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Govt. for
strict action against jihadis From B L Kak NEW DELHI, Sept. 7: A sensational piece of information has set the Union Home Ministry in motion, necessitating it to put on alert the security agencies in vulnerable areas, particularly Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, UP and Bihar, against the danger inherent in the re-structured strategy of Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI). And the information obtained through various elements and channels is said to be specific: SIMI’s new plans are meant to trigger bomb blasts in various parts of the country. The plans, according to intelligence sources, will also cover certain parts in the North-Eastern region, particularly Assam, where three Muslim militant outfits have already been reported to have established close contacts with the SIMI. Students Islamic Movement of India is, apparently, for a full-blown jehad against Hindus. And the Union Home Ministry has already received reports about the distribution of inflammatory material by SIMI in a clandestine manner. SIMI’s modus operandi was raised in the Rajya Sabha on July 26 this year by Mr K Kalavenkata Rao during question hour. Mr Rao had enquired if the SIMI had started preparing Indian Muslims for a full-blown jehad against Hindus and if provocative posters, cassettes and other publicity material in Urdu language were being circulated in a clandestine manner. In his reply, the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Mr ID Swami, while referring to the distribution of publicity material by the organisation, had stated that the activities of all such organisations having a bearing on maintenance of communal harmony in the country "are under constant watch of law enforcement agencies and requisite legal action is taken, where necessary". The situation has taken a different turn now, with the discovery of "strong" links between SIMI and Pakistan-aided Hizbul Mujahideen. Even as activists and loyalists of SIMI have, in recent months, chosen to focus their attention and energy on various parts of Uttar Pradesh, SIMI has managed to create its bases in several other States, including Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Assam. The Aligarh-based think-tank of SIMI is reportedly playing a "crucial" role in augmenting the number of madrassas not only close to the Indo-Nepal border but also in a number of border areas in the western sector, as well as in the southern States. And the Hizbul Mujahideen has been charged with providing not only material support but also training to the activists of SIMI. A top security official told EXCELSIOR that several Kashmiri militants had already imparted training to a large number of SIMI activists in the use of grenades and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Following the arrest of Abdul Mobin and Maroof Ahmed, two "important" Kashmiri extremists who had entrenched themselves in the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) have gone underground. These two Kashmiri Muslims, the official stated, had played a significant role in the past two years or so in revitalising the Aligarh unit of SIMI and also in ensuring the widening of SIMI’s area of operations outside UP. One of the Kashmiris, said to be a PhD student, was the brain behind the establishment of an ISI module in Aligarh. He also played a significant role in selling, without any fanfare, the Pakistani ISI’s idea favouring SIMI’s platform and protection to different Sikh extremists. According to intelligence reports, SIMI has already infiltrated into several educational institutions in Jammu and Kashmir, including the Srinagar-based Kashmir University. The UP police authorities have informed the Union Home Ministry that the captured militants, namely, Abdul Mobin and Maroof Ahmed, had, during their interrogation, made some sensational disclosures about SIMI’s involvement in a series of explosions between March and August this year and in attempts to infiltrate into communally-sensitive sectors of the country. |
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MH employee held for links
with militants Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Sept 7: Romeo Force averted a tragedy by detecting and defusing a powerful 10 kg RDX filled Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at Fatehpur, near here early this morning and busted a militants’ hideout at village Mithyani Gala in Kalakote tehsil of this district. In another incident, Romeo Force sleuths arrested an employee of Military Hospital, Surankote for his links with Pakistan-sponsored militants and recovered 5 kg RDX and other explosives from his house. According to a Defence spokesman, a Road Opening Party (ROP) of Thanna Mandi Brigade under Romeo Force detected a pressure cooker and a jug planted under Fatehpur bridge during their routine patrolling in Fatehpur at 0700 hours. Troops immediately sealed the entire area and suspended movement of vehicles as well as civilians on the bridge. A Bomb Disposal Squad was rushed to the spot which defused the powerful IED after about 40 minutes operation and averted what could have been a major catastrophe. The militants’ plan to blow up the bridge at the time of a passenger vehicle’s movement was thwarted by alert troops, the spokesman said. On inspection, troops found that IED was containing 10 kg RDX and was trigger actuated. A search has been launched in the area to nab the militants involved in planting powerful explosive device. Local people appreciated the army’s timely action which prevented a number of civilian casualties. Meanwhile, based on a