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

Breathtaking flypast and aerobatic display mark IAF day

NEW DELHI, Oct 8: Indian Air Force today bared its might by displaying its state of art lethal flying machines and the aerobatic skills of its pilots to mark its raising day with Air Chief S Krishnaswamy declaring that a year of operational deployment had amply conveyed to "those who needed to know" the force’s resolve and determination.

"Staying under the wings of operational machines for possible action," the Air Chief Marshal said "had helped IAF to hone skills and more importantly focus to the tasks that we shall take on".

Asserting that recent large scale inductions like that of upgraded version of Sukhoi-30MKI, more of Mirage-2000 and upcoming acquisition of IL-78 air refuelling tankers had provided the country a killer edge, Krishnaswamy said all these were aimed to turn the IAF into dynamic force in the region.

Speaking in the backdrop of a static display of IAF fighting prowess— with all the aircraft in IAF inventory since its inception on show— the Air chief told a distinguished audience at the annual Air Force day parade here that the upgrade programme of the MiG-21 bison was shaping well and the country’s indegenous design team and industry would take up the modernisation of the Jaguars and MiG-27 fighters.

To mark the occasion, IAF put up its most impressive flying display in over a decade with the nation’s latest acquisitions the Su—30MKI, deep penetration strike aircraft, Jaguars, Mi-35 helicopter gunships and Mi-17 medium lift helicopters taking part.

An awesome display of aerobatics by the IAF team on the indegenious Suryakirans formed the befitting climax to the parade in which the air chief decorated 58 officers and other ranks with Vayu Sena Medals and Vishisht Seva Medals.

Suryakiran, only one of few nine aircraft aerobatic team operating between the speeds of 200-600kmph, dazzled and bewitched the crowd gathered at Palam technical area by carrying out intricate manouvres like Shockwave, Phoenix, Tango, Diamond, Cupid Heart and Apollo formations.

Lauding the Suryakiran dare-devil fliers as a world class aerobatic team, the Air Chief said he would seek the Government’s clearance to send the team for international events overseas.

Asserting that the IAF had now an operationally tested Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) force which was performing well, Kirshnaswamy said, "we shall introduce new sensors and airfield support system to ensure enhanced overall effectiveness of the force".

He also said that Indian defence scientists had desiged and developed a most advanced light helicopter ALH, adding that research was on develop new and more potent attack variant of the chopper.

Turning to the LCA programme, the Air chief said the project was progressing well, as were the upgrade programmes of other aircraft and weapon systems.

Krishnaswamy said IAF was also working on means to improve career prospects for men and officers and also examine ways to tap skilled ex-servicemen to build joint ventures in the field of training, education and engineering as was done in many Western Countries.

The Air chief said acquisition of state of art fighters and multi-role aircraft like Sukhoi-30’s ushered in new concepts, new operational structures as also a new chapter on indegenous capability and international cooperation.

He said the IAF was eagerly awaiting the induction of advance jet trainer and was looking forward to finalisation of the contract on an early date.

IAF had given its air staff requirements to the Government and was hopeful that a final price negotiations would be arrived at, Krishnaswamy told reporters on the sidelines of the function.

He said IAF would be happy with any aircraft the Government chose after keeping its Air staff requirements in mind and once the contract came through, then pilots would be sent abroad for training on the AJT. (PTI)

70th anniversary of IAF celebrated

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 8: In connection with celebration of 70th anniversary of the Indian Air Force (IAF) an impressive function was organized by Air Force Station Jammu today.

The function besides the officers was also attended by the other personnel of Air Force. On the occasion Group Captain M Bahadur, Station Commander administered the pledge to all personnel of Air Force Station Jammu to rededicate themselves towards maintaining the unity and integrity of the country at all costs and to inculcate the virtues of brotherhood and loyalty amongst themselves.

Congratulatory messages received from the President of India, Vice President, Prime Minister, Defence Minister, Chief of Air Staff and Air Officer Commanding in Chief, Western Command were read out to the audience.

In his personnel message, the Station Commander conveyed his warm greetings and good wishes to all the personnel of the station and their families. He appreciated the dedication shown by them in the preceding year.

He also commended them for maintaining a high degree of operational preparedness and asked them to acquaint themselves with the latest development in the various fields so as to keep pace with modern advancement in technology and weapon system.

