Shourie gives Rs 41 cr IT project to J&K
*Revolutionary step, says Mufti

Excelsior Special Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 16: By yet another major initiative to boost economic development in J&K, Union Minister for Communications and Information Technology Arun Shourie today announced an ambitious project for setting up of 139 Community Information Centres (CIC) to promote IT sector in a big way in the State.

Inaugurating a day-long seminar on citizen empowerment/citizen e-powerment here this morning, Mr. Shourie said the Centre has approved state Government’s project that would cost Rs. 41 crore. The centres would be located at all the block headquarters in the State. He said the work would start next month and 60 of these CICs would be set up within one year. Fully equipped to provide information even to the farmers about the market rates of various agriculture produce, he said, it would help making available expert advice on internet to farming community for handling agriculture related problems.

The Minister assured that the Centre would extend all possible support to Jammu and Kashmir in promotion of IT sector. He said infrastructure would be taken due care. Indicating his Ministry’s desire to collaborate with universities of J&K, his Ministry’s desire to collaborate with universities in Jammu and Kashmir, he said that selected brilliant IT students from the State would be sent to work with leading IT industry in the country to get greater exposure and in turn set up their own ventures in the State. He said this would help in creating employment opportunities tremendously. He said setting up of call centres would also be encouraged in the State.

Mr Shourie said that services at Software Technology Park here would be improved and effort made to ensure voice connectivity expeditiously as data connectivity facility is already there. A 4-member committee was set up on the spot to discuss problems and suggest solution thereof.

The Union Minister said that tourism is a critical sector where IT could be of much help to the state Government. He said on-line reservation of hotels could be availed of by the tourists planning to visit Kashmir. He called for planning area, topography and specialty sector-specific IT projects for immediate gains. He said handicrafts like papier machie can be other sector for raising the income of craftsmen by 40 per cent from the existing strength with the help of IT.

Mr Shourie said that given the ideal climate, trained manpower and modern institutions, Jammu and Kashmir is to become IT leader in the country. He said entrepreneurs from outside the State too have a large scope for setting up IT industry and services in the State.

The Minister mentioning about other strength areas of the state said that medicinal plants is another sector where the Jammu and Kashmir has monopoly and effort should be made to develop it by ensuring proper linkages with user industry.

Emphasizing the role of IT in revolutionizing the consumer services, Mr. Shourie said that with the coming of IT, every consumer service has become convenient and quick. He cited several examples where an ordinary consumer would be saved of torturous experience of standing in queues for hours together just for a simple form for ration card or any other document. Now with finger touch, he can get the form, deposit it and would come to know through computer when and from where it would be given to him duly processed. This facility has made even heart surgery convenient and affordable, much cheaper than in the west.

Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in his presidential address said that the setting up of CICs and other measures taken for promotion of IT in Jammu and Kashmir would change the vision of our youth. He said the Centre has taken many bold initiatives for speedy socio-economic progress of the people of the State on modern lines and sanctioning of the project for setting up Community Information Centres is a quantum jump in this direction. He stressed the need for creating a monitoring mechanism for ensuring better functioning of these centres.

The Chief Minister hailed the Centre for launching mobile phone services in Jammu and Kashmir describing it as a bold decision. He said the setting up of Community Information Centres is another important initiative that would revolutionize the economy of the State. He said IT could go a long way in ensuring quick and better delivery of services to the people. He said IT could be better utilized for issuance of hassle free various types of licenses, state subject and other certificates to help the citizens. He said tourism and horticulture sector have to be the focus of IT in our State to begin with.

The Chief Minister said that human resource development is key for rapid socio-economic progress and in this connection, referred to the strides made by most advanced countries like Japan despite having negligible mineral and other natural resources. Stressing the need for making immediate beginning in IT promotion, he said even a small step would be a big leaf forward for us.

Minister for Information Technology Nawang Rigzin said that the State is formulating its IT policy which would be announced soon. It would encourage investment in promotion of hardware and software IT industry. He said the State is ideally suited for setting up these ventures as it has best climatic conditions, zero pollution locations, vast infrastructure and capable manpower.

Chief Secretary Dr. Sudhir S. Bloeria emphasizing the need for catching up with the IT revolution. He said that while formulating strategies for e-powerment, the target sections should not be the highly educated people alone but literates as well to maximize its impact. This would help in covering a large segment of the society, he added.

