 |
Has
solution to Kashmir problem but won’t divulge now NEW DELHI, Apr 19: Veteran politician and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Syed Mir Qasim today strongly favoured the visit of Hurriyat leaders to Pakistan, saying "no delegate would be going with Kashmir in his pocket and hand it over to Islamabad." "The Government should not become a party in dividing them (Hurriyat leaders) on the issue of providing them passports," Mr Qasim told UNI. "If a Hurriyat delegate goes to Pakistan, he goes with the idea of resolving the lingering Kashmir dispute through talks with militant outfits and the Government there," observed the octogenarian leader. "Obviously, the purpose is to exchange ideas with them," he said, adding: "They are not asking for diplomatic passports. They are going as individuals and there should be no hesitation in issuing them passports." Claiming that he had hammered out an action plan for resolving the Kashmir imbroglio, that would be acceptable to all, the former Chief Minister said, "I belong to a category of people who have come to the conclusion that if any section of the people takes up arms, it remains unorganised violence. Then the state indulges in organised violence, and the end result is bloodshed." Refusing to divulge his peace plan on the ground that it may scupper the fledgling peace process initiated by the centre, Mr Qasim said he did not personally believe in violence as "the gun does not solve any problem." Mr Qasim told UNI that he would submit his proposal, acceptable to all concerned parties, to those "in-charge and capable of finding a solution and showing sincerity for the resolution of the dispute". The former Chief Minister was the first to have been invited for talks by the Centre’s chief negotiator Mr K C Pant. Refusing to play the role of a mediator between the All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and the Government, Mr Qasim said the Centre must address the genuine grievances and aspirations of the people. This will necessiate talks with the people of all shades and opinions, especially the ones who are agitating like the APHC. Even those militant outfits, who are willing to contribute to the peace process should be invited for talks, he suggested. He said an approach paper on Kashmir prepared by him was submitted to Mr Pant yesterday, presenting his views about achieving peace in the troubled state. Mr Qasim, who was briefly involved in a mediatory role last year, said the ceasefire cannot bring about political change and it should be backed up by several steps to help consolidate the peace process. The veteran leader also held that the Government should not get embroiled into the controversy over who should be allowed to visit the neighbouring country. "It is their concern and the Centre’s gesture would further consolidate the fledgling peace process". Asked whether he had received threats from militant groups after his meeting with Mr Pant, Mr Qasim said he was not aware of any such threat. "There is no reason why anyone, who is desirous of a lasting solution to the Kashmir problem, would harm me. I am not into active politics. I do not claim to be a leader of the people". Mr Qasim was recently threatened by some militant groups for offering his support to the Centre’s recent peace move. Mr Qasim said he had no contacts with the APHC or militant groups. "Certainly, I know some Hurriyat leaders for many years but do not claim to have much influence on them. However, I can be a good friend to all". "Hawks from all sides are determined to derail the peace process," he averred. "Peace with honour can be negotiated on the table and not by gun. I do see this realisation among majority of the people. I see Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee having necessary resilience and the will to do something". "I was very happy when Ataljee went to Lahore but the peace process got derailed because of the Kargil conflict. However, this should not be considered as an end of the good beginning. The process cannot proceed unless Pakistan cooperates and has to be involved sooner than later". He said the Centre should also invite Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) leader Amanullah Khan and others from Pak occupied Kashmir (PoK) as they are dissident voices there. The veteran leader disclosed that he had earlier discussed his peace plan with former Prime Ministers Rajiv Gandhi, P V Narasimha Rao, Chandra Shekhar and I K Gujral, and by and large, all of them agreed to it and did initiate the process of building bridges to solve the problem. The process was however delayed because of many quick changes at the Centre, he said. Mr Qasim said he also had an informal meeting with Mr Abdul Sattar, the then High Commissioner of Pakistan in New Delhi, and he (Sattar) also agreed that "war is no sloution to the problem." Mr Qasim left here for Srinagar this morning. (UNI) |