Cyprus condemns Pak-sponsored cross-border terrorism

NICOSIA, Oct 8: Cyprus today strongly condemned Pakistan-sponsored cross border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, saying religion cannot be used to justify Armed action and extended its full support to India’s candidature for a permanent membership in an enlarged UN Security Council.

During talks with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee here, Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides shared India’s view that cross border terrorism was a "major stumbling block" in the search for a solution to the protracted Kashmir problem.

On Jammu and Kashmir elections, the Cypriot leader said fanaticism and terrorism should not be allowed to derail the democratic process in the state. He said composite dialogue between India and Pakistan to resolve their differences had to be based on Simla and Lahore agreements, Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal told reporters. Cyprus also backed Indian initiative of a comprehensive convention against terrorism at the UN, he said.

Describing Cyprus as a "time tested and valuable ally", Vajpayee said " we share a commitment to democracy and pluralism and a congruence of outlook on major regional and international issues.

Referring to the ongoing crucial negotiations to resolve the Cyprus problem, he said India has consistently stood for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and unity of this country. He said Cyprus also entirely shared India’s perspectives on countering international terrorism.

The two sides signed five agreements in the presence of Vajpayee and clerides for cooperation in information technology, telecommunications, science and technology, health and cultural exchange.

Sibal said the two sides were also examining the prospects of a direct air service from Nicosia to India. (PTI)

J&K had virtually rigging-free poll: Malhi

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct. 8: Mr IS Malhi, Chief Secretary, is not willing to accept the charge by some contestants that mal-practices were resorted to in the wake of just-concluded Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir. At a news conference held here at the end of polling in Doda district and Lolab Assembly segment, the Chief Secretary fielded questions, one of them relating to the complaints of rigging. "I haven’t received any complaint of rigging", pat came his reply.

There can be, he argued, an aberration here, an aberration there. But the elections, he said, were virtually rigging-free. After the Election Commission’s initiative to hold elections in the State, the local administration as well as the police and other security agencies shouldered the responsibility in an effective manner.

Mr Malhi made a pointed reference to efforts being made for the last many years for creating free-from-fear environment and said that the State police and security forces played a key role to creat that kind of atmosphere. Equally encouraging was the participation in the polls by the "brave" people of the State, despite threats from the militants and separatists.

He pointed out that even as the commencement of the polls in Doda district was marked by a militant strike this morning, the response by the electorate was "impressive". Nothing unexpected, if one were to take into account the stepped-up efforts by forces inimical to the polls to destabilise political process.

Mr Malhi, while giving a brief account of the administrative measures for ensuring smooth polls across the State, said that transparency in the elections was also the outcome of "excellent" working relationship the State administration established with the Election Commission.

According to the Chief Secretary, while the turnout in the Doda district as a whole was "high", the Lolab Assembly segment in Kupwara district experienced "brisk" polling. He declined to be drawn into discussion on the poll percentage. Actual details, in this regard, will follow later in the day, he said.

Impressive Ram ‘Rath yatra' taken out in Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 8: An impressive Shri Ram Rath Yatra was taken out from the historic temple of Raghunath temple in the old Jammu city here this evening.

Thousands of devotees chanting songs in the praise of Lord Rama participated in this religious programme and they marched through various city routes. With great enthusiasm and religious fervour the people from all walks of life attended this programme.

The city markets had been decorated and the District Administration had made elaborate security arrangements for the smooth conduct of the yatra on the second Navratra.

This programme was organised by the members of Shri Sanatan Dharam Natak Samaj, Dewan Mandir and Janak Nandni Sita Swayamvar Samaroh Samiti, Jammu. Besides men, a large number of women and children also participated in this religious function.

At around 6 pm, the Rath yatra started from Raghunath temple and after passing through City Chowk, Daya Nand Marg, Purani Mandi, Link Road, Jain Bazar, Chowk Chabutra and Pacca Danga, it finally culminated at Dewana Mandir complex where the members of Janak Nandni Sita Swayamvar Samaroh Samiti, accorded warm welcome.

The crowd of people on both side of the yatra was seen waiting for the Rath Yatra and have a glimpse of the highly decorated rath of Lord Rama and tableaus of some other important characters of Ramayana.

Amidst chanting of religious slogans (Jaikaras), drum beatings and band-music, the devotees were following the Ram Rath, throughout the city bazars.

Students hail sanctioning of college at Mahanpur

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 8: Mahanpur Students Forum has hailed decision of the State Government to sanction Degree College at Mahanpur district Kathua.

