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

4 hurt in Police lathicharge, teargassing
Newspaper office ransacked; Govt orders
Magisterial inquiry

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 29: Atleast four persons were injured, one of them seriously, when police resorted to lathicharge and lobbed tear-gas shells to disperse a strong mob who were holding demonstrations outside the office of a newspaper at Ambphalla to express resentment against what they alleged "malicious and prevaricating" news-items published by the paper for the fourth day today.

The mob also ransacked the newspaper office and allegedly assaulted the Chief of its Editorial Board.

Meanwhile, Government has ordered the Magisterial inquiry into the incident and has appointed Additional District Magistrate Jammu, Mr Khalid Hussain as the Inquiry Officer.

The trouble erupted at around 11.10 AM today when a strong mob and some students of AMT School Jammu, including trainee nurses, suddenly appeared outside the office of State Times , an English daily at Ambphalla and resorted to stone pelting on the office building. About half a dozen cops led by SHO Pacca Danga failed to control the strong mob who later managed to enter inside the office premises of the newspaper. They smashed the window-panes, computers, television and ransacked the entire office. The mob also tore the record of the newspaper office and scattered it out on the road.

Before the incident, the AMT School students boycotted their classes and staged a protest demonstration against, what they alleged, slanderous campaign launched by a local daily against their institute and entire nursing community. Shouting slogans, the students took out a procession and marched towards office of the that news-paper. Before reaching at Ambphalla Chowk, the procession swelled into hundreds.

As the procession reached the office, a posse of the police deployed there made an abortive attempt to stop the enraged mob. Slogan shouting students entered into a scuffle with the police-men and in the melee, some miscreants forced their entry into the office of the newspaper. As the students out-numbered police-men, there was a free for all situation for more than 30 minutes. Enraged mob ransacked the entire newspaper office and smashed window panes before additional police contingent reached the spot. Some miscreants even manhandled the Chief of the Editorial Board of the paper Mr VIK Sarin.

As the additional police force reached the spot, the cops resorted to lathicharge to disperse the furious mob. Police also fired about 12 to 15 tear-gas shells to disperse the mob resulting into the injury to four female students of the AMT School. The mob, including the students of AMT School dispersed after the lathicharge but some of them continued pelting stones on another adjacent building of the news-paper situated at Ambphalla Chowk. The brick-batting continued for more than one hour.

Shouting slogans against that news-paper, the processionists again gathered at Ambphalla Chowk and staged a protest dharna on the road for more than two hours , as a result of which traffic was disrupted.

Injured students were immediately removed to the Government Medical College from where two of them were discharged after first-aid. Identified as Bhawana, daughter of Satish Anand of Mendher, a first year student of Nursing, received severe head injury in the lathi-charge. According to Medical College sources, her condition was, however, now normal.

Students also staged dharna outside the premises of the AMT School and announced that they would continue their procession until Editor-in-Chief of that news-paper tender apology from the students for launching "malicious and slanderous" campaign against nurses.

Later, talking to this correspondent, AMT School students alleged that they were just protesting against prevaricating news items, but instead of listening to their grievances, management of the news-paper called police force to" crush their voice ". They also pleaded ignorance about the damage caused to the office of the local daily. The students stoutly denied involvement of any of their colleagues in ransacking the office.

Principal of the AMT School, Dr Santosh Arora, when contacted also expressed her ignorance, but admitted that students had served a notice of strike on Saturday. She regretted that despite repeated denials, the management of that news-paper didn’t stop its mis-leading campaign against the institute.

Meanwhile, in a press release issued here today, staff members of the AMT School, Bakshi Nagar strongly condemned the news item published in the daily on November 21, 24, 27 and 28 issues against their institute. The release alleged that news-items were front-paged to defame the nursing profession.

Meanwhile, Government has ordered a magisterial enquiry into the incident that took place at the office of the State Times this morning.

A spokesman of the Government said that according to an order issued by the Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Mr Khalid Hussain, Additional District Magistrate Jammu has been appointed as enquiry officer. He has been asked to submit the report within a month.

