 |
TDP,
Trinamool convey support to President NEW DELHI, Oct 8: The ball was today set rolling for formation of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government with major allies Telugu Desam and Trinamool Congress conveying to President K R Narayanan their support but there was uncertainty whether TDP would join it to impart a feeling of stability. Fresh from their victory, NDA leaders met at the Prime Minister’s residence for the first time after elections and decided that newly-elected MPs would meet here on Sunday for formally choosing Atal Bihari Vajpayee as their leader. Amidst reports of haggling by constituents over sharing of Ministerial berths, the alliance leaders expect Vajpayee to be invited by the President to form his Government and swearing in is likely to be early next week. Sources rejected reports of allocation of one ministerial berth for every five or six MPs uniformly, adding importance of the portfolio would depend on factors like strength of the parties and caliber of the prospective Ministers. The 29-member TDP, the second largest component in the NDA, today sent letters of support to Vajpayee and the President of its decision to support the NDA Government. This was followed by similar expression of backing from Trinamool Congress, which also decided to join the Government. The National Conference, which fought BJP in the elections in Jammu and Kashmir also announced its intention to join the Government. However, TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu was non-committal whether his party would join the Government. Alliance sources said efforts were on to rope TDP into the Government to give that extra sense of confidence and stability in the context of troubles experienced by the outgoing regime. Significantly Trinamool Congress, which had withdrawn from the coordination committee late last year, attended today’s meeting while TDP continued to keep away. Asked whether the issue of Ministry formation was discussed at the meeting, Fernandes said it is some thing the Prime Minister will engage himself in. He said participation of parties like TDP, Trinamool Congress and National Conference in the Government was not the subject of discussion at the meeting. We look forward that all those who were in the election campaign would be part of the Government, he said. To a specific question whether TDP lending outside support would affect the stability of the Government, he said There is nothing to worry about the stability of the Government. Even without being partner in the previous Government, it was the TDP which was the mainstay of the Government for the last one year. Fernandes said the meeting expressed gratitude to the voters for the mandate given to the NDA and pledged its commitment to fulfill the promises made in the alliance manifesto and to ensure a stable and effective Government for the next five years. The meeting also recorded its appreciation of the leadership provided by Vajpayee during campaign and tremendous efforts he put in to bring about this magnificent victory. It noted that it was after 28 years that an incumbent Prime Minister has received a renewed mandate. On a broad average we have scored victory in 60 per cent of the seats we contested, Fernandes said adding NDA represents the entirety of India with almost all states and sections of people rallying behind the alliance. Fernandes released a letter written by TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu pledging his party’s support to the NDA Government. In the letter to Vajpayee, the TDP leader said he had also written a letter to the President duly conveying this decision of the TDP. Fernandes denied reports of any haggling over Government formation. He also said NDA had at the moment 300 members in the Lok Sabha and polling for five other seats was yet to be held. Fernandes said the meeting was attended among others by BJP president Kushabhau Thakre, Union Ministers L K Advani, Jaswant Singh, Yashwant Sinha, Pramod Mahajan and P R Kumaramangalam. The meeting was also attended by Naveen Patnaik (BJD), Ramakrishna Hegde (JD-U), Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and Murasoli Maran (DMK), Vaiko (MDMK), Ramdoss (PMK), O P Chauthala (INLD), Parkash Singh Badal and S S Barnala (SAD), Suresh Prabhu (Shiv Sena), S Tirunavukkarasu (MGRADMK), K Ramamurthy (TRC), Bikram Sarkar (Trinamool Congress), Naresh Agarwal (LCP), S Shariq (NC), Chouba Singh (Manipur Congress), Maneka Gandhi (independent) and Sukh Ram (Himachal Vikas Congress). While Mizo National Front leader Zoramthanga could not make it to the meeting in the absence of a flight, P K Chamling of Sikkim Democratic Front could not attend the meeting because of preoccupation with Assembly elections. |
||
Working
