Thrust on Wadhwan, Marwah
Army poised to launch operations in new areas

NEW DELHI, May 27: As a sequel to operation ‘Sarp Vinash’, Army’s large scale anti-militancy operation in upper reaches of Poonch district, the security forces are poised to launch sustained operations in other inaccessible areas of Jammu and Kashmir where it is suspected militants might have set up fortifications.

Under operation codenamed Sarp Vinash II, Army, mostly units of the Rashtriya Rifles, will carry out intense anti militancy sweeps in Doda, Shopian, Kulgam, Lolab, and Kupwara areas as simultaneously the Romeo force would continue its drive south of the Pir Panjal, highly placed army officials said.

The thurst of the new operations would be the remote Wadhwan and Marwah areas of the Doda district, where it is suspected that militants have set up fortifications and even facilities to impart militant training to local recruits.

The Army Chief General N C Vij gave a detailed account of the anti militancy operations being undertaken to the members of Cabinet Committee on Security yesterday including the Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

The 90 minute presentation was also attended by the Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, Defence Minister George Fernandes. Also present were the Air Chief S Krishnaswamy, Naval Chief Madhvendera Singh and intelligence agency chiefs.

The presence of the Chief of Air Staff is significant as air power in the shape of helicopters might be used to destroy some of militant fortifications as was done during operation Sarp Vinash in Surankot area.

The Army anti-militancy drive assume significance as official figures reveal that there has been no let up in infiltrations levels across the Line of Control despite Islamabad’s claims to have put restrictions on movement of militant groups in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

According to these figures 26 militants have been killed during the past week while trying to sneak across the Line of Control, with major attempts reported south of the Pir Panjal in upper reaches of Baramulla and Kupwara.

Vij at the presentation gave detailed accounts of Army commitment presently and its deployment in Jammu and Kashmir as top Army brass opposed any thinning of troops in the State.

The Army is also going slow in the change of guard in Jammu and Kashmir necessitated by retirement or end of tenure of senior commanders.

While, Lt Gen Hari Prasad, Director General of Infantry at Army Headquarters will take over as the new General Officers Commanding in Chief of the key Northern Command on June one, the shifting of the Srinagar based Corp Commander 15 Corp Lt Gen VG Patankar has been put on hold till late August.

The Northern Command, which presently has the largest number of troops deployed, looks after the whole of Jammu and Kashmir theatre including state’s frontiers with China.

Gen Patankar, who is to move to Army headquarters will now be replaced after two months by Maj Gen Nirbhay Sharma, who on promotion will take over the Srinagar Corp. Sharma raised the Kilo Force in Kupwara district.

In other major changes, Lt Gen Nagaraj has taken over as Director General Infantry and Lt Gen V Pattabhiraman as GoC 11 Corps. (PTI)

Resumption of Lahore bus service a 'bold initiative'
Mufti lauds CBMs by India, Pakistan

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 27: Exuding confidence that on-going peace process between India and Pakistan will yield positive results, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed today appreciated efforts being made by both the neighbours to break the ice and to restore peace in the Asian sub-continent.

In an informal chat with media persons after inaugurating complex of the Excise Department at Rail Head Complex this evening, Chief Minister said, "both India and Pakistan are moving on right directions and their wise decisions will certainly help in creating congenial atmosphere in the sub-continent". "Unlike previous summits this time both the countries are not creating much hype", he observed and expressed satisfaction that both India and Pakistan have been taking Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), keeping in view the ground realities. "Both India and Pakistan are moving forward very consciously with much hype", he observed.

Terming restoration of Lahore-Delhi Bus Service as ‘bold’ initiative, Mufti expressed confidence that such measures will help in creating adapted and favourable atmosphere in the sub-continent. "These steps will help in normalising relations between both the countries". He, however, stressed on taking some more Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) at ground level. He hailed visit of the delegation of the Pakistani Parliamentarian and hoped that scheduled visit of Indian delegation to Pakistan will further improve the situation.

Reiterating his demand of opening border with Pakistan, the Chief Minister asked, "if a Pakistan national can enter India through Wagha border why entry points on the borders of Jammu and Kashmir have been closed?". He was of the opinion that this step will help to get the Pakistani nationals exposed to the ground situation in State as opening of border will lead interaction between people across the border.

