Daily Excelsior.........State

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: The jam-packed Brig Rajinder Singh Auditorium of Jammu University echoed with thunderous applause when the young participants, drawn from various Post Graduate Departments of the University and its affiliated Colleges recited their poems in the poetry recitation competition organized by Department of Students Welfare.

The multi-lingual pieces of poetry, self composed as well as of the established poets presented in the sonorous voices left an everlasting impact on the audience.

The participants included Askti, Hardeep, Nidhi, Himanshu, Dermender Kumar, Priyanka, Sonika, Dharmir, Shalli Uppla, Seema Manhas, Ravin Raina, Jyoti Kiran, hardeep, Rajeev Kumar, Ruchika, Neeru, Jasvinder, Ram Partap, Nidhi, Faraz Shamas, Ranjeet Singh, Rohit, Manjit Singh, Isha, Anu Radha, Charan Kumar, Rajveer Kour, Sanjay, Vinod, Palvinder Kour, Anuradha, Gopal Krishan, ram Sahari, Shweta, Balkrishan, Dhawan Singh, Japleen, Patrdeep, Ramanvir Kour, ram Karan, Sandeep, Zulfkar, Deepa, Gyan Singh, Rahu Makin, Sunita, Assia Shabir, Dalbir Kour, Deep Kumar, Bindiya Tickoo, Shipli, Anjana, Nazia Thakur, Rajiv, Lekh Raj, Yash Pal, Arvind, Puneeta, Agnivesh, Sandeep and Hanuman Sahai.

Prof Raj Kumar, Prithipal Singh Betab and Mohan Singh were the adjudicators.

Sandeep Dubey of Degree College Udhampur got first position whileas Ramanvir Kour of New Gandhi Memorial College of Education bagged second position. Anuradha of Khalsa College of Education got third position.

Charankamal, Yashpal, Isha and Sharanjeet got certificates of merit.

Bus falls into gorge
Four of a marriage party killed, 54 injured

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: Four persons of a marriage party were killed and 54 others injured when a bus, they were travelling in, skidded off the road and rolled down into 60 metre deep gorge near Ghat village in Kathua district.

The ill-fated vehicle bearing registration number JK02-9619, carrying marriage party was on its way from Machadi to Billawar when driver of the vehicle lost control over the steering while negotiating a curve. The vehicle rolled down several times before landing at bottom of the gorge, killing three passengers on the spot and wounding 55 others severely. One of the injured succumbed to injuries while being shifted to hospital.

Getting the report of accident, a police party rushed to the spot alongwith medical teams and started rescue operation. All the passengers of the vehicle were brought out of the gorge and shifted to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Billawar.

Deputy Commissioner Kathua B D Sharma, SP Kathua Munish Sinha and DySP Headquarters K S Samyal visited the spot and later enquired about the condition of injured in the SDH Billawar.

Later, 15 injured whose condition was critical, were referred to Government Medical College Hospital Jammu for specialised treatment.

Three of the deceased have been identified as Ravinder Kumar, son of Sewa Ram of Billawar, Sadhu Ram of Machadi and Balwant Singh. Identity of the fourth injured was not established till late this evening.

Some of the injured have been identified as Karnail Singh, Ajit Singh, Balwant Singh, Akash Singh, Ashok Singh, Prem Singh, Jeet Singh, Susheel Singh, Jankar Singh and Raj Singh.

In another road accident, one Neelam, wife of Chaman Lal of Tarore was critically injured after she was hit by a motorcycle at Tarore under the jurisdiction of Bari Brahamana Police Station.

She has been hospitalised and her condition was stated to be critical where reports last came in.

A scooterist Rajinder Kumar, son of Bal Krishan of Tikri was injured in vehicular accident at Tikri and one Garu Ram, son of Kaku Ram of Kunjwani received severe injured in a road accident at Kunjwani. Both have been hospitalised.

Similarly, a scooterist Parshotam Singh, son of Saran Singh of R S Pura was knocked down by a speeding bus at R S Pura. He was shifted to hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, one Shanaz Akhtar, wife of Mohd Rustam Ali of village Lam under the jurisdiction of Nowshera Police Station received severe burn injuries in accidental fire at her residence.

She was rushed to local hospital where doctors referred her to Government Medical College Hospital Jammu for specialised treatment.

Mir inspects de-watering operations in
water logged areas

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Mar 5 : Soon after arrival from Jammu, the Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Mr.Ghulam Hassan Mir took stock of de-watering operations from various low lying areas of Srinagar city today. He visited Peerbagh, Cooperative Colony, Hyderpora, Ibrahim Colony, Tengpora, Bemina, Shalteng and other areas where the rainwater had accumulated due to the recent heavy snow and rains.

The Minister accompanied by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, IGP, Kashmir Chief Engineer, UEED, Administrator, Srinagar Municipality and other concerned engineers was apprised about the difficulties being faced by the inhabitants of these areas.

Mr. Mir directed the divisional administration to take concrete steps for further streamlining the de-watering process in low-lying areas of Srinagar city. He also directed for formulation of a sound drainage system so that such problems of water logging do not occur in future.

Later, the Minister reviewed the over all situation arisen due to heavy rains and snow fall in the valley. He enquired from the concerned officers and agencies about the progress made for restoration of power, water supply and road communication facilities. The Minister had a threadbare discussion over the tackling of the situation of de-watering from water logged areas and asked the UEED authorities to procure additional de-watering pumps from Irrigation department and other agencies

Pahari Board seeks ST status from Centre

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5 : The Jammu and Kashmir Pahari Welfare Board has urged the Government of India for grant of Scheduled Tribe status to Pahari people, who constitute 20 lakh of the state population.

The board that met under its Vice Chairman of Pahari Welfare Board, Mr. Kafil-ul-Rehman discussed various issues regarding the ST status and reorganization of Pahari community as OBC.

Those who participated included Thakur Puran Singh, Minister of State for Forests and Environment, Mr. Rashpal Singh, Mr. Romesh Chander, Mr. Mohammad Aslam, Mr. G M Jan, Mr. Mushtaq Ahmed Bhukhari and Malik Abdul Gani, all MLAs besides Peer Nazir Ahmed, Mr. Ikhalaq Hussain and Mr. Nasar Khan, MLCs. The legislators belong to the Pahari community from different parts of the state. In addition other representatives of the community also attended the meeting.

