Major
tragedy averted in Banihal Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 1: Militants gunned down three members of a family in their house at village Kither in Thathri tehsil of Doda district last night while security forces averted a major tragedy when they detected and defused a powerful bomb at Kharpura in Banihal today. A police spokesman said a group of militants attacked the house of Mohd Akbar, whose son is a Special Police Officer (SPO) in Doda, last mid-night when the family was asleep in their house. Militants dragged out the family members and opened indiscriminate firing on them. All the three family members, present in the house, were killed on the spot in militants firing. Militants, numbering three-four, escaped from the spot and fled towards upper reaches. Neighbourers of the victims gathered on the spot after militants escape and trekked a distance of about two kms to inform at a security picket. Security personnel rushed to the spot and combed the area immediately. The security jawans, assisted by the local police, launched a search operation in the area in the wee hours of this morning to apprehend the militants involved in the attack. Some suspects have been rounded up by the security forces but no formal arrest has been made so far. The victims have been identified as Mohd Akbar, his wife Gulshan Begum and son Aziz Hussain. Their bodies were buried by the local people in the village today after post-mortem. Police said younger son of Mohd Akbar was engaged as SPO with the district police of Doda. This could be one of the reason behind elimination of the family as militants had already warned local people not to work as SPO with police and Army. Senior police officers from Thathri also rushed to the spot today and were camping there when the reports last came in. Tension had gripped the village with local people protesting against the barbaric killings of the innocent civilians. Meanwhile, security forces today managed to avert a major tragedy when they recovered an IED planted on National Highway at the out-skirts of Banihal town. The mine contained 3 kg of explosive material, powerful enough to blow up a bus. A road opening party led by Maj R B Upadyaya while on its routine exercise of clearance of road, detected a patch of mud on broken area of tramatted road at about 0915 hours in the morning. On suspecting foul play, the team put the nine detector and sniffer dogs into action which confirmed presence of explosive material. The area around the spot was also laid with big stones by the militants to ensure diversion of the traffic to go over the spot to ensure casualties. Security forces took prompt action in stopping the traffic north of Jawahar Tunnel and fourth of Lachlana to ensure that there are no road blockades and search operations are not hampered. Later, the forces cordoned off the area and searched it extensively for presence of additional IED and militants wanting to take advantage of the situation. The explosive handling squad was pressed into action which finally destroyed the IED by blowing it up. The impact of this explosive was so severe that it created a big crater inside the ground. It may be recalled that this is second instance in last one year where militants have tried to sensationalise militancy in Doda by using highway to target security forces and create fear in hearts and mind of people but have failed in both the attempts. |
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FCI
withdraws credit facility Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 1: Threat of a possible food crisis looms large over this border state with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) deciding to withdraw the credit facility from Jammu and Kashmir Government. The Corporation was forced to resort to this extreme step as the cash strapped State Government has failed to pay arrears which touched about Rs 150 crores. Though the Food and Supplies officials did not see any major impact on the Public Distribution System (PDS) in the State due to the decision of the Food Corporation of India,the Minister of State for Food and Supplies, Mr Ajay Sadhotra has decided to stem the rot, before the situation assumes alarming proportions. Reliable sources said that the Minister has decided to rush to the Union Capital tomorrow to discuss the matter with Union Food and Supplies Minister, Mr Surjeet Singh Barnala. According to sources, cash strapped State Government has made every possible effort to arrive at some amicable solution. But, due to acute financial crunch, the FCI officials were forced to take this hard decision. A source in the Food and Supplies Ministry said that in its attempt to avert the situation the State Government has made a payment of Rs 25 crores to the Food Corporation of India only yesterday. But this meager payment did not yield any result as the FCI was adamant on full payment of the arrears. The problem emerged after installation of the popular Government in the State. After National Conference Government under the leadership of Dr Farooq Abdullah took charge, the FCI immediately stopped credit facility which was very much available in the Governor rule. The State Government pleaded its case before the then Prime Minister, Mr H D Deve Gowda and demanded continuation of the credit facility. It was only after his