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

SRINAGAR, Oct 7: The working committee of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference is meeting here shortly to decide whether it should join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government at the Centre.

Party general secretary Sheikh Nazir Ahmad told that the party working committee is meeting here in a day or two to decide its future plans.

When asked if his party, which has won all the four seats in Kashmir and Ladakh, will support the NDA in case it forms Government at the Centre, Sheikh Nazir said "let the working committee decide it."

When his attention was drawn to the recent statement of party president Farooq Abdullah that his National Conference will join the NDA Government at the Centre in case it comes to power, Sheikh Nazir said this point will be also discussed by the working committee.

Asked why his party could not consolidate its position in Jammu region, Sheikh Nazir said a majority of voters in Poonch and Doda could not vote because of the militancy.

"We wrested Anantnag seat from Congress and retained Ladakh, Srinagar and Baramulla constituencies," he said.

"People of this state, particularly in the Valley have suffered because of militancy during all these years, he added.

He said hundreds of his party workers and leaders were killed and their houses attacked by militants during all these years.

When asked about the financial crunch in the state Sheikh Nazir said, "We sincerely hope that centre will come to our rescue immediately," "The tragedy of the people of this state is that Government at the Centre was never sincere towards us," he said.

Now we hope that we will get our due from the Centre in every respect. (UNI)

Victory processions taken out at Jammu, Kathua
Chaman, Vaid resolve to mitigate woes of the masses

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 7: Impressive victory processions of both the winning candidates of Bharatiya Janta Party, Vaid Vaishno Dutt and Prof Chaman Lal Gupta were taken out at Jammu and Kathua today. Thousands of enthusiastic party workers, shouting slogans in praise of Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee and Bharatiya Janta Party, joined the procession.

While both the winning BJP candidates attributed their victories to the ‘Vajpayee Magic’, they assured the voters that they would strive hard to solve their problems.

Since morning there was festive atmosphere in the BJP office at Kachi Chowni. As the reports of the historical victory of the Vaid Vaishno Dutt reached in the rural areas, a large number of BJP workers travelling in mini-buses and tractors continued to throng at the party office to greet their candidate popularly known as Vaidji. In the after-noon, thousands of enthusiastic workers stormed party office to organise ‘Vijay-Rally’.

The rally started from the party office, known as ‘Pandit Ji De Kothi’ and culminated at Dogra Chowk where victorious BJP candidate Vaid Vaishno Dutt garlanded statue of Pandit Prem Nath Dogra, founder of the Praja Parishad. All the way from Kacchi Chowni to Dogra Chowk, a rousing reception was accorded to Vaidji. Every chowk of the City of Temples was specially decorated to receive the BJP candidate who made history by defeating National Conference candidate with such a huge margin. The people came on the streets to greet their candidate and showered flowers petals on Vaidji. Some over enthusiastic BJP supporters were seen distributing sweets among the passers-by. The ‘Vijay-Rally’ passed through Kacchi Chowni, Panjthirthi, Chowk Chabotra, Pucca Danga, Moti Bazar, Raj Tilak Road, Link Road, Jain Bazar, Peer-Mitha, Rajinder Bazar, Sheedhi Chowk, Residency Road, Raghunath Bazar, Gumat Bazar and Vinayak Bazar.

Beating dhools, hundreds of BJP workers were seen dancing on the roads all the way in the procession. Profusely garlanded, Vaid Vaishno Dutt expressed his gratitude towards voters by folding hands.

As the party has first time got lead in the Poonch-Haveli constituency, Mr Bashir Ahmed Naz local Gujjar leader of the Poonch was also attraction of the party.

Mr Daya Krishan Kotwal, State president BJP, Mr Ashok Khajuria, BJP MLA from Jammu East where party got a lead of about 13,000, Dr Nirmal Singh, general secretary of the party, Mr Kavinder Gupta and other senior leader of the party participated in the procession.

Talking to EXCELSIOR, Vaid Vaishno Dutt expressed his gratitude towards the people of Jammu region who have expressed their faith in the policies of the BJP. He also thanked BJP workers.

An impressive victory procession was also witnessed in the Kathua where counting of the Udhampur-Doda constituency was going. Very much before the official announcement of the victory of Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, the over-enthusiastic workers were resorted to beating dhools and dancing. Pro-Vajpayee and pro-BJP slogans repeated renting in the air since previous mid-night as Prof Chaman Lal Gupta has maintained inaccessible lead in the very beginning of the counting.

Victory procession of Prof Chaman Lal Gupta started from Kathua and accorded red-carpet reception at Kali Bari, Chadwal More, Dayala Chak, Hira Nagar More, Kootah More, Gagwal and many other places. Hundreds of party workers were waiting from their newly elected Lok Sabha members who made a hat-trick by winning the Udhampur-Doda in three consecutive terms.

