Farooq addresses election rallies
People asked to unite to end gun culture

Excelsior Special Correspondent

ANANTNAG, Oct. 1: Dr Farooq Abdullah lamended that a large number of Government officials were knee-deep in corruption and malpractices and they were plundering the State resources, ruthlessly.

While addressing a 2000-strong election campaign rally (which was about 3000 before the call for prayers), at Sherbagh this afternoon, the National Conference president Dr Abdullah bemoaned that a number of Government officials were engaged in rampant corruption and financial irregularities. He admitted that he had failed to chasten the erring officials. "Even the Almighty seems to be helpless before these thieves", Dr Abdullah lamented. Significantly, at today's public meeting he did not threaten to dump the corrupt officials in Dal lake.

Dr Abdullah said that the engineers asked for funds for construction of an embankment in his own Ganderbal Assembly segment while as the people of that area insisted that they would raise the same with much lesseramount. Citing another example, Dr Abdullah said that the PWD engineers asked for money when they were directed to make Abhinav Theatre of Jammu fully airconditioned. When the three major companies of the country were contacted they demanded almost half the amount demanded by PWD.

"When people raise a private house with Rs 10 lakh, its life is 100 years. But a building of same capacity and architecture costs the State Rs 40 lakh and its life is just two years", Dr Abdullah complained while assailing the State engineers.

Chief Minister declared that in future those incumbents would get top priority in recruitment who had none of their family members in the Government. He said that a column would be provided in the recruitment forms which would mention how many family members of the incumbent were already in the State Government.

Dr Abdullah urged people to unite for ending gun culture in Jammu and Kashmir and said "much blood has been spilled during the proxy war: now we want to live in peace," while addressing election rallies at Anantnag and Aishmuqam today.

"If we don't unite, we will be spoiled,'' he said and asked "who else except Kashmiri has become fodder of the enemy's cannon during these years of turmoil.''

Peace, he said, is imperative for tackling the problems on various fronts and ensuring speedy development in the State which has passed through a phase of devastation and destruction. Peace is also important for revival of tourism, the mainstay of the people of this State, he said.

Emphasizing the need for friendly relations between India and Pakistan. Dr Abdullah hoped the process of normalization, which received setback due to Kargil intrusions, would restart. He recalled the visit of Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee to Minar-e-Pakistan which reflected his sincerity to forge friendship with Pakistan and reassuring people there about India's friendly intentions.

Referring to the security scenario, the National Conference president said that security is being beefed up further and effective measures are being taken for checking infiltration. While tackling militancy, it should be the endeavour of the security forces to see that common masses are not harmed, he said. He said the situation over the years has gradually improved and it is because of that various political parties including Bharatiya Janata Party are canvassing even in remote villages.

Chief Minister reiterated his party's commitment to greater autonomy and said the party MPs will forcefully plead the issue in the highest democratic forum in the country. He sought people's massive mandate and wholehearted support for the success of National Conference candidate during the parliamentary elections.

Dr Abdullah said his Government is keen to ensure speedy development of all the three regions of the State. "We have an agenda ahead of us to ensure supply of drinking water, road development and to provide emloyment to the youth,'' he said.

Dwelling on fiscal situation of the State, Dr Farooq said that implementation of the 5th Pay Commission recommendations have put an additional burden of Rs. 700 crores on the State, revenue of which does not exceed Rs. 600 crores. Despite tight financial condition, the Government is committed to provide minimum necessities to the people, he said.

Criticizing elements inimical to peace for exploiting religious sentiments of the people, Dr Abdullah said they will have to account for their misdeeds some day. He said Hurriyat leaders collected donations for the reconstruction of Chrar-e-Sharief but did not spend a penny on it. "Now we are spending Rs. 10 crores on the construction of the much revered shrine.''

Referring to the utterances of the former Union Home Minister, Mufti Sayed, he asked what he did for the people of Jammu and Kashmir when he was at the helm. The people understand the political gimmicks of those who are prone to changing colours from time to time. They are the people who have eroded the special status of the State, he said.

The National Conference candidate for Anantnag parliamentary constituency, Mr Ali Mohammad Nayak and senior party leaders, Mr Ali Mohammad Sagar, Mr P L Handoo, Choudhry Mohammad Ramzan, Peerzada Ghulam Ahmed Shah, Mr Safdder Ali Beg and Dr Mehbood Beg also addressing the rally.