intervention, then Minister for Food and Supplies, Mr Raghubansh Parshad Singh decided to restore the facility for J&K State. Beside regularly paying to the FCI, Government has also paid a sum of Rs 60 crores as arrear which were left unpaid during the Governor rule. The State availed the facility during the regime to Mr Inder Kumar Gujral and the same continued even after installation of the BJP Government at Centre. The problem emerged only after the month of September last year as the State Government could not make payment due to the financial crises. In the month of November, the Union Food and Supplies Minister, Mr Surjeet Singh Barnala informed the Union Government about inability of his Department to continue credit facilities to the J&K State due to the acute financial crises in the Food Corporation of India. It was only after the request of Union Home Minister, Mr Lal Krishan Advani that Mr Barnala decided to extend the credit facility for the militancy infested state. Mr Advani sought credit extension since stocks had to be build up for winter. Keeping in view the winter stock for J&K was a national priority, the credit was first extended upto January 99 as a temporary measure and then again extended up to March 99 due to the situation in the State. Barnala, however, made it clear before Union Government that it was not feasible for his Ministry to continue the same in case the State Government failed to make payments of arrears. As the cash-strapped J&K Government could not make all the arrears, Mr Barnala on March 15, has finally decided to withdraw the credit facility and revert the system of pre-payment for J&K as has been done for the other states. Talking to EXCELSIOR, Mr Sadhotra expressed confidence that Centre would withdraw its decision and do not allow the people of the State to starve. "Centre is very much aware that we are facing extra ordinary situation due to militancy and acute financial crises", he said. "Though we are not in a position to make payment immediately due to financial crises but we are committed to clear arrears", Mr Sadhotra said and added that with the improvement in the situation the State Government would cover all the arrears of the FCI. "I am going Delhi tomorrow to discuss the problem with Mr Barnala", Mr Sadhotra said and expressed confidence that Centre Government would sympathically consider their case and would not allow the people to starve. "Barnala Sahib is very much aware of the problems we are confronting with", Mr Sadhotra said and hoped that credit facility would be extended for the time being till financial condition improved in the State. When contacted by the EXCELSIOR, Director Food and Supplies, expressed his ignorance about the decision of Food Corporation of India. He, however, asserted that Food and Supplies Department has adequate stock to continue the Public Distribution System for more than two months without getting any supply from the FCI. While FCI has chosen to withdraw the credit facility from this militancy-plagued state, the Chairman of the Food Corporation of India, Mr B Narasimban in his recent visit to the winter capital had stated that J&K was a special priority state and FCI would take every possible step to maintain supply of ration in this militancy infested state. "It is our national responsibility to maintain supply in the State at any cost", Mr Narasimban had told and added that due to its geographical and typographical conditions it was foremost duty of FCI to maintain supply in backward areas of the State. |
Farooq meets Advani,
Yashwant Excelsior Correspondent/Agencies NEW DELHI, Apr 1: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah today ruled out National Conference (NC) withdrawing support to the BJP-led Government at the Centre, saying the coalition regime was doing a good job. We do not change our stand too often and there is no question of NC reviewing its support to the Vajpayee Government, Abdullah told when asked to comment on the demand by a section of his partymen to withdraw support since the Centre had failed to bail the State Government out of financial difficulties. They (BJP-led Government) are doing so good and our support will continue unless something happens otherwise, Dr Abdullah said after his 45-minute meeting with Home Minister L K Advani at his North Block office here. Dr Abdullah today who met the Home Minister sought the financial assistance and additional deployment of forces to overcome acute fiscal crisis and prevent infiltration of militants from across the border. Dr Abdullah also urged the Home Minister to take initiatives to reduce the states fiscal deficit. Additional para military forces should be deployed in the state to counter the insurgency problems, he said. After the meeting, the Chief Minister said I am happy that the Home Minister has agreed upon most of the issues raised by me. Dr Abdullah said the state needed immediate help from the Centre for building up a sound infrastructure as funds were badly required for construction of schools, bridges, roads and the tourism sector, which were damaged extensively during nine years of militancy. The Chief Minister said that non plan expenditure has been brought down by Rs 150 crores as part of austerity measures. Similarly, taxes have been increased to bridge the gap between revenue and expenditure. He also stated that