Justice Balakrishan lauds judiciary’s role
Jammu Bar’s strike unjustified: Farooq

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 13: Mr Justice K G Balakrishnan of Supreme Court of India has said that judiciary is playing an important role in Human Rights violation cases, environment problems, property rights and other social problems in today’s life.

Inaugurating the newly constructed building of Dogra Law College at Bari Brahmana about 16 kms from here today, the Supreme court judge said that nature of problems has increased manifold and the judiciary is dealing with such problems which are coming to its notice. Stressing the need to raise standard of legal education, Justice Balakrishnan opined that for this purpose there is need to have good institutions and talented staff, educationists and the infrastructure. The basic purpose of the education is to provide better opportunities to the students.

Before fifties there were a few law institutions in the country but after fifties the number went on increasing and today several hundreds of law institutions are there in the country. But there is need to have some change in the existing legal system of education. He said that Calcutta, Mumbai and Lahore remained the old and major law institutions one time and they produced great educationists, judges, lawyers, scholars and others. He complimented Chairman of the Dogra College Mr Gulchain Singh Charak for his efforts to start J&K’s first Law College and hoped that its management would put its all sincere efforts to have quality education to the students here.

Chief Justice of J&K High Court, Dr B P Saraf who presided over the function stressed the need to have total change in the existing legal education pattern in the country. He said, "the time has come to say good bye to old bookish legal education system." The efforts should be made at all India level to have total change/ over-hauling in the system.

India is vast country and it may take more time to have a re-organised and suitable legal education system for our people. The J&K has its own constitution and enjoys some special status and powers. The State should exercise it first and it will certainly become an example for the country, he opined.

Commenting on the 22-day long strike of the Bar members in protest against the setting up of fast track courts, the Chief Justice said that not even a single member of the Bar has sent him a written grievance and they went on strike. At least they should tell what they want. They should come out and we will sit and discuss what can we do in respect of their demands. He said the aim is to provide speedy justice to the people of the country and in the general interest of the public and in good spirit they should resume their work as the people/ litigants are the major sufferers.

Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah who was the chief guest on the occasion while coming down heavily on the agitating lawyers, said that their strike was not justified. The decision taken to have rapid track courts for the speedy justice to the poor, victimised and needy people has been appreciated throughout the country. The lawyers must think about their own people because these poor litigants would get justice at their door-steps. This will really be a great achievement and provide them more relief.

In order to seek justice, they keep on fighting for years and years. Moreover, it is very difficult and costly affair. Majority of our people are poor and they can not efford costly litigation and excessive expenditure. There is already large pendency of cases in the J&K state and keeping in view these problems, the role of fast track courts attains much significance.

Quoting a well saying, "Justice delayed is justice denied", the Chief Minister said that agitating lawyers, in the interest of the general public should reconsider their decision. He said we have achieved freedom after great sacrifices but at the same time it is not easy to sustain it. We are facing a series of problems but it is our moral duty to sustain the freedom through all odds and checks. Favouring the democratic setup, he said we are fortunate enough to have good legal and judicial system than Pakistan where he has keenly observed some incidents related to Judiciary and democracy of that country. He also appreciated the efforts of present Chief Justice Dr Saraf and his team for reducing a significant number of pendency of cases in the High Court.

Extending his compliments to Mr Gulchain Singh Charak, he hoped that this first law college in the State would progress leaps and bounds in near future. He at the same time stressed to have good Library for the welfare of the students.

Members Bar Council of India, Mr Adish Aggarwala who was the special invitee to the function appreciated the efforts of Mr Charak and assured every possible cooperation to him for running the college. He also stressed the need to have good standard of education. Right kind of education and good atmosphere are essential for the success of any educational institution, he maintained.

Earlier, the Principal of the College Prof T N Shalla read out the annual report and highlighted the efforts of management and the achievements. Former Vice-Chancellor of Jammu University Prof M R Puri who was guest of honour while speaking on the occasion, expressed his happiness to have a first Law college with good staff and infrastructure in the State.

The function commenced with the lighting of traditional lamp by the Chief Guest Mr Justice Balakrishnan, followed by Saraswati Vandna. The students of Dogra college presented impressive cultural items. The guests were presented mementos on the occasion. Dr Abdullah also released Souvenir on the occasion. Mr Charak moved the vote of thanks.