Chief Minister was of the view that inhabitants of Jammu and Kashmir will get maximum benefit if situation is normalised between India and Pakistan. "People of Jammu and Kashmir are the worst sufferers of the tension between India and Pakistan", he said and hoped that situation will improve. He said that peace between India and Pakistan will prove as ‘life-saving’ drug for people of Jammu and Kashmir.

While admitting that Kashmir is the bone of contention between relations of India and Pakistan, Mufti said that solution of this problem was a time consuming process. "One can not solve this vexed problem with single stroke. This problem required gradual process as there is no ready made solution of this conflict’, he opined.

Pointing towards decision of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) to hold meeting of its Chief Ministers in Kashmir, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed hoped that this conclave will help in solving problems of the people. "Besides discussing their party matters, 15 Congress Chief Minister will announce some package for the unemployed youth of Jammu and Kashmir", he hoped, and added, "it is not just a meeting but it will prove as positive event for the people of Jammu and Kashmir".

Further steps depend on Pak action on terror: India

ISLAMABAD, May 27 : Terming as "inadequate" the measures announced by Pakistan to stop cross-border terrorism and improve trade relations, External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha has said India would take "further steps" towards normalisation of bilateral ties but this would depend on Islamabad’s action to end infiltration.

"The measures suggested for trade are clearly inadequate and there is also no indication of specific steps that Pakistan would take to end cross border infiltration and terrorism", Sinha said in his first interview to Pakistan’s official news agency APP in New Delhi released today.

He said "we are ready to take further steps. It would be natural to restore road and rail links as we proceed further on the normalisation path. This would naturally depend on the successful implementation of the measures announced so far, and the steps that Pakistan takes to end cross border infiltration."

"We have a clear road map and approach in our minds to normalise our relations in a step-by-step process, and to resume the dialogue process in a calibrated and a well prepared manner. We are ready to take these further steps," Sinha said welcoming Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) announced by Pakistan Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali to upgrade diplomatic ties and release of prisoners. In another interview to London-based Financial Times, Sinha, reflecting a subtle shift in nuance said India has relaxed its pre-conditions for holding a political summit between Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Jamali.

"India has relaxed its pre-conditions for holding a summit between Prime Minister Vajpayee and Prime Minister Jamali. But for the dialogue to succeed it is essential that cross-border terrorism comes to an end," he told the British daily.

In his interview to APP, Sinha also described as "positive" the actions taken by Pakistan recently against the leaders of Pak-based militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen.

About the prospects of success of the present peace overtures, Sinha told the agency, "I do believe that there are indications and good grounds for successful realisation of the goals set by our Prime Minister’s recent peace initiative."

"At the same time, we must all have no doubts about the fact that the prospects depend critically on the steps that Pakistan takes to end cross border infiltration," he said, warning, otherwise, the atmosphere could be "vitiated and the attempts derailed at any stage".

On the involvement of US in India-Pak peace process, he said, "we expect the international community, including the United States, to continue to exert pressure on Pakistan to end cross-border terrorism in the context of the global war against terrorism and Pakistan’s commitment to end terrorism directed against India.

"The curbing of infiltration must be supplemented by dismantling of infrastructure of terrorism. That alone can build a conducive atmosphere for the proposed dialogue", he said.

On the slow pace of the peace process, Sinha said that past experience clearly suggested that one must proceed in a step-by-step, calibrated and well-prepared manner.

"Let me clarify that the step-by-step approach which we advocate is not to slow down the process but to ensure that we are sure footed and make no mistakes while moving forward. There should be no cause for retraction later", he said.

Expressing India’s wish to resolve all outstanding issues including Kashmir and to work together towards a better future and common prosperity, he said, "we would like to be positive and optimistic about the prospects for peace in the region."

Replying to a question whether India would attend the SAARC summit, proposed to be held during current calendar in Islamabad, he said like all other members, India looked forward to such events. However so far, no dates have been proposed for the next summit, he said.

"India is a committed member of SAARC. SAARC summits are an integral part of the SAARC process. In fact, summit meetings, at the levels of heads of state and Government are at the pinnacle of the SAARC process, which is an ongoing process", he said.

On Pakistan’s proposal for the monitoring of LoC by international observers Sinha said, "we have proposed to Pakistan to undertake joint patrolling of the Line of Control if they are serious of not supporting infiltration and terrorism. Similar cooperative measures do exist in sections of the international boundary between US."