Talking to EXCELSIOR, a joyous Prof Chaman Lal Gupta said that people expressed their faith in the leadership of Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee. Expressing his gratitude towards the voters for electing his third time, Prof Gupta that it was result of their rest-less campaign against militancy and anti-national forces. He said that people have out-rightly rejected Congress and National Conference.

Listing his priorities, Prof Gupta said that vast population of his constituency have been facing wreath of militancy. He, however, assured that he would make every possible efforts to strengthen Village Defence Committees.

Highlighting woes of the people, Prof Gupta regretted the people of this region has been facing step-motherly treatment in the hands of successive State Governments.

Prof Gupta further said that he would raise issue of inclusion of Dogri language in the 8th Scheduled of the constitution. He also assured the border people that their problems would be taken up in the Parliament.

67th anniversary of IAE today

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Oct 7 : The Indian Air Force is celebrating its 67th anniversary. From a modest beginning on 8th October 1932, the IAF has matured into a powerful and potent force. Air power is crucial to a nation's security, both in peace and war.

The IAF has served the nation with valour and dedication over the years. This year the IAF played a vital role in evicting the intruders from Kargil. Precision attacks by the IAF's fighter aircraft shattered the enemy morale and hastened their retreat.

Presently the transport aircraft and helicopters are engaged in providing logistical support to the Army deployed in the inhospital remote areas of Siachen and the Kargil Sectors.

The people of Jammu & Kashmir and the IAF share a very close and special relationship. It was the IAF that flew Indian Army troops into Srinagar when the Pakistani intruders were threatening the city in 1947.

The IAF has brought succour to the people of J&K in times of need, apart from keeping a constant vigil along the border and the live line of control. Air dropping of relief stores during natural calamities, ferrying people to and from remote locations and casualty evacuation are some of the services provided by the IAF.

Today the IAF is, a technologically advanced, highly skilled force of professionals managing complex weapon systems in the defence of the nation. The men and women in the distinctive Air Force blue come from different corners of the country but their aim is one to safeguard the integrity of the nation. They stand united under the Air Force motto 'Nabha Sprasham Deeptam' or 'To touch the sky with glore.

Edu dept. staff to protest on October 15

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 7: The All J&K Class IV Employees Union has expressed concern over non-drawal of pay of all newly appointed class-IV in the Education department.

As per release, such employees will assemble near the office of Director, School Education, Jammu on October 10, 1999 and protest over issue of non-payment of pay dues to the employees in these hard days.

The meeting of the union also condemned the withdrawal of SRO 43 by the State Government. It was also demanded that two due installments of DA should be released immediately.

NC victory hailed

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Oct 7: At a meeting the J&K Youth National Conference expressed that the victory of National Conference at the hustings once again proves that it is this organisation which alone can meet the aspirations of the people.

Presiding over the meeting, Mr S K Malla, said that there is no alternative to the NC at this crucial juncture in Jammu and Kashmir State.

The meeting of the YNC, Jammu was attended by the office-bearers of this organisation.

Baton competition organised

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 7: The Sainik School, Nagrota today organised a Baton competition in the school premises.

Held for the first time, it generated lot of enthusiasm among the students whose turn out was impressive presentation of drill show which was a feast to watch.

Colonel K L Yadav presented the Baton to the winners and exhorted the students to inculcate spirit of discipline, sense of nationalism and dedication.

JU releases Part-I re-evaluation result

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 7: University of Jammu today released the much awaited re-evaluation result of BA/B Sc/B Com Part-I and has simul-

taneously started the process of sending revised result mark-sheets to the students.

The result has been placed on the wall outside the Examination Block for students.

The re-evaluation result for the final year is expected on October 11.

Around 3,200 students had applied for the re-evaluation in Part-I of which 1,200 had opted for re-checking of their answer sheets in English alongwith other subjects, disclosed Mr Vijay Gupta, Assistant Registrar Evaluation, while talking to EXCELSIOR.

He further explained that it was the most time consuming exercise, reason being a big number of students have applied in English subject. "Since, University cannot invite the evaluators at an early date for the re-valuation purposes, we have to approach some other teachers for this purpose".

According to re-evaluation rules, two teachers are required to re-check a particular answer sheet together.

Mr Gupta pointed out that the number of candidates applying for re-evaluation is in ascending order, so declaration of result after going through a prolonged process is becoming difficult.

He suggested that students applying for the re-evaluation should be discouraged because it has now became a routine to apply for the re-evaluation, even if, the student don’t have marks in double figures.

HC quashes FIR registered DC Rajouri's complaint

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct. 7: Mr Justice O P Sharma of the State High Court Jammu Wing has quashed the FIR No. 306/98 under section 409/408 RPC registered in Police Station Rajouri on the complaint lodged by Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Mr B A Runyal in the complaint addressed to superintendent of Police Rajouri it was stated that through reliable source complaints were received that Mr Kabir Ahmed incharge Food Store Rajouri was involved in bungling of ration entrusted to him as public servant.

