Impressive ‘Shobha Yatra’ of Lord Krishna taken out

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 30: Amidst unprecedent security arrangements, an impressive Shoba Yatra was taken out in the City of Temples on Shri Krishana Janamashtami today. Large number of devotees participated in the procession which passed through the main bazaars of the walled city.

The city was specially decorated in connection with Shoba Yatra and entire route of procession was dotted with saffron flags and buntings.

The Shoba Yatra started from Shri Raghunath Mandir and passed through Raghunath Bazar, City Chowk, Old Hospital Road, Purani Mandi, Raj Tilak Road, Sabzi Mandi Chowk, Moti Bazar, Pucca Danga and other areas before returning to Shri Raghunath Mandir.

Chanting Bhajans and raising slogans in honour of Lord Shri Krishana, large number of devotees participated in the procession. Bhagwan Shri Krishan Ki Jai repeatedly rented in the air. Large number of women devotees also participated in the Shoba Yatra.

Representatives of various social and religious organisations participated in the Shoba Yatra. Religious organisations were represented by their respective Jhankis which depicts life and teachings of Bhagwan Krishana.

Authorities had made elaborate security arrangements for the Yatra. Heavy contingent of forces were deployed at every nook and corned of the Yatra route to avoid any untoward incident. Even police personnel were deployed on the roof tops of various building enroute Shoba Yatra. Senior police and civil officers accompanied the procession to keep a check on security arrangement.

Reports from Udhampur said that an impressive Janamasthami procession was taken out in the town. The procession started from Chaboutra and passed through different bazaars of the town.

Morcha insists on contesting 23 seats
BJP-JSM talks dead-locked

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 30: The high level talks between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Jammu State Morcha (JSM) over seat sharing ended in a dead-lock today with the Morcha insisting on contesting 23 out of a total of 37 Assembly seats including two City seats of Jammu East and Jammu West in Jammu province.

All India BJP secretary and Incharge J&K Affairs O P Kohli, who reached here yesterday to sort out differences between BJP and RSS backed JSM over seat adjustments, called on JSM convenor Sri Kumar alongwith senior BJP leaders—Minister of State for Defence Prof Chaman Lal Gupta and state BJP president Daya Krishan Kotwal.

Kohli advised the Morcha, which had joined the electoral fray on the plank of separate Jammu State, not to contest the elections and instead support the BJP candidates. However, the JSM leadership outrightly rejected the BJP demand saying there was no question of going back on their decision to contest the polls.

Sri Kumar, when contacted, told EXCELSIOR that Morcha was committed to contest 23 Assembly seats in Jammu. "We have already named out candidates for 12 Assembly seats including Jammu East and Jammu West and we are determined to contest all of them. There was no question of leaving any seat", he declared.

Twelve seats, which the Morcha had decided to contest, included Jammu East, Jammu West, Chhamb, Nowshera, Nagrota, Billawar, Kishtwar, Banihal, Mendhar, Udhampur, Hiranagar and Vijaypur. Sri Kumar said the Morcha will shortly name the candidates for 11 other seats which it planned to contest.

Following Morcha’s refusal to concede to the BJP request, the talks between the two sides ended in a dead-lock.

BJP and JSM sources said later another round of talks was held among top brass of both the oranisations. Veteran RSS leader Indresh Kumar, the brain behind the Morcha, also joined the talks.

However, the second round of dialogue also failed with the Morcha leadership refusing to budge even an inch from its stand. Sources said the Morcha leaders even dared the BJP to put up its candidates against them and see the results.

After two rounds of talks, the top BJP leadership including Prof Kohli, Prof Gupta and Kotwal held their separate meeting to devise their strategy. Sources said Prof Kohli also rang up BJP general secretary and Incharge J&K Affairs Rajnath Singh to elicit his opinion.

What transpired between Rajnath Singh and Prof Kohli couldn’t be ascertained. However, according to sources, Rajnath Singh was also reported to have expressed his helplessness in resolving the standoff in view of Morcha’s adamant attitude.