According to a press release, the citizens and students of Mahanpur area have conveyed their gratitude towards the Government for this purpose.

People and students of Mahanpur in one voice have requested the Government to provide required infrastructure to the proposed Degree College at Mahanpur as early as possible.

Students said that it was great achievement of the people of area’s for providing Higher Education to their children at a convenient place.

Students hailed NC candidate of Basoli constituency for taking up the matter with the Government for providing necessary infrastructure for Degree College Mahanpur so that the next year’s academic session should starts without any hindrance. Students hoped that authorities will provide necessary funds for completion of Degree College at Mahanpur.

Contempt petition
HC directs 2 CEs, DC Jammu to appear in person

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 8: In the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the residents of Roopnagar Colony for providing basic amenities, the Division Bench of the State High Court, comprising Justice V K Jhanji and Justice B L Bhat has ordered Chief Engineer PHE, Chief Engineer (Electrical M&RE) Circle Jammu and District Development Commissioner Jammu to remain present in the court on the next date of hearing to explain as to why they be not published for contempt of court.

The Court earlier had directed the State Government to take affective steps for the implementation of the developmental schemes within two weeks in Roopnagar, Jammu as in absence of basic amenities, the public be not pressed to suffer.

The DB observed that despite these orders, it appeared that the steps till date have not been taken. " It is really unfortunate that the State Government has not carried out the directions of the court despite the repeated opportunities. This order was passed on April 12, 2001, but despite passing of over a year, the residents of Roopnagar continue to suffer for want of basic amenities", the Bench observed, adding that the State Government neither put forth any explanation nor carried out directions of the court.

The DB held that the court carefully considered the facts of the case and find that there is no dispute about the facts that the schemes of laying down of tarcoal on roads, sewage, drainage, water supply pipes etc. have been approved and are pending for implementation.

Advocate Anil Mahajan appeared for the petitioners while’s Baldev Singh, B L Bhagotra and Sindhu Sharma represented the respondents.

Battle of ballot is over
Anxious wait for winners and sinners

By B L Kak

JAMMU,Oct 8: The curtain came down well before the sundown on Tuesday. It had to happen. It couldn’t go on, simply because of the specific setting for its beginning and its end as well.

The event that was: Fourth and final phase of polling in Jammu and Kashmir. In Doda district and Lolab in Kupwara district, to be precise.

And the event, unmistakably, signalled the end of the most crucial exercise. It attracted a good deal of attention even in countries that had little to gain or lose. For example, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan. A section of media in these countries did evince interest in the J&K elections.

Understandable was the international community’s marked interest, if not interference, in the phased poll process. After all, Indian leaders and political class, too, had contributed, overtly and overtly, to the process of internationalising the internal matter of Jammu and Kashmir.

No wonder, the just-concluded Assembly elections in the troubled State did become the topic of discussion not only for Indians and Pakistanis but also for the international community, particularly the United States. That the Government of India did not fight shy while allowing the elections to get internationalised was borne out by its policy— first of its kind since the first Assembly polls in the State in early ’50s—encouraging foreign observers, including diplomats, to watch the poll scenario in Kashmir.

One may differ with New Delhi’s policy on Kashmir. Indeed,there is enough reason to differ with the Centre on more than one issue pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir. But the policy of allowing observers from various countries into Kashmir to see things for themselves during the battle of the ballot did prove helpful.

It was the world’s ‘super cop’, the USA, that did a bit of plain talking on behalf of the Government of India. US President, Mr George W Bush, conveyed the message to Gen. Parvez Musharraf on the conduct of the elections in J&K. The message was loud and clear: Elections were free, fair and credible.

Going by the oft-repeated term "all is fair in love and war", it would be unfair for the post-poll analysts if they attempted to object to the use of things, such as money power, muscle power, unhealthy politics and politicking as part of the game played by different individuals and groups during the elections. What, in fact, requires to be taken note of is the boycott of the boycott call of secessionists in most areas of the State.

Between September 16, when the first phase of polling took place, and October 8, when the last phase was completed, the surprising thing was that the turnout, particularly in the rural world of J&K, was encouraging for India and discouraging for Pakistan. All this, despite the shadow of the gun of the militant. The militants showed neither discrimination nor remorse in the choice of their victims. From political leaders to high-profile candidates, from security forces to ordinary citizens—primarily Muslims—everything and everyone was fair game.

