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

Azad only wants to secure RS seat: Omar Abdullah

Excelsior Correspondent

KARAN BAGH, Sept 21: Questioning the credentials of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) Chief and MP Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister of State for External Affair and National Conference president Mr Omar Abdullah today said that Azad only wants to secure his Rajya Sabha seat and is least bothered about this State.

Campaigning for Mr Harbans Singh, NC candidate from Gandhi Nagar Assembly constituency at an election meeting organised at Karan Bagh, the junior Abdullah said that Azad, who is being projected as next Chief Minister of this State by Chief Ministers and Ministers of Congress ruling States, is befooling the party high-command as he is more concerned about continuation of RS seat and staying in Delhi rather than this State and its people.

"Azad’s main motive is to convey to Congress high-command that he has accomplished task of strengthening party in the State by helping some candidates in winning the elections by launching canards against us", Mr Omar Abdullah said and added that for fulfilling his designs he has indulged into saying one thing in Jammu and something else in Kashmir Valley to befool the voters.

Congress, the president of NC, said is a party whose leaders have not been given any right to do even small things without consulting party president Mrs Sonia Gandhi and added that Azad even used to consult Soniaji as to whether he should take tea or coffee in breakfast. "To get power Congress has been indulged into communal politics and for own interest misguiding Rajputs", he said in reference to the incident which took place during his rally at Samba.

He said that if Congress comes to power people would lose right to governance as Congress party’s whole power is in the hands of some selected persons at Delhi. He set aside the allegations that NC wants to continue family rule by saying that it is only Congress which has not given power to outsider so far instead of Gandhi family.

About BJP and JSM, he said he has failed to understand politics of BJP as on one side Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani and senior BJP leader Prof Chaman Lal Gupta had blatantly refused division of the State but in these Assembly elections they have entered into seat sharing pact with RSS which is hell bent to divide the State.

"If Prof Chaman Lal Gupta says that I am `child’ in politics it seems that he starts admitting that he has grown old and has no right to stay in politics anymore", he said and added that when he was projecting India’s view at international level he was not child but now when he starts posing threat to Prof Chaman Lal in one way or another he has started terming him as child for his internal satisfaction.

Mr Omar Abdullah said that very soon he will resign from Union Ministry as he don’t want to travel in two ships simultaneously.

"Only National Conference is the party which has given right of governance to all the section of people", he said and added that had NC been against Rajputs it would have not included Ajat Shatru Singh and S S Slathia in the Cabinet and not allowed Karan Singh to sit in Rajya Sabha.

The Union Minister of State for External Affairs flatly said "I cannot seek votes on the name of religion and one may term it as my weakness but I will not overcome this weakness at any cost", adding "I used to project my work before the people and give them chance to find fault in my way of working".

About the Congress leaders statements, he questioned where were Congress leaders for the past 50 years and why didn’t they solved the issue of Kashmir when that party was in power at Centre. "Today Congress is talking of unconditional talks which means it can even talk outside the perview of Indian Constitution", he said and made it clear that none have right to talk outside the Constitution.

Paswan stoutly opposes demand for trifurcation

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 21: Stoutly criticising the plea for trifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir, Mr Ram Vilas Paswan, president, Lok Jan Shakti said it is neither in the interest of people of the State nor in the national interest.

Addressing an election rally at JDA complex, Janipur here this evening, Mr Paswan said the legitimate interests of the people of Jammu and Ladakh have to be safeguarded by all means. The Lok Jan Shakti, he said will always fight for the weak and downtrodden sections of the people.

Emphasising the importance of the ongoing Assembly elections, Mr Paswan said that the turnout in the second phase and subsequent two phases will be higher. The heavy polling has unnerved the separatists and their mentors across the border, he added.

The Lok Jan Shakti leader came down heavily on National Conference at the State level and the NDA Government at Centre for the problems facing the people. These two parties are ignoring the national interest and working to meet only their own political ends.

Referring to growing hardships of the common man, he said that priority should be to the basic problems facing the people. His party mainly addresses itself to provide basic amenities. He advocated that the inequalities should be eliminated and jobs provided to youth.

Regarding the refugees of 1947, displaced persons of the border and the Kashmiri migrants, the former Union Minister said the human problem should be tackled effectively and expeditiously.

For the policies and programmes of the two-year old Lok Jan Shakti, Mr Paswan appealed the people to give mandate to Mr Joginder Manhas candidate from the Jammu west constituency.

The meeting was addressed by Mr A K Vajpayee, General secretary and local leadership of the party.

Y P Sharma joins Cong

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 21: Former president of Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and prominent businessman Mr Y P Sharma today joined Congress.

Mr Sharma joined Congress in the presence of PCC chief Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad and AICC secretary Mr Satyajit Gaykwad during a massive public rally at Shahidi Chowk which was organised in the support of party candidate from Jammu-East, Mr Yogesh Sawhney, this evening.

On the occasion, ex-Director of J&K Agriculture Department Mr Madan Lal Sharma and Bahujan Samaj Party leader Ashraf Seth also joined the Congress.

Welcoming former CCI president again in the party fold, Mr Azad said that Congress will utilise the services of Mr Sharma for further strengthening the party in State and particularly in Jammu.

Mr Azad disclosed that the Y P Sharma was in Congress panel for party mandate from Jammu-East Assembly constituency but could not be given ticket to adjust Yogesh Sawhney since senior Congress leader Mr Mangat Ram Sharma opted to contest from Jammu-West which was the home constituency of Sawhney.

He stressed that Congress will form next Government in Jammu and Kashmir and number of seats of ruling National Conference will reduce to less than ten.

The PCC chief called upon people to vote to Congress candidates for throwing ‘corrupt’ and ‘inefficient’ NC Government out of power which has failed on all fronts. "Vote for Congress for return of peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir," he appealed.

Referring to the joining of Mr Y P Sharma, Madan Lal Gupta and Ashraf Seth Congress party as well as return of Nationalist Congress Party candidate from Jammu-East Mr Krishan Lal Gupta in the party, Mr Azad said that the development would help Yogesh Sawhney to increasing his victory margin.

The rally was also addressed by AICC secretary Mr Satyajit Gaykwad, Yogesh Sawhney, Krishan Lal Gupta, former MLA Om Chopra and several other local leaders.

Kanshi Ram visits Suchetgarh

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 21: Mr Kanshi Ram, National president BSP, visited Suchetgarh constituency to give a momentum to the ongoing election campaign and addressed a rally at Chakrohi in which workers in large numbers from Suchetgarh, Mana, Diwan Garh, Hansa, Magowali, Sai, Rakh, Haripur, Shere Chak, Gharan, Ghrani and Bega Baira thronged.

As per a release while addressing BSP supremo enumerated various achievements of BSP since its inception as also the goals attained by the party in Uttar Pradesh. He said that the unity among the weaker sections have developed a sense of confidence and dignity among them and the formation of Government is the natural by-product of this unity in the weaker sections.