The function was also attended by Justice T S Doabia, Justice R C Gandhi, Justice Arun Goel, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Mr Anil Goswami and other distinguished guests.

LF victory to have bearing on national politics

KOLKATA, May 13: Former Chief Minister Jyoti Basu today said the Left Front’s return to power for the sixth consecutive term in West Bengal would have its direct bearing on the national politics.

"We are grateful to the people for reposing faith in the Left Front and this victory will have its direct impact on the national politics", Basu told reporters.

Brushing aside the exit poll prediction, he said, the results had gone once again in Front’s favour. "Exit poll is an absurd matter", Basu said, adding the verdict had belied all "calculations and gossips and the Front is back to power for the sixth term."

Basu expressed hope that the Front would perform "much better" by removing all its weaknesses and implementing its plans and programmes "more effectively".

Taking a dig at the opposition for "spreading canards" against the CPI(M) much before the assembly polls, the former Chief Minister said the Front would like to have the cooperation of opposition parties "which unfortunately have no programmes for the masses".

Describing the Left Front’s return to power as ‘a record in India’s Parliamentary politics’, Basu said "our Left Front’s performance has remained exemplary".

"It is unprecedented in any country that a coalition of Left parties is re-elected to power for sixth term in a row in a province", the 87-year-old Marxist leader said.

Basu said "when people have reposed greater faith in the Front, it is the Front’s duty to serve them better".

"Front’s responsibility has increased considerably and people’s hopes and aspirations have to be met", he said.

Basu expressed hope that the Left Front would try to remove its weaknesses and review its performances for its better functioning.

He said "our victory must be an eyeopener for those dailies and also those who are opposed to our policies".

"I welcome criticism, but it should be constructive in nature", Basu said, hoping that the opposition would cooperate with the next Front Government in developing West Bengal in all sectors. (PTI)

Mother-son found dead
Two more kidnapped; 3 students untraced

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 13: Militants kidnapped two more boys even as three Matric students, kidnapped from Gandoh in Doda district on Friday, remained untraced. Bodies of a mother and her son were recovered from Chenab river in Ramban this morning.

Official sources said unidentified militants struck in village Bharki in Doda last mid-night and kidnapped two boys, who have been identified as Rajesh Singh and Mohd Saleem.

Militants took both the boys at gun point and fled to a forest area leaving the family members of hostages crying. A police party later visited the spot for investigations. Both the hostages remained untraced.

There was also no clue of three Matric students—Narinder Singh, Dhruv Singh and Rajinder Singh—who had allegedly been kidnapped by the militants while on their way to school in Gandoh on Friday.

Police said it was yet to be established that whether the boys had been kidnapped by the militants or were just missing. Investigations are being carried out by Gandoh police, they said.

Reports said tension was mounting in Gandoh against the missing of three students for last three days.

Meanwhile, two dead bodies were recovered by police this morning from river Chenab in Ramban tehsil of Doda. Both the bodies remained unidentified.

Police said the bodies appeared to be that of a young woman and her eight to 10 year old child. Bodies have been shifted to sub district hospital in Ramban for identification.

A Special Police Officer (SPO) Nissar Ahmed, who was injured in an encounter with militants at village Gora in Gandoh last evening, was airlifted to Medical College this morning in view of his serious condition.

Three other SPOs, injured in the same operation, were admitted in Doda hospital.

Army kills 2 Kupwara women in ambush
Rather’s kin, 2 militants among 7 killed in Valley

Excelsior Special Correspondent

SRINAGAR, May 13: In different militancy-related incidents across Kashmir valley since last evening, militants have targetted two close associates of the Finance Minister Abdur Rahim Rather in Chadoura, gunned down a counter-insurgent Ikhwani at Kellar in Pulwama, while as security forces have eliminated three militants in north Kashmir. In a bizarre incident, Army have also killed two women and left two more members of a family injured, in an ambush, in Kupwara.

