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

Hurriyat directly involved in terrorism in J&K
Pakistan centre of terrorist activities in world: Sharad
* Farooq planning to settle abroad

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 12: Union Minister for Food and Civil Supplies and Janata Dal United president Mr Sharad Yadav has said that Pakistan has emerged as the centre of terrorists activities in the world and has posed a potential threat to various peace loving countries.

Addressing a press conference here today, Mr Yadav who has come here for the election campaign in favour of his Party candidates, said that Pakistan is trying its best to sabotage the election process in Jammu and Kashmir. Infact, the Pak regime is the enemy of democracy and it has been proved with the toppling of several democratically elected Governments on its soil in the past.

Referring to the terrorists attack at Surankot in Poonch during an election rally yesterday where 14 people were killed and also the assassination of National Conference Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Mushtaq Ahmed Lone by the militants, the Union Minister said that Pakistan will never sit idle and still trying its best to derail the election process in the Jammu and Kashmir.

The Indian leadership was apprehending such attacks by the Pak-terrorists but it’s committed to conduct free-and fair elections in the State despite challenge posted by terrorists. The Election Commission of India is concentrating in the free and fair conduct of polls in J&K while Pak-aided terrorists are trying to terrorise the voters who are undeterred and are prepared to face the challenge boldly. He expressed that Pak will not remain as nation and is going to be perish due to its acts in near future.

The JD United chief claimed that India crushed militancy in Punjab and Assam with the power of democracy and elections and hopefully, the problem in J&K will also be resolved to some extent. He, however, regretted the non-involvement of several Kashmiri leaders in the democratic process.

Launching a scathing attack on separatists leaders in Kashmir, the Union Minister without naming anybody alleged that ‘so called’ Hurriyat leaders are abetting militancy in the State and this has been proved several times. It is unfortunate that such people are moving freely and meeting any body despite carrying secessionist activities in the country.

Supporting the decision of the Election commission of India for announcing elections in J&K, Mr Yadav said his Party has welcomed this decision and free and fair election will give some relief to the people in J&K. The people have suffered a lot and especially the weavers, those connected with handicrafts and shikarawallas are worst affected due to militancy. There is need to overcome unemployment, carry on development works and provide basic facilities to the people of this State.

Coming down heavily on the defectors in his party in J&K, especially those six legislators who embraced NC and Congress besides the Party president in J&K, Maqbool Dar, Mr Sharad said these "Chatru-Manglu ...Dal Badlu" , are mainly responsible for weakening JD in the state and damaging its image. There is need of a strong law to overcome this menance, he maintained.

Responding to a question Mr Yadav admitted that it is unjustified to deprive Pakistan refugees even after 55 years here of voting rights for assembly elections while they are already exercising their franchise in Lok Sabha elections. He claimed to take up the issue with the Central Government.

Later, addressing a rally at Bishnah in favour of his Party candidate Mr Ashok Naglia Mr Yadav said that Farooq on one hand is raising the issue of Autonomy and on the other hand he is planning to settle abroad. He alleged that Central funds worth crores have been grabbed by the Chief Minister, its family and the NC Ministers and there should be a probe into it.

He said a large number of people have been affected due to militancy and worst affected are from labour class and those connected with handicrafts. There is a need to promote tourism and rehabilitate these people. The Union Minister appealed the people to support JD (U) candidates for the better development.

Party general Mr Arun Shrivastav, Mr Peter Smart, Mr Sanjesh Gupta state president, Mrs Mohni Mohan, Mr Bhagat and Mr Ashok also addressed the rally.

PHE employees

form adhoc body

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Sept 12: Public Health Engineering (PHE) employees of Rajouri district today elected an ad-hoc body for smooth functioning of the organization.

As per a release Mr Tahir Shawl was nominated as working president, in place of Mr Mohd Sadeeq Khan, president, who was mistakenly killed by Army on September 6 at Azmatabad. Mr Shawl was vice president of the union. Other office bearers are Mohd Sharief as vice president, Mohd Bashir Malik as general secretary and Mr Shabir Shawl as president for tehsil Thannamandi.

Harbans castigates Congress, BJP for
anti-NC propaganda

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 12: Mr Harbans Singh, National Conference candidate from Gandhi Nagar Assembly constituency today addressed as many as nine public meetings and opened two more election offices at Malik Market (Narwal) and at Apsara Road.

Cautioning the people to remain vigilant against nefarious and evil designs of enemies, which are bent upon sabotaging the elections in one way or the other, Mr Singh paid rich tributes to Mr Mushtaq Ahmed Lone, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, who was killed by terrorists in Lolab.

Condemning the cowardice act, he said that neither Pakistan nor ISI would allow peaceful polls to be held in the State and held that except NC none else was their target because this is the only political party which has mass base in all the three regions of the State and is sure to return to power once again with thumping majority.

Mr Singh said that people of the State have realized that not militancy but good governance alone was the need of the hour. They know how the National Conference Government has withstood the tests of the time and didn’t allow the developmental activities to be hampered at any cost.

This realization, according to Mr Singh, has enabled the party to make inroads in the areas which were traditionally strongholds of the BJP and Congress in Jammu Division in general and Gandhi Nagar in particular.

He challenged both Congress and the BJP to name any Minister or leader who has ever undertaken such large scale developmental activity in this Assembly segment particularly during a short-period of one and a half year. He lashed out at Congress party for levelling frivolous allegation that NC Government has failed to provide good governance or has not undertaken any developmental activity in this area.

Those who spoke included Messrs Janak Raj Gupta, T S Wazir, Dayal Singh, H C Bhagat, Dr Krishen Kumar, Gurdev Singh, Ram Bhagat and Harnam Singh.

SSB guard found dead
BSP worker among 4 killed, 47 injured in mishaps

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 12: Four persons including a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) worker were killed and 47 injured in separate road accidents.

According to police, BSP worker Joginder Singh was killed and 19 others were injured, six seriously, when the matador in which they were travelling fell into a ditch at Pradhani under the jurisdiction of Majalta Police Station. The ill-fated vehicle bearing registration number JK02F-1447 was on its way to Ramnagar from Khoon village.

Getting the report of accident, a police party immediately rushed to the spot and started rescue operation. All the injured were rushed to Sub-District Hospital in Ramnagar where few of them were referred to District Hospital Udhampur for specialised treatment.

In another road accident, one Vikram Singh, son of Sunder Singh of Bathera Kanachak was killed when his scooter bearing registration number JKU-2696 was hit by a truck bearing registration number JK02D-3725 infront of Polytechnic College, Jammu.

Bleeding profusely, he remained on road side for about half an hour but neither pedestrians nor police personnel deployed outside the College came to his rescue.

Later, secretary of Pradesh Congress Kuldeep Raj Gupta, who was passing through the area, noticed the youth lying in pool of blood and immediately shifted him to Government Medical College and Hospital in his vehicle.

But the youth could not fight for his life and succumbed to his injuries. Doctors said that he died due to excessive bleeding.