specific information about the movement of militants, army personnel of Surankote Sector (Rashtriya Rifles) under Romeo Force raided the house of one Mohd Kalu Khan in Surankote in the early hours of this morning and arrested him. Kalu Khan was employed as a washerman in Military Hospital, Surankote. His house was subjected to searches. Five kg RDX and two hand grenades, hidden in a secret shelf building inside the wall, were recovered from the house. Kalu Khan was subjected to interrogation by army and later handed over to local police for further investigations. Reports said that Kalu Khan’s house used to be frequented by the militants as a shelter house. His interrogation could lead to vital disclosures. The Border Security Force (BSF) jawans raided and smashed a hideout of the militants in Mithyani village of Kalakote tehsil early today. Recoveries made from the hideout include one Icom radio set, two hand grenades, 10 rounds of AK ammunition, one detonator, six pencil cells and incriminating propaganda material. After smashing the hideout, troops started a massive search operation to track down the militants. However, no arrest has been made so far. |
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Oil prices hit 10-year high on world markets NEW YORK, Sept 7: Oil prices hit a 10-year high on leading world markets amid skepticism that oil producers would be willing or able to raise production quotas enough to ease the pain for Western consumers. The price of light sweet crude jumped 1.07 dollar a barrel here yesterday to 34.90 dollars a barrel, which brought the cost of oil close to the level where it was following the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. On Tuesday, the price of light sweet crude stood at 33.83 dollars a barrel. Pessimism among market analysts increased even more yesterday, when Hector Ciavaldini, president of state-run company Petroleos De Venezuela, said here that his Government saw no need for increased production by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). "We don’t see any need for opening any more," said Ciavaldini, whose country is to host an OPEC summit later in the month. "There is a balance in offer and demand and we are surprised that prices go high," he added. In London, oil prices continued their climb, as European pleas for OPEC to increase its oil production did little to calm the markets. The North Sea Brent reference crude for October delivery soared to 33.55 dollars a barrel in afternoon trading, before easing slightly to 33.50 dollars a barrel. That was still significantly higher than its Tuesday closing value of 32.98 dollars. (AFP) |
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CBI question Kapil in a run up
to submission NEW DELHI, Sept 7: CBI today finally questioned the cricketing icon Kapil Dev on the alleged charge of bribing for match-fixing prior to its submission of an interim report on the scandal. Kapil Dev arrived at the CBI headquarters this afternoon and was questioned by the sleuths of the agency’s special Crime Branch for over one and a half hours. He was questioned over the charges levelled by former all-rounder Manoj Prabhakar that the former skipper had offered him bribe of Rs 25 lakh to underperform in a one-dayer against Pakistan in 1994. His questioning was also needed after recording a statement of former skipper Ravi Shastri, who is the only person who corroborated Prabhakar’s claim that he had confided in him following the alleged offer. Shastri had reportedly told a website immediately after Prabhakar went public with his allegation that he was approached by Prabhakar and was briefed about the alleged offer for underperforming in the match. Kapil Dev, who was the 16th cricket-related person and possibly the last one to have been questioned by the agency, told reporters after coming out that he was very happy and relieved after recording his statement. "I am very happy and probably I will be able to sleep properly tonight," said a beaming Kapil. The former skipper said he was waiting for the report to be submitted to the Government. Kapil Dev, who is among the last of cricketers to depose to the agency before it submits its interim report to Sports Minister S S Dhindsa, said CBI should now submit "its report quickly so that truth is unveiled". Kapil Dev, who led the Indian team to glory winning the 1983 World Cup, said "I will be the happiest person after the report comes out." He also appealed to the press to allow the agency to complete its investigations. About his statement before the agency, Kapil Dev said "I have told them whatever I knew and they have understood my position very well." Later, CBI spokesman S M Khan told reporters that the agency had completed summoning of cricket players and would be submitting the report by the end of this month. "As things appear now, the agency would not be calling any more persons for deposition," Khan said. He even ruled out questioning again of any of the persons summoned earlier by the agency. "As of now, we are very much through with our report and need no more information," he said. Khan said the future course of action of whether the agency would go further and file a chargesheet in the case could be decided only after submission of the report to the Government. Kapil Dev, whose premises were raided by income tax autho-rities on July 20 during a nationwide swoop on cricketers, administrators and bookies, was questioned by the agency’s Special Crime Branch and no income tax officials were present, Khan added. The ace all-rounder, who has been denying all charges levelled by Prabhakar, has also received implicit support from former team Manager Ajit Wadekar, wicketkeeper Nayan Mongia, batsman Navjot Sidhu and bowler Prashant Vadiya, named by Prabhakar as witnesses to a commotion between him and Kapil Dev over the alleged bribe offer. Besides Kapil Dev, CBI has so far recorded statements of 15 cricket-related persons including BCCI president A C Muthiah, secretary Jaywant Lele, treasurer Kishore Rungta, Delhi Cricket Association Sports Secretary Sunil Dev, former BCCI president I S Bindra, Ajit Wadekar, cricketers Manoj Prabhakar, Mohammed Azharuddin, Navjot Sidhu, Nayan Mongia, Ajay Jadeja, Prashant Vaidya and Nikhil Chopra besides some alleged bookies including Mukesh Gupta. (PTI) |
