen League, Maj Gen (Retd) G S Jamwal and Director, Rajya Sainik Welfare Board, Brig (Retd) K S Kotwal also addressed the gathering. They expressed their gratitude to the Governor for getting the relief of World War II veterans enhanced to Rs 600. The Governor disbursed relief cheques to the World War II veterans and a Kashmiri shawl to Col. Nicholson. Later, the Governor hosted dinner to the visiting Secretary General.

2 killed, 17 injured in accidents Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 16: Two persons were killed and 17 others injured in separate road accidents while as three persons allegedly consumed poisonous substances at their respective residences. Police spokesman said that one person was killed and 11 persons were injured when a mini-bus, they were travelling in, skidded off the road and rolled down at Batchi Nullah under the jurisdiction of Poonch Police Station. The ill-fated vehicle bearing registration number JK12-1085 was on its way from Poonch to Khauter when met with accident. All the passengers of the bus were rushed to hospital where one of them was declared as brought dead. The condition of injured was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in. The deceased has been identified as Mohd Tariq, son of Mohd Latif of Khauter. The injured are Fazal Elahi son of Mohd Latif, Mohd Hanif, son of Mohd Shahbat, Ejaz Ahmed, son of Mohd Rayaz, Nazia Kosar, Gulam, Mustafa, Mohd Sharief, Nazira, Farzna Kosar, Nasima Akhtar, Tazim Akhtar, Sina Kosar, Abdul Aziz and Rehman. In another accident, one person was killed and two others received injuries in collision between a Tata Sumo and a CRPF vehicle at Omara Morh under the jurisdiction of Udhampur Police Station. The deceased has been identified as Rajinder Kumar, son of Prem Nath of Udhampur. Meanwhile, four persons were injured separate road accidents. All have been hospitalised and their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in. They have been identified as Harbans Singh of Samba, Suresh Katal, son of Parkash Katal of Samba, Mandeep Singh, son of Amar Singh of Sainik Colony and Zahida, daughter of Mohd Iqbal of Prem Nagar.

Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service cancelled again SRINAGAR, Mar 16: The cross-border bus service between India and Pakistan was once again cancelled today on Islamabad’s request due to landslides at various places along the Muzaffarabad-Chakothi road, official sources said. They said the Pakistani authorities had intimated their Indian counterparts that due to some "technical problems" they were not ready for today’s run of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service. "As such the Pakistani authorities requested for cancellation of today’s run of the bus service," the sources added. The Pakistani officials informed their Indian counterparts that there were landslides at various places between Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) capital Muzaffarabad and Chakothi, the last border point on the other sides of the Line of Control (LoC). The landslides would take some time to be cleared, the Pakistani officials informed. The trans-Kashmir bus service, launched on April 7 last year, was also cancelled on March 2 due to landslides on the Muzaffarabad-Chakothi road in PoK. (UNI)

Raj Travels ink agreement with JKTDC for Volvo coach service Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 16: The Raj Travels and Tours Ltd, Mumbai in association with J&K Tourism Development Corporation is starting comfortable Volvo coaches service from April 1 to connect Delhi with Jammu, Katra and Srinagar as also Jammu-Srinagar. Announcing this at a press conference here today, Lalit Seth, chairman and managing director of Raj Travels and Tours said that this mode of travel will make journey comfortable for tourists and also give a boost to the tourist industry in Jammu and Kashmir. The CMD stated that he has personally come to Jammu and Kashmir for trial run of the coaches and has already visited Katra, Jammu and is on way to Srinagar now. The 41 seater instead of 53, coaches have special entertainment system through DVD, individual He said the fare from Delhi to Srinagar will be about Rs 1450 and Delhi-Jammu Rs 600 and a little more than Rs 600 for Delhi-Katra. Answering a question, Mr Seth stated that the booking will be on web and e-tickets will be available on internet. The routine booking will be from the outlets of the J&K Tourism Development Development Corporation as well. Mr Seth revealed that the Raj Travels has created Raj National Express which presently has fleet of 41 Volvo coaches for point to point service and offer superior service with punctuality and more comforts. It is planned to raise the strength of coaches to over 300 shortly, he added. The Deputy Director, JKTDC stated that the purpose is to give a boost to tourism by making available comfortable travel by tourists. He said it is proposed to introduce a number of packages. Ram Sahai, president, Chamber of Commerce and Industry said it is a welcome move that the State Government has realised utility of collaborating with private sector for better service to the people. He wished success to the Raj Travels and Raj National Express.

