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

Pak religious right on offensive
Ever-green ISI to keep J&K pot boiling

By B L Kak

JAMMU, Oct. 14: Indications are by no means uncertain that Pakistan’s ever-green intelligence agency, better known as ISI, may not hesitate to increase the terror level in Jammu and Kashmir. Apparently encouraged by the impressive showing at the hustings in Pakistan by the religious right, the ISI in particular and the religion-ridden component of the all-powerful military establishment in general will continue to aid and abet insurgency, militancy and terrorism in J&K.

That Islamabad will not allow suspension of "moral, political and diplomatic support to Kashmiri freedom-fighters" has, significantly, been confirmed by the print and electronic media of Pakistan. A number of programmes of Government-controlled Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television (PTV- World), monitored by Indian agencies in recent times, particularly in the run-up to the Assembly polls in J&K and after the announcement of results of these polls as also of the Pakistan general election, have, in unambiguous terms, conveyed the message: People and Government of Pakistan will not ignore what has been, and is, happening in Kashmir.

Transcript of several Kashmir-specific programmes of Pak Radio and PTV-World,shown to EXCELSIOR correspondent by a highly-placed Government source, should leave none in doubt about the shape of events to come on this side of the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB). Messages vis-a-vis the continuance of Pakistan’s "special sympathy for and support to Kashmiri people engaged in the freedom-struggle" are, significantly, loud and clear.

The source explained that if Gen. Parvez Musharraf and his military establishment were to honestly and sincerely oblige the international community, particularly the United States, by turning off the J&K-specific infiltration tap, then the mood of the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, and Deputy Prime Minister, Mr LK Advani, would have been different altogether. The fact that Pakistan has no plans to abandon its policy of aiding and abetting cross-border terrorism and infiltration has been established by the recent utterances of Islamist radicals of Pakistan.

Most of these extremists belong to the Muttahida Mujlis-e-Amal (MMA), a loose grouping of half a dozen right-wing parties, which captured the sensitive North-Western Frontier Province (NWFP) at the just-concluded elections in Pakistan. The MMA also held the balance in the new National Assembly. The development has been regarded as crucially important for the large sections of extremist elements within the ISI and the military establishment of that country.

Pakistan’s North-Western Frontier Province, it is universally known, has been, and continues to be, the most important launching pad for various categories of jihadis meant for operations in Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere in India and in countries where American installations or interests have already become visible.

The capture of NWFP bordering Afghanistan by the religious right has captured hearts of pro-Taliban and anti-India elements in Pakistan, particularly of the ISI. Massive expansion of the ISI network, in recent years, has also been facilitated by the growth of the jihadi influence and their gun culture. No wonder, in the absence of any decisive drive by Islamabad to end cross-border terrorism and infiltration, particularly in J&K, the fear of fresh rounds of terrorist violence in the post-poll era—all at the instance of Pakistan—has increased.

Had the signals from across the border been somewhat encouraging or positive, then Mr LK Advani wouldn’t have publicly asserted in New Delhi on Sunday that there "there will be no talks with Pakistan or Pakistan-backed terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir until Pakistan stopped sponsoring cross-border terrorism". EXCELSIOR was officially told that in view of Islamabad’s reiterated standpoint justifying the ongoing "freedom-struggle by Kashmiri people", Mr Advani had strong reasons as he put forth his "calculated" argument: Dialogue and cross-border terrorism cannot go together.

The authorities in Delhi and the separatist leadership in the Valley expect that the successful conduct of the polls in the State could jump-start their stalled dialogue. But security agencies are of the view that this kind of optimism ignores the "fact" that hundreds of hardened jihadis and militants, mostly Pakistanis, are unlikely to abandon the gun.

According to oneintelligence assessment, these elements owe no allegiance to the Hurriyat Conference and many among them are out of control of the Pakistani authorities.Part of the assessment runs thus: How deadly these elements are has been reflected by the various fidayeen attacks.As all the dreaded elements haven’t been eliminated so far, one can anticipate some, if not many, strikes from them in coming days and weeks.

