Excelsior Correspondent

DODA, Aug 31: Addressing election meetings at Batote, Ramban, Doda, Assar Bhagwa, Pranoo, Premnagar in Doda district Congress leaders castigated the National Conference and BJP Governments for failure to curb the ongoing militancy, corruption and provide employment to educate unemployed youth in the terrorist infested. They alleged that National Conference ministers, legislatures even former MP's of BJP had put the Class-IV jobs in open auction.

Congress candidate for Udhampur-Doda constituency Th Balbir Singh said the BJP leaders grabed senior appointments in police, forest and other incurative department through backdoor with the inconnivance of National Conference ministers and sought multipurpose benefits from Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah. It is due to this reason BJP leaders have not said a word against the reported constructions of palatial houses by the Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah his Education Minister Tariq, Forest Minister, NC Legislators and other blue eyed boys in the State administration in Siddrah at the Jammu, tourist spot Patnitop and other scenic areas in the Valley, the cost of these are disproportionate to their known sources of income, alleged the Congress candidate.

He further said NC-BJP under their existing clandestine connections have created political confusion in the State and are not fighting on any particular "issue" except row over greater autonomy and regional development councils, both concepts are fraud and far fetched dreams.

Muzaffer Beg PCC general secretary speaking in the meetings accused NC, Mufti's PDP and BJP of creating communal wedge against different sections of the population.

He said there is no development and funds meant for rural areas are allegedly drained off by the functionaries through the ministers, MLAs. Even roads, lanes and drains are made in the areas inhabited by ruling class "activists", Muzaffar alleged and added there is no law and order and the authority of Government is under carpet of militant outfits and are ruling the root in the entire district.

BSP is adding fuel to the fire of communal and caste politics and rigging in the interiors can't be ruled out as the men of authority are carrying on day today policy.

Bharat Gandhi Ex-MLA and senior Congress leader and Jai Prakash Associates to whom contract of Bagliar Project has been awarded under an alleged deal with the NC are bringing both skilled as well as unskilled labour from outside the State with the result local youth educated, technically trained re denied jobs.

NC committed to autonomy: Sadhotra

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 31: The Minister of State for Food and Supplies, Mr Ajay Sadhotra has reiterated the National Conference party’s resolve to provide autonomy to all the three regions of the State besides ensuring speedy and equal development in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh areas.

This was stated by the Minister while addressing mammoth election rallies at Kullian, Shekhapeer, Mukhayal, Heera Chak, Jaffer Chak, Asral Chak, Tokerian Kazi, Chatha, Gujjaran, Karloop, Falora, Haramkund and Kalsay Chak in Marh constituency today. Elucidating the programmes and policies of the National Conference, he said Congress, BJP and other political parties have no solid and specific programme for the welfare of the masses and are trying to mislead the people by giving hallows slogans of regional disparities.

Mr Sadhotra said that National Conference is the people’s party committed to strengthen the bonds of unity and solidarity of the nation. Contrary to it, Congress and BJP are creating confusions in the minds of the people since dawn of the Independence. He said National Conference under the dynamic leadership of Dr Farooq Abdullah constituted the Regional Autonomy Committee to propose methodology for ensuring autonomy so that no region could have the complained of development against the other in the State. He said this report already stands completed an laid on the table of both the Houses of the State Assembly and the Council. He said now this report is open for discussion in and outside of both the Houses.

Advising people to not to be sawayed by hallow and misleading propaganda of such parties, which have to grind their own axe of their political gains, the Minister urged the people to cast their votes in favour of the National Conference’s candidate for Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch Parliamentary seat, Mr Rajinder Singh Chib to strengthen the hands of Dr Farooq Abdullah who is engaed to give a crushing defeat to anti-national elements bent upon to encourage fissiparous tendencies. He said since the election was the golden time for them to give befitting defeat to such parties which never remained the well-wisher of the people, the voter has every right to get the account of their misdeeds. He asked the people to put them the question at the time of husting as to what their leaders had been doing for the benefit of the people during the past 50 years.

Five activists of BJP, Congress and other national parties namely Mr Bua Ditta, Surjit Singh Samyal and Raghubir Singh Langeh of Kalasay Chak and Kulu Ram and Tulsi Dass of Kullian joined the National Conference along with their supporters. The Minister and block level leaders of the National Conference welcomed the new entrant.