Referring to the introduction of English language as a compulsory subject from first primary in Government schools in the State, Dr. Bloeria hoped that it too would help in development of IT sector in Jammu and Kashmir.

He stressed for focussing these issues during technical sessions at the seminar.

Engineer awarded 2 years imprisonment

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 16: Special Judge Anti-Corruption Jammu, Mr HK Hanjura has awarded simple imprisonment of two years and a fine of rupees 3,000 to Hari Krishan Gandotra, the then Executive Engineer Roads and Buildings against whom a case of disproportionate assets worth to the tune of rupees 9,50,757 has been proved.

In his 69 page judgment, Mr Hanjura observed that during the course of investigation and trial, the accused changed colours like a chameleon and never came forward with any valid defence though the Investigation Officer was benevolent enough to the accused in not including an area of land measuring two kanals situated at Chenei Hijan in the list of his assets, though the accused has reflected the same in statement supplied by him to the investigating Officer on December 31, 1996.

The Judge further observed that the accused was a Gazetted Officer on his own showing at a time when the flat at Delhi and plot at Faridabad were purchased by him in his own name and that of the wife, therefore, he was to seek prior permission from the Government which he didn’t.

The Judge also referred to the circular issued by the Government under Section 12 and 14 of J&K Publicmen and Public Servants Declaration of Assets and other provision Act 1983, whereby no public servant can in his own name or in the name of any of his family members acquire or transfer property unless he obtains permission in writing from the prescribed authority.

In the order, it was mentioned that the accused Gandotra has been found to be in possession of assets disproportionate to his known source of income to the tune of rupees 9,50,754.

While announcing the simple imprisonment and fine, the court held that still a lenient view was taken in view of the age of the accused (60 yrs). In default of the payment of the fine, the accused will further undergo simple imprisonment for three months, it was ordered.

The Judge held that the commission of offence of criminal conspiracy in this case has not been proved against two other accused — Madan Lal and Kunj Lal and as such, they are acquitted of the charges.

4 militants, soldier killed in Handwara
Militant, accomplice killed in custody

Excelsior Special Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 16: While as security forces have killed four militants in two separate gunbattles in Handwara and a soldier has also got killed, troops have allegedly killed two persons—a militant and a civilian—in custody in Pulwama district.

Informed sources in south Kashmir told EXCELSIOR that troops of a Srinagar-based unit of Army’s 9 Para handed over dead bodies of two persons to Police Station Rajpora, in Pulwama district, late last night. In their FIR lodged with the Police, troops claimed that the duo got killed in an encounter with security forces at Bellow, near Rajpora town. They described the slain individuals as militants and claimed to have recovered some arms and ammunition from their possession. They were identified as the Hizbul Mujahideen’s listed militant Nisar Ahmed Lone alias Saquib R/o Inder, Pulwama, and Sajjad Yusuf R/o Hanzkhull, Pulwama.

Police conducted post mortem on the dead bodies and handed over the same to their respective families.

Police maintained that it was still collecting details about the purported shootout and trying to know how the duo died in close vicinity of the company headquarters of BSF 8th Bn and Police Station Rajpora. However, independent sources revealed that eight armed soldiers of 9 Para reached Bellow in a private Tata-Sumo at 1400 hours on Tuesday and captured the two persons. Sajjad Yusyf’s second wife, Mubeena, ran away. She was chased and captured by the soldiers who bundled all the three in their vehicle and disappeared. Nisar and Sajjad were shot dead in custody and Mubeena was handed over to Rajpora Police late last evening.

Enquiries further revealed that Sajjad was a civilian with links to Hizbul Mujahideen militants in Pulwama. Husband of a local woman and father of three young children, he had married Mubeena last year. Since the girl from a different sect was not acceptable to her in-laws, Sajjad used to live most of time out of his home. After Sajjad’s parents collected the dead body of their son today, they refused to take custody of the young widow. Police sources told Excelsior that the woman would be handed over to her parents, living in Tengwani, on Friday.

While there was no uproar over the custodial killing at the Hizb militant’s village, the Shia localities of Gangua and Hanzkhull put up a protest and asked why Sajjad Yusuf had been killed in custody. They claimed that he was a civilian with no active connections with militans. Sources said that after the duo was arrested on Tuesday, Police visited the spot and recovered a pistol which, according to villagers, had been thrown away by the veiled lady (Mubeena).

