Kathua to be developed on pattern of Ludhiana: Mufti
Our 4 months rule better than NC’s 6 years: Azad

Kathua, Mar 2: Saying that the coalition Government would dispense justice to all areas in all matters and remove injustices of the past, Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today announced that Kathua would be developed as an industrial area on the pattern of Ludhiana.

He was addressing a largely attended public meeting at Ram Leela ground here this afternoon to hand-over appointment letters to 22 next of kin of victims of militancy. These cases pertained to the killings by militants from 1994 to 2002.

Despite rains and dripping Shamianas and high velocity winds sweeping the area, people in large numbers listened to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Mr Mangat Ram Sharma and Pradesh Congress Committee president, Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad and other leaders with rapt attention and patiently.

Mufti Sayeed said that Kathua, the gateway of Jammu and Kashmir, has vast potential for industrialization and his Government would make it another Ludhiana. He said that the Government is giving new orientation to its development and industrial policies and make it a pre-condition to engage the local youth in the projects being set up in the State. "When we have a large number of qualified and talented youth what is the need to bring human resource from outside the State for the industrial projects," he asked.

The Chief Minister said that NHPC and other executing agencies in power sector have been told to stop bringing human resource from outside the State and give preference to the local youth. "The requirement of skilled labour would be met locally and if needed the industry-oriented courses would be introduced in technical institutions for producing trained youth," he said and added that the Punjab Government has been asked to give due share to Jammu and Kashmir in employment in Thein dam as per the agreement.

The Chief Minister said that the National Conference Government had signed an MoU with the Centre giving an undertaking not to make recruitment and increase the wage bill which has already sky-rocketed. He said the Government with its present fiscal condition can not afford to increase its wage bill. Instead the Government would provide avenues of employment in other sectors like education, police, defence forces and central Government establishments, he added.

Announcing that Lakhanpur would be developed as a befitting gateway to the State, the Chief Minister said that the toll plaza would be fully computerized with provision for recreational facilities. An emporium would also be set up to ensure marketing of the products of local artisans. He said Basholi’s pashmina shawls, Kathua’s Bamboo furniture and sports products can fetch good income if these are marketed properly. He said the sports industry has a great potential of growth as we have the monopoly over willow clefts. He said we would like industrialists from outside the State to come and set up units at Kathua and manufacture quality cricket bats that would generate lot of employment and income for our people. The present clandestine system of sending semi-finished willow clefts to Jallandhar and Meerut would be checked, he added.

Referring to the demand for rehabilitation of people frequently uprooted by shelling from across the border, the Chief Minister said that over 700 kanals of land have been identified by the administration for rehabilitation of 2300 families living along the International Border.

Saying that there will be no Bandar Baant of Government jobs, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said that even the Chief Minister would not have any say in the recruitments. The recruitment process, he said would be institutionalized and only the people with merit will get the jobs. Every area would get its due share I Government jobs. He said Government is thinking of taking recruitment to block level, adding that he is not in a habit of making false promises.

Referring to the civic conditions in Kathua, the Chief Minister said that Kathua will soon have municipality. The drainage and other related civic amenities would improve. The problems of water, roads etc would also be properly attended to, he said.

Mufti Sayeed complimented the efforts of Health Minister, Ch. Lal Singh in improving the services in the hospitals and said that his firm and strict enforcement of discipline have started showing improvement in health institutions.

On the demand for three colleges in the district, the Chief Minister said that each college costs around Rs. 6 to Rs. 7 crore and it is not possible to sanction all the three colleges in one go. Assuring to do justice with this demand, he said that these can be considered in a phased manner.

Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad, MP and Chairman, Coordination Committee of the coalition Government said that the coalition Government has given new direction to solve the problems of people and complimented Mufti Mohammad Sayeed for taking so many people-friendly and welfare steps during the last four months.

