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Fierce
clashes on LoC in Poonch, Rajouri Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI/POONCH, Aug 18: In stepped-up skirmishes on the Line of Control (LoC), army today beat back Pakistani soldiers attempt to capture Indian posts at two places in Kalaal and Digwar in the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch killing 21 Pakistanis including the men in uniform and destroying their 16 bunkers. Retaliation by Indian army came after Pakistan made yet another attempt—second during the last two days—to capture forward Indian posts. Yesterday, Pak army fired 60 heavy mortar shells in Kalaal forcing the civilian population to desert their houses and take shelter in safer areas. Three Indian army jawans were also killed in the operations while seven others were injured. Sources said Pak army resumed shelling this morning in Kalaal area of Nowshera sector in Rajouri district. Some of the Pakistani soldiers, believed to be the commandos, were reported to have intruded into Indian territory amidst continued shelling and made an unsuccessful bid to capture two Indian posts. Army retaliated effectively and after an hour long fierce fighting repulsed the enemy attempt. Atleast 12 Pakistanis including nine army jawans and three civilians were killed in Indian retaliation. Six to eight others were critically injured, the sources here said, adding 16 Pakistani bunkers were completely destroyed in the exchange of firing. After sustaining heavy losses of jawans as well as bunkers, other Pak army soldiers retrieved to their posts. Sources didn’t confirm any casualty on Indian side in Pakistani attack. According to them, the possibility of some trained militants attacking the Indian posts in Pak army uniforms was also not ruled out. Another similar attempt to capture Indian army posts at Neka was made by Pakistan in Digwar area of Poonch sector. The attack was launched at 0535 hours today. Troops, who were on high alert, replied the firing. In the exchange of firing, atleast three Pakistani militants were reported dead and three others were injured. While dead bodies of two Pakistani soldiers, which were lying on the Indian side have been recovered, the body of another ultra was lying right on the LoC and couldn’t be recovered immediately due to continued shelling and firing from across the LoC by frustrated enemy troops. Four Indian Army jawans were injured in Pakistani attack at Digwar. They have been identified as Naik Ravi Kumar, Havildar Kashmira Singh, Sepoy Avtar Singh and Naik Joginder Singh. Pakistan army also resorted to heavy mortar shelling and firing at Madana, Nakerkot and Sabjian in Poonch sector. At all the places, firing was returned by Indian side with full force and Pak attempts of infiltration thwarted. Yet another intrusion bid was made—this time by Pakistan-trained militants—from forward village of Topa in Keri sector of Rajouri district to sneak into this side of the LoC. In this attempt, two militants and one Indian army jawan were killed while three jawans were injured. Bodies of two slain militants have been recovered but not identified immediately. Both were believed to be foreign mercenaries. Two AK rifles and some ammunition has been recovered from their possession. An army jawan, who was killed while repulsing the intrusion bid, has been identified as Lance Naik Ravinder Singh. The injured jawans included Balwinder Singh, Nirmal Singh and Jasbir Singh. They have been hospitalised. Two to three militants escaped back to Pakistan after the killing of their two associates. Four Pakistani militants were eliminated by army late this evening at village Sheen Dara in Mendhar tehsil of Poonch. A huge quantity of weaponry has been recovered from the possession of slain militants, who hadn’t been identified so far. The renewed clashes between India, Pakistan army on the LoC have created a wave of panic among the people living in forward areas of both sides. On Indian side, a number of villagers from the forward areas have taken refuge in safer areas to escape heavy mortar shelling from Pakistan side. Sources said the Pakistani shelling was aimed at capturing some strategic posts on Indian side to ensure safe infiltration for the militants. However, their attempt has being foiled, they added. An army jawan Santosh Thakur was killed in Pak firing in Balnoi area of Mendhar sector this evening. Meanwhile, another army jawan was killed in an encounter with the militants at village Morha Bachai in Surankot tehsil of Poonch district last night. Militants escaped after 40 minutes encounter and remained untraced. |
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Return to Kashmir:
