‘We are bleeding’
National consensus needed on J&K: Mufti

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Nov 17: The Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, on Sunday made public yet another important task he will undertake himself in the coming days. The task will, he said, involve him in making an endeavour to evolve consensus at the national level for restoration of peace "with dignity" in Jammu and Kashmir.

Even as Mufti Sayeed claimed that all political parties at State and national level "are conscious of their responsibilities", he deemed it necessary to send out a message to them, saying that none of them can afford to err.

"We are bleeding. An opportunity has been thrown up by the recent elections to end the bloodshed by applying a healing touch", the Chief Minister said while winding up the deliberations of the District Development Board meeting here in the afternoon. It was 11th in the series of such meetings convened by him within over a week.

His argument: "We can’t miss the opportunity". And his warning: "If the opportunity is missed, the country too will miss it". He sounded a note of caution: "The Nation is watching each step being taken in Jammu and Kashmir".

At the same time, Mufti Sayeed had a significant comment: "Many things are being said in the country, maybe with an eye on the impending Assembly elections in Gujarat". He asserted: "I don’t want to create hype".

He said that he believed in involving the whole nation to address the problems faced by Jammu and Kashmir and help restore peace in the State. While taking due cognizance of what he termed as "miseries" being faced by the border population in the event of shelling and laying of mines in the border areas, Mufti Sayeed urged the public representatives to extend their help and coperation in doing away with all kinds of inconveniences.

The Chief Minister assured that the Government would not lag behind in providing compensation to the sufferers in border areas. He said that he would hold heads of departments responsible for examining the viability of schemes so that maximum benefits of every penny spent accrue to the people.

He referred to the steps taken in recent days that include delivery of financial assistance to handicapped and destitute at their doorstep, increase in the pension of widows, procedure for issuance of various certificates by revenue agencies.

As the Chief Minister dwelt on details on the impending role of panchayats, he expressed surprise over the delay in their empowerment immediately after the elections. These units at the grassroots level, he explained, had inherent powers and they would be fully involved in monitoring the functioning of dispensaries, schools and other utility services in the rural areas.

The Chief Minister indicated revival of mali-cum-chowkidar posts, stating that lumberdars and chowkidars "have a vital role" in the upkeep of community assets.

Reiterating that the State administration "is a vital limb" of the Government, Mufti Sayeed emphasized that it "has to perform at all levels and deliver in an effective and transparent manner". He said that while his Government would pursue with the Centre the programmes needed for the State’s socio-economic development, the funds earmarked for the current year "have to be utilized fully and judiciously".

The Deputy Chief Minister, Mr Mangat Ram Sharma, said that a new beginning had been made in the State. He appealed to all political parties to extend their cooperation in creating peaceful atmosphere in J&K.

Mr Mangat Ram Sharma asked the administration to be transparent in its functioning and devote itself fully to the task of solving the people’s problems. His assurance: All the areas of Jammu and Kashmir State will receive due attention of the Government for the equitable and balanced development.

KC to visit J&K from Nov 21

NEW DELHI, Nov 17: Despite senior Hurriyat leader Yasin Malik’s outbursts against it, the Kashmir Committee will go ahead with its Jammu and Kashmir visit from November 21 for talks with Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and separatists to find a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue.

The full team of the committee headed by former Union Minister Ram Jethmalani will for the first time hold talks with Mr Sayeed and his senior Cabinet colleagues after the new Government came to power in the restive State.

During its four-day visit, the committee will also meet Hurriyat leaders, Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) chief Shabir Shah and leaders of several other groups to work towards finding an amicable solution to the Kashmir issue.

Mr Jethmalani and his committee members have held several rounds of talks with the separatist leaders both in Srinagar and in the national capital.

The committee will be in Srinagar for two days from Thursday before leaving for Jammu and return here on November 24.

However, there has been no word on the Kashmir Committee’s talks with the National Conference (NC), which had snapped all ties with the committee on October nine accusing it of hobnobbing with the Congress for subverting the poll verdict.

NC president Omar Abdullah had even dubbed the Kashmir Committee as a "Congress Committee."

The decision to visit the State was taken after an invitation from Hurriyat chairman Prof Abdul Gani Bhat and Mr Shah.

