Thefts on rise in Sainik Colony
Innocents victimised as cops fail to nab thieves

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 3: Innocents are being victimised and harassed as the local police has virtually failed to arrest the burglars operating in Sainik Colony area.

Despite public demand to post a young, effective and dedicated police officer in Sainik Colony Police station to contain the increasing incidents of thefts by ensuring effective policing, the senior officials in the Police Administration seem to be sleeping over the matter. The incident of attack on Major Pritam Singh by burglars and looting of gold and cash from his residence yesterday, is an eye opener for the Jammu police.

But the most shameful and unwarranted act on the part of ASI Chib and Head Constable —Booty Singh of Sainik Colony police station came to light on Saturday when they illegally confined 21-year-old innocent youth—Raman Singh, son of Rajinder Singh Slathia, who happens to be the nephew of SSP, G S Slathia.

The youth had gone to see his relatives in Sector D of the Sainik Colony and was holding a transmitter and some other belongings. It was at around 11 AM when the two cops namely Booty and his accomplices intercepted the boy near the bridge in Colony and asked him to follow them to police station. As the boy inquired about the reason to do so and resisted, the cops showered abuses and dragged him to the police station and started beating. His transmitter valuing over Rs 10,000 was also damaged.

Sensing more trouble, the innocent youth asked cops to contact his father on telephone who works in SMGS hospital at senior position and verify his credentials but the cops refused his request. He also disclosed that he was related to Mr G S Slathia (SSP) and they can inquire even from him but the cops were not in mood to listen to and decided to implicate the boy in theft cases as they had discovered a soft target.

The matter came to the notice of a few passers-by who contacted the police station and asked to listen to the request of the boy. With their persuation, the cops contacted the house No. 362 in Sector D where a women attended the call. The women alongwith some residents came to the station at around 3 PM and showered abuses on the cops for their act, the youth was let off thereafter.

The concerned police officer Mr Chib when contacted flatly refused the high-handedness shown by cops and claimed that boy had been picked up as suspect and was released immediately.

However, the residents of Sainik Colony have strongly condemned this police high-handedness and demanded stern action against the cops responsible for the act. They have also demanded posting of new honest and dedicated police officer.

They alleged that during night most of cops of this station prefer to organise nakas on the National Highway to generate easy money from the truckers and hardly carry patrolling in interior areas of colony. The neglect on their part and lure for money is the simple reason of increase in the cases of thefts, they alleged.

PKM holds meeting

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 3: The Panun Kashmir Movement (PKM) today urged the Kashmiri Pandits to join the on-going struggle for their rights.

According to press release, a meeting of the Movement was held. Mr Upender Koul, organising secretary PKM conducted the meeting which was addressed by Mr P K Bhan and Kamal Bagati.

Mr R K Raina, vice-president of All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) while addressing congratulated the members of the community for their positive response to the Kashmir Pandit Representative Assembly. He said that the Kashmiri Pandit community has evolved a strong and genuine political agenda for its survival as a community. He said that there is only one solution to all the problems of the community and that is the creation of separate homeland with state status in the Valley for all seven lakh Kashmiri Pandits. He said that in this context, all frontal organisations need to sit together and make a common strategy to achieve the cherished goal.

In his concluding remarks, Mr Ashwani Chrungoo, president PKM gave an analysis of the current political scenario. He said that the Kashmiri Pandits need to have political powers in the Homeland in Kashmir which is the only guarantee for the community’s secured future. The political demand of the community is based on sound background of the history and current political context. The community which had to face several exodus in the past and has undergone a traumatic experience of exile several times cannot allow itself to become guinea pigs again. They cannot live in a theatre of war in Kashmir. He declared that the Kashmiri Pandits cannot accept a society which is communalised, obscurantist, intolerant and medieval.

Referring to the so-called return package of the J&K Government, he said that the Kashmir Pandit community cannot submit to any authority in the State which does not recognise their right to life, equality, faith and protection against apartheid.

Rishi Panchmi celebrated

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 3: Rishi Panchmi was celebrated with usual fervour and gaiety in Amar Adyatmik Shakhti Sadhna Ashram, Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu here today.

The founder and the patron of the Ashram, Swami Moti Lal Ji Bramchari graced the occasion who is also the disciple of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ji.

While delivering the Vidhantie sermons before a large number of devotees in the temple Swami Ji said that Puranas, Upanishads, Tantrick lore and Vedas have desseminated from times immemorial the realistic philosophy of life to the human beings all over the world. Swami Ji said that today's world was manifested with a number of ailments concerning mind and physique. The reason behind all these troubles was stress and strain of modern life smothered in science and technology.

