Governor, CM brief Military Attaches on J&K situation

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 12: Governor Girish Chander Saxena and Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah today met a group of Military Attaches of 23 foreign embassies separately and briefed them on the situation prevailing in Jammu and Kashmir.

In his interaction with the visitors, the Governor gave an overview of the situation inflicted by Pakistan by aiding and abetting militancy in the State during the last 12 years. He said that local people some of whom have in the past supported the militants under coercion, have now felt the futility of the exercise. Now the foreign terrorists are in control of militancy in the garb of fundamentalist Jehadis. The security forces have succeeded in combating and containing the militancy to a considerable extent while respecting the human rights. The local population as well as local Police have always been supporting the administration in a big way in curbing the terrorist activities.

The Governor expressed his confidence that the peace initiatives started by the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee would go a long way in creating conducive atmosphere to resolve the conflict and restoring peace to the State. The decline in border firing on Line of Control and International Border shows a good gesture. However, response from Pakistan in stopping support to militancy and controlling Jehadi organisations based in that country has not been encouraging.

Mr Saxena said that India has been over the years trying its best to resolve the Kashmir issue more amicably. In this regard even Prime Minister level talks were held in the past. The Present Prime Minister, Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee even made a Bus yatra to Lahore but the unfortunate Kargil conflict waged by Pakistan derailed the peace process then.

The Governor gave a detailed account of the economic aspects as well as developmental activities taking place in the State while replying to many queries of the foreign Military Attaches.

Deputy Director General Foreign Division, Army headquarters, Brig T K Kaul who is conducing the visit of the Attaches, earlier introduced the Attaches to the Governor. The Principle Secretary to the Governor, Dr S S Bloeria was also present.

Meanwhile, Hoping that international community would take cognizance of terrorism unleashed by the neighbouring country in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah ridiculed Pak claim of providing just moral support to militants in Kashmir.

Interacting with a group of Defence Attaches of various countries, who called on him late last evening, the Chief Minister said militants are getting arms and arsenal besides monetary support in a big way from across the borders. ‘Where from the guns and explosive materials come that has taken highest toll of innocent people in the State’, he asked and said that abetment to terrorism continues from Pakistan.

‘We hope the comity of nations would oppose elements hell bent on disintegration of India’, he said.

Dr Abdullah said Pak sponsored militancy has caused colossal damage to infrastructure and at the outset militants made schools and hospitals target of their vandalism. They mercilessly killed nationalist elements and the extent of indoctrination was to such an extent that an ultra swore of even killing his parents on the command from Islamabad.

India, he said, wants peace and friendship with Pakistan, which has unfortunately not responded positively. The elements active at the behest of Islamabad have let loose a reign of terror. They are projecting Islam in a very bad light ignoring this great religion preaches love, compassion, peace and universal brotherhood. He said such elements are also active in Afghanistan who have now launched an attack on the country’s heritage of Buddha period.

The Chief Minister said the people of Kashmir have taken a conscious decision of remaining as part of India because they want to breath in democracy where they can express themselves freely and fearlessly. In a democratic set up, authorities are accountable to people. On the contrary Pakistan has never flourished as a democratic state but instead army generals have been removing chosen Prime Ministers.

‘We are masters of our own destiny and believe in democratic struggle for rights’, he said while referring to the demand for restoration of autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir. The State, he said, enjoyed autonomy that was eroded from time to time. But we are determined to seek its restoration in a peaceful manner. ‘We want to solve our problems within the parameters of Constitution of India’, he said.

Jammu and Kashmir, he said, has a special status in the Union of India. ‘We are the only State having our own constitution and flag. We are proud of being Indians and want to flourish in this great nation’, he added.

He said the people and the security forces are courageously fighting the proxy war for over a decade. During combat operations, some isolated mistakes also take place for which the guilty are punished. He referred to the apology of a General on an incident in Hygam and said: ‘This is the hallmark and strength of our democracy’, he said.

Musharraf renews his dialogue offer
Foreign Secretaries of India, Pak to meet shortly

From B L Kak

NEW DELHI, Apr 12: The Government of India seems to have agreed, in principle, to allow the Foreign Secretaries of India and Pakistan to meet in the near future.

Where? And when? The Minister for External Affairs, Mr Jaswant Singh, has, of course, been apprised by his staff of these questions posed by media persons. But he does not want to make public his response at this stage.