A surprise visit was conducted by Deputy Commissioner Rajouri alongwith Tehsildar Rajouri to the store on August 8, 1998. The accused Kabir Ahmed was asked to make available the record pertaining to supply of ration but he with "criminal attention'' fled away from the scene.

The Food store was sealed by the Tehsildar Executive Magistrate and enquiry was conducted by Mr Bashir Khan A.C. Development Rajouri. During the inquiry, it was found that the storekeeper had committed large scale bungling and misappropriated food grains. Subsequently store was physically checked in presence of the accused who signed the verification report.

Also for this purpose a team of officers was constituted for weighment. The DC had urged the SP that a case may be registered against the culprit and his accomplice and investigation conducted to unfold the whole scandle minutely.

The petitioner challanged the FIR on the ground that no officer was mentioned in the FIR nor the investigation was able to establish any commission of offence. The court subsequently summoned the investigating officer but he was stated to be not well.

While quashing the FIR Mr Justice Sharma observed that the case diary revealed pathetic story about the progress of the investigation, because instead of going ahead with the investigation it was waiting for the reporting of the committee constituted by the Deputy Commissioner.

However, another development took place during the pendency of this petition the Assistant Commissioner Food and Supply Rajouri has vide his letter dated 27-4-1999 reported to the Deputy Commissioner Food and Supply Jammu that there was no shortage and no mismanagement of supplies in the Office Kabir Ahmed.

He in fact exonerated the petitioner of the allegation in case the Deputy Director was not satisfied with the enquiry, he being a party-respondents could have come forward and questioned the bonafied of the report.

He has not chosen to come forward. Assuming that this report is not by the competent officer has argued by Mrs S Hakim the Director Food and Supply should reject it and constitute separate committee.

There is certainly no ground to proceed with the investigation as no commission of offence is disclosed as such the FIR is quashed.

Advocate Sunil Sethi appeared for the petitioner in this case.

DIET principal convenes Zonal Edu Officers' meet

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct. 7: In a meeting of Zonal Education Officers held in the Office of Principal DIET, Jammu overall academic scenario was reviewed. The meeting was chaired by Mr Sudesh Mahajan, Principal of the Institute. The programme of evaluating both students and teachers at Primary level taken up in hand by the DIET, was main focus of Field Officers in the meeting. The initiative taken up by the DIET personal in academic support to the Field teachers especially in the far-flung rural areas of the District was highly appreciated by the Zonal Education Officers and they unanimously assured to extend their full co-operation in accelerating the academic activities. The participants were of the opinion that it will develop a sense of accountability and dedication amongst the Field Teachers.

The Principal DIET revealed in the meeting that the institute has planned to intensify its efforts further in the field and the schools at elementary and secondary level shall also be brought under the ambit of academic evaluation. In the first phase the Institution has decided to cover 36 Middle and 36 High Schools of 18 Educational Zones to reorientate the teachers alongwith a follow-up programme already taken up in 90 primary schools of the District.

The Institution has constituted a task forces to monitor the academic activities and the Principal himself will head a team of Officers to supervise the exercise of academic performance in the field. The main objective of the exercise is to analyse the performance of students, competence of the teachers, their commitments towards the profession and draw out the difficult areas, for their academic support.

Besides the Institute has also taken up Action-Research for poor enrolement in Government schools and also reasons for low pass percentage of 8th class examination for the year 1999.

The DIET Principal stressed the need of co-ordinational efforts to get the desired goal of academic improvement achieved.

Gen Sangra visits Dogra units

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 7: Lt General Surjit Sangra, PVSM, GoC-in-C Central Command, who is also Colonel of the Dogra Regiment and Ladhak Scouts visited Dogra units in forward areas in Northern Sector to have close interaction with officers and jawans and also to know their difficulties and problems.

Addressing the troops at a Special Sainik Sammelan, General Surjit Sangra called upon them to be more vigilant and alert to foil any sinister design of the enemy from across the border. Being in close proximity to the borders, the General said, their responsibilities have further increased with no place for compilancy. He lauded the 19th Battalion of the Dogra Regiment for the good work done by them in true Dogra tradition while deployed in 'Operation Vijay' and exhorted the men to re-dedicate themselves to strive hard to scale greater heights for the honour of the unit and the country.

Later, the General intermingled with the troops over a cup of tea and enquired about their well-being and difficulties being faced by them. He was accompanied by Major General Bhopinder Singh, General Officer Commanding of Tiger Division.

Earlier, he was briefed by Brigadier KS Kotwal, Brigade Commander and Colonel D Bahuguna, Commanding Officer of the Dogra battalion.

