Jethmalani may return empty-handed: Soz

SRINAGAR, Aug 17: Former Union Minister Saifuddin Soz, who recently joined Congress, today said the Ram Jethmalani-led Kashmir Committee which is holding talks with separatists would not be able to end the stalemate on Kashmir issue.

"Ram (Jethmalani) is a sincere man and he understands sufferings of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He is meeting people and listening to them but his instruments are not in shape to end the stalemate on Kashmir," Soz told a press conference here.

Soz said linking the dialogue process with the coming Assembly polls in the State might prove to be a fallacy of Jethmalani’s mission.

"On one hand, you want to hold a dialogue and at the same time you are pushing ahead with elections. What is the urgency to hold elections if you want to resolve the issue. It may take three years to resolve the problem but talk first," he said.

Soz said the pre-condition of participation of separatists in the polls might not be feasible as Hurriyat conference with its 23 constituents had different compulsions.

Soz said when Jethmalani boards a flight to Delhi tomorrow, he might return "empty-handed".

Asked whether he supported the demand for imposition of Governor’s rule in the State, Soz said there should be an impartial dispensation ahead of the polls.

"I do not know why National Conference is opposing it. It will be good for them if they emerge triumphant under the Governor’s rule," he said.

Flaying the National Conference for all the "wrongs" in the State, Soz said the party had lost a chance to redeem itself by aligning with "fascist" BJP at the Centre.

"I thought the events in Gujarat will awaken the conscience of the National Conference but the party proved me wrong."

On his joining Congress, Soz said it was the only party capable of countering "communal and divisive" BJP and Sangh Parivar.

"BJP’s communal and divisive agenda needs to be countered effectively," he said.

Soz said National Conference lost a golden opportunity in 1996 after they were elected to power with a majority. They represented all the three regions of the State but indulged in compromise politics on their principles.

"National Conference now cannot play any decisive role in the resolution of Kashmir issue giving unconditional support to the BJP-led Government at the Centre as part of its political opportunism," he added.

Criticising the governance of the ruling party, Soz claimed that people of Jammu and Kashmir were more alienated from the National Conference than from India.

"If the National Conference dispensation would have been good, there would have been development in the State. I am a student of economics and I do not see any development here," Soz, who joined the congress recently, said. (PTI)

CS reviews poll arrangements

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Aug 17 : The Chief Secretary, Mr. I. S. Malhi has stressed strict adherence of Model Code of Conduct to ensure free and fair elections to the State Assembly. He has called for proper training to electors in the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM).

Mr. Malhi was addressing a meeting of Deputy Commissioners and SSPs of the valley here today. Chief Electoral Officer, Mr. Pramod Jain, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Mr. Parvez Dewan and Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Mr. K. Rajindra also attended the meeting.

The meeting reviewed the poll preparedness of District Election Officers of the valley for the Ensuing assembly elections. Mr. Malhi asked the Deputy Commissioners to arrange display of electoral rolls at district, tehsil and block headquarters for the information of general masses. He said that obtaining photo Identity Cards by electors is a voluntary exercise and votes could be cast without the possession of this card subject to the inclusion of the voter in the electoral rolls.

Regarding mobility of the polling staff, he said a transport plan has been formulated. Similarly, accommodation for civil, police and para-military forces has also been arranged. He said to augment the effort, polling personnel would also be brought from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

JM simplified building permission procedure

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 17 : The Building Operation Controlling Authority (BOCA) for Municipal area, (Jammu Municipality) has so for cleared 178 building permission cases this year against 117 cases cleared in the corresponding period last year. These included 17 cases cleared by the Committee at its meeting held here yesterday under the Chairmanship of Administrator, Jammu Municipality, Mr. K. B. Jandial.

This year, nearly 66% increase in clearance of building permission cases has been recorded over the last year’s figure.

Similarly, the number of building permission cases received by JM this year has also shown significant increase. As against 172 cases of last year, Jammu Municipality received 215 cases during these 4 months.

During 2001-2002, Jammu Municipality had received 466 building permission cases, of which 356 cases were approved. The number of cases cleared last year accounts for 76% of the total cases submitted by citizens to JM. As against this percentage, this year so far, clearance percentage has increased to 83% .