EME celebrates Corps Day

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Oct 14: The Corps of Electronic and Mechanical Engineers (EME) is celebrating 59th Corps Day tomorrow ( Oct 15).

The EME has always kept the motto of the Corps ‘ Karm Hi Dharam’ flying high in all spheres. The Corps has contributed enormously in maintaining the operational fitness of Army equipment, especially during operations and in counter insurgency areas, in Northern Command. The EME has lived up to its reputation and associated itself with repairs and maintenance of hi-tech, multi-disciplinary weapon system, information technology, communication and aviation equipment both in field and peace condition. The EME units are also organising a fair and ‘ Barakhana’ and variety entertainment programmes.

Gen S Padmanabhan, Chief of Army Staff while complimenting the Corps said "your performance has been commendable in keeping the weapons and equipment of the Army in a high state of operation. The continued induction of complex sophisticated state-of the art equipment in the army has opened up many challenging vistas for the Corps. Induction of complex equipment with mounting sophistication and variety in our Army is an inevitable process.

Organising the maintenance, repair and overhaul of such equipment requires excellence in technical competence and managerial skills. Constant updating of training of personnel, procurement of machines and application of management techniques must be the order of the day.

Lt Gen S K Jain, the Director General of the EME said that working ethos and the training philosophy have undergone radical changes to meet the demand of a very high degree of professional competence and management skills. " I am very confident that every member of the Eagles family will rise to met the challenges of the future with vigour, dedication, sense of pride and purpose. "

Plus 2 lecturers demand time bound promotion

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Oct 14: A meeting of Plus 2 Lecturers Forum, district Rajouri, was held under the presidentship of Mr Ram Parkash Sharma in which all the office bearers of Forum and staff secretaries of various higher secondary schools participated.

As per a release the House discussed in detail the long pending demands of the cadre and the house was of the opinion that only Plus 2 lecturers have been deprived of Time Bound Promotion which is a sheer violation of human rights. While right from primary teacher to University lecturer is getting the benefit of the same except the plus 2 cadre.

The House extended full support to the provincial body for launching a struggle to get the long pending demands like time bound promotion, removal of grade anamolies, creation of vice principal post, solved by the authorities.

All the speakers criticised the Board authorities for appointing college lecturers as inspectors in 12th class examination.

Mr Abdul Raouf Dar, Forum general secretary, requested the Director School Education to allot the grants and authorize Principals to purchase the science material so that need based articles were purchased which otherwise is not provided. He also appealed the Board authorities to clear the examination bills without any delay.

Others who spoke on the occasion included Messrs Anil Kumar, Sita Ram, Arif Iqbal Malik, Ashok Kumar, Lal Hussain, Ravi Mathur, P D Sharma, Mohd Iqbal Chowdhary and Tanveer Ahmed Mir.

Prisons pensioners’ plea to State Govt

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 14: The working committee of Prisons Retired Employees Welfare Association in a meeting held here today urged upon the authorities to expedite the process of framing welfare rules and constitution of Welfare Board as envisaged in the Jail mannual for the retired prison personnel on police pattern.

As per a release, Krishan Singh president of the Association while addressing the gathering said that pensioners in their old age need more care and compassion which is eluding them in the existing materialistic situation. In the police department several welfare measures are in vogue and quite recently about 130 children of the retired police personnel have reportedly been provided jobs in the department.

The Central Government and many other state governments are taking steps to make the living of senior citizens a bit of comfortable. Similar kinds of welfare measures are required to be adopted in respect of the retired prison personnel as well so that they get some relief and respite.

Reimbursement of OPD/ Hospitalisation expenses of the retirees and their dependent family members is yet another important issue which deserve priority attention of the State Government.

Pahari legislators’ victory celebrated

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Oct 14: Pahari Action Committee District Rajouri comprising of various Pahari organisations have congratulated winning Pahari candidates, Th Puran Singh, Th Rashpal Singh, Raja Mohd Aslam Khan, Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari, G M Jhan and Dr Romesh Chander for their glorious victory in Assembly elections.

