Pak rulers in ‘ tough spot’
Indo-Pak crisis enters delicate phase

From B L Kak

NEW DELHI, Feb 8: Pakistan’s Military ruler , Gen Parvez Musharraf has offered ample evidence of his unwillingness to change Islamabad’s ways on Kashmir. And with his demand for Washington’s active role in the region Gen Musharraf has intensified doubts in the mind of the average Indian.

The Government of India, it can be safely stated, is in no position to assume that the United States will be able to persuade Gen Musharraf to change Islamabad’s ways on Kashmir. The Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, the Minister for External Affairs Mr Jaswant Singh and the Minister for Home Affairs Mr L K Advani have let it be known that if Gen Musharraf aggressively moves to cleanse his nation of the sources the terrorism, relations between India and Pakistan can take a distinctively positive turn.

The Musharraf regime has of course moved against the terrorist groups operating on the Pak soil. But much more requires to be done to help Pakistan rid its social fabric of extrimist groups, facilitating its transformation into a genuinely moderate Islamic State and letting it proper in cooperation with its immediate neighbour, India.

In view of the wrong signals emanating from the power corridors in Islamabad since January 12, New Delhi may be forced to consider additional moves against Pakistan, including further downgrading of diplomatic relations and scaling down economic relations if and when the diplomatic effort is seen as reaching a dead end, India will have no choice but turn to the military option.

India would want to know if the American demands on Pakistan are simply "pro-forma" or linked seriously to the objective of destroying terrorist groups operating in Pakistan, whose track record was so well known. For India which has sought strong action from Pakistan against terrorist groups, the results from Gen Musharraf’s moves must be transparent and be able to convince India of a fundamental change of attitude in Islamabad.

One theme which has run through American statements with some consistency since the attack on Indian Parliament is that groups like Lashker-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed are working to undermine Gen Musharraf in Pakistan as well as destablise Indo-Pak relations. That approach in Washington gives considerable benefit of doubt to gen Musharraf by suggesting that he is as much a victim of terrorism as India is. But the Government of India is in no position to cut so much slack for Gen Musharraf unless he moves vigorously against terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

Both Lashker and Jaish have dismissed as "meaningless and irrelevant"any financial or legal restrictions which the Pak Government had decided to improve on them. In identical statements, the LeT’s esprit de corps, Prof Hafiz Mohammed Saeed and JeM supremo, Masood Azhar, have announced " we are going to increase our attacks."

Significantly, the two Islamic rebels have refused to describe gen Musharraf as a traitor to then groups’ cause. At the same time, however, there is no denying that the current rulers of Pakistan are in a ‘ tough spot’.

If the leading Canadian newspaper . The Globe and Mail, were to be believed , Gen Musharraf is a " big loser in Afghan endgame."In its recent analytical report, the newspaper has said : " The United States hailed President Musharraf as a man of courage when he signed on to the fight against Osama bin Laden and Aghanistan’s Taliban regime in September. But with the battle in its final stage, Musharraf has ended up at a disadvantage on the political chessboard."

"People fed up with Cong, BJP, NC so BSP is only alternative"
My fight is for deprived sections of society: Rehman

By Dinesh Manhotra

Having vast political experience, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate Sheikh Abdul Rehman has strong argument to claim that his party will wrest this seat from the BJP. He is of the view that people are fed with National Conference, Congress and BJP so BSP is the only alternative before the masses.

With ever increasing solid bank of the party, Sheikh Abdul Rehman has reasons to strengthen his claim. For the quite some time the party has managed to infiltrate into some Mulsim pockets. But the party has been facing some problem due to the alleged ‘soft’ attitude of the party towards National Conference Government. Although the party leaders, in every meeting, have been trying to clarify that they are against National Conference Government but still party failed to remove this tag.

In his conversations with EXCELSIOR, BSP candidate Sheikh Abdul Rehman claimed that his party will wrest this seat easily from BJP. Seasoned politician of the state, who has Best Legislature Award to his credit, said that he has been contesting the elections to remove discrimination with down-trodden and weaker sections of the society.