The Board also called upon the state government to include Pahari community in Other Backward Class (OBC)category so that the poor students avail of the reservation in selection to various professional courses and employment in and outside the state. They regretted that the community has been ignored and hoped the Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, who is also the chairman of Pahari Welfare Board would take necessary steps for the welfare of the down trodden community.

The Board emphasized upon the government to reconstitute the Board immediately.

CCB Management holds meet with staff

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: A meeting of management of Citizens’ Cooperative Bank was held with the staff of the bank to invite the suggestions for improving the condition of working and to mitigate the grievances of the staff.

Addressing the meeting, Mr Surjeet Singh Manhas, Director of the Bank appreciated the staff, which volunteered in effecting the recoveries of the Bank and expected that they will leave no stone unturned to achieve the desired results.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr B S Manhas, Director appreciated the voluntary approach of the participants to augment the deposits of the bank by Rs 10 crores. He further stated that the staff should make all over efforts to effect recoveries.

The Chairman of the Bank Mr Onkar Seth called upon the participants to work with dedications and give more thrust on better customer services. He also stated that Member Depositors of the Bank should feel more encouraged because Bank is not deducting TDS on their time deposits.

The Chairman stated that Bank should be in a position to achieve the profits upto Rs three crores for the year ending March 2003.

The MD of the Bank thanked the management and expressed hope that the spirit of the participants will certainly produce good results to achieve the laid down targets.

40 shops, 150 projections, 13 kiosks razed in city
Amidst protests, lathicharge major demolition
drive carried out by JMC

By Mohinder Verma

JAMMU, Mar 5: In first-ever major demolition in the Jammu city, the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) today bulldozed 150 projections, 40 concrete shops, 13 kiosks and 60 shutters in Vinayak Bazar, Lower Gumat.

The four-hour-long operation sparked off some protest demonstrations from the affected persons, who shouted slogans against the Corporation and PDP-led State Government. The protests could not last long as the heavy contingent of the police made the protesters flee after resorting to mild lathicharge.

When the JMC team reached near the Jewel Theatre and pressed into service its bulldozers to demolish encroachments, there were brisk business activities in the whole stretch of Vinayak Bazar. But within next few minutes the whole market was closed down and instead of conducting business the fear-stricken shopkeepers started enquiring as to upto which measurement the encroachments will be removed.

The start of the bulldozers had virtually triggered panic and fear in the area and without wasting anytime the shopkeepers started removing their respective encroachments on their own. But they were short of time as bulldozers started doing away with encroachments, one after another, on either side of the bazar.

The visiting EXCELSIOR correspondent saw shopkeepers trying to lift whatever they could before the arrival of bulldozers in front of their respective business establishments. What to talk of petty shopkeepers, even the moving bulldozer in the market sent the hoteliers in a tizzy. They immediately descended on the road with their pleadings to the Corporation to give them sometime to remove encroachments on their own.

But keeping in mind that any favoritism would lead to chaos and confusion in the area and high-voltage protests will hamper its drive, the Corporation didn’t pay any heed to their requests and continued with its drive. A number of times the protesting people came infront of the bulldozer to prevent Municipal Corporation team from carrying out demolition but police personnel made them to flee.

The maximum concrete encroachments were made by the Volga Hotel, New Diamond Lodge, Dream World and Mahindra Hotels. These hotels had extended the shops by six to seven feet after constructing concrete walls. Even the slabs of the first floors were extended upto such an extent that on looking them the petty shopkeepers too encroached upon the space in front of their respective shops.

Without succumbing to pressure being applied by the hoteliers, the JMC demolished the extended slabs and pillars supporting the same. When the bulldozers of the Corporation entered the middle of the bazar a different scene was inviting each and everyone’s attention.

There were people on the roof tops of shops on both sides of the road not to witness the demolition drive but to ensure removal of as much movable articles as possible.

When the JMC team reached near Gumat petrol pump some of the people led by one hotelier objected to the demolition of encroachment and started shouting slogans. The protesters even tried to drag out the driver of the bulldozer but before they could harm the driver or the vehicle a heavy contingent of police and para-military force resorted to mild lathicharge forcing the demonstrators to flee.

Some of them, later, started pelting stones on the police personnel but when they noticed policemen braving stone throwing moving towards them they became calm.

Deputy Commissioner Jammu Dr Pawan Kotwal, Commissioner JMC Mr Jeet Lal Gupta and SSP Traffic Sunil Sharma remained in the area till the target was successfully accomplished.

The market, after the drive was over, bore a different look altogether, leaving many a pedestrian wondering as to what had happened to the area in few hours time. But Jammu Municipal Corporation could not be blamed for the same as it were people who invited the bulldozer’s wrath by encroaching upon the space.

An eerie calm prevailed in the market after the JMC team left the area but aftersome time the affected persons came out on the road and started collecting their belongings which were in a state of disarray as a result of the demolition drive.

Timber worth crores burnt in Doda mysterious fires
3 Range Officers among 23 SFC employees
suspended, attached

By Gopal Sharma

JAMMU, Mar 5: Twenty-three employees of the State Forest Corporation (SFC), including three Range Officers and two senior field supervisors have been placed under suspension in connection with the recent mysterious fire incidents in Bhaderwah and Kishtwar areas of district Doda.

On the instructions of the Minister for Forests and Environment, Mr Gulam Mohi-ud-Din Sofi, the Managing Director of the Corporation, Dr R L Bharti issued suspension orders of the officials posted at these SFC units. Two Range Officers—Mohammed Amin Bhat incharge Chingam unit and Mohammed Amin Bhagwan -Incharge unit Singhpora have been removed and attached with the respective Forest Divisions.

Dr Bharti disclosed that the five officials suspended in connection with fire incident at Compartment No. 16- Jai, under Chirala Range are— Range Officer (Incharge Unit)—Mohd Ayub Zargar, Field Assistant—Nazir Ahmed, three field Chowkidars—Mohd Rafiq, Buder-ul-Din and Ghulam Abbas.

The Regional Manager, Mr D L Sharma disclosed that SFC has suffered a loss of around Rs 44 lakh in this fire incident and an FIR has also been registered with the concerned Gandoh Police station in this connection. The departmental inquiry has also been completed and its report will be submitted to the Government soon.

The MD further disclosed that the ten officials of Compartment No. 79, 80 and 91 of Odeel Range, suspended so far are—Incharge Compartment 79-Odeel/ Supervisor—Abdul Rashid Wani, two field assistants—Abdul Rashid Malik and Sona Ullah Malik and field chowkidars—Mohd Ali Bhat and Abdul Ghani Reshi. Field Assistant Gussawon Ram and Field Chowkidar Sham Lal placed under suspension belonged to Compartment 80 Odeel while three Field Assistants—Abdul Ahad Lone, Ghulam Qadir Naik and Mohd Iqbal Khandey were posted in Compartment No. 91.