According to a release, the meeting was presided over by Mr C P Sharma and organised by Pahari people movement general secretary, Shahbaz Khan to celebrate the victory of Pahari winning candidates from Rajouri and Poonch. Prominent among those who addressed the meeting included—N H Rahi, Vijay Sharma, P N Sharma, Mohd Sadiq Khan, K A Janam, M A Lone, K U Malik, Mohd Younis Mirza, Mushtaq Ahmed Sheikh, Riaz Ahmed Malik, N H Shah, Kramit Malik, Manzoor Khan, Rakesh Sawhney, Shafayat Khan, Vijay Kochar, Shakeel Mirza and Dr Khursheed.

Mr Shahbaz Khan, general secretary while speaking on the occasion, strongly hailed the statement of Th Puran Singh delivered in today’s victory rally pledging that he will leave no stone unturned for Pahari cause and struggle for ST Status.

Mr Khan said the constitution of the J&K at its outset recognised only four languages viz Urdu, Kashmiri, Dogri and Pahari. Other languages found their place in the constitution in the latter years. In the census of 1911, 1921, 1931, 1941 and 1961 etc., the mother tongue of the majority stands registered as Pahari.

The Pahari speaking people’s action committee District Rajouri is optimistic that the Central and State Governments, feeling the pulse of the time and need of the hour shall take a serious note of the issue being genuine and justified and save the situation taking an ugly turn.

Money power, caste factor led to defeat: JSM leader

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 14: Prof Virender Gupta, candidate of Jammu State Morcha from Jammu West constituency has held that money power and caste factor responsible for his defeat.

Prof Gupta alleged that candidates of Congress and National Conference distributed excessive money among the king-pins to purchase the voters through their agents. He added that Congress candidate exploited caste factor and begged votes in the name of his caste. He charged the BSP with shifting its vote bank towards Congress candidate under a secret deal.

Prof Gupta said Kashmiri Pandits voted in favour of Congress under the fear generated by Congress in the formation of a separate State. He also questioned the wisdom of Kashmiri Pandits and expressed surprise on the fact that Kashmiri Pandit community on the one hand demand for a separate Home-Land, while Panun Kashmir on the other opposes statehood demand of Jammuites? He emphasized that they are more secure in a separate Jammu state than in a neglected and frustrated Jammu province as a part of J&K State.

He also blamed the Central as well as State Election Commissions besides authorities for rigging the election by a calculated move of tempering with the voter list. The defective voter lists which deprived genuine voters of their right to cast vote was responsible for low turnover of the votes which lead to his defeat.

The voters rights were tempered in a manner to benefit Congress and NC, he charged and demanded a thorough inquiry in to this whole affair and punishment for those responsible for tempering with the voter lists.

He said that present elections have strengthened the movement for a separate Jammu state. The name of Jammu State Morcha and its objectives have reached the nook and corner of Jammu province. he said that organizational network of JSM at the grass root level shall be strengthened and a massive agitation shall be launched for Separate Jammu State in the near future.

Wellmann kitchens opens showroom at Gandhi Nagar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 14: Wellmann Kitchens, a franchise of AM2PM New Delhi-Mumbai today opened its showroom at Gandhi Nagar where modular kitchens and accessories are available.

Wellmann Kitchens which has its plant at Greater Noida has been manufacturing modular kitchens as per the customer specification. The modularkitchens and accessories are being planned with comforts and convenience to suit budget and function.

Modular kitchens operates on the principal of "work flow triangle" or "Main job": "Refrigerator—stove—sink", as decreasing distance between them makes cooking, economical and energy saving process.

According to Ms Priya Kohli, promoter of Wellmann Kitchens the modular kitchen consist of wooden cabinets which can accommodate accessories like an electric chimney, gas oven, micro oven, sink double washing, refrigerator, utensil cabinets, pull out larder cabinets to keep boxes, detergent racks and paper folder etc.

Modular Kitchens are available in brown wood as well as Mahogany and comprises of real wood. The cuts are straight with fewer curves, going with the minimalist look. The price of the modular Kitchen ranges from Rs 80,000 to Rs 4,00,000 depending on size, accessories and the finish.

"There are two options one the more economical one is to plan your own kitchen and get it made from a carpenter, than senstise it as per your needs and requirements", Ms Kohli said and added that "though economical but it is an exhausting job and the finish is usually not as desired.