Gupta for tight security

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 31: The Bhartiya Janta Party leader and the party nominee, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, has demanded immediate steps for tightening of the security measures in the militancy infected areas and deployment of the security forces so as to create a sense of security amongst the electorates.

After completion of his 3-day tour of hilly areas of Billawar and some other parts of his constituency Prof Gupta said that in Lohai-Malhar areas of Billawar there were reports about the presence of 60 to 70 trained militants including several foreign mercenaries. The authorities must take note of these reports and have the combing operations.

Referring to the problems facing the people of these hilly areas, Prof Gupta said that there was scarcity of drinking water, little supply of electricity, the condition of the roads including that of Dhar-Udhampur National Highways as also that of Dayale-Chak to Chhalain the conditions are aweful, but hardly anybody is bothered about taking care of these problems.

JJSF chief caught while coping; case registered

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 31: Jammu University has registered a case against Jammu Joint Students Federation (JJSF) president, Rajinder Singh Jamwal after he was allegedly caught red handed while coping during his VI semester examination of MA English on Friday, August 27 in the Campus.

According to reliable sources, the flying squad had prior information that every thing was not going well in that particular hall where students of IV semester were having examination of course No. 553 titled "20th Century’s British Poetry" in the morning session.

Earlier, two raids were conducted, but it was only in the third special raid conducted by the team led by Mr Satish Gupta, Assistant Registrar, Exams that caught Mr Jamwal while copying from some Photostat material.

When asked what is the punishment for copying, the insiders said, "if we go by the University rules, the maximum panelty for copying is cancellation of a particular paper, but with condition that the candidate must submit a written apology before a specially constituted committee for the mistake committed by him or her.

If the candidate, instead of being apologetic started arguing before the committee, the entire examination can be cancelled, they added.

The sources recalled that it was for the second time that Mr Jamwal was caught while copying. Last year, the matter was hushed-up with the efforts of the concerned Superintendent, but this time the special flying squad team took strong view and asked the Superintendent to register case infront of them.

Chib charges Cong of neglecting backward areas of State

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Aug 31: National Conference candidate for Jammu Poonch constituency, Mr Rajinder Singh Chib charged successive Congress Governments of neglected backward areas of Rajouri district.

Addressing a series of election meetings at village Solki, Miradi, Daali, Tatapani, Potha, Argi, Maista, Mogli, Triath and Marchole, Mr Chib said that there was a need to develop tourist spots in district Rajouri which has tremendous potential. He said that the Government of India must formulate suitable plans to develop infrastructure so that the tourist flow will increase in these areas. He further said that he has been raising this issue time and again with the Union Ministry of Tourism when he was in Government. He squarely blamed the Congress Government for not paying any attention to his request.

Mr Chib, while addressing meetings, made a special reference of the ex-servicemen who are residing in tehsil Kalakote. He said that Government must learn lesson from the Kargil episode and said that schemes should be formulated for the welfare of the ex-servicemen and their children on priority basis.

The development of hilly and backward areas of the State are very much on the agenda of the National Conference and NC will strive hard for the development of these areas.

NC candidate also said that the bogey raised by the BJP of discrimination with people of Jammu can’t be swayed away by the emotions of the BJP. He said that the NC was fully committed for the equal development of three regions of the State.

Others who accompanied Mr R S Chib during the tours included Mr Rashpal Singh, Mr Bipen Pal, Mr Moti Ram and others.

Mufti giving misleading statements: Shah

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Aug 31: Senior National Conference leader, Mr Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Shah, today pooh poohed the false boggy carried by some rejected politicians casting apprehension on the conduct of fair and free elections.

Addressing election meetings at Batmaloo, Mr Shah, without naming Mufti Mohammed Sayed, said that such utterances show their frustration as they have already seen the mood of the people in favour of NC and fore-seen their defeat. He said that these power thirst political adventurists change their loyalties and parties with the sole aim of grabbing power to meet their ends. "People are aware of their designs and have rejected them time and again. At present they have clad themselves in yet another disguise and pretend to be the sympathizers of separatists and militants", he said and added their sympathy with militants was nothing but crocodile tears only to instigate violence and kill NC activist.

Coming down heavily on Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, Mr Shah said that it was he (Mufti) who in the capacity of Union Home Minister let loose a reign of terror in the State and got hundreds of people killed in Bijbehara incidents. Firing on the procession of Molvi Mohammed Farooq’s funeral procession was the glaring example.