Mr Nayak said that National Conference was committed to restore autonomy to the State. "We will not shy away from any political struggle for attaining our rights,'' he said adding that the autonomy report reflects the urges and aspiration of the people.

Mr Ali Mohammad Sagar said that after taking over the reins of the State, the National Conference Government has taken measures to revive various sectors like education, health , public health and tourism. The situation is gradually improving and the people are freely moving around till late hours.

Charging Hurriyat Conference for misleading the youth, Mr Sagar said that guns were thrust in the hands of poor people while their children went abroad for greener pastures.

Criticising former Union Home Minister for taking anti-people measures in early 90s, Mr Sagar said that Mufti Mohammad Syed believed in bullet to bullet theory and was now holding the brief for militants.

Choudhry Mohammad Ramzan complimented the people for braving the threats and intimidation and said a vast majority of electorate exercised their franchise in Kupwara district recently. He said though frequent elections were not goot yet people must come in large number to exercise their demcoratic right.

He said Dr Abdullah is striving hard to steer the State to peace and progress. " "We want Jammu and Kashmir to be the crown of India,'' he added.

Mr P L Handoo recalled the contribution of National Conference and said the party has always stood for the just cause of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said National Conference will not desist from offering any sacrifice for the honour and dignity of the people.

Peerzada Ghulam Ahmed Shah referred to the conducive conditions created by the Government led by Dr Farooq Abdullah in which all political parties are putting forth their view point before electorate in true democratic spirits.

Speaking on the occasion Dr Mehboob Beg criticised Mufti Mohammad Syed for exploiting people with green flag. He said the leader who carried tricolour all his political life was now befooling people by his gimmickry. "How will people in the rest of the country trust us when the former Union Home Minister switches over to religious exploitation or holds brief for militants,'' he said.

Referring to the boycott call given by the Hurriyat Conference, he said the erstwhile Jamat-e-Islami compromised on five seats with the then Congress Government. They too contested polls and swore by the Constitution, he said.

Earlier, Dr Farooq Abdullah paid obeisance at the Ziarat at Aishmuqam. He also visited Mattan and took stock of the reconstruction of the temple, he also interacted with the people and heard their problems.

‘Transit routes’ identified
Security forces instructed to ‘punish’ intruders on Oct 4

By Neeraj Rohmetra

JAMMU, October 1: Even as the Pakistani authorities have launched crackdown against the pro-independence outfit — Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) in Islamabad, security forces on this side have worked out a strategy to ‘punish’ anyone, who dares to violate the sanctity of Line of Control (LoC) on October 4, as planned by the JKLF.

Reliable sources said the top brass of the Army, Border Security Force (BSF) and other para-military forces held secret parleys to work out a strategy to handle the situation in appropriate manner on October 4 — the day when the JKLF members have threatened to percolate through LoC.

Intelligence inputs indicated that there were little chances of the ‘pro-Azadi’ activists trying to intrude from the International Border (IB) as their stress would be on the areas adjoining the Pakistani occupied Kashmir (PoK).

"According to the modus operandi worked by the organisation at their nerve centre in Rawalkote, they had identified three points mainly for intrusion along the Line of Control (LoC). The locations have been specifically identified since they fall in vicinity of the training camps being used by Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) to train subversives", sources said.

Dwelling further on the intrusion points, sources remarked that the ‘transit’ routes were situated in Poonch, Rajouri and Baramulla sector. "In Poonch areas, the JKLF activists were likely to make some attempts in Hajira area, close to the bridge that connects the two sides of the LoC. Adjacent to the Indian side is located the Hajir village of PoK, which is slated to be their take-off point", sources said adding that about 400 activists are likely to gather on the other side.

Sources said that the other intrusion route decided by the JKLF activists is located in Kotli Niwal area of the PoK and the same area has the ‘distinction’ of housing a full-fledged training camp for terrorists. "The area serves as launching pad for terrorists and on an average 200 - 300 persons are trained there for subversive activities per month. We can expect a strength of about 150 pro-independence activists coming there to express their solidarity with people in Kashmir".