A case has been registered in this connection and further investigations were on.

In yet another road accident, one truck bearing registration number JKS-7465 carrying rice from Jammu to Srinagar collided with SRTC bus number JK14-485 coming from Srinagar to Jammu at Makarkot under the jurisdiction of Banihal Police Station as a result of which truck rolled down in nullah.

Driver of the truck Shalu Ram, son of Musa Ram of Bagra alongwith another person died on spot.

Meanwhile, twenty eight people were injured, four of them seriously, when the bus in which they were travelling fell in a gorge at Galigarh in Kishtwar area of Doda district.

The critically injured have been airlifted to Jammu and admitted to Government Medical College Hospital.

The injured have been identified as Sharda Devi, Jatinder Kumar, Hakim Singh, Dewan Singh, Arun Kumar, Narayan Dass, Shashi Kumar, Devi Raj, Hans Raj, Anu Devi, Sita Devi, Sanjay Kumar, Jagdish Raj, Kavi Raj, Azad Hussain, Arif Hussain, Muzaffar Ali, Ashok Kumar and Radha Krishna.

A Constable of 4th Battalion of Special Service Bureau (SSB) was found dead in the guard tent outside the residence of Mr Kuka Parrey. The deceased has been identified as Lal Thlamuna, son of Sanglaiman of Mizoram.

53 kgs of Charas recovered

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 12: A team of Narcotics Control Bureau, J&K unit has recovered 53.200 kilograms of Charas and 29 kilograms of Poppy straw from truck bearing registration number HP-38-2707 at Nagrota.According to a press release, on a specific information on getting the reliable information from the sources a team of Narcotics Control Bureau, J&K unit was constituted and dispatched to Nagrota bypass for checking of the vehicles. The vehicles suspected to be carrying the Narcotics Drug was apprehended at Nagrota By-Pass. The vehicle was empty but the the through search of the above truck resulted in recovery of 53.200 kilograms of charas and 29 kilograms of Poppy Straw which was concealed in false cavity of the fuel tank and driver’s cabin. The occupants of the truck namely Sukhdev Raj son of Munni Lal of Gurdaspur and driver of the vehicle Roshan Lal of Gurdaspur was arrested.

Yash, Somraj, Kuldeep, Bhupinder among
22 file nomination papers

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Sept 12: With big fun fare and processions, 22 candidates today filed their nominations papers for the six Assembly seats of Udhampur district.Five candidates included Mr Som Raj Khajuria, Jammu State Morcha candidate, Mr Yash Pal Khajuria, Congress candidate, Mr Kuldeep Khajuria, National Conference candidate, Mr Vijay Kumar, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate and Mr Ravinder Kumar, Shiv Sena candidate filed their nomination papers for prestigious Udhampur seat.

Mr Som Raj Khajuria (JSM) candidate was taken out in a big procession to file his nomination papers. Shouting slogans in favour of Jammu State, the procession passed through different bazaars of town before reaching at venue. Mr Khajuria was accompanied by Mr Rama Nand Baria, Dr Mahesh Sharma, Dr Kanu Sharma, Mr Rakesh Gupta and large number of workers.

After filing his nomination papers, Mr Khajuria addressed the gathering and told that he was contesting elections for the formation of the separate Jammu state.

Congress candidate, Mr Yash Pal Khajuria also filed their nomination papers for Udhampur seat. A large number of people were present when Mr Khajuria filed their papers. Congress workers were shouting slogans in favour of Congress Party when Mr Khajuria was filing his papers.

National Conference candidate, Mr Kuldeep Khajuria also filed his nomination paper today in the presence of large number of workers. He was taken in a big procession which started from party headquarters and reached the venue.

Mr Vijay Kumar son of Balak Ram, former Congress MLA also filed his nomination paper as BSP candidate. He was also accompanied by big gathering.

Mr Ravinder Kumar of Shiv Sena also filed his nomination papers for this prestigious seat.

For Gulabgarh constituency, Mr Abdul Gani Malik filed his nomination papers as National Conference candidate while Mr Koushal Kumar as independent, Kamal Singh Jamwal as independent, Gopal Krishan of BSP and Jagjivan Lal of National Conference candidate filed their nomination papers for Reasi constituency.

Mr Gulzar Ahmed, National Conference, Abdul Azaz, independent, Tanveer Ahmed, independent, Azah Ahmed Khan, independent, Kuldeep Dubey, independent, Shamsher Singh, independent, Mohammed Abdullah, independent, Prem Singh, independent and Abdul Wahid Shan, National Conference filed their papers for Gool seat.

For Chenani reserved seat, Mr Bodh Raj of Janta Dal (Secular) filed his nomination papers and for Ramnagar seat, Mr Khalil Ullah Qazi of BSP, Subash Chander of NC and Bhupinder Singh of Congress filed their papers.

Operation Prakaram yields good result: Maj Gen Grover

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 12: Major General P K Grover, Chief of Staff, Nagrota Corps today said that Army was all prepared to frustrate the nefarious designs of terrorists.

Speaking on a seminar on ‘Jammu and Kashmir—The Quest for Peace’ organised by the Centre for Strategic and Regional Studies Jammu University in collaboration with 16 Corps, Major General Grover said that Operation Prakaram launched by the Army has yielded good results. He said that entire world has realised that Pakistan was the ‘Fountain Head of Terrorism’.

Expressing satisfaction over increasing peoples’ resentment against terrorism, Maj Gen Grover said that people of the State have realised that terrorism was the real cause of their problems. He said that besides intensifying anti-terrorist campaign, Army has started civic action programmes to provide basic amenities to the inhabitants of this militancy plagued State.

Regarding preparedness of the Army in dealing with Pakistan sponsored cross-border terrorism, Maj General Grover said that Army was all prepare to foil game-plan of terrorists. He said that Army has foiled many infiltration attempts during the last one month.

Mr M K Rasgotra, former Foreign Secretary while speaking at the Valedictory Session of the seminar, said that Pakistan should stop infiltration to bring peace in this region. He said that Pakistan cannot take even an inch of Kashmir through terrorism or proxy war.

Rejecting the demand of converting Line of Control (LoC) into International Border (IB), Mr Rasgotra said that this was not proper time to discuss this issue. "Entire world is fully convinced with our stand on Kashmir", he said and added that India should avail this opportunity.

Terming option of independence as ‘out of context’, former Foreign Secretary said that National Conference Government should have discussed Autonomy with the people of Jammu and Ladakh before sending it for approval of the Centre.

The Two day long seminar was jointly organised by Centre for Strategic and Regional Studies, University of Jammu and 16 Corps of the Army. Experts and intellectuals from all over the country expressed their view points on three important topics which included "Impact of Global Strategic Environment, Changing Parameters of Cross Border Terrorism and Internal Political Dimensions-The Way Ahead".

Lone’s killing aimed at sabotaging J&K polls: PM

NEW YORK, Sept 12: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has asserted that the killing of Jammu and Kashmir Law Minister Mushtaq Ahmad Lone was aimed at sabotaging the coming Assembly elections in the State.