|
India to react promptly once Pak stops terrorism: Farooq Excelsior Correspondent Jammu Apr 19: Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah today said Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will not take even a week to initiate dialogue with Islamabad once Pakistan stops aiding and abetting terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a day long convention of newly elected sarpanchs and panchs of Rajouri and Poonch districts at Rajouri this afternoon, the Chief Minister said Pakistan has inflicted repeated blows to peace initiative by continuing infiltration and inflaming violence in the State that has taken heavy toll of innocent people. Pakistan will certainly appreciate necessity of normalizing of relations with India, he said hoping that animosity and hostility between the two neighbours will not last long. As of now, Pakistan claiming to be well wisher of Muslims, does not understand the level of miseries it has caused to people of State by perpetrating violence. He said positive moves for friendship will herald a new chapter with traders softening and trade and commerce flourishing between the two countries. He cited the fall of German Wall that put an end to the hostility of the European nation. Dr.Abdullah said the people living in border areas have been witnessing Pak hostility in the shape of border firing, cross border terrorism, explosions and killing of civilians for the past half a century while militancy during past about 12 years has engulfed whole of the State. Every now and then mercenaries emerge in remote areas to kill innocents, he said and urged the security forces and police to exercise utmost restraint while carrying on anti-militancy operations so that civilians are not harmed. " An isolated mistake by security forces leaves a bad mark on civilian psyche", he added. The Chief Minister appealed to the people to maintain their glorious unity as any crack in it strengthens the enemy’s designs. Felicitating newly elected panchs and sarpanchs, the Chief Minister reiterated that panchayats would be vested with more powers to make these effective instruments of public service. If need be, the J&K Panchayat Act would be amended to achieve this objective, he said adding that with this the dream of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah would be realized. Dr.Abdullah said panchayats have to shoulder challenging responsibility of rural development and monitor functioning of the Government institutions like schools, dispensaries etc in their jurisdictions. This adds vital responsibility to the elected representatives of the people who have to demonstrate leadership qualities and work honestly with dedication. sarpanches and panchs have to serve the people irrespective of their religion and party affiliations. If they don’t act honestly, people will never forgive them, he said. Dr. Abdullah complimented people in rural areas for the massive participation in Panchayat elections despite odds and intimidation from elements across the border. He said that women representation in panchayats would be ensured by consulting the people of concerned village. However, once taking part in decision initiative, the nomination would not be needed in future elections with large number of women coming forward to participate in the democratic process, he said. Dr.Abdullah said a mechanism will have to be evolved with suggestion of the people and elected representatives to give representation to SC/ST and OBCs in the Panchayats. These institutions have to function democratically to ensure speedy development of rural areas. In fact, powers are being decentralized to panchayats in a big way, he said. He assured that steps will be taken for providing necessary wherewithal to panchayats and facilities like community viewing sets, telephones etc. Dr.Abdullah announced that construction of 600 panchayat ghars being raised shortly would be assigned to the concerned sarpanches and panchs. This will be a test case for them as their involvement will help economizing the construction work. He hoped that administrative machinery will accord due recognition to Panchayat members. He asked newly elected representatives to be vigilant against elements inimical to peace and said that kins of those killed would be given ex-gratia of Rs. Two lakhs each. He said VDCs would be further strengthened. Referring to harnessing hydel potential, the Chief Minister said that he is keenly awaiting the visit of Norwegian Prime Minister to the country to discuss details about Sawalkote project. He said steps would be taken for making Kalakote Thermal Power Station operational that could cater to the energy requirements of Rajouri and Poonch districts. Dr.Abdullah called for setting up of college of education in private sector to meet the needs of large number of candidates to enable them to seek jobs as teachers. Regarding declaring Pahari people as OBC, he said the matter has been taken up at appropriate level. He said a special drive would be launched for recruitment of candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Gujjar and Pahari population into the police. Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Mian Altaf Ahmed described holding of Panchayat elections as a bold decision by Chief Minister, Dr.Farooq Abdullah and said that people deserve compliments for joining in large numbers despite numerous problems in the democratic process. The Minister expressed concern over the plight of border people in the wake of continued infiltration and militants’ violence. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister for Rural Development, Mr Ajay Sadhotra said the Government contemplates to provide direct funding to panchayats on Kerela pattern. He exhorted panchs and sarpanchs to play their key role in rural upliftment. Elections to Panchayats after 23 years is yearning of the Government to transfer power at the grass root level, he added. The Minister said the election process has been completed in Jammu division except in three blocks of Marwah, Warwan and Banhial while phased elections would be completed soon in Kashmir valley and Ladakh division. After elections, the panchayats have to elect office bearers like Vice Chairman etc envisaged in the Act. He also sought suggestions for making necessary amendments in J&K Panchayat Act. Mirza Abdul Rashid Member Rajya Sabha, Mr.Ashok Sharma, Ch.Mohd Hussain, Mr. M.S.Tariq, Mr. Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari, Mr. G.M.Jahn, Mr. Ikhlaq Khan, Mr. Nazir Ahmed all Legislators spoke on the occasion and congratulated the panches and sarpanchs on their election besides people for their participation in democratic move. Several Former Ministers, Legislators, District Development Commissioner, Rajouri, Mr. K.A.Khan and District Development Commissioner, Poonch, Mr. Ejaz Iqbal were also present. The Director Rural Development presented the vote of thanks. |
|
Confidence building
measures suggested Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, April 19: Appreciating Union Government for appointing Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission, Mr K C Pant for initiating negotiations to solve Kashmir problem, former Union Home Minister and president of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) Mufti Mohammed Sayeed today said that on-going peace effortwas irreversible process. He, however, favoured taking some confidence building measures to stop blood shed in this violence plagued State. Addressing one day convention of the party Card Holders of Jammu urban and rural at Gandhi Bhawan, Mufti said that peace process was not a fluid decision it was rather guided by the ground realities prevailing in the State. "Union Government has taken this decision after getting aware of the realities of the State", he said and did not subscribe the argument that Union Government has announced unilateral cease-fire under out-side pressure. "Decision to announce unilateral cease-fire and to initiate dialogue with different groups has been taken after assessing ground realities", PDP chief said and adding, "no one can escape from talks". "Dialogue is a need of the hour and every one has to be involved in the on-going peace process", he said and advised the Union Government to hold talks with all groups of the State. "I do agree that it is time consuming process but some confidence building measures should be taken atleast to stop on-going violence in the State", he said. Mufti said that unilateral cease fire announced by the Union Government has brought considerable change in the ground realities and it has positive impact. Shifting blame on the ruling National Conference for increasing alienation among the masses, Mufti said, "as long as National Conference is at the helm of the affairs it is impossible to bring peace in the State". National Conference Government, Mufti alleged, has further compounded woes of the masses due to its anti-people policies. Pointing towards the palatial houses constructed by the ruling National Conference leaders at Bithindi, Sidhra and out-skirts of the Jammu city, PDP chief lamented that instead of taking back Kashmir Pandits to the Valley these leaders themselves have took refuge in Jammu. Supporting the on-going agitation of the public sector employees, Mufti regretted that State Government has no funds for agitating employees but crores and crores of rupees have been spent for the luxuries of the ruling elites. In his address, Mr Ved Mahajan, general secretary of the party, criticised the ruling National Conference for its