CM’s clarion call to KPs Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 18: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah today gave a clarion call to Kashmiri migrants to return home, assuring that Government would find job opportunities to youth and sustenance to businessmen back home. Addressing largely and enthusiastic gatherings of migrants at Mishriwalla, Purkhoo, Muthi-I and II phases during his 6-hour whirlwind tour this evening, the Chief Minister said those living in cozy, compose and peaceful atmosphere are languishing in camps in unbearable climatic conditions alien to the people living in hills. Dr Abdullah held Pakistan responsible for present situation in Kashmir and said the neighbour has been parroting Kashmir since 1947 and living in make-believe world of getting Kashmir in platter. ‘Kashmir will always remain a part of this great nation’, he said adding that all out efforts are being made to create conducive atmosphere for return of migrants. But, he said, the migrants have also to take initiative for getting out of their miserable plight. The Chief Minister said the Muslim brethren back home yearn for return of Kashmir migrants who were a dominant in several colonies like Habba Kadal etc. "The lanes and by-lanes of interior Srinagar are deserted without them’, he said in an emotionally choked voice He, however, appreciated the enviable gesture of affection and hospitality extended by Jammuites to Kashmir Pandits and Muslims alike at history’s crucial juncture when they had to leave the Valley due to disturbed conditions. ‘They kept their doors open and welcomed all in accordance with their glorious traditions’, he added. Dr Abdullah regretted publication of a mischievous statement in the State Times attributing him to something that he had never said in Battalbalian. ‘This is a blatant lie’, he said, adding that if the Kashmiri Pandits and their women could be safe for over 10 years in Jammu, how come any danger to them now. The Chief Minister said that as long as the migrants choose to return to their homes and hearths, facilities for their comfortable stay in Jammu would have to be ensured. He announced certain measures in this regard and set November 15, 2001 for implementation of these, which include, inter-alia, construction of multi-storeyed complexes with two room sets for migrants lodged in camps in a phased manner, provision of drinking water, irrigation protection bunds, one kilogram of additional sugar per ration card, additional rations on controlled prices etc. He said the power minister and the chief engineer power would be visiting Muthi camp soon to take stock of power supply. As regards to employment to educated youth, the Chief Minister said avenues would be explored in their respective districts and soft loans provided to over-aged unemployed and businessmen. He said Director Employment will be accompanying the Advisor to CM on minority affairs to various camps. He complimented former police chief Mr Gurbachan Jagat for conducting on the spot recruitment in migrant camps enabling youth of the community to join the force. He called upon migrant educated youth to come forward in a big way to participate in various competitive examinations. For this purpose, the Government would undertake special courses in Institute of Management and Public Administration and those found talented enough could be sent for advanced coaching to Delhi at Government expense. Responding to the demand for enhancement in cash assistance to migrants, the Chief Minister said the Centre has not agreed to the state’s request for raising its quantum to Rs 5000 from present Rs 2400. He, however, assured that the State Government would vigorously pursue with the Centre about its hike to at least Rs 3000 per family and he will take up this issue with Home Minister Mr L K Advani at Jullunder tomorrow. The Chief Minister referred to his several meetings with Kashmiri Pandits in Kashmir and said that on their initiative a committee is being constituted to look after the upkeep of the Valley temples. While the Government would take care of worship places, every effort would be made to renovate leftover damaged migrant dwelling units. For giving voice to Kashmiri Pandits in democratic institutions, the Chief Minister favoured their due representation in the legislature so that their problems are projected at appropriate fora. Making a passionate appeal to migrants to return homes, Minister for Works Mr Ali Mohammad Sagar said at Mishriwalla that their departure from the Valley has hit Muslims immensely as the education system received tremendous set back in due to inadequacy of learned teachers. He quoted famous verse of Sher-e-Kashmir Mehjoor and said Hindus and Muslims are like milk and sugar, the blend of which is inseparable. He said though Kashmir Pandits have left the Valley, Muslims are still