The second is to go for a hassle free, readymade "modular kitchens". The professionals of the company after getting basic information from the customer with regard to space, design and budget can get the modular kitchens designed excellently.

Even the top architects are of the opinion that modular kitchens are the answer to the cooking needs, comfort and convenience to suit budget as kitchens have a special place in everybody’s life style and not only well maintained and well managed but also comfortable.

Plea to PSC Chairman

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 14: Mr Ranjeet Singh, who appeared in CS Competitive Exams (Preliminary) examination vide Roll Number 111949 and his application number 000096 dated 8=-9-2002 at Guru Harkishan Public School, Nanak Nagar at Sub Centre-C.

As per a release Mr Ranjeet Singh has stated that for the general studies he was allotted C-series and later on in the second shift for optional study paper (Zoology), I was given question paper of A Series. Now in the supervisory staff members instructed us and even I did not know about this as I had appeared for the first time.

After some time I was told that me series was not correct and my paper would be rejected.

Mr Karnail Singh, R/o Banzul (Kastigarh), tehsil and District Doda has appealed the concerned authorities to the needful as he has done everything right and that he was confident of getting through.

KAS aspirants’plea to PCS authorities

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 14: The KAS aspirants with history as optional subject in a meeting held here today, expressed grave concern regarding the imbalanced setting of optional paper, depriving them of the good marks as compared to other subjects.

As per a release, the aggrieved aspirants including students, scholars, Government employees strongly demanded modernisation on the UPSC pattern in order to bring them out of the mental frustration.

While speaking on the occasion, several representatives including Sarbjeet Singh, Shahid Hussain, Sheikh Parvez Iqbal, Mohd Saleem, Raj Mohammed, Malik Sajjad Haider, Raman Balla Sharma, Farooq Malik Tarlochan Singh and others threatened to launch a massive campaign against the authorities concerned if their demand is not mitigated.

It was also demanded that a team of History experts may be constituted to examine the standard and pattern of questions as majority of questions were multi-answered.

Gupta is new Jammu Bar president

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 14: Mr A V Gupta has been elected as president while Mr Rajesh Gupta as vice-president of the Bar Association, Jammu.

As per a release, Mr Gupta, a senior lawyer of the J&K High Court and former Additional Advocate General, bagged 281 votes while Mr V K Maggu 69 in the elections held here on Saturday. He also remained Standing Council for Government of India for long period. Mr Sandeep Singh is new secretary while Mr S S Jamwal, joint secretary of the Bar Association, Jammu.

Bhim lambasts Mehbooba for anti Jammu bashings
NPP extends unconditional support to Congress

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 14: Taking a pro Jammu stance, National Panthers Party (NPP) supremo, Prof Bhim Singh has declared that his Party will provide unconditional support to Congress in Government formation in case it projects the Chief Ministerial candidate from this region.

The Panthers Party chief who was talking to media persons here this morning alongwith Party MLAs Messrs Harsh Dev Singh and Faqir Nath, made it categorical that in case the Congress is going to form the Government in the State and it lists a leader from Jammu for the Chief Minister’s post, his Party will provide unconditional support to the Party.

Under these circumstances I will withdraw my claim to be the Chief Ministerial candidate, he said,adding the NPP will not support the Party in case a Chief Ministerial candidate is projected from Kashmir Valley.

Reiterating his claim that he is still in race for the Chief Ministerial post in case the Congress fails to Project a candidate from Jammu, he said this is a verdict against corruption and misgoverance hence all the secular parties should join hands and support the NPP in Govt formation.

Prof Singh said he is the first minority member from Jammu whose name has been proposed as Chief Ministerial candidate and I expect support from all secular parties.

He also made a dig at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vice president Ms Mehbooba Mufti for saying that her Party will not support the candidature of Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad and termed it a immature statement which shows the PDP leader lacks political will.

Reminding her about the secular credentials of people of Jammu he said these were the Jammuites who elected her father and PDP supremo Mr Mufti Mohammed Sayed to State Assembly from R S Pura when the later was humbled in Bijbehara and Hom Shalibug constituencies during 1983 elections.