Informed sources told EXCELSIOR that this afternoon militants shot dead Mohammad Amin Dar S/o Abdul Ahad Dar R/o Badipora (Chadoura) at his village in Budgam district. Dar was a teacher by profession but he was also known as a close political associate and a relative of the senior National Conference leader and the state’s Finance Minister, Abdur Rahim Rather, who too is a resident of Badipora village.

Earlier this morning, militants fired upon a tailor master, Ghulam Rasool Dar R/o Ghulam Qadir Dar R/o Dad-Ompora (Chadoura) in Budgam district. He was left with some gunshot wounds and later his family members rushed him to hospital. After treatment, he was discharged from the hospital. He too is known as a close political activist of Mr Rather.

Reports from Pulwama said that during last night, militants kidnapped a counter-insurgent Ikhwani, namely Mohammad Maqbool Shah S/o Ali Mohammad Shah of Mastpora, Kellar, and later shot him dead at Gatipora village. As already reported, last evening militants had fired upon another counter-insurgent, namely Khursheed Ahmed Bhat S/o Abdur Rahim Bhat of Bongam, Shopian. With gunshot wounds, he was rushed to hospital.

In south Kashmir again, militants shot at one Mohammad Sidique S/o Ghulam Mohammad of Bulbul Nowgam (Anantnag) in the same locality. He too was rushed to a hospital with gunshot wounds on his person.

2 women shot dead

Official reports from Kupwara said that troops of 10-Madras killed two women of a family while as two more family members were left injured late last evening. According to confirmed reports, Lateef Ahmed Magray of Keegam, Kandi, had gone towards a forest with his tipper, possibly for smuggling of timber. As he failed to return till 2100 hours, his family members went out to look for him with a lantern. Troops of 10-Madras, who had laid an ambush for militants, mistook them as militants and opened fire. Two women of the Magray family — Sona-ullah Magray’s mother Bakhti and wife Saja — got killed while as Sonaullah Magray and domestic help, namely Fayaz Ahmed Bhat S/o Sona-ullah Bhat of Kandi Khas, sustained injuries. They were rushed to hospital.

Another member of the family, Nashir Ahmed Magray, escaped unhurt. The injured head of the family, Sonauulah Magray has been referred to a Srinagar hospital.

3 militants killed

Official sources told EXCELSIOR that on the basis of a specific information, troops of Rashtriya Rifles 14th Bn and SOG Bandipore raided a militant hideout in Tsoonthimulla village of Bandipore this morning. Militants opened fire and made frantic efforts to escape. However, after seven hours of the encounter, troops eliminated two Pakistani cadres of Lashkar-e-Toiba. They were identified as Abu Sikandar alias Abu Moosa and Abu Sa’ad. A quantity of arms and ammunition was recovered from the site of encounter.

One more militant, identified as a resident of Budgam area, got killed in an encounter at Gulgam forest area of Kupwara district. After killing the militant, troops of 14-Rajput claimed to have recovered a quantity of arms and ammunition from the spot.

Reports from Lolab (Kupwara) said that some unidentified gunmen appeared at Sogam branch of Cooperative Bank and told the staff that they wanted to kidnap an SPO, namely Shabir Ahmed. Shabir was not present. Guards of the bank opened fire and all the militants managed to escape.

No fresh notification in Ayodhya case

BACRAICH (UP), May 13 : The Uttar Pradesh Government today said it had nothing to do with the issuance of a fresh notification on the Ayodhya case "unless specifically directed by the court to do so."

"There is no question of issuing a fresh notification in the Ayodhya case unless the Government is specifically directed by the court in the matter", Urban Development Minister Lalji Tondon, who is also leader of the House in the State Legislative Council, said at a press conference here.

The Government will take an appropriate action in the matter if it was directed by the court to issue a fresh notification, Tondon said adding "we respect judiciary and will fully abide by its orders".

He said the Government would remain neutral in this matter as it did not want to influence judicial process.

On the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Tondon said "the temple will be constructed by the people and the Government has no role in it".

"There already exists a temple and only it has to be given a grand shape", he said. (PTI)

BJP for elections in J&K under Central rule

NEW DELHI, May 13: With Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah announcing that the Assembly polls would be held soon, the state unit of BJP today demanded they be held under central rule as it apprehended "manipulations" by the present National Conference Government.

To press the demand, BJP’s Kashmir unit leaders have met leaders of the party high command here.