the secretarial staff will be trimmed and the ministers have been asked to travel in the economy class. Expressing dissatisfaction over the state plan allocation of Rs 1750 crore this year, he said this was less than that of last year and sought a step-up of about 20 per cent to enable the state build up its infrastructure badly destroyed during the period of militancy. We are facing a financial crisis and the Centre is aware of it, he said, adding that there was an urgent requirement of reconstructing and repairing roads, schools, bridges and other facilities. On the security situation, he said he had also demanded replenishment and additional security forces as infiltration was likely to increase with the onset of summer and clearing of mountain passes due to melting of snow. The J and K Chief Minister said additional deployment was necessary as the other side has not stopped violating the Line of Control. He said measures to check infiltration were already in the pipeline and a broad plan drawn up to control the heights and other areas vulnerable to infiltration. Asked whether some paramilitary units had been shifted from J and K to Bihar, Abdullah replied in the affirmative and said that is why we want replenishment and even additional forces. The Chief Minister said his meeting with Advani was fruitful and the Centre had assured him that it would try to help the state financially. To questions about the austerity drive launched by his Government, he said when we have raised taxes, we have to do something to reduce expenditure ourselves. We have already reduced state expenditure by Rs 100 crore and would be further reducing it by Rs 50 crore which is a major achievement. Elaborating on the steps taken in connection with the drive, Dr Abdullah said while the number of secretarial posts would be reduced, the Ministers would have only one car at their disposal. The Ministers have also been directed to undertake air travel only in the economy class. He said a Central team on tourism would visit the state soon to review the measures being undertaken to attract more foreign and domestic tourists. Later, in the afternoon, Dr Abdullah met the Union Finance Minister, Mr Yashwant Sinha. An official spokesman said that Mr Sinha informed Dr Abdullah that the package of incentives announced in order to attract investment in North-East is also being extended for Jammu and Kashmir. The Finance Minister also informed the Chief Minister that the Finance Ministry would meet the resource gap in order to protect the annual plan of Jammu and Kashmir recently finalised by the Planning Commission. Foreigners acquire citizenship right in J&K against money Excelsior Special Correspondent NEW DELHI, Apr 1: Hundreds of foreign nationals are reported to have manipulated to acquire citizenship right in Jammu and Kashmir between 1990 and 1998. " Impossible has been converted into possible, with the grant of State subject certificates to them as lakhs and lakhs of rupees changed hands". This sensational disclosure is contained in a document prepared by Government sleuths. A top Government source said that the document was the product of "strenuous research work which lasted 48 months". And the document has termed as "aggressively shameful" the official connivance facilitating the "aggressively political" task of hundreds of foreigners obtaining State subject certificates. "Most interesting aspect of the research work is that as many as nine police and revenue officials in one district in J&K, who had, according to one report, received huge sums of money from financially rich non-Indians in the course of preparing the ground for their classification as bona fide residents of Jammu and Kashmir, were offered encouraging amounts of money for doling out information to intelligence sleuths on how and when the illegal act was commissioned, namely, grant of State subject certificates to the outsiders", the document says. The team of intelligence sleuths also consisted of two Kashmiri Muslim functionaries of the J&K administration. And their identity, the source asserted, would not be disclosed for obvious reasons. The teams survey, conducted in the Kashmir valley and in the three districts Doda, Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu region, has hinted at the involvement of dozens of local Government officials, particularly from the police and revenue departments, in addition to scores of prominent "political activists and legislators", in the "clandestine, lucrative trade" of arranging State subject certificates for "an estimated number of 15,000 people from across the border between 1990 and 1998. "Huge sums of money from across the border", the document says, "changed hands while making possible the impossible". At least 20 functionaries of the J&K administration from four sensitive districts Baramulla and Kupwara in Kashmir valley and Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu region have, according to the document, become fabulously rich by being the quiet recipients of equally quiet flow of money into their hands in the course of arranging State subject certificates for foreign nationals. These functionaries as well as many others, largely benefited as lakhs and lakhs of rupees changed hands every month between 1990 and 1998 in support of the militants and foreign mercenaries aided and abetted