Those suspended in connection with the fire incident on December 18 in Comaprtment No. 47- Odeel where SFC lost property worth over Rs 44 lakh are—Supervisor - Ghulam Hassan Kumhar, two Field Assistants—Nazir Ahmed Wani and Ghulam Ahmed Beig and Field Chowkidar—Manzoor Ahmed Wani. Two employees suspended in connection with another mysterious fire incident in Compartment No. 48 Kuntwara on Dec 18, 2002 are Field Assistant Ghulam Qadir Natnoo and Field Chowkidar—Jagdish Raj. Interestingly, the SFC has yet to take action against Divisional Manager of Bhaderwah, Ghulam Nabi who was simply shifted and posted at Ramban.

The Regional Manager disclosed that the SFC has claimed Rs 18.30 lakh from the Insurance Company for 79 -Odeel incident, Rs 6.37 lakh for 80-Odeel and Rs 2.84 lakh for 91—Odeel fire incident. The Corporation has suffered loss to the tune of Rs 35 lakhs in 47 -Odeel incident and about Rs 38 lakh from 79, 80 and 91 Odeel incidents.

It may be recalled that the mysterious fire incidents in Bhaderwah and Doda areas where timber worth crores has been gutted in separate incidents were reported by Excelsior recently. The Minister taking serious note of it, ordered probe and initiated action against the officials posted at these units. The then DM had tried to hush up the case and protect the guilty but after the issue came to the notice of other agencies, it became difficult for the concerned officials to protect their employees. The MD directed the concerned Regional Manager, D L Sharma of Doda Circle to hold an inquiry into the incident of fire which took place during mid day of January 21 in compartment No. 16 of Jai. More than 14,000 Deodhar timber sleepers are reported to have been gutted in this incident.

In other incident, more than 6000 timber sleepers have been burnt in Suranga area of Bhalessa. The place is about 15 kms on foot journey from Kahra under Gandoh police jurisdiction. After the matter came to the notice of senior officials, the concerned Divisional Manager, Mr Ghulam Nabi was immediately shifted from this division.

Screening committee decides norms for
release of detenues

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: The first meeting of the screening committee set up by the State Government to consider release of detenues was held here today under the chairmanship of Financial Commissioner Home, Mr. S. D. Singh.

Other members of the committee, Director General of Police, J&K, Mr. A. K. Suri, ADGP CID, Mr. Kuldeep Khuda and Joint Secretary, Union Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr. Rakesh Hooja attended the meeting which lasted for about three hours.

After detailed deliberations, the committee decided upon a criteria for considering cases of detenues keeping in view the security considerations. A proforma was also devised for giving information about each detenue to be considered for release by the committee.

The committee will be meeting again tomorrow.

Army chief meets Governor, discusses situation

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5 : Chief of the Army Staff, General N C Vij called on the Governor, Mr Girish Chandra Saxena here this evening. They discussed the overall security scenario in the State.

During an hour-long meeting at Raj Bhawan, views were exchanged on the prevailing situation. Measures to further improving the situation were also discussed. These include constant vigil on the border to check infiltration.

General Vij is currently on the tour of Jammu and Kashmir.

Tarigami's Call Attention Notice
Govt to remove pay anomalies of teachers: Harsh Dev

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: While justifying the demand of removing pay anomaly of the teachers, Minister of Education, Mr Harsh Dev Singh today told in Legislative Assembly that demand of removing pay anomaly has been accepted by the Finance Department also in the proposal of the Cabinet.

The Minister, while replying to the Calling Attention Notice of Mr M Y Tarigami, admitted that there were glaring anomalies vis-a-vis the scale of teachers and scale of other government functionaries who had been holding the same pay scale as teachers but have now stolen a march over teachers for no apparent reason.

Regarding the demand of the grant of leave encashment in favour of teachers, Mr Harsh Dev said as "as a matter of principle, this demand can not be agreed to because teachers avail summer/winter vacations. Ordinarily, leave encashment would be possible only if there were no vacations. Identically, college teachers have also been asking for this concession, being similarly situated".

As far as starting of English from first primary class and lowering of age for admission is concerned, Minister said, "introduction of English from Class Ist was approved vide Cabinet decision No 33/3 dated 17-2-2003. The decision is being implemented through out the State from April, 2003. As regards the lowering of the admission age, this is being examined. Prima facie, there is enough merit in this as in most of the private schools the minimum age limit for admission to Class first is plus 5 years instead of plus 6 years in the Government schools".

The Minister also clarified Government’s stand on other demands of the teachers included posting of masters in primary schools, delegation of powers to Director, Education regarding transfer of ZEO’s, determination of age of Rehbar-e-Taleem and permanent adjustment of Fallah-i-Aam Teachers.

The Minister further stated that a net amount of Rs 22 crore was estimated to be likely additional expenditure per annum as on 8-2-2002 on removal of the pay anomalies of the teachers/masters. He informed that that the initial estimate was that of Rs 34 crores, including payment of arrears, which the teachers representatives in their latter meetings with the Education Department, agreed not to insist upon.

Appreciating the reply of the Minister, Mr Tarigami appealed to the Finance Minister and Education Minister to persuade demands of the teachers rigorously.

Earlier, while reply to a question of Dr Chaman Lal, Mr Harsh Dev Singh announced that State Government has decided to open about 3500 new schools in the far-flung and backward areas in which more than 6000 teachers will be adjusted.

Regarding deficiencies of the teachers in the remotest area, the Minister assured the House that these deficiencies will be removed in the next academic session at any cost. He, however, sought cooperation of the Legislators in de-attaching the attachments.

During Zero-Hour, Dr Manohar Lal, member of the PDF, has raised the issue of the adhoc lecturers working in various Higher Secondary schools and asked the Government to regualarise their services. Dr Lal said that highly educated youth have been working in various 10+2 schools as adhoc lecturers. He said that some of the adhoc lecturers were at the verge of crossing their over-age. He demanded regularisation of these adhoc lecturers.

Treasury benches agitate over misutilisation of funds
House Committee to probe irregularities in RDD

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: Noisy scenes were witnessed in Legislative Assembly as treasury benches lodged strong protest against, what they alleged, irregularities committed by the previous National Conference Government in the Rural Development Department (RDD).