"The next Assembly elections should be held under central rule as we do not trust Farooq Abdullah," BJP’s Kashmir unit general secretary Fayaz Ahmed Bhat told PTI here.

Alleging that the National Conference Government had engineered rigging in the 1999 Lok Sabha elections, he said "there are chances of rigging again. We suspect his intentions."

Stating that the main reason behind militancy was rigging of the 1987 Assembly elections by National Conference, Bhat said "due to repeated rigging of elections, people of the State have lost faith in polls."

"To re-infuse the faith of the people, it is essential that the Centre impose Governor’s rule in the State before the polls," he said.

Abdullah told Doordarshan on Tuesday that elections to the State Assembly, whose term ends in October next year, will be held "very soon" and asked political parties to get ready.

"We conducted panchayat polls even as almost everyone was sceptical about it and doubted whether we could do it. But we did it....I am going to hold Assembly elections very soon," he said.

On Abdullah’s announcement to hold the elections before schedule, Bhat said "whenever there is any positive development on the Kashmir front, he comes up with some or the other gimmick. Right now, while the Centre is making efforts to hold talks with all groups on the Kashmir issue, he has made this announcement."

He claimed that the National Conference was in the "worst position" with people "deadly against it" and said "if elections are held in fair manner, the ruling party will lose badly."

The BJP leader added that fair elections were also necessary "as people of the State are feeling injured and need nursing."

Terming the ongoing peace process as a "right step", Bhat said "it can yield good results."

"The peace initiative by the Centre demonstrates that it does not believe in solving the Kashmir issue through guns but talks," he said.

Suggesting that the Centre should hold talks with every group and not only the Hurriyat Conference, he claimed the National Conference Government was the "main obstacle" in the path of talks. (PTI)

Forest lesses, contractors names figure
Militant’s diary names BJP, NC leaders as their financiers

By Sanjeev Pargal

JAMMU, May 13: The leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and National Conference, who were always in forefront of denouncing Pakistan-sponsored militancy and demanding that subversion should be crushed with a heavy hand have been found involved in sustaining it, atleast in Doda district.

This startling disclosure has come to light from a diary recovered from the possession of a front ranking Hizbul Mujahideen militant Manzoor Ahmed alias Bagela Khan, who was recently shot dead by Special Task Force (STF) Doda in Chinta, Bhaderwah.

A top Jammu Police source told EXCELSIOR today that a diary seized from a hideout where Manzoor Ahmed was shot dead by STF Doda after a day long operation carried names of a number of BJP and NC leaders besides a host of forest lesses and contractors, who had been releasing huge funds in favour of militants of almost all the outfits including the foreign mercenaries dominated Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) outfit to carry on their activities.

The diary, which was presently in possession of a senior Doda police officer, carried names of Qayoom Malothi and Anayatullah Mangnoo, two very influential Forest contractors and linked with a politician, on the top of it. Both Mangnoo and Malothi were very close to a BJP MLA, who represents one of the City constituency but had his vast business in Udhampur and Doda districts.

Sources said Anayatullah Mangnoo’s cousin, Abdul Qayoom Mangnoo claimed himself as a BJP leader of Doda district and could be seen in rallies addressed by party leaders across the district. Both Mangnoo and Malothi were arrested by Doda police soon after the diary reached the hands of a senior police officer this week.

While a special team led by Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Bhaderwah Aslam Malik, set up by district Doda police, was interrogating Mangnoo and Qayoom Malothi, Doda police was subjected to intense pressure from all possible quarters by the BJP MLA. The MLA was also reported to have taken the services of a National Conference Minister in pressurising Doda police, which ultimately had no option but to release both Mangnoo and Malothi.

However, police brought the involvement of these two contractors in financing militants on official record and directed them to daily appear before SDPO Bhaderwah for further inquiries in their role. Police also brought it on record that the contractors were being released conditionally on the request of a BJP leader from Jammu.

According to sources, the diary carried names of 22 more influential and well known political leaders as well as contractors, who had not only been paying a huge some to the militants but also helping them in taking shelter in their Forest compartments. Majority of these contractors had been affiliated with two NDA alliance partners—BJP and National Conference.

