DCs appointed custodians of migrant property: Qayoom

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 19: Revenue, Rehabilitation and Relief Minister, Mr Abdul Qayoom today informed the State Assembly that the concerned Deputy Commissioners have been appointed as the custodians of migrants property in Kashmir valley and they have been given the specific instructions to throw out the people who have illegally occupied the house of the displaced people from Valley or grabbed their property.

The Minister while replying to a supplementary of Ch. Piara Singh in the House assured the members that any house of displaced people under illegal occupation will be vacated within 24 hours after the return of the community to the Valley.

In his supplementary Ch. Piara Singh alleged that it was not the question of Kashmiri Pandits but even the houses of Muslims who have migrated from Valley have been illegally occupied.

He said a house belonging to a Muslim of Jammu has been converted into a mosque at Batamallu, Srinagar.

Earlier replying to main question the Minister said 604 houses of Kashmiri migrants have been occupied by private persons in the Valley. They include 254 in Srinagar, 74 in Budgam, 172 in Anantnag, 92 in Baramulla and 12 in Kupwara.

He said besides 786 houses have been occupied by security forces in different districts of the Valley.

The Minister said the J&K Migrant Immovable Property Preservation , Protection and Distress Sale Act of 1997 empowers the concerned district magistrates to take possession of the immovable property of migrants in their respective areas.

The Minister said the legal action has been initiated against the encroachers for eviction and 141 such houses have been vacated from private persons and 56 were got vacated from the security forces.

He said the migrants have not registered their left over property with the Relief Commissioner (M) Jammu or Resident Commissioner, New Delhi. However, these properties have been inventorised and kept available with Relief Commissioner (Migrant) Jammu and Resident Commissioner New Delhi.

Later in reply to a written question of Sadiq Ali the Minister said 731 families of minorities consisting of 7523 souls are still living in Kashmir valley.

He said out of them 557 families live in Srinagar, 112 in Budgam, 313 in Baramulla, 16 in Kupwara, 419 in Anantnag and 118 in Pulwama.

He said that they have been included in recent census. He said 16,979 houses have been left by migrants in the Valley.

He said out of 687 houses occupied by security forces the migrants are being paid rent for 312 houses regularly and the rest of the cases are under process in various subordinate units for verification and assessment.

He said short and long term plans have also been framed for the honorable return of the community to Valley.

DCC holds protest demonstration

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 19: District Congress Committee Jammu urban and rural, Jammu and Kashmir Trade Union Congress and Mahila Congress took out a joint procession which passed through the main streets of the city and concluded at Shahidi Chowk.

Led by Messrs Om Chopra ex-MLA and Madan Lal Sharma, ex-Minister the leaders condemned the NDA Government whose corrupt practices have been exposed by "Tehelka.com" recently and some of its ministers including George Fernandes (Defence) Mamta Banerjee (Railways) and others having resigned oweing to the exposures.

The demonstrators holding placards were raising slogans against the BJP led NDA Government and security scam exposed by the "tehelka. com", urging the Government to resign on moral grounds.

The rally was addressed by Messrs Madan Lal Sharma, Seva Ram Sharma, Mrs Prem Lata Bakshi and other senior Congress leaders who hailed the statement of Mrs Sonia Gandhi, made by her yesterday at AICC Session at Bangalore. They pledged to liberate country from this in-efficient and corrupt Government which has lowered the image of India in the world.

The effigies of Mr A B Vajpayee, Prime Minister, Mr Bangaroo Lakshman, BJP president were burnt at Shahidi Chowk.

Prominent among those who participated in the protest demonstration included Messrs D S Langeh, Lal Muni Sharma, Nek Mohd, Raghbir Singh,K L Abrol, Krishan Lal Gupta, Jaswant Singh, Mahinder Panotra, Raj Kumar Bajaj, Capt Jagan Nath, Ram Labaya, Mohan Lal Sharma, Mrs Lalita Sharma, Raj Bakshi, Sumitra Jasrotia, Lalita Sabherwal, Shanti Vaid, Narinder Sharma, Banarsi Dass, Narinder Singh, Vijay Sharma, Agya Ram, Pt Jaggu Ram, Lal Chand, Angreju Ram, Dhani Ram, Sita Ram, Beli Ram and Pawan Sharma.

