Ist death anniversary of Madr-e-Mehrban
Farooq asks Pakistan to respond positively opening
of Visa Centres, Rawalpindi road

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, July 11: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah today urged Pakistan to respond positively to the Indian initiative of establishing Visa Centres at various places including Uri and said opening of Rawalpindi road will enable people of the two sides to appreciate each others difficulties in a better way.

Speaking at a function held at Madr-i-Meharban Women and Child Welfare Institute, Miskeen Bagh, here this afternoon, to commemoration of the first death anniversary of Begum Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the Chief Minister said that the forthcoming Vajpayee-Musharraf summit is a ray of light in the dark tunnel that will lead to normalizing relations between the neighbours. ‘Nothing big should be expected in the first meeting but the process will yield dividends in due course of time’, he added.

Dr Abdullah said the two countries are faced with many pulls and pressures and the difficult situation could be overcome by sagacious approach to the problems.

Without naming any country, Dr Abdullah said that some people don’t want friendship between India and Pakistan, as these two countries are their potential arsenal buyers. They would wish hostility in the region but it is for the peoples of these two neighbours to solve their problems as they face the brunt of situation.

He, however, expressed optimism over the collapse of wall of hatred between India and Pakistan like that of German wall and said that history is testimony that hostilities have turned into great friendships. He envisioned conversion of SAARC into a meaningful union as that of European Union and African Union and said that Jammu and Kashmir could greatly benefit from such a common market.

Paying tributes to his mother, popularly known as Madr-e-Mehrban, the Chief Minister recalled her sacrifices during most turbulent days and said that she worked relentlessly for the welfare and uplift of women and children. The Miskeen Bagh complex is the outcome of her tireless efforts that has been a centre of activity for several decades. This institution, he said, suffered immensely during past few years due to turmoil but ultimately steered out of difficulties.

Dr Abdullah hoped the women would continue their struggle against illiteracy and ignorance and assert for their rightful place in the society. Economically self-reliant women could contribute greatly in the welfare of their families and upbringing children.

The Chief Minister particularly mentioned the contribution of Madr-e-Mehrban in the uplift of Gujjar and Bakerwal communities and said she also looked after well the destitutes and orphans.

He announced that 90 kanals of Auqaf land at Smailpur in Jammu would be alloted to the Madr-e-Mehrban Trust for establishing a residential school.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister for Works, Mr Ali Mohammad Sagar said the best way to offer tributes to Madr-e-Mehrban is to reactivate the Miskeen Bagh complex housing Markaz-e-Behbood Khwateen for carrying forward the mission of great visionary.

Mr Sagar said the Markaz has been centre of attraction of the international and national dignitaries in the past who took keen interest in seeing the women of Kashmir, particularly belonging to weaker sections and remote areas, flourish. He said the indebted people of the state would ever remember the services of Madr-e-Mehrban in the welfare of children and destitutes.

The Vice Chairperson, Madr-e-Mehrban Women and Child Welfare Institute, Mrs Surya Mattoo enumerated the activities of the institute and said that besides imparting vocational training, the Miskeen Bagh complex houses working women hostel and girls hostel for Gujjar and Bakerwals. She sought liberal help for the smooth functioning of the institute.

The Chief Minister presented certificates and cash incentives to 12 anganwari workers adjusted as best workers at the national level.

The Institute organised a six-day programme to commemorate the death anniversary of Begum Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah that included exhibitions, seminars and camps.

Among those present on the occasion were the Chairman, Legislative Council, Mr Abdul Rashid Dar, Deputy Chairman, Mr Chuni Lal Khajuria, Minister for Social Welfare, Mr Bashir Ahmed Kitchloo, Minister for Information and Transport, Mr Ajatshatru Singh, Minister of State for Tourism, Ms Sakina Itoo, Minister of State for Agriculture, Mr Ram Paul, Minister of State for Home, Mr Mushtaq Ahmed Lone, legislators, social workers, officers and prominent citizens.

