BJP keeps doors wide open for Muslims, Dalits: Kovind

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 2: Mr Ram Nath Kovind, MP and president, All India Anushuchit Jati Morcha, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said including Muslims and Dalits his Party is committed to take each and every section of society with it.

While talking to media parsons here today, he said a loud and clear message was sent by the newly elected BJP’s national chief Bangaro Laxman during the just concluded Nagpur convention in this regard and Party has kept its doors wide open for Muslims and Dalits.

Mr Kovind while making a strong dig at Congress and other opposition parties said allegations were levelled by them that BJP is a communal and anti Dalit Party. But our track record of functioning as a ruling party during the last three years has proved all these allegations baseless, he asserted.

During the last Lok Sabha elections these parties made an allegation that if BJP comes to power it will change the Constitution of Dr Ambedkar and deprive the SC,ST and OBC categories of reservation benefits.

But contrary to their false propaganda out of total 118 seats reserved for the SC and backward categories, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) bagged 72 seats, he said, adding the BJP got 52 seats alone while rest went to its alliance partners.

He while terming the allegations of the opposition totally baseless said Congress was exploiting the people of these categories for their vested interests.

While highlighting the Vajpayee Government’s contribution for the welfare of these classes he said after assuming the office, the NDA Government extended the reservations to next 10 years which otherwise had to end on January 26 this year.

He said not only this but Vajpayee Government gave more representation to these classes in his Cabinet by inducting three Cabinet rank ministers and eight State ministers from SC, ST and OBC communities.

Mr Kovind said contrary to this the Congress during its last 50 years of rule has never inducted more than one minister in the Government from these categories.

He said even during the rule of Deve Gowda the Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT) issued memorandas against the employees and the Congress which was supporting the Government did not oppose the decision.

He said after coming to power the Vajpayee Government not only introduced two Constitutional amendment bills for the welfare of these categories but also got them passed.

He said even in the appointment of Governors this Government gave a good representation to these categories.

Lambasting the National Conference (NC) Government he said it has failed to contain the militancy in the J&K. The law and order situation in the State is very grim and the Government should take effective steps to contain the same, he added.

He said the Central funds meant for various schemes were not properly utilized in past and this is the cause that the ratio of people living Below Poverty Line (BPL) has not come down since last 50 years.

He said the elections to the post of JK BJP chief were postponed previously but the same will be held in near future.

He termed the reports baseless that no elections to the post of State chief of the Party will be held after the organization elections at national level are over.

314 recruits pass out from BSF Trg Centre

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Sept 2: In an impressing function at Border Security Force Training Centre here today 314 new recruits passed out and found themselves on the top of the world by joining world’s largest para-military force group.

Mr A S Aulak, Inspector General Jammu & Punjab Frontiers , BSF was the chief guest on the occasion. He took salute in the Attestation cum Passing out parade. Out of the total, 297 jawans belong to Andhra Pradesh, 15 -Gujarat and one each from J&K and Bihar. Seven of them are graduate while 15 intermediate.

These recruits were imparted training for 40 weeks of which first part of 36 weeks was devoted to basic training and the second part of last 4 weeks was devoted in imparting advanced training capsule. Their view of the parade and a close look at the recruit constables have turned out to confident, disciplined and self-reliant.

Various senior officers from BSF, Army, Air Force, Police, CRPF, and the Civil Administration were present on the occasion and they inspired the newly passed out recruits.

Constables—D Rama Rao and P Bhoj Raj stood first in their respective batches and constables —P Madhu Babu and G Satyam stood second. Parade Commander—B Srinivas Rao adjudged best in drill.

An impressive investiture ceremony was also organised in which some officers, subordinate officers , Head Constables and constables were given medals for their meritorious services. They included—Assistant Commandant—O P Sharma ( Retd), Asstt Comdt—Jaman Singh of 28th Bn BSF, SI Hakim Singh of 87 Bn of BSF, Head Constable Shabir Hussain of 28 Bn BSF, Constable- Madhusudan Goin of 132 Bn of BSF and EF—Sardar Massih of 53 Bn BSF.