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NEW YORK, Sept 7: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee arrived here today after a long and gruelling journey dismissing recent speculation about his health. "I am feeling fine," responded Vajpayee laughing away questions from accompanying reporters as the special Air India aircraft touched down at the JFK International Airport here. As he overflew Pakistan, Vajpayee sent the customary message of greetings to the country’s military ruler from his aircraft conveying his best wishes for the progress and well-being of the people of Pakistan. The message was simply addressed to Pervez Musharraf, Islamabad, without mentioning his curious title the military ruler has given himself—Chief Executive. Vajpayee’s message to leader of other countries he overflew mentioned the offices they held. Gen Musharraf is already in New York but a meeting between the two is unlikely. The Prime Minister is scheduled to address the millennium summit of the UN tomorrow where he will outline the hopes of the people of India and their vision for a world order. Asked if he would address the UN summit standing in view of his knee problem, he responded "certainly. I will deliver my speech standing." The Prime Minister arrived in New York after a four-hour stopover in Zurich. Vajpayee, who is on a 13-day visit to the US, will be flying to Washington on September 13 where, apart from holding bilateral talks with President Bill Clinton, he will also address the US Congress. His visit, first by an Indian Prime Minister in six years, assumes political significance as it is widely expected to forge closer bilateral economic ties with focus on infrastructure development, information technology and energy sectors. New Delhi’s concerns over Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism, nuclear issues and UN reforms are likely to figure high on the agenda during his meeting with Clinton on September 15. Vajpayee will have wide-ranging discussions with Clinton and utilise the opportunity to meet US Presidential candidates Al Gore (Democrat) and George Bush (Republican). Notwithstanding his knee problem, Vajpayee has given his nod to a hectic schedule during his long visit except for three days from September 10 when nothing has been lined up as of now. Vajpayee will keep his date with the US business community when he attends the US-India business summit organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry in New York with focus on infrastructure, capital market and financial resources. (PTI) |
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Second outfit to oppose
census SRINAGAR, Sept 7: Less than a week after Hizbul Mujahideen opposed the census in Jammu and Kashmir, another Pakistan-based militant outfit Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) today handed out death threat to 22,000 Government employees detailed for population head-count operation if they joined the exercise. "If any one of the 22,000 Government employees is seen participating in the census operation he or she will be killed without warning", LeT spokesman Abu Ubaid said in a statement. He said the decision to warn the Government employees was taken at a meeting of the command council of the outfit in Srinagar and activists of the outfit have been directed to take action against the Government employees found taking part in the exercise. The warning from LeT came even as Government today allayed apprehensions voiced by former Union Minister Saifuddin Soz about the reliability of the census operation and asserted there was no scope for manipulation to change the demographic pattern of Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, Hizbul Mujahideen renewed its call to call off census saying the time was "not appropriate for such an exercise as a large number of people had migrated to Jammu and other parts of the country. Besides, it alleged, thousands of people have "gone underground" and thousands others were missing." Government has not taken measures for the return of the migrants into the Valley and neither it has taken steps for creating a congenial atmosphere for return of the underground personnel," a statement released by the outfit to the local newspapers this evening said. However, Government has announced it will go ahead with the second and final phase of the census operation in the State from September 11. Preparations to hold the census were reviewed at a high-level meeting on September five and decided to complete the exercise by the month-end as per schedule. In a statement, a spokesman of the Census Department said that while it is a fact that all persons residing in areas on the dates of enumeration at any place are required to be counted but there are specific columns to identify persons, like migrants, from other areas, and or members of the armed forces. The total census figure clearly indicates the number of such persons as migrants, member of the armed forces or labour force, the spokesman