committee to take final decision NEW DELHI, Oct 8: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdu-llah today said his party would participate in the new National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government at the Centre. Inshallah (god willing), we will participate in the next Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, Abdullah, whose party won four of the six seats in Jammu and Kashmir in the Lok Sabha elections, said. Abdullah, who is also president of National Conference, told PTI over phone from Srinagar that a final decision to this effect will be announced after a working committee which will meet soon. National Conference had extended unconditional support to the previous Vajpayee Government from outside. About the allegations made by some opposition candidates that elections were rigged, Abdullah said they have to say something as a face saving device. Certain opposition candidates have made inroads into the stronghold of our party and still they complain of rigging, he said, adding, the verdict by the people has proved that the policies of our Government have been accepted. Stating that the low percentage of voting in the state was due to the threats by militants, the Chief Minister said still people braved militant threats and thronged polling stations. Expressing hope that the Centre Government will complete its full term, he said the frequent polls have posed a heavy burden on the national exchequer. Referring to the arrests of almost all Hurriyat leaders, Abdullah accused them (Hurriyat) 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. 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. 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. 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. UNI adds from Srinagar: Talking to reporters after inaugurating Jammu and Kashmir Banks website and commissioning of "Anywhere Banking Facility Through VSAJ" Dr Abdullah said the NDA Government, which will be headed by Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee is "our own" Government. When asked if his son Omar Abdullah, who won the Srinagar seat, will also join the Vajpayee Government, Dr Abdullah said that it is for the Prime Minister to decide. Expressing confidence that Vajapyee Government will complete its full five year term, Dr Abdullah said Vajpayee was the only towering personality in the country who could bring peace in the region. He said that he has a definite feeling that Vajpayee could forge friendship with Pakistan as good relations with neighbours will result in less defence expenditure which will in turn help boost the economy and steer the people to progress and prosperity The Chief Minister hoped for reciprocity to India’s initiative of normalising relations and said that terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir will die when India and Pakistan become friends. He said that our State has been worst sufferer since past 50 years due to hostility between the two countries. Dr Abdullah said that he hopes Mr Vajpayee will address the problems of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and help in overcoming the turmoil we are facing for the past ten years. Dr Abdullah vowed to crush militancy in Jammu and Kashmir with an iron hand and said people have undergone lot of trauma in 10-years, and now all this should end . "We are a part of India and those who dream about reversing the ground reality with the intervention of some foreign powers will not succeed" . Dr Abdullah said Pakistan realises that it cannot grab even an inch of Jammu and Kashmir and had a bitter experience of Kargil misadventure . He said security arrangements would be further beefed up to drive out militants but due care would be taken that innocents are not harmed in anti-militancy operations. He said his Government will not allow people to be put in trouble and referred to the attacks on cable operators and cinema houses. The cult of violence is eating up our social fabric which is evident from the grenade attacks in social gatherings, he added. The Chief Minister said the Government would have to take harsh steps against the elements inimical to peace in the larger interests of the State and the people. He reiterated his commitment to steer the State to complete peace and normalcy by bringing to an end the cult of violence that has taken a heavy toll besides causing colossal damage to the infrastructure. (UNI) |
|
Rajesh Pilot supplies
ignition spark From B L Kak NEW DELHI, Oct 8: Serious differences have cropped up in the 115-year-old Congress party, with a section of partymen vehemently opposed to the idea of encouraging Ms Sonia Gandhi to become the leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP). In fact, an open challenge has been posed to her leadership by a group, poised, as it is, to have a leader, other than Ms Sonia, as the CPP boss. Doubts, if any, in this regard, have been erased by the impetuous leader, Mr Rajesh Pilot, who has suddenly taken the lead and thrown his hat into the ring by announcing his intention to contest for the leadership of the Congress Parliamentary Party. Significantly, Mr Rajesh Pilot’s announcement was recorded at a time when within the Congress party itself a loaded question was raised: If Ms Sonia Gandhi could remove Mr Sitaram Kesri for winning only 140 seats, why cannot Mr Sitaram Kesri remove her for doing the same ? The Congress leaders who are functioning as Ms Sonia Gandhi’s advisors have been thrown into confusion, with the cry for preventing the lady of 10 Janpath from going about as the CPP leader becoming louder. These advisors include the high-profile general secretary, Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mr Arjun Singh, Mr ML Fotedar, Mr Natwar Singh and Mr Pranab Mukherjee. The disillusioned Congressmen have been found unwilling to allow Ms Sonia Gandhi’s advisors free play over organisational matters and policy decisions. Even as Ms Sonia laboured pretty hard as the party’s star campaigner across the country, she could not escape criticism. In fact, she has been accused of having led the party through its worst-ever electoral