Meanwhile, a spokesman of the Health Department while commenting over the incident, said that the freedom of the press does not mean black-mailing and leveling charging on entire nurses community without any proof. He said that instead of generalising the issue, the newspaper should have come out with particular cases supported by authentic proof.

Meanwhile, late this afternoon a meeting of the local journalists was held at the ransacked office of the english daily. The Journalist fraternity termed the incident as attack on the freedom of the press and demanded a judicial inquiry into the entire episode to expose the culprits behind the attack. It was also decided to approach higher authorities in the regard.

Narrating the incident, Mr VIK Sarin said that a mob of about 300 students heavily stoned the office and smashed window-panes, broke open the front door, entered the office complex, damaged all the computers and broke all the furniture . He also stated that he was manhandled by the mob. He accused Police of playing the role of mere spectators and said that while mob was ransacking the office items,the Police was witnessing the same.

Mr Sarin, however, made it clear that the newspaper staff has the highest regard for the nursing profession and have nothing against the students of AMT School.

Late tonight, a Police spokesman in a statement, said that about 200 protesting students of AMT School trespassed into the newspaper office as they were protesting against some reports published by the paper that provoked them.

The spokesman said that the protesting students started their march from Govt Medical College Jammu at 10 am and while reaching at Ambphalla, turned violent. They entered the office and damaged the newspaper property.

The spokesman said that a small contingent of Police led by SHO Pacca Danga informed the Police for more reinforcement. In Police action few processionists and Police personnel including SP City Johny William were injured, he said.

The spokesman said that few culprits responsible for the attack on the newspaper have been picked up and a case has been registered in this regard.

Meanwhile, IGP Jammu Zone, Mr Radhavinod Raju, DIG Jammu-Kathua range, Mr S P Vaid and SSP Jammu, Mr M A Anjum visited the newspaper office and met its proprietor and other media personnel. They took stock of the damage done to the office, the spokesman added.

Bus Service on Jammu, Ramnagar route shortly

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 29: The Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) will introduce bus service on Jammu-Ramnagar route shortly. Besides, possibilities will be explored to run additional buses on different routes in farflung and remote areas of Jammu regions.

This decision was taken at a high level meeting of officers held here under the chairmanship of the Transport Minister, Mr B A Kitchloo today. The meeting was convened to find out measures to eliminate chances of accidents on national highway and deployment of more buses on various routes in inaccessible areas.

The Minister of State for Food and Supplies, Mr Ajay Sadhotra was also present.

Mr Kitchloo expressed his deep concern over the growing rate of accidents, which he said is due to negligence, rash driving and over-loading. He asked the senior officers of the traffic department to intensify their checking on the national highway and other routes of the State. He said the defaulters should be brought to book drastically.

The IGP Traffic, disclosed that Rs 2 crore have been recovered as fine from various vehicle operators, for violating traffic rules. He said, presently over three lakh vehicles were running on different routes in the State.

The Minister asked MLA Ramnagar, Mr Harsh Dev and formed Minister, Mr P N Raju to conduct survey in highland area of Ramnagar-Badhole, Sudhmahadev and Pallasan areas of district Udhampur and Maggarkote, Ukrhal, Neel road, Bhaderwah, Chinta, Thathari, Gundoh, Kishtwar etc in Doda district Basohli, Bani and Billawar in Kathua district to find out the feasibilities of plying more buses on these routes.

Mr Sadhotra also pleaded for increasing number of buses on various routes of Marh block. He expressed concern that most of the matador operators do not make their halt at the fixed terminating points, resulting in the increase of problems of the commuters. He asked the concerned traffic officers to exercise great checking on Mandal Phallan roads where over loading is extensively reported by the mini-bus operators.

The meeting among others was attended by the Principal Secretary, Mr S D Singh, Commissioner/Secretary Transport, Mr A K Suri, Managing Director, JKSRTC Mr Abdul Hamid, IG Traffic and RTO, Jammu.

