MP, MLAs among 50 court arrest
BJP holds protest demonstration against
power curtailments

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 8: About 50 agitating BJP workers were arrested while they were marching towards Civil Secretariat to lodge protest against failure of the State Government to provide drinking water and uninterrupted power supply to the people.

Those who were arrested included BJP, MP from Jammu-Poonch constituency, Vaid Vaishno Dutta state president of the BJP, Mr Daya Krishan Kotwal and six MLAs of the party. Shouting anti-Government slogans, a large number of BJP workers led by senior leaders gathered started march from Shalamar Chowk.

Trooping towards Civil Secretariat, BJP workers were stopped by the police while they reached near Ranbershawar Mandir Chowk. About 50 BJP workers were arrested while they were trying to defy the prohibitory orders imposed by the authorities near the Civil Secretariat here.

Beside Mr Vaid and Kotwal, Chowdhary Piara Singh, Ashok Khajuria, Hans Raj Dogra, Chowdhary Chuni Lal, Mr Prem Lal, Mr Prithivi Chand (all MLAs), Dr Nirmal Singh, Om Prakash Gupta, Kavinder Gupta, Bal Krishan, Mr Shamsher Singh, BJYM president, Mr Jyoti Prakash, BJYM general secretary, Satya Pal Grover, Mohan Lal, Murari Lal, Krishan Lal, Jugal Kishore, Kewal Krishan and others were arrested.

Earlier BJP workers staged a protest dharna at Shalamar Chowk to lodge protest against anti-people policies of the National Conference Government. A large number of the BJP workers participated in dharna.

Addressing the dharna, Vaid Vaishno Dutt, criticised the State Government for imposing unprecedent power cuts in the Jammu. He said that State Government has totally failed to solve problems of the masses. BJP MP said due to the wrong policies of the State Government, masses have been facing hardship.

In his address, State BJP, Mr Daya Krishan Kotwal, strongly condemned the State Government for increasing miseries of the masses. He said that woes of the people compounded many fold after installation of the NC Government.

Dubbing NC Government as anti-people, Mr Kotwal stoutly refuted the rumours that BJP is joining Farooq Government. "First we have ideological differences with NC and secondly why should we become part of this non-serious and anti-people Government", BJP chief said and added that BJP continue to play the role of effective and aggressive opposition to expose mis-deed of NC Government.

He said that inspite of huge spending and development plans, the supply of drinking water has been reduced to the extend that people are not getting drinking water even once a day for half an hour.

In his address, Mr Ashok Khajuria, MLA from Jammu-East constituency, strongly condemned the State Government for imposing unprecedent power curtailment of 12 to 15 hours. He regretted that instead of improving power position, State Government has further extended power cuts in Jammu region. Mr Khajuria said that BJP would oppose tooth and nail all anti-people policies of the State Government.

General secretary of the Pradesh BJP, Dr Nirmal Singh shifted all blames on State Government for the prevailing condition in the State. Taking a cue from the recent report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), Dr Nirmal Singh said that Central Government has given generous financial assistance to the State Government but it was all due to mis-management and mis-appropriation of funds which led to the financial crunch in the State. Dr Singh lamented that instead of keeping a check on the mis-appropriation of funds, State Government has been be-fooling the masses by giving provocating statements.

Chowdhary Piara Singh, in his address, strongly condemned the State Government and warned that BJP would intensify its agitation against the anti-people policies of the State Government.

State secretary of BJP, Mr Kavinder Gupta while addressing the dharna, said that students of Jammu are worst victim of the unprecedent power cuts. He accused the State Government of imposing 12 to 15 hours power curtailment in Jammu region just for destroying trade and industry.

Mr Hans Raj Dogra, Mr Prithvi Chand, Mr Prem Lal, Ch Chuni Lal and others also addressed the dharna.

No proposal to induct BJP Ministers
CM rules out immediate changes in Cabinet

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 8: Terming the recent acts of militancy including grenade attack on the Civil Secretariat and killing of army personnel in the Badamibagh Srinagar Cantonment as 'very serious', the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah today said the cult of violence would be sternly dealt with.

