Sharma dedicates dancing musical fountain to people

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 28: The Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Mangat Ram Sharma dedicated to the people the first ever dancing musical fountain installed at the picturesque Bagh-e-Bahu here last evening.

The musical fountain, first of its kind in the State, is hybrid in nature and based on solenoid technology. It can play in auto sensing mode as well as programmed cassette technology. The state-of-the-art fountain is a complete synchronization of music, light and water having 56 affects with 84 lights of different colours, fixed in a capacious water body with fountain frame.

The installation of the musical fountain will add to the scenic splendour of Bagh-e- Bahu and provide additional recreational facilities to the visitors. The beautification plan of the garden taken in hand at a cost of Rs 91 lakh envisages construction of modern seating pavilions on its slopes. The pavilions are expected to be completed at a cost of Rs.15 lakh. The Union Tourism Ministry has provided Rs. 30 lakh for the beautification of the garden.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister sought liberal Central assistance for development of other tourist spots like Patnitop, Sanasar, Mansar, Sudh-Mahadev, Bani, Bhaderwah and Kud in Jammu region.

Mr Sharma said the Government is endeavouring to revive the tourism sector in the State that has received a great setback during militancy.

Tourism industry, besides being the backbone of the economy of the State, provides gainful employment to thousands of people. For attracting tourists in large numbers, restoration of peace is imperative, Mr Sharma said and sought the cooperation of the people in wiping out militancy from the State.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that laying of Bagh-e-Bahu, the brainchild of the former Chief Minister G M Shah, being the only recreational spot in Jammu, has been attracting large number of visitors from within and outside the State.

The installation of musical fountain would add to the beauty of the garden and become a great attraction for the visitors.

Mr Sharma called for attracting the pilgrim tourists to Bagh-e-Bahu who visit Mata Vaishno Devi shrine annually. Efforts should also be made to attract large number of pilgrim tourists to Bagh-e-Bahu, he added.

Commissioner/Secretary, Tourism, Mr Mushtaq Ahmed explaining the salient features of the beautification project of the garden said that the micro sprinkler irrigation system introduced recently has proved beneficial in maintaining the lush-green lawns. For the convenience and comfort of the visitors, seating pavilions are being constructed in the garden at a cost of Rs. 15 lakh.

Mr Raman Bhalla, MLA in his address demanded construction of an artificial lake in the garden besides developing other tourist spots in Jammu.

Several legislators including Qari Mohammad Aziz, Mr Ghulam Hassan Khan, Mr. Gharu Ram, Mr Ashwani Kumar, Mr Abdul Majid Wani, Director Floriculture and senior officers of tourism and floriculture departments besides large number of visitors were present on the occasion.

Youth awarded 9 yrs RI for abducting, raping a minor

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 28: Principal Sessions Judge Udhampur, Mr BL Saraf has convicted and awarded nine years Rigorous Imprisonment (RI) to one Sanjay Kumar of village Kosar, Chenani for the commission of abduction and rape upon a minor, Pinki alias Geeta Devi on July 24, 2000 at Sudhmahadev in the house of his sister against her consent.

While convicting the accused, the Judge observed that there is no worthwhile reason to disbelieve the testimony of the prosecutix. "Therefore, her sole testimony has been considered for the conviction of the accused without the corroboration of medical evidence. When a girl or a woman claims of a rape, there is no reason why she should not be believed. Asking for the corroboration would be adding insult to the injury", the Judge held, while maintaining that the accused has not assigned any reason why the girl has implicated him falsely. "After all, she has put her honour at stake and risked her whole life", it was observed.

Public Prosecutor GR Khajuria, appearing for the State, argued that prosecution has proved the case beyond all shadows of doubt and the accused be awarded maximum punishment.

The Judge held that considering the rival contentions, facts and circumstances of the case, the accused is sentenced to seven years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of rupees 1,000 for the commission of rape, and two years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of rupees 500 for the commission of abduction.

5-yr law degree course introduced at Dogra College
Sanctity of law gradually eroding: Arjun
*Justice Sethi regrets presence of ‘blacksheeps’ in Judiciary

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 28: Former Union Human Resources Development Minister and senior Congress Member Parliament Mr Arjun Singh has said that sanctity of law is gradually diminishing in the country and there was immediate need to give much attention towards the law enforcement and its implementation by the Government and the allied agencies.

