Daily Excelsior.........State

Poll fever drives out fear of Pak shells

MANYARI (KATHUA), Sept 30: Within hand shaking distance of a hostile neighbour, fear is the most pervasive word along the International Border as feverish pitch of electioneering reaches its end in Kathua district where five Assembly constituencies go to polls on October one in the third phase.

Flags fluttering atop vehicles, crowds shouting slogans amidst beats of dholaks and songs eulogising one political party or the other have a different ring here- with all this happening within a hand shaking distance of the hostile neighbour (Pakistan) which inflicted three wars on the local people in 1947, 1965, 1971 and then unleashed a proxy war.

In Manyari border hamlet of 52 houses, half-destroyed due to Pak artillery bombarment in July 2002 killing four people in Hiranagar constituency, now abuzz with high pitch campaigning, 68-year old Laxaman Dass said "we do not fear Pak shelling and firing anymore as we will answer Pak bullets with ballots just under their nose along the IB."

Like him, other border people want Pakistan to learn a lesson from India in setting up a democratic Government there and do away with the reign of terror of marshal law in Pakistan once and for all.

The shelling prone 104 villages along zero line, where men and machine of Indian and Pakistani armies are still at eye ball to eye ball confrontation, is witnessing a festival sitution with multiple banners and poster dotting walls with big wigs of different parties criss-crossing the border hamlets.

The star campaigners including Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, NC chief Omar Abdullah, JKPCC chief Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ambika Soni (AICC general secretary), Punjab Chief Minister Arminder Singh, UP Chief Minister Mayawati, BSP chief Kanshi Ram, senior Congress leaders Dr Manmohan Singh, Union Ministers Chaman Lal Gupta, Uma Bharti and Sushma Swaraj have addressed whistle stop rallies in most of the border areas particularly this village to woo voters. But the people of border belt have one common demand of granting residents of backward areas (RBA) status to people living in five-kilometer border belt along IB, as has been given to residents of Line of Control in neighbouring Jammu border belt.

‘NC and Congress have already promised to grant us (UB residents) similar reservation in quota of jobs and professional courses that already is being given to LoC residents’, Pansar border village resident Sansar Chand told a visiting PTI correspondent here.

As many as 363928 voters including 193385 males and 170543 females are to exercise their franchise on October one to decide the fate of 59 candidates in 425 polling stations in five different Assembly constituencies of Kathua district in the third phase of elections in J & K.

While the highest of 22 candidates are in the fray in Kathua constituency, 14 are in Billawar, nine in Hiranagar, eight in Basholi, six in Bani constituency of the district. (PTI)

‘Sita Swayamwar’ on Oct 8

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 30: To celebrate Navratras in a different way this year, Janaknandni Sita Swayamwar Samaroh Samiti, in collaboration with Dogra Brahman Pratinidhi Sabha and Sanatna Dharam Natak Samaj, is going to hold ‘Sita Swayamwar’ in the city of temples on October 8 evening.

To make it a big event, the organisers have decided to hold a splendid procession, symbolising Bhagwan Ram, through the lanes and bazaars of old city, on the same evening. According to Sabha spokesman, all the arrangements have been made and final touches are being given to the preparations by the artists under the supervision of Samiti convenor, Bharat Bhushan Raina.

Talking to EXCELSIOR, Mr Raina disclosed that it would be a different kind of cultural show wherein devotees, performing artists (taking part in the procession) shall be received at historical Devan Mandir, where the chapter of "Sita Swayamwar’ from the world famous epic Ramayana shall be enacted before the audience.

He reminded that a similar event—Bharat Milap— was organised in the past which was highly appreciated by the Jammuities. The convenor also disclosed the idea behind celebrating this series of events. He said that it is to revive the traditional and age old methods adopted by Jammuities to celebrate certain auspicious occasions helpful in endorsing the thought of cultural unity.

Mr Sandesh Dogra, president of the Sanatan Dharam Natak Samaj has appealed to all the cultural and social organisations to extend their participation for the success of "Sita Swayamwar" also.

Delay in releasing pensionary benefits
HC holds petitioner entitled for interest

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 30: Mr Justice T S Doabia of the State High Court Jammu wing has directed Jammu and Kashmir Government,Education and Accountant General Departments to pay interest on the amount at the rate of 12 percent per annum within a period of three months in a case involving delay in releasing pension of a petitioner.

In case the interest component is not released in favour of the petitioner within a period of three months, then petitioner would be entitled to interest at rate of 18 percent per annum. Enhance rate of interest would be payable by the persons on whose account delay occurs, it was directed.