The third ‘transit’ point, sources said is located in Chakothi area of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), which is situated adjacent to the Uri area of Baramulla district. "Most of their activists and mentors are likely to gather here and the number may touch to around 1500 - 2000. The focus is likely to be more on this route as the main motive behind the JKLF march to focus the international attention on Kashmir".

As far as the International Border(IB) is concerned, sources said that the only likelihood was that some activists may come close to the border from Sialkot sector falling adjacent to the Octroi post.

Notwithstanding the identification of these intrusion points, security forces are maintaining a high alert both along the IB and LoC. "There are clear instruction that anybody violating the sanctity of either of the two boundaries should be treated as infiltrator. All steps will be taken to keep the Pakistanis and their mentors at bay".

Besides, sources maintained the forces indulging in anti-insurgency operations have also been put on alert, particularly in Rajouri and Poonch districts.

"There was a strong possibility that unlike the earlier marches undertaken by the JKLF, the Pakistani Government may chose not intervene this time so as to give the project the entire affair as the `movement for self-determination in Kashmir’. The Nawaz Sharief Government is already facing a hostile environment at home and it would not like to invite further trouble".

Heavy firing on LoC
3 civilians shot dead, two injured in Rajouri

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Oct 1: Militants gunned down three civilians and wounded two others in four separate incidents at Darhal, Budhal, Surankot and Mandi areas of Rajouri and Poonch districts overnight. Army also killed one militant in Rajouri.

Police reports said militants stormed into the house of Ghulam Hussain at village Kurhad in Darhal area on the intervening night of September 30 and October 1. Militants beat-up the family members and then dragged out 32 year old Nizam Din son of Ghulam Hussain.

After questioning Nizam Din, militants pumped a volley of shots on him resulting into his instant death. Militants fled from the house after killing the youth. Local people gathered on the spot and informed police, which reached the spot.

The victim was shifted to a local hospital where he was declared as dead. Police carried out searches in the adjoining villages of Kurhad to look out for the killer but they remained untraced. Searches were going on, the reports said.

The victim was a milk seller to army camps.

Militants intruded into the house of Manzoor Hussain at Sangla in Surankote tehsil of Poonch district and shot him dead. Militants also injured another youth Mohd Iqbal, who had come to the house of Manzoor Hussain. The injured was hospitalised in Surankote in critical condition.

Another civilian Mohd Ismail son of Alam Din, a resident of Seri was kidnapped by the militants from his house at village Chowana in Mandi area of Surankote. He was slaughtered in the captivity and his body, packed in a bag, was thrown in a nullah. Body was recovered by the security forces today and handed over to family members.

Militants also attacked another house of one Farooq Hussain son of Sattar Hussain at village Targainand in Budhal tehsil and straightway fired at him. Only one bullet hit Farooq Hussain while others missed the target. Presuming Farooq Hussain dead, the militants escaped from the village.

The injured was shifted to Primary Health Centre in Kandi village where his condition was stated to be improving. Police was hunting the militants, who were two in number and were suspected to be locals.

Meanwhile, Pakistani troops continued heavy firing and shelling on Indian positions on the Line of Control (LoC) at Nowshera, Lam and Bhawani sub sectors in Nowshera tehsil throughout the last night. However, there was no report of any casualty or injury on Indian side.

Indian army returned the firing.

Troops, as a part of seek and destroy operation killed one militant at village Nilla, east of Kesari Hill, eight kms north east of Kandi in Rajouri today.

The operation was launched on a tip off this evening. A contact was established with the militants at 1830 hours. Only one militant was present in the hideout, who was killed. Troops recovered one AK rifle, two grenades and some ammunition and explosives from the possession of slain militant.

The militant, who appeared to be a foreign mercenary hasn’t been identified so far. No casualty was reported on army side, the sources said.

Soldier killed, 3 injured
Army jeep blasted in Banihal

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 1: Militants blew up an army vehicle of a Road Opening Party (ROP) at village Tithar in Banihal on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway killing one soldier and wounding three others. The vehicle was extensively damaged.

Official sources said the ROP vehicle was blown up with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by the militants at Banihal. As the vehicle was shattered with the impact of explosion, the militants from atop a hill lobbed two grenades and fired few shots on the army vehicle.

An army soldiers was killed in the militants’ attack and three others were seriously injured. Militants managed to escape from the hills after carrying out the attack and disappeared in the adjoining forests, the sources said.