Increasing response of the citizens for authorized constructions and higher percentage of clearance of cases is mainly attributed to the simplification of procedure undertaken by the Municipality and BOCA to minimize delay and inconvenience to the citizens.

There are instances where the BOCA has cleared cases within a period of one week of submission of their building plans as they had valid documents and conformed to byelaws.

The Administrator, Jammu Municipality has appealed to the people to desist from taking up unauthorized construction as they will be put to embarrassment as well as heavy penalty in the shape of compounding fee before the J&K Special Tribunal, if caught by our Khilafwarzi staff or complaint by any citizen.

During the last 4 months, the Municipality has registered 150 cases of Khilafwarzi where prosecution has been launched

JSM receives minor jolt as some groups return old fold

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 17: Jammu State Morcha headed by Mr Shri Kumar received a minor jolt as some of its constituents have returned to the old—All Parties Jammu Statehood Movement fold. All Parties Jammu Statehood Movement, a conglomerate of various organisations has reconstituted its organisational structure with the coming of old allies.

The conglomerate will have seven-members presidium comprising representatives like Col K S Jamwal from Rajput Sabha, Mr D K Khajuria president Confederation of Jammu Lawyers, Yash Bhasin- a senior journalist, Inderjit Khajuria senior vice-president state unit of Janata Dal Secular, Sanjesh Gupta JD (U), Surinder Singh president District Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and Rajiv Chunni president SOS, an organisation of PoK refugees.

Addressing press conference here today coordinator/ convenor of the

Movement Mr Yash Bhasin said there were lot of apprehensions among the minds of the people after formation of new Jammu State Morcha that one particular group may take unnecessary advantage and for this some of people who were already associated with the All Party Statehood Movement and a few from the new Morcha (JSM) decided to reconstitute the old organisational structure. He claimed that JKNPP will also be the associate member of the conglomerate.

He maintained that Movement has dissociated itself to contest elections though Jammu State Morcha has already declared to contest the same. He however, claimed that their group will render support to the candidates contesting on the agenda of separate Jammu State.

Responding to a question, Mr Bhasin said , "we have no differences with the JSM, they are also fighting for the separate Jammu and we too, are demanding statehood status for Jammu. The need for carrying on the movement from this front was felt as wrong signal was going into the public after recent developments.

When asked about the strong criticism among the public regarding hijacking of Movement by the RSS and BJP people who otherwise are losing ground in Jammu due their reputation as opposition and poor performance, Mr Bhasin said RSS should not have done so because a wrong signal has gone into the public mind and some secular parties may bound to dissociate. Responding to yet another question, Mr Bhasin claimed the movement will not be weakened rather both the fronts will continue their struggle for the liberation of Jammu from the domination of Kashmiri rulers.

Meanwhile, Jammu State Morcha convenor, Shri Kumar was not available for comments when contacted by this correspondent.

JDA acquiring 130 kanals of Bachan depot’s
Forest land for MLAs’ plots

By Gopal Sharma

JAMMU, Aug 17: After taking over 623 kanals of Forest land in Sidhra area on the outskirts of Jammu, the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) has initiated the process of taking over 130 kanals of Bachan depot’s Forest land, adjoining Qasim Nagar for raising palatial plots for the legislators and other VIPs under Bagh-e-Bahu police jurisdiction.

A large number of green trees are going to be felled and the vegetative cover damaged on the outskirts of the city with the acquiring of this land by the Housing and Urban Development authorities. With the vanishing of more trees and vegetative cover around the city of temples its surrounding environment is being extensively damaged while the process of acquiring forest lands is going on unchecked in violation of the Supreme Court rulings.

A special committee of the legislators led by Deputy Speaker J&K Legislative Assembly and senior NC leader Ghulam Hyder Malik who had visited the two- three areas on Sidhra Bypass road and even Roop Nagar, had selected this prime land just adjoining Qasim Nagar. This area is closer to the Railway Station and with the construction of new bridge at river Tawi near Bahu Fort, it has direct road communication with the old city and the bus stand area. Moreover, the area is also connected with the By-Pass road.