Swami Ji said that the only way to getrid of worldly tritures and strain was to concentrate on His name. He said that yoga and meditation were best medicines for mental ailments. He said that if somebody wants to get blessed with the divine grace of Mahashakti he or she has to concentrate on non-dualistic of Almighty. He said that it was very astonishing that present generation is moving away from the transcedental meditation and Adhyatimic Sadhana which was highly imperative for mental meditation peace and worldly ecstasy. He called upon the people to stick to the principles of Vidhant and Sanathan Dharma so that their lives become prosperous and contended.

Swami Ji was born on Bhadun Shakul Panchami Samvat 5001 in a middle class Kashmiri Pandit family in Tanki Pora (Zaindar Mohalla), Srinagar. After schooling from Kashmir Swami Ji commanded a good knowledge of spiritualism and yoga. In the quest of a real Guru Swami Ji came in contact with one of the famous master of Shakti upasana Thatha Ji who was well versed in Tantrik lore, astrology and mysticism. Tatha Ji initiated Swami Ji to Chandi upasana and Kundalni yoga. Since then Swami Ji has been blessed with divine power of Mahashakti.

Swami Lal Ji has spend a number of years in Reshi Kesh with the holy company of saints, yogis, Tantriks, Sidhas and religious teachers. One of the major contribution of Swami Lal Ji is in the field of Yog Asna and Maha Rudra Abhisheikh. In Kashmir Swami Ji has spread message of Bhagwat Geeta, meditation, Chandi prayer, Maha Gaytri and scientific importance of yagnas.

Lala Ji as he is called by all his disciples used to come to Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu since 1973 and after the migration of Kashmiri Pandits started the work at Pushp Pati temple, Sarwal, Jammu. After that in 1992 this ashram at Bhagwati Nagar was established.

On the occasion Puja Archna, Bhajan Kertan and yogna were also performed. A Bhandara was also arranged on the occassion. The function was attended by a large number of devotees irrespective of cast, creed and religion who had thronged the temple from different parts of this State.

VHP, Bajrang Dal hold anti-Pak rally

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 3: An anti-Pak and anti-Farooq rally was organised by about a large number of workers of Vishav Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal under the leadership of Mr Surinder Sharma, which was taken out from Janipur Chowk to village Aghore.

As per a release rallyists boarding on scooters, tractors and mini buses passed through Kot Bhalwal, where transmission towers were blasted by militants a couple of days ago. The rally was flagged off by senior vice president of BJP Mr Chander Mohan Sharma from Janipur Chowk, who while addressing described the rally as a warning to the anti-national and subversive elements to stop their nefarious designs as also to the NC Government to shun the callous attitude towards militancy. At Aghore the rally culminated again into a demonstration in which state secretary of BJP Mr Surinder Sharma while addressing said that the rally was aimed at enthusing confidence and determination amongst the masses to resist militancy and separatist movements. Others who spoke included Messrs Onkar Arora, Shree Kerni, Karam Singh, Shubh Kumar and Rajinder Singh Raju.

Free medical camp at Sarthal organised

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 3: "Sarthal Welfare Committee’’ in pursuance of its objectives organised a "Free Medical Camp" at village Sarthal of tehsil Kishtwar, district Doda.

The camp was organised especially during the religions functions and ceremonies popularly known as "Magha Yatra" at Sarthal Devi Shrine, when people from far flung areas come to attend the festival.

The camp was organised with the help of Medical Department, which was inaugurated by the Block Medical Officer, Kishtwar. The team of doctors include Dr Ajay Gupta, Dr Rajesh Kotwal, Dr Ravinder Thakur and Dr Meenakshi Kotwal. The paramedical staff includes Shokat Ali Bhatt, Des Raj Bhandari, Ghulam Rasool, Inderjeet Kotwal, Aftab Ahmed, Mohd Ashraf and Abdul Wahid.

In the camp 270 patients were treated and given free medicines for various ailments and diseases.

In addition, various age group children were provided with immunisation treatment. Iron capsules were also distributed among school children and emergency drugs distributed for yatris on spot.

The president of Sarthal Welfare Committee Ashok Sharma along with other members received the doctors team at village Sarthal and on the successful conclusion of the camp gave the vote of thanks to the Director, Health Services, Jammu and the team of doctors and paramedical staff for lending their support.

Birbal Singh installed as president of Rotary Club Jammu Cantt

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 3: Mr Birbal Singh has been installed as president of the Rotary Club, Jammu Cantt for the year 2000-01.

In an impressive installation and Governor’s official visit function held last night, Mr Birbal Singh was installed as president of the Rotary Club Jammu Cantt for the year 2000-01. Mr Arun Jain, District Governor was the chief guest on the occasion.

