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From Gopal Sharma CHAMLIYAL(Ramgarh IB), June 28: The imaginary line drawn on the land between India and Pakistan may divide the huge crowd at the site of historic Chamliyal Mela on the zero-line (International border) in Ramgarh sub sector of Samba where devotees gather on the either side to seek blessings of Baba Chamliyal but there seems to be no distinction in the sentiments, devotion and belief of the people of both the countries for this holy shrine. After several years of tension along border, some impact of easing tension in view of forthcoming Indo-Pak summit was observed today. The Hindus, Muslims and the Sikhs have great devotion and respect for this shrine of Baba Dalip Singh Manhas popularly known as Baba Chamliyal. The great significance of the place is that a patient having any skin related disease can be cured by applying earth and water from a well of this place, with the blessings of Baba. Tens of thousands of devotees gather on last Friday of June and first Friday of Ashad every year to participate in the historic ‘Chamliyal Mela’ (Fair). Baba who lived about 300 years ago, was said to be a great religious and pious person. Though historic summit between the Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Pakistan Army ruler turned President- Gen Musharraf is proposed to begin from July 14-16, its deep impact was witnessed at the fair site of Baba Chamliyal where at least 80,000 people gathered today. Great enthusiasm was observed among the devotees on both the sides. After a long span of time such a lively and tension-free atmosphere with minimum restrictions for the public on the either side was witnessed. Unlike last three-four years of tension along the border, the people on the either side were allowed to come a bit closer and see each other by the security agencies on the either side. The border was totally tension free today and lively activity was witnessed exactly at the zero-line where media-persons, senior officers of security agencies, their family members and some Government functionaries witnessed the sharbat- shakker and chaddar ( Holy cloth) exchange ceremony. The sector commander, BSF Mr Ashok Sethi (DIG) was heading the Indian group of security agencies while from Pakistani side Col. Mohd Rafiq handed over the ‘ holy cloth’ ( Chaddar) for Baba’s Mazar. This process began at 11 AM according to Indian Standard Time and was over by 12.15 PM (IST) in a very peaceful and lively atmosphere. While with the beginning of the day, the soldiers on the either side greet each other with bullets, today they were seen greeting each other warmly, shaking-hands at the zero-line. For the last four years, the devotees were not allowed to move ahead the BOP Chamliyal in Indian side and BOP Saidanwali in Pakistan, but today they were seen moving close to International Border. On the Pak side, the response was also positive. Pak Army officer, Col. Mohd Rafiq of Chenab Rangers told visiting Indian journalists that de-escalation of tension has been observed all along the border in the sector with the proposed talks between the Indian Prime Minister and the Pak President—Gen Musharraf. The results of summit are not known but it is true that every Pakistani wants peace. "Enough is enough, the peace should prevail in the region now. What we have achieved in last 53 years, it is high time to realise," Col Rafiq maintained. The Ranger further said that miseries of the border people on both the side are same. There have been a number of casualties on the either side. Several cattle also became victim in the exchange of fire and it is not good for both the countries to live in tension. In response to a question the Pak Army commander said that he was feeling very high having interaction with the Indian counter-parts, mediamen and public here and is hopeful of positive outcome of the Indo-Pak summit. Another Pak Army officer said the trend for the forthcoming Indo-Pak summit appears to have set in motion with the easing tension along the border. The people of both the countries have set their eyes on this historic event and ‘ Insha Ullah ‘ ( God willing) the things will move in the right direction. Inspector General BSF Jammu Frontier, Mr Vijay Raman during informal chat with the media-persons said that situation all along the border by and large was peaceful. There was no firing in Ramgarh sub sector and parts of Samba. He said Chamliyal Mela which has its 300 year old history has its own significance. With sacred words of holy Ram Charit Manas on this side and verses of holy Quran on the other side pouring into the ears of devotees on both the sides is a rare occasion in itself. Great enthusiasm was seen among the public on both the sides this time. In response to a question on infiltration along International Border, the IG admitted that intrusion was going on despite the deployment of BSF, Army and the border police. He said it was not possible to keep such a huge force at every point. Taking advantage of topography, they somehow, manage their intrusion, he added. DIG BSF, Mr Ashok Sethi