While allowing interest for causing delay in releasing the pensionary benefits in favour of petitioner Mohan Lal Nargotra, a teacher in the Education Department who retired on August 31, 2000 and his pensionary benefits were released on September 27, 2001. There was a delay of more than one year.

The petitioner filed writ petition through advocate D S Chouhan wherein he submitted that petitioner was entitled to interest.

Justice Doabia observed that Court was of the opinion that record of the Government servant was with the State and it was for the respondent of the State to ascertain where the petitioner was posted. It was basic duty of the State to pay pension to retiree in time. There was a delay in granting pension to the petitioner. The court quoted judgment of Supreme Court and said that Apex Court has laid down law, the petitioner was held entitled to the interest as per the decision of the Supreme Court.

Debate on "Politics in Education" organised

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Sept. 30: A debate on the topic "Politics in Education" was organized by the Avantika, a group of comtemporary artists and intellectuals, New Delhi in collaboration with Directorate of School Education, Jammu in the premises of Government Ranbir Higher Secondary School, Jammu. The Director School Education, Jammu, Mr. M.S. Khan was the chief guest and lit the traditional lamp on the occasion.

Miss Sukriti Sharma of Higher Secondary School, Mubarak Mandi, Miss Shilpa Pathania and Miss Chitana Pandit of Jagriti Niketan School bagged three positions respectively in favour of the topic while Miss Ruchi Pandit of Nav Yug High School, Subash Nagar, Miss Heena of Oriental Academy and Miss Tanvee Koul of Shastri Memorial Higher Secondary School bagged 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions respectively against the topic.

Prizes were also awarded among the adjudged winners by the chief guest.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Khan lauded the role of voluntary organization "Avantika" in organizing the programme in Jammu. He said that Avantika has started a campaign to aware the masses to send children to schools and inculcate the spirit of peace, love, discipline and national integration among the student community. He said that the organization will hold such debates and symposia in other educational institutions in Jammu during October this year. He said that some retired educationists and scholars will also contribute and donate for the promotion of education in Jammu. He said that about 5.90 crore children of our country in the age group of 6-14 are not going to school.

Mr. Khan said that teachers can play a pivotal role in imparting quality education and can inculcate the spirit of peace, love, humanity and brotherhood. Lauding the role of schools in imparting the education to the children, he said that quality education can be instrumental for the student community to attain high status in their lives.

Mr. Khan honoured about 30 intellectuals, scholars, Principals and teachers of Jammu with mementos which includes Prof. O.P. Baru, Mr. I.D. Soni, Dr. B.N. Sharma, Mr. H.R. Dubey, Smt. Kanta Kapoor, Dr. B.S. Jamwal, Mr. P.K. Patwari, Mr. M.L. Vidyarthi, Mr. Jaswant Singh Jamwal, Mr. Bhagwan Singh, Mr. S.K. Padha etc.

Earlier, Mr. Khan inaugurated the release of "AVANTIKA" magazine and a water cooler in the premises of the school. A colourful cultural programme was also presented by the students of various educational institutions on the occasion.

BSP will play vital role in Govt formation: Rehman

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 30: The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) today claimed that the party will play crucial role in forming next Government after elections. He predicted hung Assembly after election with balance of power in the hands of BSP.

Addressing a press conference, BSP state president Sheikh Abdul Rehman today said that his party will win as much as seats to get balance of power in its hand. "After visit of the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Ms Mayawati and BSP national president in different constituencies during campaign of the second and third phase of elections, political scenario has changed in the State", he said and claimed that BSP has emerged as a force.

Mr Rehman, who is sitting MLA from Bhaderwah and again trying to retain the seat, said that BSP will play a vital role in the formation of new government in the State as balance of power will be in hands of the party. He said that there was a strong wave in favour of BSP in entire Jammu region including Doda district where elections will be held in fourth phase. "National Conference, BJP and Congress are exposed before the people and there is wide spread feeling among masses to give BSP a chance", he said.

Mr Rehman said that BSP has given mandate to five Scheduled Tribes candidates, three Sikhs, six candidates belong of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and similar number to Muslim community. He further said that more than a dozen Scheduled Caste candidates are also in fray. He informed that some like minded candidates of Upper Castes were also given mandate of the BSP.

Regarding Bhaderwah Assembly segment, Sheikh said that BSP will retain the seat with thumping majority. He said that no candidate was in a position to defeat BSP. He said that all other parties including Congress, BJP and National Conference were confronting with the problem of rebel candidates.

Chand Mina retires from Government Service

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar Sept. 30: Mr. Chand Mina, an IPS officer of 1972, superannuated today after putting in over thirty years of service. Originally belonging to Rajasthan, Mr. Mina allotted to J&K State cadre worked in different capacities in this State.