Mr Singh, who launched five -year Integrated Law Degree Course at Dogra Law College near Bari Brahmana here today, said that Law has become very prestigious subject nowadays. The people who are derived of justice have still lot of hopes from the judiciary and knock its doors. But unfortunately, for a common man or the poor one, it is not easy to get justice because he or she cannot pay the fees of lawyer and remains victimised.

In fact, there was need to change the system and enact some new laws for the welfare of a common man. He regretted that the NDA Government could not do much in this regard as it has hardly time to the legislation process. The law making process is very vital for any Government and it should be given due attention. The kind of interest to be taken in this regard seems to be disappearing in the present Government at the Centre.

He made mention of the fact that a lawyer has to defend his client whether he is innocent or a scoundrel. Some take the law education as profession just to earn living while law is basically the model code of conduct. Some may remain in dilemma due to this hard fact and switch over to other professions rather to defend the criminals even some times as part of their profession.

While recalling his college days as Law student in 1953, Mr Singh disclosed that he too, practised for three years in his early life in Utter Pradesh but not left the profession due to this dilemma only. Being interested in the politics I joined it and also brought several legislations being member in the Assembly and Parliament several times.

He congratulated Mr Gulchain Singh Charak, chairman of the college for giving first Law college in the region in private sector and hoped that the institution would emerge as prestigious like Pune or Bangalore Law Colleges in the country.

Former Union Minister and PCC chief, Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad in his brief address congratulated the management of the Dogra Law College and expressed pleasure to have first law college in the state. He indicated that not only towards good building but attention may also be given towards good atmosphere and quality education in the institution. He said there are limited number of seats in the Universities of Jammu and Kashmir and therefore, a large number of students can not pursue their studies ahead. For this reason, they have to move outside the State. Not only in other States but some of them even today prefer to go abroad for higher studies.

He disclosed that he as MP and Union Minister has helped over 17,500 students from J&K from 1985 onwards to get admitted in various professional colleges/ institutions in Maharashtra, Karnataka and other parts of the country or abroad. But majority of the students are today interested in the Information Technology. Mr Azad stressed the need to have professional institutions not only in Jammu and Srinagar capital cities but also in Kathua, Rajouri, Baramullah, Anantnag and other major towns of the state so that students from other districts may not suffer. He assured that new coalition Government would take care of these facts in future.

Justice R P Sethi (Retd) of Supreme Court while speaking on the occasion congratulated Mr Charak, management and the students for the launch of 5-year Integrated Law Degree course at the institution. He said Law is not just as subject but a code of conduct which is to be abide by all the citizens.

He recalled the days when there was no Law institution right from Leh to Delhi and said that now it was a matter of pride that today so many such institutions have emerged. Justice Sethi observed that earlier Law was not given much preference by the students but now perhaps it has become the first choice among many. He recalled the contributions of the Law and Judiciary in the country and said that the Judiciary has delivered or came to rescue where Administration or the system failed to deliver or provide justice to the people. The people have lot of hopes from the Judiciary.

Justice Sethi regretted the presence of some ‘blacksheeps’ in the Judiciary and pointed towards the recent developments in the region which have been highlighted the media as well. "It is unfortunate that some people in the Judiciary are being made culprits", he said.

Justice also referred to the excessive burden of cases on the Judiciary and disclosed that today more than 2.5 crore cases are pending in the courts across the country. There are hardly 100 judges for one million people and one third of the posts of the judges are yet to be filled up.

Vice Chancellor Jammu University, Prof Amitabh Mattoo who presided over the function, congratulated the management of the College and assured full cooperation. He said Dogra Law college is first in the region of its kind and will sure to attract students from various parts of the State and adjoining States as well.

Prof R R Sharma and Prof M R Puri, former VCs of the Jammu University also spoke on the occasion. Principal, of the College Prof N S Reddy read out the welcome address and highlighted some achievements. Chairman of the College Mr G S Charak presented vote of thanks.

Earlier, the function commenced with the lighting of traditional lamp by the chief guest Mr Arjun Singh, followed by Saraswati Vandana by the college students. Dy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma, Minister for Social Welfare—Mula Ram, Mr Madan Lal, Mrs Suman Bhagat, Mr Lal Singh and Jugal Kishore —all Congress MLAs were also present on the occasion.