Dr Abdullah was talking to mediapersons immediately after the re-opening of Durbar Move offices in the winter capital this morning. He said the State Cabinet has expressed serious concern over the incident and a report from the Director General of Police on the Secretariat grenade attack is awaited.

When asked to comment on the reported presence of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) suicide squads in the State, Dr Abdullah said the people of the State would not be deterred by desperate acts of militants. He said USA has made known to the world about the designs of this militant outfit. He hoped that Pakistan will stop abetting terrorism and not commit such things that would escalate situation here. "Let better sense prevail upon them (Pakistan)," he added.

He ruled out possibility of war with Pakistan and said that the new rulers in Islamabad have been talking about good relations with India. "We are watching the situation and wish return of democracy in the neighbouring country," he said and declared that Jammu and Kashmir is and will remain an integral part of India.

On the gravity of terrorism confronted to the world, the Chief Minister said all the members of the UN Security Council have backed the resolution against terrorism. He said India has been vehemently drawing the attention of the international community on serious threat of terrorism and indicated that the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee will take up this issue in the forthcoming CHOGAM meet. He hoped that the world will rise to the occasion and meet the challenge posed by terrorism unitedly.

Spelling out the agenda of his Government for the next three years, the Chief Minister said that a greater thrust has to be laid on development all over the State. He said he will soon visit New Delhi to discuss the financial position and overall security situation of the State with senior leaders and the scheduled Chief Ministers conference convened by the Union Finance Minister.

He replied in negative on reported speculation about BJP joining his Government and to a question on possible cabinet reshuffle, Dr Abdullah said: "It is a continous process in democratic set up."

Dr Abdullah said he will take up with Centre the reports of autonomy and demand their consideration. Autonomy is must for the states, he added.

He said he will also ask the Centre to appoint a committee for deliberating on the report of Autonomy Panel for greater autonomy to the State within the Constitution. He said he will also request the Prime Minister to visit the state for laying the foundation of Baghliar hydel project. The work on Sawalkote project is also proposed to be taken up for tapping hydel potential and generating resources.

In the morning, the Civil Secretariat and other move offices reopened in the winter capital of the State here this morning. These offices were closed in Srinagar on annual Durbar Move on November 1.

Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah, who arrived here early this morning from the official visit abroad, reached the Civil Secretariat at sharp 10 a.m. The Ministers, senior officers including the Chief Secretary, Mr Ashok Jaitly and the Director General of Police, Mr Gurbachan Jagat and the employees of the Secretariat were present.

Dr Abdullah took salute at the ceremonial guard of honour by smartly attired contingent of the Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police.

The Chief Minister wished happy Diwali to the employees present and asked about the arrangements made for their stay etc. here.

Dr Abdullah took a meeting with his council of ministers and discussed the overall situation prevailing in the State.

Later, the Chief Secretary went round various blocks of the Secretariat and impressed upon officials to work with zeal and devotion for mitigating the problems of the people.

Govt bid to change demographic complexion
of Ladakh: LBA

Excelsior Correspondent

NEW DELHI, Nov 8: A delegation of Ladakh Buddhist Association (youth wing) today met Prime Minister Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee and expressed shock and resentment over what it called Jammu and Kashmir Government’s alleged attempt to change the demographic complexion of the region by reducing the Buddhists of Ladakh into minority.

The 11- member team led by LBA youth wing president Lobzang Nyantak later submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister, asserting that for the past few years, disturbing developments have taken place in Ladakh and "these developments have the potential of obliterating the distinct cultural identity of the region".

Mr Nyantak said that from a Buddhist majority area, the Buddhists of Ladakh, over the years have been reduced to minority status. " Through an influx of large number of Muslims from Kargil and Kashmir, an attempt is being made to change the demographic complexion of the region", the memorandum said, alleging that large number of Buddhist girls are weaned away every year through material inducements and allurements.

He said that if the trend is allowed to continue, the Buddhists of the region might lose their distinctive cultural identity. " What is disconcerting is that the powers that be in the State, are encouraging these developments", the memorandum further said.

