Corruption chages framed against JE

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 6: The Special Judge, Anti-Corruption Court, Srinagar framed charges against Mr Mushtaq Ahmad Ahangar, Junior Engineer, Local Bodies, Pulwama/Shopian in case FIR No. 68/98, Police Station Vigilance Organization Kashmir.

According to a handout issued by Vigilance Organisation, complaint was received in the Vigilance Organization from one Mr Arshad Hussain Shah, Contractor R/o Shopian in which it was alleged that he had constructed a latrine block at Shopian, allotted to him by Local Bodies Department during the year 1997-98 and that the Department concerned did not release any payment to him against the above mentioned executed work for which he had approached the acused Mr Mushtaq Ahmad Ahangar, concerned JE for processing his case for release of payment. In the complaint, it was also release of payment. In the complain, it was also alleged that the concerned JE had demanded an amount of Rs. 2000/- from the complainant as illegal gratification for doing the needful. On receipt of this complaint, a case was registered against Mr Mushtaq Ahmad Ahangar, Junior Engineer and a trap arranged. The official was caught red handed while accepting an amount of Rs. 2000/- as bribe from the complainant. On completion of investigation the case was referred to the Government for accord of prosecution sanction. After obtaining prosecution sanction the case was challaned in the Court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption Srinagar.

Congmen stage demonstration outside Raj Bhavan

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 6: Hundreds of Congress workers held a demonstration outside the Raj Bhavan here today and demanded immediate dismissal of National Conference (NC) Government.

The demonstration wearing placards also burnt the effigy of National Conference and Housing Minister in Dr Farooq Abdullah Government, Moulivi Iftikar Hussain Ansari. The demonstration was organised by Pradesh Congress Committee secretary, Mr Raman Bhalla in protest against the rising corruption and involvement of ministers in the same.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Kalakote and Chief whip of the Congress Legislature Party in the Assembly, Mr Ashok Sharma said that continuance of Housing Minister in the Cabinet even after the police had established that he had taken the bribe of Rs 60 lakh was a sufficient proof of corrupt practices of the present Government.

He while expressing concern over prevailing corruption alleged that it is unfortunate that ministers were taking bribe in allotting contracts and making appointments.

Demanding a probe in misuse of funds by the ministers he alleged that every thing was on sale in Jammu and Kashmir State under NC Government.

In his address Mr Raman Bhalla said the Chief Minister was out of state most of the time and hence he is ignorant of the fact that his ministers were looting the people.

Mr Bhalla said the people are totally disillusioned with the Government as it has failed to take the care of their basic needs.

He said the poor can not get the jobs as hefty amount is being demanded for appointment to the post of class fourth and the rate for these appointments ranges from Rs 60,000 to Rs 70,000.

He said under the prevailing misrule the youth in the rural areas have no access to jobs and hence the dismissal of the present State Government will be in the interest of the millions of people of the state.

Mr Bhalla also took the strong exception of the double standards adopted by the NC leaders and warned them to resist from blackmailing the people.

Mr Ashwani Sharma another Congress leader blamed the Government for its failure in solving the problems being faced by the unemployed youth.

Among others who addressed the demonstrators include Messrs Kuldeep Sharma, Balwant Kumar Baloo, Rakesh Bhagat, Ajay Singh, Mangat Kalsi and Master Ashwani.

Later the Congress leaders submitted a memorandum demanding probe into the assets of ministers to Governor, Mr Girish Chander Saxena.

Cruel Govt indifference towards shelling victims

Excelsior Correspondent

TANGDHAR LoC, Dec 6: Despite tall claims of relief and adequate help made by the Chief Minister and his so called efficient ministry, unfortunate victims of shelling in Tangdhar have been virtually left to dogs.

Most of the shelling victims who have been injured or whose properties have been damaged have not been provided even a single penny as assistance. Only those weilding influence have received even more than the actual damage.

The height of official apathy is that even the senior most officials of the area seem to have no time to spare for these unfortunate souls. The people have been left either to take care themselves or die silently, without bothering the over-busy Government officials.

During the latest spurt of shelling, Ghulam Hassan, father of seven daughters was injured and his house completely damaged. His brother, Abdul Razzaq informed that the family has not received even a single penny in assistance from Government.

He revealed that although Ghulam Hassan is at present undergoing treatment in Srinagar but not even a single officer from the area ever inquired about family's misfortune.

"My wife Zulekha was severely injured in last year's shelling and one of her arms has become totally useless but we are still to receive any sort of assistance from the Government" says Yaqoub Lone.