People’s support sought to combat militancy
Over 400 militants killed in Jammu region

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 2: Over 400 militants were eliminated in Jammu region upto end of June this year as compared to 480 militants killed in the last year.

This was disclosed by Mr R V Raju, Inspector-General of Police, Jammu Zone, while speaking at an interaction organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry to discuss the security scenario in the Jammu region here today. He said about 10 per cent of militants killed this area were in Kathua and Jammu districts, which were not earlier affected by militancy.

The IGP stated that we are facing a difficult situation created by low-intensity and undeclared war launched from across the border and the Police is doing its best in the circumstances. The Police, he claimed has solved all but one militancy related incidents, arranged conduct of incident-free Assembly elections and Independence Day and Republic Day this year. Seventy Police personnel have sacrificed their lives during the current year, he divulged.

Mr Raju stated that while the security force including the J&K Police fighting militancy unleashed by our enemy by still infiltrating militants. In this context, the police is meeting the challenge and the people should also boldly and unitedly support these efforts and face the situation.

Responding to points raised by the members of the Chamber and Commerce, the IGP assured that endeavors are being made to improve the security scenario and policing system. He said that his team of police officers are always ready for redressal of public grievances.

Mr Ram Sahai, president, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, while speaking on the occasion, expressed concern over deteriorating security scenario in the Jammu region during the past few months. The Chamber had a series of meetings with the Chief Minister as also Divisional Commissioner and IGP to evolve a new strategy. Mr Sahai said the Police should provide sense of security among the common man.

The CCI chief underlined urgent need for stoppage of power-cuts during nights in view of security situation in and around Jammu. He asked the Police authorities also to take up this matter from the security point of view.

Assuring the Police and other forces of full support from the Chamber and all citizens Jammu region, Mr Sahai stressed that the Police must ensure greater involvement of the people in fighting militancy. He pointed out that over 350 applications are pending for issue of gun licences for self-protection.

The meeting was held to welcome the newly posted Police officers and those who have been transferred. DIG Jammu-Kathua Range, Dr S P Vaid; new SSP, Jammu, Mr Rashmi Ranjan Swain, SSP Railways and Crime, Mr M A Anjum, Additional SP, Jammu, Mr Johnny William, SP (South) Mr Rajinder Gupta, SP (North) Jammu, Mr Yaswant Singh, SP Police Lines, Mr JK Misri, SP Hq Sheikh Mehmood, SP Mr Abdul Rauf and others attended.

Constable K L Sharma was given by the Chamber chief a memento for his act of bravery and sense of duty during the August 1 militant’s strike at Amarnath pilgrims in Hari Singh High School, Jammu.

Mementos were also presented by the Chamber to MA Anjum, SSP; SPs Johnny William, Sheikh Mehmood, JK Misri and Abdul Rauf.

The points raised during the interaction were mainly related to growing security threat, setting up of mohalla or ward committees for defence against militant’s activities, night patrolling by Police, provision of street lights, no power cuts during night, more vigil and smashing of hide-outs of suspicious elements in and around Jammu city.

Mr Rajender Motial, general secretary, CCI also expressed concern over subversive activities and also spoke about the financial militancy by pushing in fake currency and the need to curb it effectively.

A large number of members of Chamber of Commerce and Industry including Messrs OP Pargal, Pawan Gulati, D K Batra, Kundan Lal Gupta, Yaswant Singh, Anil Sahni, Chander Gulati, Pawan Kesar, Vinay Jain.

Farewell accorded to Narinder Singh

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Sept 2: Mr Narinder Singh, Joint Director Information who was recently transferred and appointed as Additional Secretary, Food and Supplies Department was given warm send off by the officers of the State Information Department here today.

Appreciating the commendable services rendered by Mr Narinder Singh during his 28 years service career in the Department, the Director of Information, Mr KB Jandial described him most intelligent, soft spoken and a bright officer who has carved out a unique place in the field of Public Relations. He said Mr Singh has contributed tremendously in maintaining the close relations with the press both within and outside the State during his tenure of service.

Reciprocating the sentiments expressed by the officers of the department, Mr Singh expressed his gratitude to the officers of the department for their love and respect and said that he would never forge the long association he had with the department.

