Links with key officials of RTO, ARTO office established
Inter-state gang of car lifters busted; kingpin among 3 nabbed
* 8 cars stolen from Delhi, Punjab recovered

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 29: With the arrest of three youth, Gandhinagar police busted an inter-state gang of car lifters operating in Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal and J&K and recovered eight stolen cars from their possession.

The police claimed to have established links of the gang with some key officials and a few agents of RTO office Srinagar and ARTO Anantnag.

While four cars were recovered from Jammu, four others were brought from Srinagar and Anantnag. The kingpin and other gangsters were utilising the services of some key officials of the ARTO/RTO office for preparing fake documents including Registration Certificates of these stolen vehicles by paying them hefty amount ranging from Rs 10,000 to 20,000 for each vehicle.

Giving details, SHO Gandhinagar, Mr S S Sambyal said the three gangsters were nabbed while moving in a stolen Maruti car from Gole Market area of Gandhinagar in Jammu two days back on suspicion. They were taken to police station and placed under interrogation. As they failed to produce any document of the vehicle, the trio during sustained interrogation confessed to have stolen several more vehicles from various parts of the northern region.

The accused have been identified as —kingpin, Shoukat Ahmed alias Shibbu, son of Abdul Rashid of Bakshiabad in Anantnag, Abdul Rashid, son of Abdul Rehman of Barzulla in Budgam and Jugal Kishore, son of Om Parkash of Kot Bhalwal. Some more people connected with the gang have been identified and the police was conducting series of raids to nab them. The two stolen vehicles were recovered from Bantalab and Janipur area of the city and the police also raided a few hide-outs in these areas but the gangsters reported to have gone underground. Police also indicated that Shoukat was a surrendered ultra and some more surrenderees are believed to be the members of the gang.

Mr Sambyal said a police team led by Sub-Inspectors, S. Jeelani and Tahir Khan was constituted to investigate the case under the supervision of SSP Jammu and they recovered the stolen vehicles at the instance of accused persons. The gang has a major network in Delhi, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir valley and most of the vehicles stolen from Delhi, Chandigarh and Punjab are sold in Kashmir.

One of the gangsters- Abdul Rashid disclosed that some influential people and a few police officers have also purchased such cars. The reason is very simple. The vehicles are cheap and moreover, the proper documents are shown to the customers. He also confessed that some dealers in Jammu, Anantnag, Srinagar, Baramulla, Sopore, Pulwama, and Budgam are also connected with the gang.

Shoukat disclosed that they were getting good rate of these vehicles ranging from Rs 80,000 to Rs 1.5 lakhs in Kashmir for Maruti 800 and Zen, therefore, they preferred to dispose them in Valley. They had also engaged some members for carrying vehicles from various cities of the region to Jammu and for further destination to Valley. He claimed to have disclosed the identity of some key Government officials connected with the gang however, police declined to name them, claiming that it may hamper the process of investigation.

Another gangster—Jugal claimed that he was working with the gang for the last 7-8 months and he was being paid at the rate of Rs 1500 to 2000 for carrying stolen vehicles from Jammu to Srinagar, Anantnag or Baramulla. He also confessed the involvement of some dealers of Car Bazars and some influential people running the racket. It has been estimated that more than 200 such vehicles are operating in Kashmir and many people including some militants and surrenderees are in possession of such vehicles.

Beig conducts surprise inspection of Lakhanpur Toll Post
J&K set to surpass Sales Tax, Excise Duty revenue target

Excelsior Correspondent

Lakhanpur, Dec 29: Directions issued by the Government to invigorate the process of resource mobilization with a thrust on streamlining revenue collection mechanism to tide over the fiscal difficulties, have started paying dividends and the change is already visible on the ground. And for the first time, the Finance Department is set to surpass the revenue target of Sales tax and Excise duty by a phenomenal increase of around Rs 30 crore for the financial year 2002-03. Against a target of Rs 838 crore, the Sales tax and Excise duty revenue is set to go up to a record Rs 869 crore during the current fiscal.

This information was given to the Minister for Finance, Planning and Development, Mr Muzaffar Hussain Beig, during his extensive maiden visit to the Lakhanpur Toll Post today.

The Minister convened an on-the-spot meeting of the officers of Finance, Revenue, Housing and Urban Development Departments to review the progress of the revenue collection and implementation of Lakhanpur Toll Post Development plan, which not only is a gateway to the State but a backbone of the revenue collection system.