He, however, clarified that the comments on joint mechanism were made in response to question from media and not as suo motto statement. (PTI)

3 militants among 8 killed
Gujjar family wiped out in Bandipore

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, May 27: While as militants have eliminated three members of a Gujjar family in Bandipore, security forces have killed three militants in an area close to LoC in Kupwara district and one more in Shopian area of south Kashmir since last evening.

Informed sources in north Kashmir told EXCELSIOR that late last night unidentified gunmen, believed to be militants, appeared at Arin Dardpora in Bandipore. They barged into the residence of a former militant, Rafeeq Khan, and opened indiscriminate gunfire on the inmates. Rafeeq Khan, his father Sher Khan and wife Resham Jan died on spot. Sources said that Rafeeq had surrendered before security forces in November last year and since then he was on the militants’ hit list.

Sources said that troops of 21-Jat intercepted a group of infiltrating militants at Tilpathri (Shala Bathoo) in Gogaldara area, close to LoC, in Kupwara district late last night. In exchange of gunfire, troops killed three unidentified militants while as some members of the group are believed to have escaped. Militants killed in the gun battle were unidentified till late this evening.

One more unidentified militant, suspected to be a member of Harkatul Mujahideen, was killed by troops of Rashtriya Rifles 01 Bn in an encounter at Largam, Shopian, today. Another encounter took place between militants and BSF near a paramilitary formation at Lurgam in Tral area. However, militants managed to escape unharmed. Sources said that BSF too did not suffer any damage.

Troops of RR 34 Bn had laid an ambush in Khag area of Beerwah, in upper Budgam, last night. Early this morning, a civilian, namely Ghulam Mohammad Mir S/o Rishi Mir, moved out of his home for making ablution. As the soldiers challenged him, he ran away. They took him for a militant and opened fire. Mir sustained critical injuries and later passed away. Reports said that he was not mentally sound.

In a similar incident, troops of 18-JAK LI fired upon a civilian, namely Ghulam Mohammad Lone S/o Habibullah Lone at Tomna in Chokibal area of Trehgam in Kupwara district early this morning. With critical injuries he was rushed to a hospital.

In yet another similar incident, troops of RR 01 Bn opened fire on a civilian, Mohammad Iqbal Bhat S/o Mohammad Akbar Bhat, at Littar in Pulwama district, in the wee hours today. He sustained critical injuries and was rushed to a hospital. Reports described Bhat as a small time timber smuggler who fell in an ambush of Army when he was going for transportation of timber.

Revoke ban on recruitments: NC

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, May 27: Saying that coalition Government has been using ban on recruitments as an alibi to refuse jobs to the unemployed, Mr Omar Abdullah, president of National Conference today demanded that ban should be immediately revoked.

Addressing a public rally in Langate, he said that coalition Government basically lacked the will to provide jobs and to hide its incapability it has been continuing with the ban. "Mufti Government believes in making tall promises and delivering nothing on the ground and it has failed to translate into reality its most of the promises", he added.

During elections, he said, Mufti had promised that his Government will provide jobs to two members of each family but now in the garb of the ban they are not even providing a single job. This, Mr Omar further said, is bound to frustrate the unemployed youth of the State and announced that all the 28 MLAs of the National Conference will seek and support the withdrawal of ban on the floor of the House.

The National Conference president told the gathering that his party will not be a mute spectator to the misery of the people of Kashmir and said that the State Government cannot ride the publicity horse when the common man is suffering.

Referring to the healing touch policy of Mufti Government, he said that people of Kashmir need balm for their wounds and not a policy which inflicts further injuries on the minds and bodies of the Kashmiris.

Mr Omar further said that while Mufti is talking day in and day out about the resolution of the Kashmir issue, he does not spell his Government’s clear policy on the issue and is deliberately creating confusion. He said that this strategic effort of Mufti to make vague statements on the Kashmir issue will only complicate the issue and make it more complex and added that Mufti must come out clearly with his formula for the resolution of the Kashmir issue.

Earlier, Mr Omar Abdullah allocated Rs five lakh for the upgradation of local Health Care Centre and Rs 1.50 lakh for the computerisation of the local school.

The rally was also attended by Dr Mehboob Beg, provincial president, Sharif Ud Din Shariq, MLA, Mir Saifullah (MLA), Qaiser Lone, MLA, Nasir Khan, MLC, Ghulam Rasool Naaz, Mir Rafi Ahmad and Nasir Sogami.

Two militants held, porter injured
Civilian, jawan among 3 killed

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 27: Three persons including a civilian, a militant and an army jawan were killed in three separate incidents across the region while an army porter was injured in a mine blast at Salhutri in two separate incidents across the region overnight.