Before leaving for New Delhi tonight, Prof O P Kohli told EXCELSIOR that there were no serious differences between Morcha and BJP. "We have almost finalised candidates for most of the seats", he claimed but candidly admitted that there were differences on some odd seats. He refused to comment on Jammu East and West seats but exuded confidence that the differences would be sorted out within a day or two.

Amidst dead-lock, Prof Kohli returned to New Delhi tonight.

PB examining possibility of shifting ‘DD Kashir’ to Srinagar
DD, AIR in top gear to promote J&K Polls

From Ahmed Ali Fayyaz

SRINAGAR, Aug 30: Prasar Bharati (PB) Broadcasting Corporation of India is putting its act together in the national broadcasters, Doordarshan (DD) and All India Radio (AIR), to promote the current democratic exercise in Jammu & Kashmir. With the whole world taking extra-ordinary interest in the latest political developments in Jammu & Kashmir and all eyes on the Assembly elections, DD and AIR have been put in the top gear for extensive coverage of the polling.

PB’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), K S Sarma, told mediapersons at a Press conference here today that state-of-the-art equipment had already reached Srinagar and Jammu for best promotion and coverage to the J&K elections. He said that sophisticated television cameras, tape-recorders, digital satellite news gathering equipment and even satellite telephones were being provided to DD and AIR stations in the State for the special election coverage. Besides, a large number of stringers and correspondents were also being put on the challenging task.

Sarma said that he and his high level team was in Kashmir to make on the spot assessment of DD’s and AIR’s requirements. He said that all the identified bottlenecks in the functioning of DD and AIR in the State were being removed "on spot". He informed that his team had reached here with money drafts for the DD and AIR stations and a sum of Rs 1.00 Crore was being spent on the election coverage alone. High power transmitters (HPTs) are being installed at Kupwara, Gurez, Tetwal, Nowshehra and Samba for better quality and reach of the DD signals.

One OB van, Digital Satellite News Gathering equipment and three earth stations in the State would be coordinated and synergised for the election coverage. For Radio Kashmir transmissions, short wave services are also being upgraded. Sarma said that in addition to DD and AID officials, he met senior government functionaries and officers of security forces in Srinagar to ensure best possible coverage to the elections. "We want to communicate that this democratic process is the only answer to Kashmir’s trouble and unrest", he said and added that a large number of advertisements, promotion clips and jingles were being put on air to educate, inform and motivate the voters.

Accompanying Mr Sarma, Director General of Doordarshan Dr Syed Yaqoob Qureshi said that PB was examining the possibility of shifting the headquarters of ‘DD Kashir’ from New Delhi to Srinagar. When it was pointed out to him by mediapersons that keeping the headquarters of the J&K television channel at New Delhi was sending wrong signals to the people of the State as well as the whole world, Mr Qureshi said that there was a "problem" in the shifting—a number of migrant producers settled in Delhi could be exposed to inconvenience. He had no convincing answer when it was pointed out to him that 98% of the state’s population was very much stationed in J&K and hundreds of state’s private producers were at loss due to the channel’s headquarters in New Delhi.

In the existing arrangement, Srinagar and Jammu producers have to make dozens of trips to New Delhi for submitting their proposals and completing necessary formalities of the commissioned programmes, even for putting one-odd signature on their agreement form. While as the proposals, scripts and tapes of the commissioned programmes are deposited at "J&K Affairs Cell" at the Directorate General of Doordarshan, remaining task of executing agreements and releasing payments is the additional responsibility of Delhi Doordarshan. Ultimately, Srinagar Doordarshan broadcasts these programmes previewed in Delhi.

Mr Qureshi, however, asserted that a "facilitation centre" was being set up for the convenience of J&K producers at Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar immediately. He said that Srinagar and Jammu producers would no more be made shuttle between New Delhi and J&K for submitting proposals and tapes besides signing the agreement forms and completing of other formalities.