The agitating members were pacified only when Minister of Finance and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Muzaffar Hussain Beig announced constitution of the House Committee to probe the alleged irregularities in the allotment of unreasonably higher funds in a particular constitueny and taking up works violation of model code of conduct for election under Rural Development sector by the then Minister.

Earlier while replying to the question asked by Mr Yogesh Sawhney on behalf of Jugal Kishore, Minister of Rural Development, Peerzada Mohammed Sayed said that additional central assistance (bonus) of Rs 107.10 lacs which included value of food-grains of Rs 25.75 lacs has been received by Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) Jammu during 2002-03 under SGRY and IAY. He admitted that additionality had not been distributed at a uniform rate and in most of the cases works were approved and allocations earmarked by the Government.

Mr Sayed, while responding to the supplementaries admitted that the former Minister of State for Rural Development had issued nine orders under his signatures for undertaking different schemes in Marh and Purmandal areas. These orders were issued by the Minister concerned in violation of model code of conduct which was in vogue at the time of the sanctioning of these projects, he added.

The Minister said that the investigation has started in the matter to ascertain whether the works sanctioned were actually executed and the money spent on these.

As the Minister completed his reply, Congress members stood up and said that it was a scandal and House Committee should be constituted to look into the entire episode. Some of the NC members confronted allegations of the Congress members but Congress members stuck to their demand. Members of the PDP also joined the protest.

To pacify the agitating members, Finance Minister announced a House Committee to probe into alleged irregularities in the allotment of unreasonable higher funds in a particular constituency.

Responding to the concern of agitating members, Mr Beig referred to the statement of the Rural Development Minister regarding spending of Rs 50 lakh in Marh constituency and Rs 30 lakh in Purmandal block on the instructions of the then Minister incharge Rural Development and described it as a serious issue.

In reply to another question by Mr.Mohammad Abbas, the Minister said that under the Prime Minister’s Sadak Rozgar Yojna, five road projects involving a cost of Rs. 285. 45 lakh have been cleared by the Centre for Kargil district in phase-II. He said the work on three projects is currently under execution. In the first phase of the scheme, the centre had not cleared any project for Kargil district, he added.

The Minister said instructions have been issued to all the concerned agencies of the Rural Development Department to formulate project proposals of road works for the IIIrd phase within a ceiling of Rs. 2 crore in each district in consultation with elected public representatives. The roads identified by the legislators would be taken up, provided they come up within the purview of the standing guidelines, he maintained. He asked the members to prepare road projects that could be taken up under the scheme particularly in the remote and far-flung areas.

For undertaking construction of these roads, Mr. Sayeed said the Rural Development Department has invited tenders, both at State and National level and assured the House that the projects that would be taken up for execution would be rational, with no discrimination with any constituency. The roads taken up in the hilly areas would be completed within 18 months from their execution and every village, with a population of 500 souls, would be connected with roads, the Minister added.

He said the centre is being approached to provide for the compensation of the land to be acquired for construction of roads. He said the work on the projects currently under execution would be completed on time.

Centre releases addl Rs 36 lakh under SCP: Mula Ram

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has released Rs 36 lac as additional First installment of Special Central Assistance (SCA) to Special Component Plan (SCP) for the current financial year.

Giving this information in Legislative Council today, the Minister of Social Welfare, Mr Mula Ram said the case regarding the credit confirmation and authorization for its utilization has been taken up with the Fiance Department.

He said as soon as confirmation is given by the said Department the same would be released to the executing agencies for implementation of various schemes and programmes meant for the upliftment of SCs.

He said the funds under SCA to TSP scheme were released by Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India to the state as an additive to the TSP. But for the current financial year it has been made the part of the State plan under resource head " Additional Central Assistance."

He said the P&D Department had provided Rs 972 lac under the programme and these funds were being released to various DDCs and executing agencies strictly in proportion to ST population of respective districts.

He said previously these funds were being utilized at the ratio of 70 per cent for family oriented income generating schemes and rest 30 per cent for infrastructure development schemes. But from the current financial year the ratio has been reversed by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs Government of India and now 70 per cent of these funds were utilized on infrastructure development and 30 per cent on family oriented income generating schemes.

The Minister said the SCA to DDCs was being released strictly as per the percentage of population of SCs of respective districts and as per the guidelines and norms of the programme 90 per cent SCA was released for family oriented income generating schemes and rest 10 per cent on infrastructure development schemes.

He said upto 1996-97, the SCA was being exclusively released to the J&K SC, ST, OBC Development Corporation and it was only in 1996-97 the major portion of SCA grants were released to the various districts of Jammu Province for the welfare and development of SCs.

He said the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment had released Rs 85.90 lac as first installment of SCA to SCP for the current year. Besides, the unspent balance of the year 2001-2002 was also available with the Department for utilization. The total money lying with the Department for current year is Rs 198.44 lac, he added.

He said the main aim of these schemes is economic development of SCs living below poverty line.

The Minister also maintained that no disparity was made and allocations were worked out on the bases of percentage of SC population in case of SCP and ST population in case of TSP.

Govt to probe Rs 300 cr JAKFED, CCB
appointment scams: Zargar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: The Government will hold fresh enquiry into the illegal appointments made in the Central Co-operative Bank (CCB) Baramulla and also in the much publicised Rs 300 crore scandal in the JAKFED.

The Minister for Agriculture and Co-operatives, Mr Abdul Aziz Zargar, while replying to the calling attention motion moved by Mr Mohammed Aslam in the Legislative Council here today, said that Government will not spare those guilty officials responsible for the embezzlement and appointment scam. The Deputy General Manager, NABARD and Deputy Registrar Co-operatives Baramulla who are also the members of the Board of Administrators have been asked to conduct the inquiry and submit the report to the Government.

Mr Zargar admitted that large scale irregularities had taken place in the appointment and management of finances in CCB during the National Conference Government. Besides embezzlement of Rs 9 crores granted to the Bank under Debt Relief Package, more than 160 appointments were made in the Bank in clear disregard for rules and regulations.

He said the irregularities committed by the Bank in the preparation of fake debt relief claims was being investigated by the Crime Branch. Mr Zargar said 161 appointments were made by the ex-Board of Directors in gross violation of rules and procedures. The appointments include- 48 cashier-cum-clerks, 86 Supervisors as field workers/ field supervisors, two computer engineers and 25 peons. He informed the House that the estimated expenditure on these appointments was around Rs 39.36 lakhs per annum. The Minister said Secretary of the Bank had already been arrested by the Crime Branch and his services terminated. The Present Board also decided to disengage 135 appointees out of 161. However, some candidates went to the court to get stay order.