said, adding there is no question of migrants or members of the armed forces changing the demographic data of the State. The spokesman said similarly there is no basis whatsoever for any apprehension that persons belonging to any particular community would remain un-enumerated. After completion of the "house-listing" phase of census in June, the entire State has been divided into blocks of 100 to 120 houses which would now be enumerated in detail. In this arrangement, there is no question of any section of population being left out, the spokesman said. He said it was regrettable that Soz, a former Union Minister, has chosen to rush to the press without apparently verifying facts from Director census or any other senior officer. Given the critical importance of census operation for the planned development of our State and well-being of its people, the Government expects that people in general and opinion makers in particular, would play a constructive role in making this important operation successful, the spokesman said. (PTI) |
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Withdrawal of case against
KV Principal Excelsior Legal Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 7: Maintaining that the Principal of Kendriya Vidyalaya is a Public Servant under law, Justice T S Doabia of the State High Court has directed Director General of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to examine as to how the CBI officials here informed the trial court that the Principal does not fall under the definition of Public Servant and accordingly withdrew the prosecution against the official. While allowing the revision petition filed by Assistant Commissioner K V Sangathan, Justice Doabia set aside the order of the Special Judge Anti-Corruption Jammu dated May 31, 1999 whereby he had recorded on the application of CBI that the accused Principal M L Sondhi of KV Jandrah was not a public servant. The Principal was allegedly caught red handed by the sleuths of CBI during a trap while accepting a bribe of Rs 500 for granting admission to a child in the Vidyalaya. When the matter had come up before the Special Judge, the CBI that time submitted an application for withdrawal of the prosecution on the pretext that Principal of KV doesn’t fall under the definition of Public Servant under penal Code. Taking note of the submission, so made by CBI, the Court had accordingly passed the impugned order. The Special Judge had also made observation that the departmental proceedings would also not be held against the respondent on the basis of the application moved by CBI. The CBI, however, preferred a revision petition before the High Court challenging the second part of the order whereby the departmental action was barred by the Special Judge. This revision petition was allowed by the High Court, but the second revision filed by KV Sangathan was not listed alongwith the other revisions of the CBI. Justice Doabia over-ruled the objections raised on the ground that once the revision of CBI has been decided, the second revision would amount to review the order, which was not permissible. The Justice while quoting various judgments, held that the Court has a power where the decision was passed without jurisdiction or in default of appearance or without adjudication on merits. In the present case, no decision was given on merits that was on the question whether the respondent Principal was a Public Servant or not. Justice Doabia held that KV Sangathan has right to invoke the revisional jurisdiction of the Court. He, however, replied in affirmative that the respondent falls within the category of Public Servant under the definition of section 221 of the Penal Code."Any person who is in the service or on the pay role of the Government or is being remunerated by fees or commission in the performance of public duty by the Government, would fall within the definition of Public Servant", the Justice maintained. He observed that the registry would examine as to how two criminal revisions got separated and the report regarding this would be sent to the Chief Justice of J&K High Court. Senior Advocate AV Gupta appeared for the petitioner. H L Bhagotra and K N Bhat represented respondent and CBI respectively. |
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Cong stages walkout in Punjab Assembly CHANDIGARH, Sept 7: The Punjab Vidhan Sabha witnessed two walkouts by the Congress on the concluding day of the present session today against deteriorating law and order in the State and on the demand to refer the Anandpur Sahib resolution to the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC). Leader of the opposition Choudhary Jagjit Singh raised the law and order issue during zero hour alleging that incidents of crime, loot, murder, kidnapping, blasts and police excesses had increased manifold in the State. Alleging that "Jungle Raj" was prevailing in the State, he accused the Parkash Singh Badal Government of failing to control the deteriorating situation. The Congress members walked out of the House raising anti-Government slogans after Speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal refused to allow a debate on the issue on the ground that it was discussed at length yesterday. Congress members again walked out of the House opposing a resolution moved by Ajit Inder Singh Mofar (SAD-Mann) asking the State Government to refer the policy programme drafted by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) at Anandpur Sahib in 1973, with a view to establishing a true federal polity in the country, to the CRC. The Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal was not present in the House due to "ill health." Finance Minister Capt Kanwaljit Singh said the opposition was "incompetent" to raise fresh issues and hence were repeatedly raising same issues. Moving the motion on draft of Anandpur Sahib resolution, Mofar said the demands made in the draft were "very clear" and would not pose any threat to the country. "If this resolution is passed then all Akali factions will be united again," he said, adding the SAD should pass the resolution as its manifesto was based on it. Choudhary Jagjit Singh opposed the draft saying it would give rise to militancy in the State. Manjit Singh Calcutta (SAD), Tota Singh (SAD), Mohan Lal (BJP) and Gurdev Badal (SAD) supported the resolution while it was opposed by Hardev Arshi (CPI). Even as the discussion was in progress Speaker adjourned the House sine die. (PTI) |