Lashing out at Ms Mehbooba, Prof Singh said her remarks are insulting and amount to causing aspersion on great nationalist Dogras and Muslims of Jammu region.

He Questioned why a member from Jammu can not be the Chief Minister of the State when it has more number of voters, more population and more area than Kashmir.

He said NC has been rejected by the people and PDP does not have a single MLA from Jammu so they can not claim to be the representatives of Jammu people.

Prof Singh alleged that Jammu has been subjected to discrimination and people faced suppression and oppression for last 55 years. He said Kashmiris have always stood for Kashmiriyat which is a symbol of secularism and to preserve it they should support the candidature of minority community for Chief Ministerialship.

Tight security arrangements for Dussehra finalised

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 14: Elaborate security arrangements have been made for the smooth and peaceful conduct of Dussehra festival in the winter capital here tomorrow.

The District Administration, in view of the threat perception from the militants, is in no mood to take any chance this time. The additional police and para-military force personnel are being deployed throughout the city and the entry and exit routes of the city are being plugged.

A large number of Hindu devotes are expected to participate in this festival which marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. In other words, this festival reminded us of the victory of good over the evil.

The Hindu devotees make effigies of the Ravana, his brother Kumbkarna and son-Meghnath and burn them every year to mark the occasion.

Like every-year, the huge effigies of these three—have been made at the Parade Ground and the Dussehra Ground Gandhinagar. The activists of Sanatan Dharam Sabha and other Hindu devotees associated with the creation of impressive tall effigies were seen giving final touch to their work. They fitted fire-works, crackers etc. in the body of the effigies which will be set on fire at Parade ground and Gandhinagar ground at 5 pm on Tuesday.

A senior official told Excelsior that the traffic will also be diverted to the alternative route at parade Ground and also near Gandhinagar Dussehra ground for about three hours in the afternoon for the smooth conduct of the festival.

A ‘Rath Yatra’ carrying the tableau of Lord Rama and Laxman will start from historic Dewana Mandir at Pacca Danga and will culminate at Dussehra Ground, Parade where Rama will set afire the tableaus amidst the drum and band beatings and massive celebrations. The members of Sanatan Dharam Sabha and Dewana Mandir Natak Samaj besides others are actively connected with the celebrations of Dussehra in Jammu on Tuesday.

A huge rush of devotees was also witnessed at Tawi and Canal banks today at the concluding day of Navratras. On the occasion of Ram Navmi today, special functions were organised at different places in the temples of the city. The holy crop (Sakh), sown on the first Navratra was taken away and allowed to flow in the river and Ranbir Canal by the devotees after performing Pooja in the morning here today.

Sai Baba’s Samadi Diwas coinciding with
Dussehra for first time

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 14: For the first time in last 84 years after Sai Baba of Shirdi attained the Nirwana, the Samadi Diwas of this great Saint of India is falling on Dussehra. The day also coincides with October 15 and Tuesday.

This was stated by Mr Bushan Lal Kaul Kothidar a noted scholar and disciple of Sai Baba whose book Sai Satchartra (Sab Ka Malik Ek) hit the stalls recently. This is the first ever book in Urdu in which Sai Baba’s life history and teachings have been profiled.

Prof Kaul in his book has mentioned that Sai Baba has occupied a pride place in the galaxy of Indian saints. In his commentary on this great Indian saint he said Sai Baba’s life is full of deep mystery which is as wide as blue sky and as deep as the way ward ocean.

Commenting on the life and teachings of Baba the author says he has shown the path of universal love, unity and good will for the benefit of humanity, irrespective of religion, caste creed and colour or nationality. The people belonging to all faiths in India and abroad have been deeply influenced by his teachings.

Kaul’s book on Sai Baba has been widely acclaimed and he has been declared a noted scholar by Jammu University. The Sai Satchartra has been appreciated by former President of India and Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee.

Kaul has not assigned the copyright to anyone and all sale proceeds, royalty and profit has instead been dedicated by him to Free Prasadalay Langer of Shirdi which shows his devotion and submission towards his divine master.