who is Sector Commander Samba disclosed that three days ago a flag meeting between Commander Zanjuwar of Chenab Rangers and Commandant 39 Bn BSF—Mr D S Randhawa was held where it was decided by both the sides to observe ceasefire at least for three days in view of Chamliyal Mela. He, however, maintained that there has been considerable decrease in the exchange of firing in Samba sector. There have been incidents of firing in Chicken Neck area and parts of R S Pura during recent past but situation has improved a lot. He said the mela would be continued on Pakistani side for seven days while on the Indian side it is held only on first Friday of Ashad. Earlier, it was being conducted for three days on this side. Devotees from J&K, Himachal, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi visit the fair site to seek the blessings and get rid of the skin diseases. |
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Two Lashkar militants
escape Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, June 28: For the first time in over a decade long militancy, the district police recovered over 43 kg of explosives and other material from a hideout of the militants at village Mangli, about 13 kms from here last night. Two militants—a youth and his maternal uncle escaped from the hideout minutes before the police raid. Mama-Bhanja were affiliated with Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) outfit and had planned to trigger explosions under Amarnath yatra vehicles in Udhampur on Jammu-Srinagar national highway. Pilgrimage is beginning from July 2. Entire operation was completed under the supervision of SSP Udhampur Deepak Kumar. Addressing a press conference this evening at the district police headquarters, Additional SP Udhampur H R Parihar, DySP Headquarters S K Khajuria and SHO Udhampur police station Kulbeer Honda said police was tipped off by local people of Mangli that a house of Bakerwals was being misused for militant activities. People told police that the house of Ashraf son of Zulsa Bakerwal and his nephew Mukhtiar Ahmed was being frequented by the militants for dumping arms and explosive material. The SSP Udhampur deployed plainclothesmen in Mangli near Power House to keep a vigil on the militants. Finally, police raided that house of Ashraf Bakerwal and succeeded in recovering a huge consignment of explosives and other material. However, two Lashkar militants weren’t present in the hideout at the time of police raid. Police recovered the consignment concealed in plastic bags and wrapped in a large bag. It included 43 kg explosive material, one wireless set, a grenade and 70 rounds of AK rifle. Police said the explosive material had to be used for fabricating Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), which the militants planned to plant on the highway to target Amarnath pilgrims’ vehicles. However, with the recovery of explosive devices, police have foiled a militants’ plot to target the pilgrimage, police said. This was also for the first time that 43 kg explosive material has been recovered from the outskirts of Udhampur town in over 10 year long militancy. Meanwhile, district police teams have launched massive searches for the arrest of two militants, who were responsible for the dumping of explosive material in their house. Police said both of them had direct links with Lashkar-e-Toiba outfit and had dumped explosives on the instructions of Lashkar leadership. "Arrest of the militants would go a long way in exposing Lashkar’s network in Udhampur district", the police sources said. |
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‘Hurriyat has no
role to play’ NEW DELHI, June 28: India today asserted that there was no question of resiling from its firm position that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country. "At no stage we have said we are resiling from our position that J and K is an integral part of India," an External Affairs Ministry spokesperson told reporters in response to questions. Asked in that case why India was to discuss the issue, she said "we are confidently speaking to Pakistan without in any way diluting our position on it." She recalled the Parliament resolution of February 22, 1994, which declared that the State of J and K" has been, is and shall be an integral part of India and any attempts to separate from the rest of the country will be resisted by all necessary means." The resolution also demanded that Pakistan must vacate the areas of the Indian State of J and K which they had occupied through aggression. She said the July 14-16 Vajpayee-Musharraf summit talks were aimed at arriving at future directions in the relations following up on the Shimla and Lahore Accords. "That is how we look at it," she said. The spokesperson said New Delhi would focus on all outstanding issues including J and K in finalising its approaches in the run up to the summit. The spokesperson said the preparations for the summit was on and an advance team of Pakistan officials from security, protocol and external publicity is arriving here early next week for consultations with their Indian