77th Raising Day of Nursing Service celebrated

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Oct 2: The 77th Raising Day of the Military Nursing Services was celebrated today at Command Hospital Udhampur. It was attended by military dignitaries. The Military Nursing Service has treaded a long path of 76 years in the modern ear of the Nursing Department. On this occasion, messages and greeting were extended by various dignitaries of the Armed forces.

In their felicitation, General S Padhmanabhan, Chief of the Army Staff appreciated "the efficiency, professionalism, dedication to duty and selfless compassion in the service of the ailing" and hard earned reputation by the MNS. Similar sentiments and greetings were extended by the GOC-in-C, Northern Command, DGAFMS, DGMS (Army), DGMS (Navy), DGMS (Air), DDMS, HQ Northern Command among others.

Additional Director General Military Nursing Services extended her sincere greetings to all the members of the MNS and their families. She expressed her gratification as the MNS had upheld the best traditions of profession and continues to strive hard to maintain these standards and achieve success in the future.

To mark the occasion, Brig (Miss) L Pichu, Deputy Director Military Nursing Services lit the candle and cut the commemorative cake. She addressed all the nursing officers of the station.

Col (Mrs) Mira Sudhir, the Principal Matron, explained that the mission of Nursing in society was to help individuals, families and our troops to determine and to achieve their physical, mental and social potentials towards positive health in the context of their environment.

Campaigning picks up in Doda district

JAMMU, Oct 2: Despite militant attempts to decredit and disrupt the Jammu and Kashmir elections, campaigning has begun to pick up in Doda district, a sprawling hotbed of militancy.

The hilly district, home to State chiefs of the Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) —Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mr Daya Krishan Kotwal and Sheikh Abdul Rehman — will witness tough contests between the ruling National Conference (NC) and the opposition parties.

Mr Azad’s cousin, former State Law Minister Mohd Sharief Niyaz, Mr Kotwal, Mr Rehman and former State Advocate General Mohd Aslam Goni are contesting from Bhaderwah. State Home Minister Khalid Najeeb Suhrawardy is contesting from Doda constituency while former PCC chief Mohd Ayub Khan is in the fray from Banihal.

In all 56 candidates of different parties are contesting from the six constituencies of the district. All the 534 polling stations here have been declared either sensitive or hyper sensitive.

Already Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah and Mr Azad have addressed election meetings in the Doda, Ramban, Inderwal and Bhaderwah constituencies. Focus on the district is likely to increase as electioneering picks up and more leaders make it to the small towns in the next four days.

Union Minister of State for Defence and BJP leader Chamanlal Gupta left for Doda today. Mr Azad and NC president Omar Abdullah are already campaigning in the district. Panther’s party chief Bhim Singh would tour Tanihal and Doda constituencies from Friday.

The district has 4,34,080 voters, of which 2,02,251 are women.

Polling staff and materials would be airlifted to 46 polling booths in the remote and inaccessible areas of the district. (UNI)

J&K trifurcation must to crush terrorism: RSS

FARIDABAD, Oct 2: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) today reiterated the demand for trifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir, saying it was the only way to crush terrorism in the state.

"Trifurcation would end the discrimination against the Jammu and Ladakh regions which were being meted out step-motherly treatment since the days of Sheikh Abdullah," RSS chief K Sudarshan told a meeting of Sangh workers here.

He said that although the Jammu region contributed more revenue to the state exchequer, not much development was taking place there.

Mr Sudarshan also advocated that India stage its own fight against Pakistan without taking help from the United States in this regard.

Demanding "stern" action against Pakistan, he said, "India should not depend on America but take steps to rein in that country on its own." (UNI)

Poll official from UP loses one eye in militant attack

SRINAGAR, Oct 2: A poll official from Uttar Pradesh Fayaz Ahmed Khan lost his one eye when militants hurled a hand grenade towards a polling station at Pampore on Monday.

Mr Khan was in the polling booth at Pampore in the Pulwama district, which went to polls yesterday, when the militants attacked it with a grenade. He was rushed to a hospital in critical condition where doctors declared his one eye as damaged.

Mr Khan was airlifted to his hometown Aligarh today.

The Government has announced a Rs two lakh compensation him.

Two polling officials were injured in the militant attacks in the Pulwama district during the elections yesterday. (UNI)

Terrorist attack shatters peoples’ confidence
Fear stricken Hiranagar residents spend sleepless
night, observe black-out

From Dinesh Manhotra

HIRANAGAR, Oct 2: Notwithstanding deployment of, what authorities claimed, ‘adequate’ forces, inhabitants of Hiranagar Morh and adjoining areas had to spent sleepless night as there was wide spread apprehension among them that ‘hiding’ terrorists might strike again.