The purpose: To ensure, at any cost, the derailment of the political process. It was in the face of such odds that the people of the Valley came out to vote, openly defying the boycott call of the All-Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC). In the event, two things became too evident to be missed. One, Kashmiris may have no love lost for New Delhi and its cynical politics, but they want peace. Even if that means, quite literally, biting the bullet.

Second, the myth that the Hurriyat Conference was the voice of the Kashmiri masses, as insisted by Gen. Musharraf himself, got exploded, simply because of the participation of a big section of the Muslim electorate in the elections.

The poll is over. But the suspense remains. It will end only after the final poll outcome by October 11. During the 1996 elections, it was not difficult to draw fair conclusions vis-a-vis the poll results. No, not so, really, this time. Different leaders and different parties, involved in the fray, have different things to tell. Hence, one comes across a marked rise in the level of confusion. These leaders, even the ones from the National Conference, continue to throw up different pieces of information about winners and sinners.

70th Indian Air Force Day celebrated

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Oct 8: Indian Air Force celebrated its 70th anniversary at the Northern Command here today. The celebrations came to a ceremonial conclusion with the traditional oath taking ceremony.

The celebrations, which included several traditional function involving the rank and file of the service were consummated with great enthusiasm—invigorated by the last few months of activation.

Air Force Wives Welfare Association organised a fun sports and a winter festival on Gandhi Jayanti. The Festival was inaugurated by Ms Savithri Viswanathan and was graced by the presence of Air-Vice Marshal, G M Viswanathan, Air Officer Commanding Jammu and Kashmir.

A painting competition was held on that day for the children of various age groups and prizes were distributed among the winners. The theme of the painting contest was " Mahatma and Ahinsa". Various functions were also held in Airmen Mess, SNCOs’ Mess and Officers Mess.

The IAF pilots execute hazardous operations in adverse climate and difficult terrain conditions in J&K and Air Force Station Udhampur plays a crucial role in supporting the Army in high altitude on the icy peaks of the great Himalayas and at distant remote locations. All the personnel on this day renewed their pledge to its service in peace and war. The force has consistently distinguished itself in undertaking difficult rescue operations, providing relief to those affected and airlifting the injured during national calamities and disasters.

PP candidate charged with adopting foul means
BSP, NC, BJP, NCP, JD, RJD candidates demand repolling in Ramnagar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 8: All contesting candidates for Ramnagar constituency but one today demanded repolling in some polling booths of this seat as, what they alleged, Panthers Party candidate and sitting MLA, Harsh Dev Singh, has committed rigging and adopted malpractices.

Addressing a joint press conference, candidates of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Khalil Ullah Qazi, Congress candidate Bhupinder Singh Pathania, National Conference (NC) candidate, Subash Kudhiyar, BJP candidate Gopal Dass Sharma and RJD candidate Shripati Sharma regretted that they have brought the matter to the notice of the Returning Officer and Election Commissioner’s observer from Ramnagar segments about the possibility of rigging in some polling stations but no step were taken to ensure free and fair elections. They alleged that some corrupt practices and foul means were adopted in the elections.

"The polling staff at some polling stations were found under the influence of the liquor since they availed the hospitality of some local workers of Panthers Party during their stay in that areas as the polling staff was dispatched in their respective areas two days advance", they alleged, adding, "presiding officer and staff members were reported to have been assaulted by the local Sarpanches and the EVM was also out of order for more than four hours".

Candidates alleged that Panthers Party candidate has executed rigging at Kela, Kanah, Bukhteran, Kathel Ganju, Hansa, Sairmajla (New), Badol, Dheran, Danwalt, Bainsta, Thelay, Konan, Lerh, Chigla Balota, Katheeth Mangal, Sullan, Dhema and Baryaltha-Majaltha.

Contesting candidates alleged that they had apprised the Election Commissioner about the rigging immediately after the day of polling jointly by the candidates of all political parties except Panthers Party, who was directly involved in the mal-practices but no enquiry was conducted nor repolling ordered.

They further disclosed that a joint delegation also met District Election Commissioner, Udhampur and Election Commissioner’s observers immediately after polling but it was unfortunate that the election authorities did not take any action to ensure fairness of the exercise. They alleged that election authorities failed to check the misuse of money and mussle power in the election. "We demand a fair and impartial enquiry by an officer of authority and integrity under the direct supervision of Election Commission of India into the electoral mal-practices and involvement of polling staff in these polling stations and the misuse of money and mussle power by the Panthers Party", they said and demanded that counting of votes of the above mentioned polling stations be stopped till repolling is ordered and completed.