counterparts to finalise the programme of President Pervez Musharraf, she said. On reports that during the talks, India and Pakistan may agree to pull out troops from Siachen, she said these were "purely speculative." Meanwhile, India today said it had not placed restrictions on the movement of Hurriyat leaders but had officially conveyed both here and in Pakistan its reservations over their meeting President Pervez Musharraf. "We have not placed restrictions on their movement," the spokesperson said in response to a question when asked when the Hurriyat leaders were freely meeting European Union representatives and US officials here why India was preventing them from meeting the Pakistani President. "Our views on it are well known. The Pakistan side is fully aware of it. It has been conveyed to them both here and in Islamabad in the process for preparation of the visit" of Musharraf to India for talks with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, she said. "We have said quite unequivocally that it is a non-issue. They have no role," she said referring to Hurriyat’s demand for a meeting with Musharraf. "Are they the sole representative on this?" she asked stressing that a process of talks was already underway in Jammu and Kashmir and allowed to proceed in an unfettered manner. Government has maintained that the Hurriyat should first talk to its interlocutor on Kashmir K C Pant before pressing untenable demands. Asked how Government would respond if the Pakistan High Commissioner here Ashraf Jehangir Qazi decides to invite the Hurriyat leaders for the high tea he is likely to host for President Musharraf, she said "let us see what happens." Pressed further, the spokesperson said in the process of consultations for finalising Musharraf’s programme, New Delhi would expect to be informed should the Pakistan envoy decide to invite the Hurriyat leaders. On the reported appeal by Maulana Fazlur Rahman, leader of the influential religious party in Pakistan, Jamait Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), to India and the militant outfits in Kashmir to declare a ceasefire to ensure the success of the Vajpayee-Musharraf summit, she said New Delhi would continue to stress its concerns over cross-border terrorism and the need for cessation of such activity. (PTI) |
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Magnetic IEDs seized for
first time Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, June 28: Poonch Brigade, Border Security Force (BSF) and Poonch Police gunned down four militants of Jaish-e-Mohammed outfit including a Pakistan army regular Jumma Din in two separate operations across this border district today. Official sources said army and Poonch Police teams fanned out in village Bandhi Chechian in Poonch district at 0400 hours today within few minutes after getting a report that a group of militants have sneaked into the area. Amidst darkness, troops managed to identity a dhok where the militants had taken shelter after their infiltration from across the Line of Control (LoC). While surrounding the hideout in a bid to capture all militants alive, the security personnel were fired upon. Army jawans returned the firing resulting into a fierce exchange of firing. In retaliatory firing, army eliminated two hardcore foreign mercenaries from Pakistan while a couple of others fled back to Pakistan taking cover of darkness and covering fire given by the enemy troops. In the morning, army recovered dead bodies of both the militants. One pistol with one magazine, 10 grenades and 15 grenades of UBGL were recovered from the scene of encounter. Sources said rifles and some other sophisticated weaponry was taken back to Pakistan by fleeing militants. A pistol recovered from the militants carried the name of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) outfit on its sting, which indicated that both the slain foreign mercenaries were activists of Azhar Masood’s outfit. Another operation was carried out by troops of Dogra battalion of Poonch Brigade with the help of BSF in Sabjian area this afternoon. As troops laid siege of Sabjian, the militants fled to adjoining Sadri forest area and took positions behind a cluster of trees. A heavy exchange of gun-fighting ensued in which army and BSF jawans succeeded in killing two militants, both of whom were foreign mercenaries affiliated with Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) outfit. One of the slain militant was identified as Juma Khan, a Pakistan army regular while his associate remained unidentified. Both the operations were supervised by Poonch Brigade Brigadier W J B Sturgeon. There was no army casualty in the operations. Recovery made from the scene of encounter included one Rocket Propelled Grenade Launcher (RPGL) with night sight, 14 RPG rockets, five UBGL, 151 UBGL grenades, five kg of plastic explosives, four AK magazines, 12 hand grenades, 209 detonators, three magnetic IEDs, 20 sealed IEDs, three IED testing devices and incriminating documents of Jaish-e-Mohammed outfit. This was for the first time in anti-militancy operations across twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri that magnetic IEDs have been recovered from the possession of militants, a Defence spokesman said, adding these IEDs can easily be attached under the vehicles and detonated. Meanwhile, a biggest ever recovery of arms and ammunition have been effected by army from Sabjian belt. Details of the recovery were awaited as troops were in the process of counting the seizure. |