He said the multi-party coalition Government is very successfully functioning and has set an example all over the country. He said it has done so much work in four months which the previous one-party National Conference Government could not do in six years. He listed several welfare and people friendly measures taken by the present Government for the State. Kins of 22 victims of terrorist violence got jobs today and asked why the previous Government could not do so in six years and added that they had no time for such things. Similarly, relief has been provided to disabled, widows, senior citizens and border migrants. Ladakh regions grievances were removed and process of equitable treatment to all regions in matter of development and decision making institutionlised. He said if the coalition Government continues to work with same speed and commitment, it will be able to do as much for the people in six years which the NC Government failed to do in 27 years.

Mr Azad also thanked Mufti Government for implementing all the recommendations of the coordination committee and said that the Government has recommended inclusion of Dogri in the 8th schedule of the constitution of India.

Deputy Chief Minister Mr Mangat Ram Sharma exuded confidence that the coalition Government would succeed in tackling militancy and restoring lasting peace with the cooperation of the people. He said all the three regions of the State would be provided equal opportunities of progress to steer the State to new heights of prosperity.

Prof. Bhim Singh, Panthers Party chief and member coordination committee of the coalition Government said that Government’s better functioning has enlarged its support base in all the areas. He said this Government is committed and working for dispensing justice to all.

Health and Medical Education Minister Ch. Lal Singh urged the Chief Minister to look into the all compassionate appointment cases left-over due to some legal hitch in Kathua district so that the militancy affected families get the healing touch. He said the coalition Government has kept open its eyes and ears to respond and solve the problems of the people.

Mr Prem Sagar Aziz, MLA Bani lauded the coalition Government for taking important steps like improving power supply, raising recruitment age and disbursement of pension to the senior citizens, widows and orphans at their door-step through money orders.

Mr Jatinder Singh alias Babu Singh, MLA, Kathua said that the entire ‘face’ of the coalition Government present at Kathua today demonstrates the earnestness of the Government to solve the problems of people. He thanked the Chief Minister for providing Rs. 1 crore for improvement of Kathua district hospital and Rs.40 lakh for augmenting drinking water supply.

Dr. Manohar Lal, MLA Billawar demanded launching of Rehbar-i-Zirat scheme on the pattern of Rehbar-e-Taleem and demanded opening of a degree college at Billawar.

Mr Girdhari Lal, MLA, Hiranagar raised the problems of the border migrants and said that shelters should be constructed expeditiously.

Earlier, the Chief Minister handed over appointment letters to 22 next of kin of persons killed by militants in district Kathua. Among the beneficiaries of SRO-43 case, are Mr Kamal Kumar of Chhan Rorian in tehsil Hiranagar whose father Sat Pal was killed in a bomb blast at Satwari on July 16,1994. He has been appointed laboratory bearer in Government Higher Secondary School, Kathua. Mr Kamal had almost lost hope of getting any job after waiting for over 8 years. It was only after Mufti Government initiated healing touch policy, his family’s hopes were revived and today the dream has come true. Veena Devi wife of slain Ashok Kumar of Gobindsar, Kathua has got a job of nursing orderly. Her husband was a constable in BSF who died in a militant attack in Bandipora on July 7,2002. Her eyes turned wet when she got the appointment letter, but her determination to face the challenges without her husband got strengthened today. She said that she would prepare both her sons to join security forces on the footsteps of their martyred father and fight militancy. The loss of family’s sole bread earner did not deter her to carry forward the mission of her martyred husband.

I have special reason to be grateful to the Chief Minister as job will help me in fulfilling the responsibilities of marrying my elder daughter, Isha Rani, an other SRO 43 appointee said and narrated that her husband Raj Kumar driver in police department, left family’s responsibilities unfulfilled when he was martyred by militants in Anantnag district on May 15,2002. She said nobody could compensate the loss of her husband but this compassion shown by the Chief Minster to unfortunate people like here would definitely go a long way in supporting the family of two sons and two daughters.

Similar sentiments were echoed by others. Everyone felt indebted to the Government for giving them jobs expeditiously. Some said it appears that Mufti has come for us only.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister distributed cheques of Rs.500/- each as monthly pension to five widows whose husbands were killed in militancy related incidents.

The Chief Minister also distributed cash assistance of Rs.10,000 and Rs.5,000 to 14 widows whose primary bread earners died in accidents and natural death. This money is given under national family benefit scheme by the social welfare department.