Vajpayee told his Danish counterpart Andersen Fog Rasmussen during a bilateral meeting that "every effort is being made to intimidate the voters and the candidates in Jammu and Kashmir." Denmark currently holds the rotating presidency of the 15-member European Union.

During the talks yesterday, Vajpayee said India is committed to holding a free and fair elections in the State.

Vajpayee said the "acid test" whether cross-border terrorism had ebbed would be evident during the polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Danish Prime Minister condemned terrorism wherever they take place.

Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal told reporters that United States has asked Pakistan not to disrupt the polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

This has been conveyed by US Secretary of State Colin Powell when External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha met him in Washington early this week, Sibal said.

The killings in Jammu and Kashmir are a serious development and give an indication of the designs of the terrorists and their mentors, he said.

"It is our expectation that making this point persistently has had a tremendous weight on our interlocutors," he said, adding India has brought this point to the attention of the French Foreign Minister at a luncheon meeting today by Sinha.

India has persuaded its interlocutors to continue to put pressure on Pakistan, he said, pointing out this is producing results.

On Kashmir, the US is supporting our agenda and it is a "diplomatic success" for India on an issue which has bedevilled our relations with the US and other countries in the past, Sibal said.

There had been a perception in other countries that Kashmiris want independence, human rights are violated and that elections in Kashmir were not a true reflection of the will of the people, Sibal said.

Today the position is that the US, European countries and all major countries have accepted the fact that elections in Kashmir are useful indicators of the wishes of the people, Sibal said.

They are putting their weight behind it and hope that the polls would be violence-free and they are calling on Pakistan not to disrupt the elections, he said.

This is a very significant gain which India has made diplomatically, he said. (PTI)

Ajat holds series of poll gatherings in Nagrota

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 12: Minister for Information and Transport and a National Conference candidate for Nagrota, Mr Ajatshatru Singh today held series of election rallies at Manga, Panjgrain, Chhibba and Berra in Dhansal block of Nagrota segment.

Speaking at these election gatherings, he said that enemy doesn’t want to see people of Jammu and Kashmir as prosperous and they (enemy) have no regard for democratic process.

The Ministe said that the cowardice act of enemy would not deter the people from their democratic responsibilities, as people of the State are united to give a befitting reply to those people who are bent upon to disturb peaceful atmosphere in the State.

Mr Ajat called upon the people to maintain communal harmony and brotherhood at all costs and not to be swayed away by these elements for their vested interests.

The Minister said that people throughout the State are ready to vote, because they want a life free of violence. He said that the ballot is the best way to protest and not the bullet.

The Minister said that during the last six years of rule, NC has faced umber of challenges, but being a discipline party with mass base, it has been working for the betterment of the State and its people. He urged upon the voters of his constituency to support National Conference, so that more development works could be taken up in the constituency.

Samaj Sudhar Committee to support independents

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 12: Jammu and Kashmir State Samaj Sudhar Committee (JKSSC) today declared that the organization will support 22 candidates mostly independents in the state during the ensuing elections.

Talking to mediapersons here today, the Committee chairman, Mr Mohammed Yousf Wani said barring Jammu East and Kalakote the party will support the independents in the rest of the 20 constituencies.

He said in the Jammu East the Party will support National Panthers Party nominee Mr Rajesh Ghondi while in Kalakote it will support the PDP candidate as both are the sympathizers of the Committee.

He said the organization is supporting the candidature of Pawan Kumar from Jammu Cantonment Assembly segment as he being an energetic person is well wisher of the public besides a dedicated social worker.

He said the candidates supported by them will strive for removal of unemployment and providing shelters to the needy people.

He said all the candidates supported by us if elected will come to the expectations of the people of J&K state.

In response to a question that why the organization was not supporting the political parties, Mr Wani said people in the state were fed up with the political parties as they over the years betrayed them.

He said that J&K is an integral part of India and our organization believes in the unity and integrity of the country as the strength of the masses lies in the unity of the country.

He said the secessionist movement has no support on ground in Kashmir but due to the threat of gun people are not revolting against them.

Favoring a dialogue with Hurriyat Conference for resolving the Kashmir crisis , he said his organization is totally against the greater autonomy for J&K.

He also strongly favoured that Jammu region should be granted the status of a state as people of this province face total discrimination.

He also lambasted Government for making hollow claims that situation was limping back to normal in Kashmir saying that gun rules roost still in Valley and the yesterday’s killing of a Minister and his two PSOs is an indication in this regard.

ABVP stages dharna

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 12: Demanding statehood to Jammu the volunteers of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Perished (ABVP) today staged a dharna in front of Jammu University Main Gate.

The dharna was led by ABVP state chief, Mr Narinder Singh and secretary Mr Pawan Sharma. The protesting ABVP volunteers also shouted slogans in favour of statehood demand. They declared that they will continue the struggle till the goal is achieved.

Addressing the protestants, Mr Singh said that Jammu Region has been discriminated for last 55 years by the successive state and Central governments.

He said the major chunk of developmental funds went to Kashmir Valley while the people of the region were completely neglected.

He said it is a pity that the ministers from Jammu region never raised the voice against the stepmotherly treatment which the people meted through the hands of Kashmiri rulers as they enjoyed their share and left the masses in the lurch.

In his address Mr Pawan Sharma said the Jammu region has been discriminated in the field of employment and training in professional colleges which can not be tolerated now.

He said out of 1,55,000 employees appointed by the NC Government only 15,000 unemployed youth from Jammu and Ladakh regions were considered while rest were selected from Kashmir Valley.

He said Jammu has a meager share in the employment in Civil Secretary as well. He asked the youth to mobilize public opinion by taking the Jammu Statehood message to every home in the region.

He also warned those supporting the autonomy demand from Jammu and said such people are worst enemies of Jammu.

Rajouri campaigning under the gun’s shadow

RAJOURI, Sept 12: Hectic day-campaigning is on in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri constituency with party slogans and the roar of helicopters carrying leaders on campaign trail slicing the eerie silence of the hills rocked occasionally by gunfire and massacres.

Elections in the constituency are scheduled next Monday and already over a dozen people have been massacred in a fortnight in the most sensitive Thanamandi pocket. The latest militant strike occurred on Sunday night at Dudasanpain village in the area when five villagers were shot dead.

"Clearly the aim is to drive voters away from the polling booths," said ruling National Conference president Omar Abdullah. "The Government shall ensure people feel safe to come out and vote," he, however, added.

But the voter, especially in rural areas, where the tall Maize crops often hides more than just straying cattle, seems to hold a different opinion.

"We do not feel safe and might not vote. The security provided to us is inadequate, said Chadhuary Noor Hussain of Dudasanpain. "We are living under constant militant threat," he said on a visit to Rajouri town.

Choudhary Gulam Hussain of Dassal Karaiyan village and Lal Hussain of Ajmatabad in the Thanamandi locality echoed his views. The Government should ensure tight security in villages if people are to come out and vote on Monday, they said.