Excerpts.

*On which issues you are contesting elections ?

I am contesting election on the ideology of the Bahujan Samaj Party that is to uplift weaker and deprived lot of the society. My fight is to provide justice to the weaker and poor sections of the society. As far as the local issues are concerned, we are fighting to get the Mandal Commission Report implemented in toto in the state. Political reservation for Scheduled Tribe is also an important issue.

*What is your parties stand on problems of refugees ?

Jammu region has been confronting with refugees problem. The BSP always supported demands of the refugees. We will make every possible effort to grant citizenship to the refugees of 1947. It is very unfortunate that after 55 years of independence a large chunk of our population has been denied citizenship. We will fight for their cause with tooth and nail.

*BSP has been claiming to wrest this seat from BJP. On which basis you are making this claim ?

People are fed up with Congress, National Conference and BJP. They have witnessed regimes of these parties so people are left with no option than to cast vote in favour of BSP. As far this seat is concerned Congress is very weak in the region while people are waiting for an opportunity to teach a lesson to both NC and Congress. There is wide spread feeling among people that BJP-NC nexus is responsible for their woes that is why people are fed with both the parties.

Secondly BSP has a solid vote bank in the region. For the quite some time a large number of Muslims have joined our party. We are expecting good number of Muslim votes.

*But a break-away faction of BSP has started campaign against BSP while targeting you. Donot you think that it will impact your prospects?

One thing I want to make it clear that there is no break-away faction. There are some individuals but their malicious campaign does not put any impact on our prospects. He is a baseless leader and was expelled from the party three years back.

*You have been dubbed as pro-NC by your opponents. It is alleged that at your behest BSP has adopted cooperative attitude towards NC. What is your reaction ?

These allegations are nothing but part of the malicious campaign launched by our rivals. We have played role of constructive opposition. Instead of unnecessarily creating din in the Assembly, we opposed wrong policies of the government through arguments.

*Some parties have been charging State Government with withdrawing security of the oppositions leaders. Do you agree with these charges?

Yes! To curtail the movements of the opposition leaders, State Government has withdrawn their security. I am of the view that it is part of the deep-rooted conspiracy to sabotage campaign of the oppositions parties.

KBCs being constituted in J&K: Ramzan

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Feb, 8: Measures are under way to constitute Kisan Behbood Committees (KBC) aimed at boosting agriculture produce in the State. Over one thousand such KBC,s are being constituted in six districts of the valley.

This was disclosed by the Minister for Agriculture, Ch. Muhammad Ramzan at a meeting of agriculture officers convened yesterday to take the stock of the current kharief rabi crop scenario and to initiate necessary measures for forth-coming kharief season.

The meeting among others was also attended by the Principal Secretary, Agriculture, Mr. Muhammad Shafi Pandit and the Director Agriculture, Kashmir.

The Agriculture Minister said that goverenment contemplates to engage unemployed agriculture graduates under Rehbar-I-Zirat Scheme.He said the talent of trained graduates would be channalized to boost agriculture produce by way of providing latest technical know-how to the formers locally.

He said 18 projects envisaged to strengthen basic infrastructure required for agriculture sector have been formulated and sent to NABARD for clearance.

Earlier, the Principal Secretary, Agriculture urged upon the officers to redouble their efforts for providing succour to the formers by way of proper guidance for preserving paddy crop from blast disease.

PDP; NC failed to mitigate people's problems

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 8: People’s Democratic Party has alleged that State Government has failed to mitigate the problems of the people and there is a desperate and much awaited need for change which PDP can alone provide.

This was claimed by Mr Ved Mahajan while addressing an election rally at Sumb in tehsil Samba. The meeting was organised by Ch Anwar and Parveen Singh Katal. Bahujan Samaj Morcha, president Tulsidass Langeh Baldev Slathia , District president Jammu Rural PDP, State Youth President Nazir Khan and Haji Noor also spoke on the occasion.