nostalgic about them. He recalled the installation of an idol, concealed by the majority community under the earth for several years for fear of militants wrath. This demonstrates that Kashmir’s ethos is intact. He referred to the deep longing of the Chief Minister for Kashmir becoming again a vase of colorful flowers. Mr Sagar sanctioned on-the-spot funds for execution of various schemes, some of these on going, work on which will be resumed from tomorrow. These include tube well, circular road, irrigation protection bund etc. The migrant representatives spoke on the occasion and presented memoranda. Dr Abdullah interacted with them and passed on instructions for speedy disposal of their grievances. Chief Secretary Mr Ashok Jaitly, Advisor to CM on Minority Affairs, Prof Satish Raina, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Mr Anil Goswami, Deputy Commissioner Mr R K Goyal, several heads of departments, senior engineer and officers were accompanying the Chief Minister during his six-hour tour to the camps in Jammu. |
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Farooq equates trifurcation
demand with Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 18: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah today said the demand for trifurcation amounts to nurturing the sapling of 2-nation theory planted by Ali Mohammed Jinah that led to horrendous partition of the country. Addressing one-day convention of National Conference, Jammu district (Urban) here this morning the Chief Minister said the sub-continent is facing the consequences of ill-conceived partition in 1947 even now. ‘We can’t afford another partition’, he added. The Chief Minister said the Jammu and Kashmir State has to flourish as a single entity and nobody should nurture even an iota of impression that one region will dominate another. The funds to all the regions are being allotted equitably and the Government is committed to provide equal opportunities of development to regions and sub regions, he said. He said that vested interests have been creating the bogey of regional discrimination for quite a long time to further their interests. At times they agitate against so called regional imbalance in the select lists of professional colleges or services and at times they incite people on sacrilege to religions, he regretted and said that any attempt to divide people on regional basis will weaken the country. Asking his partymen to get ready for elections due after October next year, the Chief Minister said that selection process for candidates should begin right now keeping in view their standing, dedication and mass base. He exuded confidence about his party coming to power in the next elections and said that he will have small council of ministers. He also referred to recent expansion in his ministry saying that this had become necessary to give representation to Poonch and Rajouri districts and in view of ailing health of Mr. Bashir Ahmed Kitchloo. He said National Conference alone could keep people together and those criticising the party every day will meet their fate during elections at the hands of the electorates. Dwelling on the prospect of good relations between India and Pakistan, the Chief Minister said the positive aspect of the Agra summit is that Islamabad did not cry hoarse in Geneva as usual and SAARC conference was held in cordial atmosphere. He, however, regretted Pakistan’s active abetment to terrorism and said that each day blood of innocents is being spilled. A malicious propaganda is being unleashed against the plight of Muslims in India, he said and asked if any mosque has been closed anywhere? The people profess and propagate their religion freely though the instances of bad elements are in each community who attempt to divide masses on ethnic basis. The Chief Minister said that Pakistan could never succeed in seceding even an inch of Jammu and Kashmir. Islamabad and their sympathizers like Syed Ali Shah Gilani here know this fact. But, they want to keep the pot boiling for their political existance. He said those claiming to be champions of Muslims caused enormous damage to the community. Mast Gul set ablaze one of the most revered shrine of Alamdar-e-Kashmir at Chrar-e-Sharief. The so-called champions of Muslim cause collected over Rs 2.50 crore for reconstruction of the shrine but God had assigned this holy job to his Government that came to power with massive mandate of the people. The work on the shrine, he said, will be completed next month while the construction of the mosque may take a little time. Without naming People’s Democratic Party leaders, the Chief Minister said that when in Congress they used to demand ouster of Sher-e-Kashmir and now they were gunning for his Government. He said when one of its leaders