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BJP vows to wean away minorities from exploiters NEW DELHI, June 28: The National executive of the Bharatiya Janata Party Minority Morcha today vowed to wean away the minorities from the hands of ‘exploiters’ and take them to the path of progress and development. Briefing newspersons BJP secretary and Morcha incharge Muqtar Abbas Naqvi said the two day national executive which concluded today had resolved to make ‘solid and honest’ attempts to counter the campaign by the Congress and other parties about the BJP and its relationship with the minorities. The Morcha had chosen to commence their campaign in the four divisions of Uttar Pradesh where elections were due in less than a year. It is necessary to educate the minorities, about exploitation and denial of social and economic status, he said. The minorities all these years were made to believe that the only issues that concerned them were issues like Haj visit, Wakf boards, and Babri Masjid and not issues like education, employment and poverty removal , he alleged. The NDA Government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee had increased the grants for Maulana Azad Educational Donation and National Minority Finance and Development Corporation which would help the minorities to lay special emphasis for education and economic development, he said. "There is a quantum jump in the budget of National Urdu Development Council for educating children and computer education" he said. Regarding the controversy surrounding the film ‘Gadar’, Mr Naqvi said the Morcha condemned the efforts of ‘frustrated fundamentalist elements’ to make this a big issue a major political weapon. He declined to name the persons or organisations but said I condemn all such attempts. Mr Naqvi declined to comment on the statements of Home Minister L K Advani before the Justice Liberhans Commission inquiring into the Ayodhya issue that he was proud to be associated with Ayodhya. Similarly, he declined to comment on the the Uttar Pradesh Government rejecting the demand for issuing a fresh notification by stating that it was not proper for him to comment on issues that were under judicial scrutiny. Among those who attended the two day executive of the Minority Morcha included Minority Morcha president Dr Usmani, Union Minister of State for Coal Syed Shahnawaz Hussain. (UNI) |
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Links with militants denied NEW DELHI, June 28: Four of the six alleged Jammu and Kashmir Islamic Front (JKIF) activists have moved a Delhi court for their release on bail saying they had no connection with JKIF. In their bail plea before Additional Sessions Judge P C Ranga, accused Mohammad Manzoor Mir, Mohammad Lateef Hajaam, Abdul Rashid Gojri and Inderjit Singh alias Bali claimed that they were activists of Jammu Kashmir Mass Movement (JKMM). The application moved through counsel Ashok Chhikara stated that they were arrested on the basis of disclosure statements of the two JKIF activists Feroze Ahmad Mir and Md Sayed Tantray alias Yusuf and that the said statements had not been corroborated. They said that no incriminating material had been recovered from them. The court would hear the bail application on July 3. Police had on June 20 arrested Mir and Tantray and seized Rs 15 lakh from them. Four other accused were arrested from the Chandani Chowk area on the basis of their statements. Following their arrest all the six accused were sent to three-day police custody for joint interrogation by RAW, IB, Military Intelligence, Delhi Police and Jammu and Kashmir Police. They are currently lodged in Tihar jail. With their arrest, police had claimed to have frustrated attempts by JKIF to revive its militant activities in and outside Jammu and Kashmir. JKIF, an offshoot of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, has now been making desperate attempts to revive its cadre and carry out militant activities in the State and in the national capital, police had said. Yesterday, Metropolitan Magistrate A K Sarpal had issued notice to the ACP, special cell of Delhi Police on an ED plea seeking custody of the documents and Rs 15 lakh seized from two of the six alleged JKIF activists. Issuing the notice, Sarpal asked the ACP to report on June 29. The investigating officer would be present on that date along with the case file. The court also sought details of the amount seized from the JKIF men and asked the cops to specifically mention objections, if any, against the release of the seized money. Chief Enforcement Officer R K Ajmani had earlier moved the court seeking direction to the police authorities to hand over the said documents and the money seized from Feroze Ahmad Mir and Md Sayed Tantray alias Yusuf. "These persons are involved in hawala transactions and they have contravened section 3 of Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA)," the application filed through counsel Navin Matta said. The court is yet to look into the matter. Earlier, another court had on June 22 allowed an ED official to interrogate Mir and Tantray in this connection. (PTI) |