Minister of State for Industries, Mr Raman Matoo and Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Mr Anil Goswami were also present on the occasion.

Infiltration bid foiled
Two militants killed in Mendhar sector

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 2: Army today foiled an infiltration attempt on the Line of Control (LoC) in Mendhar sector in Poonch district killing two foreign mercenaries and effecting recovery of a huge quantity of weaponry. Other militants managed to escape during the gun-battle.

Official sources said the troops observed movement of a group of militants along the LoC when they were trying to infiltrate into Indian territory in Mendhar sector in wee hours of this morning. As the militants came within the firing range, the security personnel challenged them and asked them to surrender.

This resulted into an encounter that continued for more than two hours. Two militants were killed in the encounter, the sources said, adding their other associates, whose number was stated to be between three and five, escaped. Troops continued a hunt for the fleeing ultras but they remained untraced till late this evening.

Bad weather hampered the search operation. No casualties were reported on the security forces side, the sources said.

They said bodies of the slain militants have been recovered from the scene of encounter. One of them was identified as Khadim Hussain, a Pakistani while identity of his associate couldn’t be ascertained. Recoveries made from the scene of encounter included one AK rifle with one magazine, 30 rounds, one Pika gun and 200 ammunition.

Meanwhile, the militants have burnt 17 seasonal huts at village Chapridhar under jurisdiction of Gool police station in Udhampur district. No one was putting up in the huts when the militants burnt them, the sources said.

Militant also burnt the house of a civilian Barquat Hussain son of Raj Mohd at village Chemyaw in Poonch last night. Family members of Barquat Hussain were sleeping in another house and survived. However, all household items were burnt in the house.

Talks opportunity should not be missed: Saxena

NEW DELHI, Mar 2: Asking the separatists to fall in line and avail the opportunity offered by appointment of former Home Secretary N N Vohra as interlocutor, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Girish Chander Saxena today warned that people would not spare "any such element" who opposed the restoration of peace in the State.

"People are closely monitoring the stands of various separatist groups and political parties. Anyone working against the wishes of the people would be wiped out of the State politics as people are eagerly looking for all avenues for peace," Saxena, who is in the capital, told PTI in an interview.

The Governor was answering questions about the recent move of the Centre to appoint Vohra as the new interlocutor for holding talks with the MLAs and groups, opposed to violence.

To a question as to what could be his advice to separtists about holding talks with Vohra, Saxena said "well, I have nothing to tell them. It is for them to guage the mood of the people who have been vying for peace now."

Asked whether the timing of the appointment of Vohra was right, Saxena laughed and said "decisions like his appointment are taken after a due consideration and I am sure that something will come up."

Saxena, who has served as Governor in the State for little over seven years in two separate stints, was optimistic about end to militancy situation saying "things were moving in a positive direction."

"However, we are not complacent about the situation and are keeping a close tab on the situation. So far as militancy is considered, we are having an edge and things were moving in a positive direction," he said.

The Governor said the situation was being closely monitored and "as things unfolded, we are also changing our strategy to defeat all nefarious designs of anti-national elements."

The Governor, who is a former chief of Research and Analysis Wing, said there was a concerted effort by the State and para-military forces to isolate the militants from the general public. (PTI)

Jammu-Srinagar highway closed
Fresh snowfall cripples life

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 2: One person was killed in a house collapse in Ramban section of Jammu region late night on Saturday as due to snow storm and landslides.

About 20 other houses also collapsed due to heavy downpour. One hotel—Amar Plaza—suffered extensive damage as landslide virtually shook its ground floor.

On the receipt of the information, a police team swung into action and got the occupants of the hotel evacuated with the help of men of Border Road Organisation (BRO).

The affected areas in Ramban section also witnessed migration of about 20 families after their residential premises became unsafe.

Official sources told EXCELSIOR that a series of landslides had occurred in the Ramban area due to lashing rains and snowfall overnight resulting in the collapse of around 20 houses in Kot Bagh area opposite Ramban Check Post.