The staff of Police Headquarters, J&K, today bade Mr. Mina a warm farewell on the occasion of his superannuation.

Speaking on the occasion, the Director General of Police, Mr. A. K. Suri lauded the commendable work done by Mr. Mina on different assignments. Mr. Suri said that retiree officer worked with him right from the days of his probation till his superannuation, saying Mr. Mina possessed a rare quality of turning tense moments into lighter ones. The Director General of Police presented a memento to Mr. Mina and wished him and his family a happy and successful life.

Mr. Mina in his touching and elderly farewell address in chaste Hindi thanked the police personnel for their never ending love and co-operation to him. He recalled his long association with DGP and said that he got sage company and guidance of Mr. Suri all along his service tenure.

The Additional Director General of Police (Hqrs), Mr. Rajan Bakshi and IGP, Kashmir Zone, Mr. K. Rajendra were among others present at the farewell function.

Dogri poetry book released

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 30: A poetry book entitled "Tapaash Loi Di" by Mr Puran Chand Bargotra was released at a function organised by the Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, here this evening.

Mr Om Goswami, a renowned writer and Additional Secretary of Cultural Academy, while releasing the book highlighted the importance of this book in the literary movement of Dogri language. He welcomed the new talent coming on the literary horizon of Dogri language and literature.

He described the poet as a positive personality who had a rare spark in his poetry. This maiden venture of the poet is his bold attempt at expression of high flight of imagination.

Mr Goswami expressed the hope that some more contribution to the Dogri literature will be made by Mr Bargotra in the coming years.

The author of the book, Mr Puran Chand Bargotra narrated his literary experiences and stated that he was impressed and inspired by the poetry compositions of Parmanand "Almast". Prof Ram Nath Shastri and Mr Ram Lal Sharma. This book, he said is his contribution to the Dogri literature.

A paper written by Ms Azra Choudhary on this poetry book was red which made critical evaluation of the work of Mr Puran Chand Bargotra.

Mr Ajay Sadhotra, Minister of State for Rural Development in his speech called for giving boost to Dogri language and said every individual must always use Dogri language in and outside their homes. The people should take pride in their mother-tongue and make their new generation to learn and speak in Dogri.

Div Com reviews poll arrangements at Doda

Excelsior Correspondent

DODA, Sept 30: The Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Mr Anil Goswami reviewed the arrangements made by the district administration for smooth conduct of Assembly elections in Doda district at a meeting of district officers held here today.

Addressing the meeting, Mr Goswami exhorted the district election machinery to ensure adequate arrangements for polling parties deployed from outside for conducting elections in the district. He issued directions to the Liaison Officers to keep close contact with the Deputy Commissioners of Udhampur, Kathua and Jammu districts where from the employees are being deployed on election duties. He said the bullet proof jackets and sleeping bags would be provided to the outsider employees till the election is over.

The Divisional Commissioner directed the SE (R&B), Executive Engineers, PHE and PDD to ensure un interrupted water and electricity to all the buildings which have been identified for camping security forces and polling parties in all six segments of the district. He asked the officers to provide the basic amenities of life to employees deployed for election duty. For this purpose, he assured that funds would be provided very soon. He also directed the CMO Doda to keep ready medical teams and ambulances besides one medical kit for each polling station.

Mr Goswami directed the election machinery to keep the vehicles ready for media teams and foreign diplomats.

Later the Divisional Commissioner also discussed and reviewed the security related arrangements with IGP, DIG, RPF and SSP, Doda.

Re-evaluation, carry-on system demanded
Aggrieved Polytechnic students stage protest dharna

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 30: Intensifying their protest against alleged irregularities in the examination results, students of different Polytechnics today staged a massive dharna in front of J&K Technical Board office, near Vikram Chowk here.

The protesting students, both boys and girls, raised slogans against the J&K Technical Board and in favour of their demands. Holding banners and placards in their hands, they staged a sit-in for more than three hours.

The aggrieved students were demanding re-evaluation of their answer sheets, carry-on system in Polytechnics and promotion of failed students to next classes.

It may be recalled that students of all Polytechnics in Jammu, both Government and private ones, are protesting against alleged irregularities in the Ist, IInd and IIrd year examination results which were declared on September 15.

Only two per cent students from Jammu Polytechnics, who had appeared for the examination, have been declared passed.

Talking to EXCELSIOR, protesting students alleged that their results have been manipulated by Board authorities and the candidates declared failed without evaluation of their examination papers.

They further alleged that while only two per cent candidates from Jammu have been declared passed, pass percentage of students from Kashmir Valley Polytechnic was forty.