Mr Sarma and Qureshi admitted that funds worth Rs 40 Crore, provided to DD Kashir by the Union Home Ministry, had lapsed in March last as the same could not be utilised by DD authorities. They, however, asserted that the CBI inquiry into some irregularities in the commissioning of programmes early this year was responsible for it. Both the officials expressed optimism that the MHA would again release adequate funds for the DD Kashir software. They said that effective deliberations were underway and production of all commissioned programmes would begin soon.

Mr Qureshi said that in all 1200 proposals had been received for DD Kashir since last year and over 600 of them had been approved. However, after the CBI inquiry began, DD interviewed 800 producers for personal presentation and discussion over their proposals. Programmes of 450 producers were cleared and fresh letters of approval were sent to 80 producers till date. He said that a sum of Rs 17.70 Crore, which was required for these commissioned programmes, had already been arranged by DD.

Mr Sarma and his team expressed satisfaction over the working of DDK Srinagar and took pride for the fact that Director DDK Srinagar, Mr Siraj Qureshi, had got 4079 episodes of CBR programmes done at the meagre budget of Rs 30,000 each from over 400 private producers.

PB’s Member (Finance) Mr Ghaneshan, Engineer-in-Chief DD, R K Gupta, Engineer-in-Chief AIR, K M Paul, Additional DG (News) Swagat Ghosh, DDG Kashmir Affairs Dr R A P Rao, DDG AIR Vijay Laxmi Sinha, Director DDK Srinagar Siraj Qureshi, Director DDK Jammu, Fayyaz Shaharyar, Director DDK Leh, Manzoor-ul-Haq, Director CBS Srinagar Dr Rafeeq Masoodi and Directors of Radio Kashmir in Srinagar, Jammu and Leh were also present at the Press conference.

Hurriyat, PDP's poll duplicity decried
Omar indicates candidature for CM's post

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Aug 30: National Conference president and Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr Omar Abdullah today indicated that he will be the party’s Chief Ministerial candidate for the next Assembly elections, as his father and present Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah will not contest the polls.

Addressing an election rally at remote village of Kralpora in Kupwara district, Mr Omar Abdullah said that NC has never been an opportunist party like other outfits. "Ours is a people’s movement that has always stood for the cause of the masses", he said.

The NC chief assailed Hurriyat Conference for its "double standards" and said that it has been trying to keep all sides happy. "By raising the bogey of Azadi for the past over a decade, they swindled lot many funds which they got from various quarters", he said.

Referring to the proxy candidates of People’s Conference in several constituencies of Kupwara district, Mr Omar asserted that its leaders lack the courage to accept their follies. " That is why leader’s like Sajjad Lone have fielded proxy candidates as they know they will be crushed by NC candidates in the polls", the NC chief said. He suggested People’s Conference leaders to abandon Hurriyat Conference and apologize before the people for their sins.

The NC’s Chief Ministerial candidate also took Congress and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to task, saying that Congress and PDP had many leaders who chose not to contest the polls "but to seek votes from the people from their homes".

The NC chief claimed that National Conference has never been a "dream merchant" party like other political outfits and urged people not to get swayed away by their acts of building castles in the air.

Appealing people to cast their votes in favour of the candidates who can work hard and with devotion fulfill their aspirations, Mr Omar asserted that every vote will strengthen National Conference further, which will enable it to take the State to new heights of peace and progress.

Listing achievements of his Party Government, the NC chief said that major task ahead of it was to restore normalcy wherein political activity and normal life could go on smoothly.

About the party manifesto, Mr Omar said that NC will thrust on minimizing unemployment besides vigorously pursuing issue of autonomy.

Hurriyat ready for unconditional talks

NEW DELHI, Aug 30: In a significant development, the Hurriyat Conference today expressed its willingness to enter into a constructive and meaningful dialogue with the Centre for the permanent resolution of the Kashmir issue, without any pre-conditions.

"The time has come where we need to have a fresh approach on the whole issue and the means for its resolution. Giving up the rigid postures, serious efforts are needed to find a lasting solution to the vexed problem - a resolution that is just and honourable," senior Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Omar Farooq said in a statement here.

"We, in the Hurriyat, firmly believe that the resolution of the Kashmir issue is possible through a peaceful and meaningful dialogue among the parties and use of violence from any side can complicate rather than resolve the issue," he added.