BJP hails High Court decision on State Subject

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 8: Bhartiya Janata Party has welcomed the decision of the Full Bench of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court by which daughters of the State, will not lose their State Subjects even getting married outside the State.

As per a release Prof O P Kohli, Incharge of BJP Party in Jammu and Kashmir has termed the decision of the High Court as a important step in the direction of women empowerment. He said on the name of State Subject, the women were being denied their right and many innocent were being subjected to various humiliations.

He added that while this High Court decision has on the one hand provided legal rights to women, on the other it would check the repression of citizens by the Government. Prof Kohli said by the said decision the judiciary has proven its judicial acumen and at the same time have honoured the basic rights of the citizens.

Lok Adalat being held at R S Pura on Oct 25

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 8: A Lok Adalat is being convened in Munsiff Court R S Pura on October 25.

As per a release all the litigants whose cases including Bank cases are pending in Munsiff Court and Additional Munsiff Court R S Pura and which can be decided in Lok Adalat have been directed to approach the concerned presiding officers for fixation of their cases in Lok Adalat.

This will be 10th Lok Adalat of its kind in R S Pura and in the earlier held Lok Adalats as many as 362 cases have been disposed off.

NITS celebrates Award

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 8: The NITS, Miransahib, Jammu, which bagged the "Best Polytechnic Award", celebrated the same at a function in the premises of the institution with great fervour and enthusiasm.

Prof J L Koul, Mr O N Thusu and Prof K C Gupta, apart from expressing happiness over the award spoke at length about the added responsibilities they will have to shoulder in future equally by the management, the teachers and the students.

Mr Savinder Gupta, Director NITS in his concluding speech expressed his own feelings and impressed upon the need of having more disciplines in addition to existing ones in the Institution.

LPEF leaders’plea to EC

Excelsior Correspondent

DODA, Oct 8: Abdul Hafiz Fani and Shakeel Ahmed Dev, presidents of Low Paid Employees Federation for Doda and Bhaderwah, have urged the Election Commission of India to pay election duty incentive to the employees of Doda district at par with their counterparts brought from outside the State.

As per a release they said there was strong resentment amongst the employees towards the discrimination being meted out to Doda employees as they are being paid very nominal rates whileas those brought from outside have been paid Rs 10,000 per head for performing election duty in Doda district.

State president of Federation Mr Abdul Majid Khan has strongly supported the demand of Doda employees as also of the elsewhere. He has also demanded duty incentives for Village Guards also who were engaged well ahead of election dates for mobilizing voters for Photo Identity Cards and setting up polling stations as well.

Food inspectors challan 790 cases in Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 8: A special squad of Food Inspectors have checked hundreds of food and other establishments and challaned in 790 cases under PFA Act since January this year.

According to an official handout, the squad headed by Health Officer of the JMC, Dr Anwar Choudhary challaned as many as 114 shopkeepers during the month of September alone. They also lifted 18 food and 12 water samples during this period. Since January this year, the squad has lifted 92 samples of which 11 were found adulterated.

Prosecution has been launched against one trader whose sample of chilly powder was found to be adulterated. The squad also seized atleast ten kg of recycled coloured plastic/ polythene bags from the Halwais and other eating establishments.

People block road against arrest of counting agent

Excelsior Correspondent

POONCH, Oct 8: The irate inhabitants of Mendhar and surrounding areas held a demonstration at Harni and blocked the road for over three hours this morning in protest against the arrest of Mohammed Nawaz Khan, Counting agent of former Minister and independent candidate from Mendhar Assembly Segment, Mr Rafiq Ahmed Khan by the Special Operation Group (SOG) Mendhar yesterday evening.

The protestants shouting anti administration and anti Government slogans held the National Conference responsible for the arrest of Mr Khan.

They alleged that NC was intimidating and harassing its opponents to create a fear psychosis among the innocent people.

The protestants who squatted on the road did not allow any vehicle to move to and fro. They demanded immediate release of Khan and other people who have been recently arrested and implicated in false cases by the police. Even the people did not budge and continued demonstration despite the assurance of SDPO Mendhar who held negotiations with them on behalf of the administration.

The situation was only defused and road blockade lifted after Mr Khan was released by the police in the afternoon.