Miss Promila, a students of IInd year, said that the candidates who did not appear for the examinations, have been declared passed while some others, who had appeared for all papers, have been mentioned absent in the result.

Another student of IInd year, Miss Gulnaaz alleged that their answer sheets were not evaluated properly and the results of all the three classes have been manipulated by the Valley based examiners.

The dharna was addressed by several students leaders, including some Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad activists, who alleged that the Technical Board had deliberately failed the Jammu students.

They threatened to further intensify the ongoing protest if their demands were not conceded immediately. The speakers alleged that faulty exam result was another example of discrimination with Jammu region.

While addressing the students, ABVP leaders Mr Adarsh Kumar and Vikas Sharma demanded an inquiry into the fault result by a committee of Jammu University teachers.

The sit-in continued for more than three hours and the protesting students dispersed peacefully later.

1.7 million voters to cast their ballots today

SRINAGAR, Sept 30: Under the shadow of a heightened threat perception and boycott call by separatists, an estimated 1.7 million voters will elect their representatives from among the 227 candidates to the ninth Assembly in the third phase of Jammu and Kashmir elections tomorrow.

Encouraged by the almost successful conduct of the first two phases of polling in Jammu and Kashmir, authorities have made all necessary arrangements for smooth, free and fair elections in all the 27 constituencies spread over the South Kashmir districts of Anantnag and Pulwama and Kathua and Udhampur in Jammu region.

There are 227 candidates left in the fray after a candidate Vinod Kumar, who had filed his nomination papers as a Panthers Party candidate from Pahalgam segment, died in a road accident in the second week of this month.

The ruling National Conference is contesting all 27 seats followed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with 24, Congress 20, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 18 and Panthers Party eleven.

The NC is mainly banking on 16 Assembly constituencies in Anantnag and Pulwama districts from where it had won all but two seats in 1996.

The Kulgam and Bijbehara seats were won by Communist Party of India (M) lone member Mohammad Yousuf Targami and Abdul Rehman Veeri in the last elections.

However, this time it will be altogether a different cup of tea for the NC which is facing a tough challenge from the opposition, mainly the PDP and Congress.

It will also be tough for the BJP to retain the three seats it had won in 1996 from among ten constituencies in Udhampur and Kathua districts which witnessed stepped-up militant violence in the recent past. The Congress and Janata Dal had won two seats each while the NC, BSP and Panthers Party bagged one seat each in the 1996 elections from these two districts.

All the constituencies are witnessing multi-cornered contests with the highest number of 22 candidates trying their luck in Kathua segment. Interestingly, the Shiv Sena and BJP candidates are among those in the fray. The seat was won by Sagar Chand of the BSP in 1996.

The lowest number of three candidates are contesting from Tral constituency where NC candidate Ghulam Nabi Bhat is pitted against two Sikh nominees of the Congress and BSP. However, all the three contenders are dependent on about 5,000 Sikh and migrant votes who hold the key in case of a low voter turnout.

An official spokesman said that authorities have set up 2,106 polling stations for an estimated 17,81,000-strong electorate, including about 800,000 women, to choose their representatives from among the record 227 candidates.

Despite threats by militant organisations asking people to keep away from the poll process, the number of candidates seeking mandate this time was more than 30 per cent higher than 1996.

However, all the polling booths in 16 constituencies in Anantnag and Pulwama have been declared "hyper-senstive or sensitive" because of intelligence inputs that militants may try to disrupt the polling tomorrow. The ruling NC, fighting a grim battle to retain its power, has mobilised all its resources to overcome the challenge posed by the Congress and the PDP in South Kashmir, besides the Udhampur and Kathua districts in Jammu region.

While Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah himself canvassed for votes in South Kashmir, his son and Chief Ministerial candidate omar abdullah mainly concentrated on the Jammu region to ensure victory of their party nominee at the hustings.

Claiming that the battle for ballots is tough this time for the National Conference, Dr Abdullah, however, exuded confidence of his party securing a majority in the 87-member Assembly. He brushed aside claims of the Congress and other political parties that the elections will throw up a hung Assembly.

The ruling party, which appeared confortably placed at the beginning of the electoral process, suddenly finds itself in a bind after four top functionaries of the peoples conference — a constituent of the Hurriyat Conference — filed nominations as independents from the Kupwara district.

This was followed by the resignation of more than ten ministers and senior leaders from the party with some of them joining the election fray as independents or nominees of rival political parties from various constituencies.

The NC also suffered a jolt when senior leader Ghulam Rasool Kochak, who was a close associate of Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah, resigned ahead of the third and fourth phases of elections, accusing the party of doing nothing for the betterment of the people.