by Pakistan, the document says, have purchased immovable properties such as land and residential houses and commercial premises in the vicinity of Jammu and adjoining areas. Under the State Subject Act, no outsider not even Indias topmost constitutional personalities, namely the President and Prime Minister can purchase even an inch of land in Jammu and Kashmir for personal use. This notwithstanding, the document says that reports "have also been received with regard to the flow of lakhs of rupees from several individuals from the neighbouring States of Punjab, Delhi and Haryana" by the time each one of them manipulated to acquire State subject certificate in recent years. According to the document, equally significant has been the "secret" efforts by several non-Kashmiri members of the Indian Army, the Border Security Force (BSF), the Central Reserve Police force (CRPF) and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), besides the RAW and the IB, aimed at obtaining State subject certificates. |
3 VDC members rescued from ultras captivity Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Apr 1: Security forces today rescued three kidnapped members of Village Defence Committee (VDC) from the clutches of militants in Kalaban area. Official sources said a group of militants struck in Kalaban area last night and kidnapped three VDC members after snatching their .303 rifle. Local people, who were witness to the incident, immediately sounded a local battalion of Indian Reserve Police (IRP). The IRP jawans accompanied by the security forces immediately swung into action and launched searches in the area to rescue the kidnapped VDC members. Securitymen identified the militants suspected hideout and surrounded it. After half an hour long well-planned operation, the police personnel succeeded in rescuing all the three hostages. However, the militants managed to escape during the operation. Security jawans continued searches to apprehend the militants, who numbered six and were equipped with weapons. The rescued VDC members have been identified as Surinder Kumar son of Soba Ram, Hari Ram and Rikhi Ram, all residents of village Nambal. One .303 rifle of the VDC member, which had been snatched by the militants, was also recovered by the police personnel. Besides personal belongings of the militants including three blankets were also recovered from their hideout. Local people of the area have appreciated the efforts of police and security forces in their timely efforts to rescue the three VDC members. Police officers also visited the area today and asked the VDC members to maintain extra vigil as they were being targeted by the militants alongwith the SPOs. Meanwhle, a big cache of arms and ammunition has been recovered from Garad falling under the jurisdiction of Darhal police station where four suspected foreign mercenaries were killed by a joint party of Army and Special Task Force in a fierce encounter yesterday. Two Army jawans had also received injuries in the encounter. The recoveries include one RPG, two AK-56 rifles, one pistol, three Kenwood wireless sets, 7 hand grenades, 2 rifle grenades, one pistol magazine, 90 rounds of AK and 10 rounds of pistol. Some incriminating documents including letter pads of HUA outfit have also been recovered besides some Indian and Pakistani currency notes from the place of encounter. On a tip off incharge police post Bramgala in Poonch alongwith police contingent carried a search operation at Bagnoowali Dhoke. During search operation one radio launcher, 1070 rounds of AK-47, 4 magazines of AK-47, eight remote control devices, 32 detonators, and grenade throwing device, 20 HD cartridges, one radio set, two antennas and five bags were recovered. |
English press blamed
for negative publicity From P Dev Kumar PANAJI, Apr 1: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Kushabhau Thakre today cautioned the Sangh Parivar not to advise others unless called for. He quoted the much abused proverb: always consult others. But do not advise unless called for. This is how he dismissed the Sangh Parivars criticism over the BJP-led coalition government. He saw no "controversy" over the Parivars views on various issues facing the country. Both have their own opinions on such issues. They have their own opinion. But "we have to govern," he emphasised. In an interview to UNI on the eve of the three-day national executive of the party beginning here from tomorrow, Mr Thakre said there was no need for any conflict. Both recognise each others limitations. Consultations are on with the Parivar. We do consult the opposition also on important issues. In a democracy, this (consultation) should be natural, he emphasised. He held the "English press" responsible for the "adverse publicity" the Vajpayee Government had been receiving all these days. The English press is western oriented press. And hence encourages western values and do not care for India and its people. That is the reason why the language press is "closely identified" with Indianness and its ideals, he explained. However, he was not worried about the criticism by the English press. Let them live with their own values. But the problem is toeing the idea of western values. By this process they (English press) becomes "victim of hegemony," he lamented. The BJP president described the Vajpayee Governments one year