J-K Forest Protection Force Act Bill being introduced

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 29: A Bill called "Jammu and Kashmir Forest Protection Force Act" aimed at to provide authority to the newly set up Forest Protection Force in the State to keep and use weapons and make it like a disciplined armed force is being introduced in the State Legislature during the ensuing winter session.

The announcement to this effect was made by the Minister for Forests and Environment, Ch Mohammad Ramzan at the 5th Passing Out Parade of the Forest Protection Force (Guards) at Forest Guards Training School, Doomi near Akhnoor today.

The Minister for Haj and Auqaf, Peerzada Ghulam Ahmad Shah and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Mr Govind Ram Sharma were also present on the occasion.

Ch Ramzan gave the details about the need of setting up of this special force, first of its kind, in the country. He said with the setting up of this force, the menace of smuggling forest wealth would be controlled to great extent. He said the force has been provided weaponary training at Police Training Academy, Philoor in Punjab and so far 370 new recruits in the force have been imparted this training.

The Forest Minister said that in order to enable the force to keep and use weapons against the timber smugglers, a bill seeking powers for the force would be introduced in the winter session of the State Legislature. He also hinted to amend certain sections of the present Forest Act to give more powers to the forest officers to deal with the encroachers.

Ch Ramzan said that in view of the importance of the forests every effort has been made to conserve it. He listed the measures taken by the present Government for the preservation of the State's green gold adding that the forest were the source of economy to the State besides helping in maintaining the ecological balance. He said over Rs 76 crores of revenue was generated by the Forest Department last year and this year's target of revenue has been fixed at Rs 85 crores. He said that Rs 14 crores have been earmarked in the current year's annual plan for meeting the infrastructural facilities for the Forest Protection Force Department whileas Rs 13 crores were spent on this account last year. He said the State Government is making every endeavour to make this force a model one in the country.

Referring to the trainees, the Minister hoped that they would come upto the expectations of the Government and would contribute their mite in conservation of forests which have witnessed large scale damages during the past eight year's of turmoil in the State, particularly in Kashmir valley. He said that the force would also be provided with the latest communication facilities, which would help them to discharge their duties more efficiently. He said a soil testing laboratory would also be set up at Doomi shortly.

The Minister for Haj and Auqaf, Peerzada Ghulam Ahmad Shah in his address complemented the Forest Minister for giving the State a new forest policy and the measures taken by the forest ministry in checking the smuggling of timber in the State. He hoped that with setting up of the Forest Protection Force, the Forests would not only be conserved but more areas would be taken up under the forest cover. He highlighted the importance of forests and called for making strenuous efforts by all for its preservation.

The Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Mr Govind Ram Sharma also spoke on the occasion and asked the trainees to work with more zeal and dedication and devote their energies in conservation of forests, which were vital for the survival of the mankind.

The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr P Patnaik presented the key-note address and highlighted the measures taken for updating and modernising the Forest Training Schools in the State.

Earlier, the Forest Minister inspected the parade and the march past by the trainees. He also distributed certificates among the trainees who completed their three months course. He also distributed trophies and medals among the trainees who secured first three positions in the 10 km long marathon race. Those awarded include Pradeep Singh, Vinod Kumar and Manoj Kumar, Ram Singh was awarded the Director's Medal for his best performance during the training course.

Director State Forest Protection Force, Mr R M Sexana in his address said four units each of the force have been set up in Jammu and Kashmir regions. He said that despite paucity of funds, infrastructural facilities for 500 force have been established in different parts of the State. He said Rs 105 crore is being spent in 5 year's period for setting up this force which would be equipped with modern weaponary and communication facilities to deal with the forest offenders.

The Conservator of Forests, Working Plan and Research Centre, Mr S P Arya presented the welcome address. Mr V K Trisal, Principal of the Training School presented the report highlighting the achievements of the School. He said that the school which was set up in 1988 has imparted training to 20 batches so far besides 86 Forest Protection Guards. In today's function all the 21 trainees have been declared successful in the training. He also listed the problems facing the school in conducting the training smoothly.

