Follow leadership, principles of Granth: Kalam

AMRITSAR, Aug 31: Joining the millions in offering tributes to the Holy Guru Granth Sahib, President A P J Abdul Kalam today urged the people to re-dedicate themselves to work for the nation and the world through the "leadership and management principles" enunciated in the holy Sikh scripture.

"Let this 400th anniversary celebration of Guru Granth Sahib be a time when we all re-dedicate ourselves to work for the whole nation and the world through the leadership and management principles enunciated in Guru Granth Sahib to bring prosperity, peace and harmony to the planet earth," he said.

Addressing a seminar after paying obeisance at Golden Temple here on the occasion of quadricentennial celebrations of the installation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Kalam urged the people to derive many practical principles and practices of management from the divine and heroic life of the ten Gurus.

Describing the Guru Granth Sahib as a "national treasure", he said that it should be preserved in its original form.

"Research needed in the Guru Nanak Dev University to locate all the original manuscripts, the latest techniques of digitisation has to be used to preserve the great Sikh heritage in text and musical form," the President said.

On his visit to the holy city, he said that "it gives me a special feeling of joy that is `Ananda’. I had the good fortune of offering prayers to god in the holy shrine here, known to every body as golden temple. It is a divine spiritual experience."

Recalling the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev, he said that they held the principles of the oneness of God and the equality of all human beings before them.

"Their (Gurus) concern for the poor, down trodden and oppressed people, was very high. They were ready to sacrifice everything in upholding the principles and to bring justice to the people," he said.

Terming the celebrations of the 400th year of the finalisation of holy scripture as "joyous functions", Kalam said that "it is indeed the day of Prakasham. It is an event, all of us in India should be proud of."

Guru Granth Sahib is a great human heritage and belonged to the whole world, he said adding that it (Granth Sahib) was a practical guide for life and a spiritual guide to elevate the soul.

Kalam said that Guru Arjan Dev’s resolve to compile the sacred volume was to rise above caste barriers and narrow sectarian considerations. "He (Guru Arjan Dev) was not deterred by difficulties and initial failures in accomplishing this noble mission."

He said that mission was very important but also the great human principles like humility, love and respect for others. "Powers are not derived from the seats of power, but from the greatness of hearts," the President said.

He said that lesson must be learnt from Guru Arjan Dev who gave a special honour to Bhai Gurudas, a great scholar who worked hard in editing and writing, Granth Sahib. "Great leader gives the credit for his success to his mission team" he added.

Pointing out that the youth in India constitute a sizeable vibrant and resourceful segment of the society, he said that they must imbibe the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib and put them into practice." Speaking on the occasion, Punjab Governor O P Verma said that the Guru Granth Sahib was a perennial source of knowledge and wisdom that carried answers to all the vexing questions the world was facing.

He said that the Guru Granth Sahib was not only a religious faith, it was also a history of 500 years starting from 12th century to the 17th century. "It enjoins upon its followers to cultivate scientific temper and encourage debate and dialogue," he added.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said the scripture was a symbol of humanism, pluralism, universal brotherhood and cosmopolitanism.

"It is a unique and universal scripture of the world. It is a fountainhead of the message of love, ethical living, enlightened spritualism, universal brotherhood and peace co-existence for the entire humanity," he said adding that it would continue to inspire the generations to come.

Kalam also released a dozen books on Sri Guru Granth Sahib and Sikhism published by the Guru Nanak Dev University.

Vice-Chancellor Dr S P Singh honoured Kalam, the Governor, the Chief Minister and others by presenting them silver plaques, Phulkaris, a symbol of Punjabi culture and sets of university publications.

Those who spoke on the occasion included Dr Marcus Braybrooke, president of the world Congress of faiths, USA and Dr Harbans Lal, Professor Emeritus University of North Texas Health Science Center. (PTI)

Narrow escape for Azad's brother, nephew; PSO hurt

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 31: Ghulam Mohd Abbas Azad, younger brother of Union Parliamentary Affairs and Urban Development Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad had a narrow escape while one of his Personal Security Officer (PSO) was seriously injured in a militant attack at Changa in Gandoh in Doda district this morning.