Due to the apprehension of collapse of their houses the occupants of all these houses could not asleep whole night and before their houses could cave in they managed to escape. But one Prem Singh, son of Charan Dass trapped in the house collapse and died on spot.

Later, all the families migrated from Kot Bagh area and approached the authorities concerned for the help. Even Additional Deputy Commissioner Farooq Ahmed Khan and SP Ramban Dinesh Rana visited the spot to assess the damage caused by the heavy rains.

On the instruction of Additional Deputy Commissioner, all the 20 migrated families were put up in Higher Secondary School and community hall at Ramban.

According to these sources, worst-ever landslides had taken place in the Ramban area and due to the multiple landslides the stretch of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway at Ramban has also suffered extensive damage.

SP Traffic National Highway Sheikh Shakeel Ahmed told EXCELSIOR this evening that the complete removal of landslide from the road at Ramban will take about 10 days and added that the BRO and Traffic Police had decided to make temporary arrangement on this stretch of the highway for free flow of the traffic.

"We cannot stop the traffic on NH1A for 10 days so we will remove the landslide only after making alternate arrangement", he said and added that though BRO personnel were making all efforts to clear the highway, yet due to continuous rainfall and fresh landslides the situation remained grim.

Moreover, new route to Darbar of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine from Adhkuwari was also closed for the pilgrims due to fresh multiple landslides.

According to reports from Kashmir, the fresh heavy snowfall coupled with submerged roads, total failure of power and skeleton transport service threw life out of gear.

Kashmir valley was cut off from the rest of the country following the closure of 300-km-long Srinagar-Jammu national highway due to snowfall and landslides.

The Srinagar city and its adjoining areas experienced season’s second heavy snowfall since early this morning. People woke up this morning to find that the entire city had turned white with all electric poles, roofs, tree tops and roads covered under about half a feet of snow.

The snowfall caused total power failure as electric lines, which were damaged and subsequently repaired after first snowfall in mid February, again collapsed.

Though the district administration has pressed into service snow clearance machines at some selected routes, most roads, including Natipora to Nowgam leading to the residence of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed remained under snow.

People at several places took to streets in protest against total failure of drainage system and worst condition of roads. The demonstrators demanded an inquiry into the construction of roads and drains in these areas.

Despite claiming to have spent millions of rupees from the Member of Assembly and Member of Parliament Constituency Fund besides loan taken from the NABARD for the constructions of drains and roads by the authorities nothing is visible on the ground, they alleged and demanded a thorough probe.

The world famous Ski resort of Gulmarg and Khilanmarg experienced fresh snowfall since last evening. The tourist spots of Pahalgam, Deksum, Yusmarg, Ahrabal, Shopian, Achabal, Kokernag also experienced heavy snowfall. The holy Amarnath cave, Sheshnag, Panjtherni, Mahaguns and Pisso Top also had the season’s second heaviest snowfall.

Reports of heavy snowfall was also received from border areas of Keran, Karnah, Machil, Tangdhar and Nowgam besides Kupwara and Baramulla.

The Zojila Pass, the highest point on the 434-km-long Srinagar-Leh national highway, which was closed for six winter months in November last year, also experienced more than two feet of fresh snowfall.

Indo-Pak disputes at conclave
Imran proposes, Omar disposes

NEW DELHI, Mar 2: President of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and former Union Minister, Omar Abdullah, has turned down the idea of Pakistan-cricketer-turned politician, Imran Khan, favouring ‘neutral umpires’ for resolving the outstanding disputes between India and Pakistan.

On Imran Khan’s emphasis on the India-Pakistan talks, Omar Abdullah said: "Talks for talks sake will lead us nowhere. When we are prepared to talk, we should ensure that public opinion is solidly behind us".

Imran and Omar Abdullah were participating here in the India Today conclave. "It is important for the leaders to begin talks. If the mistrust between the two is too much, then let us agree on bringing in neutral umpires like Nelson Mandela to mediate", Imran Khan maintained.

Disagreeing with Khan, Omar said amidst applause: "Mediators or no mediators, let us agree that it is us who have to solve all issues bilaterally. When we are prepared, then there is no role for mediators to play".