The meeting was informed that against a target of Rs 140 crore Excise Duty for the current fiscal, Rs 84.09 crore were realized upto November 2002 against Rs 80. 10 crore for the corresponding period of the fiscal 2001-02. Similarly, during the first two quarters of the current fiscal, Rs 8.71 crore have been realized as Sales Tax at the post, while the total Sales Tax realized during the fiscal 2001-2002 was Rs 9.78 crore.

Regarding the implementation of Lakhanpur Toll Post Developmental plan, the meeting was informed that Rs 8 crore are being spent on the ambitious project which not only would streamline the revenue collection mechanism at the post, but would also give a new facelift to the area. Being developed over an area of 180 kanals of land, the new Toll Plaza besides having 30 gates for toll collection would be provided with a spacious parking yard, recreational facilities for children, shopping complex, computerized counters, guest house and toilet facilities.

Speaking at the meeting, the Minister stressed upon the officers to gear up the revenue collection mechanism and plug all the loopholes in the system as the State was going through a difficult financial position. Mr Beig said, he would recommend to the State Cabinet constitution of awards/incentives for the officers whose performance is commendable. He said such a decision would go a long way in sharpening the efficacy of the officers. He said such awards should be even given to the locals who help the Government in the prevention of tax evasion. The Government, he said is keeping a close watch on the functioning of the officers and anybody found indulging in delinquency of his duty would be taken to task while the officers showing good results would be suitably rewarded. He said the Government believes in action at the ground and not in hollow promises and jugglery of figures and the functioning of every officer would be judged by his performance. Mr Beig said he has received lot of complaints against some of the officers posted at the Lakhanpur Toll Post, but as the Government does not believe in witch-hunting, it would take action against them at the appropriate time.

Regarding the implementation of Lakhanpur Developmental Plan, the Minister asked the concerned agencies to speed up the pace of execution work on the project. He said Lakhanpur should be developed as a tourist spot to create an impressive first impression on the people entering the State as it serves as a gateway to J&K. He directed the Revenue Department to complete all the land acquisition formalities within one week so that there is no further delay in the implementation of the project. The Minister also put forth the idea of setting up a trauma hospital at Lakhanpur to meet any emergencies. He said the locals should be fully involved in the execution of the project as they know the topography and requirements of the area well.

Speaking at the meeting, the Financial Commissioner Finance, Mr Mohammad Shafi Pandit gave a resume of the measures taken by the Government to streamline the revenue collection mechanism and implement the Lakhanpur Developmental Plan. He said a comprehensive plan has been formulated for the computerization of the Lakhanpur Toll Post and work on the implementation of the project would be started soon.

Earlier, the Minister conducted a detailed inspection of the Sales Tax and Excise offices at the Toll post. He was also shown some goods seized by the Sales Tax Department, which were being imported into the State illegally.

Commissioner Sales Tax, Mr A R Mubarki, Commissioner Excise, Sheikh Mohammad Hussain, Special Secretary Finance, Mr K M Wani, District Development Commissioner Kathua, Managing Director Housing Board, Chief Town Planner Jammu, Deputy Commissioner Excise, Deputy Commissioner Sales Tax and SSP Kathua accompanied the Minister.

Better governance motive of coalition: Tara Chand

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 29: The coalition Government led by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed is determined to ameliorate the lot of downtrodden and weaker sections of the society and provide better governance so that the wrong policies and false commitments made by the previous Government are set right. This was Stated by Mr Tara Chand, Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir, Legislative Assembly at Kalree near Kot Balwal here today.

The Speaker said that people have realised that the ex-Government have given them nothing but added to their miseries and problems and exercised their right choice by electing proper representatives who could take their voice to the proper house where their due and genuine problems could be redressed. He said after independence it is for the first time that fair elections have taken place and inspite of threat, the people have come out in large numbers to exercise their right of franchise.

The Speaker said that about 70 thousand people have lost their lives during last 12 years of militancy and the need of the hour is to get united so that nefarious designs of our enemy who are hell bent on disrupting the peaceful atmosphere of the State could be thwarted. He said that our neighbour does not want that peace and prosperity should come to the State and uses all unfair means from across the border to disrupt peace. He said that the present Government is committed to balanced growth of all the three regions of the State and strives for providing better administration and over all development of the people.