Bagh-e-Roop Singh bridge inaugurated
Sagar hails PM’s confidence building measures

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar July 11 - The Minister for Works, Mr Ali Mohamamd Sagar has hailed the confidence building measures announced by the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee ahead of his July 14 summit meeting with Pakistan President, Gen. Pervez Musharraf.

Addressing a public meeting at the inauguration of Madr-e-Mehrban bridge at Bagh-e-Roop Singh in Miskeen Bah area of Srinagar today, the Minister termed Prime Minister’s announcing to ease travel restrictions on Pak nationals and opening of more entry points along the line of control (LoC) as a bold decision. He called upon the Pakistan Government to reciprocate these confidence building measures positively to pave wave for restoration of long-lasting peace in the region.

"The upcoming summit has provided a golden opportunity to both the leaders to end their hostilities and move towards progress and development," Mr Sagar said and added that the success of the summit can also prove a milestone towards restoration of peace in the strife-torn State of Jammu and Kashmir which has witnessed a horrendous blood-shed during the past decade. He, however, cautioned against the machinations of the vested interests who would leave no stone unturned to derail the peace process. Mr Sagar urged the people to keep a close watch on the situation and frustrate the nefarious designs of the enemies of peace who have only brought miseries to them

The recent developments over Kashmir, he said, have vindicated the National Conference’s stand that a solution to the issue can only be found bilaterally by India and Pakistan and it would be worked out along the LoC.

Mr. Sagar said the only way to restore peace in the State was through fulfilling people’s aspirations which lies in restoration of autonomy. "We have put the autonomy proposal before the centre and it would have to be considered if peace is to be restored in the State," he asserted.

The Minister said that the present Government has slowly but steadily put the developmental activities back on rails and the massive expansion of infrastructure during the last five years speakers volumes about the achievements of the Government. He said hundreds of bridges, school buildings and hospitals gutted during militancy have been restored during this shortest possible time.

Mr Sagar said when the time comes the people themselves would decide about the friends and foes as they know who has done what for them.

The Minister announced construction of a park in the Bagh-e-Roop Singh area. He said the funds for this purpose would be released immediately.

Speaking on the occasion the Minister of State for Works and Power, Mr Qamar Ali Akhoon said that when the present Government came to power in 1996, it had to shoulder the responsibility of massive reconstruction of the gutted infrastructure. Mr Aknoon said the Government not only reconstructed bridges, schools and hospitals but put the political and administrative system back on rails which had gone hay-wire during the militancy. He said an element of accountability and transparency was infused in the administration and the money was channelised towards the developmental purposes in a proper way.

Mr Akhoon called upon the people to strengthen the hands of Dr Farooq Abdullah who is heading a party which represents the aspirations of the people from all the three regions of the State.

The Madr-e-Mehrban bridge at Bagh-e- Roop Singh has been completed at a cost Rs. 31 lakh within a record period of 8 months. The 9 meter span bridge constructed by the JKPCC would provide connectivity to 8000 souls of Bagh-e-Roop Singh with Srinagar city and other parts of the Valley.

The Managing Director JKPCC, Chief Engineers of R & B Department of Kashmir, PHE Department, Kashmir and Irrigation and Flood Control department, Kashmir were present on the occasion.

Shafi for developing scientific temper in students

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, JULY 11- The Minister for Education, Mr. Mohammad Shafi today said that the objective of providing basic education to every child has grately been achieved with the launching of Rehabr-e- Taleem Programme in Jammu and Kashmir.

Mr. Shafi was speaking at the operation of the Provincial Level Science Exhibition at State Institute of Education, Srinagar. The exhibition is a culmination of District Level Science Exhibition organized by various D.I.E.Ts of the valley.

Mr. Shafi said that presently the education department is able to touch even the remotest part of the State and is providing school education to the children belonging to even the most backward areas.

"The need of the hour is to develop scientific temper in the students. It is the age of science, which has converted the world into a global village. Next generation which is getting trained for their future in our schools should be able to cope up with the present scenario", Mr. Shafi said.