Khan who heads Pakistan’s Tehreek Insaf Party, said that he was not averse to having the matters settled at the International Criminal Court and added: "We have to look forward for avenues of development even during conflict situations".

Khan regretted that an international body like the United Nations was unable to help in resolving the disputes between India and Pakistan.

"I wish the UN could have come to the rescue of the people of the two countries and successfully waded them away from the air of mistrust prevailing for quite sometime", Khan said.

However, both the leaders agreed that implementation of the UN resolution on Kashmir would be problematic as a large part of the State was under the ‘illegal’ occupation of China.

Asked whether talks between the two countries should be started on other issues before moving on to Kashmir, Khan said: "I don’t mind that. Confidence-building measures have to begin".

Abdullah said that any talks between the two countries should be kept away from media glare and things should be made public only when something tangible is achieved. (PTI)

Dhumal resigns

SHIMLA, Mar 2: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal has resigned following debacle of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in the February 26 Assembly elections in the State.

The Chief Minister submitted his resignation to Governor Suraj Bhan who asked him to continue till the formation of the new Government, official sources said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party, which received severe drubbing at the hustings, could manage only 16 seats against the 40 seats won by the Congress which secured absolute majority in the 68-member Assembly. The elections were held for only 65 seats and the polling was postponed to June 8 in three tribal Assembly constituencies of Lahaul-Spiti (ST), Kinnaur (ST), and Bharmour (ST).

Mr Dhumal said he accepted verdict of the people with humility and the BJP would perform a constructive role in the interest of people of the State and its development.

Prof Dhumal said his Government had tried its best to serve the people of the State with utmost devotion during the last five years and the BJP would continue to do so in the future.

Meanwhile, meeting of Congress legislature party has been called here on March 4 next to elect its leader by "consensus". Both state Congress president Vidya Stokes and party leader Virbhadra Singh are front-runners for the post of Chief Minister. (UNI)

Diwali-II not Govtsponsored: Omar

NEW DELHI, Mar 2: The last night’s Diwali-II was an indicator of how much hurt Indians are about the continuing mistrust by Pakistan, says former Union Minister Omar Abdullah.

In reply to a question by a noted "intellectual" at the India Today conclave, Omar said "let me remind you, last night’s jubilation was neither Government sponsored nor by any political party’’.

"People spontaneously poured out into the streets and celebrated the win that did them proud," Omar said.

Questioner contended that this was not the general perception as people wanted that animosity should not creep into the game, Omar said "this is your perception and may be shared by a few more who sit and try to give sermons, better ask the people on the streets what this victory meant."

"We have defeated other countries. Even when we defeated England at Lords, such jubilation was not witnessed. Let us accept the fact that every Indian is proud of its cricketers for defeating Pakistan," Omar said. (PTI)

Jethmalani favours dialogue with Pak

RAIPUR, Mar 2: Former Union Law Minister Ram Jethmalani today spoke in favour of a dialogue with Pakistan for hammering out a solution to the Kashmir imbroglio.

"The Atal Behari Vajpayee Government’s stand against a dialogue is improper. None should adopt an adamant attitude in such matters. Concrete efforts are required to find a solution to the vexed issue," he told the press here.

Pointing out that the Kashmir Committee had tried to create an atmosphere conducive to a solution, the ‘legal eagle’ said, "the committee was successful in its effort to impress upon the Hurriyat not to adopt the path of militancy. Pakistan’s situation is weak and India must seize this opportunity."

Fielding a query on Ayodhya, Mr Jethmalani said, "both communities have to make efforts to resolve the dispute as keeping the issue alive is neither in the interest of the nation nor of society." (UNI)

Founder chief of BSF Rustamji passes away

MUMBAI, Mar 2: Founder Director General of Border Security Force (BSF) and assistant to first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru K S Rustamji passed away in Jaslok Hospital here today. He was 86.

Rustamji was undergoing treatment for his back injury and died in sleep at around 0400 hrs, family sources said. He is survived by his wife, son and daughter.