One of the contractor Qayoom Bhagwan, as per the diary, was paying Rs 70,000 per month to Hizbul Mujahideen outfit through Manzoor Ahmed while another contractor, who was an active worker of National Conference and close to a Minister, used to pay a sum ranging between Rs 90,000 to Rs 1.20 lakh per month to Pakistan-sponsored militants.

The diary revealed that slain Manzoor Ahmed had virtually been working as a conduit for different militant outfits including LeT and Harkat-ul-Jehad Islami (HUJI). Not only he collected funds for his own Hizb outfit but also for LeT and HUJI.

The minimum of funds given by a contractor were Rs 32,000 per month. This contractor had come into profession only few months back, the sources pointed out.

They said two hand-written letter in Urdu had also been stitched to the diary recovered from Manzoor. Written by Manzoor himself, the letters had been addressed separately to two ‘area commanders’ of LeT and HUJI requesting the ‘commanders’ to allow a NC leader-cum-contractor to work in the areas of their control as he had cleared his all dues to him (Manzoor). Manzoor had promised (in the letters) that he will make payment to ‘commanders’ whenever he meets them.

"The letter and diary leave no one in doubt that it was not only Pakistan but the leaders of BJP and NC as well, who were directly financing Pakistan-backed militancy", the sources said, adding ‘it, however, was a different matter that leaders of these two political parties always charged Pakistan and other Arab countries with financing militancy’.

Sources expressed apprehensions that politicians and contractors’ links with the foreign mercenaries and local militants might never be exposed in view of mounting political pressure on police to hush up the case. "It was due to political pressure that police had to release two contractors notwithstanding the fact that police had sufficient evidence in the form of a diary against them".

Sources opined that recovery of just one diary from the possession of militants could just be a tip of iceberg. There were reports that several other prominent persons were also engaged in sustaining militancy in Doda by financing and sheltering the militants.

ADMK victory puts Governor in quandary
Can Jaya become CM?

CHENNAI, May 13 : With the AIADMK’s landslide victory in the just-concluded Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, the focus has shifted to the Raj Bhawan as Governor Fathima Beevi braces herself to tackle a legally complex issue: Whether or not to invite party supremo J Jayalalitha, debarred from contesting the elections in the wake of her conviction in some corruption charges, to form the Government.

Ms Jayalalitha, in the aftermath of her nomination papers being rejected from four constituencies, had declared that she continued to be the Chief Ministerial candidate, and the mandate has only strengthened her claim.

Today, the former Chief Minister virtually reiterated her stand by saying that she would meet the Governor tomorrow and stake her claim to form the Government (after being duly elected leader of the AIADMK Legislature Party).

There is one school of thought in the legal circles that the Governor could reject the Legislature party decision, but another section of experts, including former Election Commissioner T N Seshan, says that the Governor was bound to swear in a person elected as leader of a Legislature Party, that has won the elections.

Those who argue that the Governor cannot swear in Ms Jayalalitha as Chief Minister, cite the rejection of her nomination papers under section 8(3) of the Representation of the People Act (RPA). Going by the fact that the main ground for rejection of papers was under section 8(3) of RPA, the Governor can reject her candidature for the top post, even if the AIADMK legislature party elects her as its leader.

However, it is also argued that the Governor, using her discretion, could decide to accept a legislature party nominee to be sworn in as Chief Minister.

A senior advocate opined that the Governor could use her discretionary powers under the constitution and reject Ms Jayalalitha’s claim on the ground that a person not qualified to become an MLA or MLC, could also not become Chief Minister.

This was disputed by another Advocate who said that the appointment of a Chief Minister was at the discretion of the Governor under article 164 of the constitution. When a non-member was elected by the Legislature party to head the party in the House, the Governor could appoint the person as Chief Minister on the condition that he or she should become a member of the House within six months.

This line is also being supported by leaders of the AIADMK’s allies. While Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) leader G K Moopanar has said that late K Kamaraj was not a member of the House when he became Chief Minister, CPI(M) State unit secretary N Sankaraiah said the late C N Annadurai also became Chief Minister when he was not a member of the House.

In legal circles, it was also being argued that under the Contitution, the Governor, could not impose a condition that Ms jayalalitha should first get qualified to become an MLA and then be elected party leader.