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Musharraf meets PoK, overseas Kashmiri leaders ISLAMABAD, June 28: Pakistani President Gen Pervez Musharraf today said the "bedrock" of his talks with India would be the "aspirations" of the people of Kashmir as no solution to the Kashmir problem was possible without it. "The issue of Kashmir is not just an issue of territory but also a serious question of their (Kashmiris) right to self-determination and other fundamental human rights," he said at a meeting with leaders of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as well as Kashmiri leaders from abroad. Twenty leaders of the PoK Government and political parties attended the three-hour meeting convened by Musharraf to discuss his forthcoming summit with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Musharraf said the bedrock of his talks with Indian leadership during his July 14-16 visit would be aspirations of the people of Kashmir. PoK Prime Minister Sultan Mehmood Chowdhary said after the meeting, "PoK leaders have extended full backing to Musharraf for his India visit. "There was also general consensus that Musharraf would forcefully represent the views of the Kashmiris at the summit," he said. Those who met Musharraf included leaders of Pakistan chapter of Hurriyat Conference and Farida Behanji, one of the Kashmiri leaders from Srinagar who is currently on a tour to Pakistan. During the meeting, Musharraf said Pakistanis and Kashmiris were one as far as struggle for the right to self-determination of the latter was concerned, official media reported. "Kashmiri people should never feel that they are alone in the struggle," Musharraf was quoted as saying. Former President and Prime Minister of PoK and leader of PoK’s Muslim Conference Sardar Qayyum, said he told Musharraf his visit to India should be seen as a golden opportunity to resolve the Kashmir problem. He said a breakthrough could be expected as two Governments were in good position to solve the problem. But if the summit ends up in failure it would be a ‘political suicide’. (PTI) |
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Panch shot dead, son injured near Ramban NEW DELHI, June 27: Four of the six alleged Jammu and Kashmir Islamic Front (JKIF) activists have moved a Delhi court for their release on bail saying they had no connection with JKIF. In their bail plea before Additional Sessions Judge P C Ranga, accused Mohammad Manzoor Mir, Mohammad Lateef Hajaam, Abdul Rashid Gojri and Inderjit Singh alias Bali claimed that they were activists of Jammu Kashmir Mass Movement (JKMM). The application moved through counsel Ashok Chhikara stated that they were arrested on the basis of disclosure statements of the two JKIF activists Feroze Ahmad Mir and Md Sayed Tantray alias Yusuf and that the said statements had not been corroborated. They said that no incriminating material had been recovered from them. The court would hear the bail application on July 3. Police had on June 20 arrested Mir and Tantray and seized Rs 15 lakh from them. Four other accused were arrested from the Chandani Chowk area on the basis of their statements. Following their arrest all the six accused were sent to three-day police custody for joint interrogation by RAW, IB, Military Intelligence, Delhi Police and Jammu and Kashmir Police. They are currently lodged in Tihar jail. With their arrest, police had claimed to have frustrated attempts by JKIF to revive its militant activities in and outside Jammu and Kashmir. JKIF, an offshoot of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, has now been making desperate attempts to revive its cadre and carry out militant activities in the State and in the national capital, police had said. Yesterday, Metropolitan Magistrate A K Sarpal had issued notice to the ACP, special cell of Delhi Police on an ED plea seeking custody of the documents and Rs 15 lakh seized from two of the six alleged JKIF activists. Issuing the notice, Sarpal asked the ACP to report on June 29. The investigating officer would be present on that date along with the case file. The court also sought details of the amount seized from the JKIF men and asked the cops to specifically mention objections, if any, against the release of the seized money. Chief Enforcement Officer R K Ajmani had earlier moved the court seeking direction to the police authorities to hand over the said documents and the money seized from Feroze Ahmad Mir and Md Sayed Tantray alias Yusuf. "These persons are involved in hawala transactions and they have contravened section 3 of Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA)," the application filed through counsel Navin Matta said. The court is yet to look into the matter. Earlier, another court had on June 22 allowed an ED official to interrogate Mir and Tantray in this connection. (PTI) |
