30-hour-long hostage drama ends
*4 militants, civilian killed; 17 wounded in Kulgam blast

Excelsior Special Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 21: Police and security forces have finally succeeded in evacuating all the civilians who had been held hostage by militants during a cordon-and-search operation at Thiarina village in Shopian area of Pulwama district. Both the militants, who had created high drama by holding six civilians on gun point inside a house, have been shot dead by security forces. Meanwhile security forces have killed at least four more militants and 17 civilians have been left wounded in a grenade explosion in Kashmir valley since last evening.

SP Pulwama, Viplab Kumar, told EXCELSIOR that the 30-hour-long hostage drama ended this afternoon after Police and security forces rescued all the six holed up civilians and killed both the militants at Thiarina. As already reported, militants had held the civilians hostage and demanded safe passage when Police and security forces had raided the house of one Abdur Rehman Dar at Thiarina.

Viplab Kumar said that Police and security forces had received information according to which a group of six militants was present at the house of a retired PWD employee, Abdur Rehman Dar. Special Operations wing of District Police Pulwama and troops of CRPF 69th Bn laid siege to the house during the night intervening Sunday and Monday. When they zeroed in on the target house, militants opened gunfire. Four of the six militants are believed to have escaped or hidden somewhere during the melee. Two militants, who were trapped at Dar’s house, held hostage three civilians, including the house-owner’s son-in-law. However, Dar and four of his daughters managed to come out during the initial round of the firing.

Four more civilians were sent in with the message that militants should lay down the arms and come out. However, militants allowed only one of them to come out and three others were also held hostage. One person returned with the militants’ demand that safe passage be given to them in exchange for the life of the hostages. SP Pulwama said that he established radio contact with the militants and asked them three times to lay down their arms and come out. However, they did not relent. Consequently, two units of 10 Para and 13-Punjab of Army were brought in for the decisive assault. Director General of Police, Gopal Sharma, communicated to Police and security forces and every possible attempt be made to rescue the civilians but neutralise the militants.

In the morning today, Police and security forces fired tear-smoke shells into the target house which helped all the six civilians to come out. Later, the house was destroyed in a fierce gunbattle in which both the militants got killed. They were identified as Abu Samak of Pakistan and Shakil Ahmed Bhat S/o Ali Mohammad Bhat R/o Dhobipora Nagbal, Shopian. Two AK-56 rifles, one grenade and three diaries were recovered from the devastated site of the operation.

Sources said that, over a specific information, troops of RR 28th Bn launched a search operation in Dooniwari forest area of Panzla in Rafiabad, Baramulla. During the operation, a fierce gunbattle took place between the militants and security forces. Two militants got killed. They were identified as Irshad Ahmed Lone S/o Mohammad Sharif Lone R/o Janbazpora and Zahoor Ahmed Dar S/o Abdul Majeed Dar R/o Ushkura, Baramulla.

In Makilhama, Bandipore, two soldiers have sustained injuries in the gunbattle that had begun yesterday. All the militants have managed to escape from the cordoned area.

Unconfirmed reports pouring in from north Kashmir said that troops have killed three militants in an encounter in Sundarwali Gali in general area of Furkian Top in Kupwara. However, Police sources said that neither any dead bodies had been handed over to Police nor had security forces lodged an FIR with Police.

Sources said that troops of RR 9th Bn and Special Operations wing of District Police Kulgam have killed two unidentified militants in an encounter in Bari Bahak in Damhal Hanjipora foothills of Pir Panjal in south Kashmir yesterday. Officials claimed that they were both Pakistani cadres of Lashkar-e-Toiba.

Sources said that an unidentified militant lobbed a hand grenade on a patrol party of SOG Kulgam at the local bus-stand in Kulgam at 1500 hours today. It exploded, causing injuries to 17 civilians. Police sources said that two persons were grievous injuries were rushed to a Srinagar hospital while as 15 others were discharged after treatment to their minor injuries.

