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Brahman MLAs felicitated Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 5: Deputy Chief Minister, Mr Mangat Ram Sharma today said that people’s cooperation was must to provide good ....more Resource
centre Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 5: The chairperson of J&K Woman Commission Dr Girja Dhar inaugurated resource centre for woman development at Divya College of Education..........more Mufti for creating mass awareness about safe use of roads Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 5: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today called for making all out efforts to educate people about the safe use of ......more Mufti
Govt has Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 5: Sinking their individual differences, all the major organizations of Kashmiri Pandits today unanimously urged.........more Religious
discourse Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 5: Satsang Pravachans were delivered at Bhagwati Ashram by the disciple—Thakur Bhaiji of world reputed Sant Shri ........more |
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CM
visits Anantnag, Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Jan 5: Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today assessed the developmental requirements of Anantnag town. He went through the district headquarter along with a team of officers and issued instructions about various improvement works. ............more Pulse polio immunization camps organised Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 5: As a part of countrywide Pulse Polio Immunization programme today, various Government and non-Governmental ..........more Transfer order signed by suspended CEO quashed Excelsior Legal Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 5: Justice RC Gandhi of the State High Court has quashed the order of Chief Education Officer (CEO) Udhampur, whereby the latter had ...............more Unemployed
Agri Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 5: A meeting of the Unemployed Agricultural Technocrats Association was held to discuss problems. According to a press release, it was decided in the meeting to go for a ...............more |
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By Mohinder Verma JAMMU, Jan 5: No laproscopic surgery has been performed in the Government Medical College and Hospital since the Theatre Assistant of the Surgery Department was caught red-handed, supplying the laproscope machine to the nursing homes on October 30 last. Sources told EXCELSIOR that since then, the clip applicator of the laproscopic machine is out of order and has not been replaced, to make the machine functional, for obvious reasons. "Without clip applicator, it is difficult or rather impossible to perform laproscopic surgery", the sources said, adding "nodoubt laproscopic surgery was not a routine affair in the hospital, yet some patients who were in the need of this specialised surgery are being asked to approach private nursing homes. The sources said though the authorities are claiming that the clip applicator was out of order even before the Theatre Assistant took the machine to nursing home yet it is unbelievable because on that day the laproscopic surgery was performed in a private nursing home at Rehari Chungi with the help of hospital machine. "Undoubtedly the clip applicator went out of order only after the machine was used in the nursing home", the sources said, adding that the possibility of that part of machine got damaged in shifting from nursing home to hospital cannot be ruled out. Moreover, the authorities concerned have not taken the matter seriously and the machine has been rendered useless and left only to gather dust. "It is astonishing that a clip applicator costing very meagre amount has not been purchased so far and it seems that no attention is being paid towards the maintenance of the costlier machinery in the premier medical institution of the region", the sources further said. When contacted Dr Romesh Gupta, Medical Superintendent Government Medical College Hospital confimed that laproscopic machines is non-functional for the last more than two months. "The purchase of clip applicator has been approved by the Purchase Committee and order will be placed very soon", he disclosed. Substantiating the report that no laproscopic surgery has been performed since the Theatre Assistant of Surgery Department was caught red-handed supplying hospital laproscopic machine to private nursing homes, Dr Gupta said that it will take some days to Johnson & Johnson Company to supply the clip applicator and after that laproscopic surgery will be started. 10,000 children administered pulse polio drops in Leh Excelsior Correspondent LEH, Jan 5: As many as 278 pulse polio immunization centres were set up to provide pulse polio drops to over 10,000 children below 5 years of age in Leh district in the first phase today. Besides deploying mobile teams at Leh airport, Khardongla check post and other entry points, 1112 workers of health department, anganwari workers and volunteers of Nehru Yuva Kendra were deployed at the pulse polio immunization centres for the purpose. The immunization campaign was launched today by Executive Councillor, Health, Mr Mohammad Abbas Abidi, Executive Councillor, Education, Mr. Rigzin Spalbar and Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Mr Tashi Dorje at different places in Leh. Executive Councillor, Agriculture, Tbultin Punchok administered polio drops in Nubra sub-division. The pulse polio programme was extensively taken up in Nyoma, Nobra and Khalsi sub-divisions also. Harshdev for eradication of social evils Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 5: Minister for Education Mr Harshdev Singh today called upon NSS volunteers to help in eradication of social evils for harmonious development of the society. Mr Singh said this while addressing the valedictory function of the 3-day NSS training-cum-orientation workshop organized by the Law Department of the Jammu University here today. The Minister exhorted the NSS volunteers that service to humanity has attained greater significance to win over the hearts of those who are facing the pangs of deprivation and need some one to balm their wounds. He urged them to come up with infused spirit to check the menace of corruption, which is responsible for many other social evils. Elucidating on the deteriorating environment and mounting global warming, Mr. Singh emphasized the need for coordinated efforts for conservation of forests and proper management of water resources. Asserting that prevention is the only remedy for AIDS, he said that HIV infected patients should not be ostracized by the society but rather loved and cared to boost their morale. He said that since AIDS is spreading at an alarming rate, it is imperative that we dispel the myths regarding the disease through such innovative camps. On the occasion, the NSS volunteers presented a colourful cultural bonanza, which enthralled the audience. Experts from various NGOs and other social organisations also delivered informative lectures on issues like tips for healthy and prosperous living. Describing youth as a potent force to fight the impending challenges of the globalized era, Prof K L Bhatia, HoD Law Department, urged them to constructively contribute for the development of the society. Prof Bhatia presented a memento to the Education Minister and hailed his role as an ex-student of the department in the curriculum activities. Prof V K Kapoor presented vote of thanks.