Refuting Mufti Sayeed’s allegation that NC has shed its secular character, Mr Shah said that it was naive and mischievous attempt on the part of PDP to mislead the people for petty political gains. He said that NC and BJP were poles asunder in their political ideology and there was no meeting ground between them on this front. Had this been a fact, NC would not have fielded its candidates against BJP candidates in the State, Mr Shah added.

He said PDP leaders throwing to dust all the norms of decent political behaviors, have risen to skull duggry and are politicking with the sentiments of the people.

Referring to the allegations of PDP about the NC influencing renegades for its electioneering, Mr Shah described the allegation as baseless and concocted one and a figmented imagination of opportunists. He said that NC has its own strong cadre and there was no need of involving renegades.

Seeing no point to accuse, vested elements want to malign NC by raising un-substantiated and false slogan of corruption against NC Government, he said and added that it was better for them to abandon the "Kite Flying" as people are well aware of these elements since the time of Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah.

Rehari residents stage dharna against unscheduled power cuts, water shortage

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 31: Traffic on the Jammu-Udhampur Road remained disrupted for more than five hours as the agitating residents of ward number 7 staged a protest dharna at Balwinder Chowk, B C Road, Rehari Chungi to lodge their protest against failure of the Government to provide uninterrupted water and electric supply and prevailing insanitation conditions in the area.

The residents, however, lifted the dharna after assurance of the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mr Khalid that additional funds would be released to mitigate woes of the residents.

Earlier hundreds of the residents of the ward number 7 comprising Old Rehari, Rehari Mohalla, Sarwal, Ambhphalla, B C Road and other areas took out a huge procession. Airing anti-Government slogans, the enraged residents blocked traffic at 8 am and staged dharna at Balwinder Chowk. The processionists not only blocked traffic at National Highway but disrupted traffic in the by-lanes. Shouting slogans against PDD and PHE Department, the agitating inhabitants alleged that their unscheduled power curtailments became a routine affairs due to indifferent and apathetic attitude of the PDD authorities.

The residents alleged that their localities remained without drinking water days together and except giving verbal assurances authorities did nothing to improve the situation. Residents alleged that they have approached the concerned authorities but of no avail as authorities were least concerned about woes of the people. Enraged residents also expressed their anguish over the prevailing insanitation in their localities.

As the dharna continued for more than five hours, the vehicles were seen lined up on both sides of the road. The people were seen trudging down the roads to reach their offices.

In was only after intervention of the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mr Khalid Mehmood, who along with SE, PHE (Urban), Mr I C Jandial, reached the spot and pacified the residents. Mr Khalid assured that residents that additional funds will be released to replace water pipes in the locality.

The residents, however, warned that they would stage dharna on Tawi Bridge in case their problems would be solved. They also decided to boycott elections and threatened to ghareo candidates of all political parties.

When contacted, Mr I C Jandial, SE, PHE (Urban), said that water problem in the area emerged due to old small supply pipe line which has become over-loaded due to the increasing number of connections. Mr Jandial expressed helpless of his Department to replace the pipe-line due to financial crises. He said that concerned MLA had promised to release a grant of Rs one lakh to replace the pipe but still no funds have been release so far. He, however, assured that if funds would be released, the pipe would be replaced within no time. He claimed that except Old Rehari locality, water supply in entire city has been streamlined after clearing of slit from Sheetla station.

Kailash Yatra to leave on Sept 6

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 31: The ancient and prestigious Kailash Yatra will commence from Shri Vasuki Nag Mandir Gatha in Badharwah on September 6. It will reach Kailash Kund on September 7.

As per a release, Mandir Sudhar Sanstha (MSS) a voluntary religious organisation of Bhaderwah is taking all steps to make this Yatra a success. The Sabha in a meeting here today held under the chairmanship of Mr Raju Charak its general secretary discussed various aspects of Yatra and facilities to be provided to pilgrims.

Mr Charak said hundreds of MSS workers will work this year for the success of the Yatra. He said all steps will also be taken to keep the anti social elements who want to disturb the Yatra at bay and ladies toilets and path ways will be constructed around the Kailash Kund by MSS.

PK reiterates stand to disassociate from polls

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 31: Panun Kashmir (PK) has reiterated its stand to disassociate from the poll process which it alleged is absolutely meaningless for the community in the given situation.

In a statement issued here today, the PK said the participation in the polls will mean legitimising Government’s apathy and neglect for the community.