Sources in north Kashmir told Excelsior that, over a specific information, troops of RR 21 Bn had laid an ambush at Gori Hakar in Handwara area last evening. Troops opened fire when a group of militants fell in the trap. Militants retaliated, killing a soldier on spot. Another soldier sustained injuries. Even as some militants managed to escape, two of them were gunned down by security forces. They were unidentified though officials believed them as Pakistani cadres of Lashkar-e-Toiba. Officials said that 3 AK-56 rifles, 11 magazines, 3 hand grenades and one UBGL were recovered from the site of encounter.

Yet another gunbattle took place between a group of infiltrating militants and troops of 18 JAK Rifles at Drangyari in Chowkibal area of Police Station Vilgam last night. Two militants got killed. They were identified as Abdur Rasheed and Ayub Hussain of Lashkar-e-Toiba. Officials believed them as Lashkar cadres from PoK.

Hema Malini to campaign for BJP

NEW DELHI, Oct 16: Noted Bollywood actress Hema Malini, today said that she would campaign for the BJP in the coming Assembly elections in five states.

"I will definitely campaign for the party in the coming Assembly elections even though I have not joined the party as yet," she told reporters at a function in the residence of BJP president M Venkaiah Naidu in the presence of several Union Ministers and Tinsel world. She took oath as member of Rajya Sabha today.

Welcoming her as a new member of the Rajya Sabha coinciding with her 55th birthday, Naidu said in a lighter vein "it is the birth of a politician."

He said her coming to Rajya Sabha would really help art, culture and tourism and she would ensure that the interests of art and culture were well protected.

Thanking them, Hema Malini said "it is a very great occasion for me and this will be a memorable birthday for me as on this day I have become member of Parliament."

Terming her entry in Parliament as a great honour, she said "I know people have great expectation from me and I shall try to live up to their expectations."

Among those present included Union Ministers Jual Oram, Bandaru Dattareya, Vinod Khanna and Pon Radhakrishnan while from the celluloid world were Jayaprada and Nitish Bharadwaj.

BJP general secretaries Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Anita Arya and party’s chief whip in Rajya Sabha S S Ahluwalia were also present on the occasion.

The occasion provided an opportunity for the shutter bugs as Vinod Khanna struck a pose with Malini and Jayaprada on either side. (PTI)

Top police officer’s kin held for militant links

By Sanjeev Pargal

JAMMU, Oct 16: In an important success, police have arrested a militant of Hizb-e-Islami outfit from Rajouri town, who happened to be close kin of a top police officer. He was involved in militant activities in Rajouri and also had links with "militants’ contacts" in New Delhi.

Confirming the arrest of 25 year old Raja Magrey son of Gafoor Magrey, a resident of Nerojal in Thanna Mandi, presently putting up in Rajouri town, official sources said he was a "very close relative" of a senior police officer of the State. But, they said, the police officer was not aware of Magrey’s activities as he was posted in another district.

The militant, according to sources happened to be nephew (sister’s son) of Superintendent of Police.

"Raja Magrey was a "close confidant" of Hizb-e-Islami outfit’s chief commander Hafiz Rashid. He was clandestinely operating for the outfit in Rajouri district and New Delhi", they said, adding "some important clues have been gathered regarding militant activities in Rajouri and Thanna Mandi during his interrogation".

According to sources, Magrey’s involvement in militant activities surfaced when his sister was allegedly kidnapped by a group of militants last month. The kidnapping took place as Magrey didn’t handover a consignment of cash, which he had brought for the militant outfit from New Delhi, to the militants. The girl was released after a couple of days when Magrey paid a part of the cash consignment to the militants’ commanders and promised to pay the remaining amount later.

After the kidnapping incident, which was kept a secret, sources said, police became suspicious of Raja Magrey’s activities and kept a watch on him. Police suspicion turned true when they found Raja Magrey’s name in the diary of Zunaid Pakistani, an "area commander" of Hizb-e-Islami, who was killed in an encounter with the police at Behrot, Thanna Mandi on October 4.

Zunaid and his associate Shahin Islam alias Alishan were gunned down by the cops in a nullah at Nerojal, Thanna Mandi. Zunaid was involved in a blast in Rajouri town on September 20 in which four persons including a top RAW officer were killed and 29 others were injured.

Immediately, police came into action and arrested Magrey. He was subjected to questioning during which he admitted his links with Hizb-e-Islami outfit’s chief commander Hafiz Rashid. Sources said a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against him at Rajouri police station and his further interrogation was on.