Dr Abdullah has asked his senior party functionaries to fan out in all the 41 remaining constituencies to neutralise the impact of the Congress and the PDP leaders.

South Kashmir has emerged as a strong base for the PDP, which has fielded its vice president Mehbooba Mufti from the prestigious Pahalgam constituency.

In tomorrow’s phase of the elections, the fate of many ministers of the Farooq Abdullah’s Government will be decided.

Important candidates whose fates will be sealed are Bashir Ahmed Nengroo, Sakina Itoo, Peerzada Ghulam Ahmed Shah, besides Mr Mehboob Beg, son of late Mirza Afzal Beg. Several prominent opposition leaders in the fray are Peerzada Mohammed Sayeed, vice president of the PCC(I), Mohammed Yousaf Tarigami of the CPM and former minister Abdul Aziz Zargar. Sakina itoo survived several attempts on her life during the electioneering.

An official spokesman said all polling officials, 50 per cent of whom are from outside the state, have reached their respective destinations along with Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) and other poll material.

Official sources said that adequate number of security forces have been deployed in and outside the polling booths in all the 27 Assembly constituencies to thwart any militant attempt to disrupt the polling. (UNI)

PIL against RRL for polluting canal
HC directive to Dir RRL

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 30: Division Bench of J&K High Court has directed the Director Regional Research Laboratory Jammu to file affidavit regarding the allegations made in a PIL filed against them.

In a letter written to the Chief Justice of J&K High Court by the residents of Akhnoor Road Jammu against the polluting canal water has been treated as PIL and listed before the Division Bench comprising Mr Justice V K Jhanji and Mr Justice B L Bhat of Jammu wing.

The Bench has directed the Director to file an affidavit regarding the allegations made in the complaint in which they have alleged that Regional Research Lab is having a large pond in their premises and are discharging noxious and dirty effluent of the pond into Ranbir canal twice or thrice a day.

The water of the canal is admittedly is used for drinking purpose by human beings and animals. In case affluents are allowed to be discharged in the canal water, the same should be injurious to the lives of those using canal water. The Bench further directed the Director RRL that he shall also state whether the effluent treated plant has been installed within the premises and if not, the reason for not installing the same be also given.

In compliance to the HC direction, the director has filed the affidavit through advocate UK Jalali in which it has been alleged that the nallahs coming from GMC hospital and also nallahs coming from Bakshinagar have been diverted to the areas which connected with the pond of RRL. The water when discharged will automatically goes to the Ranbir Canal. Mr Jalali claimed that Rs 30 lakhs were earmarked by the State Government to UEED and JMC for the construction of a Pucca nullah and their diversion towards Shaktinagar.

Construction of nullah near jail
Residents file PIL in HC

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 30: Mr Justice T S Doabia of J&K High Court has directed the District Development Commissioner Jammu and the Chief Engineer UEED to treat the PIL of the residents of Mohallah Ustad as representation and take much remedial measures.

While directing the respondents the Justice Doabia observed that this is a matter on which decision has to be taken by the respondents State and directed Additional Advocate General Mr H A Siddiqui who has appeared on behalf of respondents.

This public interest petition has been filed by one Mohd Arif of Mohallah Ustad on behalf of the residents of Mohallah in which it has been alleged that an open drain which is passing adjacent to district jail is require to be covered. It is also submitted that in addition to the sanitation problem, this drain is also being used as far anti—social elements.

Advocate Yash Paul Sharma appeared for the petitioner while Addl Advocate General Mr Siddiqui appeared for the state respondents.

JM intensifies anti encroachment drive

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 30: The Anti Encroachment staff of the Jammu University today removed temporary encroachment from the foot paths from New Plots, Janipura Road and seized atleast 2 truck load of goods kept by the shopkeepers on the footpath obstructing pedestrian movement. The drive launched under the direction of High Court.

The staff also removed two pucca encroachments made at Kanji House and in a lane at Residence Road Jammu. At Kanji House some body had constructed a pucca structure in the lane in front of the school while the second encroachment was made by M/s Atter Sweet Shop. Both these encroachments were removed following complaints of the people.

The Municipality has appealed to the shopkeepers and others not to encroach the foot path by way of keeping their goods as these obstructed free flow of pedestrian traffic. The High Court which had taken serious view of this tendency had directed Administrator Jammu Municipality to remove these encroachments and report back. The goods lifted in the drive shall not be returned as it has been found that the shopkeepers again keep these goods on foot paths even next day.

The police party accompanied the Municipal squad at Kanji House and Residence Road where two pucca structures were removed.