Mr Malik, who is the chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), a major constituent of the 23-party separatist conglomerate, had accused Mr Jethmalani of "doublespeak" on resolution of the Kashmir issue and had said talks with the Kashmir Committee were "pointless."

The statement by the JKLF chief had led to serious differences within the separatist amalgam as Prof Bhat and another senior Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Omar Farooq had been openly lauding the Kashmir Committee for its efforts.

Mr Malik was released on November 12 by the State Government on a one month parole.

The Kashmir Committee, however, did not comment on Mr Malik’s statement.

Meanwhile, US Ambassador to India Robert Blackwill today left for Srinagar on his first ever visit to the State for talks with the Hurriyat and other separatist leaders, besides the Chief Minister on various aspects of the Kashmir problem.

During his two-day visit, Mr Blackwill will also meet Governor Girish Chandra Saxena and leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and other political groups.

Two senior officials of the US mission met Hurriyat spokesman Shabir Ahmed here three days ago to finalise the Ambassador’s visit to the State. (UNI)

Mufti must be given time before being criticised: Karan Singh

NEW DELHI, Nov 17: Former Union Minister Karan Singh has said political adversaries of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Government are acting in haste and the Congress-PDP alliance should be given adequate time before any judgement is passed.

"The new dispensation is not even a month old and must be given enough time before its strategy to restore peace in the strife-torn state is attacked," Dr Singh said.

The criticism levelled against the Mufti Government was premature and aimed at short-term political gains, he noted.

"It is too early to say whether the policies of the state Government will be successful or not. They should be given more time to prove their mettle."

Flaying the Chief Minister’s political rivals for raising eyebrows on the release of militants, the Congress MP said, "even under the Governor’s rule prisoners have been released.

The uncertainty regarding the Government formation was over and the alliance needed whole-hearted support to end the decade long militancy, he noted. The Common Minimum Programme (CMP) was the blueprint for the State Government and would help restore normalcy in the violence-ridden State, Dr Singh said.

"The aim of the Congress-PDP Government should be to ameliorate the physical, psychological and emotional impact of terrorism, to restore law and order and to hold talks with disgruntled elements in all the three regions of the State."

Multi-level talks were imperative to resolve the Kashmir issue, the Congress MP observed.

"People of Jammu and Kashmir have voted a new alliance to power and they have lot of expectations from it. How well they discharge their duties will be anxiously watched," the last scion of the royal family of Kashmir said.

However, new policies alone would not end militancy in the State. A lot depended on the nature of the Government that would come to power in Islamabad, Dr Singh said.

Political forces in Pakistan are regrouping themselves and how soon peace returns to the sub-continent depends on the new Pakistani leadership, he noted.

"Infact the entire mankind is passing through a difficult period with violence continuing unabated in many regions of the world and there is need for imaginative statesmen to end bloodshed and restore stability," the former Union Minister said. (UNI)

Gujarat tremors likely to rock Parliament

NEW DELHI, Nov 17: Coming in the shadow of Assembly polls in Gujarat, the month-long winter session of Parliament beginning tomorrow is likely to be a stormy affair with the opposition bracing up to put the Government on the mat on several issues.

The VHP’s controversial yatra, the poll campaign in Gujarat, political developments in Uttar Pradesh, lynching of Dalits in Haryana and the drought situation in several parts of the country are issues likely to be raised by the opposition.

With the crucial Gujarat elections scheduled for December 12, the BJP-led coalition is likely to come under attack on VHP’s yatra in defiance of the Election Commission’s ban and Prime Minister’s appeal. The targeting of Chief Election Commissioner J M Lyngdoh and Chief Minister Narendra Modi’s controversial campaign will also figure.

The main opposition, Congress, has already made it known that it would raise vigorously the Centre’s "insensitive" attitude towards drought-hit states particularly discrimination in the matter against Congress ruled-states.

The disinvestment issue, on which there have been differences within the NDA, is also likely to cause much embarrassment to the Government with the Congress attempting to highlight the "confusion" within the ruling coalition and the Left parties gearing up to launch a scathing attack for "selling public sector undertakings cheaply".