Senior Counsel K M Vijayan was more forceful in his arguments against making Ms Jayalalitha Chief Minister. He pointed out that RJD supremo Laloo Prasad Yadav had to step down as Chief Minister of Bihar when charges were filed against him, though the House reposed confidence in him.

Also, former Union Ministers Buta Singh and Sedapatti R Muthiah had stepped down soon after chargesheets were filed against them, Mr Vijayan said adding that even if Ms Jayalalitha was elected leader of the AIADMK Legislature Party, the Governor could reject her candidature and ask the party to elect another leader.

Former Union Minister and TMC Democratic Forum president P Chidambaram was another person who vociferously protested against making Ms Jayalalitha Chief Minister. During his campaigning, he had been saying that the Governor would not make her Chief Minister as she was not even qualified to contest the elections.

Surprisingly, outgoing Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, who had also been toeing the same line, today said he was not bothered if Ms Jayalalitha became Chief Minister or not.

Leading advocate S Krishnaswamy, a Professor of Law, contended in a memorandum to the Governor that there was no bar to appoint Ms Jayalalitha as Chief Minister.

He wanted the Governor to apply her judicial mind and decide the matter judiciously without succumbing to influence.

It was reported that the Governor had already started obtaining legal opinion on whether Ms Jayalalitha was qualified to become Chief Minister.

Whatever decision the Governor takes in this respect cannot be questioned in the Court of Law under Article 164 of the Constitution.(UNI)

Jaya says she will be CM

NEW DELHI, May 13: Scotching all speculation that she would nominate someone else for the top job, AIADMK supremo Jayalalitha today declared that she alone would be the Chief Ministerial candidate following the party-led alliance’s landslide victory in the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls.

"People have given their mandate for me to rule the State. This vote is for me to assume leadership of the State. Putting anyone else in that place would mean disrespect to the verdict of the people. We cannot afford to do this", she told Star News.

Asked whether she expected a landslide victory, the AIADMK supremo said "Yes. I could see the trend. I could see the people’s response. No matter what the press and TV channels said I did not take it seriously".

She said it could have surprised her if the verdict was not as expected.

Jayalalitha was debarred from contesting the polls following her conviction in a corruption case.

When asked about her priorities after assuming power, Jayalalitha said "there are so many things. Tamil Nadu has to be put back on the rails".

"There has been total chaos and anarchy in the last five years. Lot of things need to be done. There are many things that are in my priority list," she said, adding that her utmost priority was providing drinking water to all parts of the State, restoration of law and order and streamlining of the public distribution system.

"The economy of the State is in doldrums", she said, adding she would make efforts to improve it. (PTI)

Inter-state gang of cheats busted

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, May 13: Police today busted an inter-state gang of cheats apprehending two of them from the town. Three others were absconding.

Arrested cheats have been identified as Surinder Sharma and Shashi Pal, residents of Haridwar. Their three associates, who too hailed from Haridwar, managed to escape.

Police said the arrested boys used to collect donations from people on the name of religious institutions.

Two citizens Bharat Bushan and Satish Rahi were instrumental in the arrest of gangsters.

Communal harmony meet held
Imbibe spirit of patriotism among children: Brig Kotwal

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, May 13: Brig K S Kotwal, Deputy GoC, Romeo Force today stressed on imbibing the spirit of brotherhood, fellow feeling, patriotism and secularism among the children.

Addressing the concluding function of a five day long communal harmony meet of national integration camp organised by Modern Cultural Club Rajouri in collaboration with Ministry of Youth Affairs, he said the children should be guided from schooling days to differentiate between right and wrong.

He assured the people that their demand regarding creation of a local battalion for the recruitment of the people from this border district in army will be put before the higher authorities.

He said there is a better coordination between army and civilians and to promote it further the meetings are held from time to time at different places. He said number of such meetings have been held in the villages of Darhal and Thanamandi and assured in future such meeting will be organised with the people of Rajouri town.

In his address DIG Rajouri and Poonch Range, Mr S S Bijral said the camp has high purpose. He said in the given situations we need to organise such camps to educate the children and imbibe in them the spirits of nationality and brotherhood.