‘Doda to play crucial role in formation of new Govt’

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 30: The Union Minister of State for Defence and BJP leader Prof Chaman Lal Gupta today said that people of Jammu and Kashmir are going to hand down a split verdict and felt that Doda district, which is slated to go for polls on October 8, would play a crucial role in the formation of new Government in the State.

Addressing party workers from Doda district, Prof Gupta said that stakes in the polling in this strategically important area are very high as outcome of polling there, is going to decide the fate of the next Government.

He said BJP had long realised the importance of this district and had sent over 50,000 satyagrahis to jail in 1994 to demand adequate arrangements to save Doda from the onslaught of terrorists. Those who courted arrest included as distinguished names as Prime Minister Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Deputy Prime Minister, L K Advani.

The Minister further said that after cleansing the Valley off minorities, the militants had turned their attention to Doda but timely efforts by the BJP frustrated their nefarious designs.

Prof Gupta accused the State Government of trying to sabotage the Village Defence Committees (VDCs) by not releasing funds and proper arms and equipments. He said despite military related expenditure having gone up to Rs 500 crore from Rs 194 crore, the VDC members have not received honorarium for the last six to seven years. The Centre has sanctioned 2,300 VDCs with each having three PSOs, but instead of encouraging them the State Government was dragging its feet on the issue.

He regretted that no development work has been taken up in the district by the Government. As BJP Member of Parliament of the area he had tried to encourage maximum development and also drawn the attention towards misuse of the funds, he said and added that it becomes responsibility of the people of Doda to strengthen BJP because, if, BJP is weakened the entire district will suffer, as the enemies of the nation are looking for such a situation.

Kotwal tours different areas

Excelsior Correspondent

BHADERWAH, Sept 30: Pradesh BJP president Mr Daya Krishan Kotwal in his hectic campaign for ensuing Assembly election, extensively toured Illaqas of Kellar, Khillani, Malothi, Bhalra and Chinta falling under Assembly segment.

While addressing largely attended public meetings Mr Kotwal said there has not been an iota of development in these areas for the last 55 years of Congress and National Conference parties’ rule. He was critical of of the rule of these parties and said that only achievement of Governments of these parties has been that there is rampant corruption at every level and at every stage, militancy has increased and engulfed the whole state.

Mr Kotwal strongly opposed the Bahujan Samaj Party nominee for criticising security forces and advocating creation of Chenab Valley Hill Development Council.

He appealed the people to vote for Bhartiya Janata Party for eradication of these evils, for peace and all round speedy development of District Doda in general and Bhaderwah in particular.

Ex-servicemen rally held

Excelsior Correspondent

POONCH, Sept 30: Sainik Welfare Board organised ex-servicemen rally here in which over 200 ex-servicemen and 50 widows from far flung areas of Surankote, Mandi, Mendhar, Jhullas, Gulpur, Shahpur and Ajote participated.

Zila Sainik Welfare Officer Poonch briefed ex-servicemen about various welfare schemes and concessions extended to by State and Central Governments to the ex-servicemen.

Ex-Hav Kehar Singh, Ex-Hav Siraj Din, Ex-Hav Mohd Nasib, Sub Jaswant Singh and Sub Avtar Singh projected the problems of ex-servicemen of their respective areas. Director Sainik Welfare alongwith Mr Roshan Lal, Assistant Director also addressed the rally. He besides replying to the questions of ex-servicemen also apprised them of the latest schemes for their welfare.

He also informed ex-servicemen about modality of payment of ex-Militia relief sanctioned by the State Government to those Militia personnel who rendered less than 15 years service and told them that relief to this category of ex-Militia men is applicable with effect from April 1, 2002. The case has already been taken up with the State Government of release of funds to implement this scheme. Director ensured the beneficiaries of this scheme that they will get the arrears from the retrospective effect.

Thereafter the Director distributed sewing machines to widows and paid cash relief of Rs 2500 to Mrs Jasmeet Kour, widow of late Nk Madan Singh. The Director also gave financial relief of Rs 1000 each to Mohd Khan 110 years old ex-serviceman and Mrs Nam Devi, widow of Sep Bhagwan Dass.

Brig Suchet Singh alongwith Zila Sainik Welfare Officer and his staff visited the families of Kargil Martyrs Yougal Kishore and Nb Sub Hans Raj, who were killed on May 14, 2002 at Kalu Chak in their respective houses, in village Jhullas located on LoC. The cash relief to Mrs Rekha Devi, widow of Nb Sub Hans Raj was also given on the spot.

Campaign heat missing on Indo-Pak border

CHHAN LAL DIN, (KATHUA), Sept 30: Campaign heat is missing on the hot border with Pakistan, but talk swings to ballots in quaint villages dotting the international boundary where only occasional gunfires break the all pervading silence.