He worked on the manuscript with Prof Zahur-ud-Din Dean Faculty of Arts and former Head of the Department Jammu University of Urdu. Prof R R Sharma, Vice Chancellor, Jammu University while making comments on the book said the ideas illustrated in it are symbolic of India’s secular character. He said the Baba in his message has shown the path of love unity and good will for all.

He termed the book a monumental task of Mr Kaul who deserves all commendation for his efforts.

The Book was released on Guru Purnima day by Mr D M Sukhankar Chairman Sai Sansthan Shridi in the Samadi Mandir.

The Samadi Diwas will be observed tomorrow all over India and abroad by the Devotees and disciples of the Baba. A grand function will also be held in Sai Baba Temple at Dumel Katra.

IRP employee slits own throat outside
Sudh Mahadev Temple

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Oct 14: A class-fourth employee of Indian Reserve Police (IRP) third Battalion allegedly made an attempt to end his life by slitting his throat outside Sudh Mahadev Temple.

Giving details, Police said that Suresh Kumar, son of Govind Ram of Chak Rakhwala under the jurisdiction of Chenani Police Station, had left his house for Srinagar, where he was posted, few days back. But instead of joining his duty, he reached Sudh Mahadev Mandir where he stayed for atleast four days.

Today morning, the Pujari of the temple noticed Suresh Kumar in pool of blood with his throat slitted. He immediately raised alarm and with the help of devotees informed the Chenani Police about the incident.

A police party reached the spot soon after getting the information and shifted the critically injured Suresh Kumar to District Hospital Udhampur where doctors referred him to Government Medical College and Hospital for specialised treatment.

His condition was stated to be critical when reports last came in. But doctors are continously monitoring his condition.

During investigation, Police recovered a suicide note, addressed to parents, from the pocket of the youth. In the note, he mentioned that he was going to commit suicide due to some reasons and he should be forgiven for this act.

He, through the note, asked his parents to get a Samadhi on his name constructed near the temple as this step will give peace to his soul.

He preferred liquor than family

Excelsior Correspondent

NOWSHERA, Oct 14: It may sound incredible but it is a fact that a father has made his three children orphan by killing his wife and himself committing suicide.

He had to choose one thing between liquor and future of his children but his decision was in the favour of liquor which was dearer to him above all.

The repeated requests of his wife to stop consuming liquor had not only fallen on deaf ears but provoked him to kill her and then himself commit suicide.

This is exactly the story of one Gurdas Singh, son of Jeevan Singh of village Gagota under the jurisdiction of Nowshera Police Station who last mid-night done to death his wife Shanu alias Rano and later ended his life.

According to police, he was habitual of consuming liquor and on everyday he used to quarrel with his wife and sometime even with children.

Day in and day out Shanu was being beaten blue and white by her husband, who used to come at home under the influence of heavy liquor.

Last evening, he too come in the same condition and entered into verbal dual with his wife, who once again dared to object to her husband consuming liquor daily.

The cruel Gurdas Singh severely assualted his wife infront of his children and later slept.

At mid-night, he suddenly woke up and once again started beating his wife, who was fast sleeping. After severely assualting Shanu, he strangulated her to death.

After sometime, Gurdas Singh committed suicide by hanging himself with the ceiling fan without giving even a single thought to the future of his children.

The hapless children were fast sleeping in the adjoining room and were not aware of the fact that they had become orphans. It was only in the morning that they came to know about the harsh reality.

On hearing the cries of the children, the neighbours rushed to the house of Gurdas Singh and found both husband-wife dead. They informed Nowshera Police which led by SHO Mr Kotwal reached the spot and shifted the bodies to hospital for post-mortem.

The reports of post-mortem are awaited.

One killed, 4 injured in road accidents

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 14: Body of an unidentified youth was recovered from Greater Kailash Colony while as one person was killed and four others were injured in separate road accidents.

The body of youth was recovered from Greater Kailash Colony by Gangyal Police. The face of the body was badly eaten by some animals and it was beyond recognition.

The body has been lying in the mortuary of the Government Medical College and Hospital for identification. Some animals were eating the face of the body when police reached the spot.