The Minister added that the phased introduction of computer education as a subject in higher secondary schools is a prominent step government is taking in this regard. With this every child who will pass out his schooling would be a computer literate before joining the graduation course. Later these students could professionalise themselves in any field easily as computer has become a basic necessity everywhere,he said.

Mr. Shafi said that the exhibition of this kind would help cultivating the feeling of being innovative and experimental in our students. They will grow up with the scientific bent of mind, he said and added that a very important aspect of such exhibitions is that they are making the students environmental countious. He appreciated the models made by students and next generation would understand the necessity of protecting natural resources and environment, which is essential for sustainance of human race.

Mr. Shafi lauded the efforts of teachers and students for providing excellent models and said that such exhibitions should be given all kinds of encouragement.

In all, 42 models on various themes were presented in the exhibition. Many a models, depicted the scientific applications which could be used for making day to day life easy and to bring science closer to the society. The models were from various Government and Recognized Private Higher, High and Middle Schools of the Valley including Kargil district.

Sheikh for re-union for India, Pak, B’Desh
India, Pak need to initiate confidence building
measures:BSP

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 11: Describing the proposed Indo-Pak summit as a step in the right direction, Bahujan Samaj Party state unit president Mr Sheikh Abdul Rehman (MLA) has said that in the very first stage there is need to initiate confidence building measures by both the nations.

Addressing a press conference here today he said both the countries required to take some hard decisions like deduction in defence expenditure, withdrawal of troops from areas likes Siachen where crores of rupees are being spent per day by the armed forces. The money being spent there can be utilised for the development of the people. Besides this, there should be relaxation in travelling and Visas for the nationals of both the countries to either side.

There is no possibility of miracles or immediate results out of the talks between Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Gen Parvez Musharraf of Pakistan. There is need to make a platform and a congenial atmosphere for this process in the beginning. The people of both the countries want to live in peace.

Referring to unification of Germany and Korea and efforts going on in some European countries, Mr Rehman said that he advocates the reunion of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. In the long terms, efforts should be made sincerely in this direction. Moreover, the permanent residents status be given to the refugees of west Pakistan.

The BSP leader regretted the discrimination being meted out to the members of SC/ST/ OBC communities in the Jammu and Kashmir and maintained that they are not being given the share being given in other states. While as per Mandal Commission reports, Centre accords 27 % reservation to the OBCs but in J&K they are getting only 8 per cent or even less. The Scheduled Tribes are also facing the same problem in the State.

He further demanded withdrawal of SRO 390 wherein the post graduate courses in MD/MS/M. Tech and others, the reservation has been reduced from 8 to 4 per cent by the J&K Government. The Government should implement Mandal Commission Report in Toto and provide political reservation to the members of these communities in the state, he maintained.

Mr Rehman claimed that BSP will launch a massive struggle in support of its demands and discrimination being metted out to its members in J&K state. The party is never in favour of trifurcation as it is not in the interest of the state. Though regional tensions are there but some other ways should be devised to overcome these problems, he added.

Meanwhile, two senior PDP leaders—S. Harmeet Singh and Ch. Abdul Majid today joined BSP, showing no-confidence in the leadership of PDP supremo Mufti Mohammed Syed.

Let Agra summit go smooth: JKNF

From Aijaz Hussain

SRINAGAR, July 11: While urging India and Pakistan to respect the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir during upcoming summit between the heads of the two countries at Agra, senior Separatist leader and chairman of the J&K National Front Nayeem Ahmed Khan warned of ‘doom’ if the wishes of the people were ignored by the two countries.

He expressed optimism that the summit would usher into permanent resolution of the Kashmir tangle.

Addressing a press conference here, Nayeem Khan maintained that the people of J&K were ‘principle party’ to the issue and said that it would have been better had Kashmiris been involved in the talks. "However, we need not make it an issue if India and Pakistan move ahead with desirable regard and respect for the wishes and aspirations of the people of the State", he asserted.