He said the expertise and knowledge gained by him during his nearly three decades of services in the department would help him to serve the people in a better and befitting manner. He said he would continue to strive to come up to the expectations of the people while discharging his duties in Food and Supplies Department.

Environment Focus
Increasing slums in Jammu city
- A threat to clean environment

By Gopal Sharma

The scenic beauty and the clean environment of the city of temples is being marred rapidly with the increase in the number of slums in the city. The Jammu Municipality, Jammu Development Authority and the District Administration are equally responsible for the mushrooming growth of the slums in and around Jammu.

Realising the impact of the increasing pollution and threat to the city’s clean environment, the then Administrator, Jammu Municipality Mr Chakraborty had cleared some most effected areas of the posh localities like Gandhi Nagar, Trikuta Nagar and Shastri Nagar and identified a suitable site along the Bypass road, adjoining Gladini for the temporary rehabilitation of the slum dwellers. But thereafter, no other Administrator in the civil Administration cared to pay attention towards the beautification of the city and reduce the increasing environmental threat of this nature.

No doubt, the increase in the number of automobiles, mismanagement in handling the solid wastes, poor sanitation system, deforestation etc. are the major factors for the sharp rise in the pollution level but influx of the labour class from the states like Bihar, Utter Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa to this state has created the rehabilitation problem for the local Administration. For their convenience, these labourers select any vacant land/ plot near Railway station, bus stand, inner localities and raise their temporary structures.

It’s also hard fact that these people excrete in the open as there is no proper community latrines constructed by the concerned authorities. The solid wastes and other garbage is thrown by them in the open and it pollutes the surrounding environment.

The Government has no clear policy for the development of the slum areas and providing facilities to these people. They are even deprived of their fundamental rights. As per the Article 370 these people can not purchase a piece of land for the permanent rehabilitation of these labourers. Huge vacant land near Medical College and its hostel in Bakshinagar and adjoining Reshamghar has been encroached upon by the slum dwellers. They have contributed a lot in polluting the atmosphere. The State Pollution Control Board and the Department of Environment and Remote Sensing have no plans to create awareness among these people or to organise some community awareness programmes for the slum dwellers. Unhygienic atmosphere has also given open invitation to

Administrator Jammu Municipality Dr Pawan Kotwal however, when contacted disclosed that under National Slum Development Scheme, the funds are being provided for the welfare of these people by the Central Government. In Jammu also, some slums have been notified where development works of different nature have been taken up.

Giving some figures he said funds to the tune of Rs 128 lakhs were spent under NSDP scheme in Jammu. Lanes, drains and community latrines in some areas were constructed but there is no such scheme to rehabilitate these labourers outside the city. He said most of the people of this class prefer to stay within the city areas. Under Low Cost Sanitation scheme, some works have also been carried in Jammu slums by the Sulabh International under the supervision of Jammu Municipality.

He further disclosed that so far 300 low cost latrines have been constructed by the Sulabh International in some localities here during current financial year and 450 would be completed soon. Regarding a question on the rehabilitation of some slum dwellers in Bypass road area and Upper Gorkh Nagar, Dr Kotwal expressed that he had no idea about the rehabilitation of the members of this class in Bypass area. But such a plan can be discussed at high level.

In response to another question he said providing drinking water and electricity facilities are the costly options. These facilities should be ensured by the concerned departments as the funds sanctioned under NSDP are not sufficient. He also maintained that during winter season more attention is given to these localities. But this problem is more in the big cities of the country.

Mian Altaf conducts surprise inspection
of Health Institutions

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Sept 2: The Minister for Health and Medical Education Mian Altaf Ahmad paid a surprise visit to SMHS Hospital, Mental Hospital and Jawaher Lal Nehru Memorial Hospital here this morning and took stock of the facilities being provided both indoor and outdoor patients. The Principal Medical College, Srinagar accompanied the Minister.

During his visit to OPD in SMHS Hospital, the Minister found all the Doctors including Associate Professors and para medical staff of different faculties absent from duty. The Minister took a serious note of it and asked the Principal of Medical College to initiate disciplinary action against all the absentees. He also ordered it should be made compulsory for all the Doctors and para medical staff to be in uniform while on duty.