The Minister further said that similar irregularities had taken place in JAKFED where around Rs 300 crores had been embezzled. He assured the House that stern action would be taken against all the officials involved in these irregularities.

Ashwani, Manjeet demand waiving off border migrants’ power tariff
No charges if power remains snapped
beyond fortnight: Beig

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: Finance Minister, Mr. Muzaffar Hussain Beig today announced that no electricity tariff would be recovered from the consumers of such areas where power supply could not either be restored or remained snapped for continuous 15 days.

‘Legally it might have sanctity or not but morally such consumers should not be charged’, the Minster observed.

Answering supplementaries on a question by Mr. Kafil-ur-Rehman regarding alleged recovery of electric tariff from un-electrified areas in Karnah tehsil in legislative assembly this morning, the Minister assured enquiry into the cases where such recovery has been effected. The officials responsible for such acts would be identified and action taken, he said, adding that the tariff recovered as such would be refunded back to the payees.

Mr Beig regretted that for more than a decade Karnah is getting just one MW of power against the two and said that funds would be made available on priority for ensuring electricity in far-flung and remote areas like Karnah, Gurez and hilly areas in Jammu division. Regarding commissioning of the second unit of 1-MW Karnah Micro Hydel Project, damaged in the extensive floods in 1992, he assured adequate funds.

Replying to supplementaries by Mir Saif Ullah, the Minister assured that power supply to Budnamal, Malsari, Manshatar would also be considered on priority.

To the main question, Minister for Power, Mr. Mohammad Sharief Niaz said the construction on transmission line between Kralpora and Karnah is progressing. An amount of Rs. 53 lakh had been allocated for this purpose during the current financial year so that all the areas of Karnah tehsil could get adequate power supply. Presently 542 KVs of power is provided to the civil population and 360 KVs to army from 1-MW Micro Hydel Project Karnah for 6 to 8 hours daily. He said tariff is recovered in accordance with the supply of power to the consumers.

The Minister said illegal connections in Karnah tehsil are being identified for regularization on priority.

Replying to another question by Mr. Rashpaul Singh, Mr. Niaz said that two power supply schemes for Narla and Kot Chalwal panchayats of Kalakote have been formulated and work on the infrastructure would start on the availability of funds soon.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), MLA Mr Manjeet Singh and Jammu State Morcha (JSM) MLA, Mr Ashwani Sharma demanded that power tarrif of border migrants must to waive off as they are not living in their houses for the last one year.

Both the MLAs informed the Minister that PDD officials have been asking the border migrants to pay power tariff despite being the fact that they have left their homes and hearths.

Veeri assures inquiry in disbursement of money

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Abdul Rehman Veeri today assured to conduct inquiry in irregularities in disbursement of prescribed money to those who have formed their identity cards during Assembly elections.

Replying to a question of Mr Abdul Rahim Rather, Mr Veeri, on behalf of the Minister Incharge Election, assured disbursement of prescribed money to the card holders within a fortnight. "If found that the money released had not been reimbursed, the matter would be investigated and action initiated against the guilty", he said, adding that the complete information along with the number of beneficiaries would be given to the House during the current session itself.

Mr Veeri said that it had decided to reimburse an amount of Rs 15 each to identity card holders to meet partyly the cost of photographs required for the purpose. Minister said that the payment of Rs 15 per identity card was reimbursable to those applicants who furnished their photographs on their own.

In written reply, the Minister said of the total electorate of 61, 63, 274, only 30, 70, 564 had applied for cards. Of these, 22, 51, 824 voters got the cards. In Chadoora constituency alone, 22815 voters, out of the total electorate of 52315 were provided cards. As regards the reimbursement of money to card holders, he said that Rs. 15 have to be reimbursed by the election department. He said Tehsildar, Chadoora had already been provided an advance of Rs 7.36 lakhs for the purpose

Govt formulates plan for return of migrants: Hakim

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: The State Government has formulated a plan for the safe return of Kashmiri Migrants to Valley and there is no plan of rehabilitating them on two selected places only.

Sharing this information with the members in State Legislative Council today, the Minister of Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation , Hakim Mohammed Yasin, denied that the plan had been formulated for the rehabilitation of migrants at Mattan and Tulamulla only.

Replying to a question of Javed Hussain Shah of National Conference, (NC) he said, question does not arise to formulate a plan for rehabilitation of migrants of particular areas only.

Giving more information the Minister said that Kashmiri migrants had expressed resentment for not allowing the revision in respect of cash relief enhancement from Rs 2,400 to 3,000 to the families having strength four and below.

He said out of total 16,670 registered migrant families dependent on relief major portion viz 11,143 families could not get the benefit.

He said, the enhancement of cash relief to the Kashmiri migrants from the existing rate of Rs 2,400 to Rs 3,000 per month per family of five or more members was taken in October last year. This could give benefit to only 5,536 families, he added.

Govt orders probe in land scams

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: The State Government has ordered probe into various land scams involving hundreds of kanals which have been detected in different districts of Kashmir valley.

This was stated by Minister of Revenue and Rehabilitation, Hakim Mohammed Yasin during question hour in State Legislative Council while replying to a question of B M Sharma.

Giving details, the Minister said that state land scam case of 329 kanals had surfaced in Rawalpora and Nakarpora in Badgam District. This land was illegally allotted to some persons by the Patwaris, Girdawars and Naib-tehsildars.

He said though two Patwaris and one Naib tehsildar had been suspended but they were later reinstated. The present Government was not however satisfied with this action, he added and assured the House that the guilty will be brought to book.

He said 11 kanals and 19 marlas of land situated at estates Kakapora in Pulwama was mutated in favour of number of persons who illegally received the compensation from Railways. Besides 23 kanals of State and kaschari land at Galender Pampore in Pulwama district was transferred in exchange to number of people with malafide intentions and the probe has been ordered through the Additional Commissioner Kashmir, he added.

He said some other land scams which had surfaced in the Valley included Lal Chand Mehra case in Gogjibagh, Srinagar, involving fake allotment of land measuring four kanals. Besides four marlas of prime land had also been allotted in favour of Fancy fabrics at Maisuma Srinagar, he added.

Replying to a supplementary, he said the land scams had not surfaced in Badgam district but entire state.

He said many people were involved in it and the Government is serious to bring them all to book. The land mafia will be shown no leniency but will be unmasked , he added.