Heavy presence of the army, the para-military forces and the state police can be seen in almost every part of Jammu and Kashmir. The twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch are being considered the most sensitive for the first phase of the polls and the presence of security forces is, therefore, all the more necessary.

Intelligence inputs last month said nearly 200 heavily armed militants had crossed over to the districts from across the border to disrupt the elections. According to intelligence intercept of militants’ communication, explosions have been planned to keep voters away from polling booths.

Campaigning ends by evening and markets close by 1900 hours in the district. The militants’ writ runs large on many arterially roads after sundown.

Amid the all pervading fear of militants and the heavy presence of security forces are, however, the bands of party supporters moving about, campaign messages blaring out from their vehicles. A record 14 candidates have dared to stand for elections in this constituency. Six of them are independents, while the others represent the congress, the National Conference, the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Janata Dal (S), the Bahujan Samaj Party, the Samajwadi Party, the People’s Democratic Party and the Panther’s Party.

Observers say the voting trend and population profile of the constituency, however, point towards a straight contest between Mr Qamar Hussain of the Congress and Mohd Aslam Khan of the National Conference.

Both these candidates are advocates with sizeable support among the Gujjar, Kashmir Muslim, Rajpur Muslim and Brahmin voters.

The NC, however, is facing the handicap of dissension this time after it denied ticket to sitting MLA and former State Minister Mohd Sharief Tariq, they point out. Mr Tariq has not been seen at campaign meetings and skipped a public meeting addressed by Mr Abdullah and Mr Aslam Khan here on Wednesday.

"The party has not disowned him. He should come and work with the NC family," Mr Abdullah remarked.

Mr Tariq had won the election in 1996 defeating Choudhary Talib Hussain of the Congress by 7,886 votes. Mr Hussain is now a NC member of the Lok Sabha from the Jammu-Poonch constituency and is campaigning for Mohd Aslam Khan.

A total of 1,10,458 people of which 56,156 are male, are eligible to cast ballots in the constituency where only 13 of the 99 polling booths have been declared normal this time. As many as 51 booths have been declared hyper-sensitive and 35 are sensitive in the constituency. Poonch has just 135 voters in the segment.

It remains to be seen how many voters come out to exercise their franchise on Monday. Perhaps on this depends a change in the all pervasive environment of fear in this region. (UNI)

Bhasin accuses Sangh for hijacking statehood demand

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 12: Making a scathing attack on Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS), the All Parties Jammu Statehood Movement (APJSM) today alleged that Sangh was trying to hijack the movement launched by it for granting the statehood to Jammu.

Talking to mediapersons here this afternoon, the APJSM, convenor Mr Yash Bhasin said that the Sangh which was opposed to the demand previously was trying to venge the defeat which BJP suffered in the Parliamentary by elections from Jammu, Poonch Seat by floating a new Morcha.

He asked the masses not to be misled by the RSS as it has no unanimity on the issue and the Sang Parivar is involved in internal bickerings so far as grant of statehood to Jammu is concerned.

He termed the RSS Morcha an organization of arrogants who created impediments in the unity move among the various statehood backing organizations by imposing its own conditions.

He maintained that unity is never on conditions but on the basis of give and take policy.

Mr Bhasin while lambasting the RSS said it has adopted a dangerous path and claimed that the Jammu Statehood Movement is a secular organization which besides Hindus has the support of Sikhs, Muslims, Gujjars and Christians.

He said the state Morcha is not any movement but an organization floated by the Sangh to save the honour of BJP which has been rejected by the masses for its wrong policies.

He said both RSS and BJP betrayed the Jammu people and they be taught a lesson in the elections. Holding both Centre and State governments responsible for the killing of Minister of State, for Law, Mr Mushtaq Ahmed Lone at Lolab in Kashmir Valley and 12 persons including the jawans of security forces at Surankote yesterday he demanded resignation of Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah and Deputy Prime Minister, Mr L K Advani.

He said his organization has decided to support those candidates in the ensuing elections who favour separate statehood demand for Jammu.

These include Trade Union leader and JD Secular candidate from Jammu Cantonment, Mr Sat Paul Sharma, Rameshwar Singh Jamwal of Confederation of Jammu Lawyers from Jammu East seat, Uday Chand of J&K Panthers Party from Jammu West, Th. Puran Singh from Billawar, Mrs Baldev Kaur from Suchetgarh and Ch Qamar Robani from Rajouri.

He also hailed Mr Dhanraj Bargotra, state JD Secular chief and candidate from Nagrota Assembly segment for withdrawing from contest in favour of Statehood candidates and urged the others to follow suit.

Mr Bargotra, Sat Paul Sharma and Rameshwar Singh Jamwal were also present on the occasion.

Talking to reporters they said the Public has giving a good respond to them and they whole heartedly support the statehood demand.

Possibility of revival of suicide squads in J&K

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Sept 12: There is a possibility of revival of suicide squad attacks in the Kashmir valley with barely a few days left for the first phase of Assembly elections.

"In a bid to have demonstrative effect before and during elections, there is a possibility of revival of Fidayeen attacks in the valley," Jammu and Kashmir Inspector General of Police K Rajindra Kumar said.

"The local militants have been given instruing the election process. They (militants) have been asked to attack soft targets and create an atmosphere of fear in the valley to disrupt the whole process," he said adding the information about the same was derived from various sources including intercepts and details gathered from arrested militants during interrogation.

However, Kumar said militants, other than the Fidayeen, have been asked to conserve themselves and avoid any contact with security agencies in the state.

"There is change in the strategy of local militants", he said adding "it is not a pro-active strategy anymore for militants other than from Fidayeen squad."

"There is also an interesting phenomenon which has comeforth during the interrogation. The well known militant outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashker-e-Toiba had asked the local or little known groups to take responsibility for any attack to potray the incident as part of indigenous freedom struggle," Kumar said.

Giving the details of activities the militants were indulging in, Kumar said "besides killing the family members of candidates to create an atmosphere of terror, the militants have also been instructed to indulge in activities which can cause maximum casualties."

"Lobbing of grenades, planting of IED at congested and busy places are some of the methods used by the militants in recent past in the state to cause casualties," he said and cited example of grenade attacks by militants in busy Batmaloo area of Srinagar city and Bijbehara in South Kashmir.

Kumar said the militants were also using local media to create terror. "Recently in one of the local newspapers `Alsafah’, the militant outfits had warned the people of state against participating in Assembly polls," he said.

Pointing out that adequate security arrangements have been made in the militancy-torn valley to instill security among the locals, Kumar said "we are trying to neutralise the effects of various strategies adopted by the militants functional in the Valley."

Mian Altaf lambasts opposition parties

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 12: Mian Altaf Ahmed, Minister for Health and Medical Education today lambasted the opposition parties for misleading Gujjars by showing sympathy with the community just to have their votes.