The Mirwaiz said the Hurriyat was also aware of the changing global scenario and its impact on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The Mirwaiz expressed the hope that the other "actors" involved would also understand the changing realities and respect international opinion while initiating measures to resolve the Kashmir issue.

In the changed atmosphere, the Kashmiri people can promote their cause only through a peaceful struggle, he added.

The former Hurriyat chairman said Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee’s bold admission in his August 15 Independence Day speech about ‘past mistakes’ in Jammu and Kashmir "has rekindled dwindling hopes" in the State.

"I also welcome Mr Vajpayee’s remark that the Centre would hold talks about the future of Kashmir," he added.

"I hope Atalji will remain ‘Atal’ (steadfast) in his words and translate them into deeds by taking appropriate measures to address the longstanding Kashmir issue to usher into a new era of constructive co-operation and peaceful resolution of the issue," the Mirwaiz said.

The statement comes barely hours after Hurriyat chairman Prof Abdul Gani Bhat launched an anti-election campaign across the Kashmir valley asking people not to participate in the "futile" exercise. (UNI)

Now says no to polls
Shah takes a U-turn

NEW DELHI, Aug 30: Shortly after announcing that the Democratic Freedom Party would participate in the coming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir if his seven conditions were met, Shabir Shah today made a volte face and ruled out his party’s participation in the polls.

"Let me make it clear that we are not participating in the forthcoming Assembly elections," Shah told reporters after meeting Congress president Sonia Gandhi here.

His remarks came shortly after a joint declaration issued after a marathon meeting between him and the Kashmir Committee, headed by Ram Jethmalani, said "...The DFP led by Shabir Shah has in principle agreed to participate in the elections."

"We don’t shy away from the democratic exercise but it seems that the coming elections are aimed only at giving an extension to the Farooq Abdullah regime in the State," Shah said outside Gandhi’s residence.

Shah, accompanied by convenor of Kashmir Committee Ashok Bhan, ducked all questions from reporters about his earlier statement at Jethmalani’s residence where he had mentioned that he would be taking part in the polls.

"We don’t shy away from the democratic exercise but we need some time," Shah said.

Asked whether he demanded postponement of polls, Shah said "this question should be asked to the Government. I have now made my stand crystal clear."

To a question whether his contention that Kashmir was an international issue was the reason for Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani refusing to meet him, Shah said "that is their problem. We were here on an invitation of the Kashmir Committee. It is not a rebuff to us but to the committee."

"If Kashmir was not an international issue, then why did Vajpayee go to Lahore or call Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to Agra," Shah asked.

He said it was indeed "unfortunate" that the Centre had even refused to listen to the committee’s suggestion which had been authorised by none other than the Deputy Prime Minister himself.

Asked whether he would be meeting other political parties, including the BJP, Shah said "yes, I will be meeting Mulayam Singh Yadav and other leaders with secular credentials.

"But BJP, may be not, because this party has shown its real face. I thought there was a ray of hope in the party by the presence of Vajpayee but that too seems to be dwindling now," he said.

The separatist leader denied that he was taking a concrete stand on the Kashmir issue but accused the Centre of "changing colours".

"My party and even the Hurriyat Conference had expressed clearly our intentions of meeting the Prime Minister but it is the Centre which was now retracting from its earlier stand," Shah said.

Asked about his meeting with Gandhi, he said "we discussed all issues thread-bare and I apprised her of the situation and the role of the Centre."

Earlier, Shah had imposed seven conditions, including release of all illegal detainees, dignified return of migrants, accountability of Special Operation Groups and constitution of a commission to probe custodial killings and disappearance of persons besides facilitating intra-Kashmir dialogue for participation in polls.