Roop Nagar people meet Mula Ram Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 5: A deputation of Roop Nagar residents led by Mr N K Sharma, general secretary of JDA Housing Colony Welfare Association, Roop Nagar, met Mr Mula Ram, Social Welfare Minister and apprised him of the problems faced by them. As per a release the problems and demands projected pertained to water supply, repair of inner roads, provision of street lights and providing a piece of land near Aap Shamboo temple for construction of water tank and sheds and water taps for the use of residents after performing last rites of their near and dears. They told the Minister that Vice Chairman, JDA had agreed in principle to allot some piece of land but has shown the problem of funds coming in the way of carrying out all these works. The Minister told the residents that funds will not stand in the way of carrying out these works and promised to get these completed by ending March 31, 2003. PWD CE tours Mahore areas Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 5: Chief Engineer PWD (R&B) Mr A S Wazir accompanied by executive engineer R&B Mahore Division, Mr Sherpuri and XEn R&B Reasi Mr S K Wattali, conducted an exhaustive tour of Mahore and its interiors in the District . As per a press release the team inspected various developmental works in villages Saldar, Mahore town, Thuroo and Dharmari. Taking stock of the developmental works going on in the area the Chief Engineer directed the officers to speed up pace of works. Instructions were also issued to accelerate pace of work on Malai Passi, a crucial bottle neck on Mahore-Arnas road. Augmentation of more resources to speed up work of improvement of Mahore Bazars was also directed. At Mahore, the Chief Engineer had detailed discussions with regard to development works with Mr Malik, MLA Gool, and met with deputations and prominent persons. He also met deputations at Arnas. Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 5: Annual general meeting of J&K Regional branch of Indian Institute of Public Administration elected office bearers for the year 2003. Mr H H Tayabji, chairman, J&K Public Service Commission and a life member of IIPA acted as returning officer. The Office bearers included Messrs J A Khan IAS as chairman, Ram Sahai, Prof Khurshid Ali and S D Swatantra IFS as vice chairmen, Jammu, Kashmir and Central respectively, Dr Ashok Bhan IPS as honorary secretary Tejinder Singh as honorary treasurer, Prof Keshav Sharma, Dr G N Qasba and C M Seth as joint secretaries, Jammu, Kashmir and Central respectively Sat Pal Sahni as Director seminars and Prof S K Sharma, Joint Director seminars. The executive committee members for the year 2003 are Messrs P P Sharma, Prof Ashok Aima, Bashir Ahmed, Swami Raj Sharma, G J Nehvi, Madan Dogra, Vikram Gour, M N Sehgal, S K Gupta, K L Wali, Vikrant Kuthiala, Farooq Ahmed, Maj Gen (Retd) B N Dhar, G H Kaloo, A M Watali, A G Khan, Dr Noor Ahmed Baba, R D Tiwari IFS, A K Singh IFS, O P Sharma, Prof Rekha Choudhary, Dr Neelu Rohmetra, Dr Pawan Kotwal, A C Chaturvedi, Prof R D Sharma, Qazi Shabir Ahmed, D L Nagpal, A Q Manhas, B L Suri, Prof Mehrajuddin and Shafqat Bukhari. Speedy development of all sections high on Govt agenda: Mula Ram Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 5: The Minister for Social Welfare, Mr Mula Ram has emphasized that equal opportunities of all round development for all sections of the society is high on the agenda of the coalition Government and said that common minimum programme is aimed at streamlining the whole system and lead the state to new heights of progress Addressing a series of public meetings in Raipur-Domana constituency today, the Minister said that people have voted for a change to maintain peace and law and order, besides speeding up development process which had suffered due to wrong policies and mis-governance of the previous Government. He said to provide immediate relief to the people, Government has taken in hand a number of welfare schemes to minimize their hardships. These include enhancement of pension for senior citizens, widows and handicapped. The assistance will now be made available to the beneficiaries at their doorsteps through money orders to avoid inconvenience to them. Handicapped will get life long pension or till they get job in Government or private sector. Power curtailment has also been reduced from 9 hours to 4 and a half hours, he added. Mr Mula Ram said that Panchayat Act will be amended to empower the panchayats so that democratic institutions could work properly at the grass root level to minimize the sufferings of the people in rural areas. The Minister also sanctioned Rs one lakh for improvement of infrastructure at Government High School, Paloura. He said anti-national and anti-social forces have tried to disintegrate the unity and integrity of the country as well as Jammu and Kashmir by spreading