performance since Independence. She received appreciatory words from her partymen by the time she put on the mantle of the party’s star campaigner. The scenario changed as the poll results started becoming known from various States. And Mr Rajesh Pilot and Mr Kamal Nath were quick to lead a campaign against her by their identical statement in support of "a new leadership to emerge". This, undoubtedly, is a significant development. Equally significant is the reported remark by the known supporter of Ms Sonia Gandhi, Mr Digvijay Singh, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, that an election for the CPP post was "possible". Obviously, Mr Digvijay Singh’s comment surfaced at a time when a section of Congressmen mooted the idea for an election for the post of CPP leader. Mr ND Tiwari, senior Congress leader and former UP Chief Minister, who has won from Nainital, is being projected by some partymen as a "consensus" candidate for the post of CPP leader. Two other leaders, Mr Rajesh Pilot and Mr Madhavrao Scindia, are also being mentioned in this regard. The task of these Congressmen is not easy, considering the fact that the numerical strength of the faction led by Ms Sonia is larger than the ones in the rebel camp. Pro-Sonia managers such as Mr Arjun Singh, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, Mr ML Fotedar and Mr Oscar Fernandes have launched the process of ensuring her installation as the CPP leader. Their detractors, at the same time, have sent out the signal, making it clear that "some" in the party are determined to contest the post if Ms Sonia is proposed as a candidate. Yet another lady of consequence, who is now openly criticised by several Congressmen, is Delhi Chief Minister, Ms Sheila Dixit. Indeed, following the defeat of all Congress candidates in Delhi’s seven parliamentary constituencies, the demand has been voiced for Ms Sheila Dixit’s removal. The rout in all these seats has become a subject of animated discussions in the Congress party. J&K Bank on
internet Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 8: Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah today vowed to crush militancy in Jammu and Kashmir with iron hands and said: "People have undergone lot of trauma in 10 years, and now all this should end." "We are a part of India and those, who day dream about reversing the ground reality with the intervention of some foreign powers, live in fools paradise." Dr Farooq declared while addressing a function organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Bank Limited at SKICC this morning. The function was launched in connection with launching of website of J&K Bank. Dr Abdullah said Pakistan realised that she cannot grab even an inch of Jammu and Kashmir. "They have bitter experience of Kargil misadventure," he said and referred to the time frame they sought for withdrawing in the wake of befitting Indian response. He said security arrangements would be further beefed up to drive out militants but due care would be taken that innocents are not harmed in anti-militancy operations. He said his Government will not allow people to be put in trouble and referred to the attack on cable operators and cinema houses. The cult of violence is eating up our social fabric which is evident from the grenade attacks in social gatherings, he added. The Chief Minister said the Government would have to take harsh steps against the elements inimical to peace in the larger interests of the State and the people. He reiterated his commitment to steer the State to complete peace and normalcy by bringing an end the cult of violence that has taken a heavy toll besides causing colossal damages to the infrastructure. With the launching of website and anywhere Banking Facility, the Jammu and Kashmir Bank Limited today ushered in the new phase of information technology. Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah, inaugurated the facilities at a function at Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Complex (SKICC) this morning. The Minister for Finance, Mr Mohammad Shafi, presided. Ministers, high ranking officials, directors of the bank and prominent citizens were present on the occasion. Congratulating the bank management for going high-tech, the Chief Minister expressed the hope that the bank will give thrust to agriculture and handicrafts development and tourism promotion in the State. He lauded the bank's role in revival of tourism sector in the Valley, which had received tremendous set-back due to militancy, by implementing Rs 12-crore package benefiting houseboat owners and others connected with tourism trade. Dr Abdullah said revival of tourism is imperative for the economy of the state and tackling unemployment. He said tourism-received setback due to Kargil incursions. Besides agriculture, this is the main sector, which is the mainstay of Jammu and Kashmir. He asked the bank management to explore the possibilities of advancing loans on lower rate of interest for setting up of nurisng homes and diagnostic centres. He also hoped that the bank would examine the banking in advanced countries and take steps in imbibing banking culture among youngsters included students. He said the concept of study loans could go a long way in the promotion of education and benefiting students in their pursuit to higher education. Recalling the contribution of the bank in the economy of Jammu and Kashmir ever since its establishment in 1939, Dr