Ch Mohan Lal, BSP candidate from Suchetgarh while addressing said that the time has come for BSP to take revenge against alleged authoritarian rule of NC, which he said has deprived the scheduled caste, scheduled tribes and other backward classes of J&K State for their legitimate and fundamental constitutional rights.

Ch Mohan Lal reminded the people of the rallies, agitation and protests organised by him in the past for genuine demands of the farmers, he said he has worked a lot for poor people. The gathering also supported his view point.

Ch Mohan Lal requested the people for vote and support in favour of Bahujan Samaj Party and at the same time thanked the workers and supporters, who attended the rally.

Chaman predicts hung Assembly

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 21: Union Minister of State for Defence and chairman of BJP election campaign committee, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta has predicted a hung assembly after the election in Jammu and Kashmir and held that BJP would hold the balance of power in formation of next Government.

On his return from Kashmir after two day tour of Srinagar and Budgam districts, Prof Gupta said that anti-incumbency wave was sweeping all over the valley and the people felt that the misrule of NC was responsible for the whole mess in the State.

He said that BJP, for the first time would open its account in Kashmir Valley and fare well to mark its presence inspite of misleading propaganda made by both Congress and NC during all these years against the party.. He alleged that problems in Kashmir owed their origin to misrule of both the Congress and NC which never allowed the democratic process to function in a fair and transparent manner.

He said the assurance of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee that the elections in Kashmir would be free and fair is having great impact on the minds of the people who realize that democratic means can only yield lasting solution to the problems in Jammu and Kashmir. The violence cannot solve any problem, said the BJP leader.

Prof Gupta condemned some of the recent statements of the NC chief Omar Abdullah and said that the new-comer in politics may spoil the broth of his party and generate tensions by opening old wounds.

He said Late Maharaja Hari Singh is still respected very much amongst the masses especially in Jammu region and the reported remarks of the National Conference leader were highly deplorable. He said to ensure free and fair elections the Election Commission and other concerned should check the misuse of official machinery by the National Conference. He said that the elections in Jammu and Kashmir are invested with special significance because the whole world is keenly watching its out come..

The BJP leader appreciated the courage displayed by the people by exercising their votes, braving all difficulties and threats from internal and external elements.

He expressed surprise that some leaders of the ruling National Conference were allegedly behind the tricks to keep away the electorate from the polling.

Abrogation of Article 370 still on BJP’s agenda: Ahlowalia

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 22: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has not backtracted from its stand on Article 370 but it is still on the top of Party agenda.

This was declared by Party senior leader and Rajya Sabha Member, Mr S S Ahlowalia while talking to media persons here this afternoon. He said the BJP has no double standards on the issue.

He however, maintained that this issue has not been included in the NDA’s agenda as all the constituents of the conglomerate have decided to run the Government on the Common Minimum programme (CMP) as they had differences on certain issues with BJP.

Admitting that Jammu has been neglected in various spheres of development over the years, he said the separate statehood demand for the region is not unconstitutional. The major chunk of funds for development went to Kashmir Valley, he said, adding the Jammu remained deprived and neglected. This is the main reason for the present dissent in the region, he added.

He however, said BJP supports the constitution of Regional Development Councils for equal development of all three regions of the state and proper distribution of funds.

Mr Ahlowalia who had come to campaign for Party candidate from Gandhi Nagar Assembly segment, Mr Charanjit Singh Khalsa when asked that Akali Dal has expelled him from the Party said first they sought mandate from us and after it was given then they expelled the candidate.

He said it is now for Akalis to see what type of candidate they are supporting while advocating for the candidature of Mr Khalsa.

He said the present Assembly elections are very important as the eyes of entire world are on us. Hence it is the responsibility of the people to vote for such Party which can take state on the path of progress and development.

The BJP leader said Pakistan is hell bent upon to disturb the poll process in the state and she is leaving no stone unturned.

Rebel candidate concentrating on Sunni electorate
NC banking on Shia vote in Budgam

From Ahmed Ali Fayyaz

BUDGAM, Sept 21: This was the venue when, in 1998 Lok Sabha elections, National Conference (NC) organised a mammoth public meeting here. Enthusiastic supporters of Abdur Rahim Rather and the Shia followers of Aga Syed Mehmood defied militant threats and braved inclement weather for six chilling hours waiting for Dr Farooq Abdullah. Slogans of Jeevay Jeevay Rather Jeevay reverberated in air.

At the same place, even bigger election rally was organised by the Congress candidate Aga Syed Mehdi and Mehbooba Mufti. They addressed a 15,000-strong warm congregation. In comparison to the two rallies, today’s public meeting—organised jointly by Dr Abdullah’s and Aga Mehdi’s sons at the Bus Stand—is a flop show. NC leaders were actually expecting a gathering of over 20,000 people.

Today, Dr Abdullah and Aga Mehdi are not in the fray. Their young sons are— both on one side of the fence. While as Omar Abdullah is the NC President and the would-be Chief Minister, Mehdi’s son, Aga Ruhullah, is the ruling party’s candidate in Budgam Assembly segment. He is facing none other than the Aga family’s scion, Aga Mehmood, who has resigned as a Minister and got up as an Independent candidate against Ruhullah. Unambiguously, NC is banking on the Shia vote in this 64,000-strong constituency, which has over 40,000 Sunni voters.

Just 3000-something have turned up for the show. So, no chance of a lecture for Rather, fellow Minister Abdul Qayoom and the outgoing MLAs.

Aga Ruhullah welcomes Omar and assures him victory of all the five NC candidates in the district "with thumping majority". He also takes responsibility of all Shia votes being polled in favour of the NC candidate in Beerwah-Magam. Omar, in turn, dismisses media reports about Ruhullah’s being under-aged for contesting the election. "There are reports that NC has done cheating in increasing Ruhullah’s age. But, I ask one question: Does Election Commission of India function under NC? Why didn’t it reject his nomination papers during scrutiny?", asks the NC’s Chief Ministerial candidate, amid slogans "who would take the Budgam seat, none other than Ruhullah".

In their brief speeches, both the youngsters are excessively defensive. Both justify Ruhullah’s correction in date of birth for minutes. Both hold the media responsible for defaming and demoralising NC. Ruhullah goes to the extent of publicly threatening an Urdu daily "Al-Safa" and directs it to kill an article which, he believes, has denigrated the respected Aga family. "Publish an apology by tomorrow or face the consequences", he calls upon the newspaper.

In addition to Ruhullah’s age, Omar is defensive on much more. In not-so-broken Kashmiri, he seeks to deflate the impression that he is an alien to the land; that he can not speak the local language. "Behold, I can well speak in Kashmiri. There may be small errors, but I’ll overcome these very soon, Insha Allah".