Killing of a civilian, allegedly by security forces in Pahalgam-Bijbehara area, has evoked widespread resentment and condemnation in Anantnag. Sources said that hundreds of demonstrators converged on streets in Bijbehara area and shouted slogans against BSF. They alleged that troops of BSF 58th Bn had raided the house of a Gujjar youth, Ghulam Mohammad Khatana S/o Juma Khatana at Lahan Dajan in Pahalgam area, and later shot him dead in custody.

Civilians in Pahalgam-Bijbehara area registered their protest against Khatana’s killing and claimed that he had never associated himself with militancy. Police resorted to the use of tear-smoke and baton charge to disperse the demonstration.

EC raises ceiling of expenditure by candidates

NEW DELHI, Oct 21: Taking a "practical" view of poll expenses incurred by individual candidates, the Union Cabinet today decided to raise the ceiling of expenditure by them for Lok Sabha elections from Rs 15 to Rs 25 lakh and those for the coming Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh from Rs six to Rs ten lakh.

The ceiling for election expenses for candidates contesting for Delhi Assembly polls will go up from Rs five to Rs nine lakh while that for mizoram will be raised from Rs three to Rs five lakh, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj told reporters after the cabinet meeting where the decisions were taken.

The notification for raising the poll expenditure limit for the Lok Sabha and Assemblies in MP, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Delhi and Mizoram would be issued shortly for the benefit of candidates in the five states which go polls in six weeks.

"With the raising of the ceiling of expenditure for parliamentary constituencies as well as Assembly constituencies will make the election expenses more realistic and practical", Swaraj said.

In another decision related to elections, the Cabinet decided to amend the Delimitation Act, 2002 to carry out delimitation of constituencies on the basis of 2001 census instead of 1991 census. The Cabinet decision to raise the poll expenses limit follows a suggestion from the Election Commission to that effect for parliamentary constituencies and Assembly constituencies with suitable adjustments in case of smaller states.

Other than Jammu and Kashmir, the move would entail amendments to Rule 90 of the conduct of elections rules, 1961 by issuance of an executive notification. The last review of the maximum limit of election expenses was done in 1997.

"Since then the value of rupee has considerably declined and the price index has gone up", Swaraj said referring to the suggestions made by the EC to raise the ceiling.

In case of Jammu and Kashmir, this would be done by the State Government by amending rule 90 of the J and K’s conduct of elections rules 1965 under the powers conferred on the State Governments by Section 168 of the J and K Representation of People Act 1957.

The Commission had indicated last week that it was examining bringing forth "tougher guidelines" to check overspending by candidates.

Regarding amendments in the Delimitation Act, Swaraj said the Cabinet approved the Delimitation Commission to carry out the mandate of the Constitution (84th Amendment) Act 2001 for the delimitation exercise.

It is aimed at removing the disparities in the size of various constituencies across the country and re-fix the number of seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes on the basis of 2001 census.

A bill to replace an ordinance for the delimitation process would be introduced in the winter session of Parliament. It is to replace 1991 census by 2001 census as the basis for the exercise as demanded by major political parties.

The Cabinet also approved inclusion of nominees of Governors of Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland where no State Election Commissioners exist in the composition of the Delimitation Commission.

At present, the Delimitation Commission consists of one member who is or has been a judge of the Supreme Court as the chairperson of the Commission. The Chief Election Commissioner or an Election Commissioner nominated by the CEC acts as the ex-officio member of the State Election Commission. One of the secretaries to the Central Election Commission would be ex-officio secretary of the Commission. (PTI)

Suman Bhagat is KVIB Chairperson
11 heads of Corpns, Boards appointed
*3 get Cabinet status, 6 MoS

Excelsior Special Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 21: The State Government today ordered appointments of Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons to 11 Corporations and Boards. They included nine MLAs of Congress (I) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the two coalition partners.

Three of the chairpersons have been given status of Cabinet Ministers while six others have been given status of Minister of State (MoS), an official handout issued today said.