Mixed response at 4 polling stations in Pahalgam

Excelsior Correspondent

PAHALGAM, Oct 8: Voting evoked mixed response at the four polling stations in Pahalgam segment of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, where Election Commission had ordered a repoll, with people enthusiastically exercising their franchise at two of them and staying away from the other two.

More than 40 per cent votes were cast with barely an hour left for the scheduled end for polling at Hadrekutal-Sofiapora and Wullerhama polling stations while Batkoot and Batkoot (A) registered barely over 10 per cent of the total votes.

At Hadrekuthal, long queues were seen outside the polling stations. Around 25 per cent of the 913 votes were cast by 1:00 pm and the officials here expected the figure to cross the 50 per cent mark.

The scene was similar at the nearby Wullerhama polling station but there was an odd complaint of "coercion" by security forces here and there. However, the fervour with which people exercised their franchise did not substantiate the allegations.

The situation at the two polling stations at Batkoot was opposite to that of the earlier two polling stations. Besides security forces, polling staff and agents of the candidates, there was hardly a soul around the polling booth. After a wait of more than half-an-hour, an 80-year-old turned up to vote.

The two polling stations with a combined voter strength of 1604 had registered only 153 votes. A security official guarding the polling station blamed the low poll percentage for the strong militant presence in the area.

Election Commission had ordered a repoll in the four polling stations following allegations of malpractices during the earlier polls held on Oct 1.

BJP flouting common agenda of NDA: Mamata

KOLKATA, Oct 8: Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of "flouting the common agenda" and adopting a "big brotherly" attitude, cornering smaller allies in the ruling coalition.

Recapitulating her experience in the NDA, Banerjee in her latest book ‘Anubhuti’ (feelings) released yesterday, detailed how she was cornered for raising her voice against the "big brotherly" attitude of the BJP.

Narrating the conflict with the NDA, Banerjee in her 96-page book, said that it began with the "big party" flouting the common agenda of the ruling coalition.

"The NDA Government was formed on the basis of a common agenda without any controversial religious issue. But I noticed that the common agenda was set aside when there was no question mark on the stability of the Vajpayee Government. Smaller partners surrendered to the big party for fear of losing ministerships.

"Those like us who protested against this, were cornered, so that none could raise their voice against such unfairness," she said.

She said after the defeat of the Trinamool Congress in the West Bengal Assembly polls, attempts were made to eliminate her party in the state. "From the Vajpayee Government also I got insults and slanders".

"Delhi thought we were finished, so they tried to vitiate the minds of our party MPs through allurements. As a bigger party BJP tried to swallow our small party by offering ministership to some. But thanks to our party MPs, they remained united," she wrote.

Regretting the role of the socialists in the NDA Government, the TC chief said there was competition among them of getting closer to BJP for their own benefits. "So there was no obstacle for a section of BJP to implement their own agenda which I could not accept". (PTI)

Restoration of polling answer to militants: Poll official

DODA, Oct 8: The fact that polling was restored 45 minutes after a terror attack on a polling station is the answer to the militants that democracy will not be held hostage to violence, the Presiding Officer of a booth that came under a militant strike said today.

"Restoration of polling 45-minutes after a terror attack on my polling station is the answer to militants that people of jammu and Kashmir and democracy will not be held hostage to violence," Presiding Officer S R Palaki of Doda Town Hall Polling Station declared.

Polling Station 4D, meant only for male voters, was attacked by two ultras at 0715 hrs just 15 minutes after commencement of polling for the final phase of elections to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.

There were a few voters inside the polling station, located in the main market, and only 13 votes had been cast when the firing began.

"They wanted to disrupt polling and scare people... But the security personnel did not let that happen they protected all the voters as well as the polling officials," said a charged up Mr Palaki. By 1130 hrs, 246 votes out of a total of 575 had been cast.

The Presiding Officer said authorities had decided not to shift the polling station despite the attack. "The security here is adequate. We did not shift the station because it would have disrupted the polling and people wouldn’t have been able to exercise their franchise," he explained.

Voters had started to trickle in by 0900 hrs at the station splattered with blood amid tight security. People were frisked before being allowed to step inside the polling station.

There were five more polling officials in the station at the time of the attack.

"My staff has seen the worst today. And they restored the confidence of the people in the democratic process and this is the befitting reply to the militants and their supporters," said Mr Palaki. (UNI)

Pak shelling in Hiranagar, several families migrate

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Oct 8: More than 200 families migrated to the safer places after Pakistani troops resorted to shelling on several villages, close to the international border in Hiranagar sector this morning.