was holding a responsible position in the Government, he would say hundred bullets for a bullet especially during the unfortunate incident at Handwara in early 90s. Now they profess on electronic media that they don’t believe in theory of bullet for bullet. He said his party has the credit of creating a conducive situation in the State wherein leaders of various political parties could roam around in even far off villages to carry on their activities. Referring to the performance of his Government in the past five years, the Chief Minister said that a sense of accountability has been brought in every sphere and sincere efforts made to steer the State out of woods. While militancy damaged infrastructure is being reconstructed, other sectors like health and education have been brought on rails. The hospitals have been strengthened and schools made functional with launching of Rehbar-e-Taleem programme. Though the state has to bear an annual wage bill of Rs 3200 crore, every possible step is taken to improve various services to the people. He, however, expressed concern over the performance of various public sector undertakings and said that unless the workers steer their corporations to profit, the public funds will continue to go down the drain. Dr Abdullah expressed his gratitude to the Centre for appreciating the difficulties of the state and providing assistance for development and progress. In this context, he referred to the fixing of this year’s annual plan at Rs 2050 crore. The Chief Minister said the march towards development will continue and sought people’s cooperation in implementation of various welfare programmes. He said that the dream of Sher-e-Kashmir to have a lake in Jammu would be realised soon. This is necessary for sustaining tourism in the city of temples, he said, adding that tapping Tawi water for the purpose will not hamper its flow to Pakistan. He said another bridge would be constructed in Jammu over River Tawi. He said a booklet on the achievements of the Government’s performance since 1996 will be brought out for perusal of the people and party workers. Responding to the demand for giving due weight to his party workers, he announced that ministers would be meeting them in Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan on rotational basis after the offices move to Jammu. He said he would himself be visiting to meet the workers. Speaking on the occasion, the former minister and party’s provincial president, Mr Bodh Raj Bali said that his party workers have been facing the challenges posed by the enemy valiantly. He also gave the account of party activities and programmes. Ms Bimla Luthra, Ms Zubeda Salaria and Ms Deepinder Kour, legislators and several party leaders addressed the convention. Minister for Works, Mr Ali Mohammad Sagar, Minister for Sports, Labour and Employment, S Harbans Singh, Minister of State for Rural Development, Mr Ajay Sadhotra, Minister of State for Agriculture, Mr Ram Paul, several legislators, prominent party workers besides the Deputy Chairman, Legislative Council Mr Chuni Lal attended the convention. |
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Youth stabbed, seriously
injured Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Aug 18: Armed criminals struck inside the district court premises this morning and inflicted multiple stab wounds on a youth critically wounding him. The day-light stabbing inside the high security court complex sent the clients running for security cover. Injured youth, who has been admitted to the district hospital in serious condition, has been identified as Ravinder Singh Sapera alias ‘BSF’ son of Bishan Singh, a Deputy Commandant in BSF and a resident of Shiva Nagar, Kathua. Official sources said five to six armed assailants attacked ‘BSF’ in broad day-light in the busy court complex at 1100 hours today. While two of the miscreants caught hold of ‘BSF’, three to four others inflicted stab wounds on his person. Within a couple of minutes, the criminals disappeared from the court complex making a mockery of security arrangements. A number of cops of different forces are deployed in the complex during the day for security. Police personnel rushed the injured to district hospital. Police also started a search operation to track down the assailants but they remained untraced till this evening. The incident of stabbing in the court premises created panic among a number of people including Advocates and clients, who had gathered there. Several people were seen running for a cover after seeing sharp-edged weapons in the hands of miscreants. Eye-witnesses told this correspondent that assailants were five to six in number and each of them was carrying a weapon in his hands. They were reported to have intercepted ‘BSF’ when he was heading towards the Court to appear in a case. Police records revealed that ‘BSF’ had attacked and seriously injured one Jasbir Singh alias Jassi of Kathua at Loget Morh about eight years back. Jassi had lost his arm in the attack. Police sources suspected the hand of Jassi group behind the attack on ‘BSF’. According to sources, ‘BSF’ was also involved in some activities. Both Jassi and ‘BSF’ were heading rival groups in the district. Meanwhile, police late this evening claimed that it have identified some of the criminals involved in the incident. Efforts were being made to arrest them. A case in the attack has been registered at Kathua police station for further investigations. |