Omar, of course, is offensive on one point: He wants to convey to the rebellious Aga Mehmood that there would be no room for "deserters" in his party or the Government. "It’s my job to make Aga Ruhullah a Minister", he grumbles to humiliate the man who fought Ruhullah’s Congress-backed family for 25 years—ironically for NC alone. He promises a degree college, roads, water supply schemes and what not to the people of Budgam.

Aga Mehmood has proved to be a damn failure in Beerwah but not worse than two more NC MLA’s in the district. In order to lay hands on the NC’s traditional votebank, he has craftily designed his election campaign. "No Shafi Bhat-like slogans against plough (NC’s election symbol), or Doctor Sahib (Farooq Abdullah) or Omar Sahib" are his strict instructions to his rallyists. While projecting himself as the "real NC candidate", he has targetted nothing but "Shafi-Rather-Shaheen nexus". Shafi means the Education Minister Mohammad Shafi Uri and Shaheen is the nickname of NC’s Kashmir Province President Ghulam Nabi.

Mehmood has convinced a chunk of the NC’s traditional votebank that Messers Rather, Shafi and Shaheen (members of NC’s Parliamentary Board) had denied mandate to him and all other dissidents for one thing: That they wanted to put up weak candidates to ensure that Omar did not get a brute majority again. Mehmood’s point is that "fossils" like Shafi and Rather had apprehensions of dismissal by Omar in case the young NC chief would have got a brute majority like the one in 1996 elections.

To a remarkable extent, it has worked. Almost all the NC Block and Halqa Presidents are missing from Omar’s public meeting. They are said to be running Mehmood’s "door-to-door campaign", particularly in Sunni-dominated villages, which have never seen the two more potential candidates—Ruhullah and PDP’s Mohammad Kamaal Malik. One Mohammad Ramzan of Wadwan village says that, Dr Abdullah cancelled his scheduled public meeting at Soibug after he couldn’t get a single person to install the dais, two days ago.

According to Ramzan, the Halqa Presidents asked one question: "If our panel has been overruled and a stranger has been imposed as the candidate, why should we be asked to raise the platform?"

NC’s campaign managers have annoyed their own cadre with more mistakes. They have excessively concentrated on Shia villages. They have also handed the master key to late Aga Mehdi’s Congress friends. On the other hand, Aga Ruhullah’s uncle in the Hurriyat, Aga Syed Hassan, has directed his followers to observe total boycott to the elections. Under these circumstances, a 3000-strong rally must be a miracle for Omar Abdullah’s party.

NC candidate intensifies campaign in Kathua

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Sept 21: National Conference (NC) candidate from Kathua Constituency, Mr Ajit Kumar has intensified his election campaign.

Addressing election meetings in the town he assured the people that if elected he will work for their betterment.

Mr Kumar addressed the election meetings at village Padyari and Barnoti and criticized the BSP for misguiding the people.

He said the Party which represented the Kathua has failed to redress the genuine problems of the masses.

He also lashed out at independent candidates saying they have no concrete policy and programme for the masses. The meeting at Barnoti was also addressed by Gyani Isher Singh.

Mr Ajit later addressed series of election meetings at Lachipur, Bagyal, Nihalpur, Flote, Mai Chak, Nangal, Sumat , Gujjar Basti and Changgtan. Besides him these meetings were addressed by Messrs Dharampal Sharma, Harjit Singh and P S Slathia. They highlighted the achievements of the National Conference Government in the last six years of its rule and asked people to vote for Mr Kumar and strengthen the hands of Dr Farooq Abdullah and Mr Omar Abdullah.

They said NC is a secular Party which believes on the proper development of all three regions of the state.

Ajit Yogi addresses rally at Shakti Nagar
Only Congress can ensure peace and progress

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 21: For durable peace and rapid progress in Jammu and Kashmir, the people vote the Congress party to power in the State, said Mr Ajit Yogi, Chief Minister of Chhatisgarh and a senior Congress leader while speaking at a public meeting at Shakti Nagar, here this evening.

Mr Jogi predicted that the people will give a crushing defeat both the NC and BJP for their failure to tackle problems facing the people. Referring to a statement of the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah that his party is ready to sit in the opposition, Mr Jogi said he has "accepted the reality". Corruption and militancy have grown during the past six years of Farooq Government and stated that the Congress will work with dedication to root out this twin problem.

Referring to Jammu State Morcha, the Congress leader from Chhatisgarh charged that BJP and SJM are two sides of the same coin and are out the deceive and divide the people. He severely criticised both for double speak.

He said that the Congress has chalked out a definite plan in the manifesto for peace, speedier all round development and progress of all sections of the society.

Mr Mangat Ram Sharma, the Congress candidate from Jammu West constituency also spoke on the occasion.

Mr Ashok Sharma, Congress MLA from Kalakote, also addressed the public meeting.

VHP leader asks people to vote for Morca candidates

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 21: Senior VHP leader and MP Swami Chirmanya Anand assured his unequivocal support to Jammu Statehood demand and appealed the people of the region to ensure the victory of the State Morcha candidates in the ensuing Assembly elections.

Talking to media persons here this afternoon, he said the creation of Jammu state is in the larger interests of the people of the country and region. This way the terrorism which has spread its tentacles to entire state will remain confined to Kashmir valley only.

The VHP leader while justifying the demand said the Jammu has been ignored since 1947 and the region has been deprived in the developmental field.

He said Kashmir which has 2,40,000 voters has 45 Assembly seats while Jammu with 2,50,000 voters has only 37 Assembly seats. This is the grave injustice with the region, he added.

He said besides, the major chunk of Central funds goes to Kashmir, he said adding 80 percent of tourists visit Vaishno Devi and 20 per cent only to Kashmir but the maximum funds for development of tourism are diverted to Kashmir.

He said likewise Jammu has been deprived in the employment and admission in professional colleges.

He justified the NDA policies on J&K saying that the Centre adopted a new line of action to resolve the Kashmir issue and we will really achieve success.

He said BJP has not done any thing wrong but made some concrete efforts in solving Kashmir problem. Our objective was that Pakistan be exposed before the international community and we achieved success in it, he added.

Supporting the Homeland demand for Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley he said the Kashmir is incomplete without Pandits.

Master Lal Chand asks people to reject Cong, NC

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Sept 21: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Kathua Assembly Segment, Master Lal Chand Sharma has asked the people to reject both National Conference (NC) and Congress at hustings and vote for his Party.

Addressing the election meetings at Mahu, Matandi, Jagat Pur, Nihalpur, Palli More, Krakhar and Mohalla Bazigar, he said the BJP has always fought for the cause of Jammu people and it is committed to that.

He said if elected he will work for the development of the Constituency and upliftment of the people. "I will complete all the pending works of 50 years", he assured the masses.

He was accompanied by Messrs P P Sing, Capt (retd) Mohan Lal, Lala Karam Chand, Om Parkash, Inderjit Singh Bali, Sat Pal and Chuni Lal.

They also appealed the people to vote for the BJP leader at hustings and ensure his victory.