The organisation which held a meeting here today under the chairmanship of Dr Agnishekhar, convenor PK was also attended by Messrs Moti Lal Koul, vice president, Prof Neerja Tickoo, vice president Delhi, Dr M K Raina, D K Koul, national coordinator, Ramesh Manwati and S L Bakshi, chief area coordinators, Kamal Hak, C L Koul, Ashok Pandita and Yuvraj Raina to finalise the stand of the organisation on ensuing elections.

The meeting said due to certain reasons the PK has been forced to disassociate from the election process.

The reasons cited by it include the apathy, neglect and policy of marginalisation at all levels has been unabatedly continuing from last ten years.

Besides this it said the complete volte face by the state and central governemnts to the issue of exodus and genocide of the K P community in the light of their failure to institute the Commission of Inquiry to ascertain the causes leading to KPs exodus and fixing responsibility.

The meeting alleged that instead of coming out with a clear cut blue print for reversing the genocide of KPs, the Central Government has managed to be relieved to the delight of the State Government by the partisan decision of Human Rights Commission on the community’s petitions on genocide.

It also alleged that the Government has totally failed to protect the migrant property and the Prevention of Distress Property Sale Act have proved to be a cruel joke with the community.

Besides this the community was totally ignored while filling up the vacant posts in various state government departments during the last three years of NC rule.

It while terming the postal ballot a defective and undemocratic system in a democracy said this way either the migrants have to vote for a person who is practically unknown, insensitive and unaccountable to them or select their own candidate who has the options and limitations of canvassing within the exiled community.

Moreover, the process is cumbersome and full of as many loopholes as to be illusioned, the handout said, adding this is a mockery with the Pandits who are brazenly denied every right.

It said even the demand of non PK organisations regarding the creation of constituencies in exile never find any room in the corridors of central power house.

LIC agents hold convention

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 31: The annual convention of LIC Agents Association was held on the eve of nationalisation of Life Insurance Corporation of India here today.

As per a release, Maj Gen (rtd) Jagdish Singh Samwal was the chief guest on the occasion while the function was chaired by Mr Dinesh Kuamr president of the Association.

Marketing Manager of LIC, Srinagar Division was also present on the dais and the session started with "Sarswati Vandna" by the students of Jagriti Niketan who also paid tributes to Kargil martyrs. The prizes were distributed among students for their performance.

The annual report was presented by general secretary, Mr B L Dubey which was followed by presidential address by Mr Khanna.

In his address Mr Khanna said the agents community is the most neglected lot. He urged the members to maintain unity in their rank and file for the protection of their interests and rights.

Maj Gen (rtd) Jagdish Singh stressed on discipline in every sphere of life. He said India has a great potential but due to lack of discipline we are not as strong as we should be.

The convention was attended by the agents of all the ten branches of Jammu region and over 300 delegates participated in it. The vote of thanks was presented by Mr Bodh Raj Sharma, secretary of the Association.

Workshop on AIDS

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Aug 31: A five-day training workshop on counselling in AIDS was inaugurated by the Principal Secretary, Health and Medical Education, Dr SS Blowria here today.

The programme has been organised by the Health Department in collaboration with the National Institute of Research in AIDS, Pune.

The doctors from all the three regions of the State would be trained at the workshop to act as master trainers so that inturn they conduct training courses for other functionaries of various departments concerned with the health care.

Thirty doctors from Jammu, Srinagar and Ladakh regions are participating in the workshop. Dr Blowria emphasised on creating awareness among the masses of controlling the spread of AIDS.

Pulse polio programme

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Aug 31: Like other States of the country, the nation wide Intensified Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme (IPP) would be launched in the J&K State also to eradicate dreaded Polio disease by the year 2000 AD. The IPP is scheduled to be launched in four rounds Ist round will take place on 24th October the second on 21st November, the third round on 19th December, 1999 and the last round on 23rd January 2000.

The strategies for implementing the programme successfully in the State were discussed at the first State level Steering Committee meeting on Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization Programme held here the other day under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, Mr Ashok Jaitly.

The IPP is the renewed Polio eradication programme aimed at ensuring 100% coverage of the children in the age group of 0-5 years through conducting home to home identification of all un-immunized children, as the booth based approach adopted during previous Pulse Polio Immunization Programmes have not been sufficient to interrupt wild Polio virus transmission the difficult areas where it is most persistent.