Official sources said two militants intercepted Abbas Azad and his son Muzaffar Abbas at 9 am today when they were heading towards Changa to open their shop from their house at Soti. Abbas was accompanied by two PSOs —Ghulam Nabi, Selection Grade Constable and Mohd Akbar.

Sources said the militants fired shots on Abbas Azad, who is a Forest lessee and also runs a shop at Changa, from a close range with two pistols. However, his PSOs immediately took position and retaliated with carbine.

One of the bullets narrowly missed Abbas’ ear. Both Abbas and his son escaped unhurt in the attack.

In the meantime, another militant, who was giving cover to the two militants from Makai forest area, opened firing with an AK-47 rifle causing injuries to Abbas’ PSO Ghulam Nabi.

All three militants later managed to escape.

Injured PSO has been admitted in the district Doda hospital. He sustained two shots but his condition was stated to be stable.

Sources said the incident took place near the house of Ghulam Qadir Rather. It was the routine of Abbas Azad to cover a distance of about one kilometer on foot from Soti to Changa to open his shop. The militants might be observing his movement.

SSP Doda Sunil Kumar and Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Kishtwar Irshad Choudhary left for the spot immediately after getting a report of the militant attack. Security forces and police have cordoned off the area and started a search operation for the militants. However, no arrests have been made so far.

Sources said the preliminary investigations revealed that Hizbul Mujahideen ‘commander’ Tariq Mattoo, an erstwhile neighbour of Abbas Azad had masterminded the attack. Mattoo is a top militant of Hizbul Mujahideen active in Gandoh and other parts of Doda for last several years.

Meanwhile, the militants also fired a rifle grenade aiming the house of Ghulam Nabi, an employee of Roads and Buildings (R&B) department and brother of Power Minister Mohd Sharief Niaz, who also happened to be cousin of Ghulam Nabi Azad, at village Kahara in Gandoh at 6 am today.

The grenade, however, missed the target and exploded harmlessly.

Meanwhile, SPO Shabir Ahmed, posted at Sui Banjwa post in Kishtwar deserted the post along with three rifles including one service weapon -AK-47 rifle, one Insaas and one SLR with 11 magazines and 380 rounds issued to Mangal Singh, Hans Raj and Rajinder Singh, SPOs.

Shabir escaped along with a surrendered militant Abdul Malik.

Cabinet approves ITC for Srinagar
*PDC to lift Rs 1250 cr for Baglihar

Excelsior Special Correspondent

Srinagar, Aug 31: The Government have decided to set up an International Trade Centre at Srinagar to provide a permanent facility for holding exhibitions, trade fairs, buyers and sellers meets etc.

The State Cabinet which met here today with Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in chair, accorded approval of transfer of over 371 kanals of land of Ply Board Factory Pampore to Directorate of Handicrafts for establishment of this Centre.

Announcing the decisions of the Cabinet, Chief Secretary Dr. Sudhir S. Bloeria said that the proposed Trade Centre would also have modern computerized data bank to disseminate trade bulletins on International Business and market intelligence. It shall also be establishing backward linkages with production process to meet the international quality requirements and updating the trading community of changing globing trade requirement under WTO regime.

Dr. Bloeria said that International Business Centre (IBC) would function as the main inter face between the exporters of Jammu and Kashmir and overseas markets. It would promote export both Middle East, South East Asia, South America, South Africa, Australia etc. which have not yet been tapped for Jammu and Kashmir handicrafts.

The IBC proposed to be set up in Srinagar as part of Trade Centre would in turn network with Indian Exposition Mart at Noida to attract buyers to Srinagar to place orders with exporters. Thus, IBC would not only cater to these buyers but also be promoted internationally for holding trade fairs, exhibitions etc.

The IBC Srinagar would be managed by independent company. India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO), New Delhi has expressed willingness to provide support to IBC Srinagar.

Dr. Bloeria said that detailed project report is being prepared. The total cost of the Project shall not be less than Rs. 40 crore.

By another decision, the Cabinet accorded sanction of creation of 613 posts of teachers for regularization of Falah-i-Aam teachers.

The Chief Secretary said that the Cabinet also approved creation and establishment of Sub-Treasury at Chandoosa district Baramulla. It would be established by transfer of staff by internal adjustment.

By another decision, the Cabinet created a post of Principal for Government Dental College, Jammu in the pay scale of Rs. 18000-22400. It may be recalled that the Government in February this year established Government Dental College at Jammu.