failure to mitigate miseries of the masses. "Since 1996 touts of ruling party have been looting public exchequer with the connivance of the Ministers and other leaders of the National Conference", he said and appealed to the people to strengthen hands of Mufti Mohammed Sayed to get the masses rid from the yoke of anti-poor government. Accusing ruling National Conference of discriminating with Jammu region in all spheres, Mahajan assured the people that PDP was committed for equal development of all the three regions of the State. Senior PDP leader, Mr V K Vaishnavi, who came all the way from Delhi to attend the conference, accused ruling National Conference leaders to adopting illegal means to amass wealth. "National Conference Government has legitimized corruption and ruling elites have been pocketing funds meant for the development and upliftment of the weaker section of the society", he said and asked the people to collect all informations regarding properties of the National Conference leader. Exhorting people to join PDP, Mr Vaishnavi said that only PDP can provide a viable and secular alternative of the National Conference. "Only and only Mufti Mohammed Sayed can get the people out from this turmoil as he is dedicated, honest and sincere towards problems being faced by the masses", he said. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Baldev Slathia, district president of the PDP Jammu rural, strongly condemned the State Government for its failure to solve problems of the rural masses. He said that rural masses have been facing hardships due to prevailing drought conditions but authorities have maintained a criminal silence over woes of the rural masses. Mr Ashok Sharma, vice-president of the PDP youth wing, expressed grave concern over problems being faced by the youth in general and unemployed youth in particular. Mrs Surjeet Kour, highlighted ever increasing atrocities on women folk and blamed Farooq Government for the prevailing conditions of women in the State. Mr Gulam Hassan Mir, Gulam Nabi Mir, Trilok Singh Bajwa, Shanti Devi, Dhaman Bhasin, Jagdish Jaggi, Surinder Singh, Bhushan Lal Gupta, A K Jyotshi, Tej Ram Dogra, Ashok Jogi, Devinder Sharma and others addressed the meeting. Earlier a resolution passed in the convention which demanded a rational electricity tariff to be charged according to electricity supplied and to end the power curtailments, stipend for educated youth, probe into the corruption and illegal wealth amassed by the Chief Minister and his ministerial colleagues, probe in corruption, favourtism and irregularities in providing Government jobs, probe in corruption at different Government departments, compensations for drought affected farmers, agriculture university at Jammu, completion of two new bridges on river Tawi etc. Large number of Card Holders of the PDP attended the convention who pleaded to throw out, what they called, corrupt, anti-poor and non-serious Farooq Abdullah Government. |
|
Army jawan killed in
firing Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 19: Death toll of the militants in Warwan, Marwah encounter today rose to five with the recovery of one more dead body of a militant while a ration dealer’s house was torched by the ultras in Mahore tehsil of Udhampur district. Meanwhile, one army jawan was killed in Pakistani firing in Kalsian area of Nowshera sector. Pak troops also resorted to firing on several other Indian positions on the international border in Jammu sector. Official sources said a police party recovered the dead body of a militant in Warwan forest area in Kishtwar tehsil of Doda district this morning. The militant had been injured in an encounter with STF Doda and army on Monday but had managed to escape towards a forest area, where he succumbed to his injuries. Four dreaded militants including Hamid Kishtwari were gunned down by security forces in Warwan on Monday. With the recovery of injured militant’s dead body, death toll in the encounter has risen to 5. Body of another ultra was recovered by police from Ghai Chobatta area of Thanna Mandi in Rajouri district. The militant appeared to be a foreign mercenary. A chit was found in his possession, which had been written by the escaped militants, advising the local people to bury the ultra. Unidentified militants set ablaze the house of a ration dealer Abdul Ahad at village Chajru in Mahore tehsil of Udhampur district late last night. Jawans of Indian Reserve Police (IRP) rushed to the spot but by then the militants had escaped. An army jawan identified as Babu Khan of Ist JAK Li was killed in heavy firing by Pakistan army at OP-3 post in Kalsian area of Nowshera sector late last night. Indian army returned the firing effectively. Exchange of firing between the two sides continued for more than two hours. Retaliatory firing brought down by Indian side silenced Pakistani guns, the sources said, adding the Pak army attempt to push trained militants into Indian territory was thwarted. On the international border in Jammu, Pak army resorted to firing at Mehta Jabowal and Budhwar in Arnia, Benglard and Faqira Chak in Samba and Taghar, Mawa and Manyari in Hiranagar sector overnight. Firing was returned by Indian army and security forces at all the places. However, there was no report of any casualty on Indian side in the firing. BSF jawans of 28th battalion recovered a consignment of arms and ammunition from Sheela area in Mandi sector of Poonch district today. Seizure included 535 AK rounds, two IEDs, one IED mechanism, 17 electronic detonators and one ruck sack. |