The newly installed president while speaking on the occasion announced his team for the year 2000-01 which included Messrs Suraj Parkash Samnotra, secretary, Nitin Khanna, senior vice-president, Surinder Sharma, vice-president, Arun Arya, joint-secretary, Romesh Gulati, financial secretary and Surinder Gupta, Sergeant At Arms.

The Board of Directors are Messrs, Gurdev Singh, club services, Kuldeep Raj Gupta, community service, Samsher Singh, international service, P R Goel, vocational service, H S Dua, director youth services, Nishit Gupta, chairman membership development, Surinder Gupta, chairman rotary foundation, R K Mahajan, chairman pulse polio and P P Kavinder Gupta, chairman Rotract.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Birbal Singh assured that he and his team will put their best efforts to carry the name of Rotary Club Jammu Cantt to further heights. He thanked Mr R K Mahajan, District Director RI District 3070 for motivating him and assured him for extending all possible help and cooperation to run the club smoothly.

He pledged to work for the commitment towards the slogan given by Rotary International President Frank J Devlyn—create awareness, take action and said that he will leave no stone unturned to serve the Club and to complete the unfinished works. He also lauded the sincere efforts of the outgoing president Mr R K Mahajan and his team who took keen interest in the promotion of the objects of Rotary.

Earlier, Mr R K Mahajan, the outgoing president read out the annual report of the club under whose leadership the club scaled new heights. He informed the District Governor that during his tenure four orphan children of Railway High School were adopted, more than 200 saplings of various varieties of species were planted, free check-up, pulse polio and Hepatitis-B immunization camps were organised, sewing machines were distributed, painting competition in collaboration with Inner Wheel was organised, lectures on breast feeding were also delivered by the prominent doctors.

Later, the DG put collar on the newly installed president and outgoing president and secretary exchanged seats with the incoming president and secretary as a mark of symbolic of the exchange of duties.

The DG also presented appreciation awards to the Rotarians and the non-Rotarians who helped in the successful completion of various projects. The appreciation awards were given to Surinder Sharma, Nitin Khanna, Kavinder Gupta, Suraj Samnotra, Nishit Gupta, Naresh Nishil, Arun Arya, Birbal Singh and Kuldeep Raj Gupta etc,

The DG in his address appreciated the services rendered by the outgoing president and his team and hoped that the newly installed president will work with great zeal and dedication to redress problems, spread awareness and to build a foundation for a better world.

Mr G S Bawa, District Secretary, Mr P K Mahajan, Zonal Chairman and presidents of Rotary Club, Samba, Gangyal, Jammu Tawi were also present on the occasion.

Tibetans should agree on autonomy under China: Jeth Malani

From Tashi Morup

LEH, Sept 3: Inclusion of Bhoti language in the eighth schedule of the Indian Constitution; declaration of entire Himalayan belt as a peace zone; removal of Chinese population from Tibet in case the autonomy as per Dalai Lama’s demand is granted to the Tibetans were some of the resolutions made at the end of a two-day seminar on Bhoti language and Indo-Tibetan Relation at SOS Auditorium, Choglamsar, Leh today.

The second-day conference focussed on Indo-Tibetan relations witnessed a thunderous speech by former Union Minister and an eminent lawyer Ram Jeth Malani, who is presently a Member of Parliament. Speaking to a large gathering including Tibetan refugees and others, he insisted to look elsewhere for Tibetan demands instead of expecting any assistance from India.

Tibet lost its sovereignty due to India’s looking away, said Mr Malani while illustrating how Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, then Prime Minister of India, let the debate go on the Chinese aggression on Tibet, which has now ripened into de-facto recognition of Chinese sovereignty over the Tibet, ignoring its international personality of its own. He recalled how at a conference in 1946 Tibetan flag was flying high alongwith Chinese and Indian flags. Mr Malani told that now it is in the best of their interest that Tibetans should agree on Dalai Lama’s demand of autonomy while recognising the sovereignty of China.

Acknowledging the India’s weaknesses in the Tibetan issue, Mr Malani specified how China managed to keep India in ignorance, through the period of 1954 to 1962, about their intrusions on the borders under the garb of the popular catchword ‘Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai’. After the Chinese occupation of a large portion of land on the borders in 1962. India passed a resolution in the Parliament unanimously saying, I will not sleep till the last inch of mother India is taken back from China. However, till today not an inch has been recaptured. He also complaint about Pandit Nehru’s endorsement of Chinese membership in the Security Council.