Mrs Suman Bhagat, Congress MLA from RS Pura (reserve) constituency, who had openly resented her exclusion from the Cabinet last year, has been appointed Chairperson of Khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB). She will have the status of Cabinet Minister.

Mohammad Shafi Bhat, another Congress MLA from Amirakadal has been appointed as Chairman of Agro Industries Development Corporation with the status of Cabinet Minister while a PDP MLA Sarfaraz Khan will be the Chairman of J&K Handloom Development Corporation. He too will enjoy the status of Cabinet Minister.

Girdhari Lal, a Congress leader representing Hiranagar (reserve) Assembly constituency has been appointed as Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Advisory Board for Welfare and Development of Scheduled Castes with the status of Minister of State.

Ghulam Mohd Saroori, another Congress MLA representing Inderwal Assembly constituency who had won the seat with record margin in Jammu province in last year’s Assembly election, has been appointed Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Social Welfare Advisory Board. He will have the status of Minister of State.

Haji Abdul Rashid, a Congress MLA from Sopore will be Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Handicrafts (S&E) Corporation with Minister of State status while his party colleague Ghulam Hassan Khan has been appointed Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Horticulture Produce and Marketing Corporation with Minister of State status.

Another PDP MLA Dr Ghulam Nabi Lone will be Chairman SIDCO with Minister of State status. Independent MLA from Kathua Babu Singh has been appointed as Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Minerals Ltd. He too will enjoy the status of Minister of State.

Mrs Shamima Dev has been appointed Chairperson of J&K State Commission for Women while Shabir Ahmed Khan, Advocate, has been appointed as Vice Chairman, Advisory Board for Pahari Speaking People.

Custodial death of youth
5 cops face murder charge

NEW DELHI, Oct 21: At least 33 policemen and a civilian were injured in clashes in a West Delhi locality following the death of a youth in police custody even as five police personnel were charged with murder.

A 3000-strong mob, resenting the death of Sushil Kumar who was picked up by police last night on charges of gambling, fought pitched battles with police on the streets of Madhipur locality, Joint Commissioner of Police (West District) Satish Golchha said.

Police lobbed 27 tear gas shells and charged with batons when the mob pelted stones and resorted to arson damaging five vehicles.

Kumar was picked up after he allegedly tipped off a group of gamblers whom a police team had gone to nab near a slum cluster. "He was released after an hour," Golchha said.

On reaching his residence, Sushil complained of illness and his brother Om Prakash took him to hospital at around 2.30 am where he was declared "brought dead", the DCP said.

Following the incident, Police Post in-charge Sub-Inspector Rajbir Singh was placed under suspension for "failing to lodge a diary entry regarding arrival, departure and questioning of the suspect."

His subordinates head constable Kesar Singh and constables Rohtash Singh, Jai Prakash and Robin Singh, who picked up Sushil, were also suspended, Golchha said.

The erring cops, however, have not been arrested as the investigation is still pending into the incident, he said.

Golchha said a case under sections 302 (murder) of IPC has been registered against the five suspended cops.

Sushil’s family members alleged he was beaten up and severely injured by the policemen which resulted in his death.

As the news about the death spread, about 3,000 people gathered at the residence of the deceased.

The crowd turned violent, pelting stones at the police and blocking traffic on new Rohtak Road, Golchha said adding one ACP, two inspectors, two ASIs, seven head constables and 21 constables were injured.

Five vehicles were also damaged in stone pelting by the mob which also tried to set ablaze three motorcycles, he said.

To bring the situation under control and disperse the mob, police lobbed 27 teargas shells and resorted to lathicharge in which one person was injured, the DCP said.

The mob cooled following persuasion by family members of Sushil and local leaders, Golchha said.

He said the statement of the deceased’s brother Krishan Kumar has been recorded.

Another FIR under various sections of IPC and PDPP act has been registered in connection with rioting by the public.

Additional District Magistrate (Central) Krishan Kumar is conducting inquest proceedings into Sushil’s death. (PTI)

Talks on border important: China

BEIJING, Oct 21: Describing as "important" the upcoming first meeting of the special political representatives of India and China on the vexed boundary issue, Beijing today hoped that a framework of principles to address protracted border dispute could be firmed up by the two sides.