Addressing election rallies and public meetings at Gandhi Nagar, Nagrota and Vijaypur Assembly segments of Jammu district Mr Altaf said Congress, BJP and parties other than National Conference had never been sympathizers of Gujjars and now at the time of elections these parties are misleading the Gujjar tribe during the electioneerings.

Mian Altaf stated that NC is the only party which had done a lot for over all development of Gujjar community and further assured that if the party comes to power it will further work for the betterment of all the communities of the State including Gujjar and Bakerwals.

He said only NC can give stable and good Governance and appealed the people to strengthen the hands of party leader Mr Omar Abdullah, a young and dynamic personality by giving full support and mandate to the party.

Mian Altaf Ahmed said that the problems of the common people of the State have very much erased during the past six years reign of NC and if the party wins that confidence of the common masses of the State it will overcome the problems of unemployment and will provide basic amenities to the people of the State.

He expressed concern over the statements being given by some opposition leaders about step-motherly treatment with Jammu and Ladakh. The allegation, he said, is baseless and does not have truth in it. He added that NC Government during the past years has given equal share to all the three regions and is further committed for equal development of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions.

The others who spoke on the occasion included S Harbans Singh, Minister for Sports and Labour and NC nominee for Gandhinagar segment, Mr Ajatshatru Singh, Minister for Information and Transport and NC candidate for Nagrota constituency, Mr Surjeet Singh Slathia, Power Minister and party nominee for Vijaypur constituency, Choudhary Mohammad Hussain, MLC, Ch Zafar Iqbal Khatana and Haji Wali Mohammad.

Poonch set to go to polls on Sept 16

POONCH, Sept 12: All political parties have girded their loins and have plunged with full throttle to woo 2,56,999 voters of three Assembly seats in this border district in which 229 polling stations have been declared hyper-sensitive and 53 sensitive.

A total of 346 polling stations have been set up in the entire district, of which 107 are in Surankote, 108 in Mendhar and 131 in Poonch-Haveli seats. According to the local election office, 92 polling stations in Surrankote, 68 in Mendhar and 69 booths Poonch-Haveli seat have been declared hyper-sensitive. Altogether 17 candidates are in the fray from the three Assembly seats in Poonch.

Surrankote seat is slated to have a triangular contest between National Conference (NC) legislator Mushtaq Ahmed Shah, Choudhary Mohd Aslam (Cong) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Aftab Hussain Shah. A visit to the Surrankote revealed that while hectic electioneering is on, the Congress is upbeat about their success as Mr Aslam is being billed as the most potential candidate in that area.

In the 1996 Assembly elections Mr Mushtaq Ahmed Shah won the seat, defeating Mr Aslam by a margin of 8,530 votes, which the local Congress activists feel could easily be overcome this time.

Realising the winning potential of Mr Aslam, senior Congress leaders including Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ms Ambika Soni have airdashed to surrankote to campaign for Mr Aslam.

But another candidate who has filed his nomination as an independent. Abdul Hamid Manhas is also a potential rival and could offer stiff challenge to those from the established parties as he enjoys popularity in certain pockets of the Surrankote sector. PDP chief Mufti Mohammad Sayeed is also vigorously campaigning for Mr Aftab to ensure his victory. The electoral contest in Mendhar constituency will be a straight one in which NC candidate Javed Rana will be locked in a straight contest with his Congress counterpart Zafarullah Azad,

NC refused to give a ticket to its sitting MLA Nissar Ahmed Khan, following which Mr Khan decided to abstain from polls. But thereafter Rafiq Ahmed Khan, an independent candidate is also capable for offering some challenge to Mr Zafarullah and Mr Rana.

The most interesting constituency of the Poonch district is the Poonch-Haveli seat in which the NC sitting MLA Ghulam Mohammad Jan will take on Congress rival Yaspal Sharma in a straight-cornered contest.

The PDP, which has joined the electoral fray for the first time has fielded a relatively new face Lal Hussain Mushtaq. The Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded candidates in all the three seats, but senior BJP leaders are yet to arrive to canvass for their candidates in any of these seats.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made to conduct free and fair polling with observers and other polling staff coming from outside the state and para-military forces and Punjab Police deployed to prevent any untoward incident. (UNI)

Slathia flays BSP for dubious role

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 12: Minister for Power and National Conference candidate for Vijaypur constituency alleged that there was a secret pact between BSP and BJP in the ensuing Assembly elections in State, especially in Jammu province with a view to help each other in securing seats by exploiting the voters.

Addressing series of public meetings at Chak Salarian, Gagoor Jamuria, Bana Chak, Kararian, Bandral, Sarwa and Rampur villages of Vijaypur, Mr Slathia said that voters will expose this secret understanding between BJP and BSP.

He said that no other party then the BSP and BJP have ever harmed the polity in the country after independence. The people, who were, once living in harmony irrespective of their caste, creed and colour, have now become intolerable.

He alleged that BSP had a dubious role ever since its inception. In this quest of power, the so-called heroes of the party connived with the BJP in forming Government in Uttar Pradesh though ideologically both had different perceptions.

He said that they were doing no good for the coming generations of the country. The disintegrations inflicted by the BSP in the Indian society has been a matter of concern for the political parties have secular credentials.

In a fervent appeal to the voters, he emphasised the need to again vote for NC which was committed for the betterment of its people. Babu Balwant Singh, Surinder Mahajan, Hans Raj, Sarpanches and Panches of the areas addressed the meetings.

Twenty-Eight more file nomination papers

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Sept 12: Twenty-eight more candidates including a female filed their nomination papers from 5-Assembly Constituency of Kathua district yesterday and today. With this the number of candidates who filed their nomination has risen to 47.

According to the District Election Officer, Kathua yesterday eight candidates filed their nomination papers include Mr. Lal Singh (INC), Mr. Jagdish Singh Sapolia (BJP)from Basohli constituency, Mr. Yog Raj Sharma(JDU) and Mr. Sat Paul from Kathua, Mr. Manohar Lal Sharma(Ind), Mr. Oma Dutt Manhas(BSP) and Kulbushan Gupta(Shiv Sena) from Billawar and Mr. Sat Paul(SC Ind) from Hiranagar constituency.

Today 20 candidates filed their nomination papers include Mr. Om Parkash (LJS) Mr. Dev Raj (CPI), Mr. Karan Singh (NCP), Mr. Jatinder Singh alis Babu Singh (DM), Mr. Sagar Singh (SC JDS) from Kathua constituency, Mr. Sudarsh Chouhan (BSP), Mr. Kartar Singh(JK NPP), Mr. Anil Sharma (Shiv Sena), Mr. Nissar Ahmed (SBP) and Mr. Angrezo Ram (SD) from Basohli constituency.

Mr. Ghulam Hyder Malik (NC) and Mr. Prem Sagar Aziz (INC) from Bani, Mr. Prem Lal (NC) from Hiranagar, Mr. Suram Singh (NC), Mr. Hukam Chand (NCP), Mr. Govind Ram Sharma (JK NPP), Mr. Ram Dass Dogra (Ind), Mr. Ranjeet Singh (SD), Mr. Hari Jalmeria (Ind) and Smt. Vijay Rajya Pathania (SBP) from Billawar Assembly constituencies.