The Cabinet also sanctioned a Gujjar and Bakerwal Hostel for Doda. It shall have intake capacity of 50 girls belonging to this community. It will have recurring cost of Rs. 10 lakh annually.

The Cabinet also decided to hand over the famous Mughal garden, Bagh-e-Dara Shikoh at Bijbehara to J&K Bank for its restoration to its pristine glory.

The Cabinet ordered the transfer of the garden from Floriculture Department to Jammu and Kashmir Bank Ltd. However, it would not confer any ownership right on the J&K Bank in respect of the land and the structure thereon which will continue to be the property of the State Government. The Bank shall engage Indian National Trust for Art and Culture Heritage (INTACH) for preparation of conservation and management plan for the garden before the restoration work is taken up.

The garden of Bagh-e-Dara Shikoh was established in the 17th century by one of emperor of Shah Jehan, Dara Shikoh. Bagh-e-Dara Shikoh is spread over 188 kanals of land on the natural running water of river Lidder. The main water body of 100 sq. feet area gives a cool effect to the garden. The water channels cut across the length and breadth of the garden. Two vertical water channels measuring 600 feet and 500 feet flow down to the outside periphery. A 300 feet horizontal water channel gives the mughal garden formal effect. The garden has 20 lawns supporting 9 big rosaries and flower beds of colourful annuals and perennials. Besides, the garden has hedges of euonymus and privets which add to its charms. The garden also supports 54 Chinars, some of which are presumably of Mughal era. This garden caters to numerous picnic goers of south Kashmir. It is also appreciated and visited by people from other states as well.

The Cabinet also approved lifting of term loan to the tune of Rs. 1250 crore from financial institutions and banks for execution of 450 MWs also Baghliar Hydro Electric Project.

The Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed presided the meeting.

Announcing the decision of the Cabinet, the Chief Secretary, Dr. Sudhir S. Bloeria said that the Power Development Corporation (PDC) should lift loan of Rs. 400 crore from Rural Electrification Corporation, Rs. 300 crore from HUDCO and Rs. 550 crore from JK Bank and other banks. The financial closure of Rs. 4000 crore Baghliar Project has been finalized with Central Government agreeing to provide Rs. 630 crore as additional Central Assistance. An amount of Rs. 1850 crore is to be arranged as loan from financial institutions and the remaining amount to be provided by State Government as its equity.

The financial institution from which this loan would be lifted include Power Finance Corporation, Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Rural Electrification Corporation, United Bank of India, UCO Bank, Canara Bank, HUDCO etc.

The Cabinet approved the appointment of Dr. N.A. Jan, retired Commissioner Fisheries as member of State Public Service Commission (PSC) against an available vacancy.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet decided to convert the historic Hari Niwas complex on Gupkar road, Srinagar as museum and cultural centre.

The Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed presided the meeting of Cabinet.

Announcing the decision, the Chief Secretary, Dr. Sudhir S. Bloeria said that this heritage building constructed by Hari Singh in early 19’s has been selected for museum and cultural centre. Originally designed as one of the important buildings of then Maharaja Estate, Hari Niwas has a majestic grandeur overlooking the world famous Dal lake. At present this complex is housing State CID Headquarter which will be suitably accommodated.

The proposed museum and culture centre would become an added attraction for tourists and hub of cultural activities.

2 militants, civilian killed in Sopore gunbattle
Civilian killed, 30 injured in blast

Excelsior Special Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Aug 31: Militants today left civilian dead and 30 others, including five Police personnel, wounded in a grenade explosion at Pulwama in south Kashmir. In another major incident of violence, two militants and a civilian have died in a fierce gunbattle between militants and security forces in Sopore. Gunmen have also shot dead the owner of a video cassette shop at Chhanpora outskirts of this capital city.

Informed sources told the EXCELSIOR that an unidentified young man, widely believed to be a militant, lobbed a hand grenade in the direction of a Police party near the crowded busyard at Pulwama town at 1600 hours today. It exploded, causing critical to minor injuries to 30 persons, including five Police personnel. Later, a critically wound Mohammad Ayub Bhat S/o Ghulam Hassan Bhat R/o Wugargund succumbed to injuries. All the injured were evacuated and rushed to District Hospital Pulwama. Ten persons with critical injuries were referred to Srinagar hospitals. They included three constables of Pulwama Police.