Vaishno Devi ‘Arti’ inscribed with golden laying on cave Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 16: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has inscribed ‘Arti’ of Mata Vaishno Devi in marble carving on outer portion of Mata Vaishno Devi cave. The ‘Arti’ has been inscribed in marble with a golden laying, according to Additional Chief Executive Officer (ACEO), Shrine Board, Puneet Kumar. The ‘Arti’ has been inscribed in the area where the ‘Arti’ is performed in the morning. Mr Kumar said the newly beautified portion will be thrown open on March 30 on the occasion of first Navratra. Face of the old and natural cave of Mata Vaishno Devi shrine has also been further beautified with marble plates and other rare material, the Additional CEO Shrine Board said. He added that decoration was part of beautification of the shrine, undertaken by the Shrine Board. The Board is expecting heavy rush to the shrine during Navratras for which all necessary arrangements are being made.

BJYM torches effigy of UPA Govt, takes out procession Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 16: Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) today took out a funeral procession of the Congress led UPA Government for its failure to check the rise in prices of essential commodities. The procession started from Party Headquarters at Kachi Chawni and after passing through main bazars it culminated at City Chowk where the effigy of UPA Government was burnt. The rally was addressed by BJP state president Dr Nirmal Singh. He criticized the UPA Government for adopting anti poor policies. He said the slogan that"Congress Ka hath Gariboon kay sath" is totally hollow. This slogan has been given to exploit the poor, he alleged. He said the price rise has broken the back of poor in the country who can’t arrange the two times meal for their families. Addressing the rally BJYM state chief, Yudhvir Sethi alleged that present state and Central governments have not only failed to check the prices of essential commodities but also to provide employment and contain the terrorism. Addressing the rally, BJYM general secretary, Omi Khajuria said that people have now realized that they have committed a mistake by supporting the Congress. Others who addressed the rally include Sanjay Mahajan, Vipan Shastri, Rajesh Gupta and Iqbal Singh.

BJP rejected politics of separatism at Pugwash: Nirmal Singh Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 16: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made it clear in the Pugwash conference which was held in Pakistan recently that self governance was not acceptable to the Party. This was stated by BJP state president, Dr Nirmal Singh here today while talking to mediapersons after returning from Pakistan. He said BJP made it clear in the conference that India being a pluristic country with deep rooted democratic and all accommodating traditions will not allow the another partition by giving in before the terrorists and separatists. He said BJP, while clearing the stand made it clear that India is prepared for devolution of more powers to the states, but it is bitterly opposed to the politics of separatism or autonomy based on religious considerations. He said BJP, while expressing its view point made it clear that it is not difficult to anticipate the fall out of the acceptance of the demands as are being put forth by certain elements in India or Pakistan. "We have to recommend and vouch for something which is concrete; which is absolutely secular and pluralistic and which strictly and by all means avoids majority, minority conflict anywhere in India", he added. He said, otherwise people of India are for the 1995 Parliamentary resolution which in unambiguous terms says that the only issue still remains to be resolved between India and Pakistan is the political future of People of Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including Gilgit-Baltistan. "We also made it clear that history can’t be ignored and to ignore it would facilitate unsettlement of every thing that was settled under the Independence Act of 1947. Supporting the peace process initiated by previous NDA under the leadership of Atal Behari Vajpayee which has been carried forward by UPA led by Dr Manmohan Singh, the BJP leader stressed on more and more confidence building measures. Dr Nirmal Singh said he told Pakistan leadership in categorical terms in the conference that peace process can move forward at very rapid pace if those who take recourse to violent methods in order to accomplish their religious political agenda are put to constant check. BJP spokesman Prof Hari Om was also present in the conference.