Abdullah hoped it emerge as one of the leading banks in the country. Speaking on the occasion, the Finance Minister, Mr Mohammad Shafi expressed satisfaction over the performance of the bank and said: "During militancy when most of the financial institutions shut down their operations in the Valley, J&K Bank continued to serve the people." He said that with the strenuous efforts of the Government led by Dr Farooq Abdullah, a healthy environment has been created a rejuvenate various sectors of economy. He asked the bank to give greater thrust on the activities like agriculture, handicrafts and tourism. Though all sectors suffered badly due to militancy, agriculture is the only sector which did not belie our hopes, he said and called for larger investment in these sectors. Mr Shafi also sought the co-operation of financial institutions in successful implementation of the recently restructured self-employment scheme and said that simplified procedure and assistance under one-roof would be immensely helpful for the unemployed educated who are desirous of launching their units. Wishing the bank success, Mr Shafi hoped that it would emerge as one of the leading banks of the country. Speaking on the occasion the Chairman, J&K Board, Mr MY Khan said that launching of anywhere banking facility through VSAT was one of the major milestones in the history of the bank as it is one of the few Indian banks which has started the facility for customer. He said the bank has been conscious of the growing competition in the banking sector and the multiple challenges in the fast changing scenario and has accordingly embarked upon an ambitious programme of modernisation and computerisation of its operations. The bank has already commissioned services like ATMs, Tele-banking and Electronics Fund Transfer at its various branches. In a shot span of over 3 years the bank has computerised 87 branches. Giving modernisation plans of the bank, Mr Khan said that by the end of year 2000, 80% of its existing branches will be computerised. Mr Khan said the bank has a tradition of being pioneer in extending various banking facilities in the State and in the area of Information Technology like anywhere banking facility from Srinagar. The bank has installed ATMs at Srinagar and Jammu and many more such machines are being installed at various centres in the State including some within the prestigious institutions to provide door step high-tech services to institutional customers, Mr Khan said. Mr Khan said that membership of SWIFT has been received which will be connected in December 1999 and it would ensure same day transfer of funds from any part of the world for its non-resident and Ex-customers. Giving details of the anywhere banking facility, Mr Khan said that bank has linked Residency Road, Srinagar, Jammu, Cannaught Place, New Delhi and Mohd Ali Road, Mumbai branches through VSAT. Other computerised branches in the cities of Srinagar and Jammu are being linked shortly by radio links, which would automatically get connected, with Delhi and Mumbai centres. The other branches outside the State will be got connected through leased lines. Mr Khan further disclosed that bank has started in-house information technology training centre at Srinagar in addition to the already existing two training colleges at Srinagar and Jammu for imparting and equipping the staff of the bank with the knowledge and expertise of information technology. Giving brief resume of the performance of the bank, Mr Khan said its business turnover has already crossed Rs 9400 crores and by the end of the current financial year it is expected to cross Rs 12000 crores. The Chairman gave a dividend cheques for over Rs 7 crores to the Chief Secretary, Mr Ashok Jaitly and the Principal Secretary, Finance, Mr Ajit Kumar. It may be recalled that the Jammu and Kashmir Government is the major shareholder of the bank. Mr Khan also signed an MoU with the President and Managing Director of a leading communication service, Mr Shashi Ullah on VSAT services on the occasion. |
|
Pawar sounded for Govt formation in Maharashtra: Advani NEW DELHI, Oct 8: Home Minister L K Advani today disclosed that Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Sharad Pawar has been informally sounded for support in formation of a BJP-Shiv Sena Government in Maharashtra. Shiv Sena and BJP together are short of a majority and so are others. It is a real hung Assembly in which no clear directions are available unless some (party) or the other compromise with their earlier stances, he told Eenadu television in an interview. To repeated questions if his party had contacted NCP, Advani said it would not be fair for me to comment on the possibilities particularly when something has to be done immediately .... I would confine myself to say that informal sounding has been made. He maintained that the situation in Maharashtra was such that something has to be done in a day or two as after the elections the State Governor must initiate the process of Government formation, according to a transcript of the interview. He said that effort was on to form a Government. You cannot have an election once again immediately and if immediate election is to be avoided something has to be done. On BJP’s poll performance in Uttar Pradesh, Advani categorically held Chief Minister Kalyan Singh responsible for the reduced number of seats his party won from that State. I would like to hold Kalyan Singh responsible for this