In Jammu and Kashmir about 14 lakh children in the age group of 0-5 years would be immunized against Polio virus during the ensuing Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization Programme for which about 6880 Pulse Polio posts would be set up in nook and corner of the State. About 18.50 lakh doses of Polio vaccine would be made available and 30,000 persons would be deployed on duty to conduct the programme effectively.

Speaking on the occasion the Chief Secretary emphasize for mounting a vigorous awareness campaign about the Pulse Polio Immunization Programme by using all the available modes of publicity and information. He said, besides print and electronic media, stress should be laid on to persons to person contacts, especially in remote and far flung areas. He said opinion leaders in rural areas, Anganwadi and village level workers particularly village mahila committees should be involved in a big way with the programme to check chances of drop outs of target groups.

Mr Jaitly asked the concerned authorities to formulate contingency plan for carrying vaccine and staff of the rural areas adding that concerned District Development Commissioners would make available the transport facility for this purpose by booking vehicles of various departments during the days of Immunization Programmes. He asked the officers of Education, Revenue, Social Welfare, Rural Development and Health and Medical Education Department to coordinate their activities for making programme a grand success.

The meeting among others was attended by the Agricultural Production Commissioner Mr IS Malhi, Principal Secretary Transport, Mr SD Singh, Principal Secretary Health and Medical Education, Mr SS Blowria, Commissioner Secretary Information and Tourism, Mr Parvez Dewan, Commissioner Secretary Education, Mr PL Raina, Director Health Services Kashmir, Mr Muzafar Ahmed.

Ajat flays Cong, BJP

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 31: The Minister for Information, Mr Ajatshatru Singh has strongly criticised the Congress, BJP, Janata Dal, BSP and PDP for misleading the innocent people of Jammu to seek the mandate by exploiting them on the name of caste and religions.

Addressing a series of public meetings at far-flung villages of Jagti, Marh-Darabi, Shibba, Dammi, Gondla, Beerha and Panjgran of Dansal block today, Mr Singh said that during the period of election many political parties will come to them and suddenly try to be their most well wishers. He cautioned the people not to fall prey to their misleading and false propaganda. He asked the people to give massive victory only to the National candidate, Mr Rajinder Singh Chib seeking mandate for the prestigious Jammu-Poonch Parliamentary seat from your area. He said, Mr Chib is a dedicated worker of the party and feels pangs of suffering of the people. The victory to the Lok Sabha seat by the NC candidate will ensure speedy socio-economic programme of the State.

The Minister said that NC is the only party who believes in the unity of the people and dispensaries of justice to all irrespective of their religion and region. The NC represents the urges and aspiration of the people of all faith in Jammu which believes in secularism and socialism and democracy and welfare of the people at grass root level under the dynamic leadership of Dr Farooq Abdullah.

Castigating Mr Mufti Mohammad Sayed and Congress for their nefarious designs to use the method of divide and rule. Mr Singh said that Mr Musti is responsible for creating militancy in the State where the people never believe in blood shed. He charged Mr Mufti for misleading the people by reiterating his demand to start unconditional dialogues with the militants. How it can possible to talk with the anti-social elements who have damage the developmental infrastructure of the State and killed the innocent people of the State without any reasons.

Mr Ajatshatru Singh has said that the abnixious policies of the Congress have pushed the State 10 year back in the history and spoiled the entire infrastructure socially politically and economically. He said Congress party has totally failed in its principles and policies and has no footing in the State as well as in the country. Mr Singh said that the victory of "Vijay Operation" in the Kargil is not the victory of BJP as claimed. It is the victory of the jawans who had sacrificed their lives leaving their wives, widows, children orphans be defending the motherland in the Kargil. Mr Singh advised the leaders of these parties not to play with the sentiments of the people of the State for their vested interests.

On this occasion, several workers belonging to other political parties have joined the National Conference. These workers include Messrs Krishan Chand R/o Khanpur (Congress), Th Devi Singh R/o Nagrota (Janata Dal), M Ali and Raju R/o Dhami (BJP) and Mohd Ali R/o Shibba.

On the arrival of Minister at these public meetings, he was given warm reception by the people who raised slogans in favour of the party and the NC candidate. A number of NC delegates, leaders and workers including Messrs Haji Mohd Hussain, MLC, Ch Barkat Ali, Romeshar Datt Sharma, Th Mir, Haji Mali and Kanchan Rajput also addressed the gatherings.

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