Official sources said three militants forced their entry into the house of Mohd Shaffi son of Aziz at village Tararan Wali in Surankote in Poonch district late last night and opened firing on the house inmates. While Mohd Shaffi was killed on spot, his wife Khatia Begum, 50 and son Manzoor Hussain, 26, were seriously injured.

Militants escaped after the attack, the sources said, adding the injured civilians have been hospitalised.

They said the house of slain civilian was earlier also attacked by the militants in 2001. The militants had sought a huge amount from Shaffi, who had asked the ultras to come next day for collecting the cash. However, when the militants went for taking cash, a large number of villagers had gathered there, who thrashed the ultras, who were without arms, and forced them to flee.

Following the incident, Shaffi had migrated to Surankote town. He returned to Jharan Wali only a few days back and was killed by the militants.

Police today carried out a search operation in Jharan Wali forests but couldn’t get the militants. Sources said the militants, involved in the attack, were suspected to be locals.

Meanwhile, an army jawan of JAK Li was killed in continued shelling by Pakistan army in Bhawani village in Nowshera sector in Rajouri today. Yesterday, a civilian was killed and five others were injured in the shelling in same village.

Sources said the shelling is being effectively replied by the troops. Details of the casualties suffered by Pakistan army in the shelling couldn’t be ascertained.

Army today gunned a militant in Mahore tehsil in Udhampur district. Identity of the slain militant hasn’t been established, the sources said, adding that one AK rifle, three magazines and one hand grenade were recovered from the slain ultra.

In another search operation, security forces today apprehended two militants from Budhal area. They have been identified as Yassuf son of Mohd Khan and Irshad, both residents of Channa. Twelve AK rounds were recovered from them.

An army porter was injured in a mine blast at village Salhutri in Poonch last night. He has been identified as Mushtaq Sheikh son of Gaffar Sheikh, a resident of Salhutri.

Injured, who lost a leg in the powerful blast, was admitted in the district hospital in Poonch in serious condition.

DB quashes SP's backdoor appointment

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 27: In a landmark judgment, Division Bench of the State High Court, Jammu wing, comprising Acting Chief Justice VK Jhanji and Justice SK Gupta has quashed the illegal/backdoor appointment of Nauman Thakur, S/o GM Thakur, retired Commissioner General Administration Department (GAD), who was appointed as Deputy Superintendent of Police without following due course of law.

The DB set aside the judgment of the Single Judge and allowed the writ petition. It further quashed the Government order number 207-Home (P) of 1995, dated July 6, 1995, whereby Nauman Thakur, presently SP, was appointed against the post of Deputy Superintendent of Police J&K Police.

The DB further observed that since the appointment of Nauman has been quashed, the direction of the Single Bench to consider the claim of the writ petitioners on the analogy of Nauman Thakur, having been appointed as DySP, has been rendered infractous.

In the 20 page judgment written by Acting Chief Justice, VK Jhanji, the Bench observed that in the writ petition, allegations of favoritism, nepotism were leveled by the petitioners against the respondents especially the influence exerted by the father of the appointee (GM Thakur), who at the relevant time was stated to have held the post of Commissioner/Secretary GAD. The petitioners further alleged that administrative norms were thrown to the winds for facilitating the appointment of Nauman Thakur as DySP and his appointment was through backdoor entry, because of the influence exercised by his father and no examination or any selection process was initiated by the State Government in making the recruitment of DySP.

The stand taken by the Government was that due to militancy and its related activities, it was under these peculiar circumstances that the State Government had to exercise power conferred to it under J&K Constitution.

The Single Judge had upheld the appointment of Nauman on the basis of the judgment of the Supreme Court in HC Putta Swami and others versus Karnataka High Court.

Against this judgment, the petitioners preferred three LPAs through Advocates Sunil Sethi, PN Bhat and Sindhu Sharma. The DB after hearing both the sides, quashed the appointment of Nauman Thakur, being illegal and arbitrary.

M/s JP Singh, Abhinav Sharma, ZA Shah, senior Advocate with DC Raina and BS Slathia appeared for the appellants.