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Midnight shootout in
Natipora Excelsior Special Correspondent SRINAGAR, Aug 18: Even as Police and security forces today claimed to have killed a "Divisional Commander" of Hizbul Mujahideen and a "Pakistani national" in an encounter, killing of the duo is shrouded with mystery. Official sources told EXCELSIOR that, during last night, SOG Srinagar and BSF eliminated two top-wanted militants of Hizbul Mujahideen in an encounter at Budshah Nagar outskirts of the capital city. One of them was described as a "Pakistani national" and another as Hizbul Mujahideen’s "Divisional Commander" Roshan Khayal alias Bilal Sangee S/O Mohammad Shafi, resident of Padshahi Bagh, Srinagar. One AK-56 rifle and a pistol were claimed to have been recovered from them. These sources claimed that Bilal Sangee was responsible for killing on six members of the Sikh community at Mehjoor Nagar as also the kidnapping of Nazneen Farooq, a teacher of Minto Circle School Rajbagh. Sources said that in addition to killing a shopkeeper at Gogji Bagh, Bilal Sangee was involved in the murder of a number of civilians. He was also responsible for extortions in the capital city. However, reliable non-official sources claimed Bilal Sangee was a surrenderee who had worked with SOG Srinagar as a counter-insurgent source for over three years. He later became an extortionist and was even suspected to be working with an intelligence agency. According to these sources, Hizbul Mujahideen and other militant outfits were, in fact, looking for him as they too believed him responsible for the Mehjoor Nagar massacre and the murder of a pro-Jamat-e-Islami shopkeeper at Gogjibagh. According to these sources, Bilal was apprehended by SOG and later eliminated in a "fake encounter" alongwith a Bangladesh national in Natipora outskirts at midnight last. Even as the militants’ version of the incident is still awaited, these sources insisted that neither of the two was a militant |
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Mockery of another
Govt order From Ahmed Ali Fayaz SRINAGAR, Aug 18: Even before managing to dilute the terms of reference of a high level inquiry at SKIMS early this week, an invisible hand has made mockery of another Government order. Joint Director (Administration), G N Qasba, has been asked to continue at the senior position, though, according to a Government order, he stands transferred to Institute of Management and Public Administration (IMPA). Mr Qasba, who has allegedly played a key role in the recent appointment scam at Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, is known for his involvement in Rs 9.50 Crore solar lights scam in the Department of Science and Technology. Though senior bureaucrats at the Civil Secretariat finally decided to remove Mr Qasba from Rs 55-crore-a-year-budget SKIMS, a senior functionary of the Governing Body is said to have asked him "not to budge an inch". Mr Qasba, who is neither a KAS nor an IAS officer, had been shifted to IMPA as Joint Director vide Government Order No: 803 GAD of 2001 Dated 20-7-2001. Highly-placed official sources revealed to EXCELSIOR that a senior functionary of the SKIMS Governing Body as also a senior officer of the rank of Financial Commissioner sought to deflate the Government order with a many citations in praise of Mr Qasba. The FC has been speaking high of him on the basis of the transferee’s "performance" as Secretary of Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), a non-governmental body. He has been openly lobbying for Mr Qasba’s continuance at SKIMS. Even as nobody from Minister incharge Health & Medical Education to the Chief Secretary seems to be convinced — and the Government order continues to be in force without any modification — Mr Qasba is unmoved in his chair. He is said to have been assured by a SKIMS functionary and influential men and women outside the Civil Secretariat that nobody would "dare to touch him". Fortunately for the transferee, the IMPA authorities have refused to accept any Vigilance tainted official as Joint Director. Mr Qasba’s