Court frames graft charges against GM DIC Rajouri

Excelsior Legal Correspondent

JAMMU, July 13: Special Judge Anti-corruption Jammu, Mr Vikas Kant Gupta has framed charges against the then General Manager District Industries Centre, Rajouri Mr S R Gupta for allegedly registering 32 bogus small scale industrial units and recommended for import licences to these units.

The charges have been framed under Sections 467, 468, 420 RPC read with section 5(2) prevention of corruption act 2006. The court directed prosecution to examine its witnesses on the next date of hearing.

According to the Vigilance Organisation case, it was alleged that the accused during the year 1981-82 was working as General Manager District Industries Centre, Rajouri and by abuse of his official position, registered 32 bogus industrial units and after their registration, recommended issuance of import licences to these units.

On the basis of his recommendation, these units were able to secure import licences from the Controller of export and imports Jammu and Kashmir Government Srinagar.

These units after obtaining import licences, imported steel consignments which never reached to the destination but were sold mid way according to the Vigilance Organisation. During the investigation investigating officer seized the record and it was revealed that on different occasions, the accused registered 32 small scale industrial units while working as General Manager DIC Rajouri none of these units came into the physical existance.

Out of these 32 units, 18 units were not even reflected in the record of the DIC Rajouri.

During the course of arguments, the Public Prosecutor K S Charak appearing for the Vigilance Organisation submitted that the provisional registration certificates and the confirmation certificates had been prepared by the accused S R Gupta himself and no evidence regarding documents so far as 18 units were concerned was available with the District Industries Centre, Rajouri.

A perusal of the record prima-facie confirm the offences against the accused and these offences are prima-facie made out against the accused who has been charged under these offences by the Court.

While framing charges against the accused, Mr Vikas observed that the matter was investigated by the Vigilance Organisation found the allegation to have been proved against the accused. Sanction for his prosecution was accorded by the Government on July 15, 1991.

The accused, however, challenged the FIR with the prayer to restrict the State from prosecuting him through a writ in the State High Court in the year 1991.

The High Court granted interim direction which was vacated on September 22, 1999 and the writ of the accused was dismissed.

Thereafter the Vigilance Organisation presented this challan in the court against accused.

Another land sale fraud case registered by Crime Branch

Excelsior Legal Correspondent

JAMMU, July 13: On the direction of Chief Judicial Magistrate Jammu Mr Brij Mohan Gupta, the Crime Branch yesterday registered another fraudulantly land sale case and started investigation in the case.

One Lalita Devi, D/o Dilla Ram of Gulwadey Chak Tehsil and District Jammu filed a complaint against one Terseem Kumar S/o Ram Dhan of Gulwadey Chak Tehsil Jammu, with the prayer for investigation of case through crime branch.

According to FIR, Lalita Devi had submitted that she was the owner and in possession of land under Khasra No. 396-Min situated in Village Gulwadey Chak. The accused Terseem Kumar had collected the furdh from concerned Patwari and got attested by the Naib Tehsildar and Girdwar and sold the land to one Sobha Singh and sale deed was executed by the court of Sub Registrar Jammu on March 23, 1998.

According to the complainant she had never appeared in the court and neigher signed any document of land. According to her, this sale deed was executed by the accused by personation. The Crime Branch registered a case against accused Terseem Kumar U/S 419, 420, 471, 467 and 468 RPC and started investigation against the accused persons, but no arrest has been made sofar.

Jammu Statehood Front constituted

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 13: Five organisations of Jammu region which joined hands to acclerate the fight for the grant of separate statehood to Jammu region here today constituted a Jammu Statehood Front.

This was disclosed in a joint press conference by Prof Virender Gupta president Jammu Mukhti Morcha, (JMM), Messrs Uday Chand, JK Panthers Party chief, Babu Singh, president Democratic Movement, Hemant Salathia, Duggar Pradesh Party chief and Som Nath Dabgotra, President JK Vikas Party.