Top priority will be given to expansion
of Jammu airport: CM

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, today announced that top priority will be given to expansion of Jammu airport and the issue had been taken up with the Airport authorities as well.

Replying to a question by Depinder Kour in the Legislative Council , the Chief Minister said: " we are acquiring the land for parking slot at Airport in view of the security reasons as the private vehicles are not allowed to enter inside the Airport".

He said the Government was ceased of the issue and will look into it.

He said parking problem is faced in the entire state including Jammu and Government will take certain measures to overcome it.

He also issued directives to Housing and Urban Development Minister that while making the plan for construction of new colonies, the provision be kept for parking slots in the plan.

Earlier replying to a question, the Minister of State for PWD, Mr Abdul Rehman Veeri admitted that traffic jams take place on Jammu Airport road as the Airport authorities do not allow the parking of vehicles inside the airport complex due to security considerations.

He said the Airport Director Jammu has proposed acquisition of 48 kanals and seven marlas of land and its revenue papers had accordingly been sent to the Airport Director in October 2001 for further necessary action. But the report from him is still awaited, he added.

In reply to another question of M Y Teng and Brij Mohan, the Deputy Chief Minister, Mr Mangat Ram Sharma informed the House there was no proposal before the Government to construct a flyover bridge from Dalgate to Budshah Chowk -Exhibition Crossing in Srinagar.

He said, however, six laning of Jahangir Chowk to Batamalloo, an alternative road was in progress which will reduce the pressure of traffic near Exhibition Crossing.

Admitting that traffic jams were causing problems to people, the Deputy CM said various steps were taken to regulate the traffic. "One way traffic system was introduced in selected stretches and heavy punishments had been imposed on the drivers found guilty of violating the traffic rules", he added.

He said the parking slots will also be constructed at different places along the River Tawi bank in Jammu city and the Jammu Bus Stand would be expanded.

He said the traffic slots to be constructed in Jammu City were identified in a High Powered Committee meeting which was recently held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed. This meeting was also attended by Housing and Urban Development Minister and Vice Chairman, JDA.

NC Member, M Y Teng, however criticized the Government saying that discrimination was being made with Srinagar City so far as construction of fly over bridges was concerned. He said such bridges were constructed in Jammu while Srinagar was ignored.

JMM terms appointment of Vohra as meaningless

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: Jammu Mukti Morcha in its meeting held yesterday, under the chairmanship of its Co-President Mr H B Khajuria, resolved unanimously that appointment of Mr N N Vohra as Central interlocutor to initiate dialogue to solve J&K tangle, has no relevance for people of Jammu region.

The JMM meeting opined that negotiations, as these appear, would be Kashmir centric and solution to be suggested would only take into account interest and aspirations of the people of Kashmir Valley, particularly of Kashmiri leaders. The Jammu region and its people would again be made scape-goat and their interests and aspirations would be sacrificed in the name of restoring peace in the Valley.

The meeting was of the firm opinion that this time people of Jammu would not tolerate any solution against their wishes and retaliate with full might at their command against such solution. The JMM called upon the people of Jammu region to remain cautious and rise to the occasion unitedly to resist any attempt to strengthen Kashmiri domination on them.

The Morcha also called upon Mr Vohra to visualize the situation of J&K in totality instead of being Kashmir centric.

JMM also emphasized that sufferings, political, economics and social neglect to which the people of Jammu region has been exposed to in the last 55 years at the hands of Kashmiri rulers and Government of India have to be taken into consideration by Mr N N Vohra and permanent remedy to these issues should reflect in the solution. The fact that demography of Jammu region is being changed and its culture and identity are under a constant threat of extinction should be looked into.

Jammu Mukti Morcha held that reorganisation of J&K State and its division into three States of Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir is only a viable solution that could meet aspiration of all the three regions of the State and end of Kashmir crisis once for all.

Confederation of NGOs highlights demands

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: A deputation of J&K Confederation of NGOs today called on Mr Raman Mattoo, Minister of State for Industries and submitted a memorandum containing charter of demands for thoroughly revamping the functioning of J&K State Handloom Development Department.

The demands highlighted in the memorandum included steps for giving encouragement to Handloom sector by way of initiating various developmental measures and also providing relief to the people engaged in that occupation.

The deputation stated that the Ministry of Textile, Government of India, have started various schemes like Den Dayal Hath Kargha Protsahan Yojana, development of exportable products and their marketing, work shed-cum-housing scheme, Project package scheme, thrift fund scheme, HDC/QDC, Health package scheme, Group Insurance Scheme, MDA scheme and integrated Handloom Development Scheme.

For proper implementation of these schemes the office of the Development Commission for Handloom released an amount of Rs 8247.29 lakh during the year 2001-2002 for the development of the weavers engaged in Handloom sector. Ironically, the State handloom Development Department has not recommended so far any proposal to the Centre for the above said schemes for betterment of Handloom societies working in the Handloom sector registered by the Directorate of Handloom.

The deputation blamed the higher authorities especially Mrs Shama Jain, Director J&K Handloom Development Department for her unforesighted approach resulting into the stunting growth of handloom sector in the State besides affecting the economy seriously. The deputation comprised of Messrs M R Puri, Kundan Sharma, Bhushan Lal Ganjoo, Tilak Raj, Joginder Paul and Romesh Khajuria.

Mr Raman Mattoo assured the deputation that he would look into the matter seriously.

Tarigami, Khalil withdraw resolutions

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: The Government will provide relief to drought affected almond and saffron growers of Pulwama and other areas at par with the affected growers of Pampore as soon as Natural calamities Relief Fund Committee submits the damage assessment report.

Responding to a private members resolution moved by Mr. Mohd. Khilil Band in legislative assembly today, the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Abdul Rehman Veeri today said that losses to agriculture and perennial crops is being assessed by revenue agency with proper technical assistance from the Agriculture/Horticulture Departments. Once the reports are received from filed agencies through Deputy Commissioner and Financial Commissioner, the Natural Calamities Relief Fund Committee would consider the same for providing relief to the sufferers under rules. During the past 4 years, the state as a whole has been witnessing loss which has affected both agriculture as well as perennial crops.

The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir had earlier reported losses to the saffron crops in district Pulwama and district Budgam in the years 1999-2001. The relief sanctioned and approved by Natural Calamities Relief Fund Committee stands disbursed to the sufferers who had been reported by the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, he added.

After getting this assurance from the Minister, the member withdrew his resolution.