Cong leaders assure Pahari people to concede demands

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 28: Senior Congress leader and CWC member Arjun Singh and PCC chief Ghulam Nabi Azad today assured the Pahari Speaking people their demands regarding grant of ST status would be favourably recommended to the Central Government by the coalition Government in the State.

As per a press release speaking at a function the PCC chief Mr Azad stated that demands of the community including grant of ST status would be discussed in the Coordination Committee of the State. He said the government will be asked to favourably consider the other demands of the community.

Mr Azad maintained that the benefit of ST status for Gujjar and Bakerwals has not reached the deserving sections of the community. He added that Pahari speaking people represent the true culture of the society as this language is being spoken by Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs alike. He added that benefits of reservations to SC and STs have been usurped by a particular section of the society.

Mr Arjun Singh supported the demands and stated that Pahari speaking people represent the aspirations of the people living in border districts of Poonch and Rajouri. Mr Singh the Congress-PDP Government in the State was poised to mitigate the sufferings of the common masses.

He expressed serious concern about utterances of the political parties which were exploiting the religious sentiments of the people and all out to give a communal twist to the political and social order in the country.

While speaking on the occasion Raja Ayaz Ali, DIG Police, Ravinder Sharma and Rashid Qureshi Advocates, Haji Khursheed and Rafiq Hussain Khan demanded the consideration of the genuine demands of Pahari speaking people who share the same the same socio-economic conditions like other STs living in the region.

Minister for Social Welfare Mula Ram, MLAs Madan Lal Sharma, Th Puran Singh, Ch Lal Singh, Mrs Suman Bhagat and Girdhari Lal besides Thakur Gulchain Singh Charak, S Praduman Singh, Yash Pal Khajuria, Th Hari Singh and Amolak Singh were among prominent persons present on the occasion.

JUTA office bearers meet VC

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 28: Prof N A Ganai, president, Jammu University Teachers Association (JUTA), alongwith other office bearers, met the Vice Chancellor of Jammu University, Prof Amitabh Mattoo, and apprised him with the problems of the teachers.

As per a press release the matters concerning the implementation of UGC guidelines especially Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) with retrospective effect, framing of rules relating to service condition of teachers, rationalization of membership of various committees of the University, examination duties and wardenship, vacation of Army Land and construction of a school building in campus for the wards of the employees of the University, accessibility of the Vice Chancellor to all teachers, adoption of easy mode of seeking ‘No Objection Certificate’ as well as issuance of Identity Cards for the retired teachers and general security as also parking problems of the University were discussed.

The Vice Chancellor gave them assurance that he will take personal pains to look into and pursue such matters and informed them about the steps he has already taken in this behalf. On the request of JUTA, the Vice Chancellor determined that during 4 pm to 5 pm he will be accessible to all the teachers especially young teachers on all days and every teacher was welcome to discuss the problems during this period.

The meeting was held in a very cordial atmosphere and Vice Chancellor was very appreciative of the standard of teaching and quality of teachers in Jammu University.

Prof Ganai and other office bearers of JUTA namely Dr Dhian Singh Bhau, vice president, Dr J P Singh Jooral, secretary, Dr Sanjay Gupta, joint secretary and Dr Gurjeet Kour, treasurer, assured the Vice Chancellor of the support and cooperation for the development of the University especially its academic standards.

SC/ST Confed leaders meets CM

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 28: A deputation of All India Confederation of SC/ST Organizations, J&K Unit, met the Chief Minister Mufti Mohd Sayeed and discussed various problems confronting them, which were contained in a memorandum submitted to the CM.

As per a press release the deputation was headed by Confederation president Mr R K Kalsotra and comprised of Messrs Mohd Abdullah Choudhary and Sham Lal Bassan, general secretaries, Bansi Lal, Abdul Rashid Chouhan, Mohd Hanief, Shanker Dass Bhagat, Prahlad Bhagat, presidents of Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch, Udhampur and Doda respectively. Roshan Din Chowdhary, state vice president, Mohd Bashir Khatana, state secretary, Gopal Dass Dogra, State Co-ordinator and Ramesh Chand, state treasurer.

The members discussed all the points mentioned in the memorandum with the Chief Minister. Mr Mufti listened to the delegation with patience and promised to redress them. The Chief Minister also promised to extend all possible help and cooperation for redressal of their genuine problems.

The demands discussed pertained to enactment of Reservation Act and inclusion thereof in State constitution, establishment of State Commission for SC and STs, provision of reservation at district and divisional levels according to population ratio, enhancement of reservation for SCs from 8 percent to 9 percent (recruitment and promotions) and for STs from 5 percent to 10 percent as also for OBCs from 2 percent to 27 percent etc.