communal hatred and infiltrating terrorists from across the border, but the vigilant people of the State have foiled every attempt of the enemy. Responding to the local demands, the Minister said that a number of development schemes have already been initiated in Paloura, Thathar and Raipur areas for which about Rs. 20 lakh have been kept apart to complete these works at the earliest. The works include construction of Dhok road, Patoli Mangotrian road, black topping of link road, construction of culvert in Paloura and repair of school buildings, improvement of drinking water supply, connectivity of Narthdani road with Raipur road and completion of half km road leading to local school in Raipur area. Senior officers of Revenue, PWD, PHE, UEED and PDD besides local sarpanches, panchs and prominent citizens were present on the occasion. Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 5: State Mobile Teachers Association in a meeting under the presidentship of Ch Liaqat Ali, appealed the Education Minister to redress their genuine grievances. As per a press release Ch Liaqat Ali demanded that eligible qualified teachers be given promotion in Master Grade and appealed for fulfillment of the commitments made in the State Advisory Board meeting for improving the condition of mobile schools by providing them with additional teachers, supply of tents and furniture like chair and black boards. He also demanded that carriage charges for migration should be released so that schools could be shifted properly. He also called for immediate release of 3 percent DA instalment due from July last year on Lohri festival. SYA leader appeals people to participate in Nagar Kirtan Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 5: S Parveen Singh Raina, chairman, Sikh Youth Asociation has appealed the people to join the Nagar Kirtan procession to be held on January 6, which is being organized by District Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Jammu. As per a release Mr Raina has greeted the people on the occasion of Birth Anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj and urged them to follow the path as shown by the great Guru. JKNPP MLA tours Chenani areas Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 5: Mr Faqir Nath, MLA JKNPP, conducted a tour of Chenani, Sudh Mahadev, Seera, Latti Dhoona and Jakhed-Dudu areas of his constituency. As per a press release at all the places Mr Faqir Nath assured the people to get their grievances mitigated on priority basis. Others who accompanied the MLA included Messrs Daljit Singh, G M Shan, Suresh Gupta, Bahadur Singh, Jagdev Singh and Kuldeep Singh This winter is not that
cruel in Valley From Aijaz Hussain SRINAGAR, Jan 5: Two years ago, local IAS officer Asgar Samoon had created ripples in the state’s politico-bureaucratic echelons when he was appointed as Director of Food & Supplies in Kashmir. He had publicly alleged in a Radio Kashmir programme that only those who failed to grease the palms of ministers were being dumped in "dried up" departments like his. He was penalised with suspension and reinstated only after a powerful IAS lobby came to his rescue. Last month, Abdul Hameed Allaqaband, didn’t lose a minute and he ran to quietly join the new place of posting, which the ebullient Dard had cursed—but embraced on his reinstatement. Abdul Hameed, otherwise known for his proximity to Sheikh Abdullah’s family, is gleefully content with his new posting as his "well wishers" in media and bureaucracy had since dumped him in the new Government’s dustbin. But getting his appointment as Head of Department in Food & Supplies is not the only thing behind his contentment. He is returning to this department at a time when rice and atta is adequately available in the Valley, consumers don’t have to be in long queues to get their LPG refills and the kerosene oil is available with little overcharge in the ‘black market’. Though the rates of kerosene oil have been fixed at Rs 10.00 per litre, it is ubiquitously sold in Srinagar’s black markets at Rs 14.00 a litre. In distant countryside, rates vary between Rs 15.00 and Rs 22.00. Notwithstanding an extremely assertive official manning the chair of Kashmir’s Divisional Commissioner, authorities have either failed or shown little will to crush sale of kerosene oil in black market. A nexus between officials of Deputy Commissioner’s Office in all districts, Food & Supplies Department and the kerosene oil dealers has been left intact by Dr Farooq Abdullah’s much-publicised Vigilance Organisation. As regards the sale and circulation of rice, most of the people— particularly in rural areas— complain that some of the employees of Food and Supplies Department (F&S) sell good quality food grains in black market. They assert that only low quality stuff, most of the times putrid, is available at the Valley’s ration depots. "As far as stocks are concerned, there is no