It said that recently for the first time, large cache of sophisticated arms and ammunition were unearthed from Turtuk area of Ladakh and the same were seized from Muslims and " Pakistani sympathisers". " These arms were meant to use in Ladakh to create large scale disturbances", the memorandum said, adding that a CBI may be asked to initiate the interrogation and investigate into the matter, as the "special team sent from Kashmir was trying to hush up the case ". Since the police team from Kashmir was trying to hush up the case, it would be in the national interest to get the matter probed by CBI, the memorandum said.

It further said that the discrimination was meted to the Buddhists of the region in the professional colleges and institutions, as very few candidates were selected for KAS and Medical courses over the years.

The LBA youth wing chief said that the State Government was trying to stifle the growth and functioning of Ladakh Development Hill Council (LAHDC) which was created in 1995 for the development of the region.

It was further pointed out that the LAHDC which had a healthy growth under the Centre rule,has become non- functional under the regime of Farooq Abdullah Government in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Buddhists of Ladakh, whose patriotic and nationalist credentials have never been in doubt, today find themselves in a state of despair and anguish, the delegation said requesting Mr Vajpayee to impress upon the State Government to ensure justice and fairplay to Buddhist of Ladakh.

Centre will come to aid of J&K: Omar

From O P Sharma

NEW DELHI: Nov 8: Omar Abdullah, the youngest Minister in the Union Ministry of Industries and Commerce has said that political and administrative changes in Jammu and Kashmir were impending but added, that this is a prerogative of the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah. Some changes are at hand both in political sphere and at all levels of the administrative set-up, he said.

In an exclusive interview to EXCELSIOR, he said the administrative machinery in the Jammu and Kashmir needs to be made more efficient and responsive so that the process is accelerated for mitigating the sufferings of people who faced miseries during the turbulent period. The State administration, he emphasised is doing a difficult job in most trying circumstances, he said adding so it has to be in top gear for tackling the problems of the people.

Right man at the right place should be followed and the Chief Minister will certainly take a judicious view of it all, he added. Meanwhile, in the national Capital here, rumour mill is working overtime about the impending administrative shake-up at various levels in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said he would continue to head the youth wing of the National Conference. Omar Abdullah explained that the Youth NC will function as a team and he would ensure effective involvement of the young men and women in socio-economic development in Jammu and Kashmir.

Reminded that the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah, who is also NC party president, had declared during the Parliamentary elections that the performance of each Minister and legislator will be watched in terms of public support to the party, he stated that a detailed review has been undertaken at the highest forum.

Omar spoke with anguish that poll performance of NC during the recent Lok Sabha elections has pin-pointed some areas of concern which need immediate attention. In-depth analysis has to be made how NC support base got eroded a little bit even in the this year poll, he said.

Quoting as a glaring example, he indicated that in his own Parliamentary constituency of Srinagar, the party fared amazingly poor in both Kangan and Charer- e- Shrief segments. In an obvious reference to People’s Democratic Party (PDP), he added that it was unfortunated that the regional outfit had been able to make inroads in those areas. Some important Ministers of Dr Farooq Abdullah Cabinet belong to these two constituency!

Replying to a question about the much-needed Economic Package from the Centre for the State which is faced with financial crunch, Omar expressed the hope that the Union Government will come to the rescue of the Jammu and Kashmir to tide over the difficult situation. He said the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah is expected to shortly meet the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, Union Finance Minister, Yaswant Sinha and the Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission for providing financial assistance to the State.

Asked that what action the National Conference would take in case the economic package is delayed or denied, Omar Abdullah said it is a hypothetical question only. He felt confident that NDA Government would certainly help the State to tide over the financial crunch.

SOG solves mystery of NC leader's killing
Couple, soldier killed in Valley

Excelsior Special Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Nov 8: While as a civilian as also his pregnant wife got killed in an incident crossfiring at Nowhatta locality in downtown here last evening, unidentified gunmen shot dead a regular soldier of Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) in Kulgam area of south Kashmir. Militants also lobbed two grenades at Hazratbal and Dalgate localities in which three civilians sustained splinter injuries.