Various senior officers of different wings of the Forest Department were also present on the occasion.

Consumer column
Blanket ban on sale of loose edible oil

—Avtar Bhat

In its effort to provide quality products to the consumers, the State Government has decided to put a blanket ban on the sale of edible oil in loose form. The decision to this effect was taken in a recent meeting of edible oil manufacturers and retailers associations held under the chairmanship of Minister of State for Food and Supplies, Mr Ajay Sadhotra.

Really it is a welcome step and Minister deserves three cheers for the initiative and besides the business community the consumers also generally will hail the step provided the Government can implement the decision in letter and spirit and make elaborate means to overcome the other lacuna which may come in the way.

The adulteration in edible oil surfaced after the reporting of dropsy syndrome last year which claimed many lives in the length and breadth of the country.

To over come the dropsy epidemic the Central Government issued directives to all states for enforcement of blanket ban on the sale of mustard oil in loose form, however, the same was not implemented due to unknown reasons till date by the State Government.

According to the latest proposal of the State Government the edible oil will be sold in packed pouches ranging from 50 gram packs to onwards. However, the local millers have sought some time to prepare their mills for such packing and in this regard the Government has given six months time for selling the edible oil in loose form.

Taking from the face of it, the step is beneficial for the business community as a whole, who will tax the extra money on customers as packing charges. This way the poor consumer especially living below poverty line can not afford to pay the increasing cost of mustard oil.

It is not any exaggeration but a reality that the poor people who hardly earn Rs 40 to 50 a day or below that purchase 25 to 30 grams of the mustard oil daily and in case of blanket ban on the loose form of oil comes into effect, these people will be put to many hardships.

Moreover, the cost on packages will naturally go up which will be borne by the poor customer and this way instead of coming to the rescue of the consumer, the Government is putting an extra burden on him who is left with no alternative but to pay more.

Hence there are the large scale apprehensions that the prices this way will go up and hit the poor consumers to the hilt. During the dropsy syndrome the prices of Mustard oil went from Rs 40 to 65 in retail and in case the present proposal is put into action the edible oil will be at least Rs five costlier a kg in retail as claimed by some members of business community as well.

Naturally the customer purchasing in packs from 50 grams to half kg have also to pay more the cost what he was actually paying in loose form.

However, others are of the opinion that the step is beneficial provided the Government maintains a proper check on the rate fluctuation.

The rate of edible oil, they say fluctuates often in market and within last 24 hours the rate per tin in wholesale decreased from Rs 640 to 620 and sometimes it increases.

Moreover, there is already a huge difference in the rate of loose and packed oil. This being the main reason that maximum people belonging to middle and lower middle group purchase the edible oil in loose form.

Hence if Government is really interested in implementation of its decision in true letter and spirit it has to maintain a proper control on the retail price of various brands of edible oil.

During the dropsy syndrome in the middle of last year, many packed brands of edible oil were found positive to the dropsy and hence there is no guarantee that the packed brands of oil will not be adulterated in future.

Hence , the Government has to make foolproof arrangements in this regard and maintain the proper check on mill owners also.

The retailers from one to all hail the decision on this plea that they will be saved from unnecessarily humiliation caused due to adulteration in edible oil and have not to face the raids from the Government agencies in this regard. The same views are expressed by the wholesalers as well. Even some wholesalers strongly advocate that no adulteration takes place in Jammu where the maximum oil is produced in local mills after getting the raw material from outside the state.

However, this view is openly rejected by the officials in Food and Supplies Department, saying that in this regard we can not give a certificate to any body.

According to the wholesalers except the 'P' Mark Brand and Jumboo all the other brands of edible oil are produced in Jammu. The main reason for this being that after the increase in Toll Tax from four per cent to Rs 8.4 percent the supply of Edible oil from outside decreased constantly.

There is another plea from the business community that in the given competition no businessman will like to defame himself by indulging in adulteration.