problem. But, the stocks available at the ration ghats happen to be of very low quality. Bugs, insects, weed seeds add to its weight and quality," remarks Mohammad Yousf of Wanbal, a village on Old Airport road, in Srinagar outskirts. He says that, the grey area remains the distribution of kerosene and sugar supplies. "We have been seeing that instead of distributing the kerosene and sugar according to ration tickets, most of munshis at ration ghats sell it in black. The genuine card holders have to wait for weeks while for hoteliers, shopkeepers and, dealers of these products, it is home delivery system," laments Farooq Ahmed of down town locality of Khanyar. He also narrates how some employees of the Department would send "direct" supplies to particular shopkeepers in his area. However, the real problem of stocks is in winter season as the consumption of some products, especially kerosene oil and rice increases. The Valley has seen "artificial scarcity" of these products a many times. Especially, the residents of border areas of north Kashmir like Machil, Karnah, Gurez, and Keran are faced with lot of problems in winters as the road transportation becomes very difficult from October-November for almost five months. However, Abdul Hamid informs that the Government has stocks sufficient for almost two months. "There will be no crisis at least for two months of winter as we have enough stocks and the FCCI too has been generous" he told EXCELSIOR. He outrightly rejected the allegations that, poor quality food was available at the ration depots and pointed out that there was no artificial scarcity of stocks. "Border areas too have sufficient ration dumps to face any sort of problem vis-à-vis availability of essentials," he added. While giving details, the Food & Supplies Public Relations Officer (PRO) said the Department had sufficient stocks for the current winter season. "The F&S (till December 25 last year) has 31,756 metric tonnes of rice, 3,675 metric tones of sugar while as wheat and atta (flour) stocks are upto 4,553 metric tonnes in the central and district godowns," he informs. Similarly there are 2,802 kilo litres of kerosene, 824 kilo litres of petrol and 4,092 kilo litres of diesel. Instead of 12 litres per ration card, the consumers would lift 13 litres of kerosene oil per domestic unit from this month onwards. About the stocks available in border areas, the PRO said that the Department has already dumped 60,000 litres of kerosene in Karnah, 3000 litres in Machil, and 48,000 litres in Gurez-Tulel border belt. Long queues outside ration depots, which were seen until recently, have vanished in the capital city and elsewhere. "I have been visiting the ration ghat of my area for the last 15 years now. Until few years back, there used to be serpentine queues of consumers at the ration kiosks, which have disappeared now", says middle aged Hajira of Lawaypora. She observed that previously almost every household in her village used to get rations from the ration depot. "Now, it is a different story. People prefer to buy these essentials from market to avoid wasting several hours in long queues," adds she. A school teacher, Shabir Ahmed of the same area recalls that the downward trend in F&S clientele began when the department substituted the mota chawal (the preferred quality in Kashmir) with Basmati. "Basmati may be cherished by people as a delicacy once in a while but cannot substitute for the staple diet. And then the rates too were not at much variance from those offered by the private dealers. Once the people began looking towards the open market, they never turned back. Points out a lecturer of the Post Graduate Department of Economics at the University of Kashmir: "In an age driven by the market dynamics, why should people turn to the Public Distribution System (PDS) when open market offers them better quality rice and flour and that too on highly competitive rates?" He argues that people don’t have to waste time or plead with the employees to favour them with the better stuff. "Local grocers sell their merchandise with credit facility which in not possible in case of the PDS supplies" adds he. "Yes, off-take of the items at ration depots has dropped and there is little demand now. It has so many reasons. For example, due to the improvement in power supply, coupled with adequate availability of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), kerosene oil sales have dwindled considerably, " explains Hameed. He observes a positive contrast between two of his own tenures in the F&S Department. In ‘80s, Hameed had served as Deputy Director in the same department. Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 5: Though she defined late Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah as a great visionary, vice president of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Ms Mehbooba Mufti shifted all blames on Sher-e-Kashmir for the prevailing militancy and bloodshed in the State. " It was all due to the efforts of the Sher-e-Kashmir that autocratic rule of Maharaja came to an end, but Sheikh Sahib never was clear in his stand on the accession’of Jammu and Kashmir with the Indian Union", she maintained, stating that "in his entire political life Sheikh Sahib repeatedly changed his stand on this emotive issue which resulted in confusion among people". While addressing prominent leaders of Darhal who have joined PDP under the leadership of Choudhary Zulafkar Ali, Ms Mufti said "Sheikh Sahib’s continuously changing and contradictory stand on the issue of accession gave an impression in the minds of younger generations that this issue had not been settled". In an obvious reference to the formation of Plebiscite Front by the then National Conference leader, PDP vice-president lamented that instead of clearing his stand Sheikh Abdullah always created confusion among masses on this issue. She, however, praised Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah for having been a true secularist, who successfully led the people to do away with the Maharaja’s autocratic. Welcoming Zulafkar Ali in the party, Ms Mufti said that PDP was a movement with sole aim to change fate of the residents of Jammu and Kashmir. "We formed this political party three years back with an aim to mitigate miseries of masses as wrong policies of the previous regimes have increased woes of people manifold", she said, adding, "new coalition Government headed by Mufti Mohammed Sayeed is committed to ameliorating the lot of the masses". "Though providing basic amenities is essential, restoration of peace with dignity is on the top of the agenda of the new Government", she said and sought cooperation of the people in this regard. "Government alone cannot bring about peace", she argued, adding, "people’s cooperation and support is a must to change the system". PDP leader asked the people to shoulder their responsibilities. Exhorting people to cooperate with the new Government to change the corrupt system, she said,"State is passing through crucial juncture and it is essential to unitedly face the challenge". "Though coalition Government has been assiduously trying to eradicate menace of corruption yet people’s cooperation is must to remove this evil", she said and warned corrupt officers that they would not be spared at any cost. She dubbed corrupt officers as parasite who have been eating very vital of the society. Ms Mufti said that recently held Assembly elections have thrown a bright opportunity. "We have to avail this opportunity", she stressed while cautioning that any wrong step would prove disastrous. Without naming former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah and his son Mr Omar Abdullah for constructing palatial house at Bhithindhi, Ms Mufti said, "neither we are interested in construction big bungalows nor we have to amass wealth . Our only aim is to mitigate miseries of the masses". With an obvious attack on Omar Abdullah for his love for dogs, Ms Mufti said, "we have take up this job to wipe out tears of the people not to purchase cars for dogs". Earlier welcoming Mr Zulafkar Ali and his supporters in the party fold, Ms Mufti exhorted them to work unitedly with the party cadre to strengthen the PDP at grass-root level. Zulafkar’s joining PDP has been considered as big catch for the party. Son of veteran National Conference leader and former Minister late Choudhary Mohammed Hussain, Mr Zulafkar unsuccessfully contested last Assembly elections but he secured nearly about 10,000 votes. With the joining of Zulafkar into the PDP, the entire unit of the National Conference in Darhal constituency has been dissolved. Along with Zulafkar two senior district vice-presidents and two block presidents of the National Conference have also joined the PDP. Prominent among those who joined PDP included Raja Munshi Alam Din, and Khawaja Mohammed Shafi Malik, district vice-presidents of NC Rajouri, Choudhary Mir Hussain, block president NC Budhal, Shabir Ahmed block president Nagrota. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Zulifkar made it clear that he has taken decision to join PDP all due to the policies of the party. He said that ‘healing touch’ policy propagated by the Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed was need of the hour. He said that his only aim was to serve the people and to mitigate miseries of backward and neglected people, who have been facing hardship due to the wrong policies of the National Conference. Rajya Sabha member, Mr Trilok Singh Bajwa, general secretary, Master Tassadiq Hussain, general secretary, Mr Ved Mahajan, MLA and Mahila wing president, Mrs Shanti Devi, vice-president of youth wing, Mr Ashok Sharma, secretary, Mr Ashiq Hussain, Mr Falail Singh and other leaders including those who joined PDP also addressed the gathering. Relentless meddling by