A member of the prestigious Indian Police Service (IPS), Rustamji was awarded with Padam Bhushan and Padam Vibhushan for his distinguished service.

He was an Inspector General in Madhya Pradesh Police before becoming the first chief of the BSF, founded in early 1960s. After retirement he had settled in the city. (UNI)

PM, DPM review BJP’s performance in 4 States

NEW DELHI, Mar 2: Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today attributed "organisational shortcomings" and infighting in BJP’s Himachal unit for the party’s defeat in the recent Assembly elections in the State.

"We should have fought unitedly. The people were angry with us and this was evident from the kind of response there was at the election meetings. Had we fought unitedly the results would have been different", Vajpayee said at a meeting of party leaders to analyse its poll performance in four states, specially in Himachal Pradesh.

He said the lack of enthusiasm among crowds at the election meetings in Himachal Pradesh showed that "the infighting message had reached down to the grassroot level", apparently referring to the differences between state BJP chief Shanta Kumar and Chief Minister P K Dhumal, and added this was a major cause of the party’s poll debacle in the state.

Vajpayee said though there were problems in both the major parties - BJP and Congress - but the open criticism of each other by BJP leaders was the major factor behind the party’s defeat in Himachal Pradesh.

He took strong exception to the reported remarks by Shanta Kumar that people are angry and unhappy with the performance of the State Government under BJP and said the party has sought an explanation from him.

Addressing the office bearers, Advani said the party could not overcome the anti-incumbency factor in Himachal Pradesh which can be done only by strengthening the organisation.

"The reason for the setback in Himachal Pradesh is very clear. It was because of the organisational health of the party with infighting being one of the major causes just as it happened in the Delhi Assembly elections.

"Anti-incumbency was a major factor for the defeat in Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections and infighting was the second reason," Advani said.

"We could not overcome the anti-incumbency factor which naturally comes with ruling Governments even though the performance of Dhumal Government was not bad. Besides, internal health of the organisation was also not upto the mark."

The Deputy Prime Minister felt that organisational factors had also been influential in the defeat in the hill State.

However, he observed that if it was anti-incumbency which had led to the defeat of the party in Himachal Pradesh, the Congress will be more severely affected in the Assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and Chattisgarh, where it is the ruling party.

"The performance of Congress in these four states would be a major factor in the next round of the electoral battle," he said.

"We can overcome the anti-incumbency factor and there is no need for the party to get demoralised," Advani said.

On the outcome of the polls in the three north-eastern states, Vajpayee said it was a hopeful signal for the party as it had earlier been "insignificant" in these states.

He said in Nagaland, the party had won eight seats and was part of a front which is almost on the verge of forming Government in the state.

The Prime Minister felt that had the party campaigned more vigorously in these states, it could have got more seats.

Advani said except in Himachal Pradesh, Congress had not got a majority in any of the three NE states with the party only marginally improving in Tripura where the Left front has returned to power.

Countering Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s claim that BJP’s defeat in Himachal was a defeat of Hindutva, party president Naidu said "if Congress wants to interpret this as defeat of Hindutva forces, then how will they interpret their defeat in Nagaland where BJP has won eight seats. After all, it is not the so-called Hindutva then does it mean minorityism."

Naidu asked Mahajan to go to Himachal Pradesh to oversee the election of the state legislature party leader, Pyarelal Khandelwal to Nagaland, V Satish to Meghalaya and Dharmendra Pradhan to Meghalaya.

Mahajan said the setback suffered by the party in Haidergarh and Gauriganj by-elections in Uttar Pradesh did not figure at the meeting.

He said during his visit to Himachal Pradesh, he would inquire into the factors which led to the party’s defeat specially since a large number of rebels had contested the elections.

"Our party in Himachal Pradesh demonstrated several weaknesses. Due to this weakness, we could not overcome the anti-incumbency in the state. Let the precedent of Himachal Pradesh be an occasion for the party to introspect", a resolution adopted by the meeting said.

It noted that the party’s growth in Nagaland was particularly significant since the alliance of which BJP is a part had emerged strong and defeated Congress which had enjoyed two-thirds majority. (PTI)

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