Declining to comment on whether Magrey was involved in Rajouri blasts, the sources said he "definitely had knowledge of the blasts" indicating that he might have "some kind of affiliation" with the militants, who were instrumental in engineering blasts in the town. Police was also examining his links with "certain anti-national elements" in New Delhi from whom he had brought the cash consignment.

Saying that questioning of Zunaid was still in a preliminary stage, the sources disclosed that they were virtually hoping to get a breakthrough in "several militant activities" in Rajouri district and other areas.

Meanwhile, five more suspects have been picked-up by police from Thanna Mandi following interrogation of Magrey. However, identity of the arrested suspects was not disclosed by the sources on the ground that their questioning was at a preliminary stage.

No let up in anti-militancy operations: DPM

MANESAR (HARYANA), Oct 16: Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today asserted that there would be no let up in security forces’ operations against terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir and observed that a record number of more than 200 militants were killed last month.

"Operations against terrorists will continue. We are determined to root out terrorism. Over 200 terrorists were killed last month. This is a record," he said addressing NSG commandos on the force’s 19th Raising Day here.

Regretting that Pakistan has failed to stop sponsorship of cross-border terrorism despite the hand of friendship being extended by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, Advani said touch-stone of Islamabad’s sincerity to fight terror would be to return the 20 Pakistan-based fugitives wanted by India for serious crimes.

The Deputy Prime Minister said Pakistan had resorted to the proxy war against India after being defeated in all the open wars. Terrorist training camps are continuing to function in Pakistan, which, he said, was not interested in dealing with terrorism.

Lauding NSG for its role in combating the menace whether it occured in J and K, Punjab or Akshardham temple in Gujarat, he said it was the right "youthful" force to deal with terrorism, the "demon" of the century, with its symbol of "Sudershan Chakra".

Recalling that NSG was set up in 1984 after the assassination of Indira Gandhi, Advani said the force comprised young officers and men as they came from various other security organisations only on deputation.

Advani said the National Security Guards had done the nation proud with the services rendered by it and its glorious role in the terrorist-infested states of J and K and the North East.

"NSG personnel have been with me (for security cover) for several years. I am personally impressed with their professional acumen and unparalleled bravery," he said adding that he would look into their problems sympathetically.

"I am personally indebted to them and thank them for the services they have rendered. On behalf of the countrymen, I can say that the nation is proud of them", Advani said.

The Deputy Prime Minister also gave away police medals to the commandos and witnessed exercises conducted by the personnel, using choppers and real weaponry. He also visited the NSG museum. (PTI)

Musharraf ready to talk to Vajpayee

PUTRAJAYA (MALAYSIA), Oct 16: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf today said he was ready to meet Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee "anytime, anywhere" but was not "dying" for it.

"You can’t clap with one hand. I want to (have talks). You ask this question to your Prime Minister," Musharraf told PTI when asked if there would be an opportunity to have bilateral (Indo-Pak) talks during the SAARC summit.

He, however, said "let me add one thing here. They should not think we are dying to meet them. We would like to meet them for mutual benefit".

Asked if he was ready to have summit level talks with India, Musharraf, who is attending the OIC summit here, said "yes, of course, any time. I have been saying so many times. Any time, anywhere".

He made it clear that any bilateral talks must include Kashmir.

Asked whether he thought there would be problems in the region because of the recent missile tests by the two countries, Musharraf said "we possessed these all along.

"There is nothing new. We know India is nuclear. India knows we are nuclear. We know India has missiles. India knows we have missiles. We both know we are developing them also."

On whether he foresaw a threat in the region, the Pakistan President said "it is as much or as less as it always was. It has not increased neither has it decreased".

He replied in the affirmative when asked if he considered India’s defence strategy as a threat to Pakistan. "All their military is deployed against Pakistan. It is certainly a threat against Pakistan".

In reply to a question, he said Pakistan maintained a strategy of deterrence. "We will deter any enemy, including India, from attacking us. Therefore, we maintain a certain force level which imposes a no-win situation on the enemy. This is what we do." (PTI)

OIC plea to India on Kashmir

PUTRAJAYA (MALAYSIA) Oct 16: Raking up the Kashmir issue at the opening of the oic summit here, its secretary general Abdelouahed Belkeziz today toed Pakistan’s line and talked about right of "self determination" for the Kashmiri people and urged India to allow its delegation to "inspect condition in the Indian-controlled part" of the State.