They said the Statehood Front will be an amalgam of all these five parties and doors for the other organisations will remain open.

The Front leaders while making a dig at State Government warned that both regional and state autonomy is unacceptable to people of Jammu region irrespective of their religion caste and creed.

They while smelling a rat in the NC’s plans alleged that ruling Party wants to divide the Jammu region on communal lines which will be resisted strongly.

We have always been thrusted the leadership from Kashmir and all decisions regarding our fate were made by the Kashmiri politicians alleged Dr Virender Gupta. He said Jammu has always faced the discrimination through the hands of State Government which gave the major share of funds in every field to Kashmir.

The JMM chief said Jammu is facing a total injustice whether it is the admission in professional colleges, allotment of Assembly or Parliamentary seats or employment and this will not be tolerable any more now.

Challenging the Indira, Abdullah and Nehru, Sheikh accords he said that these accords were always thrusted on Jammu people and now the time has come that the people should raise their voice against the biased and discriminative policies of the Government.

He said the voice of separate statehood raised from different quarters is not communal as alleged by the Government but the voice of people and said those who blame us for communal divide are actualy planning to divide the State on these lines through the regional autonomy plan.

He said the autonomy document to which Jammu people have been vehemently opposing is the document of division and alleged that since 1947 NC and before it Muslim Conference had planned to divide the State on communal lines.

He castigated the BJP which had for years together advocated for the rights of Jammu people and abrogation of Article 370 are toeing the lines of previous Governments.

He while warning the NC Government for playing the communal card said all people of Jammu region irrespective of their religion are one.

Criticising the outbursts of veteran journalist and PUCL activist Mr Kuldeep Nayar he asked him to stop giving suggestions about J&K, saying what knowledge he has about the State.

Dr Gupta said what Mr Nayar knows about the accord Jammu people were not made a party to it.

Advocating for the separate statehood to Jammu strongly, Mr Uday Chand said people of Jammu have been totally superseded and during the last 12 years militancy and no body from this region can visit Srinagar Secretariat during the office move due to militancy.

He said all the five organisations which have joined hands have resolved to fight for the goal decisively and will not allow NC to succeed in its designs to divide the State on communal lines.

He said we have framed the Front and will launch a movement for taking it to its logical end.

He while charging the Government for sabotaging the Ladakh agitation by playing a communal card said its all efforts will be defeated if attempts of sabotaging our movement were made by paying a Muslim Card.

Elaborating the strategy of the Front’s struggle Mr Babu Sing said a three pronged strategy has been evolved to achieve the goal.

In the first phase he maintained, exhaustive campaigning will be made throughout the region by covering every village to remove the wrong notions from the peoples mind and in the next phase the mobilization for the struggle will be made from grass root level.

He said in the third phase a mass Jammu conference will be organised to elicit the peoples opinion on the separate statehood.

When asked what will be the approach of the Front in its struggle he said it will be both motivational and agitational. The Front will plead its cause vigorously and start a mass movement to awaken the people.

Mr Hemant Sathe who was all vociferous for non inclusion of Dogri language in 8th Schedule of Constitution said all disparities and discrimination which the Jammu region has been seeking once it is granted a separate statehood.

Hurriyat pays tributes to Martyrs

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 13: All Party Hurriyat Conference activists paid rich tributes to the Martyrs of 1931 in a meeting held here today.

As per a release, a special meeting was called by the Hurriyat activists of the region at Party headquarters here today. Homage was paid to martyrs who laid their lives and stood firmly against the Dogra regime. The meeting was presided over by its president Mr D R Sharma.

The speakers, while paying rich tributes said that sufferings of the people of the State are not yet over. A large number of youth have laid down their life for the cause but the solution to the Kashmir problem still remained a distant dream.

It was expressed in the meeting that Government of India has not availed the opportunity of holding talks with Hurriyat instead of putting pre-conditions for talks while it held talks with separatist Nagas without any conditions. They pointed out that autonomy move of Dr Abdullah can not derail the process of dialogue while Centre should be sincere in its commitment. The Hurriyat is against the bloodshed and it should be stopped on the soil of Kashmir.