They said army jawans from a nearby camp and a police team from Banihal police station rushed to the scene of explosion and cordoned off the entire area. Traffic on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was stopped from both the sides as troops mounted search operations to nab the militants, responsible for triggering the explosion and look for any other explosive device planted on the Highway.

The injured have been admitted in the Military Hospital while body of the deceased was kept in sub district hospital at Banihal for post-mortem. Identity of the deceased wasn’t disclosed by the army.

Army and police continued a joint search operation in Banihal and adjoining areas to eliminate the absconding militants. Till reports last came in, no success had been made to get the militants. Traffic was restored on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway after over two hours blockade.

Banihal police have registered a case in the blast and were trying to ascertain the identity of militants, who were suspected to be locals.

Meanwhile, official reports reaching here said, militants fired upon security forces in Chatru area of Kishtwar in Doda district last mid-night. The patrol party of troops and police, which came under heavy firing from the militants, retaliated effectively.

A fierce encounter continued for about an hour after which the militants fled as reinforcement started reaching the village. Militants, who were six in number, escaped towards an adjoining forest area. However, they were being hunted by the security personnel.

Militants also fired upon a Special Police Officers (SPOs) picket in Kishtwar last mid-night. The firing was retaliated. In the exchange of firing, two militants were injured but they managed to escape alongwith their fleeing associates. No casualty was reported on SPOs side during the encounter.

Exchange of firing also took place between Village Defence Committee (VDC) and militants in Chirala area of Doda. Retaliation by the VDC members forced militants to flee.

Defence sources did not confirm any casualty in Banihal explosion.

No force used to bring out voters
Hurriyat adopting a pro-active militant line, says Farooq

NEW DELHI, Oct 1: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah today accused the Hurriyat Conference of adopting a pro-active militant line and running the show for their masters across the border.

Hurriyat, after failing to woo people with their words, has adopted a pro-active policy and is directing gun-wielding militants to threaten people, Abdullah said.

He told on phone from Srinagar on the eve of last phase of elections that people in many areas ignored the poll boycott call by separatists.

But the threat of militants was still very much prevalent in urban areas where very few people came out to vote, he admitted.

Referring to sudden spurt in militant activity in the Valley, he said Pakistan after its humiliating defeat in Kargil had warned of another such attempt in other sectors of the state.

One should basically understand the topography of the region....Borders are not well defined here and the terrains are treacherous...So infiltration can take place somewhere, Abdullah said.

Also when Army was moved away from borders to Kargil, a vast gap had emerged at the border from where militants infiltrated into the Valley, Abdullah said.

Ridiculing the claims by Hurriyat and other separatist organisations that coercion had taken place in the state during earlier three phases of polls, Abdullah said no force was used to bring out voters and it was evident from the fact that some polling booths recorded mimimum polling.

We were only interested in ensuring that whatever voting is there, it should be free, the Chief Minister said.

However, Abdullah denied media reports that he had said in a public meeting that voters will be forced to cast ballot. I only said that if they (secessionists) threaten voters, my administration will provide security.

Regarding opposition charges that his administration had failed on every front in safeguarding the people of the state, Abdullah said opposition has to say something...But they should not forget that I am running the Government under severe financial constraints.

Virtually, one of my hand is tied at back while I am fighting militancy, developing the state and healing the wounds of people, Abdullah said.

About National Conference’s stand after the results were out in the 13th Lok Sabha, he said it is too early to say anything .... But whosoever comes to power will have our support.

Referring to the security environment now prevailing in the Valley, Abdullah said the Army had again been given control to tackle insurgent activities in the Valley after the end of the Kargil intrusion.

The Chief Minister also said some measures are being taken at the border to plug suspected infiltration routes.

About the reported bunglings in the votes of migrant Kashmiri Pundits, Abdullah said the problem will be looked into but added that his administration had no role to play in it.

This is a mischief played by opposition to malign my Government. I have always kept the migrated community on top of my priorities, he said.

Referring to the allegations made by former Union Minister Saif-ud-Din Soz about the bungling during voting in Baramulla parliamentary constituency, the Chief Minister said he has to say something to save his face...After all by now he (Soz) must have understood that without National Conference his identity is nothing.