Concerned over frequent stalling of the House after a tumultous monsoon session was concluded abruptly three days ahead of schedule, speaker Manohar Joshi has made efforts for seeking cooperation of the leaders of political parties to ensure its smooth running.

However, a fiery opposition is in no mood to let go of any opportunity to pillory the Government on a range of matters, economic or political.

With the political scenario in Uttar Pradesh putting a question mark on the stability of the BSP-BJP coalition, a buoyant Samajwadi Party in search of power at Lucknow would use every trick in the trade to highlight the turmoil in the State.

The other opposition parties are also expected to take up the Uttar Pradesh issue in the context of dissidence in the ruling coalition parties and demand that the Governor convene the Assembly so that the State Government’s majority is proved on the floor of the House.

On Jammu and Kashmir, where the elections threw up a verdict against the ruling National Conference, the opposition parties are likely to demand to know from the Centre its stand on the question of autonomy.

The Left parties have decided to take up some economic issues like labour reforms, splitting of UTI and repeal of IDBI Act very strongly in Parliament.

The opposition, which has been boycotting Defence Minister George Fernandes in Lok Sabha since his reinduction into the Government, has given no signs so far of giving up their protest.

Government has prioritised over 40 bills, including those on freedom of information, electoral reforms and right to education, to be taken up during the session ending on December 20.

The list of priorities includes bills on four crucial ordinances amending the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Act to give the watchdog body more powers, repealing the UTI act for its restructuring, amending Representation of People Act to prevent criminalisation of politics and on the operation and maintenance of the Delhi Metro Railways.

Apart from the legislations prioritised, Government would also like to take up 31 other bills, including the Lokpal Bill, repeal of IDBI Act to corporatise the financial institution, the competition bill to move away from monopolies and fiscal responsibility bill to effect fiscal prudence.

Finance Minister Jaswant Singh is also expected to make a statement on mid-year economic review and the road map of Government’s economic policies in the coming months in a bid to demystify the budget-making exercise.

Several women-oriented legislations are on the Government’s agenda, including the long-pending Women’s Reservation Bill, medical termination of pregnancy bill, pre-natal diagnostic techniques (regulation and prevention) bill and an amendment to RPA seeking to bar those convicted in ‘sati’ cases from contesting elections.

Among the pending bills to be taken up during the session are right to Education Bill, the controversial Central Vigilance Commission Bill on enhancing powers of the Chief Vigilance Commissioner and the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Bill seeking to put in place a Conditional Access System (CAS) for viewing of pay channels.

They also include the North Eastern Council Amendment Bill to include Sikkim in the Council and the Consumer Protection Bill.

Government also intends to take up 11 more legislations if they are cleared by the standing committees of different ministries. These include Electricity Bill, Airports Authority of India (Amendment) Bill for privatisation of airports, election and other related laws (amendment) bill and Petroleum Regulatory Board Bill.

The economic bills likely to come up during the session are securitisation and reconstruction of financial assets and enforcement of securities interest bill and prevention of money laundering bill.

The new bills listed also include the National Commission for Children Bill and the salaries and allowances of officers of Parliament and leaders of opposition in Parliament bill. (PTI)

Civilian gunned down, Panch thrashed
6 top ultras shot dead

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 17: Six terrorists including two foreign mercenaries of Al-Badr outfit and a civilian were killed in separate incidents across Jammu region overnight while Pakistan army continued shelling in Nowshera sector for second day today.

Official sources said a joint team of army and police conducted a search operation in a hilly area of Chajru in Mahore tehsil of Udhampur district this morning. The operation was based on a specific information about presence of a group of four to five terrorists in the hills.

The terrorists, who had taken shelter in a dhok, fled away to an adjoining forest area after observing movement of the security personnel. However, the terrorists were followed in the forests and engaged in an encounter that started around 1100 hours today, the sources said.

In next two hours cross-firing, the security jawans eliminated two terrorists while others managed to flee deep into the forests. Army and police continued searches in the forests to track down the fleeing terrorists but they remained untraced till late this evening.

Slain terrorists have been identified as Shahid Islam and Wajid Ahmed, both Pakistanis, affiliated with Al-Badr outfit. Two AK-56 rifles, three magazines, 110 rounds, one wireless set, three hand grenades, one binocular and some explosive material were recovered from the scene of encounter, the sources said.