Why? Sources in India’s Foreign Office said: "As no final decision has been taken so far on the proposal favouring talks between Foreign Secretaries of the two countries, it would not be in fitness of things to make any official statement on the issue".

While preliminary steps have been taken with the help of some of those involved in the Track-II diplomacy to create conditions conducive to the resumption of dialogue between the Foreign Secretaries of India and Pakistan, a clearer picture is likely to emerge in the next few days.

The best way of reaching Pakistan these days, it is generally felt, is to join the growing traffic of Track-II diplomacy between the two rival nations in the subcontinent. In recent times, there has been increasing interaction between retired diplomats and soldiers, academics, journalists and political activists of the two countries who discuss everything from war to peace to social issues.

Significance is attached to Pakistan military ruler, Gen Parvez Musharraf’s renewed message to Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee in support of restarting the stalled dialogue between the two countries. The message, it was reported, arrived in New Delhi on the eve of the Prime Minister, Mr Vajpayee’s visit to Iran.

Gen Musharraf was reported to have reiterated his keenness to visit the Indian capital. "I am prepared to go to Delhi for talks if invited by the Indian Government", the message said. Interestingly, his keenness to visit Delhi is in sharp contrast to the reservation that the Pakistan Foreign Minister, Mr Abdus Sattar, had conveyed to a group of Indian participants in a Track-II initiative recently.

Mr Sattar suggested that Pakistan was not going to beg for talks with India. If India does not want to talk with Pakistan, Islamabad can take it in its stride. According to Pakistan-watchers, Gen Musharraf, buffetted by several competing pressures at home and abroad, may see an opening with India at the highest political level as an important lever to shore up his own uncomfortable position.

There is a view in New Delhi that by turning its back on Islamabad, the Vajpayee Government could let Pakistan stew in its own juice. Equally strong is the view in Pakistan that it could pull Indian down by exploiting the many political faultlines in its neighbour, which is seen as being somewhat oversized and inconvenient.

Some in Pakistan also believe that the Indian peace initiative in Kashmir might be driven by political fatigue and the bleeding of security forces there. At the same time, many in Pakistan, according to media reports, see the inherent strengths of Indian democracy, and the fact that New Delhi is racing ahead on the economic and technological fronts.

They also acknowledge the impossibility of wresting Kashmir from India by use of force and proxy wars. Some of them also acknowledge the impossibility of maintaining the much-vaunted political parity with India in the future. Mr Vajpayee and his Minister for External Affairs, Mr Jaswant Singh, significantly, do not find fault with the argument that policies aimed at avoiding all political contact with Pakistan and denying a substantive interaction between the two societies ends up boosting those in Islamabad calling for a permanent confrontation with India.

Meenakshi kidnapping case
CBI presents challan, produces Aftab in court

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 12: Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) today presented a challan, in the much publicised Meenakshi kidnapping case, in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Jammu. The CBI also produced the main accused Aftab Ahmad Chendal, in custody, before the Court for presenting challan against him punishable under Section 363/366 RPC.

The CJM Jammu, Mr Brij Mohan Gupta, also acting as a Special Court for CBI cases, directed the Superintendent District Jail Jammu to produce Aftab in the court on next date of hearing.

The CBI challan said that the complicity of the two other accused-in this case ——Vikram Slathia and Anoop Khajuria is under investigation as the contents of the statements made by prosecutrix Meenakshi before Judicial Magistrate First Class Udhampur on March 14, 2001, are under probe. It said that the further investigations to obtain more evidence and supplementary report, if any, will be filed in due course.

In the challan presented by CBI against the main accused, it was mentioned that Aftab and Meenakshi were known to each other and had friendly relations. They would almost meet each other telephonically and had thus developed intimacy.

When Meenakshi had come to know that Aftab was already married and a father of a daughter, Meenakshi had told him to break off the relationship. Despite stiff opposition from Meenakshi, the accused had persuaded her to continue the relationship, the challan said, adding that prior to the kidnapping case on February 8, 2001, the duo had met each other four times.

The CBI challan said that on February 7, on receipt of the telephone call from Aftab, Meenakshi had clearly stated that she was breaking off relationship, but the accused had requested her not to do so, and instead meet him last time the next day.