Meanwhile, one person was killed and three others were injured in collission between Tata Sumo bearing registration number UP-81H-4358 and truck number 4707/PB06B at Baghwal Morh in Kathua district.

Getting the report of accident, a police party immediately rushed to the spot and started rescue operation. All the injured were rushed to district hospital where doctors pronounced one of them as brought dead. The condition of three others was stated to be out of danger. The deceased has been identified as Ram Nath, son of Gyan Lal of Dhiyan Pura in UP.

In another road accident, one Shiv Dutt, son of Nanak Chand was critically injured when a Maruti car JK02R-0796 being driven by him was hit by a speeding CRPF vehicle number DL1GC-4934 near Moh Maya Temple under the jurisdiction of Bagh-e-Bahu Police Station.

The injured has been hospitalised and his condition was stated to be critical.

HC directive to Edu Deptt

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 14: In a case of discrimination between the employees of Education Department of Jammu region and that of Kashmir, the State High Court has directed Principal Secretary Education and Director School Education Jammu to accord the benefit to the petitioners also from the date of creation of posts of Senior Assistants, in the same manner as has been done to their counter-parts working in Kashmir division.

The petitioners would be given notional benefits and this be done within a period of three months from the date a copy of this order is made available by the petitioners to the respondents and also to Mr W S Nargal, Advocate appearing for the Education Department, the High Court held.

This judgment was passed in a writ petition filed by Sardool Singh and others through Advocate S-Kour, wherein Justice T S Doabia, while admitting the petition, said that the counter has not been filed.

As such, the ascertains made in the petition are taken as correct and this petition is accordingly disposed of with the directions to the respondent- State.

In the petition, it was submitted that petitioners were promoted as Senior Assistants after the clearance given by the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) in 1992, but the petitioners were performing the duties of Sr Assistants and presently the petitioners are posted in District Project Office Adult Education Poonch, CEO Poonch, ZEO Office Harni, ZEO Office Punoyian and ZEO Office Bufliaz and performing their duties efficiently.

The petitioners were promoted against the clear vacancies which were sanctioned in February 1987. Out of 20 sanctioned posts, 10 each were from Jammu and Kashmir regions. While the promotees of Kashmir were given retrospective effect from 1987, those from Jammu were not given the same treatment, forcing the petitioners to move the High Court.

Gupta asks party men to work with responsibility, care

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 14: Union Minister of State, for Defence and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta has exhorted his Party men to work with greater responsibility and care in view of its debacle in recently held Assembly elections in the state.

Addressing a meeting of Party men at Kugwal in Hiranagar today, he said the setback to the Party in these elections and resurgence of Congress is a matter of concern for BJP.

While predicting that the present Assembly will not last long he urged the BJP workers to redouble their efforts in strengthening the organization from today.

Prof Gupta said defeat and victories are the part of democratic way of life which are not the permanent features but the workers have to play an important role in winning back the confidence of the people. In this regard he pointed out that National Conference (NC) has been badly defeated even in those Assembly segments where the Party had got a huge lead in the parliamentary by elections.

On the re-emergence of Congress he said this development is a dangerous signal for the nation as the Party leadership was responsible for the present situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said there would have been no Kashmir problem today had Congress shown a political will and maturity in tackling the issue during its rule at Centre. He also blamed Congress leadership for the forced exile of Maharaja Hari Singh who had signed the instrument of accession with Union Government.

Sanction must for prosecution of an employee: High Court

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 14: The State Court has held that sanction is must for prosecution of an employees in a criminal case.

This observation was made by Justice T S Doabia in two Criminal Revisions filed by State Government in a case of Rajni Sehgal and others, then posted Suptd Sub Jail Reasi.

Quoting various judgments of Bombay High Court, J&K High Court, Guwahati High Court, Punjab High Court, Andhra Pradesh High Court and various others courts, Justice Doabia in his order, approved for reporting, said that the court is of the opinion that the interpretation which helps a citizen in a criminal case should be preferred. Therefore, following the views expressed by AP High Court and Patna High Court whose view was infact noticed by Guwahati High Court and on which decision reliance was placed by the Court of Revision, it was maintained that the prosecution of the respondents is not possible unless sanction is obtained.