Threat of Pakistani shells and the troop build-up along the border might not inspire many to leave the safe environs of their homes to cast ballots on October one, but for the people in the Hiranagar sector of Kathua district, this is reason enough to vote.

"Pakistani firing will not scare us from voting. Pakistan will succeed in its nefarious designs if we don’t participate in the process. Our ballots will teach Pakistan a lesson," said Chaman Lal who returned to his village two months ago after living in a border migrant camp.

"We had to leave our homes because the shelling had intensified, but returned because we did not want to let Pakistan control our lives."

Echoing the same views was 85-year-old Prassano Devi from the adjoining Chhame Chak village.

"To teach our hostile neighbour a lesson it is essential that we elect our representatives. We will convey our message through the ballot," she said, adding she was fed up with the Pakistani harassment. As many as 30,000 people from 51 villages near the International Border had to migrate to safer places after Pakistan intensified shelling across the border in May this year.

"We have lost many lives because of the shelling, but I would like to tell Pervez Musharraf that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will stay with India whatever he may do," said an angry Shamsher Singh, a retired army soldier.

"The election is our way of condemning violence and bloodshed. We will vote and show Musharraf our lives will not be held hostage to his scheming and conspiracies," he added.

Mines have been laid in fields where paddy used to grow. Villagers say the compensation offered by the Government was meagre. Agricultural land in several villages, including Mehnar Pura, Rathua and Maneri, has been rendered useless due to the shelling. This region has stayed underdeveloped, but the mood is for beating the odds.

"We will make sure democracy reigns over terrorism," said Shamsher Singh confidently.

There are six hyper sensitive and 57 sensitive polling stations in Hiranagar constituency. The administration is confident polling will be peaceful.

"All arrangements are in place to ensure that people face no difficulties in exercising their franchise. We have deployed additional security in hyper sensitive stations and if the need arises they can be shifted," Kathua Superintendent of Police Amjad Parvez Mirza said.

The administration has also provided voters’ identity cards to 80 per cent of the voters and imparted training to them on the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

"We are expecting a high turnout in the border villages," district election officer B D Sharma said. (UNI)

ATI highlights demands

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 30: Association of Timber Industries in a meeting under the chairmanship of Th Jai Singh decided that the management authorities of State Forest Corporation Jammu be apprised of essential demands of Association for early fulfilment so that coming timber auctions held by SFC could be participated smoothly.

As per a release the association demanded that the existing stocks of timber in all the Sales depots be thoroughly checked and re-lotted according to actual classification/ gradation, as it has been observed in almost all the cases it had been B Class Timber lots contained C class items and similarly in C class lots rotten items were found. Re-lotting, sorting according to actual specification need to be ensured, demanded the association.

The ATI demanded further that lotting of timber for sale must be laid in good number of Nugs preferably to the extent of truck load to ensure feasibility in bidding, lifting and transportation and that listing of timber for sale in small numbers will be avoided.

The existing selling rates fixed by the Board of officers be given due consideration while accepting the last bid and enhancement of rates after each auction which has been the practice at present without any authentication be stopped and correct yardstick maintained.

Against sanctions received, B class timber be issued and all such lots for sale must be listed in the open auction proceedings. ATI called for making available sufficient Deodar timber in all auctions, as there is sufficient demand for this item for domestic consumption.

Transportation of surplus timber for sale at Pathankot be made in respect of those items only which are produced in two consecutive auctions but not sold, the ATI stated.

GPI organises dealers’ meet in Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 30: Godfrey India Limited (GPI) organised a dealers’ meet-cum-cultural programme here on late Sunday evening.

As per a release, the dealers and other traders associated with this cigarette company products from Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Udhampur, Katra, Reasi, Doda, Rajouri and other major towns of the region participated in the meet. The families of the dealers had also been invited to witness the function which was held at K C residency late last evening.

The senior Company officials of ‘Four Square’ were also present. A colourful programme including dance was organised. The function commenced with lighting of the traditional lamp by the chief guest. In the dancing contest , the best dancing couple reward went to the Mrs and Mr Ravi Kumar Gupta.

During function ‘Tambola Show’ was also the great attraction for the participants. The Company representatives—Mr Vishnu Sharma and Mr Deepak Sethi and leading trader in region—Mr Sushil Saraf stressed the need to have good family relations with the company and the dealers for better success in the trade and to stay in the competitive market.

Mr Sethi while addressing the gathering assured to organise such programmes in future. He also sought suggestions from the traders during interactive session.