The CBI investigations disclosed that on February 8, 2001, at 6.30 am, Meenakshi had left her home on the pretext of taking tuition. The accused Aftab was keeping vigil on her in a red Maruti car bearing number JK02H-8874 and having tinted glasses. The Maruti belonged to Vikram Slathia.

As Meenakshi had reached near Udhampur grave-yard, Aftab after halting the vehicle had made her to sit in the car and took her near his house while convincing not to break off the relationship. As Meenakshi was adamant in breaking off the relationship, thereafter, Aftab touched her feet and started weeping. He psychologically convinced Meenakshi to continue the relationship with him and also asked her to visit Katra. After the conversation inside the vehicle, the accused, thereafter, took her to the residence of Vikram Singh Slathia.

The investigations further revealed that Aftab later took Meenakshi to Katra where they reached at 8.45 am. She was straigthway taken to the office-cum-residence of Aftab introduced Meenakshi as Seema, a cousin of one Sub Inspector Ajay Anand, mentioning that she had come to Katra to receive her guest, expected from Bhawan of Mata Vaishnodevi.

Aftab had also procured the keys of room number 207 of Niharika Yatri Niwas, a room provided to Police Department by Shrine Board of Mata Vaishno Devi.

The challan said that PSO Imtiyaz Khan had opened the lock of the room and accused Aftab, later took Meenakshi inside the room. Aftab also got cigarettes, snacks and cold drinks through Imtiyaz and later bolted the door from inside. Thereafter, Aftab committed rape on Meenakshi, minor girl against her will, the challan said.

It said that thereafter, at 11.35 am, on February 8, 2001, Aftab and Meenakshi left Katra for Udhampur. At Udhampur, he dropped her near Army Public School, wherefrom Meenakshi went to the house of her cousin Manjit Singh Samyal, a teacher in Army Public School Udhampur. However, after some time, Meenakshi again went to Katra, the challan said.

It said that on the same day, from Katra she left for Jammu, wherefrom she went to Mathura in company of one Rakesh Sharma, S/o late Radhey Sham Sharma of House number 121 Ramchander Nagar, VIP Road, Indore and Anand Goel. From Mathura, she went to Indore and other places in company of Rakesh Sharma.

According to CBI, on February 18, 2001, on reading a newspaper report that arson and rioting had taken place at Udhampur on account of her kidnapping, she rang up her parents and later again rang up them, with a request to come to Indore to take her back.

She was recovered by J&K Police on February 26 from Indore and was handed over to her father there . Meenakshi reached back Jammu on February 28.

The CBI investigations further disclosed that accused Aftab had left Udhampur on February 9 and absconded thereafter. Finally, he surrendered before then Additional SP Katra, Parbhat Singh and was formally arrested and produced before the court by local Police on February 14.

Vikram Singh Slathia, S/o Kumar Singh Slathia of Slathia Chowk, Udhampur and Anoop Khajuria S/o Krishan Dutt Khajuria of Near Arya Samaj Gali, Udhampur were arrested by local Police on February 10 and were granted bail on March 10.

The challan said these facts disclosed that Aftab kidnapped the minor girl Meenakshi from the lawful custody of her parents knowing that she will be forced or seduced illicit intercourse, thereby committed offence punishable under section 363/366 RPC.

The complicity of other two accused in this case is under investigation as the contents of the statements made by Meenakshi under section 164 CrPC before Judicial Magistrate First Class Udhampur on March 14, 2001 are under probe, the CBI challan said. It said that further investigations in this case are continuing under section 173 (8) CrPC to obtain further evidence—oral or documentary, and supplementary report, if any will be filled in due course.

It may be recalled that Meenakshi kidnapping case created law and order problem in the Udhampur town. There were many newspaper reports against the involvement of the then SP Katra Parbhat Singh in the case. However, in today’s challan, the CBI set-aside all such allegations.

Lashkar ‘commander’ shot dead in Doda

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 12: A ‘district commander’ of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) outfit was killed in an encounter with army at village Dorigam in Bharat area, about 35 kms from Doda this morning.

Slain Lashkar ‘commander’ has been identified as Abu Hamza, a Pakistani, who was active in Doda district for the last more than two years.

Official sources said the people of Dorigam tipped off the troops of Rashtriya Rifles early this morning that Abu Hamza alongwith his associates had sneaked into the village with a view to indulge in killings and extortions.