"We think this is an important meeting," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said when asked to comment on the October 23 meeting in New Delhi between Chinese Executive Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo and National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra.

A decision to appoint the special representatives was proposed by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during his landmark visit to China in June and was promptly accepted by his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao.

"We hope that they would work on the framework of principles for the resolution of the border problem," Zhang told PTI.

Sources said Dai and Mishra, who are known to each other, would have in-depth talks on the boundary issue while taking into account the overall interests of Sino-Indian relations.

While an early breakthrough was not on the cards, analysts here feel that the decision by the political leaders to deal the sensitive issue at the highest level itself was indeed a welcome step that could yield an early resolution.

In the joint declaration issued by Vajpayee and Wen, the two leaders reiterated their readiness to seek a "fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution through consultations on an equal footing."

The two sides also agreed that pending an ultimate solution, they should work together to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border area.

India and China reiterated their commitment to continue implementation of the agreements signed for this purpose, including the clarification of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The job of resolving the vexed boundary dispute was left to the special political representatives as it was felt that despite holding several rounds of the India-China joint working group on the boundary issue and a special experts group since early 1990s, a breakthrough could not be achieved at the level of officials.

The Dai-Mishra meeting will also take place within weeks of China removing the map showing Sikkim as a separate country from its Foreign Ministry website.

India says China is illegally occupying 43,180 Sq Kms of Jammu and Kashmir including 5,180 Sq Km illegally ceded to Beijing by Pakistan under the Sino-Pakistan boundary agreement in 1963.

China accuses India of possessing some 90,000 Sq Km of Chinese territory, including the whole of Arunachal Pradesh. (PTI)

Centre adopting casual approach on Kashmir: Karan

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 21: Former Sadar-e-Riyasat and Rajya Sabha Member, Dr Karan Singh today lambasted Union Government for adopting casual approach towards solving vexed problem of Kashmir.

Addressing a function organised by Maharaja Ghulab Singh Memorial Trust in connection with the 211th birthday of Maharaja Ghulab Singh, Dr Karan Singh expressed his anguish over casual approach of Centre in solving Kashmir problem. "First they appointed K C Pant followed by Ram Jethmalani and then N N Vohra", he said, adding, "now they are looking for another person to hold dialogue with people of Jammu and Kashmir". "This is nothing but cruel joke with inhabitants of this State", he observed and regretted that rulers at Delhi never feel pain and hardship being faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir during the last 14 years.

Expressing his serious concern over, what he called, apathetic attitude of the Centre towards Dogri language, former Sadar-e-Riyasat and eminent scholar asked the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government to move a resolution in the forthcoming session of the Parliament to include Dogri in the Eighth schedule of the Constitution.

"I am of the strong opinion that the resolution will be passed unanimously as almost all political parties are in favour of this long pending demand of Dogras", he said, adding, "main opposition party Congress will support inclusion of Dogri in Eighth schedule"

In an informal chat with media persons, Dr Singh regretted that injustice has been meted out to the Dogri language by the successive Centre governments. "Neither previous regimes nor present NDA Government is looking serious in giving due place, which this language deserves", he rued, adding, "for the last 30 years I have been fighting for Dogri". "I had raised issue on Dogri even when I was Minister in the Union Government", recalled former Union Minister and added that as Rajya Sabha member he has been raising this issue in the Upper House time and again.

Dr Singh expressed his anguish over indifferent attitude of the Centre and termed behaviour of NDA as ‘glaring example of injustice with Dogri’. "When State Government has already passed a resolution in the Assembly for inclusion of Dogri in Eighth schedule, I donot know why Centre is hesitating", he asked and recalled that previous National Conference Government headed by Dr Farooq Abdullah had also sent the same resolution before the Centre. "Centre’s attitude towards Dogri has disappointed us. It is sheer injustice with this language", he observed.