The talks between Kashmir Committee and Shah’s delegation began early in the morning after last night’s talks remained inconclusive. Besides Jethmalani, the committee comprised senior editors Dileep Padgaonkar and M J Akbar, former Law Minister Shanti Bhushan, V K Grover, Javed Laiq and convenor Ashok Bhan while the DFP was represented by Shah, Abdul Salam Rather, Salim Geelani, Abdullah Tari, Sardar Harbans Singh Khalsa and G M Sheikh. (PTI)

Youth shot dead, brother hurt in Doda
Abu Tarera among 3 ultras killed

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 30: Army today gunned down terrorists of Al Badr outfit including a ‘district commander’ Tahid Dar alias Abu Tarera in Surankote area of Poonch district while the ultras killed a youth and seriously injured his brother in Chatroo area of Doda. Body of a terrorist was recovered today from Nagrota forests in Rajouri.

Official sources said a joint patrol party of army and police was fired upon by the terrorists when it was carrying out a search operation in Panjeel Gali in Surankote tehsil of Poonch district in early hours of this morning. The patrol party retaliated.

However, after attacking the patrol party with AK rifles and grenades, the terrorists fled towards a forest area. They were chased by the security personnel in the forest area and engaged in encounter, the sources said.

A heavy exchange of firing ensued between the two sides and continued for more than 90 minutes. Two terrorists were killed in the encounter while no loss of life was reported on security forces side.

Slain terrorists have been identified as Tahir Dar alias Abu Tarera, a ‘district commander’ of Al-Badr outfit for Surankote and Aasid Ullah, both Pakistanis. Sources said two to three other terrorists managed to escape during the cross-firing and were being searched by army and police personnel.

Recoveries made from the terrorists included one AK rifle, one 0762 mm rifle, two sniper magazines, six AK magazines and six grenades, the sources said.

They said Abu Tarera was a hardcore terrorist of Al Badr outfit, who was wanted to security forces in a series of subversive activities in Surankote tehsil. He was also involved in atleast four incidents of explosions on Surankote-Poonch road, they added.

Killing of Abu Tarera was a big blow to Al Badr outfit, whose network had already been dwindling in Surankote and other areas of Poonch district, the sources said.

Meanwhile, a group of four terrorists last night struck at village Lonepura in Chatroo area of Kishtwar tehsil in Doda district. They forced their entry into the house of Mohd Lone.

After identifying Lone’s two sons, the terrorists opened firing on them and fled away. While Mohd Lone’s elder son Lassa Mohd Lone was killed on spot, his younger son Shabir Ahmed Lone was injured. The injured has been shifted to hospital, where his condition was stated to be critical.

Meanwhile, police today recovered dead body of a terrorist from Nagrota forests under Rajouri police station’s jurisdiction. Slain terrorist was identified as Mohd Yaseen of Jaish-e-Mohd (JeM) outfit.

Police said Yaseen was injured in an encounter at Androlla near Nagrota on the intervening night of August 19 and 20. Despite being injured, he had managed to escape towards Nagrota forests. The terrorist died in the forests of a bullet injury, they added.

From his possession, police recovered one AK rifle and some ammunition.

NC not to field candidates in Ladakh

SRINAGAR, Aug 30: National Conference today decided not to field candidates from two Assembly constituencies in Ladakh region to "avoid communal tension" even as the party made it clear that there would be no division of the State.

"We have decided not to field our candidates from Nobra and Leh Assembly constituencies in the Ladakh region as we fear that vested interests will whip up communal passion in the region," party president Omar Abdullah said.

Omar said that he did not want a repetition of 1989 when communal clashes took place between Buddhists and Muslims in the region.

Omar, who is also Minister of State for External Affairs, rejected the contention that his party was succumbing to the pressure from Ladakh Buddhist Association, which was championing the cause for a union territory status to the region.

"I want to make it amply clear that we will not allow any division of the State. Any genuine demands of the people of the region should be taken up with the new State Government that comes into power after the elections," he said.

One NC MP from Rajya Sabha and two ministers in the State Government were asked by party to submit their resignations after they extended the support to the newly formed Ladakh Union Territory Front (LUTF). (PTI)

KC upset with Centre, EC

NEW DELHI, Aug 30: The Kashmir Committee today said it was disappointed with the Centre for its refusal to meet the Hurriyat and other separatist groups of Jammu and Kashmir.