Oppn lambasts Govt for wrong policies
Lala’s statement triggers protest in Assembly

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 19: Lambasting the Government the opposition parties today held its wrong policies responsible for the present plight of the people of the State.

Participating in the discussion on allocation of Chief Minister’s grants in the State Assembly today, Sheikh Abdul Rehman of the BSP accused the Home Department’s mismanagement for the worsening situation in the State.

He said the Department has failed to provide security and safety to life and limb of the people and accesses committed by army, security forces and Task Force are at galore.

Making a dig at Government he said the Justice Pandian Commission report has not been implemented and no action was taken against the CRPF who have been held responsible for Pahalgam firing by Gen Mukherjee’s report.

He said the Government did not probe the massacre of 35 Sikhs in the Valley which is still a mystery and the Pokhribal and Chattisingpora episodes have not been handed over to Justice Pandian Commission.

He demanded that the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah should announce a commission today in the House for probe and who soever is responsible should be punished.

He said the unabated killings take place in every part of the state. Ten people have been killed by army in Madva and no action was taken against the army personnel responsible for Marmat killings. He said Government also failed to trace the killers of innocent labourers at Qazigund.

He also took State Government to task for not taking any stand against the Centre which rejected the autonomy report and blamed the it for throwing the Regional autonomy in dust bin.

Advocating for the reservations to SC and ST community he said the J&K is the only state where these communities are deprived of these benefits.

Participating in the debate Lala Shiv Charan Gupta of BJP accused the Government for not fulfilling its promise on enhancing the Constituency Development Fund to 50lakh.

He said this year even the full grant of 25 lakh has not been given to members.

He demanded that the ban on upgradation of schools be lifted so that the people in far flung areas are not deprived of educational facilities.

Lala Shiv Charan also demanded that a Committee be constituted to ascertain whether the funds spent by members are utilized properly or not.

However, his demand that action be taken against those people who give refuge to militants on the same pattern as was taken by former Chief Minister Mr Ghulam Mohammed Sadiq in Batmaloo in 1965 evoked protests from Treasury benches.

He also demanded that the action be taken against the officials responsible for preparing fake voter lists.

Lala Shiv Charan stressed on promotion of tourism in Jammu and demanded that land be allotted at Udhampur for construction of Yatri Niwas there.

Participating in the discussions the fire brand Panthers Party member Harsh Dev Singh was also on his toes in taking the Government to task for its lapses on various fronts.

He alleged that the laid down Parliamentary procedures regarding the Consultative Committees are being violated and stressed on enhancement of Constitutional Development funds as promised by Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah.

He said if Chief Minister does not announce this today in the House he will sit on dharna.

He alleged that the Chief Minister’s assurances are sacred but these are violated by the bureaucracy with impunity.

Demanding computerising of voter lists he said these are defective and create always problems. He also demanded that SRO 43 be implemented in letter and spirit and the Government should reply to the letters of legislators.

In his speech M Y Tarigami of CPI (M) stressed that the development be made economic oriented. He said we are still importing vegetables and eggs and the main reason for this is that the development is not economic oriented.

He said the construction of roads is useless till capacity of purchasing is not increased. He said some steps were taken in this regard by late Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah but your eyes are today static at a certain place, while pointing towards the present Government.

He while referring to Lala Shiv Charan Gupta said the bullet can not solve problems in Kashmir but situation can change only by winning hearts.

He while making a dig at Centre also doubted the credentials of the NC Government in the state saying that you did not react when they rejected the autonomy by the stroke of a pen.

He also did not favour the constitution of inquiry commissions saying they have lost the credibility.

Tarigami strongly advocated for the demands of PSUs employees and urged the Government that their salaries and COLA be released.