Khan warned that if the wishes and aspirations of the people were compromised, the summit is doomed not only to fail but to boomerang with a big bang. "They (India and Pakistan) know that the people of J&K cannot be ignored", he added.

The National Front leader said that the Agra summit had raised hopes among the people here. "The hopes need to be substantiated with practical steps and then sustained", he remarked and hoped that Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf would not agree to anything which goes against the wishes and expectations of the people of J&K.

He cautioned India that ‘dilly dallying’ tactics associated with ambiguous rhetoric with scope for misinterpretations would strengthen the forces who think the Indian retention of Kashmir can be undone only through force. "We wish India to prove these apprehensions wrong and to make the proposed summit a success by discussing Kashmir with open mind", he said.

Khan maintained that anything substantial arrived out of the summit should be ascribed to the achievements of the freedom fighters of Kashmir. "It is because of their sacrifices that the two dreaded and sworn enemies have agreed to meet", he opined and added that the summit was vindication of their stand.

Ist death anniversary of Begum Akbar Jehan
Floral tributes paid to Madr-e-Mehrban

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 11: Rich tributes were paid to Madr-e-Mehrban Later Begum Akbar Jehan at various functions organised by National Conference and other organisations on her first death anniversary today. Main function was held at Sher-i-Kashmir Bhawan, while district committees observed the day at their respective headquarters.

Fruit, biscuit and breads were distributed at Vridh Ashram, Ambphalla and Mother Teresa Centre Janipura early in the morning by provincial committee team headed by Mr Bodh Raj Bali, president. Programme of Quran Khwani was also organised in which prominent religious people participated and prayed for peace to the departed soul.

Floral tributes were paid to Late Begum Akbar Jehan at Sher-i-Kashmir Bhawan. Exhibition of photographs on the life of Madr-e-Mehrban was also organised by Information Department in which historical photographs of Late Begum and her family were put on display in the exhibition. Thousands of people visited the exhibition.

Addressing the gathering Mr Bodh Raj Bali asserted that National Conference will pursue programme and policies of late Madr-e-Mehrban and late Sher-i-Kashmir as envisaged in the "Naya Kashmir".

Prominent among those who addressed and paid tributes included Messrs Rattan Lal Gupta, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Jugal Mahajan, Lt Col D S Trehan, S Peter, Begum Zubaida Salaria, Bimla Luthra, Satpal Lakhotra, Vir Chand Mahasha, Haji Mohd Hussain, Depinder Kour, Javed Rana, Talib Hussain, Rajinder Singh Rana, Shakti Ram Sharma, Darshan Lal Jain, Hari Chand Bhagat, Ch Vijay Bhushan.

Others who attended the function included Messrs Chander Mohan Sharma, Jag Pal Sharma, T S Tony, Ravi Mahajan, Raja Naveed, Sunil Dharmat, Arvind Jamwal, M M Munshi, G H Malik, S Surjit Singh Panch, Capt Bihari Singh, Master Noor Hussain, Om Parkash, Hans Raj, Bodh Raj, Karan Singh, Veena Oberoi, Satwant Kour, Shamshad Begum, Veena Choudhary, Ulfat Ara, Ranvinder Kour, Satwant Kour, Nar Singh, Baldev Singh, Swarn Singh Chib, Suresh Sharma, S Amrik Singh and Parveen Sharma.

The Scheduled Caste and backward Classes Cell of NC paid rich tributes to Madr-e-Mehrban in a meeting held under the chairmanship of Mr Om Dalmotra, vice president of the Cell. Others who paid homage included Messrs Rajinder Kumar, general secretary, Prem Dass Sarmal, Krishan Lal, S D Sagotra, Sat Paul, Madan Gopal Toni, Sudesh Kumar, Krishan Lal Tak, Dr Tara Chand, Manohar Lal, Ishar Dass, Bishan Dass, H L Hiteshi and Ashok Kumar.