Heavy deployment of forces failed to revive the confidence among people which was completely shattered after diabolical terrorist attack at ever busy Hiranagar Morh.

So much was the fear among people that some residents deserted their houses and spent nights in their relatives’ homes.

Even though there was no power curtailment but frightened residents observed complete ‘Black-Out’ in the intervening night of October 1 and 2 due to the fear of the terrorist attack. "We have seen grue-some carnage and terrorists with our naked eyes so we could not get courage to ‘put on’ our lights during previous night", said Rajni with fear lurking on her face, adding, "The way terrorists killed innocent people, shows that they (terrorists) can strike any where and any time despite deployment of forces".

Atmosphere in Hiranagar Morh, Subechak, Bajakey Chak, Gurha Mundian and Bale Daraina Da Gurha was gripped with terror and stoic silence. There was a pall of gloom in these localities in last night.

After executing massacre at Hiranagar Morh one terrorist had reportedly ran towards Gurha Mundian where he had gunned former Sarpanch Janak Raj while remaining two terrorists had managed to sneak into Bajakey Chak or Subechak areas. There was wide spread feeling among inhabitants that terrorists were hiding in the near by dense forest and may strike again. "If they (terrorist) are Fidayeen then they will definitely strike again so fear and terror among resident is but natural", said Ravinder, a resident of Subechak and regretted that police force was getting senile to take on terrorists which were hell bent to bring havoc in Jammu region also.

"Although forces have cordoned off the entire area and security personnels have been deployed in almost every nook and corner but we have lost faith on forces following yesterday’s attack", said Vijay Singh, a resident of Bajakey Chak, adding, "instead of depending on forces we have to take precautionary measures ourselves". Narrating yesterday’s incident, he said, "terrorists continued death dance for more than twenty minutes but forces were no where". "It is very unfortunate that despite deployment of large number of security personnel our forces have so far failed to track down terrorist", he lamented, adding, "people have lost faith on forces after yesterday’s incident".

Ever busy Hiranagar Morh, which usually witnessed hustle and bustle, was wearing deserted look since yesterday morning after terrorists’ strike. Though people were protesting today against Tuesday’s carnage but fear was still lurking on their faces.

However, some eye-witnesses disclosed that after committing crime, one of the terrorist ran towards Gurha Mundian while remaining two rushed towards Bajakey Chak. Forces have seized the entire area but no contact so far have been made with terrorists.

Theatre Mitra stages Dogri play

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 2: Theatre Mitra staged Rajneesh Gupta’s scripted Dogri play " Giddan Te Loath" at Abhinav Theatre, here this evening.

Directed by Mr Raghunandan Bali, the play was well received by the audience. While the music has been provided by Mr Arvind, stage sets prepared under supervision of Subash Raizada.

Mr Rajneesh Gupta is a young playwright who mostly takes up social themes and convey the message in simple and direct manner.

This play deals with pathic life of four-armed infant born in a poor family. Rahul Dev Sharma who acted as Ruldu, major character in the story. First this " strange child" is exploited by parents as common folk make offerings. He is source of income for the family but later on the greedy parents sell him to a circus.

The story takes a new turn when he comes back home and his parents expect him to be again a source of income. But Ruldu is without arms as he lost all four legs in an accident in circus. Ruldu still promises his parents all possible support.

Acting of Lalita Tapaswi who played as Bebe, grand-mother of Ruldu is praiseworthy. The roles played by Rahul Dev Sharma, Rajinder Narang, Chanchal Sharma, Suresh Sharma and others were impressive.

Mahatama Gandhi’s birthday celebrated

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Oct 2: Anti TB and Anti Leprosy Day was observed by the Health Department in the district today on the occasion of Mahatama Gandhi Jyanti. A Rath Yatra was also taken out.

On this occasion, TB seals campaign was also launched in DTC. The Chief Medical Officer, Kathua inaugurated the Rath Yatra and TB Seal campaign.

Clothes and fruits were distributed among the patients by the Chief Medical Officer on the occasion.

Among others, staff members of DTC and NLEP of District leprosy Society and Doctors of District Hospital, Kathua were also present on the occasion.

As part of the day, the function was also held at Rajouri to celebrate Mahatama Gandhi birthday, the Nation’s Builders Organisation a local NGO organised a national integration rally participated by over 1000 students and citizens which was flagged off by DIG, Police, Rajouri-Poonch Range, Mr S S Bijral in the morning from Tehsil Office and was received by the DDC Rajouri, Mr K A Khan at Civil Lines Park.

Later, a symposium was held in the park on life and teaching of the Father of the Nation. 12 students spoked on Gandhi’s life and contribution of welfare of man kind. The prizes were given to the first three winners by Mrs Bijral.