In another incident in Gool in Udhampur district, two terrorists last night struck into the house of Ibrahim son of Habib Naik at village Karam Kantha and shot him dead. The terrorists escaped after the killing.

According to sources, no reasons could be ascertained immediately behind the killing of the civilian. Local police have started investigations in the case but no arrest has been made so far.

Meanwhile, army and police personnel eliminated two terrorists during a brief encounter at Dafli dhok in Bafliaz area of Surankote tehsil in Poonch district this evening.

The jawans of army and police, who were carrying out a routine search in Dafli dhok near Kalaali Morha, were ambushed by the terrorists. Retaliatory firing by the security personnel led to the killing of two terrorists while two others made their escape.

Two AK rifles, seven magazines, 185 rounds, one pistol with one magazine and one grenade were recovered from the possession of the slain terrorists, the sources said, adding that identity of the terrorists hasn’t been established so far. Troops didn’t suffer any casualty in the ambush.

Another unidentified ultra was shot dead by the security forces in Darhal area in Rajouri district today. One AK rifle, four magazines, 89 rounds and four hand grenades were recovered from him.

Army recovered dead body of an unidentified terrorist from near the Line of Control (LoC) at Panjani nullah in Mendhar sector this morning. From him, one AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 120 rounds, four Chinese grenades, one radio set and Rs 10,000 in Indian currency were recovered.

Sources said the terrorist might have died a couple of days back in an encounter but his body remained untraced then. It was recovered by a patrol party today.

Meanwhile, two terrorists entered into the house of a Panch Data Ram son of Nand Ram at village Madani in Malhar area and demanded Rs one lakh from him. As Daya Ram expressed inability to arrange such a big amount, they snatched Rs 3000 from him.

The terrorists also kidnapped Daya Ram and took him to a forest area, where he was mercilessly beaten-up. However, Data Ram managed to escape from the clutches of the terrorists and reported the incident at a nearby STF post. The STF personnel launched a search operation for the terrorists but couldn’t get them.

Meanwhile, Pakistan army continued shelling in the forward areas of Nowshera sector today. However, no casualties or damage was reported in the shelling today. During last four days, an army jawan and a woman were killed in Pakistan army’s shelling in Nowshera. Three Pakistan jawans were also killed and three others were injured in retaliatory shelling by the Indian side.

Shah elected NCLP leader

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 17: Former Minister and veteran National Conference leader Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Shah was today elected as NC Legislature Party leader.

Another former Minister and Marh MLA Ajay Sadhotra was elected as party’s deputy leader in the Assembly. Prominent Gujjar leader and Mendhar MLA Javid Rana was elected as Secretary.

A handout said the decisions to this effect were taken in the Legislature Party meeting of the National Conference which was held under the chairmanship of former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, chief patron of the party.

Shah’s name was proposed by Dr Abdullah himself and was seconded by all legislators of the party, the handout said.

The meeting also elected former Revenue Minister Abdul Qayoom as the leader of the Upper House while former State Agriculture Minister Ram Pal has been appointed as his deputy.

Both Dr Farooq and Omar in their speeches said the NC will play the role of constructive opposition and highlight problems of the people.

MLAs oath today

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 17: The newly elected MLAs will be administered the oath by Pro-tem Speaker Abdul Aziz Zargar in the Assembly chamber here tomorrow.

The oath ceremony will start at 1030 hours, an official handout said and asked all members of the Legislative Assembly to attend the Assembly chamber for taking the oath.

Courier of hawala money held in Valley

SRINAGAR, Nov 17: A person, involved in distributing hawala money among various militant outfits in Jammu and Kashmir including Hurriyat Conference, was arrested today, a police spokesman said.

Mehraj-ud-Din, a resident of Firdousabad locality of Batmaloo in central Srinagar, was arrested on a specific information from Bemina bye-pass in the outskirts of Srinagar while he was moving on a scooter, he said.

During interrogation Mehraj admitted he was a permanent courier of money for Jammu and Kashmir Islamic Front, a pro-Pak militant outfit, and Kashmir Mand Muslim League (both constituents of Hurriyat Conference) and some other groups, the spokesman said.