Various organization condemn Lone’s killing

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 12: Various social, political organization and employees associations condemned the killing of Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mushtaq Ahmed Lone at Lolab.

Law officers and employees of Advocate General, J&K condemned the killing of Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mushtaq Ahmed Lone and described his assassination as personal loss to them.

Mr Mohd Aslam Goni, Advocate General described Mr Lone as a man with un-paralled qualities of head and heart. He was soft spoken, humble but at the same time very firm in his decisions.

Those who attended the meeting included Messrs B S Manhas, Ashok Parihar, H A Sidiquie, Rehman, Shaishta Hakim, Seema Shekhar, Sanjay Kakkar, Puneet Kohli, Neeru Goswami, Sunil Sethi, M A Bhat, Tahir Raina and Lalit Kumar.

A meeting of J&K Motor Transport Companies Association was held here today to condole the untimely demise of Mr Mushtaq Ahmed Lone, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs at the hands of terrorists. The Association recalled his undaunted service to the State and condemned in strongest words the dastardly act of the terrorists.

The Association expressed hope that such type of cowardly killing will not cow down the people of the State and they will join the election process more enthusiastically and defeat the evil designs of the anti-nationals.

The participants observed silence for two minutes and prayed Almighty God to give peace to the departed soul and courage to the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss.

The meeting was chaired by Mr T S Wazir, president and among others attended by Messrs Amarjeet Singh, Amar Singh Wazir, Rakesh Gupta, Rajinder Singh and Niranjan Singh.

Former Minister Mohd Din Bandey and senior NC leader Mr Imtiaz Ali Bandey today condemned the killing of Mr Lone in Kupwara and also on Surankote bus stand. They conveyed sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for the peace to the departed soul.

Mr Balraj Puri, convenor PUCL, J&K State described the series of killing of candidates and election workers including that of NC Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Mushtaq Ahmed Lone as a matter of international concern.

It is nor merely an assault on democratic rights of the people of the State but is a challenge to the entire civilized world, he said and added that whatever differences one might have with the NC Government, the only legitimate way to remove it was through ballot.

The terrorists were sabnotaging the people’s urge to use this weapon to elect a Government of their choice. He hoped that the people would assert their rights and that they would get full support from the international community.

Mr S M Gill, MLC and state president of All J&K Christian Welfare Association condemned the brutal killing of Mushtaq Ahmed Lone. He feel that the untimely demise of the Lone has created a big vacuum in the party which cannot be fulfilled.

A condolence meeting was held here today wherein Ghulam Mohd Jan, Member Legislative Assembly condemned the killing of Mr Lone and prayed for the peace to the departed soul.

The members of the management of MC Khalsa High School condemned the killing of Mr Lone and prayed for the peace to the departed soul. They prayed for the peace to the departed soul and courage to bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.

Pak hell bent to disrupt J&K poll process: Gupta

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 12: Union Minister of State for Defence Prof Chaman Lal Gupta today said that increased violence by the Pakistan sponsored terrorists clearly indicate that they want to disrupt the poll process in Jammu and Kashmir because the military rulers of that country have no faith in democratic values but India is determined to have free and fair election to establish a genuine Government in this State.

Addressing an election rally at Reasi, Prof Gupta accompained by party candidate Baldev Raj Sharma said that the mood of the people is a witness to their determination to defeat terrorsim by ballot and tell the world that bullet cannot be an alternative for solution to any problem.

He strongly condemned the assasination of State Minister Mushtaq Ahmed Lone during an election rally at Lolab in Kupwara district and said that such deplorable acts show that Pakistan intends to cowdown the people of the State but they would not allow gun to prevail over the ballet.

The BJP leader accused both the Congress and National Conference of being responsible for the present situation in Jammu and Kashmir and alleged that their wrong policies and political follies have made masses to suffer and the entire country is paying a heavy price for their mistakes.

He appealed the electorates to strengthen the hands of Prime Minister Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee to tackle the vexed problem of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that the policies of Vajpayee Government have put the Pakistan in the deck and hoped that world powers would take due note of the breeding centres of the terrorism being run with the help of military Government in Pakistan.

The election rally was also addressed by the BJP legislature party leader Mr Shiv Charan Gupta, Mr Baldev Sharma, Kuldeep Singh and other local leaders. They stressed the need for effective steps to curb terrorism and due attention to various problems being faced by the people.

Qayyum speaking the language of Pakistan: Farooq

SRINAGAR, Sept 12: Lashing out at the Pakistan National Kashmir Committee (PNKC) chairman Abdul Qayyum Khan for his statement that the forthcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will worsen rather than improve the situation in the Valley, Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah today said "he is speaking the language of Pakistan."

"Qayyum is part of Pakistan and heads a Pakistan sponsored committee. It is natural for him to speak this language. He is speaking the language of Pakistan," Abdullah told PTI.

Qayyum should have first assessed representative character of elections in Pakistan before making negative and discouraging statements about our election process, the Chief Minister said.

"Everyone is free to have his own views so is Qayyum but then he is no authority on the election process in the State," Abdullah said.

Qayyum had reportedly made a statement during an interview in which he said the forthcoming Assembly polls in the State will not improve the present situation but make it worse.

Admitting that once in a while there can be incidents (of violence and of other nature) which could be violative of the spirit of this democratic exercise, however, Abdullah said "things happen when nations are formed. Don’t look at the narrow issues, look at the larger issues in the interest of the people of the State."

Speaking on the same lines as his father, the ruling National Conference president Omar Abdullah said "what Qayyum is talking about? rather being critical of our elections, he should be critical of his own election."

"I am sure that people of Pakistan never voted for a general but somebody else. But now they are being ruled by an army general," he said.

Pointing out that being ruled by someone you have not voted for was a "major problem", for Pakistan, Omar Abdullah said "our (Jammu and Kashmir) problems are much smaller as compared to that problem." (PTI)

Morcha contesting election for personal interests
JSM trying to spoil statehood movement: Uday Chand

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 12: Launching scathing attack on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS), Mr Uday Chand of Jammu Statehood Front today said that infighting within these outfits has been creating atmosphere which would not allow unity among the various organizations struggling for statehood to Jammu region.

Talking to media-persons, Mr Uday Chand said that BJP and RSS leaders have their personal grudge against each other and thus they are spoiling the whole issue of Statehood by confusing the voters. "On some seats Jammu State Morcha (JSM) has alliance with BJP, a party which is opposed to trifurcation of the State, and in some seats they are contesting against each other by fielding three candidates which clearly speaks that how they are sincere to the cause", he added.

"Basically JSM is more concerned about personal problem than achieving Statehood for Jammu", he said and alleged that JSM is trying to spoil the movement and has been contesting election for personal interests. He said that there are number of forces which are trying to sabotage the movement for welfare of Jammu region and added that those people are inducted in JSM and given mandate who are ideologically not connected to movement but want to cash in during elections.