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Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Sept 7: A counter insurgent Ikhwani was shot dead by the militants at Kakroosa this morning while another escaped unhurt in the attack. Official sources said unidentified militants fired on two counter insurgents, who were travelling on a scooter, killing one of them on the spot while other survived. Militants escaped after the killing. The deceased has been identified as Gulzar Ahmed Bhat son of Abdul Khaliq, a resident of Gagloosa, Trehgam while the Ikhwani who survived in the firing was Mohd Iqbal Malik son of Ghulam Ahmed of Gundpura, Veligam. |
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NEW DELHI, Sept 7: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) general secretary K N Govindacharya may not find a place in the team of office bearers likely to be finalised shortly by the new party president Bangaru Laxman. As Laxman was giving final touches to his exercise, party sources said Govindacharya may not be taken by the new president in keeping with the incumbent general secretary’s wish not to hold a party post but work for the organisation. Laxman, had held several rounds of consultations with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Home Minister L K Advani, his predecessor Khushabau Thakre and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The new team is likely to retain Venkaiah Naidu and Narendra Modi as general secretaries while inducting Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi to this post, elevating him from secretary. Among those who are likely to be inducted into the team as part of his exercise to have a combination of youth and experience, are Madan Lal Khurana, Krishna Reddy of the Yuva Morcha and Delhi MP Anita Arya, party sources said here. Among others expected to be inducted are Pyarelal Khandelwal, and O P Kohli who was returning officer in the party’s presidential elections. (PTI) |
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Strike & talks can’t go together: Paswan NEW DELHI, Sept 7: Communications Minister Ram Vilas Paswan today termed the ongoing strike of telecom employees against corporatisation as ‘unjust’ and said ‘strike and negotiations cannot go together.’ "While the Government has been so accommodative in sorting out various problems raised by the federations, attitude of the striking federations was totally uncalled for and unfair to customers", Paswan was quoted by an official statement here. "While trade unionism has a place in democracy, it should not forget national interest and cause avoidable inconvenience to customers," Paswan said. He said the current strike was unjust when the Government had taken all measures to secure the welfare of the employees. Paswan charged National Federation of Telecom Employees and Federation of National Telecom Organisations with not responding postively to the invitation extended to them yesterday to sort out the issues. He welcomed the ‘positive attitude’ by the Bharatiya Telecom Employees Federation (BTEF) by calling off the strike last night following an agreement with the Government. As per last night’s agreement, Paswan said, the newly set up corporation would pay Rs 1000 per month on an ad-hoc basis to the employees who will opt for joining the corporation. This amount will be adjusted against new pays scales of public sector units later. He said Government had made contingency measures to meet any eventuality arising out of disruption of network. (PTI) |
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Women asked to use "Purdah" or face bullets on legs SRINAGAR, Sept 7: Pakistan-based militant outfit Lakshar-e-Toiba today warned women in Kashmir that if they do not use "Purdah" (veil) while on streets they would be shot in their legs. "If any woman is found without Purdah, they will be fired on the legs", the command council of LeT said in a statement released to local newspapers. It also warned cable operators in the Valley to stop relaying with immediate effect all channels except BBC, PTV and National Geographic channel, the statement said. (PTI) |
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Militants’ harbourer