They also highlighted the contribution of Master Lal Chand for the development of the area. They said Mr Chand is the man from masses who has stood by the people in every thick and thin and they will not have to regret after voting in his favour.

Democratic Movement candidate addresses
several meetings

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Sept 21: Mr Jatinder Singh, alias Babu Singh, founder of Democratic Movement and contesting candidate for Kathua Assembly segment addressed largely attended meetings at Nagri Bus Stand, Barmora, Sawan Chak and Tara Nagar in Kathua.

As per a release he said if the people of Kathua will elect him, his fundamental priority would be to work for viable peace in J&K tangle. He said after his long research, investigations and study about J&K tangle, he has obtained a concrete proposal of solving J&K Problem.

He said Democratic Movement has been fighting for the down-trodden, poor workers, peasants, unemployed youth and deprived sections of the society. He said DM is a mass movement for new model of democracy with an essence of power with the people.

He assured the people that if elected he would, with the support of people build general council of Kathua Assembly segments. He added that all the activists and workers of Democratic Movement will work in planned and organized way to get ameliorated the day to day problems of the people.

In his address Mr Babu Singh cautioned the people of Kathua Assembly constituency against political opportunists, who have always played with the sentiments of the people.

Other leaders of Democratic Movement who addressed included Messrs Surinder Sharma, Comrade Dev Raj and S Mohinder Singh.

Workshop on Canadian Literature held in JU

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 21: A six- day national workshop on "Canadian Literature A Multi-Disciplinary Approach " is being organised by the Centre for New Literatures in University of Jammu today.

As per a release, the workshop was inaugurated by the chief guest—Mr James Carrick, first secretary Canadian High Commission.

Vice-Chancellor of Jammu University Prof R R Sharma presided over it at the inaugural session.

This workshop was first of its kind in the campus here and it was conducted with the cooperation of Departments of Social Sciences. The participants included the teachers and students of department of Sociology, History, Economic and Political Science.

The validictory session was held today under the chairmanship of Prof Zahur-ud-Din, an eminent scholar. Earlier, Ms Monika Sethi of PG department of English gave her introductory remarks about nature and development of the concept of this workshop.

Dr Chander Mohan, former president of the Indian Association of Canadian Studies offered his felicitations on the successful completion of the workshop. Several other students also spoke on the occasion. Later, Prof D K Rampal Director Centre for New Literature presented his detailed report on the subject.

Scholar Gopi Puri proposed the vote of thanks.

Sheikh Haider files nomination papers from Kishtwar

Excelsior Correspondent

KISHTWAR, Sept 21: All India Congress Committee member and PCC executive Sheikh Ghulam Haider today filed his nomination papers today.

The people from remote and far flung areas like Paddar, Palmar, Sarthal and adjoining places started gathering at the residence of Sheikh Ghulam Haider from where he was taken in a procession, which passed through main bazaar, lower bus stand, Shaheedi road and reached at tehsil headquarters, Kishtwar where he filed his nomination papers.

The rally was first of its kind after a gap of over 23 years as so many people were seen together at one place that too at the time of filing nomination papers of a candidate in Kishtwar. Various leaders spoke to the gathering in the rally who included Messrs Abdul Rashid Butt, Nek Ram Manhas, Shoukat Hussain Najjar, Mohinder Singh Parihar and Mr Shan.

Kanak Mandi traders assure support to Mahey

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 21: Kanak Mandi Traders Association has assured full support to Shiv Sena ( Thakrey) candidate from Jammu East Mr Sanjay Mahay.

During Pad Yatra of the Sena activists in the old city market, Mr Mahey was accorded warm well come by the traders of Kanak Mandi headed by president of Retailers Association Mr Yash Paul Gupta. The Sena leader was garlanded profusely and after weighed with coins.

Mr Suresh Gupta, general secretary of the Kanak Mandi Association assured Mr Mahey full support of the traders community and maintained that he will emerge as winner.

Extending his thanks to the traders community the Shiv Sena leader said that he will work with honesty and dedication for the masses and specially the traders. He assured to fight out discrimination being metted out the people of Jammu region.

Making a dig at BJP and NC the Sena leader alleged that both of them are befooling people of the state. The BJP has lost its credibility and the people have discredited it for its misdeeds. The Party is said to be hand in gloves with the National Conference. The people are convinced that their MLAs may join NC for lust of power, therefore, they are losing ground very soon.

Mr Yash Pal Gupta, S. Nirmal Singh and Deepak Aggarwal also spoke on the occasion.

Sena activists take out rallies in Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 21: A large number of activists of Shiv Sena ( Bal Thakrey) took out a massive rallies in Jammu East and Jammu West Assembly constituencies in support of their candidates Sanjay Mahey (East) and Anan Sharma (West) here today.

Supported by a large number of people and the Sena activists, the rally of Mr Anan Sharma who is also general secretary of All J&K Petroleum Dealers Association was taken out from Janipur in open vehicles fitted with Sena flags and banners carrying slogans and photo graphs of Mr Bal Thakrey and Mr Anan Sharma. A large number of scooter and motorcyclists were leading the rally.

The activists through loud speakers fitted in the vehicles were making appeals to the public to support Sena candidate Anan Sharma from Jammu West and Sanjay Mahey from Jammu East. A large number of people greeted Mr Sharma enroute the constituency and garlanded him and also assured support. The rally passed through Old Janipur, New Plot, Sarwal, Rehari, Bakshi Nagar , Shakti Nagar, Talab Tillo and culminated at the same place.

The other scooter rally in support of Mr Mahey commenced from Exhibition Ground (Tawi Bridge) in the morning. A large number of women and youth participated in the rally. The candidate—Mr Mahey was garlanded by the supporters and taken out in the open Jeep during rally in the old city localities. In this demonstration of power, it has been observed that Shiv Sena has also become serious in the J&K elections and trying hard to win. Several organisations of the city including most of them from Trade have assured support to the Sena candidates.

Swarn Lata flays Omar Abdullah’s statement

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 21: Mrs Swarn Lata, Congress candidate from Samba constituency while addressing several public meetings at Samba criticised Omar Abdullah for his uncalled for statement at Samba and asked him to apologise for the same.

As per a release Mrs Swarn Lata stated that candidate of Panthers Party is virtually a BSP man, who was denied mandate by BSP and at the eleventh hour joined Panthers Party to divide the votes in favour of NC.

She cautioned the people of Samba that they should understand the conspiracy hatched by NC and BJP and added that Congress Party can only defeat the nefarious designs of NC and if people of Samba wanted to get rid of communal policy of NC, they should vote for Congress, because it is the only alternative of NC in the State.

She appealed the people of Samba not to allow their votes divided by casting the same in favour of other parties and instead exercise their right to franchise in favour of Congress.