Khatoon Begum, wife of Abdul Khaliq had her elbow damaged permanently and had to shell out Rs one lakh to prevent amputation, but her papers for relief are still rotting somewhere in the Government Offices.

Similarly houses of Syed Aalam and Mohammad Yousuf of Novangabad. Tangdhar were amongst scores of others damaged and some seriously injured in shelling last year, but relief had been denied to these unfortunate souls, while as others weilding influence have received more than the actual damage.

Four people had died and scores of houses were damaged at Kha Tangdhar. But on the name of help to these victims of fate, Government has nothing to show.

Primary school was completely razed to ground as the result of shelling in Bagh Sela, Tangdhar. Now its students are moving on the dusty roads instead of receiving education. Four members of a family of a police inspector, Mohammad Ashaq.

There are scores of other such like heart rendering incidents, but the authorities apart from providing lip-services have not done nothing at all.

The locals informed that the relief claim has been received by only influential persons while poor become the victims of red-tapism.

They alleged that if at all, poor souls are to receive any meagre amount on the name of help, shameless officials and clerks demand share out of it.

Dr Farooq Abdullah on his visit to this place had promised us relief. He even assured us of grants to make bunkers. But till date, only few influential persons have been provided while the common masses have been left to the dogs.

Army has bunkers for itself, police have bunkers, even Goverment officials have bunkers to shield themselves, but a common man has been left to die, said a resident.

Akhoon dedicates 4 bridges to public

Excelsior Correspondent

BANIHAL, Dec 6: Minister of State for Works, Mr Qamar Ali Akhoon inaugurated three bridges in tehsil Banihal of district Doda on the eve of 94th birth anniversary of late Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah.

A 23-mts. span motorable bridge over Bankote nullah on Mahu-Mangat Road has been constructed at the cost of Rs 31.58 lakhs. Another 74 mts. span foot suspension bridge over Bichlari nullah at Ladkheti has been constructed at the cost of Rs 36.47 lakhs.

Third bridge thrown open by the minister is 42 mts. span foot Jullah bridge over Pogal nullah near Khora has been constructed at a cost of Rs 18.79 lakhs.

These bridges have been dedicated to the people of about 16 villages. They are—Bankote, Chapnari, Amkote, Sarbagni, Batta, Chakka, Badarkot, Hengni, Sagan, Khora, Dardehi, Ama, Gadgar and Khillan.

The minister said that the roads in district Doda would be upgraded with the funds being provided by the National Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development. He said four more bridges are already under construction in Banihal at the estimated cost of Rs 97 lakhs. He assured that Pogal Pristan would be linked soon with the National highway in Banihal.

Exhibition of paintings commences

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 6: A 5-day exhibition of paintings, prepared by renowned and budding artists during all-India camp, commenced here this evening.

Mr Salem Beg, Director of Industries, inaugurated the exhibition displaying charming paintings done by the artists, local as well as from other parts of the country.

Mr Beg, while appreciating the artistic works, said that the creative talent of the artists should be allowed free expression. They should be provided encouragement by the State as well as the society.

Mr M Y Taing, MLC, said that the Jammu and Kashmir has rich traditions of arts and culture, which must be preserved and further promoted.

The exhibition, organised by the Classic Centre for Creative Arts in collaboration with Virag Kala Kendra, has put up paintings will remain open from 2 pm to 6 pm till December 10 at 300-A Gandhi Nagar, Jammu.

The artists whose art pieces have been displayed at the exhibition include: Moitreyee Kumar from Delhi, Bipin Kumar from Bihar and Yashvant Patel of Gujarat, Raju Thapa, Sunita Sadhu, Shally Mahajan, Bhawana Kaw, Rakesh K Malhotra, Ashwani Kumar, Suresh K Sharma, Ajay Gupta, Himani Sharma, Manisha Gupta, S S Bilowria, Shyam Lal Sharma and Sarvesh. These paintings were superb and displayed tastefully.

Mr Kewal Krishan Sharma, president of Classic Centre for Arts, in his address, said the objective is to promote creative talent of the young artists.

The artists’ contribution was highly lauded by others as well. Mr KS Slathia also spoke. Present at the inaugural function were leading artists, art lovers, officials and prominent citizens.

Rich tributes paid to Sheikh Abdullah

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 6: Backward & Scheduled Caste Coordination Committee paid rich tributes to late Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah on his 94th birth anniversary.

