Sagar asks militants to shun violence, join mainstream

Excelsior Correspondent

Kupwara, Dec 30: The Minister for Works, Mr Ali Mohammad Sagar has called upon the militants to shun the path of violence which he said has only brought death and destruction to the State during the past 12 years.

Addressing a series of largely attended public meetings at Langate, Sohipora Halmatpora, Muqam Shahwali and Drugmolla in the border district of Kupwara yesterday, the Minister said the time has come that the militants should realise the futility of perpetrating senseless violence and work towards restoration of peace and normalcy in the trouble-torn State. Mr Sagar urged the militants to understand the nefarious designs of their mentors from both across the border and within the State, who, he said where using innocent Kashmiris as the cannon fodder in the regional power politics.

Mr Sagar said it is unfortunate that in the name of religion some so-called leaders were misleading the youth and encouraging blood-shed and destruction in the State to run their political shops. He said these so-called leaders were least concerned about the fate of Kashmiris as they have not only amassed huge wealth but are furthering their own political interests over the blood of Kashmiris. He asked the militants to look back and see what this bloody turmoil has given us except filling the graveyards with the corpses of thousands of youth leaving behind their wailing widows, destitute parents and innocent orphans. Mr Sagar said the people who lured these youth to take to guns have now left their families to fend for themselves while they themselves are enjoying five star lives in heavily guarded palatial houses.

The World now, Mr Sagar, said has joined together to eradicate the menace of terrorism from the civilized societies and before it is too late, the Kashmiri militants should say good bye to the gun and use their capabilities to earn a respectable living besides contributing towards reconstruction of the State. He said the agencies who have commercialized violence want this blood-shed to continue as they will have to face the public wrath if peace returns to the State. "However, we have to give a befitting reply to the diabolic designs of such elements and that can happen only when we expose them before the public," Mr Sagar said and asked the people to ponder over why not the children of these so-called leaders, and why only poor and innocent Kashmiris were being led to the valley of death. He said the people have started realizing the designs of these so-called leaders as they have are left with no credibility among the masses. "If they still claim to be the representatives of the people let them face the public and test their popularity in the forthcoming elections instead of rushing to the mosques on Fridays and making people hostage there," Mr Sagar added.

The Minister said it is the common Kashmiri who has to face the brunt of this violence as he has been caught in the cross-fire. He, however, warned against the misuse of anti-terrorism measures and said that the Government is meant for mitigating the sufferings of the people and win their hearts and minds instead of alienating them. Mr Sagar said the Government would never allow the use of POTO against innocents but warned that those involved in militancy would not be spared. He said the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah has issued strict instructions to the security forces and the police that no innocent should be harassed while fighting militancy. He said although it is the duty of the security forces to act against the militants and their supporters but at the same time they must ensure that the peace loving citizens are not put to any trouble. Mr Sagar said the Government can not allow those people who kill us to roam freely, but we have to take care that no innocent is victimized.

The Minister said it is the National Conference which had to face the brunt of the militancy the most as hundreds of its leaders and activists have become the victims of this senseless violence. He said despite paying a heavy price, the present Government has been striving hard to restore peace and normalcy in the State and it is because of these efforts that today we see a discernible change in the situation. The biggest achievement of the present Government, Mr Sagar said is that it has not only filled the political vacuum in the State, but has also revived the economic activity by undertaking massive reconstruction of the damaged infrastructure which was the first target of the militants. He said alongside fighting a war, the Government constructed hundreds of gutted school buildings, bridges and hospitals besides making available to the people the basic amenities like drinking water and power supply.

The Minister launched a scathing attack on the political opponents of the NC accusing them of resorting to mud-slinging against the Government functionaries. He said the people who are responsible for bringing miseries to the Kashmiris are today going from door to door and shedding crocodile tears over their plight. Mr Sagar said the people, however, know the real face of these politicians who are changing colours like a chameleon. "Let the time come the people would themselves decide that who are their well-wishers as they know who has done what for them," Mr Sagar said and added that NC is the party of the poor Kashmiri who has nourished it for the past 50 years. He said the people are the only strength of this party who have stood by it through all the troubles and tribulations. "That they have shown during 1996 elections when they again elected us to power even after so much of political upheaval in the State," he added. Mr Sagar said the people elected us to power with lot of expectations, we may not have fulfilled all their aspirations but we have worked with honesty to provide a healing touch to their deep wounds inflicted on them by the ongoing turmoil.

The Minister expressed optimism that complete peace and normalcy would return to this paradise soon which has been bestowed with the hundreds of Sufi saints who always preached peace, amity and brotherhood.