The sources within the JDA said that the top officials in the organisation were also looking for some more land in the same area as 130 kanals of land is not sufficient to accommodate a large number of legislators and few ministers. The efforts are continued to manage some land in the adjoining localities to accommodate these VIPs.

The legislators have even applied for the plots in the area identified by the the committee members. More than 30 canals of land has been proposed to be kept for park and road communication. Not only the entire land but about 60 kanals of land has been proposed to be kept for the depot but the SFC has turned down keeping this much of land on the plea that it was not sufficient for their purpose, moreover, it will not be wise and safe to keep timber depot near the residential area, especially where VIPs are going to be accommodated.

A senior SFC official told on the condition of anonymity that earlier, Management Board of Corporation under the chairmanship of Forest Minister had decided in its meeting about two years back to raise commercial complex in the area and even the agency JKPCC had been asked to prepare designs for the same but unfortunately following some political pressure the process was stalled and in the meanwhile JDA intervened and came out with a proposal to acquire this land for the plots of VIPs and the legislators.

He said about 190 kanals of this prime land is the property of State Forest department and there are more than 3000 green trees. This stretch is connected with chain of roads from all the sides. About two dozens of legislators who had visited and identified the site along with Assembly Dy Speaker, had selected it at their first site, keeping in view all the factors and its surrounding environment. Some Kashmir based legislators had suggested also to acquire land on the north east of the By Pass road from this depot but the JDA has its own limitations because the area is already in the possession of the poor members of the society and the labour class.

Managing Director of the SFC, Dr R L Bharti when contacted said that JDA is claiming that land belonged to them , but the fact is that JDA has no claim over it in any way. There is vast SFC depot and the Corporation is generating revenue worth crores every year from this depot. But it is unfortunate that JDA has started interfering and claiming the land. He avoided to comment when asked about any political pressure to the Corporation for this piece of land. Replying to another question regarding taking over the depot land by JDA, the MD said till now no such written request has come from the JDA. Even no direction has come from the Government about handing over land to JDA. He admitted that a proposal is said to be there to acquire land by the JDA and allot it to the legislators.

He disclosed that there was a Government decision in 1978 that entire Nazool land within the 13 kms radius of the city from the Central point (Purani Mandi) will belong to JDA except Forest land. Even by way of that order this land purely belonged to Forest. Even if any such process is initiated, the Forest department will be involved in the process. The vice-chairman JDA was not available for comments, while another senior JDA official preferred to maintain silence over the issue.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu Mr R D Tiwari claimed that it was a cabinet decision to raise a colony there. The department of Housing and Urban Development stated to have initiated such process. He claimed that though Forest department (Territorial) will be involved in the process but SFC will be the major partner. If the land is handed over to JDA, Forest department will struck off that portion from its records. He further claimed that as CCF he will not be able to give present status of the land in question and MD of the Corporation will be the right person to be approached for the same. However, it has been generally felt that Mr Tiwari has been placed here and directed by the Government to clear all the pending deals and agreements regarding acquring lands.

Sainik Welfare Officer listens to the woes of war widows

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 17: Zila Sainik Welfare Officer, Jammu, Lt Col Karan Singh accompanied by the staff members visited Jandrah and Kathar Manwal to attend the problems of the war widows, widows and ex-servicemen living in these areas.

According to a handout, the problems of the ex-servicemen and widows were attended to by the Zila Sainik Welfare Officer on the spot and all routine work, like issue of Identity Cards, medical certificates, and completion of different types of relief forms were done.

Lt Col. Singh distributed cash relief to needy widows and ex-servicemen. He also explained the aim of visiting and mentioned that he will be available with his staff at Jandrah and Kathar Manwal on 16th of every month except in the month of March, June, September and December, so that old age widows/ ex-servicemen do not have to travel to Jammu for their routine documentation and welfare activities.

Sub (Hony Capt) Kishan Singh of Jandrah and Capt Dhian Singh, president, Ex-Servicemen Society of Kathar Manwal speaking on the occasion projected the problems like one rank one pension and urged for conducting recruitment rallies in the interiors of these areas and put-forth the issue of weapon licenses.

