Mail

Working of Fund organisation

Sir,

Mr. Predhuman K Joseph Dhar's write up "functioning of Funds organisations" which appeared on 5 December 2001, appeals to the Finance Minister for screening the inefficient workers who have made a mess in the functioning of GP Fund and SLI cells. The casual attitude of the funds staff has damaged many Govt. servants at the time of their transfer as well as at the time they retired. These careless officials of GP Fund/SLI should realise that they have also to retire one day and at that time for getting their uptodate balances, if they are made to run from Pillar to post for completing their missing credits, how would they realise their own irresponsible acts done while in chair, Many a time, earlier also this crucial subject has been discussed and various remedies stand suggested by different intellectuals but it seems all have gone to deaf ears, that is why the kind attention of the Finance Minister has been drawn.

I submit that the GPF and SLI are the savings from employees hard earned money and the officials of these sections have no right to deal with such an honest savings in that irresponsible way. Hope for the benefit of Govt. servants, the Fund organisation of J&K Govt. not only improves its functioning but also takes a lead in setting an example before other states for its efficient working, keeping a correct uptodate record and streamlining the entire system affecting quick and timely disposal of cases for final payments to the retirees.

Yours etc...
J M Behl
Old Janipur Jammu.

Past recalled

Sir,

With reference to the letter "Past recalled" written by Mr Summeer Razdan dated 13.11.2001. I would like to add a little more to the debacles caused by severe winter in Russia and in Kashmir to the invaders.

When Napolean reached Moscow it was not in flames but people had fled so hurriedly that they had abandoned their costly goods e.g. "Kashmiri shawls", Siberian furs, and other precious items.

It was only in the night that blasts occurred in the city and it went into flames due to the fact that fleeing Russians had dumped the "Gun powder" beneath the big buildings and engaged some criminals from the jails to set them on fire. There was chaos and confusion every where.

The people were caught and thrown into the flames. It was really an aweful scene.

Mahmood of Ghaznavi who invaded India 17 times had a great desire to go to Kashmir. He had invaded through Poonch then "Parnoisa" of "Prantus". It was in the year about 1030. Tunga, the paramour of Queen Dida defeated the small contingent of Mahmood Gaznavi at the banks of Poonch river. But a big onslaught defeated "Tunga" and he proceeded towards mountains and wished to reach Srinagar via Mandi and Lohrans (then Lohar Kotta). Two big forces one at Lohran and other at Thanna Mandi top called ‘Prithpalla fort’ came into his way. They were delayed by the Kashmiri forces at these two places, till the winter set in. There are no remanants of the Lohran fort but the other fort still has some remanants left.

I possess some photographs of the same. Samgvarme Raja was the king of Kashmir at that time. He was Rani Didas's brother's son. She had got her progeny finished by witch craftism due to their objection of her closeness to Tunga.

Mohammad Gaznavi, the first Muslim to come to this area had to retreat because of the severe winter and the onslaught of Kashmiri forces and his dream of conquering Kashmir was not fulfilled (Alberuni writes).

Yours etc.....
Dr J L Kapoor
Poonch

Revise Poto

Sir,

Extreme situation demand extreme measures. History shows that laws enacted to protect internal security are often used by regimes to harass innocent people. Preventive detention Act. Maintenanace of Internal security Act (MISA) were misued by the Congress regimes.

Misa was followed by the National Security Act (NSA) which in turn was followed by natorious Terrorist and Disruptive Act (TADA).

Infact, preventive Detention Act has largely been used to by pass due process of law. More than 65000 persons were arrested under TADA.

After weeks of persuasion and propaganda the NDA Government at centre still has not had its way with the POTO. The concern over the proposed legislation can not simply be dismissed as politically motivated. Public memory is short but surely every one who supports proposed law they are misreading the lesson of past. Indira Gandhi imposed emergency and took away the fundamental rights of citizens. There have been scores of legislations enacted on the ground.

The same people who are crying against gagging of the press and stifling of peoples voice during emergency are now introducing POTO which could be used against Journalists among others. POTO will give greater powers to police and there is likelihood of their misuse.

The stand adopted by the ruling Bhartiya Janta Party that it will get POTO type Acts passed in states under its rule, in the event of its rejection by parliament is unethical. So is its claim that those who oppose the ordinance are supporters of terrorism. It is conveniently forgotten that many of its members were put behind bars by various Congress Governments under similar draconian laws.

The people have geniune doubts about the proposed legislations. In this respect ordinance needs revision. Government has failed to come out with any amendments in POTO despite stiff opposition. There is no meeting ground as the Government and opposition both are struck to their respective positions.

Yours etc...
Mohd. Iqbal Mir
Chanderkote.