Gopal Arya Director makes sensational disclosures
Newspaper owners, Judges, Police Officers
amongst huge investors
* Statements reveal how news-items were floated and
black-mailing tactics adopted

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 27: Sensational disclosures have surfaced in the much publicized Gopal Arya Finance scam case, revealing the involvement and nexus of city’s top influential persons, including judges, media-persons, Police Officers and Advocates, who had threatened the Director of the Finance company, Ashok Mahajan, coerced and black-mailed him in a bid to grab his movable and immovable property.

All these "VVIPs" had deposited huge amount of money with the firm, the details of which have been revealed by Director of Gopal Arya Finance Company in his series of statements recorded by District Judge Vigilance and kept with Registrar (Judicial) on the directions of the High Court, and has now become the part of the court proceedings in this Public Interest Litigation (PIL).

According to the statements of Ashok Mahajan, huge investments were made by Pawan Gupta, SP Prosecution in the name of his wife amounting to rupees 75.5 lakh. Raj Daluja of State Times had deposited rupees 70 lakh in the name of his son Sidharth, while’s Ranjit Singh of Sun Rise Shoe Company had deposited rupees 1.22 crore.

Roshan Lal Aggarwal came under category number two, having invested rupees one crore. The record in respect of some investments made in this category were forcibly got washed off from the computer by few investors by pressurizing Ashok Mahajan’s younger brother, Nirmal Gupta, who used to be the incharge of the computer work for this Private Finance Limited.

Ashok Mahajan disclosed that some mafia groups had appeared on the scene which he could not personally acquaint with. " But I had horrible experience as I was coerced at times under the threat of life to sign the stamp papers, promissory notes and all kinds of receipts and undertakings. Such gang not only gave life threats to me, but also to my family members", Ashok Mahajan has said in his one of the statements.

According to it, all the three Bania Brothers, running business at RN Bazar and also publishing newspapers " Views Today" summoned him to their office/shop and gave threat to his life and to the lives of his family members. " They probably intervened on behalf of one Ram Saroop Gupta, running shawl business near Vardhan Hotel, who was one of the depositors, having invested rupees 70 lakh", Ashok said.

According to Gopal Arya Firm’s Director, next person who had summoned him and his brothers was Raj Daluja, owner of State Times. "Pawan Kumar Gupta, SP Crime Branch, Pramod Malhotra of High Land Fashion, RN Bazar were already present in the office of Raj Daluja at Amphalla when we were summoned there. Raj Daluja assaulted me and my brothers, gave severe beatings. One Sardar boy also joined Raj Daluja in threatening us", Ashok Mahajan has said in his statement.

According to the statement Ashok’s brother Nirmal was stripped by this Sardar boy and was taken to an adjacent room and made his video film in naked stage. " His naked photographs were also taken. Thereafter, Ashok Mahajan was also stripped. Raj Daluja threatened to retain the pornographic material. We had to do whatever Raj Daluja commanded", the statement said. It mentions that Raj Daluja thereafter made Ashok Mahajan and his brothers to put signatures on a number of documents.

" Raj Daluja by employing black-mail tactics made Mrs Indu, W/o Purshotam Gupta (brother of Ashok) to transfer out share in Mahareshi Nursing Home to another partner of the nursing home—Sukriti Choudhary, W/o Aun Choudhary. Indu, under the threat of blackmail and bodily harm even went to the registering authority and admitted execution of the documents", Ashok Mahajan has stated in his statement.

During the recording of the statement, Ashok Mahajan, on questioning has stated that Raj Daluja in the second week of February coerced him to handover title papers of plot measuring three kanals situated at Amphalla, BC Road Jammu. The plot could easily fetch an amount between 1.25 crore, however, he didn’t execute any sale deed in respect of this plot till date.

Ashok Mahajan has further said that in the second week of February 2003, a gang of criminals, probably employed by one of the depositors, forcibly snatched original sale deed of his plot measuring 10 kanals situated at Udheywalla during the intervening night of February 22 and 23. The same gang broke into his house and forcibly took his signatures on the sale deed relating to the said plot. "While leaving, they reminded me that they are going to get a Judge to his residence next date and get the sale deeds registered. The gang gave life threats to me and my family members", the Director of Gopal Arya Firm has stated.

He disclosed that to his knowledge, Pawan Gupta (SP) succeeded in getting the records pertaining to investments made by RP Sethi and RK Nehru (Retired Judges), Kulbhushan Gupta and Kewal Gupta washed off from the computer. The efforts for the deletion of the records made by Pawan Gupta, Roshan Lal Aggarwal, Dinesh Gupta and few others didn’t succeed.