Replying to a query on the performance of the coalition Government headed by Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, Dr Singh observed that this regime has been seriously trying to restore normalcy in the state. "Atleast this Government is taking initiative with courage", he said but cautioned that many challenges ahead of this coalition regime. "Situation is not normal in State so this regime should take steps cautiously", he advised and stressed on the need of generating employment avenues for restoring peace. This Government has distributed appointment letters at Srinagar, he said and hoped that similar system will be adopted in Jammu after Darbar Move.

Earlier, addressing a function at Raghunath Temple after performing Pooja Archana and Havan at Samadhi of Maharaja Gulab Singh in connection with the 211th birth of the founder of Jammu and Kashmir State, Dr Singh called upon the people to maintain their religious tradition at any cost for the welfare of the society.

Quoting some Sanskrit Shalokas, eminent scholar of international repute said ‘those who protect religion are protected by God’. He said that Raghunath temple was twice attacked but by the grace of Raghunathji situation did not take worst turn and peace again prevailed.

Paying tributes of Maharaja Gulab Singh, Dr Singh said that Dharmarth Trust was established by the late Maharaja with sole aim to spread religion in this region. "Our fore-fathers had established the Dharmarth Trust so it is duty of our family to maintain religious sanctity and to protect temples of the State", he said, adding, "at present Dharmarth Trust has been managing more than hundred temples". Dr Singh said that Trust has been doing its duty effectively and it has renovated some temples of Kashmir valley despite being turmoil situation there. Seeking cooperation of the people, Dr Singh said that people’s participation is must to maintain religious sanctity of these temples.

During the function Dr Singh gave financial aid to some social organisations including Gow Raksha Samiti, Aandh Ashram, Kusht Ashram, Ved Mandir, SOS Home and Vridh Ashram.

Earlier, Dr Singh along with his wife performed Pooja at Raghunath Temple. He visited different temples of the complex and interacted with Poojaris and other people. He also interacted with devotees from outside the State.

In the function organised by Maharaja Gulab Singh Memorial Trust sewing machines and blankets were distributed to needy people.

Dogra Liberation Front also organised a function to pay tributes to Maharaja Gulab Singh.

Speaking on the occasion, organisor of the Front, Ram Paul Sharma demanded that birthday of Maharaja Gulab Singh should be declared as gazetted holiday. He also appealed to all social and political parties to come at one stage to celebrate this function.

Govt modifies transfer order

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 21: The State Government today partially modified the transfer order of officers issued the other day.

B S Manocha, General Manager JKTDC Jammu, under orders of posting as Deputy Director Employment (Central) will continue at his present place of posting while Dev Lata, under orders of posting as General Manager JKTDC Jammu on deputation basis, shall report to General Administration Department (GAD) till further orders.

BSF committed to stamp out militancy

NEW DELHI, Oct 21: The Border Security Force has contributed significantly towards the return of peace in Jammu and Kashmir and the force is committed to weed out terrorism from the restive State, BSF Director General Ajai Raj Sharma today said.

"Today, if peace is returning to trouble-torn Kashmir the credit goes to BSF," Mr Sharma said, while addressing the Police Commemoration Day.

Pointing out that the BSF had been successful in thwarting the designs of the militant groups to create further disturbance in Kashmir, he said the force was working tirelessly to establish permanent peace in the State.

"The force is committed to work for country’s unity and integrity and will foil any attempts by the enemies to divide the nation," Mr Sharma asserted.

As many as 217 BSF men out of 956 security personnel were killed in various operations across the country during 2002-03.

"We will ensure that the sacrifices made by the BSF personnel will not go waste," the Director General said, adding, "we will provide all possible assitance to the families of the security personnel when they are away on duty."

Earlier, he laid floral wreaths on the memorial and read out the names of BSF personnel killed in various operations last year.