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Hizb to wait for outcome of summit, says Dar SRINAGAR, June 28: Abdul Majid Dar, chief commander of pro-Pakistan Hizbul Mujahideen militant outfit in Kashmir, has said his organisation would wait for the outcome of the Indo-Pak summit before taking any decision on halting its operations in Jammu and Kashmir. The next month summit meeting between Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has "genuinely" raised hopes for a settlement of the Kashmir issue, Dar told Srinagar Doordarshan last night. "Even if the two leaders agree upon a strategy to chalk out a programme for the resolution of the Kashmir problem that should be construed as a major success," he said. If they failed to initiate a process for the final settlement of the dispute, the chances for any solution to the problem in future would be bleak, he warned. Reiterating Hizbul’s stand that talks were the only way to resolve the issue, Dar said "seeds of the present peace efforts were in fact sown by his outfit when it declared the unilateral ceasefire in July last year." He said his outfit would take a decision about halting its operations against the security forces only after analysing the progress made at the summit. He said the statements issued by the two countries so far signalled that both Vajpayee and Musharraf want to do something concrete. Dar said it is the collective decision of all commanders of Hizbul Mujahideen including its Pakistan-based supreme commander Syed Salahuddin that the issue could be resolved through talks. Hizbul Mujahideen, Dar said wanted a peaceful resolution of the problem and for this it was imperative for the parties involved in it to be flexible in their respective stand. Asked to comment on the stand taken by Hurriyat Conference on the issues like ceasefire, Centre’s peace initiative and Musharraf’s proposed visit to India, he said his organisation viewed the issues on individual basis. He said Hizbul had supported every correct decision of Hurriyat and criticised it for the decision which it thought to be inappropriate. He rejected the contention that foreign mercenaries had gained an upper hand in the State . Welcoming the steps taken by the Pakistan Government to rein in the activities of "Jehadi" groups, Dar said this would have "positive effects" on the "movement" in Kashmir. (PTI) |
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PML asks Musharraf to cancel visit ISLAMABAD, June 28: Launching a scathing attack on the President, the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) party today said a "weaker" Gen Pervez Musharraf should cancel his forthcoming visit to India as he did not have the mandate to hold summit talks. The PML-N led by ousted Premier Nawaz Sharif, along with the multi-party Alliance for Restoration of Democracy (ARD), boycotted the all-party meeting convened by Musharraf yesterday to discuss his July 14-16 India visit. The boycott made Musharraf "look weaker in the eyes of the world", a statement by PML-N here said. It said the consensus decision of the ARD not to participate in the meeting and its refusal to give Musharraf the mandate to visit India was "in fact a referendum of the 140 million people of Pakistan" that should be accepted by him in the best national interests. Only the Awami National Party (ANP) amongst the 16-party ARD attended the meeting in which 20 other political leaders extended their "full support" to Musharraf for his summit talks with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. But the PML-N said "Pakistan wanted peaceful solution of all contentious issues with India, but the mandate and the authority to solve these issues must be wielded by an elected Government. "Sincerity of Gen Musharraf notwithstanding, he could not be given the mandate to negotiate such a sensitive issue with India because he is a non-representative figure." Alleging that the military leadership had lowered the image of the armed forces of Pakistan, the PML-N statement said: "If once again the present military rulers followed in the footsteps of their predecessors, bypassing the entire nation and its representative political parties, it would be another tragedy." Meanwhile, the ARD hardened its stand against Musharraf by refusing to accept his June 20 decision to take over as President. The ARD resolutions passed at June 26 meeting in Lahore expressed its dismay over the swearing-in of Musharraf by the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Irshad Hasan Khan, and the participation of the Apex Court Judges in the oath-taking ceremony. "By assuming the office of President, Gen Musharraf has abolished the federal parliamentary system and imposed Presidential system practically in the country," the resolution released to the press here said. It also resolved that neither the Government nor National Reconstruction Bureau formed by Musharraf and the Supreme Court have the powers to amend the Constitution. The meeting also rejected predetermination of powers of Prime Minister, President and Chief of Army Staff reiterating that the Constitution of 1973 guarantees federal parliamentary system. In another resolution, the ARD said the administration of oath by Chief Justice of the Supreme Court was negation of the Supreme Courts judgment, which granted three-year time-frame to the present Government for restoring democracy. (PTI) |