in office as "eventful and rewarding." "There are many achievements to our credit inspite of difficulties and the negative attitude of the opposition." But for the nature of the alliance, we could have achieved much more, he emphasised. Asked to comment on recent clashes between the Christians and Hindus, Mr Thakre said conversions are "bad." "But blowing stray incidents out of proportion is dangerous for the integrity of the nation". Communal clashes will weaken the country. But some western countries are bent upon weakening India," he said without naming any one. The second reason for the adverse publicity of the Vajpayee Government was, according to the BJP chief, due to political opponents of the Government having "lost their balance." They are opposing for the sake of opposition, he charged and said the opposition parties were forgetting that by doing so Indias image was being tarnished abroad. "India is not dogmatic." We have to take every one "all along". "Only those who have this capability can rule," and safeguard the countrys interests and external threat, he opined. Mr Thakre was clear in his mind that "conversions must not be with the help of foreign money." Referring to what is now come to be known as the Khurana episode, the BJP president says he was "not punished." Therefore, there was no question of pardoning him. Khurana has resigned on his own. When he persisted, I accepted his resignation, he explained. The political resolution of the BJPs executive will deal with one year of achievement of the Vajpayee Government, political situation in the country, the "negative" role of the Congress and the Left are playing. It is not only negative role but destructive role that these two parties are playing which is dangerous for the nation, he cautioned. Mr Thakre said that the opposition has every right to fight with the BJP and "finish" it, which only the people of India can do. He was "worried" about ruining the country in the process. The Communists have "practically become irrelevant in Indian politics." He gave them only "a year or two" before the Leftists are "completely wiped out from the face of India." The Congress has "no confidence in itself. Therefore, it is depending on the Left, he said, and added that the BJP was not worried with their challenge. Asked if he was happy with the economic situation of the country, Mr Thakre said it was "not a question of happy or not," the big question is where we were... The world wide recession. Let us stand on our own in greater interest of the nation. The Government is trying in that direction. It is a welcome step. "Our (BJP) direction is also the same," he added. The central office bearers of the BJP are meeting here this evening to give final touches to various draft resolutions and the agenda for the executive meeting, starting here from tomorrow. The executive had met here last time way back in 1985. |
College students lock Principal in office Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Apr 1: Agitated students of the degree college belonging to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Other Backward Classes today locked Principal of the College in his office for more than three hours in protest against lapse of Rs seven lakhs of their scholarships due to wrong approach of Principal and District Social Welfare Officer. Reports said the students of SC, ST and OBCs community boycotted their classes in the degree college soon after knowing that the grants worth Rs seven lakh meant for distribution among them as scholarships had lapsed yesterdaythe last day of financial yeardue to indifferent attitude taken by the Principal of the College Mr R C Sharma and District Social Welfare Officer Mr Hafiz Chowdhary. The students stormed into Principals office at about 12 noon shouting slogans against the Principal and Social Welfare Officer and locked Principal in his room. The agitationists staged a dharna outside the Principals room after locking him inside and didnt allow him to come out. SHO Rajouri police station Mr Haq Nawaz alongwith a police team rushed to the spot and tried to persuade the agitated students to let the Principal come out of his room which will be followed by discussions with them. However, the students didnt agree insisting that the Deputy Commissioner should come to the spot. The Deputy Commissioner Mr Bashir Ahmed Runyal also reached the spot and assured the students that he will look into the matter and take up their demand with the concerned authorities. Mr Runyal sought time till next Monday and advised the students not to resort to violence. The students agreed to DCs assurance and lifted their dharna at 1530 hours after which the Principal was allowed to come out. |