Mrs Swarn Lata appealed the people of Samba that they should realize the situation and plight of people of Jammu and stressed that it is necessary to defeat both NC and BJP to uphold dignity and respect of Jammu people and to get rid of Kashmir’s dominance and dynastic rule of National Conference.

She stated that problems of Samba have not been projected by the BSP MLA and no development works done for the past six years.

A M Mir invited to international conference

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 21: Mr A M Mir, Executive Director of Jammu and Kashmir Voluntary Health Association has been invited by Save the Children—Norway to attend an international conference at Colombo.

In this conference various issues related to rural development , women and children affected by the armed conflict will be discussed. This is a follow up of UN Conference held at Kathmandu last year which was attended by experts from USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Sweden, Norway, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Mr Mir was the only NGO representative from India to represent the conference.

Mr Mir a retired IAS Officer has been associated with various international development agencies since 1975. He is a reputed rural Development expert at the national level. He has had a successful commonwealth assignment in East Africa based at Kenya as Rural Planning and Development expert for a period of five years.

He has taken up social work for the last five years at Budgam, Wakharwan and Gongoo cluster of villages in Kashmir Valley for creating health, hygiene and sanitation awareness in these project areas.

J&K Bank holds customers meet

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 21: The Jammu and Kashmir Bank Limited held a customers meet at its Shalamar branch which was attended by different customers and chaired by Chief Manager of the Branch Mr C L Bhat.

As per a release at the very outset, Mr Bhat welcomed all the customers and thanked them for their continued support and cooperation. He gave a brief account of working result of the branch and informed about the new deposit/loan schemes like millennium deposit, child care deposit, Flexi deposit, Golden deposit, Multi benefit saving scheme etc.

He also elaborated about other schemes like car loan, Housing loan, personal loan, educational loan, consumer loan schemes and their cooperation and guidance to in order to make further improvement in the working result of the branch.

All the customers present in the meeting expressed satisfaction about services being rendered by the Branch. However some of the customers gave suggestions regarding new cheque books being issued by the branch and about the formalities to be fulfilled for issuance of CDRs. Branch Manager Mr Bhat assured them that the matter shall be brought into the notice of higher authorities. thereafter meeting came to an end with a vote thanks to all.

Give me chance to serve: Sawhney

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 21: Congress candidate from Jammu East constituency Mr Yogesh Sawhney today said that if voted to power Congress will disband Custodian Department, settle West Pakistan refugees and provide all basic facilities to the people.

Talking to inhabitants of Paharian Mohalla, Shaheedi Chowk, Mast Garh and Dalpatian Mohalla as a part of his door to door campaign, he assured that he will constitute Mohalla Development Committees for the complete development of each and every area.

People told Mr Sawhney that BJP MLAs had never given any serious thought to the problems of the people for the last 17 years and for the name of development siphonedoff crores of rupees. He asked the people that this is a high time to teach BJP a lesson which has also befooled the people on the name of Mandir and Masjid.

He found that the people of old city localities are still living in hellish like condition and assured that after winning the elections he will accord top priority to providing basic facilites like drinking water, electricity and metalled streets to the people.

Accompained by Mr Ajay Tony, general secretary of the Pradesh Youth Congress and other senior leaders including Shreekant and Ramesh Sharma, he went door to door and urged the people to give him a chance to serve them.

Later, he addressed a public meeting at Shaheedi Chowk wherein Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mr Satyajeet Gaikwad were also present.

‘Militancy has become trade for many in Kashmir’
Peace & fair conduct of J&K polls a slap on
Musharraf’s face: Shatrughan

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 21: Union Minister for Health and cine star turned politician, Mr Shatrughun Sinha has said that peaceful and fair conduct of elections in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir state is a strong slap on the face of Pakistani president Gen Parvez Musharraf and those opposing it in the state.

Addressing public rallies in Jammu East and Gandhinagar assembly constituencies in support of BJP candidate Ashok Khajuria (J-East) and BJP supported candidate Charanjit Singh Khalsa, Mr Sinha said that despite threats from Pak aided mercenaries to dissociate from polling a large number of people of the Jammu and Kashmir state came out ignoring the threats and participated in the first phase of the elections on September 16 with courage and confidence to elect their representatives democratically.

A clear message has gone to the world that people of J&K believe in democracy and they have actively participated without any fear ignoring threats from militants’ mentors across the border. The entire world and the observers sitting in J&K have realised this fact that elections were fair. "It is slap on the face of Pakistan’s President Gen Parvez Musharraf who has recently remarked that J&K elections were farcical and also a blow to those people who have opposed it or tried to influence the people not to participate in the process," he added.

Making a dig at some separatist leaders and others the Union Minister said that militancy has become a trade for many in J&K. They will never like to see terrorism de-escalating in the state because it suits them well. They are running their establishments and minting money and exploiting the sentiments of innocent Kashmiri people. This election is very important for the people of this state for the restoration of peace and normalcy. The people of J&K have to reply back or retaliate not through bullet but the power of ballot. This is the best way democratically to the teach the lessons to the enemies of democracy and peace of this country. He congratulated the people of J&K for their courage and active participation in the elections.

The Party leader and Mr Atal Behari has the capacity to give a new direction to the country and has taken up this resolve to fight out terrorism which has been promoted by the Congress for its vested interests. Mr Vajpayee has the wisdom to foresee the things and he is leading the country in right direction. The people of the country should support him and he will not stop his efforts till terrorism is rooted out from the country.

Referring to the voice raised in Jammu region against discrimination being caused by the Kashmiri rulers sitting in National Conference, the BJP leader said that no one can deny this fact that there has been discrimination with Jammu people in jobs, political field and distribution of funds besides selection in engineering and medical colleges. It is unfortunate that there are 37 Assembly seats in Jammu while 46 in Kashmir while the areawise and population wise Jammu is larger than Kashmir. There are 2 seats of MPs in Jammu while three in Srinagar.

The tall claims of doing justice with all the three regions have proved to be false and every time during elections such commitments are made with the public just to be forgotten and ignored by the opportunist leaders. The Kashmiri rulers have to provide justice to the people of Jammu if they want their support otherwise the voters have the power to throw them out. He appealed the people to support BJP candidates from Jammu East and Gandhinagar so that these legislators can fight for rights.

Minister of State for Defence Prof Chaman Lal Gupta and BJP Member Parliament from Punjab, Mr S S Ahluwalia also spoke in the rally at Gandhinagar. Mr Ahluwalia came down heavily on the National Conference Government and held it responsible for spurt in militancy in Jammu region after Valley. The NC Government never thought about the welfare of the Jammu people and therefore, a voice against this regime has been raised by the people. The people have to snatch their rights and not to beg from the ruling Government.