Alleging that Jammu’s cheap politics always sabotaged movements for welfare of Jammu region and its people, Mr Uday Chand said that the movement for Jammu Statehood is under more threat from outfits like Jammu State Morcha than Kashmiri rulers. "Had the JSM been sincere to the cause it would not have entered into alliance with BJP and worked unitedly with all those outfits which are fighting for the same cause", Mr Chand said.

He made it clear that Front will continue its efforts to involve more and more people and like minded organizations of regional stature in the struggle to compel the rulers at Delhi to concede this demand. The Front also expressed serious concern over various burning issues like permanent settlement of 1947 refugees by giving them sufficient compensation, permanent settlement of Kashmiri migrants, permanent accommodation at safer places to the border migrants and opening of Government colleges at tehsil level in Jammu division.

Meanwhile, the Front has fielded Mr Uday Chand from Jammu West, Hemant Rao Sathe from Jammu East, Sat Paul Saini from Bishnah, Mrs Vijay Chib from Suchetgarh, Mohd Ayub Ayan from Gulabgarh, Kamal Singh from Reasi and Babu Singh from Kathua.

Election preparations gaining momentum in Doda district

Excelsior Correspondent

DODA, Sept 12: Although the election in the district Doda will be conducted in the fourth and last phase yet the election preparations gains momentum. The district is a hilly one with rough and tough complicated terrains and odd geographically topography spreading over 11691 sq. kms. The district comprises of 655 villages, seven tehsil, 32 niabats, 14 CD and NES block and 262 panchayats.

According to 2001 census the district is populated with 6,90,474 souls and have 46.92 percent literacy rate.

The district is divided in to six Assembly segments and is a part of the Kathua Udhampur Lok Sabha seat.

The total strength of voters on April 1, 2002 was 3,87734 but the date of filing the claims and objections was extended upto September 9, 2002 in this district so the final voter lists will be completed within weeks time after proper scrutiny. Efforts are under way to impart EVM training to maximum voters and various teams with EVM have already been deputed to accomplish the job at tehsil and block headquarters and even at Panchayat level and public places.

Keeping in view the prevailing security scenario and remoteness, the polling stations have been categorised and declared as hyper sensitive and sensitive. There are 243 hyper sensitive and 291 sensitive polling stations in the district.

The Returning Officer and Assistant Returning Officer for their segments have been appointed by the Election Commission and their headquarters were fixed in their respective segments. No ensure free and fair elections, more than 2700 employees are being deployed on election duty who are well trained in handling EVMs besides 534 EVMs are being issued on one EVM to each polling station and 50 EVMs are kept reserve and ready to be used when required.

Regarding security arrangements, a comprehensive fool proof security plan has been worked out by the District Election Officer in collaboration with the concerned authorities.

Regarding transportational arrangements, a detailed transport plan has been devised in which besides the vehicles of police and para military forces as many as 330 civil buses will be pressed into services for escorting the poll parties. District Election Officer, Doda, Mr G N Sufi has been conducting series of meetings with the Commanding Officers of para military forces, Returning Officers and AROs and other district officer of civil administration in which he has strictly warned that no body was above law. He further warned that strict action will be taken if any officer or officials found breaching model code of conduct. He advised them to remain impartial from party politics and create a congenial atmosphere for the smooth conduct of free, fair and impartial elections.

Kohli flays Cong, NC for demanding autonomy

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 12: Mr Om Parkash Kohli, secretary of the Bharatitya Janta Party (BJP) has called upon the people in general and residents of Gandhi Nagar constituency in particular to reject both National Conference and Congress for their nefarious designs and vote for BJP and BJP-SAD (B) candidates in the coming elections.

According to a press release, Mr Kohli who was addressing the party workers at Jammu, has criticised the NC for raising the voice of autonomy and said that Congress was equally dangerous for the country who are endorsing the demand of autonomy. He said that Pradesh Congress Chief Ghulam Nabi Azad is a member of Rajya Sabha due to the mercy of NC which resulted loss of its candidates credibility in Jammu and Kashmir.

Senior BJP leader Mr Banarsi Dass Gupta and Nirmal Singh asked the people to vote for BJP-SAD (B) alliance candidates for Gandhi Nagar constituency, Mr Charanjit Singh Khalsa because he is the lone person who can react actively and effectively against the anti-Jammu policies of NC.

Meanwhile Mr Khalsa conducted tour of the Gandhi Nagar, Nanak Nagar, Trikuta Nagar, Gangyal and many other places alongwith senior workers of the party and had an interaction with people of the area who assured him of their full support. He also conducted door to door campaigning at Shivaji Chowk, Nagar Nagar and Sanjay Nagar.

Messrs Mohinder Pal Singh, Banarsi Dass Gupta, Varinderjeet Singh, Kulwant Singh Bhatti, Kulbir Singh, Jagdev Singh, Ramjoot Sharma, J R Gupta, P N Rawal, Tilak Raj and Sukhdev Singh.

Tilak asks people to take inspiration from Ladakhis

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 12: Mr Tilak Raj Sharma, Jammu State Morcha candidate for Jammu east Assembly segment has appealed all the nationalistic political parties and other organizations to cross the political barriers and get inspiration from the people of Ladakh who have jointly supported the LUTF irrespective of their political compulsions.

As per a release Mr Sharma asserted that only the unity of the people of Jammu can save the future of the region and stated that policies of ruling national Conference have deteriorated the security scenario of Jammu in particular. He explained how the forest land in out-skirts of Jammu city have been alloted unauthorizedly in favour of Kashmiri people. This act of present Government has further increased the militants attacks in the recent past.

He again appealed that all the people of Jammu should support Jammu State Morcha (JSM) and vote for its candidates over-whelming to consolidate the fight of Morcha which has pledged to continue the struggle till a separate State for Jammu is achieved.

Addressing a series of public meetings Mr Sharma highlighted various aspects of the discriminatory attitude of Kashmiri against Jammu and Ladakh. As part of election campaign an election office was inaugurated in Ward No 12 Partap Garh, after which a procession was taken out by JSM activists under the chairmanship of Mr Tilak Raj Sharma, candidate.

A public meeting was held near Panjtirthi which was organised by Mr Vinod Malhotra, a social activist and supporter of movement of the statehood for Jammu.

Further a door to door campaign was carried out in areas of Durbar Garh, Chowk Chabutra, Pacci Dhakki and Mohalla Julakka where literature and Morcha symbol were also distributed. Mr Surinder Aggarwal, Jammu city president of VHP was one among the prominent personalities who accompanied Mr Tilak Raj Sharma. The residents of this area showed overwhelming response and assured full support.

Cong candidate intensifies electioneering in Nagrota

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 12: Intensifying his election campaign, the Congress candidate for Nagrota constituency, Ch Abdul Hamid today addressed series of public meetings at Panjgrian, Ghambir, Bamial, Sheeva, Thanda Mani and Marh areas of Nagrota segment.