He said the children are the future pillars of the nation hence they should be made fully aware of their culture. He said this way we can frustrate the designs of our enemy and promote the unity.

Mr Bijral hailed the Modern Cultural Club and stressed on holding of such camps in other places also. He also laid emphasis on Police , people cooperation.

About 75 students participated in the camp. In his address Dr Handoo CMO, Rajouri delivered lectures on first aid, while Lt Ravat gave speech on how to join army.

Prof Sahkeel Raina, Prof Shabir Shah and Shakur Malik delivered speech on morality.

The function was presided by Brig K K Kotwal while DIG Bijral was the chief guest on the occasion. ADC Rajouri S P Bharadwaj was the guest of honour.

Among the other political leaders and senior citizens who addressed the gathering include Ch. Talib Hussain, former Minister, Kuldeep Raj Gupta, BJP vice president,Ashok Sharma Sanatan Dahram Sabha chief, Abdul Rashid Bhat, president Muslim Welfare Federation and Koshal Kumar.

In their address they stressed on army-civilians liaison and demanded creation of peoples battalion for combating militancy in the State.

A community dinner was also hosted yesterday evening. Besides it the camp fire was also organised in which DIG, Commander I R Battalion, Additional DC, Army officers participated. The function started with Sarav Dharam Prarthana and was followed by a cultural programme. Mrs Brijal was the chief guest on the occasion. The vote of thanks was presented by Mr Rajiv Khajuria, general secretary, Modern Cultural Club.

Among other participants include S P Rajouri, Mr Rajesh Gupta and Col Romeo Force, Mr H R Manjit Singh.

Vajpayee arrives in Malaysia on four-day visit

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee arrived here tonight on a four-day visit to Malaysia declaring that his tour would strengthen India’s relations with ASEAN and accord a fresh boost to bilateral economic ties.

Vajpayee, who will be holding extensive talks with his Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Bin Mohammad and other leaders tomorrow, said, "we have similar views and common approaches on a number of international issues and are both committed to a meaningful interaction on south-south cooperation."

Before emplaning for Kuala Lumpur, he told reporters at Delhi that "my visit .... Is a continuation of our policy of strengthening our relations with ASEAN countries."

Vajpayee, who is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit this country since 1995, said he would be discussing with Malaysian leaders a wide range of bilateral and global issues of mutual interest.

The Prime Minister, who had postponed his visit to Malaysia in February this year in the wake of Gujarat earthquake, was received to warm welcome by Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar.

He would be accorded a ceremonial welcome tomorrow when he meets his counterpart.

At the airport, children from the Indian community here presented flowers to Vajpayee and waived the tricolour as the Prime Minister alighted from a special Air India Boeing 747. A number of bilateral agreements including on information technology, space and counsellor services are expected to be signed during the visit.

An extradition treaty that could help bring Italian businessman Ottavio Quattarocchi, an accused in the Bofors pay-off case, to India from Malaysia to stand trial may also be signed during the visit.

Vajpayee is accompanied by Information Technology Minister Pramod Mahajan and Minister of State for Commerce Omar Abdullah.

To coincide with the Prime Minister’s tour, about 75 senior representatives of Indian business and industry including from FICCI and CII are already here and would hold discussion with their Malaysian counterparts.

Official sources said discussions on the extradition treaty of Quattorocchi are still continuing and it may be signed before the Prime Minister returns home on Wednesday.

The signing of the treaty would pave the way for extradition of Quattorocchi.

India had requested for his extradition in 1999 after a non-bailable warrant was issued by a court in Delhi. He was arrested by Malaysian police but later released on bail.

His petition for quashing extradition proceedings against him is still pending here in a high court.

Vajpayee’s one-to-one talks with Mohammad will be followed by delegation-level talks and signing of agreements tomorrow.

Stating that the cultural and trade relations between the two countries go back more than two millennia, Vajpayee hoped that the signing of the agreements both at Government-to-Government and business-to-business levels would further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the years ahead.

The two countries are likely to sign an agreement to swap palm oil for 1.6 billion dollar railway project. Indian Railway Construction Company (IRCON) will connect Northern IPOH town with Padang Besar district in Northern Zone bordering Thailand - a distance of 300 km. (PTI)

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