Ashok Mahajan further disclosed that his one residential house (Pushp Vatika) at BC Road, Rehari was sold under distress to Vijay Gupta, advocate for an amount of rupees 50 lakh, with an understanding that Gupta will pay the further amount of rupees 50 lakh making the transaction in tune with the market value of the property.

These statements have been recorded on April 25, April 26, May 13 and May 14, wherein Ashok Mahajan has mentioned that how he was forced to leave Jammu when in first week of February 2003, a news item was floated in " Views Today", owned by Bania Group that I had run away with crores of rupees of the deposits and that the payment were not being made to the depositors. "The news-item was not true at all as my office was functioning normally. The interests were being paid normally to the depositors. This news item was repeated in other papers quite a few times only to harass us. This was the last nail in coffin of our business as all investors flocked to our business concern demanding the return of the deposits.

Ashok Mahajan said that he had no intention to leave the city at all and stated that the company had a reputation of 50 years in the business and could return the money to every one. The statement gives details of those amounts to be recovered from the loanees. Under this category are Vinod Book Depot, Pacca Danga owing Rs 30 lakh, JK Sales Copr, Exchange Road, owing Rs 20 lakh.

In the statement, Ashok Mahajan claimed that the Finance Company, in the circumstances has even at present assets worth over rupees 10 crore. He has given account of all his property as well.

"I hope to come back to the business, given a chance and repay the deposits made by the investors", the statement has mentioned, adding that, however, he and his family members are under constant threat to their lives as some investors want to take lions share out of my property, defeating interests of small investors. Here, in this context, Ashok Mahajan has again mentioned the name of Raj Daluja of State Times, who according to him has impersonated as Mr Jain from Trikutanagar and had given a phone call on the mobile phone of his (Ashok Mahajan’s) son, subjecting him to harassment.

In his statement recorded on May 13, Ashok Mahajan has also mentioned his nature of relationship with Justice (Retd) RP Sethi, which according to him was different from the one tried to be projected in an FIR. In his earlier statements, he has also mentioned of handing over title deeds of his DDA Duplex flat at Dwarika, Delhi to Parveen Gupta for handing over the same to Justice (Retd) RK Nehru so as to compensate Justice Nehru for the deposits he had made with the Finance Company.

In his one of the statements, Ashok Mahajan also mentioned how he faxed a message to Daily Excelsior, signifying his intention to surrender provided only SSP Jammu would provide him sufficient security. I saw the statement of SSP Jammu and the one faxed by me to Daily Excelsior on internet at Delhi, wherein SSP Jammu had assured that he will provide security. " Accordingly on April 16 or April 17, I came to Jammu and surrendered in Police Station".ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ   „

Mufti seeks inclusion of Dogri in 8th schedule

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 27: Assuring the people to preserve cultural heritage of Jammu region, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed today disclosed that he himself had asked the Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to include Dogri in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India.

While highlighting various development projects undertaken by the State Government for the beautification of Jammu city, the Chief Minister assured the gathering that age old culture and heritage of Jammu will be preserved, at any cost, while formulating development plans and policies for Jammu city.

"We should preserve our culture at any cost", he advised and stressed on the need of educating younger generation about our tradition and culture.

Pointing towards decision of the State Government to introduce English from Class 1, the Chief Minister said that introduction of English was must to make our students at par with the students of other parts of the country.

He, however, announced that besides introducing English language, mother tongues of people will also be flourished. He disclosed that during his visit to the Srinagar, he had himself asked the Prime Minister to introduce Dogri in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution as early as possible.

He announced in the function that State Government has decided to formulate various projects and plans to restore age old traditions and culture of Jammu region.

Vajpayee arrives in Germany

BERLIN, May 27: Calling for a concerted global battle against terrorism, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee arrived here today on the first leg of his three-nation tour that will seek to strengthen bilateral ties with Germany and provide an opportunity to interact with world’s top leaders during an informal G-8 summit in France.

On his arrival at Tegel airport, Vajpayee told reporters that terrorism is not confined to a country or a region and there is a need to fight it globally.

He said he would be discussing the issue of terrorism with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder during the talks tomorrow.

The Prime Minister, who is accompanied by a high-level delegation including External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha and Commerce and Industry Minister Arun Jaitely, was accorded a red carpet welcome. A formal reception with military honour will be given tomorrow by Schroeder.

Sinha said India and Germany have close political ties and in the next two days both the countries would seek to further this.