situation if there is any responsibility he has to share with anyone .... That way the man at the top is both the Chief Minister as well as the party chief and we hope that they have been talking to the party president (Kushabhau Thakre), he said. Asked whether something would be done in Uttar Pradesh immediately, he said he had spoken to the party president who said we must consider that matter and we must immediately see what needs to be done. About the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Advani said he would like to have Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Trinamool Congress as part of the alliance. We would be happy if both TDP and Trinamool Congress which are not yet part of the NDA to become so and we would also like them to be part of the Government, he said, adding that he felt this time there were no temperamental partners in the alliance. (PTI) |
|
| Petitions challenging additional tax
on edible oils dismissed Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 8: Mr Justice T S Doabia of the State High Court has dismissed ten writ petitions challenging the levy of additional toll tax at the rate of four per cent on the edible oils imported into the State. The petitioners had challenged the additional tax on the grounds that the petitioners , having branches in Jammu and Kashmir, bring edible oils in the State from their own units . The advocates appearing for the petitioners had submitted that the levy of the additional toll tax was in violation of the Article 301 of the Constitution, as it deliberately impeded the free flow of the trade. It was submitted that the Legislative power can be exercised in terms of the Article 245 and 246 of the constitution and this tax was beyond the scope of these articles. The petitioners had further submitted that the tax which was imposed merely on the import would be discriminatory as between the goods imported and goods so manufactured or produced locally. They argued that some of the dealers have their manufacturing units outside the state and they are merely bringing the commodity into the state and the same is dealt with by their branches in J&K and that the immediate import is not for resale. While dismissing the batch of writ petitions, Mr Justice Doabia held that it be seen that it is not the case of those concerned and more particularly Messrs Devi Dass Gopal Krishan and others , that ultimately the goods are not resold and these goods are to be used for any other purpose. The work used is " resale" and therefore once the goods entered the State and when the ultimate purpose is resale, then levy of tax in this regard would be perfectly in accordance with the law. However, the Court also rejected the prayer for grant of interim relief by quoting the judgment of the Supreme Court. These ten petitions were filed by Messrs Devi Dass Gopal Krishan, M/S Daya Chand Jain and Sons, M/S Krishna Foods, M/S P Traders, M/S Amrit Banaspati Co Ltd, M/S Shiv Shakti Oil Traders, M/S Mahajan Trading Company, M/S S K Enterprises and M/S Shakti Traders. The petitioners were represented by Advocates Z A Shah, H Hail and K L Pandita, while’s Advocate General M A Goni with Advocate S K Shukla appeared for the State and others. |
|
Another HM militant gunned down in Doda Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 8: Another top militant was killed at Dhari Dhar inPrem Nagar area of Doda this morning taking toll on militants’ side during last two days to four killed and one injured. A police spokesman identified the slain militant as Aslam Mohammad, a Pakistan national. He said 8 RR and Special Task Force (STF) of police carried out a search operation in Doda last night. Militants were fired upon when they came within the firing range of security personnel. The encounter continued for more than two hours in which one militant was killed while others managed to escape. One UMG, AK-47 rifle, one wireless set and other arms, ammunition and some currency was recovered from the possession of slain militant. There was no casualty on security forces side in the encounter. Meanwhile, reinforcement of army and STF was rushed to the encounter site and a fresh operation launched to apprehend the militants, who managed to escape during the encounter. They were stated to be four in number and were top activists of Hizbul Mujahideen outfit. The slain militant was also an HM activist, the spokesman said. With the killing of another militant in Doda, a total of four militants have been gunned down by the army and STF in the district during last two days. Three militants were killed yesterday. Meanwhile, a militant, who was gunned down by 8 RR and STF in a joint operation yesterday at Dul Draman, has been identified as Mohd Shaffi Lone son of Lassa Lone, a resident of Butt Pora in Gundna area of Doda. He belonged to international militant outfit of Lashkar-e-Toiba. One AK-56 rifle, 85 rounds , one wireless set, one grenades and some documents were recovered from his possession. |
|