nabbed Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 7: Militants kidnapped two shepherds alongwith their cattle from Wali Marg Dhar in Dessa area while troops arrested a militants’ harbourer alongwith explosives from Dashnan area in Doda district. According to police sources, militants abducted two shepherds when they were grazing their cattle in Wali Marg Dhar, about 20 kms from Dessa police station last evening. Militants also took away all sheeps and goats of shepherds. The kidnapped persons were identified as Kapoor Singh of Kastigarh and Soba Ram of Chakdar Jhankot in Doda tehsil. Dessa police station have registered a case of kidnapping and started a search operation to trace out the shepherds. However, the whereabouts of kidnapped persons remained uncertain. Meanwhile, troops of 8 Rashtriya Rifles launched a search operation in Dashnan Dhar in Doda tehsil last night on a tip off that one Mohd Iqbal son of Ahmed Naik, a resident of Dashnan was working as an active harbourer of the militants. Mohd Iqbal’s house was being used as a militants’ den. Troops took Mohd Iqbal by surprise and arrested him from his house before he could escape. His house was subjected to searches from where two hand grenades and 10 rounds of AK-47 rifles were recovered, the sources said. Mohd Iqbal used to provide shelter to Pakistan-trained militants besides helping them in storing arms, ammunition and explosives of the ultras in his house. After questioning, the Rashtriya Rifles personnel handed over him to local police. Police have registered a case against the accused and started investigations against him. |
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Rs 50 lakh misappropriated Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 7: State Vigilance Organisation has registered a case against the officials of District Kargil for misappropriation of public funds and misuse of official position during the execution of Rs 50 lakh Employment Assurance Scheme (EAS). The Vigilance press note said that a complaint was received alleging that rupees 50 lakh allotted under EAS were not properly utilised and the funds had been misappropriated after hatching a criminal conspiracy. It was shown during the enquiry that Rs 50 lakh were shown to have been spent in the execution of afforestation related works. However, the whole amount had not been accounted for by the executant to the authorised and concerned officials .Further, most of the works shown were either non-existent on the ground or at some places only five to 10 percent of the work had been done and the payment made for the whole work. The release said that a formal FIR has been registered and the direct and indirect involvement of district level officers cannot be ruled out. Meanwhile, the Court of the Special Judge Anti-Corruption Kashmir has framed charges against Mohd Amin Wani, the then Additional General Manager, Central Cooperative Bank Baramulla. The accused was found in possession of huge disproportionate assets and the challan in the case was presented by Vigilance Organisation before the Court on May 29, 1999. The Special Judge Anti-corruption has now charge-sheeted the accused for the commission of offence under section 5(2) Prevention of Corruption Act 2006. |
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Vigilance seizes revenue
record Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 7: The Vigilance Organisation today seized record from Khour Niyabat pertaining to disbursement of relief to border migrants following complaints of alleged irregularities. Official sources said the Vigilance Organisation has been receiving complaints from genuine migrants that a number of bogus migrants have been registered by Khour Niyabat for the sake of relief. A number of people, who had left Pallanwalla and adjoining villages in routing, during due course of time were also registered as migrants by the concerned authorities for compensation. The main irregularities were reported from the border village of Niki Marchangi from where many undeserving people were either registered or were in the process of being registered as migrants The Organisation also received reports that while processing the case of bogus migrants no special Girdawari was conducted as was provided under the existing rules and norms. Accordingly, a special team of Vigilance Organisation, Headquarters, started a Preliminary Inquiry into the allegations and conducted investigations. Prima-facie the allegations of irregularities in the relief were substantiated. Today, the Vigilance Organisation sleuths visited Khour and seized entire relevant records from Revenue authorities for carrying out further investigations into the registration of bogus migrant allegations. The seizure of record included Khasra Girdawari register. The raiding party of Vigilance Organisation also recorded the statements of some migrants and other concerned people to get more clues into the case. |
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Census Deptt allays doubts on demographic pattern Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Sept 7: The Census Department today allayed apprehension of Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz about the reliability and integrity of the census operation and categorically stated that there is no scope for manipulation to change the demographic pattern of Jammu and Kashmir. Reacting to the statement of Prof Soz former Union Minister, a spokesman of Census Department has said that while it is a fact that all persons residing in areas on the dates of enumeration at any place are required to be counted but there are specific columns to identify persons like migrants from other areas and/or members of the armed forces. The total census figure clearly indicate number of such persons as migrants, member of the armed forces or labour force. Therefore, there is no question of migrants or members of the armed forces changing the demographic data of the State. The spokesman said that similarly there is no basis whatsoever for any apprehension that person belonging to any particular community would remain un-enumerated. After completion of the "house-listing" phase of Census in June, 2000, the entire State has been divided into blocks of 100 to 120 houses which would now be enumerated in detail. In this arrangement, there is no question of any section of population being left out. It is obvious that with the adoption of "block approach" any attempt to leave out any area or habitation is effectively ruled out. Meanwhile, the State Government regretted that Prof Soz a former Union Minister has chosen to rush to the press without verifying facts from Director Census or any other senior officer. Given the critical importance of census operations for the planned development of our State and long term well-being of its people, the Government expects that the people in general and opinion makers in particular, would play a constructive role in making this important operation successful. He said that the Director Census of the State is always available to the public for any clarification. |