PK cautions people against dangers of autonomy

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 13: Panelists at the national seminar on " Autonomy Conspiracy—Nation in the Trap" cautioned the people against the dangers inherent in the autonomy demand even after its outright rejection by the Union Cabinet.

The seminar voiced concern over the communal and retrogative demand projected by National Conference Government for autonomy which is another name for azadi. Autonomy resolution is illegal, a fraud and blackmail and the demand is result of foreign conspiracy and so should not be granted in the interest if nation’s unity and integrity.

The seminar was organised by Panun Kashmir at Abhinav Theatre, here this afternoon. The panel comprised of Mr Ajay Chrungoo, chairman, Panun Kashmir (PK), Prof Hari Om, Head, History Department, Jammu University, Dr M K Teng, Chairman, Advisory Committee of Panun Kashmir, Mr Rajinder Singh Jamwal, Jammu Joint Student Federation (JJSF), Mr Kashmira Singh, ex- MLC and secretary of BJP and Capt S K Tickoo, general secretary, Awami League. Mr Tsering Samphel, president, LBA who was also to participate in the seminar could not make it.

The autonomy came in sharp criticism by all the speakers who described it dangerous for subverting the constitution and the integrity of India.

Four resolutions were passed by the Panum Kashmir. One pleaded for quadri-partition of Jammu and Kashmir State by political re-organisation. To safeguard the cultural and ethnic character of Jammu by granting it statehood, Ladakh region to be administered as Union Territory, displaced Kashmiri Pandits given homeland created to the North and East of river Jehlum within the Kashmir valley.

Another resolution of PK expressed grave concern over the sustained campaign of demographic change by the ruling elite and deplored religious cleansing being carried out in the Jammu and Kashmir State. The National Conference is vigorously pursuing the process of communalisation, it said and demanded that ruling party’s attempts at marginalisation and elimination of Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists in the State be exposed and completely reversed. It was suggested that a high level committee duly represented by minorities be constituted by the Centre for this purpose.

Panun Kashmir, in another resolution passed by voice vote, demanded dissolution of State Assembly and imposition of Governor’s Rule and a high powered inquiry into developments which led to adoption of Autonomy Resolution and establish main motive behind it. The 4th resolution highlighted the problem of distress sale of property of displaced persons and demanded constitution of a committee and creation of fund for the purpose.

Dr Chrungoo called for giving a decisive setback to the fundamentalists and separatists operating within and from outside the State. He cautioned the people against Dr Farooq Abdullah’s dramatic political gimmicks. He said next two years are crucial and called for unity among the people to fight against fissifarious tendencies. PK has raised the issue of ethnic cleansing and other nefarious designs at all levels both within and abroad as well.

Prof Hari Om, while quoting historical factors, stated the autonomy demand does not meet the aspirations of people in Ladakh, Jammu regions or Gujjars and Bakerwals and even Shia Muslims. He pleaded for political re-organisation of Jammu and Kashmir.

Dr M K Teng cautioned the Central leadership against political blackmail or adopting policy of appeasement as autonomy propounded by National Conference is another device for wrecking the federal system. Mr Kashmira Singh, ex- MLC and secretary State BJP termed the autonomy resolution as illegal, and a political blackmail and said it has rightly been rejected.

Mr Rajinder Singh Jamwal, president, Jammu Joint Student Federation (JJSF) and Captain S K Tickoo also expressed views against the autonomy.

First Representative Assembly meet held
KPs unanimous on "Homeland" demand

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 13: The first Kashmiri Pandit Representative Assembly which met for one day session here today passed a resolution demanding division of Jammu and Kashmir in four parts with creation of a separate "State'' for over three lakh members of minority community in the Valley.