The Minister earlier arrived to a rousing reception in the town. He also paid obeisance at the shrine of Hazrat Shawali (RA). Enroute, a number of deputations called on the Minister during his extensive tour of the district and apprised him of their problems.

Responding to the concern of the people living along the line of control (LOC) over the prevailing tension, the Minister said that the Government has already taken adequate measures to ensure the safety of the border population in case of any eventuality. He said 1800 bunkers would be constructed in the areas along the LOC so that safety of residents can be ensured.

The Minister also ordered upgradation of Halmatpora-Gulgam road, Drugmulla- Muqam Shawali road, Kupwara-Gushi road and Drugmulla-Inderhama road. He ordered speedy execution of work on Mughalpora and Mawar bridges besides upgradation of interior roads in the Lanagte town. The Minister also ordered digging of 20 hand pumps in the water scarce areas of Muqam, Drugmulla and Helmatpora.

Legislators, Mir Saifullah and Naasir Ali Khan besides District Development Commissioner Kupwara and heads of departments accompanied the Minister.

No rent revision of EP houses in last 16 years
Custodians consume 50 pc of EP land even as Govt plans Resettlement Act

By Gopal Sharma

JAMMU, Dec 30: While the State Government is contemplating to initiate process for the implementation of Resettlement Act and rehabilitation of thousands of families which migrated to Pakistan in 1947, the Custodians of Evacuee Property have already consumed about fifty per cent of the land left behind by migrated families to Pakistan.

The Custodians department set up by the J&K Government for the protection of the Evacuee property including houses, shops, agriculture and horticulture land is earning huge revenue for the State exchequer annually out of this property including rent and produce from the orchards and agriculture land. Hardly, thirty per cent of the Revenue generated from this property is being spent for salaries, maintenance and functioning of the department while net 70 % profit is being generated for the State Exchequer.

The figures compiled from Revenue authorities indicated that more than thirty thousand families migrated to Pakistan and POK in 1947 and thereafter, from this side. However, there are hardly 8500 houses and 680 shops and 28 water-mills (Gharats) registered with the Custodians department. The top officials in the department feel that it will be a major headache for them to rehabilitate and even provide the possession of their properties left behind as about 46-50 % of the total land had already been allotted to the refugees from Pakistan.

In an Exclusive interview to Excelsior, Custodian General J&K Mr S A Masoodi said department has not kept any concrete record of number of families migrated to Pakistan but at present 8,440 houses are registered with the department. The department had in possession about 15.035 lakh kanals of land in Jammu region, out of which about 6.60 lakh kanals has already been allotted to people.

Mr Masoodi disclosed that during the year 2000-2001, the EP department earned a revenue of Rs 206.79 lakhs while this year a target of Rs 223 lakhs have been fixed. He, however, claimed that the revenue may go beyond the target as some effective measures were taken by the department this year. Some shops were also constructed to generate more revenue, he maintained.

Unfortunately, there is no revision of rent of EP houses/ shops for the last 16 years, otherwise the revenue may have gone very high. Perhaps the officials earlier could not do it due to some resistance from the concerned parties/ allottees. Not only this, two posts of field inspectors and several other ranks in Jammu region have been filled up in backdoor by appointing candidates from Kashmir. One of the Field inspectors is close relative of the Revenue Minister Abdul Qayoom. He claimed that a team has been constituted for the task and it has started assessment of the rent to be fixed. The committee will give its report and the rent fixed this time will be recovered strictly from the parties concerned. "I have taken up this initiative now and hopefully a considerable amount of increase in the revenue will be realised," he added.

Responding to a question on some backdoor appointments and especially the illegal entry of a close relative of Revenue Minister, Mr Qayoom as inspector in the department, Mr Masoodi expressed ignorance over the matter and maintained that he has joined hardly one month back. There may be such cases earlier but no such case has been observed in the recent past. He said the efforts are being made to make the department functional with the available staff and not to put more burden.

He further disclosed that in Kashmir Valley, the EP department earned Rs 34 Lakh as revenue last year and thirty Orchards are of main sources of revenue from there as there are hardly 100 houses and 1295 kanals of land registered with the department in Valley. The Department is statutory body and no funds are provided by the J&K Government to it. It is meeting its own expenses out of the revenue generated. In order to manage affairs of the department including salary/ wages etc. it is spending thirty per cent of the total revenue generated every year.

Custodian Jammu Mr Qamar Din, said it is practically not feasible to accommodate all the claimants from Pakistan if any such Act is implemented. But it is for the Government to see and plan on top level to decide about the rehabilitation process. He said with the enforcement of SRO 149, the rent of the EP houses/ shops will be revised after every three years and with the implementation in the coming weeks, more than double revenue will be generated by the department. When asked about the illegal encroachment and allotment of EP land in Talab Tilloo and some other areas in connivance with some key officials, the Custodian expressed ignorance over the matter.