Civilians of Malakhah-Nowhatta belt in the capital city interior insisted that some "drunk" soldiers of BSF 63 Bn intercepted a three-wheelers and opened fire on two of its passengers, one male and another female, who died on spot. They said that the paramilitaries were enjoying Diwali celebrations when the three-wheeler passed that way at 1820 hours. There was a blitz of fire-crackers but no militant attack on the BSF post, they claimed.

However, official sources asserted that the BSF soldier opened fire in reaction to a militant attack in which one head constable of the unit received two bullets on his leg. He was rushed to Army hospital and was still admitted there. In exchange fire, these sources said, a civilian namely Mohammad Ashraf Bazaz as also his wife Shameema got killed. As police conducted a search, one live grenade and some pistol empties were recovered.

Hailing from Alamgari Bazar locality, the pregnant women was being rushed to Nehru Memorial Hospital, Rainawari, by her husband in a three-wheeler when tragedy stuck them at Nowhatta. The area remained tense today as everybody held the opinion that BSF jawan either committed a cold blooded murder or atleast resorted to a grave over-reaction.

Meanwhile, at the adjoining locality of Nabdipora, an unidentified gunmen appeared in the forenoon today and fired upon one Syed Irshad Hussain S/o Syed Hussain. Reportedly a former militant with counter-insurgent affiliations, he was admitted at SKIMS Soura, in critical condition.

Reports available from south Kashmir said that during last night, unidentified gunmen intruded into the house of Firdaus Ahmed Bhat at Ashmuji in Kulgam area and shot him dead. He was a regular soldier of JAKLI who had reached his home on a 2-month leave.

At 0855 hours today, somebody lobbed a handgrenade towards the official residence of the Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University at Nageen, Hazratbal. It exploded outside the premises and caused minor damage to the compound wall.

At 1815 hours this evening militant hurled a grenade at Bus Stop of Daloata apparantly towards a paramilitary patrol. It missed the intended target and exploded on road. Three civilians sustained multiple splinter injuries while as three Maruti cars suffered minor damage.

Pak militant arrested from Hiranagar matador

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 8: Police today arrested a Pakistani militant from a matador at Mawa check post under the jurisdiction of Hiranagar police station when he was on way to Samba town carrying an assault rifle. The militant had sneaked into crossing all barriers of the Border Security Force (BSF) on way to Samba.

Police sources said a police party, during a routine naka laid at Mawa check post, signalled a matador No. 0085 JK02G to stop. During frisking of the matador passengers by the police constables, one of the person got out of the vehicle and started running.

The police party became suspicious of the person and chased him. Finally, he was apprehended after a hot chase. He turned out to be a dreaded Pakistani militant Yousuf Ali. One AK-47 rifle with 30 rounds and Rs 4000 in Indian currency were recovered from him.

The captured militant was immediately shifted to Hiranagar police station from where he was taken to another place for sustained interrogation. Though details of the interrogation were awaited, sources said the militant had crossed the international border, where BSF claimed to be maintaining a high alert, and boarded a matador at Benglard which was on way to Samba. It was being ascertained as to where the militant had planned to strike.

Further investigations were being carried out by the Hiranagar police, which described the arrest of Pakistani militant as a prize catch.

Meanwhile, police have further intensified patrolling in the areas falling close to the international border following reports that more militants might try to infiltrate from across the border. More nakas have been laid in the border areas to thwart Pakistani designs.

Matador rolls down into Chenab
18 feared killed, 5 hurt in Doda mishap

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Nov 8: Eighteen people were feared killed and five others were injured after a mini-bus rolled down into Chenab river at Gadsoo near Pull Doda on Prem Nagar-Doda road yesterday. Only six dead bodies have been recovered so far while 12 others were still missing and were presumed to have drowned in the river.

The matador No. 4487 JKO2J was on way from Prem Nagar to Doda yesterday afternoon when driver suddenly lost balance while negotiating a curve at Gadsoo nullah. The matador rolled down over 200 feet deep into the Chenab river.

Some local people tried to launch a rescue operation but couldn’t succeed as matador had gone down very deep into the river. Local police and security personnel reached the spot alongwith divers after getting a report. There were only five survivors, who managed to swim to safety and were shifted to district hospital of Doda in injured condition.