The Health Minister also inspected the site where spiral CT Scan already procured, is being installed in the Hospital Complex. He announced that MRI facilities will be made available in Government Medical College here shortly diagnosing facilities of patients. He also inspected the oxygen concentrator plant, which is being installed in the hospital at a cost of Rs 90 lakhs.

The Minister reminded the Doctors about their duties and responsibility towards the patients. He cautioned that any lapse in discharging their professional duty will be viewed seriously and stern action taken against the errants.

The Minister while interacting with patients said that Government was making all possible endeavours to provide modern diagnostic facilities to the patients within the State. He laid stress for keeping the environs in and around the hospitals neat and clean as it was of paramount importance for speedy recovery of the patients.

Government committed to Save Wildlife:Peerzada

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Sept 2: Government is committed to conserve and develop available wildlife in the hilly areas of Jammu and Kashmir State including the world famous National Park Dachigam.

This was stated by the Forest and Environment Minister Peerzada Ghulam Ahmed while releasing a 13 years brown bear from a narrow and closure into an additional moderns and vast closure at National Park Dachigam here today. The Minister said that this closure was constructed by the wildlife protection department at a cost of over Rs 1 lakh. This most moderns closure have all eminities and facilities for the health growth of wildlife.

Addressing on the occasion, the Minister said that the closure will be an added source of attraction for the tourists and others who visit National Park Dachigam. He impressed upon the officers to save the wildlife and initiate measures for its further development which is the need of the hour. He also appreciated the role of the stock of the wildlife protection department. He also asked them to be more faithful and loyal towards their duties for the wildlife.

While reviewing the performance of the department the Chief Wildlife warden apprised the Minister about the available number of wildlife of various speeches of this National Park. These includes 470 hangules, 10 leapords and a 13 year brown bear besides a number of other speeches of wildlife.

Later, the students of a private High School of district Pulwama who were on excursion in the park were shown a film about the different speeches of wildlife available in the National Park of Dachigam. They were later presented a light refreshment by the department.

The employees of wildlife putforth their demands to the Minister on the occasion. The Minister gave a patient hearing and assured them that their genuine demands will be considered sympathetically.

Those who were present on the occasion included: Ex-MLC and district President National Conference, Kupwara, Mr Mohammad Sultan Chief Wildlife Warden, Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu, Director General Forests Protection Force and other senior officers of the department.

22 female teachers resign en-masse against atrocities

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 2: In a bizarre incident, 22 female teachers out of a total of 32, serving in the Luthra Public School (Day Boarding), Talab Tillo in Jammu resigned en-masse from their job after the allegations of ‘mental torture’ by the management.

These teachers after submitting their resignations, straightway landed up in the EXCELSIOR office in a deputation and narrated their tale of woe. Victimised and harassed female teachers were shovering thousands of curses on the school management for their attitude and behavior. They disclosed that despite their ‘dedicated and sincere’ service, they were given only false assurances from the management about the enhancement in salary, appointment letters etc.

"At the time of our appointment in April this year, the management had promised to enhance our salaries, but they instead of giving us the increments, started deducting the CP Fund from meager salaries of Rs 800."

These young teachers who are graduate, post-graduate and even possess B.Ed. and MCA degrees were being allegeldy exploited by the Management. They further said that instead of the two months trial, they worked for five months silently. And it was only on yesterday that these teachers approached the Principal and asked her to enhance their salary within 15 days, but instead of pacifying them, the Management directed them to leave the school immediately and refused to make the commitment.

One of the teachers said that when the State Government is stressing on the privatisation of the education, such kind of behaviour of the managements will discourage the highly qualified persons to work for the private institutions. There is no control from the Government on the such institution and the Managements are committing excesses on the teaching community. Another said that there should an authority to keep a check on the activities of these institutions and must fix the grades for the private school teachers as per their qualifications.

They further alleged that some of the teachers, who were called during summer vacations in July for special classes for 8th, 9th and 10th standard, were not given salary by the management.

The teachers claimed that the students and parents have extended full support to them.