The Police Commemoration Day is observed on October 21 every year by police forces across the country in memory of 10 CRPF personnel who were killed while fighting the Chinese forces in Ladakh hills on the same day in 1962. (UNI)

HC reserves order on Mayawati

LUCKNOW, Oct 21: The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court will pronounce tomorrow its orders on former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati’s two writ petitions seeking stay on her arrest and quashing of the FIRs in the Taj heritage corridor and the disproportionate assets cases.

A division bench comprising Justice G K Gupta and Justice Khemkaran reserved their orders on her petitions until tomorrow after hearing at length the counsels for the defence, state and the CBI.

The bench also reserved its orders on the two writ petitions filed by Mayawati’s former Principal Secretary P L Punia and former Secretary (environment) V K Gupta seeking a stay on their arrest and quashing of the FIR in the same case.

It was urged on behalf of Mayawati that she had been "falsely implicated" in the cases owing to "political vengeance."

On the other hand the CBI submitted that the FIRs had been lodged against the accused on the directions of the Supreme Court.

There was ample evidence against the petitioners, the CBI said pleading for dismissing of the petitions.

The CBI had conducted a series of raids at the residence of Mayawati at Lucknow, Delhi and Meerut recently and found allegedly incriminating materials against her.

The agency had begun probe into the Taj heritage corridor project on the directions of the Apex Court after it was found that illegal and unauthorised construction activities were going on around the 17th century protected monument.

The CBI had registered FIRs against Mayawati and others on October 5 last. (PTI)

Pak Oppn questions army’s role

ISLAMABAD, Oct 21: Questioning the claims of the Pakistan Government that the country’s Armed forces were fully rallying behind President Pervez Musharraf, opposition parties have released to the media a letter, purportedly written by some Army personnel, which questions the armed forces’ role in politics and its involvement in the war against terror.

Opposition parties, which have been waging a year-long fight against President Pervez Musharraf’s constitutional amendments, took the Government by surprise by releasing yesterday the unsigned letter written on the letter head of the General Headquarters of the Pakistan Army in Rawalpindi.

Titled ‘independent force’, Pakistan zindabad,’ the letter calls for a judicial inquiry into the Army’s role in politics. It also expressed dissatisfaction with the military’s role in the US-led war on terror.

Releasing the letter at a joint press conference of the opposition leaders in the national assembly, ARD president Javed Hashmi claimed that the letter has been received by all opposition parties.

However, Pakistan’s Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed branded the letter as "sheer fabrication" by the opposition to tarnish the image of the armed forces of the country.

"This letter is forged, fabricated and self-made to harm the unity of the armed forces," he said adding the armed forces of the country are united.

"This letter itself speaks volume of the designs of such elements who have fabricated the letter," he said and branded it as a "home-made production of the evil minds." (PTI)

Ziarat damaged in shelling
*3 Pak bunkers destroyed

Excelsior Special Correspondent

POONCH, Oct 21: A Ziarat was damaged and a house collapsed as Pakistan army continued heavy mortar shelling and also resorted to artillery firing on Line of Control (LoC) throughout the day today. Retaliatory firing by the troops led to the killings of two Pakistan army jawans and damage to three bunkers.

Official sources said Pakistan army started mortar shelling in Digwar Malti, Kalsan and Ajot villages in Poonch sector at 9.30 AM today. After about an hour of shelling, Pak army started artillery shelling in forward villages.

Sources said a mortar shell landed inside Sain Faqar Din mosque at Digwar in the afternoon and exploded with a deafening sound causing extensive damage to the religious place. However, no one was present in the Ziarat at the time of shelling.

A house in the vicinity of Ziarat also collapsed after being hit by another mortar shell. The house had already been abandoned by the family in view of intensified shelling by Pak army in entire Poonch sector for last one month.

However, there were no civilian casualties in today’s shelling, the sources said.

They added that troops from this side retaliated late this afternoon. Three bunkers of Pakistan army were destroyed in retaliatory shelling opposite Ajot and Kalsan. Atleast, two Pakistan army jawans were killed in the bunkers that were destroyed in shelling.