Sources said that the explosion caused panic in the crowded bus stand as well as market places around it. No militant outfit had claimed responsibility till late this evening.

At about 2100 hours tonight, unidentified gunmen appeared at a video cassette kiosk at Chhanpora, in outskirts of Srinagar city and fired upon its owner, namely Lateef Ahmed Sheikh S/o Abdul Gani Sheikh R/o Methan Lal Nagar (Chhanpora). He was left critically wounded. Residents and family members rushed him to SMHS Hospital where he succumbed to injuries late in the night.

Reports from north Kashmir said that troops of Rashtriya Rifles 22 Bn launched a cordon-and-search operation at Naupora in outskirts of Sopore town late last night. According to a tip off, some militants were hiding at the house of one Abdul Qayoom Dar. During the operation, a fierce gunbattle took place between a couple of holed up militants and security forces. Officials claimed that two militants got killed in the 15-hour-long gunbattle. One of them was identified as a Pakistani national, Mohammad Naseeb-ud-din.

Official sources said that a civilian, namely Tanvir Ahmed Naikoo S/o Ali Mohammad Naikoo R/o Chak Naupora, got killed in the same gunbattle in "crossfiring". However, residents alleged that troops had earlier lifted the horse-cart driver from his home and forced him to enter the militant hideout. According to them, troops asked Naikoo to convince the holed up militants on surrender. He got killed as troops directed heavy gunfire on the house, damaging it completely.

Defence sources contradicted the civilians’ version and insisted that one of the two militants had in fact held him hostage and he used him as human shield for the whole night. They insisted that Police were investigating as to what had brought the civilian to the militant hideout.

Meanwhile, a soldier of BSF 90 Bn, Chaman Lal, committed suicide when he fired shots upon himself with his service rifle at the battalion headquarters at Neelu, in Kulgam area of south Kashmir. He had reportedly some domestic problem and his officers had turned down his application seeking a leave. Police have registered a case and begun investigation.

Secretariat Security pass seized from top ultra

By Sanjeev Pargal

JAMMU, Aug 31: In what can be called a major security lapse by the Civil Secretariat Security, Army and police have recovered a blank Visitor’s Pass from the possession of a top Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant, who was among the three ultras eliminated by the security forces at Chatta Pani, Poshana in Hill Kaka area of Surankote in Poonch district on August 28 morning.

Investigations carried out so far by the security agencies including police have revealed that slain militant Mohd Lateef son of Mir Mohd, a resident of Topi, Bafliaz in Surankote had carried out recee of Civil Secretariat, Srinagar twice and managed a blank Visitor’s Pass for the entry of Abu Zubair in Secretariat. Zubair is the killer of 13 civilians at Tiali Katha, Surankote on June 25, who was also eliminated in Saturday morning’s gun battle.

The Visitor’s Pass bearing number 0320651 was blank. No date or Room No. to be visited by the pass holder had been mentioned on it. Close examination of the pass, which was slightly damaged as it was raining when the encounter took place, revealed that it was an original and not a fake, official sources told the Excelsior.

"Government of J&K, Civil Secretariat, Visitor’s Pass, Number, Room No. and surrender to DySP CID, Civil Secretariat on return" were the words clearly readable on the pass. The pass was blank as Name, Date and Room No. were not filled in it, the sources said, describing recovery of a blank security pass of high security Civil Secretariat from the possession of a top Lashkar militant as a "major security lapse".

Hectic investigations being carried out by the security agencies have revealed that Mohd Lateef reportedly managed to get the blank Visitor’s Pass with the help of some cops of Surankote and Mendhar tehsils posted in Civil Secretariat security.

Investigations also revealed that Mohd Lateef, who went missing from his house in Topi, Bafliaz on August 5 this year, had already carried out recee of Civil Secretariat in Srinagar, the present seat of the Government, twice on the directions of Abu Zubair, an ‘area commander’ of LeT, who had led a group of seven militants and gunned down 13 civilians including women and children at Tiali Katha on the night of June 25 this year.