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Centre offers help to free Rajkumar CHENNAI, Sept 7: The Centre "is ready" to send para-military and commandos if the Karnataka and Tamil Nadu Governments sought its help to secure the release of Kannada film actor Rajkumar from the clutches of outlaw Veerappan, Union Minister of State for Home I D Swamy said today. "If the two State Governments consult us, we are ready to send para-military forces or commandos", he said in an informal chat with newsmen after participating in a college function at Karappakkam, about 35 kms from here. Asked whether the Centre was happy with the steps taken by Karnataka and Tamil Nadu Governments to secure the release of Rajkumar and three others held hostage by Veerappan since July 30, he said "actually, we are not satisfied, but we are not able to do anything as it is an inter-state problem." He said there were some constitutional limitations within which the Centre had to act. Law and order was a State subject and unless states concerned came up with a request for central intervention, "we can really do nothing." (PTI) Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Sept 7: On the occasion of 18th death anniversary of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, paying rich tributes to the leader, the Governor, Mr Girish Chandra Saxena said that Sheikh Sahib was a great visionary who relentlessly lead the people of the State from an era of autocracy and feudalism to one of democracy and socialism. He had dream of taking the State to glory and prosperity while upholding the honour and dignity of the people, whom he loved from his heart. Mr Saxena added that Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s commitment to secularism, amity and Kashmiriyat made him reject the two nation theory and tie the destiny of the people of the State with secular India. He played an important role in ensuring the protection of the minorities in the State at the time of partition when the sub-continent was engulfed in flames of communal frenzy. It was at that time that Mahatama Gandhi said that he saw a ray of hope in Kashmir. The Governor observed that Sheikh’s message is all the more relevant today as it provides guidance and encouragement to the people of the State to stand up against the conspiracy that is being hatched from across the border and to work unitedly to take the State towards peace and prosperity. Include Pak in Kashmir talks: Sheikh Abdul Aziz PAMPORE (JAMMU AND KASHMIR), Sept 7: Senior Hurriyat Conference leader Sheikh Abdul Aziz today said tripartite dialogue involving India, Pakistan and genuine representatives of Kashmiris was the best way of resolving the Kashmir issue. "Pakistan is a principal party to the dispute and without its participation Kashmir imbroglio cannot be resolved", Sheikh, who was set free by TADA court on Tuesday after eight years of imprisonment, told PTI here. "Permanent peace can be achieved by resolving the issue as per its historical background, otherwise tension in the sub-continent could culminate into a nuclear holocast", he warned. "India should understand the international and historical facts of the issue and take steps for its speedy resolution", Sheikh, self-styled supreme commander of Al-Jehad militant outfit when he was arrested in 1992, said. (PTI) Employees have right to be considered for promotion: SC NEW DELHI, Sept 7: In a major decision, the Supreme Court has ruled that employees have a fundamental right to be considered for promotion if they satisfied the eligibility criteria. "The right to be considered by the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) is a fundamental right guaranteed under Article 16 of the Constitution, provided a person is eligible and is in the zone of consideration," a bench comprising Justice M J Rao and Justice Ruma Pal held. The question before the court was whether the DPC’s view in favour of an employee kept in abeyance due to disciplinary proceedings pending against him be kept in further abeyance after his exoneration and subsequent institution of a second disciplinary proceeding. "The mere fact that by the time the disciplinary proceedings in the first inquiry ended in his favour and by the time the sealed cover was opened to give effect to DPC’s decision, another departmental inquiry was started by the department, would not, in our view come in the way of giving him the benefit of the assessment by the first DPC," it said. Deciding in favour of a Delhi Jal Board employee, the bench said the sealed cover procedure permits the question of an employee’s promotion to be kept in abeyance till the result of any pending disciplinary inquiry but if he was exonerated by the inquiry, the employee has to be promoted in accordance with the decision of the DPC. (PTI) |
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