Addressing the summit of 57-member grouping, attended also by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, Belkeziz, however, noted with satisfaction the marked improvement in Indo-Pak ties following resumption of diplomatic relations and easing of tensions between the two countries.

"We hope this would help reach a lasting solution to Jammu and Kashmir conflict so as to enable Kashmiri people exercise their right to self determination and ward off the spectre of war between India and Pakistan which would jeopardise the entire region of south Asia," he said.

Describing the Pakistan occupied Kashmir as "Jammu and Kashmir," he applauded Islamabad for allowing an OIC delegation to visit there and hope that India would also permit an "inspection of Indian-controlled part of Jammu and Kashmir".

"The General Secretariat dispatched this year a high-level delegation to Jammu and Kashmir in compliance with OIC resolutions. The delegation came face to face with conditions and problems of the populations and with the magnitude of their plight, which are due to constant tension in the border areas," Belkeziz said.

He said "we hope that the Indian Government would soon allow the General Secretariat to dispatch a similar delegation to inspect the condition in the Indian-controlled part of Jammu and Kashmir". (PTI)

Sonia launches poll campaign

JAIPUR, Oct 16: Launching the Assembly poll campaign in five states on a high personal and emotional note on her foreign origin issue, Congress president Sonia Gandhi today said neither her patriotism nor Indianness could be questioned.

In the backdrop of NCP chief Sharad Pawar’s recent campaign against Gandhi’s foreign origin, the AICC president told an election rally here that all along she had been following Indian traditions and secular and ethical proprieties of the Gandhi family.

"Bahu, Maa Aur Vidhava Ke Roop Mein Maine Kaunsi Maryada Ka Nirvahan Nahin Kiya (which tradition of the country I did not follow as a daughter-in-law, as a mother and as a widow)," she said in a voice choked with emotion.

"Those raising fingers on my patriotism should first tell me what Indian tradition I have not followed after becoming Indira Gandhi’s "Bahu" (daughter-in-law)."

Without naming anyone, Gandhi said "some people are raising finger at my loyalty to this country. Had I wished, I could have got the highest post after my husband’s murder. But I never aspired for any thing."

"I never considered my personal agony and pain above the country’s traditions," she added.

However, Gandhi said, those who could do any thing for power cannot understand this. "Those who can go to any extent for grabbing power, those who are neck deep in corruption and those who trade on martyrs’ "Kafan" (cloth wrappin it)."

Gandhi said she had accepted the call by Congressmen to lead the party only when she saw that traditions of freedom movement and values of Congress were in danger."I came forward to keep the Congress united."

"I am not worried about the attacks on me on foreign origin issue because I have full faith in the people of this country," she said.

Only those who walk along the path of truth and humanity and who are ready to die for the country would emerge victorious, Gandhi said and hoped people would vote Congress to power in the coming Assembly elections and Lok Sabha polls next year.

She said whenever she raised issues unpalatable to the NDA Government at the Centre, it was not only she who was made a target of attacks but even late Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi had to face the same.

Gandhi said the NDA Government cannot claim any programme or policy of its own for development of the country. It even weakened the programmes and policies inherited from previous Congress Governments.

"Under NDA rule prices are rising, there is unemployment and there is no social security and borders of the country are not secure and safe. The country is weak in fighting terrorism and is standing as a weak nation before the world," Gandhi alleged.

Calling for probity in politics, she said "these days every thing is viewed with a parochial self interest. When a Government does something for the people, it is not doling out any favour. Good governance is the right of the people which only Congress can provide."

Asking people to return Congress to power in the coming Assembly polls, Gandhi said the Gehlot Government had done "a good job for development of Rajasthan".

"One can easily see a marked difference between what had been done during the previous eight years of BJP rule and the development works done by the Congress Government," she said.

Gandhi expressed satisfaction that the State Government managed the worst drought "efficiently and honestly" despite not getting adequate assistance from the Centre.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and PCC president Girija Vyas expressed confidence that people would vote for Congress in the coming polls in the same manner in which they voted in 1998 giving the party more than two third majority.

AICC general secretaries Ambika Soni and Nawal Kishore Sharma besides senior Congress leaders Ram Niwas Mirdha and Natwar Singh were present. (PTI)

Bhim admits he is in touch with Farooq

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 16: Airing speculations over his next political move, Jammu Kashmir National Panther Party chief Prof Bhim Singh today admitted that he was in touch with National Conference patron Dr Farooq Abdullah and he has no permanent enemy in politics.