He while stressing at making Vigilance Organisation more effective said there are many tehelkas here also.

Participating in the discussion the Congress MLA from Ladakh Sonam Dorjay said that Ladakh is not given the due share of allocation. He said the CM announced increase of 10 crore for Ladakh but it hardly makes any difference.

He said the reply given to cut Motion of Prithvi Chand on Leh district is totally wrong and alleged that after the restoration of popular Government no too much increase was made in the annual plan for Leh district.

Dorjay also demanded increase in the salaries of members of LHDC on the pattern of Legislators and on spot appointments of constables be made for Leh district.

NC member M S Tariq stressed that border be completely sealed to block infiltration and the situation be aptly handled within the state.

He demanded the decision regarding Pahari be implemented and special recruitment drive be launched for the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch.

He said under state sector less schemes are taken up in border areas which needs to be reversed now for the proper development of the people there.

He also stressed on communal harmony and economic advancement of the area.

Malik Hyder, MLA demanded that backward areas be given much attention in development and constituency development funds for MLAs be enhanced to 50 lakh.

No proposal to raise Assembly seats for PoK

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 19: There is no proposal is under consideration of the State Government at present to raise the number of seats kept in the State legislature for the people of Pak-occupied Kashmir.

This information was given by the Government in the House today in reply to a question by Mr Ashok Kumar Sharma, Congress MLA who had asked whether the Govt proposes to raise the number of such seats for areas occupied by Pakistan. The number of seats Kashmir, Ladakh and Jammu have been increased after delimitation.

It was stated that the Section 48 of the J&K Constitution provides that until the area of the State under the coccupation of Pakistan ceases to be so occupied and the people residing in that area elect their representatives, 24 seats in the Legislative Assembly shall remain vacant and shall not be taken into account for reckoning the total membership of the Assembly.

The situation continues as such and mere increase in number of seats reserved for such areas shall not serve any purpose, it was stated.

Shrinking of lakes a serious problem: Shah

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 19: The Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Shah, who is also chairman, Waterways Committee, stated in the Legislative Assembly that the Government was alive to the number of problem facing lakes in the Jammu and Kashmir State. This is a stupenduous task and will take time and funds to preserve their pristine beauty, he added.

Replying to a question by Mr Jagjivan Lal in the Legislative Assembly today, it was stated that a House Committee under the chairmanship of Mr Sadiq Ali, NC MLA has been constituted for preservation of lakes in the State.

It was revealed that during the years, the lakes are shrinking in size and there is problem of pollution, encroachments and other impediments which are being attended to by the Government.

Anchar Lake has shrunken to 6.80 square kilometres and concern was expressed by the members about its present condition pressing for removal of encroachments.

Intervening on the supplementaries asked by the members about Dal lake, the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah said that some tangible work has been undertaken on this famous Lake but much more remain to be done. He desired that the legislators should visit the Dal Lake and see for themselves the workdone under this vital project. Dal Lake is soul of Kashmir, he added and its protection is very essential.

During the 8th Plan period, an allocation of Rs 129 lakhs was made for Mansar and Rs 43 lakh for Surinsar lake and Tourism department spent the amount. During the 9th Plan allocations have been kept apart for Mansar but Surinsar has been left out.

Priya Dancing, Modelling Institute Inaugurated

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 18 : To cater to the needs of young girls and boys interested in adopting dancing and modelling as a career, Priya Dancing & Modelling Institute - the first of its kind in Jammu - opens at 24 A/D Gandhi Nagar. The Institute was inaugurated today by Sh. V.N. Sharma, former Chief Engineer and Administrator, Jammu Municipality. The inaugural function was attended by a large gathering.

Talking to media persons, Priya, a leading model of Jammu, who has lot of experience in the field of modelling and dancing and also has lots of awards to her credit, disclosed that qualified choreographers shall take dancing classes. Besides, the Institute shall also impart coaching to those who want to pursue modelling as their profession. The module for modelling shall include walk, body language, expressions, preparation for the stage shows etc. The models trained here by experts shall have the opportunity to take part in various advertisements for television and newspapers. Special facilities have been provided for younger children to learn dancing during summer vacation. Proper security has been provided by engaging security guards.