According to sources, Pakistan army have stepped-up shelling on LoC in Poonch and Rajouri sectors to sabotage fencing work being done by Army to check infiltration of Pakistan-sponsored militants.

Our Rajouri correspondent adds: There was no let up in Pak shelling in Nowshera sector. Intermittent mortar shelling continued in Lam, Bhawani, Kalsian and other areas in Nowshera sector during the day.

Yesterday, two civilians were injured in shelling while in today’s shelling no civilian casualties were reported. However, three cattle reportedly perished in shelling while two houses suffered minor damage.

Authorities in Nowshera, meanwhile, initiated steps to shift some families, putting up in the villages located close to LoC, to safer areas. A final decision in this regard was yet to be taken, the sources said.

Rather terms zero budget as sham

Excelsior Special Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 21: Former Finance Minister A R Rather has welcomed the tacit admission of the State Finance Minister Muzaffar Baig that his much touted zero deficit budget is a sham.

Mr Rather said State’s announcement that target on account of power tariff would now be Rs 425 crore instead of Rs 800 crore as envisaged in the budget estimate only exposes the lack of vision and planning during process of presenting the State’s budget.

Mr Rather said that State’s Finance Minister did not heed to his advice and presented a budget which was totally unrealistic, hypothetical and over ambitious reflecting the in-experience and lack of foresight of the State Government.

Rather said levying taxes, duties and tariffs or altering these are the exclusive jurisdiction of the legislature. While presenting the current year’s budget proposals or during discussions there on the State Government did not mention at all that they were going to further burden the people of the State in respect of, power tariff. Under the Constitution they were obliged to seek the vote of the legislature on this vital issue. They chose not to do so which smacks of their scant respect for the legislature and the Constitution.

Rather also took on Baig for his statement on Sawalakote Project. Referring to his earlier statement on the matter Rather said Baig instead of making unsubstantiated, unfounded and wild charges against NC Government should place the facts before the House and the people of the State so that truth prevailed.

He said Baig’s silence over his (Rather’s) earlier statement on the matter on admission of facts stated by him and that todays statement of the Finance Minister was only a political gimmick not expected from him.

Rather regretted that Baig who knew the facts well was deliberately distorting them for petty political gains and NC will like to have an open debate on the subject so that the canard of lies are not spread for political mileage.

Pak team inspects Baglihar project

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 21: A three-member Pakistani team today inspected the state-owned Baglihar Hydro Electric Power Project in Doda district to make an on spot study if the project is impairing the flow of water to Pakistani territory.

Official sources told EXCELSIOR that besides the dam site, the team headed by Chairman of Pakistan Central Water Commission Jamat Ali Shah and accompanied by officers of Union Ministry of Water Resources, visited three construction sites, Chinab Basin and assessed the water flow at the Chanderkote Project Site.

Later, the Pakistani delegation heldwide ranging discussions with

officials of Ministry of Water Resources, National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) and Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation (JKPDC) over the issue. "The practical aspects of water flow level were described to them in order to remove any misgivings from the minds of the Pakistani team", the sources said.

According to sources, the Pakistani team comprised of Jammat Ali Shah, Azhar-ul-Haq and Waris Ahmed visited the project as Pakistan had objections to the construction of project. "Now we have completed our work and will submit a full report over the project to our Government in Pakistan", the sources said quoting Pakistani team as saying.

The officers of Union Ministry of Water Resources, who accompanied the Pak delegation included A D Bhardwaj, G A Ragunathan and C K I Dass, the sources said.

The chief of Pakistani delegation told reporters at project site that the visit was aimed to bring an end to dispute about technicalities of the project and added that political pressure has not left any impact on the Indus Water Treaty on the either side and this process should continue in the future.

He hoped that such visits would continue in the future and India-Pakistan ties would improve considerably.

The delegation reached Jammu in the evening and will leave for New Delhi tomorrow.
 
 
 
 

 

 

| home | state | national | business| editorial | advertisement | sports |
| international | weather | mailbag | suggestions | search | subscribe | send mail |