In response to another question, he said due to strong opposition from the allottees of the EP houses, the department could not enforce SRO 149 but now the department has decided to enforce it for the larger interests of the Government. He further disclosed that it is not possible to maintain so old and large records and the department is also planning to computerise the EP wing of the Revenue department. A proposal has been sent to the Ministry for approval.

Bukhari lauds missionaries for spread of education

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 30: The Minister of State for Social Welfare, Mr. Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari today appreciated missionary organisation in spread of litracy in the State saying that these have heralded in Jammu and Kashmir when younger generation needed education the most.

The Minister was speaking at a function held at St. Peters Higher Secondary School, Karan Bagh near Satwari to celebrate Christmas and New Year. He assured every possible help from the Government to the society.

Referring to Christmas, Mr. Bukhari said that the Christmas, the birth day of Lord Jesus Christ, saw the humanity blessed by yet another Messiah to steer people from darkness to light. He said Lord Jesus preached love, compassion and peace. His sacrifices and teachings have inspired humanity to charish the values of truth, chairty, tolarance and love. He said adding that the teaching of Lord Jesus have great relevance in the present troubled time.

Minister hoped following the teachings of Lord Christ will strengthen peace, harmony and forge brotherhood among people of our country as well as of the State.

The Minister also greeted the people on the New Year and prayed for peace and prosperity of the State hoping that tension on the border would ease.

Earlier the Minister inaugurated the function by lightning treaditional lamp. Children of various education institutions run by the society presented colourful cultural shows.

Among others, Mr. S.M.Gill, MLC, Dr. Peter Celestine Bishop J&K and promenent citizens were present on the occasion.

Mohd Ramzan for strengthening Cooperative movement

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 30: Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives Ch Mohd Ramzan has stressed the need for strengthening cooperative movement in the state.

Presiding over the meeting of Board of Directors of J&K Coop. Central Land Development Bank here the other day, the minister welcomed all the elected members, elections for which were held after a long span of 26 years. He said the Government is already taking affective measures to promote and strengthen th cooperative movement in the state.

Registrar and Dy Registrar Cooperative Societies also attended the meeting. Mr Rattan Lal Gupta vice-Chairman of the Bank also spoke on the occasion.

15 BSP workers with leader join NC

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Dec 30: Fifteen Bahujan Samaj Party workers alongwith their leader, have joined National Conference party in tehsil Ramnagar.

As per a release, these workers of BSP headed by Panch Bishan Dass came into the NC fold at a function held at Chanonta near Ramnagar on Friday. The function was organised by Mrs Madhu Verma women wing president of the Party for Udhampur and Mr Subhash Kudiyar, senior Party leader in the district body. Two defeated Sarpanches Nek Ram and Bansi Lal also joined the National Conference and have assured full support to the district body.

They expressed that the decision to leave the party was taken because of non-seriousness on BSP leaders and lack of development in their area.

Ministers visit border areas
Feel world opinion against terror, stop abetting it: Harbans, Sadhotra to Pak

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 30: Minister for Labour and Employment Mr Harbans Singh and Minister of State for Rural Development, Mr. Ajay Sadhotra today visited several border areas to take stock of the situation arisen in the wake of escalated shelling from across the border.

They also visited migrant camps at Domana, Kangral, Malpur Doomi, Ghura Pattan and Rajpora and interacted with the people who have been displaced due to shelling and took stock of the arrangements made for the people of Pargwal area.

Addressing the displaced people, Mr Harbans Singh complimented the border dwellers for their courage with which they have faced the situation in the past and hoped that they will continue to keep their spirits high. The Government, he said, is committed to provide them whatever is possible.

He decried the Pak machinations that have put to the people of the state in general and those living near borders in particular in great distress during the past over 12 years. The proxy war has caused colossal damage to infrastructure and taken high toll of innocent civilians. He said the peace loving citizens of the state are determined to foil the nefarious plans of the enemy across the border by maintaining peace and tranquility.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister of State for Rural Development dwelt on the atrocities committed by mercenaries on the civilian population and said the shelling has forced people to leave their homes and hearths for safety in the past as well. He said the Government is seized of the problems faced by the border dwellers and spelled out the measures taken for providing them respite.

Mr Sadhotra said that administration has been further geared up to take care of those in distress due to the prevailing situation.

The Ministers said that Pakistan will never succeed in its evil designs as the armed forces are well poised to thwart their misadventures. The proxy war, they said, can’t be won by army or secruity forces alone but it is incumbent upon people as well to extend their whole hearted cooperation to the security forces and the police in stamping out terrorism that has emerged as the biggest challenge to the humanity around the world. The state of Jammu and Kashmir has been facing the brunt for the last so many years, they said while asserting that time has come when the enemy should feel the pulse of world opinion against the demon of terrorism and stop aiding and abetting militancy in any manifestation.