BVP organises workshop on freedom struggle

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 17: All the citizens should cherish the nobel ideals of Indian freedom struggle and serve the country with selfless dedication. This was stated by Mr T R Kalra, former Director General of Police, J&K.

As per a release Mr Kalra was speaking at a workshop on ‘Personality Development and Indian Culture’ conducted jointly by the NGO Bharat Vikas Parishad and Maharishi Vidya Mandir High School Sainik Colony.

Earlier the programme commenced with the lighting of traditional lamp by Mr T R Kalra. The Principal of the school Mrs Reeta Sharma welcomed the guests.

Dr Subash Gupta, former Principal, Medical College Jammu delivered a lecture on ‘Eye Care’. Others who spoke included Prof Satish Anand, Prof Santosh Gupta and Prof V R Goswami.

The students of the school participated in a declamation and presented a cultural programme on the theme of ‘Freedom Movement’. The president of Bharat Vikas Parishad, presented the chief guest Mr Kalra with a memento. The function concluded with National Anthem.

Ex-gratia relief for Poonch accident victims demanded

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 17: Pradesh Congress Committee and Provincial Committee of National Conference today expressed shock over the bus accident at Poonch wherein 34 persons were killed.

In a statement issued here today, Congress leaders said that this gruesome accident occurred due to the over loading of the mini-bus and added that this shows the gross negligence of the Traffic Police.

Two minutes silence was observed by the Congress leaders in a condolence meeting for the peace to the departed souls and State Government was urged to grant adequate ex-gratia and compensation to the families of victims.

Those who attended the meeting included Messrs Mangat Ram Sharma, Mohd Ayub Khan, Ch Mohd Aslam, Parduman Singh, Beli Ram Kundal, G M Mir Poonchi, Amrit Malhotra, Ch Mohd Younis, Gurdev Singh, Ch Mohd Zaman, Ashok Sharma, Farda Mir, Gurmeet Singh, Om Chopra, Madan Lal Sharma, Yogesh Sawhney, Yashpal Khajuria, Rajiv Saraf, Sugreev Singh, Shiv Kumar Sharma, Subash Gupta, Ravinder Sharma, Vinod Mahajan, Yashpal Sharma, Vinod Sharma and Shabir Ahmed Khan.

Provincial Committee of National Conference mourned the demise of 34 people in a tragic road accident in Poonch. Mr G M Jan, MLA Poonch and Mr Bodh Raj Bali were also present in the meeting.

The meeting said that administration should take appropriate measures to prevent such accidents and provide adequate relief to the families of victims.

Those who attended the meeting included Messrs Rattan Lal Gupta, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Jugal Mahajan, D S Trehan, Mohinder Singh, G M Jan, Darshan Lal, Begum Zubaida Salaria, Bimla Luthra, Shakti Ram, Hari Chand Bhagat, Chander Mohan Sharma and Shyam Mehra.

JRDA organises plantation drive at Muthi village

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 17: Jammu Rural Development Association (JRDA) organized plantation drive in Muthi village as a part of Independence Day celebrations. Various species of flowering and shade giving trees were planted by staff and students Government High School Muthi, Government Girls Middle School Muthi, Shining Star Academy and Abhay Public School Muthi.

As per a release Regional Director Social Forestry Project J&K Mr V K Zadoo was the chief guest and eminent educationist Mr Sat Lal Razdan th guest of honour. Sarpanch Mr Suraj Prakash Padha and heads of participating schools planted the trees. The chief guest exhorted on all students to take care of the trees being planted and plant as many trees as possible, not only for themselves but for the posterity.

Paryavaran Certificates sponsored by ICELA were awarded to the participants.

Ecological problems of the area with particular reference to water shortage, depletion of Ozone layer, denundation of forests and water management besides strategy to regreen the villages and schools were discussed. Emphasis was laid on care and protection of the trees.

Mr Sat Lal Razdan asked the participants to plant one sapling every year and atleast five plants per family.

The chief guest assured continuous cooperation to the people of the village, school children and JRDA in all their endeavours to green the environment.