11 killed in Kashmir Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Apr 1 : Seven militants, were among eleven people killed in the Kashmir valley during the past 24 hours. An official spokesman said Army averted a major tragedy when they detected and later defused a powerful improvised explosive device planted by militants at Kulgam area this morning. According to the reports, Army troops spotted an IED which was connected with a gas cylinder and placed near a village bus stand of Hasanpuir Bagh of Kulgam. The area was immediately cordoned off and devise was later neutralised by Bomb Disposal Squad. It was assumed that the devise was such a powerful that it could have killed atleast 100 people. Army sources said that the purpose of the blast was to incite the passions of the general public. The villagers have expressed their gratitude and appreciated the Army for coming up to their rescue in saving them from the possible catastrophe. Meanwhile,an encounter took place between militants and security forces during a search operation at Watnar Kokernag in Anantnag district today. Two militants were killed in the clash sofar, the operation was still in progress when the reports last came in. The spokesman said security forces during a search operation came under heavy fire from militants hiding in the house of one Master Mohammad Maqbool at Tilgam village near Pattan last night. Troops also fired back and in the ensuing gun battle two militants were killed. One security jawan was also killed and two others were injured. Militants shot dead one Nazir Ahmad in his house late last night. A Defence Ministry spokesman said a search party of troops came under heavy fire at Draggam near Pattan in north Kashmir late last night. The troops retaliated and the exchange continued till this morning. Three militants were killed in the clash. Meanwhile, one more militant was killed in Gund Larkipora encounter. With the killing of this militancy, the total number of foreign militants have gone upto three. Two security force personnel jawans were also killed in this encounter, besides injury to two Army jawans. Meanwhile, an encounter took place between the militants and the security force personnel in Rajpora area of Pulwama. The encounter was continuing till reports last reaching here. |
Pak reaffirms support to Kashmiris ISLAMABAD, Apr 1 : Pakistan today reaffirmed its support to the Kashmiri people for their right of self determination but said Lahore Declaration would promote the Kashmir cause. He (Foreign Minister Sartaj Aziz) stressed that Pakistan would continue to provide political, moral and diplomatic support to the just struggle of the Kashmiri people for self-determination in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations, A Foreign Office statement said here after Aziz met PoK leaders. The Foreign Minister emphasised the importance of the Lahore Declaration by Prime Ministers Nawaz Sharif and Atal Bihari Vajpayee for promoting the Kashmiri cause, the statement said. Aziz also briefed the PoK leaders about his talks with his Indian counterpart Jaswant Singh in Sri Lanka on the sidelines of SAARC council of Ministers meeting recently. Among the PoK leaders, who attended Azizs briefing were Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan, Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan, Mumtaz Hussain Rathore, General (Retd) Muhammad Hayat Khan and Sardar Khalid Ibrahim. Aziz is scheduled to give another briefing to the PoK leaders tomorrow.(PTI) |
BJP candidates papers for MLC polls rejected Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 1: The nomination papers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Mr Chander Mohan Sharma for election to the Upper House were rejected by the Returning Officer Mr Iqbal Ganai, who also happens to be Legislative Assembly Secretary, today during scrutiny of the papers. The nomination papers of all six National Conference candidates, journalist Ravinder Sharma, supported by the Opposition parties and Janata Dal candidate Mr Mast Nath Yogi were found in order. April 3 is last date for withdrawal of the nominations and election will be held on April 10. The nomination papers of Mr Chander Mohan Sharma were rejected as the authority letter of the party had been sent on fax and was not in original. Moreover, the authority letter had been signed by All India BJP general secretary Mr Venkiah Naidu and not by president Mr Kushabhau Thakre. Cong not in hurry to dislodge BJP Govt: Vyas NEW DELHI, Apr 1 : Congress today said that the quarrels within the Bharatiya Janata Party led coalition had reached an "irretrievable stage." Party spokesperson Girija Vyas said that the statements of the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister and the Parliamentary Affairs Minister on the coalitions relations with one of its partners - AIADMK - were a clear indication of a no-save situation. The language of Parliamentary Affairs Minister should atleast have been temperate, she said. Asked about the partys reaction to the statement of Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy on moving a no-confidence motion, she said the Congress Party in Parliament was the right forum to take a decision. Our party is not in a hurry to dislodge the Government but could not help if it were to collapse under its own weight. She said in such a situation, the party would not shy away from its constitutional responsibility. Referring to the new export-import policy, she said the Commerce and the Finance Ministers had come out with no new proposal and had failed to convince how the country would achieve a 20 per cent growth in exports. Shifting of 894 items to open general licence and 414 items under special import licence would facilitate import of consumer goods without providing any impetus to exports. The Commerce Minister had not addressed the issues of availability of infrastructural inputs and modest rates of interest with easy accessibility to credit.(UNI) |