"I have no permanent political enemity with anyone and I will not shy in joining hands with those to whom I feel helpful for my political goals," he confessed during an informal chat with media persons on the sidelines of martyrs’ day function, here today.

Prof Singh claimed that every constituent of the ruling coalition in Jammu and Kashmir, was aspiring to implement its own agenda and JKNPP too has the same ambition.

The JKNPP chief, whose party is an important constituent in the ruling coalition, also not ruled out the possibility of change of guard in the State Government and predicted,"Sarkar Chalti Rahegi, Manager Badal Sakta Hai."

However, at the same time, he sought to clarify that his political ambition and priority was to get Common Minimum Programme (CMP) implemented and ensure that Jammu may get its due share. "I have commitment to my people and my first priority is to ensure implementation of CMP including Wazir Commission recommendations for the cause of Jammu," he stressed.

Later addressing the martyrs’ day programme, Bhim Singh vowed to get Jammu ‘liberated’ from the Kashmiri rulers and announced to launch a Mahabharat for the cause within six months.

"Give me only six months for preparation of the Mahabharat against Kashmiri rulers and I pledge that those who sucked the blood of Jammu people will be replaced in the decisive war," he thundered and urged people to strengthen his hands in fight against ‘Kourvas’.

Accusing the Mufti Government of discriminating with Jammu, the JKNPP chief said that he does not want to pull the Government but can not compromise on the interests of Jammu.

He even went to the extent of threatening Chief Minister Mufti Mohd Sayeed with change of guard in the State Government and announced that his party MLAs in the ruling coalition were not for service to the Government but to represent Jammu people.

Ultra killed, another surrenders

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 16: A militant was killed and another surrendered before security forces in two separate incidents while a blast rocked village Bafliaz in Surankote tehsil in Poonch today.

DIG Rajouri-Poonch range S M Sahai said police recovered dead body of a militant from village Daggar Ala Solar Peer forests under the jurisdiction of Dharamshal police station in Rajouri district this morning. One AK-47 rifle, one magazine and a wireless set were recovered from near the body.

He said the militant had been injured in an encounter with police and succumbed to his injuries while fleeing in a forest area. Identity of the militant hasn’t been established.

A local militant, who was active for last five years, today surrendered before Army and police at village Thanol under jurisdiction of Reasi police district. He has been identified as Munir Hussain son of Ghulzar Hussain (code name Sikander), a resident of Thanol.

SSP Reasi Jagdish Lal Sharma said the militant handed over one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, 30 rounds and one binocular at the time of his surrender which took place before an Army officer and Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Pawan Parihar.

Surrendered militant has been sent for questioning. He was affiliated with Hizbul Mujahideen outfit and was operating in Reasi-Arnas-Mahore belt for last five years, the reports said.

Meanwhile, a blast took place at village Taranwali in Bafliaz area of Surankote tehsil in Poonch district at 1.30 PM today. While no one was injured in the IED blast, an army jawan sustained minor injuries while keeping people out of the blast site.

Pakistan army continued heavy mortar shelling in Nowshera sector in Rajouri district throughout the day today. While no casualties or damage took place in today’s shelling, authorities were forced to close down Kalaal high school which was being targeted by Pakistan Army in shelling.

Pak team to visit Baglihar

ISLAMABAD, Oct 16: A three-member Pakistani team would undertake a five-day visit to India beginning Sunday to inspect the Baglihar power project on river Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir to verify its objections that the project was in "violation" of the Indus Water Treaty between the two nations.

Foreign office officials said here that the dates for the visit of the delegation led by Pakistan’s Commissioner for permanent Indus Commission Syed Jamat Ali Shah have been finalised in consultation with India.

"Dates have been finalised and travel documents of the team members are being processed," the officials were quoted as saying by local daily `Dawn’.

They said that the visit was Baglihar-specific and not meant to visit other rivers and tributaries flowing from Kashmir into Pakistan. Islamabad has also raised objections over Kishanganga project on river Jhelum.

Under the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, India has granted the Riparian rights of the three rivers including Indus, Chenab and Jhelum to Pakistan.

Islamabad alleges that the 450 Mw Baglihar project, which India terms as purely a power project aimed at meeting the power requirements of the area as violation of the treaty.

Pakistan has rejected the design specification of the project, saying that it has the potential to "impede" the flow of water to its soil. (PTI)
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

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