With these observations, the revision petitions filed by the State Government were dismissed.

These revision petitions which were filed after the findings of Sessions Judge Udhampur, in which the trial court had held that the prosecution of the accused is not possible unless sanction is obtained.

The case pertained to that of Mrs Rajni Sehgal, posted as incharge Suptd Sub Jail Reasi from 1993 to 1996. During this period, she is alleged to have committed large number of irregularities in the purchase of electrical bulbs to the tune of over Rs two lakh. A case was registered against her. The trial court had maintained that the accused cannot be prosecuted without the sanction.

Governor, CM greets people on Dussehra

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 14: Jammu and Kashmir Governor Girish Chandra Saxena and caretaker Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah today extended warm greetings and good wishes to people of the State on the auspicious festival of Dussehra.

In his message, the Governor said the festival of Dussehra which commemorates the defeat of evil forces represented by Ravana at the hands of Lord Rama, the epitome of virtue, has been celebrated in our country from times immemorial.

"As a part of our cultural and religious traditions, this festival is also celebrated as Vijayadashami to reaffirm our belief in ultimate triumph of virtue against all odds," he said.

The Governor expressed hope that the festival this year will usher in a new era of peace, prosperity for the people in the State.

In a separate message, Abdullah said the festival marks the victory of truth over evil. "Let us celebrate Dussehra in best tradition of our composite culture," he said hoping that the day will be a harbinger for peace, brotherhood and tranquility.

CPI(M) to support Govt formed by parties
other than NC, BJP

TIRUPATI, Oct 14: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) will support a Government formed by parties other than the National Conference and the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir as the two NDA constituents had lost the confidence of the people in the just-concluded Assembly elections, CPI(M) politburo member Sitaram Yechuri said today.

"Our two MLAs will support a Government formed by anybody other than these two," he told newspersons here.

The Marxist leader ridiculed the NC for trying to form a Government with the BJP on the claim that it had emerged as the single-largest party, saying that amounted to acting against the verdict of the electorate.

He accused the Centre of adopting a "double-track strategy" on the Kashmir issue. On the one hand, the Government was willing for a dialogue with Pakistan if cross-border terrorism ended, while on the other it was trying to create confidence among the people through discussions on giving autonomy to the state.

On disinvestment, Mr Yechuri said there was disappointment among the NDA allies, who were trying to show to the people that they were opposed to it. This was keeping in view of the coming elections, he claimed.

Referring to the drought prevailing in many parts of the country, Mr Yechuri asked the Centre to release the available food-stocks freely to the states based on the drought report, without discriminating on the basis of the party which was in power.

On the Cauvery dispute, he asked Karnataka to implement the Supreme Court verdict. He reiterated his party’s stand that a national water policy be formulated so that such issues could be resolved. Also, linking up of rivers should be taken up to combat drought and flood situation at the national level. (UNI)

Nine day long Mata Pingla Devi Yatra concludes

Excelsior Correspondent

RAMNAGAR, Oct 14: The nine day long Mata Pingla Devi pilgrimage which started on first Navratra concluded here today with Kanya Pujan (worship of girls).

As per a release, over 40,000 pilgrims visited Pingla Devi Shrine to pay their obeisance. The Akhand Jyoti which was taken on Sunday was accompanied by 25,000 pilgrims.

All the arrangements for the Yatris were made by Akhand Jyoti Committee. Mr O P Jandial, convenor of the Committee in a handout issued here today said the Committee has taken this Yatra for 16th time this season.

He said free langers were arranged by the various philonthrophist organizations for the pilgrims enroute to Mata Pangla Devi Bhawan. Several doctors from Udhampur collectively organized a medical camp and distributed free medicines to the yatris and the Akhand Jyoti Committee has also organized a big Bhandara (Community meal) at Bhawan.

The Committee however took the administration to task for its failure in making the arrangements for the Yatris. It alleged no cooperation was provided to the Committee by the administration in conducting the yatra or organizing the Navratra festival at Ramnagar.

It complimented the Bharat Scouts and other organizations for providing their assistance in taking out the Akhand Jyoti Yatra.