The Panun Kashmir the protagonist of separate "Homeland" for the exiled community has received a shot in arm as the demand received overwhelming support from the All State Kashmir Pandit Conference (ASKPC) the parent body of the Kashmiri Pandits, All India Kashmiri Pandit Conference (AIKPC), All Kashmiri Pandit Solidarity Conference (AKPSC) and other small groups who were having reservations on the Homeland demand previously.

The Representative Assembly was framed after the passing of the autonomy resolution by the J&K Legislature which has been outrightly opposed by the Community.

Mr Amar Nath Vaishnavi who was elected the chairman of the Assembly announced the decision amidst the cheers from the members. He said the entire community is of the unanimous view that creation of a separate "Homeland" for the community will be the only viable solution to their problems.

The leaders of all the organizations who participated in the Assembly with one voice supported the demand.

In his address Dr K L Choudhary, chairman Political Affairs Committee Panun Kashmir highly advocated for this demand. He said KPs have now no alternative without launching a decisive battle for the achievement of the "Homeland", keeping in view the indifferent attitude of both State and Central Governments towards the exiled community.

He also suggested formation of Assembly in Exile which will be a representative body of the community.

Dr Choudhary while congratulating the community for this move asked the members to maintain unity in their rank and file at this critical juncture.

Dr Agnishekhar while welcoming the response of the community said Panun Kashmir has two thoughts regarding the "Homeland". He said the ground situation has changed a lot since last 12 years and the community will never like to return on the mercy of majority community now.

He said the community can not forget what treatment it met through the hands of the majority in the Valley and we can not return and live together with them once again. He stressed on unified action.

He said there is complete rejection of India in Kashmir and Central leaders should understand it.

Dr Agnishekhar said our organisation is for free flow of Indian Constitution in Kashmir and that can be only possible after creation of separate Homeland for the exiled community.

Supporting the demand Mr Ashwani Kumar President Panun Kashmir Movement said the community should not hesitate in putting up its demand forward as the pragmatic politics says that State is at the verge of division.

He while making a dig at National Conference said the Greater Kashmir plan was aimed at balkanisation of the Kashmiri Pandit community. He said though we had a lot of faith in the Central Government but they also failed to come upto our expectations.

He maintained that community has resolved to return and not on the mercy of the Kashmir Muslims. We will return Kashmir and live there with ethos and political mission which is that we will not allow India to die in Kashmir.

He maintained that KPs return to Kashmir of 1989 is not acceptable to community and the Government has to talk beyond it.

The demand was strongly supported by Mr H L Chatta who wanted that the announcement of the State be made from this platform.

Those who took part in deliberations and advocated for the separate State for the community include Messrs O N Trisal, (AKPSC), J N Saproo, (AIKPC), R K Raina, (ASKPC), Bansi Lal Thusoo, president Purkhoo Camp, Basant Kumar, Ashok Pandit, PK leader from Mumbai, G K Mujoo, Dr O N Raina, Mrs Kirti Kalla and H N Bindroo

BSF organises Medical Camp

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, July 13; Border Security Force (BSF) organises a free medical Camp at village Sasalkote in Keri Sector today.

The people of ten adjoining border villages were examined in the camp and those who were suffering from different ailments were provided free medicines.

The Camp was organised under the supervision of DIG BSF, Mr S K Sambyal for which two days vigorous campaigning was launched by jawans of BSF.

A total number of 1500 patients were examined in the camp and given medicines. The team of doctors who examined the patients was led by Dr N S Ganray CMO BSF, who was assisted by Dr Gupta an Eye Specialist of Rajouri District Hospital and Mannish Dubey of BSF besides the paramedical staff.

Medicines worth Rs 30,000 were distributed among them. The people of this border belt have highly appreciated the good gesture of BSF.

More organisations condole demise of Madr-e-Mehrban

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 13: Condolences on demise of Begum Akbar Jehan popularly known as Madr-e-Mehrban continued to pour in from different quarters.