While interacting with the affected people, the Ministers urged them not to feel isolated at this hour of crises, saying that the entire nation was behind them. They said that if Pakistan again tried to wage a war on India, it will get a befitting reply.

The Ministers asked the Dy. Commissioner, Jammu to provide immediately essentials like kerosene, rations and other commodities to the suffering people. They gave instructions for constituting committees in the camps to monitor the disbursement of relief to genuine persons. Government officers of various departments have been deputed to look after these camps.

The Ministers also enquired from camp dwellers about provision of relief. They were told that that the revenue authorities have been providing seven kilograms of atta and two kilograms of rice per head per month free of cost.

The Ministers were accompanied by Pt Govind Ram Sharma, MLA and officers of various departments including PHE, electricity, health and revenue.

Border migrants' grievances highlighted Sharma tours Pargwal areas

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 30: Mr Dharam Pal Sharma former MP and general secretary of Pradesh Congress Committee, who conducted a tour of Pargwal island yesterday and got trapped in the Pakistani firing today said that the 3.5 kg atta and one kg rice as being provided to the border migrants from Pargwal for 15 days was far less and its scale should be enhanced.

Mr Sharma who visited today the Devipur camp stated that no registration of the persons from Pargwal island who has crossed the river Chenab and reached Devipur has been made by the Government. He said the migrants from Pargwal island are presently putting up in Devipur High School building and demanded their immediate registration besides all facilities from the Government to them.

Mr Sharma said the Government should arrange atleast four boats at the disposal of those people who are migrating from Pargwal island via Indri Pattan and the coming people be provided with accommodation and ration at all places.

Mr Sharma urged the Administration to fix the rates of trucks and tractor trollies whose operators are charging exhorbitant rates from the migrants. He also urged the Government to put a halt on distress sale of food grains by the fleeing people at throw away price. he appealed the people to rise above party politics and unite for the cause of uprooting people.

Mr Sharma demanded that all the people residing along the borders should be allotted atleast seven marla of land at safer places so that they could find a ready made shelter at the time of fleeing from the border areas.

Mr Sharma also conducted a meeting at Dev Nagar (Nardi) which was presided over by Sarpanch Tota Ram. Others who spoke included Messrs Naib Sarpanch Vidya Sagar, Lakshman Dass, Amar Nath and Capt Babu Ram. The demands of the area included upgradation of Nardi high school to Plus 2 level, extension of road to Barui, inquiry into the pond constructed under Water Shed Scheme at Nardi,

While addressing Mr Sharma said the Congress was the only party which has the capability to serve the cause of the people. He said Congress was the only alternative to rampant corruption, mal-administration and unemployment.

While addressing party workers at Akhnoor Mr Sharma said that Degree College as announced for Akhnoor tehsil should start functioning from the next financial year. Other demands raised by Mr Sharma included making Akhnoor as Modern Town, construction of a stadium and development of tourism from Akhnoor bridge to Harimandir besides construction of Dak Bunglalow at Akhnoor.

A Harijan youth leader Mr Bhagwan Dass of Bharda Khurd who had contested last Panchayat election un-successfully, today joined Congress party and reposed full faith in the leadership of Mr M S Qureshi and Mrs Sonia Gandhi at State and Central level respectively.

Maa Shakti conducts children’s educational prog

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 30: Maa Shakti, a NGO for welfare of children and youth conducted a children’s educational programme in which the children from various schools took part.

As per a release, Master S Krishna of BSF Senior Secondary School, Jammu was adjudged as best performer while Miss Aditi Sharma and Master Ankit Sharma, both of Vishwa Bharti Public School Jammu were given the second and third prizes respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman of the Organisation Swami Paul called upon the members to make service for the children and youth a motto in their life and devote to this noble cause.

Proper development of the children should form the prime concern in our life and adequate care in their development should be the social habit in society. Only this type of conscious involvement on our part for the children’s growth combined with the hard work on the part of every parent to understand the needs of the children would indeed make future generation strong and successful, Swamiji added.

Foundation stone for Conservator office laid

Excelsior Correspondent

DODA, Dec 30: Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Mr P P Sharma laid the foundation stone of the office complex of Conservator of Forests Chenab Circle Doda here yesterday.

Several prominent citizens, Government officials and others from the Forest department were present on the occasion. Chief Conservator of Forests Jammu was also present at the ceremonial function held in this connection. Mr Sharma appreciated the efforts of young DFO at Doda and asked the employees of the Circle to generate good revenue and protect forests from further destruction.

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