|
Hurriyat struggling hard over Centre's offer for talks NEW DELHI, Apr 19: Mystified over the Centre’s move to hold talks without any pre-conditions over the Kashmir issue, Hurriyat Conference was struggling hard to take a decision whether to participate in the dialogue even as the hardliners within the amalgam were continuing with their "attitude of non-cooperation." Insiders within the Hurriyat Conference said the reason for calling the working committee and the General Council was the absence of consensus within the seven-member executive of the amalgam. They said at the crucial meeting on Tuesday, at least two leaders, considered to be moderates, favoured a soft line and stressed the need for talks with the Centre. However, two hardliners within the amalgam protested and continued with their "attitude of no co-operation to any move by the Centre". This led to the decision of holding the two crucial meetings of working committee and General Council, the insiders said. As per the Hurriyat constitution, five members each from the seven parties would be attending the working committee on Saturday. The moderates within the amalgam would try to get the "best lot" from the hardliner parties represented in the meeting. The insiders also said the Centre’s offer for talks without any pre-conditions would leave Hurriyat in a fix and might have to face dissensions if it did not accept the offer from the Government. The Hurriyat insiders expressed the fear that the statements made by its executive member Sheikh Aziz in Lahore would further weaken the case of Hurriyat leaders for going to Pakistan. Aziz, who was allowed to visit Lahore for a family function, had said "India should accept that Kashmiris accession with Pakistan was inevitable." Aziz was the other leader besides fire-brand Jamaat-e-Islamia member and former chairman of Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Shah Geelani whom the Centre reportedly did not favour visiting Pakistan as members of the Hurriyat delegation. The insiders said even if the Hurriyat Conference would decide to send a representative to K C Pant, the Centre’s negotiator with the groups in the state, they might have to face a barrage of questions over Aziz’s statement. The Hurriyat has also called a General Council on Monday to discuss the issue which will be followed by an executive meeting next week, where a decision is likely to be taken on whether the 23-party conglomerate will participate in the talks or not. (PTI) |
|
Important documents recovered
from slain Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Apr 19: Several important documents have been recovered from the possession of seven slain Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militants especially from their commander Mohd Yaqub alias Abu Saifullah, which have given very vital clues to police about militant activities. The coded documents were de-coded today by senior police officials led by SP Kathua Manohar Singh. The documents included a diary written by ‘commander’ of the group in which he had mentioned the infiltration routes of the militants in detail. Official sources said the tracks of infiltration routes, de-coded from the diary, including Samba-Basantar-Nud-Mansar-Ramkote and Hiranagar-Dinga Amb-Ramkote-Majalta-Sundri Dar. Maps of the intrusion routes have also been recovered from the diary. Besides, the diary also mentioned the names of some villages of neighbouring Punjab state including Kharkara, Janglot, Chattagara and Rajanpur. The diary also carried the map of Ujh bridge and some important locations of Ramkote, Basohli and Billawar areas of Kathua, the sources said, adding police officials were investigating as to why the names of these towns had been mentioned in the diary. The de-coding of diary will go a long way in identifying the infiltration routes of the militants after crossing into Indian territory from Samba and Hiranagar sectors, they said. Another important fact, which has come to light during investigations, was that militants were carrying fresh ‘chapatis’ and vegetables with them when they were killed. "It seems that