Pak spy arrested from Hiranagar border Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 8: Army today captured a suspected Pakistani spy from the International Border of Hiranagar as soon as he infiltrated into Indian territory from across the border. The Pak spy has been identified as 22-years old Mohd Aijaz son of Mohd Shiraz, a resident of village Pial in Lahore district of Pakistan. Official sources said 5 Sikh Regiment soldiers noticed the intruder moving deep into Indian territory from Hiranagar sector in the early hours of this morning. On being challenged, the infiltrator tried to escape back to Pakistan but was apprehended by the alert armymen. No incriminating documents were recovered from his possession excepting some currency. On being subjected to interrogation by the troops, the intruder disclosed his identification. However, the motive behind his intrusion couldn’t be ascertained immediately. The intruder was handed over to Hiranagar police after preliminary questioning by the army. Troops and police, however, suspected Mohd Aijaz as a Pakistani spy sneaking into Indian territory with the purpose of spying. His sustained questioning was going on and some more clues were expected of him. Meanwhile, Pakistani Rangers continued unprovoked and indiscriminate firing on eight Indian posts on the International Border in Hiranagar, Ramgarh, Arnia and RS Pura sub sectors throughout the last night. The firing was returned by Indian security forces at all eight posts. The exchange of firing continued till early this morning. However, no casualty was reported on Indian side during the cross-firing. There was also no report of any casualty on the other side. |
|
Police look for 2
stolen cars, recover 6 Excelsior Correspondent ANANTNAG, Oct 8: Anantnag district police have achieved a major breakthrough in the car-lifting riddle as half-a-dozen stolen vehicles have been recovered and four persons put behind bars for sustained interrogation. It was at around the conclusion of the Amarnathiji Yatra that car lifters struck at the famous hill station of Pahalgam and decamped with two Maruti cars. Everybody in police and civil administration believed it to be the handiwork of the counter-insurgent Ikhwan outfit. The first vehicle, JK-01D 2973 had been stolen from a parking area after midnight as its owner, Ghulam Hassan Hagroo of Bachhpora, spent the night with his family at a Pahalgam hotel on August 28/29. During the night intervening September 4/5, militants struck again at Pahalgam and decamped with the Maruti car of Mushtaq Ahmed, resident of Maharaj Gunj, who too was putting up at home. SSP Farooq Khan constituted a special enquiry, inter alia comprising SDPO Bijbehara Noman Thakur and SHO Pahalgam, Inspector Fayaz Ahmed. Police swung into action and apprehended Fayaz Ahmed alias Raju of Mattan and one Shabir Ahmed of Seer Hamadan. The stolen vehicle, JK01A-8151, was recovered after police apprehended two persons -- Zaffar Ahmed of Mattan and Sajad Ahmed of Khanpora, Budgam. On the disclosures made by the detained militants, police seized the two stolen cars at Barsoo (Awantipora) and Byepass Crossing of Nowgam. Under court orders both the vehicles restored to the owners. As police launched the drive, four more stolen cars were seized in different localities. These included 3 Maruti cars -- JK01A-8649, JK02D-4403, DL3C-4325 and a Zen DL2CL 3498. Later reports said that the detainees had been booked and legal proceedings against them initiated. Two of the seized vehicles have been handed over to the owners under Court orders while as police are looking for the genuine owners of two cars. Owners of DL3C 4325 and JK02-D are still away. SSP Khan described it as a major achievement of police as the investigation team lay hands on vital records. He said that the team members would be recommended for reward. |
|
Militant killed, 5 injured in Valley Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct. 8: Security forces have eliminated a militant in Pattan area of Baramulla district while as three persons have got injured in different incidents. Official sources said that an encounter took place between militants and security forces at Peth Wanigam, Pattan. One militant, namely Abdul Ahad Bhat S/o Assadullah Bhat of the same village got killed. In exchange of fire, two civilians, namely Ghulam Mohammad Rather and Lal Mohammad sustained injuries. One AK-56 rifle and a hand grenade was claimed recovered from the site of encounter. During last night, militants fired upon a surrenderee, namely Mushtaq Ahmed Bhat S/o Ab Rahim Bhat at his village Hassanpora, Tabela, in Bijbehara area. He sustained injuries and was rushed to hospital. On Thursday afternoon, militants caused an IED explosion at Karava. Kreeri road in Pattan when a secuirty forces convoy was in movement. As the blast failed to hit the intended target, militants resorted to gunfire. In exchange of fire two civilians got injured. There was no damage from either side. Reckless driving claims life of teen-aged boy Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 8: A teen-aged boy was killed after being hit by a speeding truck at R S Pura here today. According to police report, a teen-aged boy identified as Nihar Kumar of R S Pura was killed when he was hit by speeding truck bearing number 7313-JKN at R S Pura. The deceased was on way to school when he met with accident. The driver fled away from the spot leaving behind the victim bleeding profusely. Some passers-by immediately rushed to the spot and shifted the injured to local hospital where doctors referred him to Government Medical College Hospital but he died while being shifted to Jammu. The body was later handed over to family members after post-mortem. Police have registered a case in this connection and started investigation to nab the absconding driver. |
|
| home | state | national | business| editorial | advertisement | sports | |