In his addresses, he stressed the need for maintaining universal brotherhood at this crucial time when the State was passing through a bad phase. He said that strengthening of Congress was essential at this crucial juncture as it was the only party committed to the socialism and secularism.

Cautioning people against the nefarious designs of both National Conference and BJP, Mr Hamid asserted that both these parties have been desperately trying to exploit the emotions of the people to hid their misdeeds. " For the past six years, the NC Government has done nothing for the welfare and upliftment of the people", he said and reminded that NC had promised to mitigate the woes of the people, but except promises nothing concrete has been done.

He dubbed the National Conference Government as the worst ever corrupt regime the State has witnessed sofar. He promised the voters that if elected, he will take all steps in mitigating the sufferings of the people of this constituency.

Corrupt Ministers will be taught a lesson: Bhalla

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 12: Senior Congress leader and party candidate from Gandhinagar Assembly segment, Mr Raman Bhalla today warned that if Congress came to power, the corrupt Ministers and leaders will meet the same fate as Akali leaders in Punjab.

Addressing largely attended meetings at Bhour Camp, Bhour Pind Kullian, Nanak Nagar, Preet Nagar, Belicharana, Gangyal, Ambedkar Colony, Greater Kailash, Subash Nagar, Digiana and Sanjay Nagar, he said count down for NC Government has begun. He said if voted to power Congress will probe the assets and property of NC Ministers who have constructed big mansions at Bhatindi and outside the country.

Lambasting the unholy alliance of National Conference and BJP, Mr Bhalla said the traitors will not be spared now. He, however maintained that this all is possible when people will stamp on Congress symbol "Hand" on September 24 poll and make Congress candidates successful.

Bhalla said if people want to get rid of corruption and mis-rule of NC and BJP, they should vote in favour of Congress enmass. He assured the people that Congress will give priority in tackling unemployment problem, power and water crisis, facing the people.

He also assured the transporters that their problems will be solved and schemes framed for providing loans to unemployed youth belonging to poor and weaker sections of the society.

Mr Bhalla was not only accorded rousing reception at all the places but also assured vote and support by the people.

Safai Karamchari Union holds meeting

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Sept 12: A meeting of the All J&K Safai Karamchari Union under the presidentship of Parshotam Kumar.

According to a press release, in the meeting members discussed the problems of Safai Karamchari which includes the implementation of SRO-20. Meeting demanded regularisation of services of all Safai Karamchari employees in Jammu province. It was further demanded that consolidated employees should be given proper jobs in their respective departments, conduct of the DPC as per the pattern of the other Class IVth employees.

The members attended the meeting asked the president of Mr Bodh Raj to get all the demands concerned from in the case. The president assured the members that their demands will be get speed implementation and considered. Mr Bodh Raj in his address warned the State Government and the Director Health Services, Jammu and Chief Medical Officer, Kathua to solve the problems. All block presidents, district president, vice-president, district general secretary, district president Bodh Raj, vice-president Surinder Kumar, general secretary, Vijay Kumar, Raj Rani, Balla Ram, Ashwani Kumar, Rinku, Subash, Vijay Surinder Kumar, Panna Lal, Jagdish Chander, Balbinder Kumar and others addressed the meetings.

NC can’t impose its will on people of Jammu region
People of Jammu, Ladakh never wanted
plebiscite, autonomy: Dogra

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 12: The Director General of Punjab Police (Retd) Mr P C Dogra who is campaigning for Jammu State Morcha and supporting the cause of ‘Jammu statehood’ today said that people of Jammu and Ladakh never wanted plebiscite or the greater autonomy, it is the demand raised by a handful of people from Kashmir and the Kashmiris can not impose their will on the people of Jammu and Ladakh.

Addressing a press conference here today Mr Dogra said though he is not affiliated with any political party yet he is committed to fight against discrimination with Jammu and for the common cause of statehood for Jammu region. The Movement is actually the question of commitment to the cause and it is the responsibility of every person here to support the Morcha candidates.

Referring to the movement launched by the National Conference about sixty years back, Mr Dogra said it was NC and its leaders who had raised the slogan of ‘Leave Kashmir’ against Dogras and demanded abrogation of Amritsar Treaty and now the similar type of voice is coming from the Jammu region against them. This is the result of total neglect of the region and discrimination against the people of Jammu and Ladakh regions for the last more than fifty years by the Kashmir rulers.

Mr Dogra pointed out that people of Jammu never wanted plebiscite or greater autonomy as raised by some people in Kashmir. Moreover, it was not ever supported by the people of Ladakh who have the bitter experience of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council with the direct interference of the ruling regime. Then why the people of Jammu and Ladakh be imposed the will of a handful of Kashmiris regarding Autonomy. There is nothing in the autonomy report in favour of Jammu people and this document has been manipulated only in favour of Kashmiris. Therefore, the people of Jammu region including Gujjar-Bakkerwals have outrightly rejected it.

The concept of greater autonomy is nothing but an act of secessionism. He termed the idea of plebiscite by the then Prime Minister Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru as historic blunder. It is hard to count the level of discrimination against our people. The people who are opposing trifurcation and terming the movement as communal should realise the historic and geographical facts. All the three regions have different topography, language and a large number of Muslims are residing here in Jammu. Moreover, their propaganda that Muslim majority Kashmir may go to Pakistan is foolish claim. Kashmiris would never like to go to Pakistan and leave their identity and would love to live in democratic set up. This has been the past history of Kashmir. He claimed that Sheikh Abdullah was never the leader of J&K, he was the leader of Kashmiris and he never gave serious thought towards the problems of Jammu people.

Referring to the militancy aided by Pak in J&K, the former DG said Pakistan wants to grab the J&K territory and it is her game plan to have common boundary with China and its eyes are on Siachen region.

Mr Dogra while appreciating the historic developments in Ladakh where all the political leaders abandoned their parties and joined United Front for the common cause of UT status said that Jammu leaders must learn a lesson from them. They should rise above their party affiliations and the vested interests and this is the right time to strike and take benefit of the opportunity.

Prominent Morcha leader Shri Kumar while speaking on the occasion

strongly criticised the NC Government for not providing security to the Morcha candidates and sabotaging their campaign process. Responding to a question he admitted that BJP is trying to harm the cause and support ruling NC indirectly by installing its candidates against Morcha in violation of agreement.

Prof Virender Gupta, Morcha candidate from Jammu West, Mr Tilak Raj Sharma candidate from Jammu East, Kashmira Singh from Billawar, Omkar Seth from Gandhinagar were also present on the occasion.

Ruling parties betrayed J&K Hindus: Niropam
Desai lambasts NC for imposing dynastic rule

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 12: Lashing out at the National Conference (NC) for imposing ‘dynastic rule’ in Jammu and Kashmir, the Shiv Sena, (Bal Thakeray) national general secretary, Mr Subash Desai said it is not the emperor of Babar that after hi