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ANKARA, June 28: The Kashmir issue can be resolved only through bilateral negotiations between New Delhi and Islamabad, Home Minister L K Advani today said and felt that Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf was in a better position to facilitate this. "It is a hard reality that in Pakistan even when elected representatives were ruling, the real source of power was with the army", he said when asked by reporters here if Gen Musharraf was in a better position to make peace with India. Advani, who is on a two-day visit to Turkey, said India would not like any third party to mediate on Kashmir as a solution can be found only bilaterally and hoped that Pakistan would avail the Indian initiative to bring peace in the region. The Home Minister categorically denied there was any outside pressure on India to hold summit talks with Pakistan. "It is surprising that anyone should even suggest something like that, I am amazed," Advani said during an informal chat with reporters at a reception hosted in his honour by the Indian ambassador. "I know the entire process of consultations. It was entirely Vajpayee’s initiative," he said referring to the forthcoming peace talks. "I hope this major move by India will be fully availed of by Pakistan to bring peace to the region," he said. He said Turkey has always favoured bilateral dialogue to solve Kashmir. "Even during Kargil conflict Turkey emphasised inviolability of the Line of Control and that it be strictly adhered to," he added. (PTI) |
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Pathankot enters air map today BATALA (PUNJAB), June 28: Pathankot town in Gurdaspur district would soon be on the air map of the country with the laying of the foundation stone for the civil airport by Union Minister for Civil Aviation Sharad Yadav tomorrow. The airport is to be constructed at a cost of Rs 34 crore within a year by the Airport Authority of India (AAI). It would have a 9000 feet runway. The AAI would construct an airport terminal, link taxiway, car parking and a 300-person capacity lounge. During the foundation laying ceremony Union Minister for Food and Consumer Affairs Shanta Kumar, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Chaman Lal Gupta, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal and Gurdaspur MP Vinod Khanna would be present. Pathankot is considered as a gateway to Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. (PTI) |
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Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, June 28 : Police averted a possible tragedy with the timely detection of an IED from Kashmir where four people including three militants were killed and three others injured, an official spokesman said. Police detected a powerful explosive device on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway near Gulabbagh in Anantnag district. The device was immediately removed and later neutralized by the experts. A police spokesman said two foreign mercenaries associated with Jamiat-ul-Mujahideen (JuM) outfit were killed and a local militant arrested in Kashmir valley. The foreign militants, one of whom was identified as Shabir Ahmad, were killed in a joint operation carried out by Army and Special Operations Group at Mori-Machil near Line of Control in Kupwara district of north Kashmir last night, the spokesman said. Army also arrested a militant, Ghulam Hassan Mir of Al-Barq outfit from Watergam area in Baramulla last night. Meanwhile, another militant of Al-Barq outfit, Swariya alias "Qasim" of Biyarikote village in Kupwara surrendered before police and handed over a rifle, three magazines, 90 rounds and eight grenades to the authorities. Militants gunned down a civilian in Badgam district today, he said. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 28: Trikuta Nagar police have rescued a teen-aged girl, kidnapped by a youth from Jahangir district of Chhatisgarh state and arrested the kidnapper. Seventeen year old Durran Kumar daughter of Ganesh Ram R/o Jahangir had allegedly been kidnapped by Rajesh Dass Mahant of the same area. On a tip off from Chhatisgarh police, Trikuta Nagar police carried out a raid and rescued the girl. Alleged kidnapper was taken into custody. Both boy and girl were handed over to a Chhatisgarh police party today. Police also arrested a painter Dinesh Kumar for raping a 12-year old deaf and dumb girl Rukmani in Ambedkar Nagar locality of Trikuta Nagar. Rapist was arrested by a police party led by Sub Inspectors Younus and Naafi. |