Talking to reporters after a marathon two-hour meeting with a Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) delegation, Kashmir Committee chairman Jethmalani said the Centre should make all out efforts to secure the participation of the separatist elements in the coming elections to lend it credibilty.

"The Centre’s stand is disappointing and disheartening... Rather than shun the separatists, the Government should woo them to take part in the democratic process."

He said the Government cannot afford to remain indifferent to the Kashmir issue.

Mr Jethmalani again urged the Centre to postpone the September-October polls, notification for the first two phases of which has been issued. "There are provisions in the Constitution for such situations...And nothing is impossible," the former Law Minister said.

He called upon the Election Commission to review the situation in the trouble-torn State on a daily basis and consider the "popular" demand of postponement of elections in the national interest. (UNI)

Blast rocks Rajouri

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Aug 30: Militant tonight lobbed a grenade on Government girls higher secondary school building, housing CRPF personnel on election duty, in Ward No. 1 of the town but failed to cause any casualties or damage.

Police said the grenade was thrown by a terrorist aiming the para-military personnel at 2005 hours tonight. The grenade, however, missed the target, fell in a ground of the school and exploded harmlessly.

Police parties rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area. A hunt was on to nab the terrorist, who escaped after throwing the grenade.

RPF cop shot dead at Railway Station

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 30: A constable of Railways Protection Force (RPF) was gunned down by his colleague at platform No. 1 of the Railway Station late tonight.

Police said head constable D S Math of RPF’s 5th battalion, B Company of South Centre Railways fired upon his colleague Om Parkash with his official .303 rifle during the change of guard at 2125 hours tonight. Om Parkash was hit by a bullet on his chest and died on spot.

A police party of Railway police station led by SHO Inspector H S Gill rushed to the spot and arrested the accused D S Math of Bijapur, Karnataka. The weapon of offence was also recovered by police. Body of Om Parkash, who belonged to Haryana, has been shifted to hospital.

On August 10, the jawans of RPF and BSF had clashed at the Railway Station resulting into death of three BSF jawans including an Assistant Commandant.

Police said the accused head constable alleged that he was allegedly abused by the deceased which provoked him to open firing. Police have registered a case for further investigations.

Omar drives taxi to reach venue in time

SRINAGAR, Aug 30: It was a joy ride for Minister of State for External Affairs Omar Abdullah who chose to drive a taxi to reach his election rally at far flung area of Gurez in north Kashmir in time.

As soon as the minister arrived at the area, he was escorted to a waiting taxi which would have taken him to the venue.

However, the minister chose to drive the taxi himself as he was getting late for the meeting.

Confirming this, Omar said "well, I want to reach to as many people as I can. The time was less and I decided to drive the taxi myself so that I could not blame anyone for the delay."

He said his party was closely monitoring the expenditure during the electioneering so that "we leave no room for the opposition parties to create a drama." (PTI)

4 senior officers transferred

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Aug 30: The State Government today ordered transfers and posting of the four senior officers after the approval of the Election Commissioner.

Mrs Roma Wani, KAS, Managing Director, Jammu and Kashmir Women’s Development Corporation, is transferred and posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag against available vacancy.

Mr Sham Lal, Secretary in the Housing and Urban Development Department, will hold the additional charge of the post of Managing Director, Jammu and Kashmir Women Development Corporation, till further orders.

Mr K B Magotra, KAS, Deputy Secretary, Rural Development Department, is transferred as Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Mahore vice Mr Indo Bhushan, who will remain attached with Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, till further orders.

Mr B A Saraf, KAS, awaiting orders of adjustment in General Administration Department, is posted as Deputy Commissioner, Sales Tax (Vigilance), Jammu in place of Mr R C Sharma, KAS, who will remain attached with Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, till further orders.

Mr Mohammad Yousuf Dar, Assistant Director, Handicrafts, Direction Office, Srinagar, is posted as Assistant Director, Handicrafts, Baramulla in place of Mr M Y Figar, who will remain attached with the Director, Handicrafts, till further orders.

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