To save the people from the wrath of notorious militant, army personnel rushed to Dorigam and cordoned off the village. Using loud speakers, the army jawans asked Abu Hamza and other militants to surrender.

However, the ultras refused to lay down arms and opened firing on the troops from their hideout using heavy fire arms. Troops, who were anticipating an attack by the militants, retaliated effectively.

A heave exchange of firing continued for more than two hours in which the militants’ ‘commander’ was seriously injured. Seeing their ‘commander’ wounded, other militants fled away from the spot. The injured militant leader, who was later identified as Abu Hamza, succumbed to his injuries before being evacuated from the firing site, the sources said.

Troops didn’t suffer any casualty in the operation, which continued till late this evening with army personnel hunting the fleeing militants, numbering two or three. They too were Lashkar-e-Toiba activists.

One AK-47 rifle, a wireless set and ammunition was recovered from the scene of encounter.

Sources said the killing of Abu Hamza was a serious setback to Lashkar outfit as he was among the most wanted militants in Doda involved in a series of subversive activities.

PDD men raid 5 industrial units, disconnect power

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, April 12: In a bizzare operation, a team of Power Development Department (PDD) officials raided five industrial units in Gangyal area of Jammu for alleged defaults and disconnected their power supplies today.

According to Chief Engineer PDD (M &RE) Mr H S Raina, the action was taken after the receipt of specific complaints against these five industrial units namely— N V Industries, Uttam Plastic Containers, J K Proofing, Ohrison Industry and Style Plastics.

It was reported that some units in Gangyal Industrial Complex having permission to run their units during night hours only, were also operating during day hours, creating problems for the system as well as the Department. Not only this some plastic units in the area were also running excess load than the sanctioned load.

Accordingly a team of officers comprising four AEEs was constituted for the surprise operation and on the spot inspection. It was found during operation that out of the three units having night permission only, two units namely—M/S Choudhary Enterprises and M/S New Kashmir Wire Industry were found running during the day hours today.

During raid it was noticed that connected load of N V Industries was found to be 167 HP against the sanctioned load of 130 HP. Uttam Plastic Containers was found drawing 302 HP load against sanctioned load of 200 HP, JK Proofing’s connected load found to be 280 HP against sanctioned load of 55 HP, Ohrison Industry found drawing load to the tune of 185 HP against sanctioned load of 150 HP whereas, Style Plastics found having connected load of 175 HP against the sanctioned load of merely 85 HP. The team disconnected their power supply immediately.

The Chief Engineer said that as per Clause X of the terms and conditions of the Tariff Invogue, the power supply to these defaulter units will remain suspended for a period of 15 days in addition to the recovery of three month’s flat rate charges from the owners of the units. The defaulter units will deposit 3 month’s flat rate charges covering the unauthorised excess load and execute fresh agreement with the department for restoration of power supply.

Nasscom chief found dead in Sydney hotel

SYDNEY, Apr 12: Dewang Mehta, Nasscom president and high-profile lobbyist of the Information Technology sector, was found dead in his hotel room here this evening with no indication about the cause.

The New South Wales Police issued a statement in the night saying police were investigating the death. The police said Mehta’s body was discovered at about 4.45 pm (local time) when a hotel employee went to his room after he failed to respond to calls.

Police did not suspect any foul play in the death of Mehta, 38, who was member of a delegation headed by IT Minister Pramod Mahajan, Indian High Commissioner R S Rathore told PTI.

Mehta, a bachelor, was to take a morning flight to India. When he failed to catch the flight, the hotel staff went to the room and forcibly opened the door to find him lying dead on his bed, Rathore said.

He said the body was being sent to the morgue for coroner’s inquest.

Expressing shock over his death, Mahajan said Mehta had worked very hard for the development of the IT sector. He said he along with the High Commissioner and his private secretary had left the hotel in the morning and returned around 1730 hours when the hotel management informed Rathore about Mehta’s death.

Mahajan recalled that they were all together till late last night at the United India Association dinner from where Mehta left with his cousin.

"The hotel staff told us that he had come in around midnight. We had asked him to come with us this morning but Mehta had said he would like to go back to India," the Minister said.

Mahajan said he would like to see that the body was taken in the flight the delegation would take to return home.

Mehta, a qualified Chartered Accountant and Cost Management Accountant from UK, was heading the Nasscom, the apex body of software and service company in India.