Pakistan By B L Kak JAMMU: The feeling that Al-Qaeda operatives are present in Jammu and Kashmir is, significantly, being expressed by the security and intelligence specialists these days. This feeling, obviously, is the product of the choice of operations employed by dreaded ultras in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, after the installation of a new Government in the State. A study conducted by some experts, drawn from the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and Military Intelligence (MI), has found a similarity in the operations of the Taliban in Afghanistan and the ones carried out by Islamic rebels in J&K in recent weeks. It was on the basis of the study, or "field investigation" in official parlance, that the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr LK Advani, was left with no option but to highlight the need for unity of action and of purpose between the Centre and the J&K Government headed by Mufti Mohammed Sayeed on the crucial issue of tackling militancy and terrorism in the troubled State. The passage of Al-Qaeda operatives or Taliban modules—their number is not known—into unknown pockets of Jammu and Kashmir became the topic of discussion at official level in New Delhi as well as in Jammu recently. This exercise was followed by the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee’s significant forecast on one day and equally significant accusation on another day. Mr Vajpayee’s forecast: The campaign of jehadi terrorism is doomed to fail. And his accusation: Gen Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan is adopting a double standard on the Kashmir issue. The Prime Minister, in fact, sought to convey that Gen Musharraf, while insisting on the need for restoring Indo-Pakistan dialogue,continued to support the export of jehadi culture to Jammu and Kashmir. This jehadi culture also has operatives of Al-Qaeda and Taliban as its important ingredient. That this fact has also been acknowledged by the United States of America (USA) is clearly borne out by the ongoing feud between Washington and Islamabad. Precisely, it was on the first working day of the year 2003 that sharp differences between the two sides surfaced on the Afghan border with Pakistan. The feud of such an alarming nature that the US forces were compelled to bomb Pakistani forces inside Pakistan. The incident occurred after a Pakistani scout shot at an American soldier during a joint operation against Al-Qaeda. After the Pak scout shot at the US soldier, he, as revealed by media reports, sought shelter in a madrassa in Pakistan. And if these reports were to be believed, the US forces bombed the madrassa after they were denied access to the Pak scout. ‘Don’t mess with us’, was the apparent message from the US forces present on the Pakistani soil as part of their war against terrorism. And a not-so-veiled threat from America that it could also choose the hot pursuit option against Pakistani intruders into Afghanistan. Gen Musharraf’s woes seem to have been compounded by the religious right in his country. The religious right-controlled legislature of the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) of Pakistan had to adopt strongly-worded resolution against the United States. All this, significantly, at a time when the US has described as a "serious security threat" the regrouping of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda in the tribal areas of Pakistan and their forays into Afghan territory. That NWFP Government is sympathetic to the Taliban and Al-Qaeda only makes matters worse. On the other hand, Pakistan has been found chary of India’s ties with Kabul. Two important developments are worth taking note of. First,Afghanistan rises again from the wreckage of relentless meddling by Pakistan. Second is indiscriminate funding of Wahabi Islam by Saudi Arabia and Iran’s attempts to counter the tide. India was marginally in the picture when Afghanistan was under the Taliban rule. However, after Afghanistan became a viable member of the world community following the ouster of the Taliban regime, India seemed interested in playing a role in consonance with its interests. Little wonder that New Delhi started giving Kabul humanitarian aid, having spent 35 million dollars of its total commitment of 100 million dollars, and rapidly winning friends and influencing people. This phenomenon has disappointed Islamabad, which wouldn’t like New Delhi to influence people across Afghanistan. Has Islamabad assessed the reason or logic behind the "nervousness" of Afghanistan’s President, Mr Hamid Karzai? There is evidence to suggest that Mr Karzai is nervous about the Pakistanis getting all hot under the collar because India is still too visible in Afghanistan’s landscape. And Mr Karzai does not support Pakistan’s virulent anti-India propaganda. |
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