transfer order had been issued by the state Government in the wake of a 13-day strike against him by the SIKMS staff. As per the State Vigilance Organisation records, Mr Qasba was directly involved in the embezzlement of Rs 9.50 Crore as Executive Director of J&K Energy Development Agency (Science & Technology Department). After serious allegations of corruption and large-scale bungling against him, FIR No: 58 of 1997 was lodged against him. The preliminary inquiry established his involvement and the Government sanctioned prosecution against him. Subsequently, another FIR, No: 6 of 1998, was lodged against him by Vigilance Organisation in Jammu and the case, establishing embezzlement of Rs 3.50 Crore, was challaned in the designated court on October 27, 1999. Consequently, Mr Qasba was removed from J&K EDA (Science & Technology) and attached to the General Administration Department. However, within days, Mr Qasba pulled different strings and in a bizarre development, he was appointed as Joint Director SKIMS. Due to his omissions and commissions, the entire community of the SKIMS staff became restive and even went on strike, demanding his transfer. Immediately after his transfer order was issued by GAD on July 20, his promoters were activated and they managed to stall its implementation. Senior official sources insist that this kind of administrative mockery has never been witnessed in the State Government during the last 26 years. |
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Cash, uniforms recovered Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Aug 18: Police last night arrested two youths impersonating as police officials and indulging in extortions on Jammu-Udhampur road. They have been identified as Harminder Singh alias John Rhembo son of Ujagar Singh of Moara Morh and Ajay Kumar son of Vijay Kumar of T Morh, Udhampur. Harminder posed himself as a Sub Inspector and Ajay Kumar as Munshi. The duo used to park their motor-cycle No 9917 JK02L somewhere between Nandni to Tikri during the night and wearing police uniform start checking of the vehicles and extort money from the drivers, police sources said. Yesterday, the fake police officials stopped a TATA Sumo vehicle No. 1953 MH19L, carrying Mata Vaishnodevi pilgrims from Maharashtra, at Nandni. The Sumo operator paid a Rs 100 note to the ‘Munshi’, which wasn’t accepted by the duplicate cop. This resulted into a scuffle in which John Rhembo snatched Rs 2500 from the pilgrims and escaped. Police sources said the pilgrims became doubtful of youths’ activities and reported the incident at Jhajjar Kotli police station. Pardeep Kumar, a resident of Shiv Nagar, Mumbai, also gave the number of motor-cycle, which was being used by the impersonators, to Jhajjar Kotli police. Cops came into action and succeeded in apprehending the impersonators from Rhembal when they were fleeing on their motor-bike to Udhampur. Rs 2500 cash, which the fake cops had snatched from Vaishnodevi pilgrims and two police uniforms were seized by police from the possession of miscreants. Their motor-cycle has also been seized by police. Police sources said a number of highway robbery cases were expected to be worked out with the arrest of fake police officials. Sustained interrogation of the ‘cops’ was being carried out by police for further investigations. A case against them has been registered at Jhajjar Kotli police station. |
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NEW DELHI, Aug 18: A city court today granted bail to Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Yasin Malik, who was arrested earlier this week for his failure to appear before a special court here and visiting abroad in violation of his earlier bail conditions in a pending Tada case. Granting him bail, Special Judge V K Jain ordered the release of Malik from jail after he executed a bail bond of Rs 50,000 and two sureties of the like amount. While granting him bail, Jain directed Malik, a senior Hurriyat leader, to surrender his passport to the CBI and not to leave the country without the court’s permission. The court also directed him to mark his appearance before the Tilak Marg police station on 16th of every month. Malik, who was arrested on August 13 for not appearing before the court in the Tada case on April 10 and April 12 this year, had been sent to judicial custody the same day. CBI had alleged that Malik had gone to the US and UK without getting permission from the court, which was one of the conditions imposed on him in the earlier bail order. While remanding Malik to judicial custody on August 13, the special judge had said that he had neither been appearing in the court for quite sometime nor before the Tilak Marg police station as per the direction of the Supreme Court, which had granted him bail earlier. (PTI) |