Mr. M. Y. Tarigami also withdrew his resolution regarding initiation of unconditional dialogue between the centre and the members of state legislature and other segments of public opinion for restoration of peace in the city as Centre’s interlocutors Mr. N. N. Vohra has already started this process.

Standing committee of Lead Bank holds meet

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: A meeting of the Standing Committee under the auspices of Lead Bank Office Jammu was held at DC Office here. Dr Pawan Kotwal, District Development Commissioner presided over the meeting in which all Government agencies and district coordinators of Banks in Jammu district participated.

Mr V K Gupta, Lead District Manager told the participants that out of target of 5798 applicants for all sponsored schemes, 4355 cases have been sponsored to the Banks upto the end of January 2003. Out those sanctioned, 1175 cases involving an amount of Rs 9.06 crore have been disbursed.

Dr Kotwal while reviewing the progress under individual schemes impressed on the banks to disburse the amount to cases lying pending, as sanctioned and advised all Government agencies to liaise with the Banks to reduce the pendency to nil.

Referring to problems of over dues the DDC asked the Government agencies to help the Banks in reducing over dues in Government sponsored schemes as that raise their credibility with the Banks. He exhorted them to bring awareness amongst the defaulters regarding Compromise Scheme-2003, recently launched by Reserve Bank of India.

Assistant General manager from RBI Mr R C Goyal advised about the saliant features of the scheme. The District Development Commissioner desired that a vigorous drive for recovery of bad debts should be launched in the month of April. Dr Bali from PNB presented vote of thanks.

Govt to request Centre for inclusion
of Dogri in 8th schedule

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: The State Government has resolved to request the Union Government for inclusion of Dogri in the Schedule VII of the Constitution of India.

In a written reply to the question of Mr Ajay Sadhotra, which did not figure in the proceedings of the Assembly, Minister of Education said that the coalition Government in its Common Minimum Programme has promised to get Dogri in the 8th Schedule of the Indian constitution.

Minister stated that the State Cabinet has resolved to request to Government of India for inclusion of Dogri in the Schedule VII of the Constitution of India.

"The matter is being pursued with them. This would, however, involve an amendment to the Constitution of India to be passed by the Parliament and assented to by the President and as such no definite date can be specified".

In a written reply to the question of Mr Usman Abdul Majid, which did not figure in the proceedings, Minister incharge Revenue, stated that Wazir Commission had recommended district status for Bandipora. Regarding implementation of Wazir Commission Report, Minister, in written reply, stated that Government in its Common Minimum Programme has mentioned to give due consideration to the recommendation of Wazir Commission Report.

Bakaya inaugurates All India Art Exhibition

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: The 75th Platinum Jubilee Annual All India Art Exhibition-2003 organised by J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in collaboration with All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society, New Delhi, inaugurated by Mr Vijay Bakaya, Principal Secretary to Government, Planning and Development Department at Abhinav Art Gallery, here.

Explaining about the State Level Phase-I of this Exhibition, the Secretary of the Academy Mr Balwant Thakur said that four artists have been awarded in this exhibition and will get cash award of Rs 75,000 each and a certificate.

The awardees are Mr Aftab Ahmed, who has been awarded in graphic section for his work "Landscape". In sculpture section, the award has gone to Mr Mohd Iqbal for his work "Imprints of bounded though with never ending hope". In painting section, the award has gone to Mr Vinay Khajuria and Mr Rakesh Kumar for their works "Memory Lane" and "Vigour" respectively.

The awards were decided by one man jury Mr Gokal Dembi, an eminent artist of the State, who was nominated by All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society, New Delhi.

Mr Vijay Bakaya while going through the artistic and creative works of the artists of J&K appreciated the efforts of the Academy in giving a new boost to the contemporary fine art activities in the State. He said that artistic standards of the contemporary art has gone much higher in the recent years and new innovations could be seen in most of the works of young artists.

He advised the Academy to hold such exhibitions time and again enabling the visual artists to exhibit their works after subsequent intervals.

The exhibition features 52 works of the artists belonging to various parts and shall remain open till March 8 between 11 am to 5 pm daily.

Unemployed Engineers take out protest rally

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: Unemployed Engineers under the banner of All J&K Unemployed Engineers Association today protested by holding a peaceful rally in support of their long pending demands.

The rally started from the venue of relay hunger strike outside Divisional Commissioner’s Office and after passing through Mubarak Mandi, Jain Bazar, Purani Mandi and City Chowk culminated at Shalamar Chowk where the unemployed Engineers staged dharna.

Addressing the rally, Rana Randeep Singh, president of the Association, said that the previous State Government had never taken the demands of the unemployed engineers and even the present coalition Government has not come forward so far to mitigate the grievances of the unemployed engineers.

He said that though Employed Engineers Association and All J&K Diploma Engineers Association have extended their help to the Unemployed Engineers Association, yet representatives of any political party have not come forward even to say sympathetic words to the unemployed engineers sitting on the relay hunger strike for the last eight days.

He said that a number of posts of Junior Engineers were lying vacant in different departments for the last quite long time, yet the Government has not initiated any step for the batch-wise absorption of the unemployed engineers.

Later, the Association submitted a memorandum to the State Government mentioning the demands of the unemployed engineers.

Employees Joint Associations discuss burning demands

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: All J&K Workers and Employees Joint Associations Committee in a meeting under the chairmanship of Mr Ram Kumar Sharma, discussed threadbare the Central Budget for the year 2003-04 and Judicial employees three day work down strike.

The meeting held that a common man has been burdened instead of providing him any relief, while upper classes have been benefitted. The meeting felt that with the increase in the edible oils and fuel, it is again the common man who is to suffer as with the rise in freight, all essential commodities would mark a rise in their price, besides hike if fare in passenger vehicles.

While addressing the leaders strongly condemned the anti-working class budget submitted by the Central Government. The meeting held that the budget contained nothing new but a burden of hike in edible oils. The leaders held that Union Government should look into the the genuine aspirations of the common people moreso of the salaried class so that they could also get a means of sustenance.

The meeting extended full support to work down strike of Judicial employees for three days from tomorrow.

Judicial employees defer work down strike

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: In the wake of three day Kam Chore Hartal in the State by the All Jammu and Kashmir Judicial Employees Welfare Association from tomorrow, the Acting Chief Justice of the State High Court summoned a meeting of JEWA.

The delegation handed over a memorandum and discussed threadbare their problems. The Chief Justice gave a positive response to the demands of the Association and assured to settle all their demands in a phased manner.