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Hiranagar tense Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, June 28: Tension gripped village Rather in Hiranagar this morning after BSF arrested two local youths charging them with having links with Pakistani Rangers. Identified as Naresh Kumar and Mohan Lal, the boys were detained at a BSF picket. Local people described the youths as innocent and held a demonstration against the BSF for arresting boys without any charge. Under pressure from public, the BSF jawans released both the boys this evening. |
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Last rites of Leh bus mishap victims performed From Tashi Morup Leh, June 28: Entire Leh was mournful today during the funeral of 21 bodies of Khardung-la bus accident victims. Large public had gathered at the Dus-thot crematorium at Choglamsar to witness the last rites performed by about 60 monks and novices headed by Chimet Rinpoche of Karma Dubgyut Choling Gonpa. The body of the only non-local deceased from Anantnag, Kashmir, Maharaj Krishan Bhat S/o Dina Nath will be sent to Jammu on Friday in Indian Airlines flight. He was a school headmaster at Tiger village in Nubra. Lundup from Aye and Yangchan Dolma from Kubed breathed their last today at SNM hospital adding to the casualty figure of 20 on Wednesday. After the arrival of the relatives of the deceased from Nubra the funeral began from SNM hospital at about four p.m. The funeral comprised the long cavalcade of vehicles led by ambulances and mini-trucks carrying the bodies of the deceased. Large public started arriving at the hospital from morning hours. Leaders and officials too were present throughout. Earlier Stakna Rinpoche visited the hospital to perform a prayer, also attended by monks, for the deceased. At the crematorium the ritual began with a prayer by Chimet Rinpoche and other monks while the wailing and sobbing relatives of the deceased took sacred round around the white-wrapped bodies kept above significant Kil-Khor space prepared at the site. After the prayer was over Chairman LAHDC Thupstan Chhewang presented white Khataks followed by members of Ama Tsogspa (Women Alliance) and others. State Minister Tsetan Namgyal, Councilors, District Officials, members of different organisations were also present besides youth representatives of Leh town and large public perched on the adjacent hill to witness the bodies being enflamed. District Administration, LBA and others together made the arrangements for the funeral. Bodies were enflamed at different positions. At one spot bodies of two brothers were Rigzin Namgyal and Lundup from Aye were enkindled. His father Phunchok Namgyal burst into tears after placing the bodies on the funeral pyre. And a family from Kubed lost three members in the accident. Tsewang Tundup and his wife Tsering Dolkar and son Tsewang Dorje together parted from this world. Also among the deceased whose bodies cremated today was a about four-month pregnant women Tashi Dolkar from Charasa Sumoor. Others died in the incident were Sonam Dorjay, S/O Tsewang Nurbu, a resident of Khemi, Phunchok Dolma D/O Lobzang (Baltipa) Panamik, Dorjay Wangtak from Aranu (Aye), Dawa from Kuri, Sonam Phunchok, a ITBP personal, from Kuyul, Changthang, Stanzin Wangyur from Charasa, Padma also from Charasa, Tsering from Kuri Khampa Yogma, Chamba from Panamik, Ishey Lamo from Charasa, Stanzin Gurmet from Aye, Padma Laskit from Kuri, Stanzin Tondup also from Kuri, Konchok Chondol from Kuri Gonpa, Yangchan Dolma from Kubed. Meanwhile sources give many reasons for this mishap. Either accusing the driver who in lieu of money overboard the bus and yet others blame the passengers themselves for forcing into the bus. But management of the traffic on this route is also much to be blamed. Official sources revealed that once-a-week private bus service to the Panamik side leads to overcrowding of the bus. And it was two day to go for Hemis festival the ill-fated bus was jammed with passengers mostly in their 20s. While as two RTC buses coming from Diskit side had 18 and 10 passengers respectively on the same day. It is to consider that Panamik side, which is more populated and larger area, has just one private bus service in a week against three in the smaller Deskit side as per adjustments made by the District Administration. And also some alertness at Check posts could have avoided this catastrophic loss of human lives in Ladakh. The last record of such mishap dates back to some 20 years ago when an RTC Passenger Service truck turned turtled killing 11 persons near Ligtse village, said Tsering Wangdus, Traffic Manager RTC. Meanwhile, all the government offices, schools and business establishments were closed to observe the Bandh called on the funeral day. Earlier Government employees and others observed two-minute silence at SNM hospital in the morning. Among the 72 injured included a USSR citizen Povtnoveser Gey and Hoch Man Yara from Israel as per the SNM list of injured. And also two unidentified persons. A six-member house committee on Horticulture led by chairman Mohammad Dilawar Mir was also at the funeral site. |
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