NEWS ANALYSIS
Centre is ready to strengthen Mufti's hands

By B L Kak

JAMMU: The phase of unnecessary doubts, triggered by rash comments on the Jammu and Kashmir Government’s "healing touch" policy, is over. That the BJP-led coalition Government at the Centre took nearly seven weeks to turn a new leaf in its relationship with the new Government in J&K is a different matter.

A new phase has begun, with Mr LK Advani’s unambiguous message to the Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, of the Centre’s support to him in restoring peace, tranquility and normalcy in the troubled State. The Deputy Prime Minister, who is universally known for being a top stalwart of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), chose to go about as head of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs during his day-long visit to Jammu on December 27.

Mr Advani wasn’t unaware of the protestations from the BJP against the Mufti’s policy of "healing touch". But in view of official reports fed to him about the "healing touch" policy having also taken care of several people in Jammu province in recent days, the Deputy Prime Minister did not object to the Mufti Government’s intention to continue the policy.

What Mr Advani did was to caution the powers-that-be in J&K against any complacency at a time like this when Pakistan continued to aid and abet forces of disruption and subversion in the State. In this connection, Mr Advani’s message to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)-led Government was loud and clear: Security and development of Jammu and Kashmir are high on the agenda of the Government of India, and these, therefore,need to be viewed in national perspective.

If the Centre’s principal Kashmir player (Mr LK Advani) offered on-the-spot ‘yes’ to Mufti Sayeed’s demand for "early" talks with the elected representatives in Jammu and Kashmir, the latter was reported to have shared the Deputy Prime Minister’s concern and consternation over the continuing terrorist violence and cross-border terrorism and infiltration in the State.

While Mr Advani took due note of the Mufti’s presentation and perception of the developing situation at the crucial meeting of the Unified Headquarters, the J&K Chief Minister and others present on the occasion found the Deputy Prime Minister as well as the Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes,keen on the ‘twin battle’—one battle against terrorists, while the second battle to ensure greater and equitable economic development in the State’s three regions, Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh.

In the process, both Mufti Sayeed and Mr Advani emerged satisfied. The Mufti’s satifaction, apparently, was the product of Mr Advani’s assurance of the Centre’s support to strengthen his hands. And Mr Advani’s satisfaction was the outcome of the Mufti’s assurance that his Government would keept itself in "constant" touch with the Centre on important matters.

It was, literally, "healing touch" for either side. By the time Mr Advani and company took off from the Jammu airport on their return journey to New Delhi, one thing became amply clear—that is,while the Centre will continue to have a decisive role to play in J&K, the PDP-led Government would have to work to ensure security and development in the troubled State.

The Deputy Prime Minister could not be faulted for being secretive on all that transpired between him and Mufti Sayeed. The two leaders,at the same time, did not deny reports of the discussion they had on the "need" to evolve a "better" working relationship between the Centre and the Mufti Government.

Being a highly important member of the NDA Government at the Centre, Mr LK Advani cannot afford the luxury of being communicative beyond a specific limit. This kind of restriction does not bind a leader of any opposition party. And the man,under reference, is none other than Mr Arjun Singh of the Congress (I).

Mr Arjun Singh, who is a member of the Congress High Command’s think-tank on Jammu and Kashmir, was also in Jammu on December 27 with his two signals—one, Mufti Sayeed’s policy of "healing touch" is perfect and potentially productive, and, two, there should be coordination between the Mufti Government and the Centre on dealing with the crucial issue of militancy in the State.

More importantly, even as Mr Arjun Singh defended the Mufti for his "healing touch" policy, he left none in doubt about the Congress High Command’s views on militancy by advocating "strong action" gainst local militants, too, if they continued to remain involved in militancy.

Recently, Mufti Sayeed had, during his speech at a meeting of the Unified Headquarters, urged the Army and other security forces to differentiate between local militants and foreign mercenaries. But Mr Arjun Singh’s message this time is: Militant is a militant. If he doesn’t behave properly, don’t spare him.

AICC chief running Govt through remote control: JD (U)

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 28: Terming coalition Government headed by Mufti Mohammed Sayeed as ‘failure’, the Janta Dal (United) today expressed dissatisfaction with the two month long performance of the State Government. Party was of the view that the State Government was practically being run through remote control of Congress president from Delhi and Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed and his Deputy Mr Mangat Ram Sharma were mere puppets in the hands of Sonia Gandhi.