In May, 1998 he was appointed as a member and spokesman of the high-powered IT Task Force set up by the Prime Minister to draft a national informatics policy. (PTI)

Fire breaks out in Session Court

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 12: A devastating fire broke out in the office of Sessions Court, Mubarak Mandi at around 1030 hours last night.

According to police, the fire broke out in one of the room of the Court due to electric short circuit. The fire also engulfed the surrounding rooms and reduced all the record in the Court and furniture into ashes.

Getting the report of incident, a police party from Panjthirti Police Post rushed to the spot after informing the fire extinguisher squad. The Fire Services Department immediately pressed its vehicles into the service and extinguished the fire after about half an hour.

All the records and furniture of the Court were totally burnt in the fire. Eyewitnesses said ‘had not the fire extinguisher reached the squad in time the fire could have engulfed the more adjoining rooms"

Meanwhile, more security forces were deployed into the court complex.

Militant killed in Poonch

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 12: A militant was killed as army foiled an infiltration attempt on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jandrola forest area of Poonch district today.

Defence sources said troops noticed movement on the LoC in the wee hours of this morning and challenged the infiltrators. In the exchange of firing that followed, one militant was killed while others fled back to Pakistan.

Slain ultra was later identified as Zarar Mafia, a foreigner, One Ak rifle, two rounds, one magazine, five remote control devices and five kg explosive was recovered from the spot.

In another operation, security forces recovered one Pika gun, its 400 rounds, one RPG rocket launcher, 20 rifle grenades, 20 electronic detonators and 180 AK rounds from Khanetar Gali in Poonch this evening.

Vajpayee meets Khameini

TEHRAN, Apr 12: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today called on Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khameini, who heads the Islamic Republic’s executive, judiciary and Parliament.

Vajpayee was accompanied by External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Omar Abdullah and senior members of his delegation.

Details of what transpired at the meeting were not available.

Khameini succeeded Ayatollah Khomeini after his death in 1989.

Khomeini had spearheaded the 1977 Iranian revolution ousting the Shah of Iran.

Vajpayee, who is on a four-day visit to Iran, leaves tomorrow for Shiraz, the centre of Persian culture, for a day’s visit before returning to India. (PTI)

Zafarwal remanded to police custody

AMRITSAR, Apr 12: Top Sikh militant Wassan Singh Zafarwal, who was arrested yesterday, was today remanded to police custody till April 20 by a court here.

The former Khalistan Commando Force chief was produced amid tight security before judicial magistrate Sarabjit Singh Dhaliwal who remanded him to police custody till April 20.

Intelligence sources said here some associates of Zafarwal were also likely to be arrested soon,

A close associate of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale Zafarwal had returned to India on March nine under a fictitious name from Switzerland where he had moved in 1994 from Pakistan after differences with ISI.

Inspector General of Police (Border) A P Pandey told reporters here that force was used to apprehend him as he tried to run away on noticing the police.

Pandey said Zafarwal told his interrogators that he entered the country in the name of Charanjit Singh, a resident of Sanghian in Kapurthala district, and since then he was visiting religious places in the State.

Zafarwal, a member of the Panthic Committee formed in 1986 which raised the demand for Khalistan, faces six cases of murder and other militant-related crimes, the IGP said.

During his decade-long stay in Pakistan, the dreaded militant was instrumental in supplying weapons to misguided youths to carry out militancy in Punjab, he said.

Looking fresh and healthy, Zafarwal was produced before the scribes here today after much insistence by them.

"Time demanded that I should return to Punjab," he barely said when police whisked him away. (PTI)

President, PM extends Baisakhi greetings

NEW DELHI, Apr 12: President K R Narayanan, Vice President Krishan Kant and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today greeted the people on the occasion of Baisakhi.

The President in his message wished that the festival would usher in peace and prosperity.

In his message, Kant said Baisakhi heralds beginning of the new year when granaries are filled with freshly-harvested grains.

"The mood of rejoicing and gaiety is vividly captured in the rituals and colourful festivity of Baisakhi which transcends all barriers of religion, caste and status and unites us all in a common brotherhood," he said.

In a separate message, Vajpayee lauded the contributions of farmers in country’s social, economic and political life.

"Baisakhi - the festival of harvest is the right time to remind us of the slogan - `Jai Kisan’," he said adding "may this festival be a harbinger of peace, happiness and prosperity to our people." (PTI)

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