The Visitor’s Pass was reportedly managed by Mohd Lateef for the entry of Abu Zubair inside the Civil Secretariat. The plan of LeT was obviously a fidayeen attack on the Secretariat.

As reported, Abu Zubair, Mohd Lateef and their unidentified associate were eliminated by the Army at Chatta Pani on August 28 morning. The Visitor’s Pass was found in the pocket of Mohd Lateef.

Lateef was reportedly won over by some over ground activists of the LeT on the directions of Abu Zubair. Initially, Lateef acted as an over ground worker but became an active militant after August 5. Security agencies had on August 15 detected his absence and declared him a militant. He was killed after few days.

One of the family members of Lateef, quizzed by the police, has also given some important clues to the security agencies about the militants’ plot to target Civil Secretariat, Srinagar. Identity of Lateef’s family member has been kept a secret since he has agreed to help security forces and police in the investigations.

Security agencies have also sounded Secretariat Security and Srinagar police about the recovery of a blank Visitor’s Pass from the militant’s possession and further investigations that the recovery was part of a planned terror attack on the Secretariat.

"The Security wing has been briefed of the recovery (of Visitor’s Pass). They are inquiring into the matter as to how a top militant could manage to get the entry pass for Civil Secretariat and that too a blank one", the sources said.

Meanwhile, according to sources, wife of Mohd Hanief alias Abu Zubair, a resident of Salwa, Mendhar, who had married a girl of Marha, Surankote, is untraced after Zubair’s killing.

Cabinet expansion in a week: Chandy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Aug 31: Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy today said his Cabinet would be expanded within a week.

Talking to reporters after his first Cabinet meeting here, he said he would interact with Congress MLAs and other leaders on the issue tomorrow and his views would be submitted to the Congress high command when he goes to New Delhi on September two.

Mr Chandy said the portfolios would also be finalised along with the Cabinet expansion.

Asked whether group considerations would be taken into account while deciding on the ministers, he said all factors would be taken into consideration. "Anyhow, I don’t want to drag the issue of Cabinet expansion, and it will be carried out on getting the clearance of the high command."

Replying to a question, he said no decision had yet been taken on the inclusion of the Kerala Congress (Jacob) and the Kerala Congress (B) in the Cabinet.

Stating that the two parties were still in the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) headed by the Congress, Mr Chandy said there had been complaints that leaders of these parties had worked against the UDF candidates in the May ten Lok Sabha election in the State. These issues would also figure in his discussion with the high command, he added.

Mr Chandy said the Congress would never adopt a big-brother attitude towards other UDF constituents. But the common interests of the UDF had to be protected, for which UDF partners had to discharge their responsibilities.

A five-member Cabinet headed by Mr Chandy was sworn in today following the resignation of Mr A K Antony as Chief Minister on August 29 owning moral responsibility for the Lok Sabha poll defeat of the Congress in the State. Mr Chandy said his Government would continue the development process initiated by his predecessor.

The Antony Government had given more importance to development of the State despite financial difficulties, he said, adding that he would continue the process.

The new Kerala Chief Minister said he would also try to evolve consensus on developmental issues. The Government was prepared to look into the demerits of any particular project, if pointed out.

Asked whether his style of functioning would be distinct from that of his predecesssor, Mr Chandy said each person had his own style of functioning. His main objective would be to ensure all-round development of the State, he added.

Mr Chandy said the Antony Government had ushered the State into an era of development. There had been distinctive changes in educational and other sectors.

Asked if there would be any change in the policy regarding police affairs in the State, he said his Government was committed to ensure security to the life and property of the people.

Replying to another question, he said he would try his best to strengthen unity in the faction-ridden Kerala unit of the Congress, for which he sought the cooperation of all Congress workers.

He had met senior party leader K Karunakaran at his residence and the veteran Congress leader had assured him all support. (UNI)

Jandial posted JDA VC
7 officers transferred

Excelsior Special Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Aug 31: In a minor reshuffle, the State Government today ordered transfers and postings of five IAS and two KAS officers.

According to the Government Order number 1198-GAD of 2004, KB Jandial, Director Information has been transferred and posted as Vice Chairman Jammu Development Authority (JDA). The charge of the post of Director Information will be held by Farooq Ahmad Renzu, Joint Director Information till further orders, the order said.