Vigilance on vigil ! Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 16: Vigilance Organization is on the Vigil— It is presently on a hunt with a different cause——this time not after corrupt elements, but against those impersonators who pose Vigilance Officers in public! It is with this reason that Vigilance Organization has this time "requested" Government Departments/PSUs in particular and people in general to beware of such impersonators. What promoted State’s watchdog agency to approach the public to beware of such impersonators, has a brief history: A person appeared in the Office of Director Srinagar Development Authority ( SDA) today, masquerading as " Inspector" of Vigilance and having been deputed by Vigilance Organization Kashmir for verification of parking lots in Srinagar City. The Director felt suspicious and somehow mustered courage to ask the " Inspector" to prove his identity, which he could not. The SDA Director spoke to SSP Vigilance Kashmir, who in turn deputed a team of Officers for verification. The " Inspector" turned out to be an helper working with State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) and posted at Pampore. He was identified as Tanveer Ahmad Butt of Firdous Abad Batmaloo, Srinagar. On his personal search, many incriminating documents including appointment letters, cheques etc were found. He was immediately lodged in Police Station Parimpora and case registered against him. A Vigilance Organization, in a press release today requested the Officers and people to beware of such impersonators and in case of any suspicion, they should contact Senior Vigilance Officers immediately and instantly.

Chhamb DPs demand one time settlement Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 16: Chhamb Displaced Persons Association-1971 has demanded one time settlement for the landless families and enhancement in the rate of compensation per kanal to Rs 50,000 against land deficiency. In a meeting of the displaced persons from Chhamb held at Vijaypur today a large number of DPs from Samba sub-division and Bishnah participated. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of S R Nagial president of the Association. While addressing the gathering he alleged that their cases were being delayed by the official functionaries in the office of Deputy Commissioner, Divisional Commissioner and they are being victimised. Directorate of Rehabilitation at New Delhi was also not doing justice with them. Mr Nagial further said that supplementary list of the left over families of the Camp DPs of 1971 for payment of cash compensation in lieu of deficiency in their allotable unit of land was forwarded to Divisional Commissioner Jammu by DC Jammu covering the claims of 348 families in June 2005 recommending the rate of Rs 20,000 per kanal irrigated land but the said list was returned to DC for verification for one week but the list still remains pending with DC Jammu unattendable for last seven months. They demanded disbursement of cash compensation in lieu of deficiency in allotable unit of land to left over families, forwarding of supplementary list of these families to Govt of India, grant of occupancy and tenancy rights over the evacuee land allottees, 10 % reservation quota in jobs and professional colleges for DPs children, one time settlement by paying Rs 7 lakh to each landless family and enhancement in rate of cash compensation. Inderjit, Bhagwan Dass, Gian Chand, Bachan Singh, Sain Dass and Kartar Singh also spoke on the ocacsion.

Army jawan hangs himself to death Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 16: An Army jawan allegedly committed suicide at Rana Sangha Kunjwani under the jurisdiction of Gangyal Police Station. Police spokesman said that the deceased Lance Naik Tanaji, son of Bapu Rao Kharod of Maharashtra of Engineering Regiment allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself in bathroom. He was spotted by some co-Army jawans, who informed the senior officers about the incident. The body was, later, shifted to hospital for post-mortem. Police has taken the cognizance of the incident. The preliminary investigations carried out by the police revealed that the deceased was mentally upset over some family problem. Meanwhile, three persons—Sukhdev, son of Mohinder Lal of Hakkal, Raghubir Singh, son of Khain Singh of Kathias and Sapna Devi, wife of Manu of Bari Brahamana allegedly consumed poisonous substances at their respective residences. All were rushed to Government Medical College Hospital when spotted unconscious by family members. Doctors immediately provided them stomach wash treatment followed by other medicare. Their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in. Police has taken cognizance of the incidents.

Youth Wing AIKS terms holding of awareness camp an eye wash Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 16: Youth Wing All India Kashmiri Samaj (AIKS) today expressed concern over the conditions imposed by the Government for sanction of soft loans to displaced Pandits for setting up of their own income generating units. In a statement issued here today, president, Youth Wing AIKS, R K Bhat said that migrant youth were willing to establish their income generating sets but they can not fulfill the requirements of mortgage and guarantee for drawing loans and this clause should be waived off as the migrants have no property at Jammu. Mr Bhat said though Chief Secretary had given instructions to the officials in the last meeting to provide soft loans to displaced youth and an awareness camp was organized by Relief Organization in association with officers of DIC and Nationalized banks at Muthi Camp Phase Second. However the KP youth expressed concern as no special schemes were offered for the displaced youth. The organization blamed the relief