Later in an extra ordinary meeting the Association discussed all pros and cons of the situation and resolved to defer the proposed strike from tomorrow for three days.

The association after deliberations with the Chief Justice resolved to defer their proposed three day strike from tomorrow and appealed all the members to resume their duties from tomorrow.

The Association commended the role of the judicial employees hoped that they would reorganize themselves and qualitatively improve their performance.

Vohra’s appointment will further complicate
Kashmir issue: Shah

SRINAGAR, Mar 5: Rejecting N N Vohra’s appointment as the Centre’s interlocutor on Jammu and Kashmir, the Awami National Conference (ANC) today said the move will further complicate the vexed issue.

"Finding a permanent solution to the Kashmir issue by appointing Government officials as interlocutors will remain a distant dream," ANC president Ghulam Mohmmad Shah said at the party’s executive meeting here.

His appointment will not cut ice but will further complicate the issue, the former Chief Minister said.

He said there was absolutely no doubt that the Centre was non-serious to resolve the vexed issue amicably. "They always followed a policy to appoint a Government official to talk to the people here and we reject it."

Mr Shah, brother-in-law of former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, said the Centre was never sincere to find a lasting solution to the issue. "Had the Centre been sincere it would have encouraged a political settlement of Kashmir."

He said Mr K C Pant and Mr Ram Jethmalani were removed from the Kashmir scene as they recommended that dialogue with all parties was necessary on the issue.

Mr Shah said Kashmir was not just a border problem or bilateral issue between India and Pakistan. It involves the future of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, he added.

Mr Shah also informed the meeting about the proposed intra-Kashmir Conference on Kashmir.

The Conference was postponed twice last year because of non-cooperation by the Government, he said and declared that the ANC will go ahead with the proposed meeting in the middle of this year.

He said Kashmiris living in different parts of the world were scheduled to participate in the conference. (UNI)

HC orders attachment of DGP’s
resi-cum-office in Green Belt

SRINAGAR, Mar 5: In a major ruling, Jammu and Kashmir High Court has ordered attachment of the residence-cum-office of Director General of Police A K Suri in the Green Belt around Dal Lake where constructions have been prohibited.

A division bench passed the orders yesterday on a report submitted by a three-member committee constituted by the court which said construction work in the prohibited area was going on despite the court’s orders against it.

"Prima facie we are satisfied this is a contempt of court", the bench comprising Justice Nissar Ahmad Kakroo and Justice Pramod Kohli said.

It also directed the DGP and Managing Director, Police Housing Corporation, Madan Lal, to be present in the court tomorrow when the contempt proceedings against them come up for hearing.

Justice Kakroo observed that the State which was swift in razing down the illegal constructions in other areas acted like a silent spectator in the Green Belt.

The court had ordered that all construction work in the area be stopped following a public interest litigation filed by one Syed Iqbal Tahir Geelani in 2002.

The committee, comprising the Registrar Judicial, Abdul Wahid, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Asgar Samoon, and retired district and sessions judge Justice G M Mir, was formed by the court on December 27 last year to know the factual position about construction work in the area following a plea by an amicus curiae that work continued in the area. Justice Kakroo observed that the inquiry committee members while visiting the area found that the construction of the House was afoot and they were not allowed to enter the premises.

He said the State also owed an explanation to the court as to how the work was allowed and how the funds were released for the construction.

The people, whose houses are illegally built, should not be discriminated against by the Government on the basis of their position in society, Justice Kakroo remarked and said no further work shall be made in the area and yearly expenditure on it shall be forwarded to the court.

In its judgement, the court said obstruction of the committee amounted to its contempt and directed that the residential house of the DGP should be attached by the Principal Secretary, Home, S D Singh and ordered that the DGP and MD Police Housing Corporation to present themselves in person on next hearing on March 6.

In its report submitted two weeks ago, the committee had said that during an on-the-spot investigation on January 8, it found that construction work was in progress at the DGP’s office-cum-residence.

The masons and other workers on seeing the committee members fled the spot, it said.

The report said that at Zeethyar, police has constructed the ground floor of a police mess and away from the site a double-storeyed palatial house was under construction purportedly as the residence of DGP.

On January 13, when the committee members again went for an on-the-spot investigation to ascertain whether construction work at DGP’s residence had been halted, they were stopped by the security guards who said they had orders from higher-ups not to allow anyone, including officials, to enter the area, the report said.

Some time back the court had taken cognizance of the mushrooming of constructions around the summer capital where a green belt had been properly demarcated and ordered that no constructions were allowed inside the area in order to protect the fragile ecology around the Dal lake. (PTI)

JKNPP to hold convention on March 9
No compromise against Jammu’s interests: Mankotia

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: Young Panthers senior vice-president and sitting MLA from Udhampur constituency, Mr Balwant Singh Mankotia has said that Panthers Party will not compromise with the Government against the interests of the people of Jammu region.

Addressing a press conference here today, the MLA said that the performance of the coalition Government has been widely appreciated by the people in general and it is trying its best to meet the aspirations of the people from all the three regions of the state. The Government is trying to do justice with all and also to provide equal treatment to all the regions.

The Panthers Party leader said that implementation of Wazir Commission Report and delimitation are the two main issues for which the Party is committed and will not compromise. These issues have been included in the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) by the Panthers Party chairman Prof Bhim Singh. In the forthcoming annual session of the Party on March 9 at Parade Ground, the Young Panthers will submit a memorandum to the CMP Chairman demanding immediate action to implement CMP agendas.

Giving details of the March 9 programme, Young Panthers president, Mr Bansi Lal Sharma said the Party will hold solidarity session at 1 pm to mark the 21st Anniversary of the Young Panthers which was founded by Prof Bhim Singh to initiate a movement for the cause of justice and equity, Human Rights and Peace. He said Prof Bhim Singh will flag off the Revolution March from the Exhibition Ground at 11.15 am and it shall culminate at Parade Ground. The Minister for Education and senior NPP leader Harshdev Singh will receive the marchers there.

Prof Bhim Singh will make the declaration —" What needed to be done in the present situation prevaling in J&K to eliminate terrorism, militancy, and demolish the seedlings of injustice, corruption, communalism and criminalisation in politics. Several Panthers Party leaders including Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, Harshdev Singh, Yash Pal Kundal MOS, Balwant Singh, Faqir Nath, Bansi Lal Sharma, Ms Anita Thakur, Amit Manhas, Rajiv Jasrotia, Mushtaq Hussain and Romesh Sharma shall also address the gathering.