Kakryal, Sirkotla people’s plea to Govt, Shrine Board

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Mar 19: A meeting of the residents of Sirkotla and Kakryal, (whose lands are being acquired for establishment of Mata Vaishno Devi University), was held at Kakryal which was presided over by Mr Mohammed Ayub Khan, ex-MP, while ex-Minister Mr Yash Paul Khajuria also graced the occasion.

As per a release the locals including Messrs Bishan Das and Bansi Lal Sarpanch, expressed anguish that while at a very meagre rate of compensation, their lands and houses are being acquired, none from the Government or Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has considered a harmless suggestion to get additional 400 kanal acquired simultaneously (at the cost of house-holds to be uprooted) for proper re-settlement of uprooted households.

All the speakers deplored that none from the authorities has so far cared to see on spot that densely populated harijan Mohalla Thangar of village Kakryal (which lies on the periphery) can be excluded conveniently and rather helped to be transformed into a satellite befitting habitation.

Both Mr Mohd Ayub Khan and Mr Yash Paul Khajuria assured people that would use their good offices to apprise the authorities concerned about the matter. Messrs Sardari Lal Dubey, Shyam Lal Kesar, Om Parkash Sadhotra and Mulk Raj Batkalia, the delegation of Trikuta Hills Development Forum, advised the residents to remain united without any party politics.

It was again agreed upon to organise a seminar for which intellectuals would be invited and various aspects of the University would be deliberated upon. Mr Bansi Lal Kohistani, convenor, Trikuta Hills Development Forum, thanked all for useful deliberations.

100 years saga of valour by 5 Sikh

Excelsior Correspondent

NORTHERN SECTOR, Mar 19: The 5 Sikh, an elite battalion of Sikh Regiment, highly decorated with 2 Victoria Cross and other high honours, is celebrating centenary of its raising from March 20 to 22 in forward locations of Northern Sector.

Raised at Sialkot (now in Pakistan) on December 21, 1901 by Lt Col P G Walker alongwith a team of officers drawn from different Infantry Regiments of the Indian Army, it was designated as 47 Sikh, which later became 5 Sikh in 1922.

While narrating the glorious history of 5 Sikh, Col Pardeep Kumar, Commanding Officer said that this battalion has taken part in different campaigns abroad during pre-Independence era, earning a series of the highest awards in operations, including 2 Victoria Cross (now equivalent to Param Vir Chakra), a rare honour for any Infantry unit of the indian Army. he said since its raising it has produced 14 Generals, a number of them will be attending who include Major General P R Davies (Retd), MC, OBE and other officers of the British Army.

The battalion participated in first campaign in North China to quell the Boxer’s revolution. It was later inducted in World war I at Neuve Chappel in France, among the first infantry units of the Indian Army to participate in war. The unit’s personnel fought fiercely spear-heading the assault on the adversaries. Only 68 brave Sikhs were left and others made supreme sacrifice but vanquished the strongly held feature by the opponents. The first Military Cross World War 1 was conferred on Subedar Thakur Singh, who although severely wounded, continued the assault.

British Parliament specially commended the valour of the unit while paying tributes to martyrs. The Battalion again re-grouped and fought in France, Mesopotamia and Palestine where it earned Battle Honours and a huge number of other awards, as well as, was conferred title of a Royal Colonel-in-Chief (Duke of Connought’s Own) in recognition of its fighting spirits, the only unit in the Indian Army to be so recognized.

In 1936, the second phase of Indianization, the first batch of officers was commissioned from from the newly established Indian Military Academy with the first officer 2nd Lt Dewan Ranjit Rai, who later commanded Ist Sikh Battalion which was the first Indian Battalion to be air-lifted for defence of Kashmir. Lt Col D R Rai laid down his life in defence of Kashmir. For his gallantry, he was conferred Maha Vir Chakra, the first of the Indian Army.

Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh, who in 1965 Indo-Pak war was Army Commander Western Command and decimated the famed Pakistan Armoured Division, was awarded Padam Bhushan and Vir Chakra for his services in defence of the Nation.

At the out-break of World war-II, the battalion badly mauled the Afgans in Waziristan operations and later it sailed to Malasia where it acquitted itself creditably in operations earning a huge tally of awards for bravery. First Victoria Cross was earned by Sepoy (later Captain) Ishar Singh in World War-I and second by Naik (Later Honorary Captain) Gian Singh, in World War-II.

At the out-break of 1971 Indo-Pak war, the Battalion was deployed at Jaurian in Jammu sector, where it bore the brunt of Pakistani assault but it bravely stood to its ground The Battalion withstood five full fledged Pakistani attacks over three days. Maj D S Pannu, Capt Kamal Bakshi, one JCO and 38 other ranks made the supreme sacrifice while one officer, two JCOs and 32 other ranks were injured. For their bravery, courage, determination and selfless heroism, Lt Col (Later Maj General) P K Khanna and Major (Later Lt Colonel) Jaivir Singh were awarded Mahavir Chakra, while late Major D S Pannu and Sepoy (later Subedar and Hony Captain) Rachpal Singh were conferred Vir Chakras. Late Capt Kamal Bakshi, Subedar Narain Singh and Havildar Mohinder Singh were Mentioned in Despatches. The Battalion also earned Theatre Honours.

A memorial and granite rocks was constructed by the battalion in Jaurian, in Jammu sector where Major D S Pannu alongwith his men made supreme sacrifice.

The Pakistan Defence Journal, in an article on the Battle of Chhamb states "If the Indian Commander knew full details of what was coming for him on the morning of December 5, 1971, he can rightly congratulate the Commanding Officer of 5 Sikh, who held Mandiala that day with such grit and determination".

The Battalion has meritorious record in sports and adventure events.

Numerous functions have been planned during the three day celebrations where a large number of high dignitaries of the battalion, the Sikh Regiment and ex-service men will participate. Colonel of the Regiment, Maj Gen S S Chhehal will preside over and address the gatherings.

Classes remain boycotted
Admn fails to pursue students on suspending agitation

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 19: Yet another attempt of the district administration to pursue the college students, struggling for open choice in forthcoming annual examination, to suspend the ongoing agitation, failed today when latter refused to accept the suggestion.

The talks were held between All Colleges Co-ordination Committee, spearheading the students’ agitation and Deputy Commissioner Jammu Mr R K Goyal at the Police Control Room. SSP Jammu Mr R R Swain was also present in the meeting.

The ACCC members unequivocally refused the district administration’s appeal for not disrupting the classes and announced to continue the ongoing agitation till open choice is granted. No official from Jammu University, which has to take decision on the issue, attended the meet.

Mr Goyal told the students that their demand for open choice was not based on a solid reason since enough time is still there to get their syllabi completed. He appealed them to suspend the agitation and join the classes. The meeting, which continued for about one hour, ended in a deadlock

The ACCC member who attended the meeting included Binder Paul Singh Romy, Vinay Kumar, Kiran Malhotra (presidents of MAM College, GGM Science College, GCW Parade, respectively), Rupali Gupta, Arvind Raina, Narinder Paul Singh Lucky, Suresh Magotra, Ajit Khosla, Jyoti, Harmeet Singh Romy and Guru.

Earlier, classes in all five degree colleges of the city, remained boycotted and demonstrations were held in favour of open choice. Road in front of GGM Science College was blocked by the agitating students for about one hour. They raised slogans against Vice Chancellor of Jammu University and disrupted vehicular movement on the road.

Students of GCW Gandhi Nagar, led by Rupali Gupta and Jyoti, after boycotting their classes, took out a massive procession upto Asia crossing while their counterparts in GCW Parade blocked road in front of their college. MAM students also held demonstration and disrupted vehicular movement in front of the college.

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