The Association of Timber Industries, Jammu in a meeting held under the chairmanship of its president Mr Jai Singh condoled the demise of Begum Akbar Jehan, mother of Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah. The Association prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.

The J&K National Conference, Jammu West, Central Committee expressed grief and sorrow over the sad and sudden demise of Madr-e-Mehrban. The Committee expressed sympathies with Dr Farooq Abdullah and prayed to God for the peace of departed soul.

J&K State Rashtriya Janata Dal in a meeting held under the chairmanship of its state president Syed Ghulam Nabi Forah paid rich tributes to Madr-e-Mehrban and recalled her services in the field of social work. A two minute silence was also observed in the meeting to pay homage to the departed soul. He also expressed sympathies with the bereaved family on behalf of RJD supremo Laloo Prasad Yadav.

Mazdoor Kisan Union, Kul Hind Nove Soan Kashmir Front and J&K Secular Awami Tehreek also condoled the demise of Madr-e-Mehrban and recalled her services for the upliftment of womenfolk and down trodden section of society.

BJP Mandal Gandhi Nagar constituency in a meeting held under the chairmanship of Mr Jai Deep Sharma expressed grief and sorrow over the death of mother of Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah. Mr Sharma said that due to the demise of Madr-e-Mehrban, the State has lost a freedom fighter, social reformer and mother of destitutes and orphans. Two minute silence was also observed as a mark of respect.

The staff of District Industries Centre, Jammu today extended heartfelt condolences to Industries and Commerce Minister Dr Mustafa Kamal on the sad demise of his mother. They also prayed for the peace of departed soul.

Senior BJP leader and former Member Assembly Mr Bashir Naaz also condoled the demise of Begum Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and recalled her services for the people of the State. He said that due to her demise the people of the State has lost a ‘Messiah’ who always fought for the betterment of womenfolk and downtrodden section of society.

J&K People’s Democratic Party in a meeting held under the chairmanship of Mr Ved Mahajan condoled the death of Begum Akbar Jehan. The speakers described her as a great social reformer and freedom fighter and recalled her services with respect to upliftment of socially backward section.

Khursheed awarded Ph D on Kashmiriyat

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, July 13: A brilliant scholar of the Department of Sociology, University of Kashmir, Sheikh Khursheed-ul-Islam, has been awarded doctorate after submitting his thesis on "Dimensions of Kashmiri Identity a socilogical study". He has completed the thesis under the supervision of the HoD Sociology, Dr Bashir Ahmed Dabla, and the University has issued a notification, thereby, awarding the Ph.D to the research scholar.

This is proably first time that a comprehensive research has been conducted by a scholar at Kashmir university on the delicate issue of Kashmiri identity and the subject has been academically evaluated from political, social, religious, geographical, ethnic, socio-economic and linguistic angles. All the previous studies on the subject, mostly regarding isolated dimensions of the Kashmiri identity, have been thoroughly analysed by the scholar with special concentration on their relevance and scope in the Valley’s contemporary societal edifice.

As a unique feature of the study, the scholar has delved deep into the treasure trove of Kashmiri literature particulary the medieval, romantic and Sufiana verse and explored varied identity concepts as reflected in poetry. Makers of Kashmiri identity, from Lal Ded and Sheikh-ul-Aalam (Nund Rishi) to even the sub-contentitent’s literary legend, Sir Mohmmad Iqbal, have been the scholar’s focal attraction in the study.

The subject owes its importance to the increased use of the socio-political expression, Kashmiriyat, from the beginning of 20th centrury. All pertitent topics, like the disintegration of sub-national sensibilities in Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh regions with particular emphasis on racial and linguistic minorities, do figure in the study in a positive and dispassionate account. More significantly, the research scholar’s diagnostic urge has even led him to the intricacies of the decade-long political unrest and turmoil in the state and he has analysed the possible options of a wayout. The burning issues of greater autonomy and regional autonomy have been discussed from the historical perspective and the academic features of the two recent reports, prepared by the National Conference Government.

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