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Centre will ensure free, fair polls in J&K: Advani LUCKNOW, Aug 18: Union Home Minister L K Advani today said the Centre would ensure free and fair elections in Jammu and Kashmir as per the aspirations of the people of the State. "Prime Minister Vajpayee had recently said his Government would ensure free and fair elections in Jammu and Kashmir," Advani said in a meeting with Editors and Bureau Chiefs of newspapers and news agencies here. When asked whether the earlier elections were not held properly, he said barring the one held during Morarji Desai’s Prime Ministership, most of the elections to the State Assembly were described by the people of the Valley as "not free and fair." (PTI) |
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NEW DELHI, Aug 18: Kashmiris held demonstration outside the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) in Geneva yesterday to protest against continued violence in Jammu and Kashmir, denial of basic rights to the people of Gilgit and Baltistan and the Pakistan Government’s decision to raise the level of Mangala Dam. The Kashmiris, who gathered in Geneva under the banner of the United Kashmir Peoples National Party, submitted a memorandum to the UNCHR High Commissioner seeking immediate end to all "forms of violence, irrespective of their origin and intent", a faxed message from Geneva said. "We demand that the Kashmiris be given free access to all parts of their divided motherland while doing away with the Line of Control and other inhuman restrictions so that reunion of families could be made possible," the memorandum presented by Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri said. Carrying banners and placards, they denounced the role of extremist and fundamental organisations. The demonstrators demanded that all "extremist organisations" be declared unlawful and banned as these were responsible for promoting sectarian violence. Sardar Shaukat Kashmiri said Pakistan should release all political detenues unconditionally and abolish summery courts. Referring to raise the level of Mangala Dam for meeting irrigation and power demand of the Punjab Province, he said it would displace more than 80,000 families and submerge new Mirpur city. It would also cause environmental degradation in the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK). The other signatories to the memorandum were Gul Nawaz Khan, Shahid Azam Khan, Tahir Rafiquee, besides Ms Muri. (UNI) |
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Medicos call off 18-days long stir Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 18: The 18-days long agitation of medical students supported by junior doctors of Government Medical College today came to an end with Principal Dr H L Goswami cancelling the rustication orders and medicos signing apology letters. Another round of meeting between Principal and striking medicos was held today wherein various issues raised during the strike have been sorted out mutually. The talks, which were hanged in balance yesterday with striking medicos refusing to sign the letters due to some objectionable words in it, today reached to a solution as all the misconceptions were cleared. Soon after the rustication orders were cancelled, the students and junior doctors called off their 18-days long agitation with immediate effect. The Principal Dr H L Goswami also issued notification wherein he mentioned that as the strike has been called off, the teaching in the College will resume from August 27 and directed all the students to attend the College so that examinations which are scheduled to be held could be conducted as per schedule. |
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I was fated to have such a guest: PM NEW DELHI, Aug 18: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today had a dig at Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf’s conduct during the Agra summit, saying he was fated to have such a guest. Speaking about India’s tradition of hospitality, he said: in our country guests were always treated like gods (atithi devo bhav). But in the same breath Mr Vajpayee referred to Gen Musharraf’s conduct during the Agra summit, saying he was fated to have such a guest. People ask me what kind of a guest you received. I say I was destined to have such a guest, the Prime Minister said at a book release function at his residence this evening. During his three-day visit to India, Gen Musharraf was particularly criticised for his meeting with the Hurriyat leaders despite New Delhi’s reservations about it and his controversial breakfast meeting with Indian editors where he spoke to the media even while the summit was on. (UNI) |
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