‘Government sponsored conversions going unabated’
Fundamentalists want to convert Ladakh into a ‘launching-pad’ for Islamisation: Samphel

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 2: Expressing grave concern over increasing militant activities in the Ladakh region, president of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), Mr Tsering Samphel today said that Buddhists were the next target of the pan-Islamic groups to eliminate all ethnic minorities from the State.

In an exclusive interview with EXCELSIOR, Mr Samphel revealed that Ladakh has now become the centre of international conspiracy hatched by the Islamic fundamentalists to change demography of this region.

"The on-going militancy in the Kashmir is neither for Azadi nor for merger with Pakistan. It is rather a part of the deep rooted conspiracy to dismantle Northern Frontier of the country", LBA leader said. He was of the view that pan-Islamic groups want to convert this Himalayan Kingdom into a ‘launching-pad’ for Islamisation.

Mr Samphel expressed his anguish over, what he called, ‘criminal silence’ of the successive Central Governments towards deteriorating conditions in Ladakh region. "Ours is a strategic important region but successive Central Government miserable failed to assess gravity of the prevailing situation in this region", he said and regretted that voice of this peace loving community was always stifled to appease those who have been propagating secession through violence.

Dubbing on going demography change in the Ladakh region as ‘Government sponsored conversion’, Mr Tsering Samphel accused the National Conference Government of aiding and abetting those who indulged in conversation. "Recently 28 Buddhist girls have been converted into Islam", he disclosed and added that Srinagar became sanctuary for all these converted Buddhist girls. He alleged that senior officials in the Government not only giving shelters to these girls even attractive Government jobs were provided to these girls.

LBA leader was of the view that demand of the greater autonomy for the State was also part of the ethnic cleansing conspiracy. "What ISI has been doing with Pakistani money, Farooq Abdullah is doing the same with Central funds", LBA leader alleged.

Launching a scathing attack on those who have termed their agitation as ‘communal’, LBA leader said that it was National Conference which had divided Ladakh into two districts purely on communal line in 1979.

Since 1992, 6 new mosques have been constructed in Buddhist majority Leh, the LBA said, and added that about 540 Muslim families have been settled down so far in Leh. "We have been providing every possible help to our Muslim brethren in Leh but in Kargil, Buddhists denied of even their basic fundamental rights", he said, adding," Muslims brethren not allowed our Gompa to be repaired at Kargil. What to say of other things Buddhists are even not allowed to perform cremation at Kargil".

Giving some glaring examples of the discrimination with Buddhist minority in Kargil district, LBA chief said that in 1997, 24 Patwari were appointed of which only one was Buddhist. " 40 Class IV employees were appointed in the Education Department with only one Buddhist, that too, on his conversation to Islam while all the rest were Muslims", he said.

LBA leader, however, said that Muslims of Kargil have been realising that they were exploited by Kashmiri rulers for their interest.

Giving reasons for their demand of the trifurcation of the State beside a homeland for Kashmir Pandits, LBA leader argued that mind-set of the people of all the three regions was entirely different. "Successive State Governments have meted out step-motherly treatment with Jammu and Ladakh regions and these regions virtually became colonies of Kashmir", he said and added that trifurcation was the only and lasting solution of problems of the State. "Division of the State into three parts is the only way to get the people of Jammu and Ladakh rid from the yoke of cruel Kashmiri rulers", he said.

He argued that after trifurcation militancy would be confined only to a very small part of the State. "The entire Ladakh region, constituting an area of 69.6 percent of the State and Jammu region are deadly against militancy and insurgency", he said and added that after trifurcation Centre would has to deal with militancy in Valley only, that too in some pockets.

LBA chief was of the view that trifurcation would give a change to the Indian Government to depict real picture of Jammu and Kashmir at international fora.

Giving another argument for division of State, Mr Samphel said that ethnic minorities in the State have been facing threat of vanishing due to the cruel domination of the Kashmiri rulers and division of the State would give them a chance to protect their lives and save their cultural identities.

Strongly supporting separate Home Land demand displaced Kashmir Pandits, Mr Samphel said that Pandits were the son of the soil and they have every right to raise demand for their safe and secure area.

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