Soz had parted company with the National Conference over the issue of voting for the Vajpayee Government in the Lok Sabha.

The Chief Minister cautioned the local press asking them to desist from publishing anti-Indian news in the papers. My Government believes in free press, which they have been enjoying, but any one going anti-national will not be spared. (PTI)

Drugs sold in Rajouri hospital
Minor girl dies due to doctors’ negligence

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Oct 1: A minor girl Radhika, hailing from Jalandhar, died due to negligence of doctors and para-medical staff in the district hospital here last night triggering protests from her father and other patients.

Reports said Arun Kumar had come to the darshan of Mata Vaishnodevi shrine alongwith his family from Jalandhar. Arun Kumar came here in connection with the marketing of his product. Last evening her seven year old daughter Radhika fell ill and was admitted in the district hospital.

Reports said in the mid-night the condition of Radhika deteriorated as there was no doctor to look upon her. The doctor on night duty had also left for his house least bothering about the serious patients.

A nurse Chander Lekha, who was on duty also didn’t co-operate with the patient. The nurse allegedly charged Rs 40 for administering a bottle of dextrose to the patient—the market value of which was just Rs 18. The nurse even refused to send an emergency call to doctors and, as a result, the girl died premature death.

In the morning, father of the girl and some other patients, who were eye-witness to the killing of minor girl, protested against doctors and para-medical staff’s negligence which has become a routine in the district hospital.

Even Superintendent of the hospital refused to entertain the complaint of Arun Kumar and didn’t order an inquiry against such a serious lapse on the part of doctors and para-medical staff. People said that sale of drugs in the hospital, which are otherwise meant for free distribution, has also become a routine in the district hospital.z

India warns Pak against JKLF plan to cross LoC

NEW DELHI, Oct 1: India today warned Pakistan against allowing Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front activists to cross the Line of Control on October four and asserted that Islamabad would be responsible for the consequences if it fails to prevent any such crossing.

India has through diplomatic and military channels conveyed in clear and categorical terms to the Pakistan Government our expectation that it (Islamabad) would prevent on October four any intended crossing of the LoC or the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir by the so-called JKLF, an External Affairs Ministry spokesman told reporters here.

New Delhi’s stiff warning comes in the wake of conflicting reports from Islamabad which first indicated that the Pakistan Government would stop the JKLF activists but subsequently contradictory statements were issued.

Pakistan was obliged to ensure at all times the inviolability and sanctity of the LoC which is of fundamental importance for the maintenance of tranquility and security, he stressed.

The Government response comes close on the heels of assertion by Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Brajesh Mishra that the armed forces were prepared to shoot at the intruders. (PTI)

Haryana varsity student shot dead

HISAR, Oct 1: Tension prevailed in the Haryana Agricultural University Campus here as Manav Marwah, a student of University Veterinary College, succumbed to gun-shot injuries early today at the Pandit B D Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Science and Hospital.

He was allegedly shot last night by his hostel roommate Ashok Mann, a third year student of the college. Sources said old enmity led to the murder.

Agitated students damaged a university vehicle, locked the administrative block and held rallies in protest against the killing. The university was closed for the day due to prevailing tension and police posse deployed on the campus.

The students alleged that the critically injured Marwah could not be provided timely medical help due to insufficient fuel in the university ambulance van.

A case has been registered against the accused.

The students said they would decide their future course of action at a meeting later in the evening. (UNI)

Kalyan rules out internal disunity

LUCKNOW, Oct 1: A day after BJP’s Central leadership ruled out a change of guard in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Kalyan Singh today termed as a "vicious campaign" Opposition attempts to project factionalism in the State BJP.

Singh, accused by his detractors in the party of not effectively campaigning, said in a statement that "our opponents have begun a false and vicious campaign to project that our party is a victim of internal disunity."

Stating that these efforts were "doomed to failure", he said it was the duty of every worker of BJP to ensure the victory of candidates of the party and its allies in all the 31 constituencies in the State which go to polls on Oct 3.

Describing Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as the "commander-in-chief" of BJP, Singh said he is the only leader in the country who can give a Government that makes India strong and secure.

Kalyan Singh’s statement came a day after he shared the dais with Vajpayee at an election meeting here, the first such exercise in the Lok Sabha poll campaign. (PTI)

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