Mr Mahajan alleged that successive State Governments have failed to meet the aspirations of the people. For these compelling reasons the PDP was formed. It has failed to contain militancy and to carry on development of all the three regions of the State. He appealed the people to support PDP candidate in the Lok Sabha by-elections being held on Feb 21.

Meanwhile, general secretary PDP has appealed the workers to support Master Tasaddaq Hussain who is contesting Jammu Poonch Lok Sabha seat. He described Master Hussain as an honest, efficient and dedicated worker who resigned from Government service and joined politics to serve the people especially the poor and and down-trodden.

NC only can provide political stability in J&K: Rana

Excelsior Correspondent

POONCH, Feb 8: Mr Javed Rana, National Conference (NC) leader from Poonch district today said the biggest achievement of National Conference (NC) Government is that it provided political stability to the state which was brought on the path of destruction by the enemies of peace.

Addressing the election meetings in different areas of the Mendhar, Surankote and Hawaili, he said despite the conspiracies being hatched both within and outside the state, the designs of enemies totally failed as NC Government completed its full term in the office.

He said a discernible change is visible in the state and J&K is marching to prosperity and peace under the leadership of Dr Farooq Abdullah.

Making a scathing attack on political parties exploiting the people on the name of religion, he said his party having full faith in secularism and nationalism is the only organization which has its cadres in all the three regions of the state.

He said the NC leaders laid down their lives for the national integrity and sovereignty during the 12 year long turmoil. He asked the people not to get swayed by the communal slogans to other parties but judge the political parties with their performance.

Mr Rana expressed the hope that the people will support that party only which has given the unlimited sacrifices for the safeguard of their interests. He maintained that NC can only ensure political stability and equitable development of all the three regions of the state.

Successive Govts neglected Pahari people: Bhatti

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 8: Independent candidate for Jammu, Poonch Lok Sabha seat Qaree Z A Bhatti has alleged that the plight of Pahari people in Rajouri, Poonch and other districts like Jammu and Kathua has never been considered for their inclusion in deprived and disadvantaged sections of the population.

Addressing series of election meetings today he said their economic plight is a cause of their backwardness.

He alleged that so far nothing has been done for these people who are extremely patriotic and have their own separate identity.

He said these people should not be taken far granted for supporting any Government in future.

He while expressing lot of concern for the plight of Pahari people said he will plead their cause in the Parliament if elected.

He said I will strive for providing S T status to Pahari people, relief to the border migrants of Rajouri and Poonch.

He alleged that despite the Government knowing about the problems of border migrants presently camping at Belicharana, they have been deprived of help and assistance. He said the condition of these migrants is totally pitable and Government was looking alike a mute spectator.

Mr Bhatti was accompanied with Messrs Showkat Malik, publicity secretary, Syed Ibrar Hussain Shah, district publicity secretary, Gulraiz Kesar, publicity secretary Poonch and Mohammed Sadiq Malik, publicity secretary.

NC Ministers violating code of conduct: Cong

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 8: General secretary of the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC), Mr Hari Singh has alleged that National Conference Ministers and MLAs have been violated election code of conduct.

In a statement issued here today, Mr Singh said that NC Ministers while going for electioneering in their official vehicles carrying with them officials of the state government and also issuing orders during election meetings. He further alleged that Ministers and MLAs are inaugurating roads and other construction works.

PCC general secretary further said that security scenario of Poonch and Rajouri districts has created fear among the people in certain areas.

Meanwhile Baldev Raj Sharma, Sarpanch and active worker of BJP and Mr Shato Ram, an active worker of NC have joined Congress party in a public meeting held at Chowk Chora on other day.

PCC president, Mohammed Shafi Qureshi, Dharam Pal Sharma, former MP, general secretary, Mr Hari Singh, Anil Chopra and others welcomed them in Congress party.