Sahitya Academy award winner Tashi Rabgais emphasised on forming a solid policy on Tibet by Government of India. And Manoj Kumar, a researcher from Jawaharlal Nehru University specified about the human right violations in Tibet under the Chinese regime, Nuclear dumping by China in Tibetan lands and fee charging at Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, occupied by Chine. Riaz Ahmed, in his ardent speech assured his devotion in the cause Tibetan freedom while appreciating the respect enjoyed by a small community of Muslims in Tibet.

Karma Singhe, Dalai Lama’s representative to Ladakh reminded the statement of Ram Manohar Luhia, who termed Chinese invasion on India as a ‘baby murder’. Vice President of Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Leh, Kunzang Rinchen while assuring their full support to Dalai Lama’s five point program on Tibetan Autonomy said, if circumstance arise Tibetan youth would not hesitate to take up to arm-struggle. Today, in Tibet there ae 7.5 million Chinese while Tibetan population is mere 6 million which indicates the large-scale transfer of Chinese population in Tibet.

Earlier Professor Krishna Nath from Kashi Vidyapith University, appealed to make the Himalayan zone in an area of peace. Ironically, he added, presently this zone has become, probably, the most militarised area in the world. He suggested giving this zone the status of ‘Guaranteed Neutrality’ in the lines of Alps Mountains in Switzerland, which enjoys this status of complete protection by entire European civilization.

Samooh Theatre organises workshop for children

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 3: Samooh Theatre organised a children theatre workshop in New Era Environment High School, Jammu. About 25 students of the school participated in the workshop.

According to a press release, during the workshop the theatre experts trained the trainees in various theatre games, techniques and other elements of theatre.

The aim of the workshop was to train and develop various communication skills as well as to educate the students through non-formal education. The students were educated through this education system about the evils faced by the modern society besides the participants were made aware to know their glorious cultural heritage of India as well as values more closely.

An improvised play Natak Dekho Bhaiya against the hazardous and pollution was staged on the concluding day of the workshop. The play highlighted the plight of modern cities of India in 21st century as is known to every body due to increasing pollution of air, water and noise our cities are loosing their erst-while charm.

The workshop began on August first and was concluded on September 2000. The workshop was conducted under the supervision of Sudhir Mahajan, the director of the Samooh Theatre. Mr Satish Dafara and Monika Khurana assisted Mr Mahajan. The students who participated in the workshop included Nupur, Piyush Mahajan, Rahul Mahajan, Rahul Kohli, Supriya, Rajni Jain, Neha, Parvinder Kour, Richa, Soham, Swati, Shifali, Archu, Aashish, Nitin, Shilpa, Gagandeep Singh, Anil Gupta, Anchit Pandoh, Ricky Dabgotra, Rohit Baru, Rakshit, Pulkit Jain, Sahil Mengi and Mayank Sharma.

Principal of the School, Mrs Prabha Jain distributed certificates among the participants.

Patwari acquitted from corruption charges

Excelsior Legal Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 3: Special Judge Anti-Corruption Jammu, Vikas Kant Gupta has acquitted then Patwari, Nath Ji Pandit from the charges of corruption, with the observation that the prosecution case was extremely doubtful and benefits whereof goes to the accused.

The Judge observed that the counsel appearing for the accused, argued that none of the prosecution witness supported the prosecution case either taking of illegal gratification by the accused or changing the pages of mutation register. He further argued that even the Investigation Officer has not been able to say as to who had changed the pages of the mutation register. "The other witnesses had become hostile. So far as the evidence of the expert was concerned, he had stated that the alleged changed pages of the mutation register did not belong to that register, but he didn’t give any reason for saying so", it was observed with the further findings that the expert evidence was quite week that made the prosecution case extremely doubtful.

According to the case, Mohammed Muzafar Shah, the then Naib Tehsildar (who died during the trial) and then Patwari Nath Ji Pandit of Halqa Malwari Handwara had attested mutation of the immovable property belonging to one Maqbool Khan, in favour of Mrs Khatji—a divorcee of Khan after accepting the illegal gratification from her brother Karim Wani.

An application was filed before Assistant Commissioner Handwara on January 6, 1982 by Mrs Misra and others regarding the wrong attestation of mutation in favour of Khatji. The then Naib Tehsildar Langet, Muzzafar Shah muted the property of Maqbool Khan in favour Mrs Shah Bibi, when the whole property was in possession of Misra and Abdul Rehman Shah.

The Naib Tehsildar and Patwari were accused of accepting rupees 5,00 as bribe from Rehman Shah, but despite that he attested the mutation in favour of Shah Bibi.

The case was challaned in the Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption Srinagar, which was transferred by order of High Court to Jammu. After considering the evidence of the case, the Court here acquitted Nath Ji Pandit from the charges.

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