According to a press release, executive body meeting of the Janta Dal (U) held today to take stock of the latest political situation in the State as well as the performance of the two month long coalition Government.

Meeting expressed serious concern over fresh spate of escalation in terrorism in the State. It condemned the killing of PDP MLA and regretted that Mufti Government which cannot protect its own legislators, could not be expected to safeguards the lives of common people who are without any personal security.

Meeting also condemned the killing of innocent girls and women in Rajouri district, for their only fault to not accept the dictates of the fundamentalist terrorists with regard to dress code prescribed by them. Meeting also condoled the demise and killing of Janta Dal (U) leader Mr Nagppa.

Meeting was of the view that State Government has failed to fulfill its poll promises. Expressing serious concern over inordinate delay in Cabinet expansion, which has kept in hold major policy decisions and development activities, Janta Dal (U) warned against jumbo size ministry to fulfill the person ambitions and aspirations of individual legislators belonging to coalition partner parties as well as independents.

Party also expressed serious concern over single track policy of the Mufti Government on providing so called healing touch to the militancy victims in the State and expressed its anger over providing of employments and other benefits mostly in Kashmir to those families whose members were involved in militancy and involved in wanton killings of innocent law abiding citizens and valiant security personnel.

Meeting also demanded immediately winding up of State Subject Enquiry Commission and a categorical statement by the Chief Minister and the Government order to wind up the Commission.

The meeting was presided over by Mr Sanjesh Gupta, state president while attended by Ved Parkash Bhagat, G M Shah, S N Sofi, A K Kharoo, Rajinder Sharma, Rajinder Singh Tyagi, S P Magotra, Avinash Sharma, Kulwant Singh, Karan Singh, Afroza Qadir, and others.

Augumentation of water supply scheme
Kishtwar Development Forum succeeds in getting
required funds sanctioned

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 28: Kishtwar Development Forum has succeeded in getting required money sanctioned from various State and Central leaders for the augumentation of water supply scheme from Naigadh to Kishtwar.

This was stated by Member Legislative Council Brij Mohan Sharma while addressing a media-conference here today.

"To arrange funds to the tune of Rs 3.5 crores for the proposed eight inch dia water supply scheme from Naigadh to Kishtwar a delegation of all parties called on Pradesh Congress Committee chief and MP Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad, Minister of State for Defence Mr Chaman Lal Gupta, Union Minister for Rural Development Mr Shanta Kumar, MP Dr Karan Singh and National Conference president Mr Omar Abdullah", Mr Sharma said.

The delegation which comprised D C Sharma, Som Nath Sharma, Jagdish Raj Aryan, Dr B A Mintoo, all social activists, Madan Lal Gupta, National Conference member and Brij Mohan Sharma, district general secretary BJP and headed by Mr S A Kichloo, MLA, Brij Mohan Sharma, MLC and Mr Manmohan Gupta, state executive member BJP apprised the leaders that Kishtwar town and Mandal area was under the grip of worst ever drought and to tide over the crisis in shortest possible time by way of starting proposed water-supply scheme around Rs 3.5 crores were required.

Realising the gravity of the situation, the Forum said, Mr Azad agreed to grant an amount of Rs 25 lakh and expressed his great concern over the development of Kishtwar tehsil. "The PCC chief and MP has also assured us that projects like construction of Dachhan Marwah Warwan Road, airport at Kishtwar, execution of the work of Pakal and Bursar projects will be started as they will go a long way in the development of not only Kishtwar but also Doda district", the Forum disclosed.

According to Forum, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta immediately agreed to allot Rs 50 lakh out of the funds at his disposal in instalments. "We also served him a charter of demands which included drainage and sewerage plan for Kishtwar town, construction of foot-path along the road from Malipeth to Dak Bangalow, Kishtwar, start of hydro-electric project of Karthai, Pakkal and Bursar and improvement in Telecommunication network at Kishtwar", Mr Sharma said.

The delegation also called on Mr Shanta Kumar, who assured that he would arrange maximum amount for the scheme and as a first instalment he would give atleast Rs two crore for the project. "Dr Karan Singh and Mr Omar Abdullah too assured their support in taking up the matter with the concerned ministers", the Forum said.