Farewell accorded to MD Housing Board

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 30: Mr M S Jamwal, Managing Director J&K Housing Board was today accorded a warm farewell on his attaining the age of superannuation by the work supervisors of all departments. The work supervisors including those of J&K Housing Board under the banner of All J&K Work Supervisors Association in a simple but impressive function organised at guest house.

According to a press release, speaking on the occasion, Suman Sharma, secretary of the Association lauded the services of Mr Jamwal and said that the Managing Director during his brief tenure did a lot of work to ensure that the Housing Colonies get all sort of better amenities. He also appreciated the decision taken by the outgoing Managing Director for the welfare of the work supervisor and other staff of the Board.

Managing Director in his speech thanked all employees of the Board in tending their cooperation to him for carrying out the office work. He said that he received tremendous support from the employees, due to which he was able to execute various developmental works.

Later on Housing Board Employees Association led by Mohammed Farooq organised a simple function to bid farewell to the Managing Director in the office complex.

Lok Adalat held at Udhampur

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Sept 30: Lok Adalat was organised in the District Court premises, here today. Held under the chairmanship of Chairman, District Legal Services Authority (District & Sessions Judge, Udhampur), Mr B L Saraf.

Motor accident claims, civil and criminal cases of subordinate courts were put up before the Lok Adalat for consideration.

Out of 49 cases were taken up by the Lok Adalat, 27 cases were settled. Among them, seven cases of MACT were settled.

New India Assurance Company , United India Insurance Co, Oriental Insurance Co and National Insurance Co took part in the Lok Adalat. Compensation to the tune of Rs 11,39,643 was awarded to the claimants.

District and Sessions Judge Mr B L Saraf, Chief Judicial Magistrate, Mr M K Hungura, District Mobile Magistrate, Mr Riaz Ahmed, Munsiff Judical Magistrate, Ist Class, Udhampur, Miss Kusum Pandita acted as conciliators.

Members of Bar Association and officers of Insurance companies also participated in the Lok Adalat.

At the end all the participants expressed the desire to have the maximum number of cases settled in the Lok Adalat. The members of Bar volunteered to spread awareness among the litigants so that they are encouraged to settle their disputes amicably in the Lok Adalat.

All the participants were thanked for their active co-operation in organising the Lok Adalat and settlement of the cases.

The next Lok Adalat is scheduled to be held on November 9, 2002.

X-En accorded warm send-off

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 30: Mr P L Saraf, Executive Engineer, Flood Control Division Samba was accorded a warm and touching send off on superannuation after rendering about 33 years of meritorious services in various engineering fields, by the engineers and other staff members of the Department.

As per a release after graduating in Civil Engineering from REC Srinagar in 1968, Mr Saraf started his career as Assistant Engineer in Irrigation Division Akhnoor and worked in Ravi Tawi Irrigation Project. Later he joined at prestigious Salal Project and was instrumental in successful completion of Tail-race Tunnel and Rock-fill Dam besides other allied works of the project in his over 14 years stint.

As Executive Engineer in Power Development Corporation, Leh, Mr Saraf successfully executed Micro/medium power projects during about four years tenure at Leh.

He was presented with a memento by the engineering staff and his services to various engineering works were remembered. All the staff members wished him healthy, happy and prosperous post-retirement life.

32,389 KPs expected to cast votes in 3rd phase of J&K poll

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 30: As many as 32,389 Kashmiri Pandits are expected to cast their votes while 97 candidates are in the fray in 16 Assembly constituencies in Anantnag and Pulwama districts of the Valley where elections would be held tomorrow in the third phase of polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

Of the total KP voters, 22,994 will cast their votes by using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at various migrant camps in Delhi, Jammu and Udhampur for 10 Assembly constituencies of Anantnag district, 8,395 will exercise their franchise for six Assembly seats of Pulwama district, the sources at J & K Election Department said here today.

Giving the constituency-wise break up of the voters, the sources said the highest 4429 kp voters will exercise their right of franchise in Bijbehara constituency, followed by 3964 in Anantnag, 2680 in Shangus, 2171 each in Pahalgam and Devsar, 2077 in Kulgam, 1922 in Kokernag, 1792 in Doru, 995 in Homshalibug and 793 in Koorabad constituency.

Similarly, 2090 KP voters have been registered for voting in Rajpora, 1886 KP voters in Tral, 1609 in Wachi, 1082 in Shopian, 1058 in Pulwama and 670 in Pampore constituency, the sources said.

There were 1,06,906 KP voters registered for voting in the current polls with record 55,533 of them in Srinagar district, the sources said.

While 15,391 KP voters were registered for first phase polling on September 16 for Baramulla and Kupwara districts, 59,027 KP voters registered for second phase in Srinagar and Budgam districts on September 24, the sources said.