As per a release, a function of the Committee was organised at Akhnoor under the chairmanship of Mr K C Raina. Mr Madan Lal Chalotra chairman of the Committee highlighted the efforts of Sheikh Sahib in upliftment of poor and down trodden people of the society.The workers paid floral tributes to Sheikh Sahib on this occasion.

The committee also passed a resolution which include—due share to SCs/BCs in legislature and constitution of SC/ST/BC Development Advisory Board.

Meanwhile, a seminar was organised on the life of Baba-e Qaum by the National Conference workers Jammu West, at New Plot under the leadership of Mr Sunil Dimple on Sunday. NC MLA and Chief Whip Mr Mubarik Gul presided over it. Mr Gul highlighted the achievements of Sheikh Abdullah and the NC Party as general.

He appealed the youth to come forward and strengthen the party for the welfare the state. Mr Dimple stressed the need for maintaining communal harmony and fight unitedly against militancy.

At Surankot in Poonch, a similar function was organised on the birth anniversary of late Sheikh Abdullah. MLA Surankot, Syed Mushtaq Bhukhari presided over it. The Party workers paid tributes to the departed great NC leader and resolved to work hard to fulfill the cherished dream of " Naya Kashmir" of Sheikh Sahib.

Floral tributes paid to Dr Ambedkar in Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 6: Floral tributes were paid to Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar on his death anniversary by the Scheduled Caste & Backward Classes Federation and other organisations here today.

Several functions were held in the winter capital city today in this connection. The organisers paid their homage to the great National leader and prayed for the peace in this sub-continent.

A simple function was held at Ambedkar Chowk on Railway Road in the morning to observe 43rd Nirvan Divas of the Bharat Rattan. The members of All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations and others offered prayers on the occasion. The workers garlanded the statue of Dr Ambedkar in a brief function.

A large number of employees from the State and the Centeral Government departments, Insurance and Banks also assembled at the Crossing to pay their tributes to the great leader. Prominent among social and religious leaders were Mr Kesar Singh (Retd. DG), Mr Hem Raj Phonsa (Retd Xen), Mr Hari Chand (Retd SP), Mr Tilak Raj Attri (Ex-minister and retd Judge), Mr A N Bhardwaj (retd Brigadier and Member Human Rights Commission) and Mr Thoru Ram.

Programme commenced with devotional Bhim Vandana presented by Mr B D Thappa. Convenor of the organisation, Mr R K Kalsotra addressed the gathering and appealed to launch a mass movement in the state for the welfare of the Dalits and weaker sections.

Prof Chaman Lal Shivgotra, state president, SC/ST Employees Association and vice-chairman of the Confederation highlighted that reservation position in J&K was pathetic. The other members also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the problems being faced by the community members.

Meanwhile, Mr Kuldip Sarngal, chairman of the Federation, speaking at a function held here today said that Dr Ambedkar was born with a mission of the upliftment of Dalits in the country. He performed it successfully to a larger extent that is why he is remembered by all classes of society. He is said to be an architect of Constitution of India. The members resolved to work hard for the poor and neglected class in the state.

AKPSC flays return move

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 6: All Kashmiri Pandit Solidarity Conference (AKPSC) has urged the Government that before floating any return move of the Kashmiri Pandit community to Valley, it should take KPs in to confidence.

In a meeting here today, held under the leadership of Mr O N Trisal, it warned that any such move without taking the community into confidence will turn into a fiasco.

It said the organisation has also failed to understand the rationale behind the construction of clusters for return and rehabilitation of the displaced community and terms this an exercise in futility.

The meeting said the Government should come out with a blue print on the issue so that the same is debated and deliberated in the community.

It also asked the Government that before making such an exercise the community wants to know that is the atmosphere for return congenial, has the last gun been silenced and is the majority community willing to KPs return.

Valley employees observe stir

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Dec 6: As a part of their three days protest strike the Government employees in Kashmir valley observed a complete strike, today, on the first day.

The call for strike has been given by more than ten employees associations against the alleged Government apathy towards the genuine demands of employees. The employees are also demanding full implementation of the fifth pay commission recommendations.

While as the J&K Employees and Workers Action Forum has given strike call for two days, J&K Employees Joint Action Committee has asked its members to observe strike for three days.

Most of the Government offices remained locked today and the work came to the grounding halt.

Most of the employees stayed at their homes and even few who had ventured out observed a complete pen down strike.

However, work in essential and hospital service was not affected by the strike call.

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