The divers also fished out six dead bodies from the river and shifted them to hospital for post-mortem. The deceased have been identified as Mohammad Shariq, Rakesh Kumar, Manzoora Begum, Surinder Kumar, Maneera Begum and Sharifa. Their dead bodies have been handed over to their families after identification.

Official sources confirmed that atleast 12 other passengers, travelling in the matador were still missing and that they too might have died. Divers failed to retrieve their dead bodies and called off the operation. Searches for the dead bodies of missing persons, however, continued along the banks of river Chenab.

Local police have registered a case in the accident and started investigations. The ill-fated matador has been retrieved from the nullah.

Preliminary investigations revealed that a mechanical fault might have resulted into the accident.

Militants arrested: Meanwhile, in a separate incident Bhaderwah police today arrested two militants after a search operation on the outskirts of Bhaderwah town.

While police and jawans of 56 CRPF were laying a cordon of the hideout, the militants opened firing. Police and CRPF personnel retaliated and managed to apprehended both the militants alive after the encounter.

They have been identified as Aashiq Hussain and Manzoor Ahmed, both locals of Bhaderwah, who were affiliated with Hizbul Mujahideen outfit. One AK-56 rifle with three magazines and one wireless set was recovered from the possession of arrested militants.

No casualty was reported on police or CRPF side during the encounter. Some documents recovered from the possession of militants were being de-coded. The arrested militants were also involved in attacks on security forces at different places in Bhaderwah.

Two Pakistani militants shot dead in Surankote

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 8: Troops of Rashtriya Rifles gunned down two foreign mercenaries at village Nad, about six kms north east of Surankote in Poonch district in the wee hours of this morning and recovered a large quantity of arms and ammunition from them.

A Defence spokesman said during seek and destroy operations, troops of Rashtriya Rifles surrounded a militants’ hideout late last night. Army jawans established a contact with militants at 0100 hours and challenged them to surrender.

Militants, however, opened firing from inside the hideout on the approaching army columns, who retaliated. During the exchange of firing, troops blasted the hideout of militants in which both the ultras were killed. There was no casualty on army side in the gun-battle which lasted one and a half hour.

After the encounter, army recovered a large quantity of arms and ammunition from the scene of encounter which includes two AK-47 rifles, two grenades, four AK magazines, 196 rounds, two smoke grenade, two lighters, three pencil batteries, one radio set and one RPG rocket. Identity of one of the slain militant has been established as Jabbar Khan, a dreaded activist of Hizbul Mujahideen’s Pir Panjal Regiment and a resident of Pakistan.

Identity of other slain militant, who was also believed to be a Pakistan, couldn’t be carried out. Bodies of both the militants have been handed over to local police.

In another incident, some unidentified militants set ablaze the house of one Jan Mohammad son of Abdullah Bhat at Batyas village in Gandoh tehsil of Doda district last night. Occupants of the house managed to come out safely before the fire spread to house. Police was investigating.

Tremors rock Srinagar, Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Nov 8: Two tremors shook Srinagar and its adjoining areas tonight, rattling doors and windows and forcing people to rush out of their houses in panic.

The first tremor of mild intensity was felt around 2218 hours, followed by a severe shock two minutes later, Met sources said.

There was no immediate report of loss of life or damage to property, police said.

Our Jammu correspondent adds: Tremors also rocked almost the entire Jammu province at 2218 hours. Preliminary reports said the tremors lasted five to 10 seconds.

No report of any loss of life or damage had been received at Police Control Room (PCR) till late tonight.

In Rajouri district, people woke up from sleep and rushed out of their houses in panic.

UNI adds from New Delhi: An earthquake measuring 6.2 on the richter scale, with its epicenter in the Pak-Afghan border region, rocked northern India tonight.

There were no immediate reports of loss of life or damage to property.

The temblor occurred at 2216 hrs today and was felt in Delhi also, the Seismological office here said.

The quake also shook Chandigarh and adjoining areas of Punjab and Haryana, a Chandigarh report said.

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