The DDC and DIG in their addresses exhorted the youth to follow the path of truth and non-violence shown by Mahatama Gandhi, which, they said was the paramount need of the hours and will be true tribute to the Father of the Nation.

Two minutes silence was also observed on the occasion to pay tribute to MoS for Revenue, Ch Mohd Hussain and innocent people killed in various terrorists attack in the State.

Tributes paid to Ch Mohd Hussain

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 2: Mr R S Sharma, MLA has condoled the sad demise of Ch Mohammad Hussain, Minister of State for Revenue and Relief.

Mr Sharma, who is contesting from Nowshera constituency in Rajouri district, said Ch Hussain has rendered service to the upliftment of the people in general in the J&K State and particularly in far-flung areas and those belonging to weaker sections.

The NC leader conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family.

Mr Sharma has also condemned the brutal and dastardly attacks by terrorists on the bus passengers near Hiranagar on Tuesday and Wednesday at Mand in outskirts of Jammu city. He called upon the administration and the people to be vigilant against nefarious designs of the elements who on the behest of Pakistan are bent to disturb the peace and communal harmony of the State.

At a condolence meeting organised by students and staff of Gujjar and Bakerwal Boys Hostel, Jammu, tributes were paid to Ch Mohammad Hussain, MoS, Revenue and Relief, who passed away at his native village Tarala in Budhal.

Those who spoke included: A R Rather, D K Puswal, and Ch Mohammad Azam who recalled the selfless service rendered by Ch Mohammad Hussain to the Gujjar community and other weaker sections of the society. A two-minute silence was observed for peace to the departed soul.

Terrorists’ strike at Hiranagar, Manda widely condemned

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 2: Various political, social and religious organisations have strongly condemned terrorists attacks on passengers buses at Hiranagar in Kathua yesterday and at Manda in Jammu this morning and prayed for sympathies with the bereaved families besides wishing an early recovery to those injured in these incidents.

Union Minister of State for Defence Prof Chaman Lal Gupta today strongly condemned the bomb blast in a bus at Manda this morning and said the perpetrators of such barbaric acts would not succeed in their nefarious designs to create a fissure in our pluralistic way of life or shake off our faith in democratic values. He said the terrorists and their mentors are feeling frustrated following their failure to disrupt the democratic process. To give vent to their frustration, they are now hitting soft targets and killing innocent persons including women and children. People will face this challenge with resolute courage and determination, he said.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jammu in a meeting at its office at Rail Head Complex strongly condemned the killing of innocent people at Hiranagar and at Manda area in which various precious lives were lost. The members expressed deep anguish and regret over repetition of such heinous incidents. They conveyed their concern for authorities, not being able to pre-empt and prevent such incidents which clearly shows the cracks in our security network. They said Chamber realizes the constraints and the short-comings under which the security agencies are working but at the same time but at the same time appeals the authorities to review the entire system once again so that loopholes could be plugged and such type of happenings avoided.

Bhartiya Janata Party has condemned the terrorist strikes in which innocent lives have been lost. The BJP meeting while holding responsible Pakistan for this gruesome incident observed that the large participation of people in Poll process has frustrated Pakistan’s unholy designs and as such it was desperately hitting soft targets to create panic among the masses of the State. The meeting took security forces to task for slackness on their part, as a result of which Pak sponsored terrorists are successfully carrying out their subversive and terrorist related activities on our soil.

Mr Ram Pal, Minister of State for Agriculture condemned the act of terrorists of targetting passenger buses first at Hiranagar yesterday and today at Manda leaving over 10 people killed and wounding scores of others. He expressed his sympathies towards the families of the deceased and injured. He appealed the people to maintain communal harmony and patience at this juncture.

Vishav Hindu Parishad has forcefully condemned the blast in Katra bound bus by terrorists near Manda. Dr Rama Kant Dubey and Mr Surinder Sharma, president and general secretary of VHP respectively have demanded that Vajpayee Government should quit on moral grounds for its failure to protect the lives of country men against repeated strike strikes by Pak sponsored terrorists in J&K. The two leaders said holding of elections on dead bodies of hundreds of people and boasting of elections being successful and reprimand Pakistan for its failure to obstruct the elections is mockery on the part of Vajpayee Government.

Jammu and Kashmir Gujjar United Front has condemned terrorist attack on passenger bus at Hiranagar yesterday and bomb blast in the bus at Manda today. The Front said the situation was worsening day by day and Central as well as State Governments have failed to protect the life and property of the citizens. They demanded that Central Government should step down owing moral responsibility of its failures on every front.