Mr Baldev Sharma while speaking on the occasion said that Congress is the only party which has programme and policies of poor and labour class. He expressed full faith in the leadership of AICC chief, Mrs Sonia Gandhi.

Mr Dharam Pal Sharma, while addressing the meeting criticised NC Govt for neglecting Chowki Chora area in the field of development.

BJP-NC hand in glove with each other: Bhim

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 8: Jammu-Poonch Parliamentary constituency candidate and J&K National Panthers Party’s chief Prof Bhim Singh today condemned the BJP-led Government at the Centre and National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir for their total apathy towards burning problems of Jammu region.

As per a release, he said that both the parties are hand in glove with each other to deal over Kashmir with Pakistan under the supervision of US President George W Bush which will be fought tooth and nail by J&K National Panthers Party.

Addressing series of election meetings at Bari Brahamna, Bhore Camp, Patli Morh, Jakh, Ramgarh, Dhag, Nandpur, Gho Brahamana and Vijaypur, Prof Bhim Singh reiterated that he will, if voted to Parliament, highlight the anti-people, anti-Jammu and pro-fundamentalist policies of both National Conference and BJP. He said that his party leaders will strive to fight for economic justice, administrative safe guards and overall welfare of neglected, discrminated masses of Jammu region in all circumstances.

Prof Singh asserted that unless Jammu has its own political structure and true elected representatives in it people should not expect any justice from Kashmir rulers. He deplored all such forces who are exploiting the innocent masses in the name of Ram Mandir and Babri Masjid issues.

He appealed all the sections of the society to remain united, maintain communal and mutual brotherhood and fight out fundamentalist elements from the society. He said that Jammu province right from Jawahar tunnel to Lakhanpur and R S Pura to Poonch as also Padder belongs to all communities as such no one can afford to generate ill will against each other just for the sake of the vote.

Party MLA Harsh Dev Singh said that BJP-NC alliance during the last five years has pushed back interests of Jammu region by 20 years and said that for personal petty games BJP MLAs and other leaders of the party have put to ransom the Jammu people.

Mr Bhupinder Singh, Mrs Vijay Chib and Anita Thakur also spoke on the occasion.

ASCCOMS conducts 15 free eye check-up camps
during 2001

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 8: As a part of its out reach and extension programme, the specialists of the Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences and Hospital conducted around 15 free eye check-up camps particularly Muffasil areas during the year 2001.

As per a release, these camps were organised at Nagrota, Kot Bhalwal, Phalai Mandal, Katra, Akhnoor, Simbal, Raya, Bahaltha, Miran Sahib, Bahu Fort, Chatha, Smailpur, Gole Gujaral, Gangyal and Sidhra.

Senior consultants headed by Dr S S Soodan, Prof of Ophthalmology with Dr R D Sood, Dr Renu Hashia, Dr Dinesh Malhotra and Dr M P Singh provided consultation to more than 2750 patients in these camps.

Free medicines were also distributed among the patients. 195 patients were detected needing eye surgery. These surgeries were conducted free of charges including lens implantation in the hospital by the team of specialists on different dates.

Indoor patients in the wards of the hospital were also provided free boarding, lodging and transport. The above programme has restored eye sight of these patients who are highly grateful to the concerned doctors and the hospital authorities of Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences and Hospital.

ASCCOMS with a 520 bedded hospital has been established at a picturesque place at Sidhra by Shri Chander Chinar Bada Akhara Udasin Society. OPD and Indoor facilities in medicone, general surgery, urology, neuro-surgery, orthopedics, gyne and Obst, pediatrics, pediatrics surgery, skin, ENT, opthalmology, oncology, dentistry are available in this hospital.

Besides a heart care centre with state of the art cathlab has also been set up where daily facilities for conducting coronary angiography, angioplasty with stenting, pacemaker implantation, byepass surgery, valve replacement, vascular and thoracic surgery, TMT, Echo Cardiograph and Congenital Heart Disease Surgery are available.

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