Mr Madan Lal Sharma, MLA Akhnoor also spoke on the occasion and said that people have shown courage and choice by electing honest, faithful and dedicated representatives in Chamb and Akhnoor constituencies who would carry the voice of people to the proper quarters so that their difficulties and problems are over. He said that people have bade good bye to old dynastic rule are eager for proper and good governance. He appreciated the selection of the Government by appointing Mr Tara Chand to the highest and august post of Speaker and expected that he will come to the expectations of the people and fulfill their wishes and aspirations. He appealed people to be united and work for strengthening the party. He said that congress is the only party which can lead people towards peace and prosperity.

Referring to the various demands putforth by the people Mr Tara Chand said that their genuine demands will be looked into and solved on priority basis.

Panchs,sarpanchs and prominent citizens were present on the occasion.

Udhampur NC unit reviews post poll scenario

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Dec 29: District Working Committee of J&K National Conference for Udhampur in a meeting held at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan discussed the post poll scenario in the district today.

As per a release, besides provincial committee office bearers Mr Rattan Lal Gupta vice-president, Bashir Ahmed —secretary Jugal Mahajan—treasurer various other prominent members also attended the meeting. In a day long deliberations the members discussed party matters. The members suggested some points to strengthen the party rank and file and to maintain close coordination among the party activists.

Provincial president Bodh Raj Bali while addressing the the district working committee meeting said that NC has won the Gulabgarh seat which party had lost in 1996 elections, however, the Party was expecting seats from Reasi and Gool-Arnas constituencies. He said both these seats were lost with narrow margin.

He asked the party workers to visit door to door and make efforts to reach up to the public and mitigate their sufferings. Mr Bali congratulated the district working committee members who have worked with dedication and have maintained peace and communal harmony in their respective areas.

Mr Bali alleged that there was irrational alliance between Congress and PDP and will not lost long as it is marriage of compulsion. The people have suffered a lot due to long spell of militancy. A large number of NC workers have lost lives. He said Mufti’s healing touch is a welcome step but all the three regions of the state should be kept in mind.

Prominent among those present included, District presidents (R&U) Ajit Kumar & Mohd Shafi, K K Bakshi, Rajinder Kumar, Nand Lal, Angrez Singh, Romy Khajuria, Bansi Lal Gupta, Bharti Sharma, Subhash Kudyar, Akbar Shah, Wazira Begum, Rajesh Gupta and Lal Chand also attended the meeting.

Harsh for morality based education

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Dec 29: Morality based education is the essence of life, stated Education Minister, Mr Harsh Dev Singh at the annual day celebrations function of the Humanity public school, Bassi Kalan Bari Brahmna here today.

Mr Singh who presided over the function, addressing the students said that private educational institutions have really made a mark in providing quality education to the students. He said that the objective of full literacy would soon be achieved, with the dedicative approach of the private institutions.

Government is contemplating equip these institutions with more functional freedom and other infrastructure to come out with pragmatic results in the field of educations, he added.

Appreciating the role of these institutions, he said adding that students coming from the downtrodden section of the society must be given relaxation and concession in fees so that they may also get the opportunity to illuminate their mind with the light of knowledge.

Congratulating the Dogra, Educational Trust, he said the trust has made tremendous performance in the spread of higher and secondary education. Hailing the congenial natural environmental of the school, he said it is very suitable for the teachers and taughts to grow in such atmosphere.

The Principal of the school gave the brief resume of the school curriculum.

On the occasion, the students of the institution presented various cultural programme which enthralled the audiences.

Mr Harsh Dev Singh also distributed prizes among the students who excelled in various school activities.

EX-MLA, Mr Jagdish Duby, Mr Madho Singh an eminent Educationist, and Chief Education Officer, Jammu were present on the occasion.

Hurriyat divided on talks with Kashmir Committee

SRINAGAR, Dec 29: Serious differences have cropped up within the Hurriyat Conference over its decision to continue talks with the Kashmir Committee led by former union Minister Ram Jethmalani, with moderates in the separatist amalgam in its favour and the hardliners against it.

Democratic Political Movement (DPM), formerly known as Islamic Students League and a constituent of Hurriyat, criticised the amalgam’s decision to continue its parleys with the committee saying the talks were violative of the constitution of the 25-party conglomerate.

DPM general secretary Mohammad Shafi Reshi said the rechristened party would continue to work with the Hurriyat as long as it acted in accordance with its constitution.

He said the Hurriyat constitution provided for trilateral talks involving India and Pakistan in some friendly country under the supervision of United Nations in case UN resolutions on Kashmir could not be implemented.

Reshi said talks with the Kashmir Committee were not in line with the constitution of the Hurriyat.

Matters may be compounded for the Hurriyat if DPM seriously pursues its ambition of making it to the powerful executive of the amalgam. At present the moderates have a greater say in the seven-member decision-making executive.