All Parties Jammu Statehood Movement has demanded immediate dismissal of Vajpayee Government by President of India, for its failure to provide protection to the lives of countrymen, both civilians and the security forces. Mr Yash Bhasin, convenor demanded that President should impose external emergency in the country and suspend constitution for atleast 6 months, hand over governance to Army with all the powers to take retaliatory action against Pakistan. Mr Bhasin charged the Vajpayee Government with mortgaging the country’s honour and sovereignty before USA and other western powers by not waging a decisive war against Pakistan and succumbing before foreign pressure.

All Jammu Hotel and Lodges Association has strongly criticised the terrorist strike this morning at Manda. In a statement association president Mr Inderjit Khajuria said blast in Katra bound bus should serve as a warning to the authorities that terrorists will step up their activities during coming Navratras which is peak season for Mata Vaishnodevi pilgrimage. He said blast has been aimed at creating scare among the prospective pilgrims. He also appealed the political parties not to issue frequent bandh calls whenever terrorists indulge into subversive acts as these strikes only bring sufferings to the common people who are already suffering at the hands of Pak sponsored terrorists.

Former MP Mr Dharam Pal Sharma, senior Congress leader, has while condemning the incidents of Hiranagar and Manda, yesterday and today respectively, urged the State and Central Governments to plug the loop-holes in their networks so that evil could be nipped in the bud. He also called for screening of the Administration afresh and strengthen the security scenario so that confidence of the people in the Government does not shatter.

Condemning the terrorist strike on bus at Hiranagar and bomb blast in Katra bound bus at Manda, Jammu Kashmir National Panthers Party president Prof Bhim Singh has demanded dismissal of Farooq Government to save further death and destruction as his Government is responsible for spate of terrorism in Jammu region. Demanding judicial inquiry into the bus attack in Hiranagar yesterday and blast in the bus at Manda this morning. JKNPP has issued bandh call for October 2 and 3 and claimed that various parties have supported the strike call. Meanwhile JKNPP youth wing president Mr Bansi Lal Sharma has also condemned the terrorist strikes in Hiranagar and Jammu.

Yuva Rashtriya Janata Dal in a meeting under the chairmanship of its president Mr Vijay Mahajan condemned in strong terms the terrorists strike at a bus at Hiranagar Morh and blast in the bus at Manda yesterday and today respectively. Other YRJD leaders including Messrs Dharam Pal Kataria and Sumit Gupta, urged the Government to further strengthen its intelligence network so as to prevent recurrence of such acts in future.

State secretary of Bahujan Samaj Party Mr K A Qazi has condemned the killings of innocent people in two separate terrorist attacks, termed the acts as inhuman and against Almighty’s teachings. He demanded compensation of Rs 1 lakh to next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to each injured in both the incidents.

Shiv Sena office bearers and workers in a meeting today discussed the aftermath of Manda bus blast. Mr Rakesh Gupta, Rajya Up-Pramukh appreciated the efforts of Mr Sanjay Mahey and his whole team who reached the spot and shifted the injured to the hospital. Shiv Sena demanded that next of the kin of the each deceased be paid Rs 10 lakh and Rs 5 lakh to each injured besides adequate medicare at Government expense.

Mrs Bimla Luthra, MLA, strongly condemned firing on a bus at Hiranagar and blast in the bus at Manda yesterday and today respectively. Mrs Luthra today visited GMC Hospital to meet the injured and ask about their welfare. She was accompanied by Mrs Veena Oberoi.

Office bearers of New General Bus Stand Shopkeepers Association led by Mr Ashwani Sharma, Human Rights Watch Organization general secretary Mr B L Kapoor, Rashtra Wadi Morcha president Mr Jeeva Nand Purohit, National Peace Front president Mr Sunil Dimple, Kul Hind Nove Soan Kashmir Front president Mr Shadi Lal Pandita, Samajwadi Party, state unit general secretary Mr Vinod Bhalla, Secular Party of India president Mr Subash Langer, Yuva Lok Jan Shakti Party, J&K State president Mr Sanjeev Manmotra, Mahant Shubh Narayan Dass of Shri Hanuman Temple, Ramnagar Manda, Jammu, Dr Kulwant Singh, convenor State Forum for Justice and Human Rights, Mr Vijay Kumar Mangotra, chairman All J&K Public Social Welfare Association and Jammu and Kashmir State Samaj Sudhar Committee president Mr Mohd Yusuf Wani, in strong terms condemned the barbaric act of terrorists and flayed the Governments of the Centre and the State for their failure to pre-empt the evil designs of the neighbouring country Pakistan. They all asked the Government to gear up security and intelligence agencies so that such heinous acts don’t occur in future.

Mr Hari Chand Jalmeria advocate, president Kisan Sabha has also strongly condemned the the terrorists acts in Hiranagar and at Manda and demanded adequate ex-gratia relief for the next of kin of the deceased and compensation to those injured in the incidents.