America hails, Pakistan wails

By B L Kak

Washington’s verdict on the conduct of the crucial elections to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has taken Islamabad by surprise. In fact, America’s "stalwart ally"-that is, Pakistan-did not expect the US administration to hail fairness of the first phase of the battle of the ballot in the most troubled north Indian State. And Pakistan simply had to wail when the United States did hail the polling in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan-aided ultras left no stone unturned to undo the poll process amid a series of violent incidents and killing of dozens of people, including pro-poll political leaders and activists. But the participation of the Muslim voters in large numbers shocked Pakistan and secessionists as well as All-Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC). Pakistan, while launching propaganda drive against the conduct of Assembly polls in Kashmir, sought to boost the morale of its ‘patriots’ in Kashmir by declaring the elections as a ‘sham’.

Significantly, however, Islamabad was taken aback when the US Government openly appreciated the polling in J&K saying elections in the State were off to a "positive start". Indeed, Washington declined to play pro-Islamabad game this time. Pakistan Government headed by Gen. Parvez Musharraf suffered a major setback when the US State Department lauded the courage of Kashmiris for coming out to vote "in strength" on September 16. US Ambassador to India, Mr Robert Blackwill, appeared to speak Mr LK Advani’s language at the end of the first phase of the J&K elections.

Referring to the courage of the Kashmiris for coming out to vote "in strength", Mr Blackwill pronounced that this was despite the fact that infiltration across the Line of Control (LoC) had gone up since July this year. Much against the wishes and expectations of Pakistan, Mr Blackwill let it be known that it was Washington’s view that the elections in J&K were "not a sham".

That the US Government heavily relied on the inputs made available to it by the New Delhi-based American Embassy became amply clear with the statement of Mr Richard Boucher, US State Department spokesman: "The feedback provided by the US Embassy in New Delhi indicates a positive start to the election process…We welcome the Indian Government’s commitment to holding an election that is free and fair and perceived as such internationally and within India. We have diplomats and others up in the area who are observing the elections".

Mr Robert Blackwill had another shock for the Pakistan Government. Infiltration into J&K from across the LoC "had not stopped yet", even as the US President, Mr George W Bush, had told Gen. Parvez Musharraf that he had to stop infiltration. That the Musharraf regime had not appreciated Mr Blackwill’s observation in this regard became evident with the statement by Major General Rashid Qureshi, Press Secretary to Gen. Musharraf: "I wonder what is the source of the US Ambassador. He has no means of verifying such charges. It appears he has been taken in by the constant Indian propaganda. There is absolutely no proof of such an activity".

The bullet during the battle of the ballot did not disappear, but seemed less lethal than it was widely apprehended to be. The ballot, during the first phase, reigned. By all accounts, it was a resounding vote for democracy. In the process, it was the worst-ever setback for the 23-party conglomerate, widely known as the Hurriyat Conference, simply because their boycott call virtually flopped. Former Union Law Minister, Mr Ram Jethmalani, who is heading the recently-constituted Kashmir Committee, or for that matter other ‘secret’ interlocutors, including former chief of the RAW, Mr AS Dulat, will have to think afresh on the role and relevance of the Hurriyat leaders.

Some Hurriyat leaders may like and love to speak Islamabad’s language on the just-concluded first phase of the polls in J&K. They require to be told that no certificate is needed to dub these polls a success. A success not just by the standards of Jammu and Kashmir but even by the general standards of any election in a State as big, as topographically and demographically diverse, as this. The positive verdict on the transparency of the poll process by the international community for the largely free and fair election is a cause for rejoicing.

This, on the one hand, is an endorsement of India’s stand on the elections. On the other hand, it came as a big blow to Pakistan which has done its utmost, since the polls were announced, to denigrate them and undermine their importance. A significant diplomatic victory, therefore, for India which, besides fighting the proxy war, constantly has to struggle against the diplomatic war that Islamabad loses no opportunity to unleash on Kashmir, whatever the platform and whatever the forum.

The most important positive fallout, thus, of the successful completion of the first phase of the polls has been the damage caused to Pakistan’s campaign to get the J&K polls rejected by the world community as a ‘farce’. The diplomatic advantage this gives to India is, as it seems, going to be a major morale booster for the Government as it prepares itself for the remaining three phases of the elections. How critical this could be for the authorities can be gauged from the fact that terrorist outfits, clearly stunned by the voter defiance in their first phase, have already begun to intensify their efforts to defeat the electoral process.

The expectedly vitriolic exchanges, some days ago, between then Indian and Pakistani sides at the United Nations General Assembly, and at other platforms in the sidelines of the meetings, served at least one purpose. They succeeded in highlighting the serious problem of cross-border terrorism of which India has been a victim for years now, without the world community doing anything concrete to address the issue. When Gen. Musharraf raised the bogey of Kashmir in his speech to the UN, he was only following a beaten path that all Pakistani rulers before him had followed. And by dubbing terrorism in Kashmir as a ‘freedom struggle’ he was merely endorsing an oft-stated Pakistani stand that seeks to justify the continued support of regime after regime in Islamabad for the militants in Jammu and Kashmir.

But Gen. Musharraf, despite his military astuteness, did not apparently anticipate the outright rejection of this stance by the international community, including the US, which has categorically rejected terrorism in the garb of freedom struggle as a justified means to any end. And little did he realize that by raking up the Kashmir issue in the manner he did, he was only serving India’s purpose. Gen. Musharraf’s remarks, particularly on the elections in Kashmir, did not go down well with the international community.

‘Phone book with Yellow Pages for Jammu Region’
BSNL’s official printer launches advertisement
collection bureau

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 21: Parkash Communications Limited, a Jalandhar based publishing company, having the publishing rights of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), has launched its advertisement collection bureau in Jammu for the ‘phone book and yellow pages’ in Jammu circle including Kathua.

This was stated by the Executive Director of the Parkash Communication, Mr V K Bawa, while talking to newsmen, here today.

He informed that the General Manager, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, Department of Telecom, Government of India, Jammu has exclusively authorised M/s Parkash Communications, a company in the business of printing of BSNL-telephone directories at national level, under official agreement to bring out ‘phone book and yellow pages’ for Jammu Region comprising Jammu district and its surroundings including Kathua.

Since the process of incorporating ‘Yellow Pages’ in Jammu has been initiated after a long spell of six years, Mr Bawa emphasised the need of authentic and well circulated ‘Yellow Pages’ for Jammu.

He further said that it is a golden opportunity for the business fraternity, industries, professionals, institutions etc. to reach every nook and corner of Jammu and Kathua districts by virtue of circulation of one lakh copies free of cost by the BSNL-Jammu Telecom to its each and every telephone subscriber.

Unfolding more details about the company, Mr Bawa said, "currently the company is holding multi layer contracts with BSNL only to the tune of two million copies worth Rs 25 crores to be executed from 2002 to 2006 for the cities like Jalandhar, Bhatinda, Patiala, Ferozpur, Dharmshalla (HP), Bhopal, Hoshangabad (MP), Agra, Aligarh (UP), Bharatpur and Ajmer in Rajasthan.

The first issue, according to Mr V K Bawa, will be distributed to the subscriber in the last week of March after the dumy display of the directory in January and publishing the printed dumy copy in the second week of February.