Muslim Khawateen Markaz (Muslim women’s centre), another hardline constituent of the Hurriyat, supported Reshi’s stand on talks with the non-governmental group comprising eminent editors, lawyers and formers ministers.

Welcoming Reshi’s statement, MKM chairperson Zamrud Habib said her outfit supported the stand taken by DPM on the issue. She also supported DPM’s claim for a place in the executive in view of the show of strength at its annual convention.

After his release last month, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chairman Mohammad Yaseen Malik, a member of the Hurriyat executive committee, had expressed his reservations about the talks and accused Jethmalani of engaging in "double-speak" with regard to a solution to the Kashmir issue.

However, Awami Action Committee chairman and senior Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umer Farooq said talks with the Kashmir Committee would continue.

"The decision to hold talks with Kashmir Committee was a consensus decision and all the constituents of the amalgam were taken into confidence before the process began," he said.

"As far as I am concerned, I think the talks will continue," he said. But referring to Reshi’s statement and Habib’s endorsement of it, Mirwaiz said Hurriyat may convene a meeting to discuss the latest development.

He said Hurriyat was holding talks with Kashmir Committee on a six-point agenda which is beneficial to the "movement for self-determination".

Kashmir Committee and Hurriyat Conference issued a joint statement after their second round of talks in New Delhi agreeing that India, Pakistan and Kashmiri representative should start a dialogue process for durable peace in the troubled State.

The declaration also called for creation of conducive atmosphere for talks and release of all political prisoners. (PTI)

Jerath awarded Ph.D

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 29: Mr Ravi Kulbhushan Jerath, has been awarded Doctorate degree for his study on the topic of "Financing Development in J&K—Need and Scope for Raising Additional Resources."

As per a release, Mr Jerath completed his research in the Faculty of Management Studies, University of Jammu under the joint supervision of Prof N S Gupta, retired Head and Dean of Commerce and Management Studies (JU) and Dr Ashok Aima, Dean Department of Management Studies (JU). Mr Jerath is a civil servant in the J&K Government and he claimed to have undertaken the study for seeking re-examination of existing resource mobilization and utilisation by the State Government.

Problems of Old Janipur area will be redressed on priority: DyCM

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 29: Deputy Chief Minister Mr Mangat Ram Sharma today assured that the problems of the Old Janipur area will be redressed on priority basis and all basic necessities will be made available to the people.

Addressing a public meeting at Old Janipur after inaugurating STD/PCO, Mr Sharma lauded the loyalty of the inhabitants of Old Janipur towards Congress party and said that he has always remained indebted to the people of his constituency in general and Old Janipur in particular.

"Now it is my turn to take care of people of this area, who worked round the clock during elections to muster as much possible support as they could, for me", the Deputy Chief Minister said and added that he will leave no stone unturned to provide all necessary facilities to the people of the area.

Referring to the demands raised by the people, the senior Congress leader assured that he will soon place funds from his constituency development fund at the disposal of concerned authorities for start of immediate work on opening of Middle School, removal of high-tension electric wires from the Indira Colony locality and construction of streets and roads in the locality.

He asked the members of Mohalla Committees to prepare the list of important development works so that he would accord them priority and said that Mohalla Committees should supervise the development works. The Deputy Chief Minister assigned the job of supervising development work of Indira Vihar and other localities to Mr Gopal Sharma, district secretary and block vice-president.

Earlier, the Deputy Chief Minister inaugurated STD/PCO of Mr Gopal Sharma and apprised the gathering about the programme and policies of the coalition Government.

He also visited Shiv Temple, High Court Road, Ambedkar Nagar and sanctioned some amount for the development of the temple. On the occasion, he gave away best coverage award to Mr Raju of Shiva Temple.

Power workers list demands

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 29: A deputation of Power Workers Association under the presidentship of Mr Ashok Kumar met Development Commissioner (Power) to apprise him of the problems being faced by the employees of Power Department.

The deputation demanded regularisation of the services of daily wagers, grant of pay scale of 5,000-8000 to the Matriculate/ITI qualified employees, proposed amendments in the Power Development Service Recruitment Rules-1981, release of scale of Head Assistant to promoted Ministerial cadre employees, implementation of SRO 393 and the reorganization of the department.

Among others who comprised the deputation included Messrs Kabla Singh, Surinder Sharma, Darshan Singh, Banarsi Lal, Krishan Singh, Girdhai Lal and Rajiner Prashad.