The Prime Minister has a hectic schedule tomorrow when he will meet Schroeder, who will host a lunch for him.

Bilateral, political and economic ties will come up for review during the meeting.

Prime Minister is also expected to brief the Chancellor on his latest peace initiative with Pakistan.

He will also meet other German leaders including Foreign and Defence Ministers. (PTI)

None in 23-party alliance takes Geelani’s side

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, May 27: Muttahida Jehad Council (MJC), Pakistan-based alliance of 13 Kashmiri militant outfits, has asked Hurriyat Conference to re-induct Syed Ali Shah Geelani as the representative of Jamaat-e-Islami in its executive council.

In a press release faxed from Muzaffarabad, the MJC today said that the alliance discussed the issue of Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s ouster from the Hurriyat in an extra-ordinary meeting which was chaired by the head of the alliance and "supreme commander" of Hizbul Mujahideen Syed Salah-ud-din. The MJC meeting observed that the political leadership of Kashmiri people appeared to be heading for a crisis.

According to the press release, MJC described Geelani as a staunch leader who could neither be cowed down nor purchased by any agency. It asked the Hurriyat to address Geelani’s complaint (against Peoples Conference), endorse his "principled and constitutional stand" and take him back in its fold. MJC observed that such an act would restore Hurriyat’s credibility among the masses.

In a separate statement faxed from Muzaffarabad, "supreme commander" of Hizbul Momineen Syed Aijaz Rizvi said that Geelani’s ouster from the Hurriyat was a plan hatched up by Jamaat-e-Islami chief Ghulam Mohammad Bhat. He said that the Jamaat had actually committed treason with the blood of the martyrs’ of Kashmir when it had distanced itself from the Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salah-ud-din two years ago and adopted a "hypocritical approach" to retreat from the Jehad.

The Momineen chief observed that by sidelining Geelani, Mr Bhat had succeeded in transforming Jamaat-e-Islami into a traditional political organisation. He asked the Jamaat cadres to support Geelani and redefine their commitment to Kashmir’s freedom struggle.

However, neither the Hurriyat nor any of its 23 constituents has so far issued a statement in favour of Mr Geelani. A statement of Islamic Students League in favour of Geelani appeared at newspaper offices today but within two hours the ISL activists withdrew the same saying that somebody had actually stolen its letterheads and misused the same.

Significantly, the JKLF chief Yasin Malik has also maintained silence over Geelani’s ouster and his statement which revealed that Geelani had sought Malik’s support in seeking Hurriyat’s action against the PC. Geelani has been removed from the Hurriyat in the wake of his seeking action against PC. His allegation is that Sajjad Gani Lone’s PC had contested the September last Assembly elections by fielding "dummy candidates"—one of whom became a Cabinet Minister in Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s Government.

Aziz nominated High Commissioner

ISLAMABAD, May 27: Pakistan has nominated career diplomat Aziz Ahmed Khan, currently the foreign office spokesman, as its new High Commissioner to India, setting at rest confusion over who would be appointed to the hot seat in New Delhi.

Aziz’s name has been forwarded to Indian External Affairs Ministry yesterday for formal approval, foreign office officials said here today.

An official announcement would be made after clearance of Aziz’s name by India, they said.

Earlier Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali had named Pakistan Ambassador to China, Riaz Muhammad Khan as the High Commissioner to India in an interview. The foreign office, however, issued a statement later saying that decision on Riaz Khan was not final.

Known for his "moderate" views on critical issues of Pakistan’s foreign policy, Aziz Ahmed Khan is not new to India as he had worked as a senior diplomat at Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi earlier.

Khan also served as the Envoy to Afghanistan during the years when Taliban was in power.(PTI)

Mongia ties nupital knot

CHANDIGARH, May 27: India batsman Dinesh Mongia tonight entered into a wedlock with Aarti Chandak.

The marriage was solemnised at private resorts in Punjab, near here.

The 23-year-old Aarti and Mongia were engaged on last Dushera and the marriage was slated to be held on April 23. However, the ceremony got postponed as Mongia was picked to play the tri-series tournament in Dhaka.

The Barat reached the venue at about 11 pm eventhough Mongia has in the evening told a section of the media including PTI that he would allow photographer to take shots at 9.30 pm.

However, when the Barat reached venue the photographers and electronic channel cameraman were phushed off by Mongias father who asked the cameraman to switch off the cameras.

Mongia had kept the function private affair. (PTI)
 
 
 
 

 

 

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