He appealed to the business community of Jammu to come forward and participate in these exclusive yellow pages, completely sponsored by BSNL.

"Since it is our first attempt to enter the Jammu market, so we are not making any profit out of it", disclosed Mr Bawa.

Manyal promises Degree college for Samba

Excelsior Correspondent

SAMBA, Sept 21: National Conference candidate for Samba Assembly constituency Mr S N Manyal today visited Ben, Galarh, Rahnian, Mawa, Silki Chapri and addressed a number of meetings.

During the campaign, a number of Jat leaders extended community’s support to Mr Manyal because of his previous record of services to people in general and Jat community in particular.

Addressing a public meetings Mr Manyal said that he would get Degree College for Samba, upgradation of local hospital and construction of a stadium in the town.

He stressed that National Conference after returning to power in the State would create job opportunities for unemployed youth and he would ensure that maximum youth from Samba could be absorbed in Government jobs.

Mr Manyal further said that he would continue to work for the development of the area and make Samba a model constituency.

He appealed people to reject Congress, Bhartiya Janta Party and Bahujan Samaj Party since only National Conference, which represents all communities and regions, can provide a stable and good governance in Jammu and Kashmir.

The public meetings were also addressed by some other prominent leaders of National Conference who appealed people not to be misled by disinformation campaign of opposition parties.

PDP conveys satisfaction over fairness of polls

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 21: Conveying its satisfaction over fairness of first phase of Assembly polls, conducted on September 16, People Democratic Party has predicted a non-NC Government in Jammu and Kashmir if remaining three phases were also conducted in free and fair atmosphere.

Talking to media persons, senior PDP leader Mr Tarlok Singh Bajwa, who is also party candidate for Suchetgarh Assembly constituency said that after 25 years, people of Jammu and Kashmir would witness a change in Government.

Predicting that Mufti Mohd Sayeed may be next Chief Minister of J&K, the PDP leader said that even Dr Farooq Abdullah has virtually admitted National Conference’s defeat in polls by stating that his party was ready to sit in opposition.

Conveying party’s satisfaction of fairness of first phase of polls, Mr Bajwa said for the first time people of J&K have been given an opportunity to elect the Government of their own choice. "In earlier elections, the State Governments were not elected but imposed by the Centre," he added.

Replying to a query, Mr Bajwa said that people of J&K were not in favour of greater autonomy to the State. "Common masses have nothing to do with autonomy, they want only peace and development," he added.

PDP Zonal president Choudhary Chuni Lal district president Youth Mr Baldev Singh Pappa were also present in the press conference.

Chib castigates NC, Cong

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 21: BJP candidate for Suchetgarh Assembly constituency Mr R S Chib conducted door-to-door campaign and addressed a series of public meetings at Chandu Chak, Badyal Brahmana, Dewangarh Camp, Dewa Garh Old, Kotli Riyan, Beaspur Parlah, Dablehar, Kotli, Arjun Singh, Nai Basti and Mokhey.

Mr Chib, while addressing public meetings, alleged that National Conference Government has failed on all fronts, particularly to mitigate the miseries of poor and down trodden.

He stressed that by demanding greater autonomy, NC has exposed itself and it has now become clear that the party was anti-national and dividing people on communal lines by exploiting secessionist sentiments.

He asked people to teach the party a lesson in polls and throw it out from the power.

Mr Chib also castigated Congress and said the party was mother of present turmoil in the State. He stressed that only BJP and a person like Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee can solve the Kashmir problem for ever.

Mr Chib also addressed a meeting at Kotli Arjun Singh alongwith Mr S S Ahulwalia, member of Parliament.

Cong asks voters to wipe out NC from J&K

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 21: The Congress Party has given a call to the voters to wipe out the National Conference and support whole-heartedly the Congress nominee Mr Raman Bhalla from Gandhi Nagar constituency.

Addressing series of pre-poll rallies in Channi Himmat, Bagh-e-Bahu, Nanak Nagar, Upper Gadigarh, Jiwan Nagar, Rani Talab Digiana and Trikuta Nagar extension, various senior Congress leaders joined hands with Raman Bhalla in securing solemn assurance from voters of their support to Mr Bhalla.

While addressing Mr Bhalla said that Congress believes in collective politics and had given up power to Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah after his wilderness of 22 years. He added that Congress has never been power hungry and that is why in the national interest it had gifted power to Sheikh, but when the Sheikh and his dynasty mis-used power given to it, it resulted into chaos and confusion in the State.

He said had the NC Government been transparent and accountable to the people, there would have been all round development in the State with considerable improvement in unemployment, but the people’s problems piled up, youth became restless and these difficulties and frustration were exploited by Pakistan.

Mr Bhalla said the people don’t want autonomy but employment. He added that the people also don’t have any interest in Resettlement Act but are keen to get un-interrupted power supply, sufficient drinking water. He blamed NC regime for for compounding the mess in power generation and distribution.

The Congress candidate from Gandhi Nagar said if NC was not voted out, there would be no scope for bringing to light series of scams, the NC leaders have involved themselves in. He said the Congress has promised to hold a probe into these scams on the pattern of Punjab Government. The Congress has the potential to fight terrorism as it has shown in Punjab where the Congress regime under Mr Beant Singh fixed the last nail in the coffin of militancy. Mr Bhalla said the vote for Congress was a vote for peace and political stability.

Muslim leader asks community to vote for Ashok Khajuria

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 21: Prominent local Muslim leader Moulvi Ghulam Nabi has appealed the Muslim community to vote for sitting BJP MLA Ashok Khajuria who is contesting again from the Jammu-East Assembly constituency.

Addressing a public meeting at Gujjar Nagar, Moulvi Ghulam Nabi listed the development works done by Mr Khajuria as MLA for the Muslim majority localities in his constituency. He particularly mentioned the development of Kabristan for which Mr Khajuria had sanctioned Rs 3 lakh from his constituency development fund.

He cautioned people against disinformation campaign launched by Congress and National Conference and alleged that both these parties were befooling Muslim community by making hollow slogan.

While addressing the gathering, Mr Ashok Khajuria said that he was determined to make Jammu-East a model constituency and sought public co-operation to complete his mission.

He also appealed Muslim community not to be swayed by the hollow slogans of other parties which have done nothing for them but only drifted the community from the main stream.

Senior BJP leader Mr Murari Lal, while addressing, said that Mr Khajuria should be given one more chance to serve people of the area and complete the unfinished task of development of Jammu-East.

Mr Dalip Gupta, Mohd Hussain, Mohd Rafiq, Rajesh Gupta and Rajnish Sharma also addressed the gathering.

Rs 10,050 withdrawn fraudulently from
J&K Bank Nowshera

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Sept 21: Nowshera Police has rounded up some officials of J&K Bank for investigating the fraudulent drawal of Rs 10,052 which were credited in the account of two handicapped girls by Social Welfare Department.