A senior BSF official told Excelsior that Pakistani troops opened unprovoked shelling on several villages including Londi, Bobiya, Mangu Chak, Regal and Chakrha at around 8.30 am today. At least 20 to 30 mortar shells were fired on the Indian villages to target the civilian population.

The action of enemy troops sent panic wave among the civilians, who started running for safety after shelling. While some of the villagers took temporary shelter in the bunkers and other safer places, several others panic gripped people, migrated alongwith families to Hiranagar.

The intermittent shelling continued till 10 am and more than two hundred families were affected due to the Pak action today. A large number of border families which had migrated several months back in view of border tension had moved back to the homes near the border. The villagers who ran for safety, took shelter at Hiranagar, Rajpura, Mareen and other places. There was no report of any casualty on the Indian side, however, some houses have suffered damage in shelling.

A defence spokesman said that the Indian troops effectively retaliated the attack, but details of damage or casualty on that side were not available. He maintained that the action shows the level of frustration among the Pak army and it gained nothing except creating panic among the people. The polls in J&K are at its fag end today and the Pak troops have displayed their desperation.

It may be recalled that Hiranagar remained in focus on Oct 1 and thereafter, when terrorists who crossed border, struck the bus stand killing several innocent people and later a DSP in fierce gun-battle.

It is also being apprehended that Pakistani troops might have resorted to shelling to facilitate infiltration.

22 Singers participated in all India Bhaint Competition at Katra

Excelsior Correspondent

Katra, Oct. 8: As a part of Navratra festival at Katra,22 singers from within and outside the state participated in the All India Bhaint/ Devotional songs competition held here last evening. It was organized by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and State Tourism Department.

Mr. Anil Sarup resident of Jalandhar bagged 1st prize of Rs.5,000 while as 2nd prize of Rs.3,000 gone to Mr. Nirbhay Singh Salathia and Rakesh Singh Salathia R/o Jammu and 3rd prize of Rs.2,000 was awarded to Mr. Vikram Khajuria R/o Udhampur. The Additional Chief Executive Officer, Shri Matra Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Mr. M.K. Dwivedi who was the Chief guest on the occasion distributed prizes among the best singers.

Earlier, a colorful cultural procession was taken out from Bhomika Mandir after lighting the tradition lamp by Shrine Board Member Mr. D.V. Batra. Liaison officer, Navratra festival, Mr. Soujanya Sharma, Prominent citizens, pilgrims, large number of volunteers of various social organisations participated in the procession which passed through the main bazar and culminated at H.S.S. Katra. The devotees who joined the procession sang devotional songs and danced on the tune of drum beat.

Other attractions of Navratra festival was Maha Sheranwali a dance drama presented by the Songs and Drama Division in the premises of Hr. secondary school, Katra.

Militants steal headlines on poll day

JAMMU, Oct 8: Militants and their Pakistani backers made news on polling day in all four rounds of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections ending today.

On September 16, the first round of the elections began with Pakistani shells landing in Poonch town and its nearby areas. A house was destroyed in the heart of Poonch town.

But in a resounding rebuff to the militants and their backers, as many as 52 per cent of the 1.5 million electorate voted in the 23 Assembly constituencies where polling was done in the first round.

In phase two of the elections, nearly 50 per cent of the 2.20 million electorate turned up to vote for the 263 candidates in the fray from the 15 Assembly segments of Srinagar and Budgam districts.

But militants stole the headlines. The day began with a live telecast of an operation against two militants holed up in a house at Gogji Bagh in Srinagar. In the evening militants stormed the Akshardham temple at Gandhinagar in Gujarat, killing 44 people and injuring scores of others.

On October one, the third phase of the elections began with news that militants had killed eight people at Hiranagar Morh on the Jammu-Pathankot highway. People in Kathua district came out to vote in large numbers, nonetheless.

More than 50 per cent turnout was recorded in all five Assembly constituencies of Kathua district — Kathua, Basoli, Bani, Hiranagar and Billawar.

Long queues were seen outside the polling station at the Government school in Hiranagar. "Please tell the world that we all went to vote," said Gulzari Lal Chandan at Kootah Morh, five km from the site where the militants had sprayed bullets and lobbed grenades that morning.

Today’s attack on the town hall polling station in Doda town occurred even as polling was to start for the last round of the Jammu and Kashmir elections. (UNI)