National Conference Minority Cell paid tributes to Madr-e-Mehrban in a meeting convened by Mr M L Munshi, secretary at Janipur. Those who spoke and paid homage included Messrs Bharat Bhushan, Ram Krishan, Girdhari Lal, Janki Nath, Shamboo Nath, Bhaskar Nath, Raghunath, Dina Nath, Shadi Lal, Moti Lal and others.

The provincial body of State Central Labour Union and its affiliated and sister concerns in a meeting held at Ware House paid tributes to Begum Akbar Jehan on her first death anniversary. Others who addressed and paid tributes to Late Begum included Messrs R K Sharma, state general secretary, R K Chadha, Satish Raina, Naresh Gupta, Sudershan Sharma, Joginder Singh, Vijay Dutta, J L Dar, S Gurmeet Singh etc.

Jammu and Kashmir Samaj Sudhar Committee in its meeting paid respectful homage to Madr-e-Mehrban. Those who paid homage included Messrs Mohd Yousuf Wani, Ashok Mahajan, Kuldeep Singh, Shamsher Singh and Abdul Rasheed Teli. Rs 500 in cash and books were distributed by Mohd Yousuf Wani to needy woman and boys and girls. Blood camp was also organised on the occasion.

Our Rajouri Correspondent adds: Madr-e-Mehrban Trust J&K (Rajouri) observed first death anniversary of Begum Akbar Jehan in a specially convened meeting which was presided over by District Development Commissioner Rajouri, while founder of Trust Mr N A Mir Advocate was the chief guest. The speakers paid rich tributes to the departed soul. Mr Mir said Madr-e-Mehrban was the first lady of the State who did a lot for the welfare of women folk including widows and orphans. Others who paid floral homage to Begum Jehan included Messrs Sanaullah Bhat, Mohd Rafiq Mir, Ch Mohd Shafi, B L Kapoor, Humayun Parray, president of the Trust and Azaz Mir, secretary.

Our Udhampur Correspondent adds: Rich tributes were paid to Begum Akbar Jehan on her first death anniversary in a function organised by Mr Akbar Shah, district vice president of NC and Dr Vachaspati was the chief guest while Ch Mohd Shafi, district president presided over. Others who attended the function and paid floral tributes included Messrs S Kehar Singh, Bharat Bhushan Advocate, Kuldeep Khajuria Advocate, Mrs Madhu Verma, Mr Sunil Verma, Chain Singh Dehati and several other leaders including Sarpanch and Panches.

Our New Delhi Correspondent adds: At a simple but impressive meeting, presided over by Mr Sharief-ud-Din Shariq, MP, and attended among others by various dignitaries, rich and floral tributes were paid to Madr-e-Mehrban Begum Akbar Jehan. The speakers including MPs, were unanimous in acknowledging the role of Begum Akbar Jehan in the socio-political transformation of Jammu and Kashmir and her struggle for upliftment of backward classes, backward areas and women of the State. The meeting observed one minute silence in the memory of the late leader.

Include our masters in talks: Detenues
Detained militants term Musharraf as ‘traitor’

By Mohinder Verma

JAMMU, July 11: As the count-down has begun for the much hyped summit between Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf, there has been widespread resentment and anguish among the hardcore Pakistani militants detained in the different prisons of the Jammu and Kashmir State, against the Pakistani President.

Highly placed sources in the high security Kot Bhalwal Jail, where large number of hardcore Pakistani and foreign mercenaries have been detained, said that as the date of Indo-Pak summit is coming closer the resentment and anguish among the Pakistani detenues against General Pervez Musharraf is brewing up for latter’s failure to include terrorists’ masters across the border in the talks.

"Without our masters’ participation any talk between India and Pakistan would not bear any fruitful result and the Kashmir tangle continue to linger on and on", the sources quoted detained militants in Kot Bhalwal Jail as saying.

Sources further disclosed that there has been widespread resentment among the detained hardcore militants against the Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf as the militants said that Musharraf has deceived their masters when the time of talks has come.