Homage paid to Major

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 7: The mortal remains of Major Ratesh Sharma of 17 JAT were received today at Jammu to be taken to Lucknow his home town for last rites.

The Major was seriously injured in an encounter against militants in Kupwara sector and was evacuated to Military Hospital Udhampur for treatment, but succumbed to his injuries last night.

Homage was paid to the mortal remains by Colonel D Bahuguna, Commanding Officer of Dogra battalion and other officers. Wreaths were also laid on behalf of GoC-in-C Northern Command, GoC Nagrota Corps and GoC Tiger Division.

He is survived by his parents.

PCC criticises hike in diesel prices

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 7: Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) has strongly criticised the recent hike announced by Central Government in diesel prices and described it as anti people decision of the ruling Party.

In a statement issued here today, the leaders of Pradesh Congress Committee said how the ruling BJP can work for the welfare and betterment of people when it has hiked the prices of the diesel on the counting day.

The PCC leaders said the BJP led Government has made history after hiking the prices of diesel by 35 per cent at one time. They said this will led to the hike in prices of other essential commodities also.

The Congress leaders further described the hike as anti farmers. They alleged that present Government has failed during its 18 month rule on all fronts. They said how the Party can claim to provide a clean Government when its all decisions during 18 month long rule have been anti people.

Demanding the revocation of price hike in diesel the PCC leaders warned that in case Government failed to concede the demand the Congress will be forced to launch agitation.

The signatories to statement include Ch Mohammed Aslam, PCC chief, Dharam Pal Sharma, Lal Mohammed Sabir, Th. Divakar Singh, M L Koul, C L Bhat, Baldev Sharma, Raval Mattoo, Bharat Gandhi, B R Kundal, Raj Rani Bhagat, Hukam Chand Sharma, Gurcharan Singh, Surjit Singh, Amrik Singh, Capt (retd) Jagan Nath, Raghubir Singh, Ram Parkash Malhotra, and Jagdish Mehta.

Akhnoor Unit of LPEF to hold dharna on Oct 22

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 7: To lodge their protest against what it alleged the callous attitude of State Government towards the long pending demands of the employees, Akhnoor Unit of the Low Paid Employees Federation (LPEF) has decided to hold a dharna on October 22.

This was announced in the Federation meeting held at Akhnoor today. The meeting was chaired by Master Bodh Raj Sharma, president of the Unit. It also warned to intensify the struggle if the Government continues to maintain silence on the demands of the employees.

As per a release, the meeting demanded immediate settlement of the demands which include release of two DA installments from January and July this year, release of Fifth Pay Commission arrears and regularisation of daily wagers, village chowkidars and Namberdars.

The Federation leaders while condemning the Government for withdrawing the SRO 43, demanded immediate revocation of the decision in this regard.

The meeting also highlighted the problems of health, Irrigation, Animal Husbandry, PWD, teachers, electric employees, employees of Local Bodies, Safai Karamcharis, village guards and numberdars.

Mr Sharma in his speech also came down heavily on the Government for enhancing diesel prices by 35 per cent. He demanded immediate withdrawal of hike as it will affect the common man.

He also urged the employees to be united for the struggle. Others who spoke on the occasion include Messrs K L Bhagat, Sangram Singh, Thakur Dass, Ram Lal, Bhag Singh, Ashok Kumar, Mangal Dass and Saija Ram.

ABVP concern over border firing

Excelsior Correspondent

POONCH, Oct 7—Expressing serious concern over the continuous border firing, the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad the members of its Poonch unit have said that students are facing lot of problems due to it.

In the meetings of the unit held in the premises of Govt High School Mangnar and Jhullas the other day, the activists of the ABVP expressed deep concern over the situation aroused due to firing on some border villages and the closure of a few schools in the forward areas.

Leaders of the organisation, Mr Jugal Kishore and Mr Amit Sharma, also expressed their serious concern over the deteriorating condition of some educational institutions.

The others who spoke on the occasion include— Mr Vivek Sheel Bhalla and Mr Sanjay Raina. Eleven member committees of ABVP for High School Mangnar and High School Jhullas were also constituted.

Harmit Singh and Vikas Sharma were appointed as presidents for both Mangnar and Jhullas school units, respectively. The other members of the Mangnar unit are— Hardit Singh, Jasmer Singh, Ashwani Kumar, Ravinder Verma, Sumit Bindra, Gulshan Kumar, Sohan Lal, Gourav Sharma and Sanjay Verma.

The members of the Jhulas unit are—Supruya Bali, Ashu Sharma, Sakshi Sharma, Raj Kumar, Vikas Kumar, Harbhajan Kaur, Vikas Kumar, Kapil Kumar, Pooja Sharma and Gurpreet Singh.