before reaching the houses of two Gujjar youths (whose alertness had led to the killing of all militants), the militants might have taken shelter in another house as well where they got fresh food prepared for them, either forcibly or with consent", the sources said. "The fact that no complaint has come to police or security forces of coercion by the militants from any part of Hiranagar, it indicated that the militants might have been given food and shelter willfully by some people", they added and admitting that ‘this was a dangerous development and ‘we will have to put a check on it’. According to sources, the slain militants had been launched by Pakistan army through Pappu Chak post in Paharpur area near Regal post on the intervening night of April 16 and 17. Pak troops had resorted to heavy firing in Regal post at the time of militants’ infiltration. Meanwhile, clothes of a militant were recovered from village Khabal in Dinga Amb area where the militants were eliminated yesterday. Initially, there had been reports that dead body of a militant was lying on the spot. However, a police party, which reached the spot, found only clothes of the militant. Police couldn’t say as to whether the clothes belonged to one of the militant killed yesterday or a militant, who might have escaped during the encounter. |
|
Govt asked to ensure restraint by forces NEW DELHI, Apr 19: A parliamentary standing committee today asked Government to ensure that security forces in Jammu and Kashmir exercised "utmost restraint" while dealing with the scourge of militancy, keeping in view the delicate nature of the situation in the State. "This, however, should not be construed as a reflection on security forces," the standing committee on Home Affairs said, adding it was fully aware of the adverse circumstances in which security forces were discharging their duty. The report by the 42-member committee, chaired by Pranab Mukherjee, felt that the situation in J and K had taken a "positive turn around" with the ceasefire initiative by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee. "The most heartening development has been the positive response of the people of the state to the peace initiative which has sprung from their strong yearning for restoration of peace and normalcy," the committee’s 73rd report, tabled in Parliament, said. It condemned the "unabated" effort by foreign militant organisations to derail the peace initiative and hoped that people at large would disapprove such anti-peace efforts of foreign mercenaries operating in the state. The committee lauded the "important role" being played by Village Defence Committees (VDCs) in combating militancy and said more emphasis was needed on their organisational set up and strengthening their network. Noting that more and more VDC volunteers were being targeted by militants, the committee suggested that at least two to three fully-trained security force personnel should be attached with VDC. "The attachment of security personnel will add a touch of professionalism to their functioning besides establishing a better contact between VDCs and security forces participating in the counter insurgency operations," it said. This apart, the attached security personnel could impart training to VDC members in using sophisticated weapons and communication devices like wireless sets, it observed. The committee regretted that VDCs and Special Police Officers (SPOs) were not getting adequate financial compensation for their services in counter insurgency operations and asked the Government to keep in mind the need for providing adequate financial package to them in a bid to encourage participation of greater number of people. On the plight of Kashmiri Pundits, who migrated from the Valley, the committee recommended that "consistent and persistent" efforts should continue to be made by the Centre and the State Government for their early return to Kashmir valley so that nefarious designs of some foreign element to engineer ethnic cleansing were defeated. "Till such time the return of these migrants to their homes in the Valley is materialised, the Government should ensure adequate financial assistance to them for their sustenance," it added. (PTI) |
|