The SDPO, Nowshera Mr Benam Tosh while confirming it said some officials of the Bank have been taken into custody for questioning.

The amount was deposited by the Social Welfare Department in the account of the two girls namely Inder Kaur daughter of Isher Singh of Raipur Patta and Sunaina Bakshi daughter of Rita Bakshi of Nowshera but when the two girls went withdraw the amount from the Bank, they were surprised to know that the same has already been withdrawn.

As no action was taken by the Bank after they brought the matter in the notice of Branch Manager, the duo lodged an FIR at Nowshera Police Station on April 9 this year under RPC 420-419 and 468.

Surprisingly the drawals from which the payments have been withdrawn is also missing.

When the matter was brought in the notice of the Chief General Manager of the Bank he constituted a Committee to probe. The Committee is headed by DGM J&K Bank. It after probing the matter also filed an FIR in Police Station Nowshera.

The Police has seized all the records and investigations are on.

NC, Cong try to cover their failures: JSM

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 21: Prof Virender Gupta, Jammu State Morcha (JSM) candidate from Jammu West Assembly constituency has alleged that National Conference and Congress have always tried to cover their failures and misdeeds.

Addressing series of public rallies at Top Sherkhanian, Bhagwati Nagar and Resham Ghar Colony here today, Prof Gupta said that Congress and BJP has always tried to cover its failures. These Parties never cared about the development of Jammu and ignored this region for the last more than fifty years.

Immediately after the independence when the separate constitution, flag and special status was granted for J&K the demand of separate state for Jammu was also raised at that time. It is a movement and not a new demand raised by only newly formed Morcha. The demand was lost in the sea of noises of national interests. The subsequent

Praja Parishad agitation and arrest of Sheikh Mohd Abdullah delayed the demand but started discrimination with Jammu region even after words. This demand is coming forth since 1960. Jammu Mukti Morcha which was established in March 1991 and had been spearheading the movement.

The function of JSM is the result of continued discrimination against Jammu region and ignoring its aspirations. He assured the people that their electric connections will not be removed despite the notices issued by PDD department for not having allowed electronic metres to be installed. Mr Gupta also launched door to door campaign in the constituency to seek public support.

Tough challenge for NC in Srinagar

SRINAGAR, Sept 21: It will be an uphill task for the ruling National Conference to maintain supremacy in almost all the ten Assembly constituencies of Srinagar district going to polls on September 24 alongwith 18 other constituencies in the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir elections.

The NC has a record of winning from all these constituencies since it started taking part in the Assembly elections after the Indira-Sheikh accord in 1975.

It won from all the ten constituencies hands down with hardly any opposition in 1996 elections, which were held after a gap of nine years.

Observers feel that because of less poll percentage in the last Assembly election following poll boycott call by the all party Hurriyat Conference and militant outfits, NC made a clean sweep.

However, this time the task will be difficult, a fact admitted by the Union Minister of State for External Affairs Omar Abdullah immediately after he took over as president of the NC from his father Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah in June this year.

Mr Omar had admitted that times had changed and people, particularly youths, were not going to vote for the NC untill it performed.

The time has gone when people were casting their ballots in favour of anybody put up by the NC, Mr Omar said and warned his party leaders that, "untill you perform nobody can give you vote."

It is because of this realisation the Chief Minister Dr Abdullah and his son omar are leaving no stone unturned to reach voters. Particularly in the rural areas.

This has put NC on the defensive in almost all the seats and the leaders are making every effort to woo the voters in their favour.

However, people are little enthusiastic in eight of the ten Assembly segments in the district.

The civil line, down town and uptown areas hardly witnessed any big election meeting except the one addressed by Congress president Ms Sonia Gandhi at high security Sonawar area, under unprecedented security measures.

One could see posters, banners and flags made from polythene of different political parties in the civil lines and uptown areas.

However, with just two days left for campaigning to end, no political party could organise any big election meeting sofar.

The ruling NC is contesting from all the segments followed by Congress on nine seats and Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party seven.

The NC has fielded four new faces, including Omar Abdullah from Ganderbal, the constituency represented by his grand father Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and his father Dr Abdullah since 1977.

The most high-profile constituency in Jammu and Kashmir is awaiting a straight and tough contest between an exuberant National Conference (NC) president Omar Abdullah and an old hand in politics, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Qazi Mohammad Afzal.

The campaigning has gained momentum with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah and his son concentrating their energies on this constituency — addressing election meetings almost every alternate day.

The PDP candidate is no underdog himself and has so far been a tough match for the Union Minister of State for External Affairs.

"I will take the fight into their camp...I decided to contest only to wipe out the Abdullahs from the political scene of the state," a confident-looking Mr Afzal said.

He said the people of the state should unite to put an end to the dynastic rule. "I will take the lead by dethroning them from Ganderbal. I have started a revolution in Ganderbal."

However, the NC Chief Ministerial candidate expressed confidence in getting the people’s mandate. "I will win by a thumping margin...How can the people of this constituency forget the services of my party?"

Mr Abdullah, who is contesting the Assembly elections for the first time following his father s decision to leave the seat to him after representing it for 19 years, said if his party was voted to power he would ensure early commissioning of the Ganderbal power station. "This would give a boost to the economic development of the entire area."

The NC president said he would visit the constituency twice a month, if elected.

There are six candidates seeking mandate from 68,402 total electorate including 29,638 women and 926 migrants from this constituency. However, the main fight will be between Omar and Qazi.

The Amira Kadal constituency spread over historic Lal Chowk, Budshah Chowk, Maisuma, where the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front headquarter is located, and Natipora besides other areas in the city, also remains a strong hold of NC wining all the elections since 1977.

In 1987 Ghulam Mohiuddin Shah was declared elected from this constituency after he defeated his nearest than Muslim United Front (MUF) candidate Mohammad Yousuf Shah alias Syed Salahu Uddin, the supreme commander of Pakistan based United Jehand Council.

The constituency will witness a tough fight this time as the sitting MLA Mohammad Shafi Bhat who was not given a ticket by the NC this time resigned and was contesting as a Congress nominee.

The NC has fielded Ghulam Nabi Mir who has to fight it out against Mr Bhat who won from this constituency on an NC ticket.

However, there are six other candidates including two women —Khalida Tabassum (Ind) and Ms Afroza Qadir Janata Dal(United)—besides a Kashmiri Pandit Lalit Kumar Moza(BJP) who are in the fray. The Kashmiri migrant, who constitutes 40 per cent of the total electorate, holds the key in the Habbakadal Assembly constituency.

The constituency in the old city, which had been represented by candidates from the Hindu community in five of the seven elections since 1957, has 23,233 migrant voters out of a 58,343-strong electorate, including 28,340 women electors.

"We have not seen any of the contestants so far," Abdul Hamid, a voter said, adding,"we have no interest in the elections this time". (UNI)