The cash worth Rs 3.9 lakh was recovered from Mehraj, who was facilitating militancy by providing finances through hawala channels, he added. (PTI)

EXCELSIOR launches e-commerce module

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 17: In our continuous endeavor to live up to the tradition of providing the latest and the best to our precious readership, the Daily Excelsior has taken a significant step forward to launch e-commerce module for its online edition http:/www.dailyexcelsior.com extending full advantage of the web’s interactive and instantaneous nature.

With the distinction of being the only site from J&K offering real-time e-commerce, our readers across the globe will have the convenience to order online and transact real time.

The Daily Excelsior e-commerce module has been setup and hosted by Pugmarks, a leading name in the field of Advance Internet Web Solutions. The online authorization has been made available through a secured area ensuring security of online payment transaction. E-commerce is increasingly gaining ground in the industrial world, opening up new vistas for users with online access. Enhanced productivity, better service, worldwide round the clock availability and faster access to a wide range of useful information are among the many benefits offered by online transaction oriented communication.

Ever since the launch of Daily Excelsior Internet edition in 1998, we have experienced an unprecedent growth in its readership. We treasure numerous mails of appreciation from our readers across the globe who have expressed their delight to navigate the website for collecting useful information on Jammu and Kashmir. Being a highly informative news website, a lot of people today depend upon it to communicate and procure a lot of important data. It is the most preferred website for surfers looking for information on J&K as it carries "archive since its launch".

All this has been made possible with the active co-operation of the esteem readers who are witness to the growth of EXCELSIOR during the past 37 years.

Maj Gen T K Kaul takes over as GOC

MUMBAI, Nov 17: Major General Tej Krishen Kaul, VSM today took over as general officer commanding, Maharashtra and Gujarat area at an impressive ceremony held at the Mumbai headquarters.

The General has moved from Delhi where he held the office of Deputy Director General, Military Intelligence (Foreign Division).

Commissioned in the Kumaon Regiment after passing out from the Officer’ Training Academy, Madras in 1968, Gen Kaul held various instructional, staff, command and operational functions in the capacity of a Brigade Major, Colonel General Staff and Infantry Brigade Commander in the state of Jammu and Kashmir during his 34 years of service.

He has also served as Assistant Military Secretary at the Army Headquarters.

A graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, Gen Kaul is an alumni of the prestigious National Defence College, New Delhi.

Gen Kaul was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal by the President of India for distinguished services of exceptionally high order. (UNI)

Uma slams J&K Govt for releasing militants

GWALIOR, Nov 17: Union Coal Minister Uma Bharti today flayed the Jammu and Kashmir Government for ordering the release of people accused of terrorist activities and said Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed should look at the country’s welfare before fulfilling his own agenda.

In a chat with the press here, the firebrand Bharatiya Janata Party leader fielded a query by stating, "The entire nation is in the shadow of terror and it is incorrect for J and K’s coalition Government to issue the release orders. Such a step may prove damaging in the future."

Mr Sayeed should be concerned about the country, Ms Bharti said adding that terrorism never worked for anybody’s welfare. (UNI)

Congress likely to move adjournment motion today

NEW DELHI, Nov 17: Congress is likely to move an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha tomorrow on the severe drought situation in the country and the Government’s "failure" in providing succour to the affected people.

An indication to this effect was given by Congress spokesman S Jaipal Reddy after a meeting of senior party leaders presided over by Sonia Gandhi to chalk out a strategy for the session.

Reddy said the party has decided to take initiative in focussing on the drought situation and it could bring an adjournment motion on the issue tomorrow.

In a apparent move to focus on Gujarat ahead of the assembly elections there, Congress will also highlight the cooperative banks’ scam in the country, especially in Gujarat. Congress would take up several economic issues, including the UTI swindle which has adversely affected about 20 million small investors and also the controversial matter of disinvestment.

Asked whether the session would witness disruptions like in the last session, Reddy said his party was more interested in exposing the weaknesses of the Government through debate.

Leader of opposition in the Rajya Sabha Manmohan Singh, deputy leader of the party in the Lok Sabha Shivraj Patil, senior party leaders Pranab Mukerjee, P R Das Munshi, Margret Alva and AICC general secretaries were present at the meeting. (PTI)

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