Lone flays Centre for inviting all groups NEW DELHI, Apr 19: Senior Hurriyat leader Abdul Gani Lone today charged the Centre with making the situation complicated by inviting all groups for talks on resolving the Jammu and Kashmir issue. "In the interest of Kashmir, the Centre should have called only the aggrieved parties instead of inviting all groups, even those who do not have any reservations over accession of Kashmir to India," Lone, who is in the capital to receive his son Sajjad Lone and daughter-in-law Asma Khan, said. He alleged that "it seems the Centre is trying to push the dialogue process over a longer sphere rather than actually help in resolving the Kashmir issue." Asked as to why the Hurriyat had so far not taken any decision on the Centre’s offer for talks without any pre-conditions, Lone said "it is the Government which is making the situation complicated, we are for a genuine discussion not for entering a fish market." "This kind of solution to any dispute has never been witnessed internationally," Lone said. Rejecting the media reports that Hurriyat Conference was indecisive over the issue of talks, Lone said "we are a democratic amalgam which believe in talking to grass-root level workers before arriving on a consensus on any important issue." The senior Hurriyat leader, who represents People’s Conference in the 23-party conglomerate, said "India should also initiate talks with Pakistan so as to make dialogue process meaningful." Lone, considered to be a moderate leader within the amalgam, said "history has been a witness that any bilateral agreement between two parties to the exclusion of the third had failed to solve the issue." "Before chalking out the strategy, India should keep in mind that neither Shimla, Tashkent and Lahore agreements with Pakistan nor Indira Gandhi-Sheikh Abdullah and Rajiv Gandhi-Farooq Abdullah accords have made any headway in solving the issue," Lone said. He, however, made it clear that Hurriyat Conference was not averse to talks but had its objection to the way the entire dialogue was being held. (PTI) |
|
|
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 19: Justice Arun Kumar Goel of the State High Court has restrained 97 candidates for being appointment as Horticulture Development Officers in the State’s Horticulture Department. While issuing notices to Commissioner-cum-Secretary Agriculture Production and Development and Chairman Public Service Commission, (PSC) the Justice said that in the interim it is ordered that in case any of the candidates called for the interview on the basis of notice No DIP/J-2446 dated January 15, 2001 and if recommended, the PSC will not forward the name of any such candidate for being appointed to the post of Horticulture Development Officer. The court granted eight weeks time to file objections. Advocate M L Gupta was supplied with the copy of the complete paper book by Advocate Surrinder Kour, who represented the petitioners. Mahital Jamwal, Parminder Singh, Sandeep Nargotra and Vinod Gupta had filed a writ petition , wherein they challenged the select list of 97 candidates, out of which 56 belonged to general category. The petitioners pleaded that they were BSc Agriculture (Hons) Graduates with Horticulture as Major subject. Some of them had done MSc Horticulture while one of them was doing PhD in the field. They further said that despite highly qualified, they were not selected for the post. |
|
Jammu Bar to go on indefinite strike Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 19: Bar Association Jammu has decided to go on indefinite strike till the decision on opening of Fast Track Courts is not rescinded. The decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the Bar Association Jammu held under the presidentship of D S Saini here today. It was observed that with the opening of the Fast Track Courts, the litigants as well as Advocates will suffer a lot and further, no fruitful purpose will be evolved by these courts. It is an attempt of the high-ups to divide the lawyers of Jammu, the meeting alleged, adding that such nefarious designs will be met with full force by Bar Association. |
|
BDR pulls out of Pyrdiwah, ceasefire agreed upon SHILLONG, Apr 19: The BSF today peacefully regained Control over the Pyrdiwah observatory post in Meghalaya when Bangladesh Rifles, occupying it since Monday, pulled out and guns fell silent in Assam’s Mankachar area after a ceasefire was agreed upon, BSF Inspector General (Hq) V K Gaur said. The impasse was resolved a day after the killing of 16 BSF personnel by the BDR at Boribari in Assam. The BDR pullout and the ceasefire came into effect following a flag meeting during the day at Dawki between DIG, BSF (Operation) V S Ahlawt and BDR’s Lt Colonel Ashif-ul Hussain, Gaur told PTI here. The IG said "ceasefire has been effected in entire Meghalaya and Mankachar area of Assam. The BSF has taken over the Pyrdiwah outpost peacefully." He said it was agreed at the meeting that there would be no further firing. Ahlawt and Hussain would send details of the flag meeting to their respective heads, he added. (PTI) |
|
|
Excelsior Correspondent Jammu Apr 19: Mr. P. K. Zalpuri Incharge Superintending Engineer, R&B Circle, Baramulla-Kupwara has been promoted as Chief Engineer and posted as Director Designs against the available vacancy. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| home | state | national | business| editorial | advertisement | sports | |