"It were we, who spread `Jehad’ in every corner of the Kashmir valley and made security forces and civilians our targets for the `Aazadi’ of the Kashmir but when the time of talks has come our masters have been ignored by General Pervez Musharraf", one of the hardcore Pakistani militant detained since long said, adding nodoubt Pakistan has been helping our masters in different ways in our Jehad yet without our participation Kashmir imbroglio can not be solved.

Sources as quoted by the militants said that General Pervez Musharraf should not accept nothing less than ‘Azadi’ for Kashmir as our many colleagues have lost their lives for what they called noble cause.

Sources further said that detained militants are of the opinion that if Pakistan President would accept less that ‘Azadi’ their masters would continue Jihad till goal is achieved, adding the detenues are continuously praying for the failure of the talks between Vajpayee and Musharraf.

"The militants don’t consider this summit as important and say that without their participation the exercise will be futile", the reliable sources said, adding their masters’ presence in any dialogue on Kashmir should be a must.

Sources informed that almost all the detained militants are against this summit and terming Musharraf as ‘traitor’ of Jehad.

Border migrants discuss demands

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 11: Border Migrants Welfare Committee, Sector Pallanwala, tehsil Akhnoor has urged both India and Pakistan to think over the miseries and hardships of border people and sort out a permanent solution to their problems in the coming summit talks.

Chairman of the Border Migrants Welfare Committee, sector Pallanwala, block Khour, Mr Baldev Singh Bhau has said in a statement that since independence their area has remained vulnerable. He said since 1947 the whole area of Akhnoor tehsil and Bhimber comprising at present Niabat Khour came under attack of Kabailies who threatened Hindus and Sikhs to flee to safer places leaving behind their belongings.

He said no relief or proper facilities were provided by the Government because the state administrative machinery was in a mess and disturbed conditions. The people were left at the mercy of God Almighty. After cease-fire in 1948 the people had to undergo a great struggle to survive on their own efforts.

Mr Bhau said hardly the people had started coming to life that in 1948 the people were subjected to another attack in the month of October but no aid or assistance was provided to them by the Government of that time.

Mr Bhau said from 1949 to 1965 people had to hang in balance as Pakistani guerrillas were regularly infiltrating in the area under the cover of darkness causing heavy loss of innocent lives and property, even though human heads were mutilated and taken to Pakistan.

Continuous infiltration of Pak guerrillas created confusion and fear among the people of the area. This process continued till August 31, 1965 when Pak Army raided the area with 70 Pattern Tanks and captured maximum area and a population of about 50,000 was affected. The people of the area were temporarily settled in different camps established by the Government and provided free Atta and meagre amount of financial assistance in the camps.

After Tashkent agreement the people were asked to go to their respective villages but the concerned people did not agree with the proposal of the government and desired that the Government should provide safe alternative place where they could settle themselves permanently and live like other human beings.

Mr Bhau said hardly the hard hit people had taken a sigh of relief that in 1971 Pakistan again raided their area causing another havoc for them and destruction in the villages. Ultimately the areas of Chhamb Niabat completely went into the hands of Pakistan while the villages like Saanwan, Chaprial, Khoimillan, Nardon, Panjtoot, Pallanwala,,Gigrial, Chhani Diwano, Doian, Mangial, Garar, Samith and Hamirpur Sidhar became front line villages under the impact of Shimla Agreement of 1972.

After two years stay in camps people were forced by the then Government to resettle in the month of cannon in Pallanwala sector without providing any relief, added the release.

Since then the firing has become order of the day due to which the people of the area have to leave their homes and hearths time and again but the Government could not take any suitable measure for permanent settlement of the people.

Again in June 1999, three youth were killed in Pakistani firing in an attack at Pallanwala Main Chowk, which triggered migration of many more people to safer places.

Mr Bhau said till date the Government at the helm of affairs has done nothing except for lip sympathy. He said it was a golden opportunity for both countries to think over the miseries and hardships of border people. They should seek a permanent solution in the coming summit.

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