Navin Kumar Choudhary, Vice Chairman JDA, on his transfer, has been posted as Special Secretary Tourism Department.

Financial Commissioner Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department, Amit Kushari has been transferred and posted as Financial Commissioner Labour and Employment Department.

Khursheed Ahmad Malik, Commissioner-cum-Secretary Labour and Employment Department has been transferred and posted as Commissioner/Secretary Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department.

Sheikh Nisar Ahmad, under orders of posting as Additional Chief Electoral Officer has been adjusted as Special Secretary Technical Education Department.

Tashi Dorje, awaiting orders of adjustment has been posted as Special Secretary Ladakh Affairs Department vice Sonam Landop, who retired on superannuation today.

RC Sharma, awaiting orders of posting, has been posted as Deputy Commissioner(Central) in the office of Financial Commissioner (Revenue), the order added.

Hurriyat factions flay UPA

SRINAGAR, Aug 31: Alleging that the UPA Government was pursuing a "rigid" and "negative" approach on the Kashmir issue, both hardline and moderate factions of the Hurriyat Conference today warned that it was bound to hinder efforts for the resolution of the problem.

Reacting sharply to the reported statement of External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh that Kashmir was an inseparable part of the country, both factions of the conglomerate said Singh’s statement was far from reality and bound to hinder efforts for the resolution of the Kashmir issue.

Syed Ali Shah Geelani heading the breakaway Hurriyat Conference said it was unrealistic to say that Kashmir was an inseparable part of India.

Addressing a condolence meeting at the party headquarters here, he said "status of Kashmir issue cannot be altered by statements like the one issued by Singh."

Geelani said he wanted a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue as per the wishes of the people.

The moderate faction of the Hurriyat, in a statement here, said it was extremely unfortunate that conditions and pre-conditions have been attached with the Kashmir issue by the Congress-led UPA Government.

The faction, which had held two rounds of talks with the Centre, said the Governments of both India and Pakistan after realising that the need to move ahead on the important issue has decided to "abondon" their respective stands on Kashmir to find a lasting solution to the issue.

However with a change of guard in India the situation returned to square one, it said. (PTI)

No reservations in talks: Patil

NEW DELHI, Aug 31: The Centre today said it had no reservation in talking to anyone for peace in militancy-hit North-East and Jammu and Kashmir and the areas affected by Naxalism.

Citing the talks between Andhra Pradesh and People’s War Group (PWG), Home Minister Shivraj Patil told reporters the Centre would like the states to talk and handle it at their level. But if anybody "wants us to talk with them, we don’t have any problem or reservations," he added.

However, he said these talks between Centre and the insurgent outfits can be taken-up only after "due preparations".

The Centre could also look into their problems, if they have any, such as tenancy and housing, the minister said.

Giving details of his forthcoming visits to North-East, Andhra Pradesh and Kashmir, he said "during the visits, I will speak to State Chief Ministers, peoples representatives and other officials and deliberate upon the issues upper-most in their minds. What they need and what they expect us to do."

Patil said the focus of the talks between Centre and the State Governments, during his visits, would be on law and order situation and better understanding between the Union Government and the states.

"If there are any issues they want our support on, we will look into that and will try to help them," he said.

The minister will also convene a meeting of all the Chief Ministers of Naxal-affected states in Hyderabad on September 21 when he visits takes place.

On the visit to Kashmir from September 24, the Home Minister said besides talking to the Chief Minister and people’s representative, he will also oversee the fencing work and talk to common people to know their "pinching problems."

However, the minister tried to downplay the delay in the talks from Hurriyat’s side saying "we understand that they have some problems" but felt it would not affect the overall peace process in the militancy-hit State.

The minister said there was decrease in number of inflitrations in the State as compared with last year but if one compared it with last month, the number was more. (PTI)

Kashmiris should benefit from talks: Kasuri

ISLAMABAD, Aug 31: Ahead of his travel to New Delhi next week for the composite dialogue, Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid M. Kasuri today said Kashmiris should also benefit from Indo-Pak peace process and said Islamabad would purposefully engage New Delhi in the forthcoming talks to find a durable solution to Kashmir issue.

Kasuri, who holds talks with his Indian counterpart K Natwar Singh as part of composite dialogue which includes Kashmir issue, said Kashmiris, beside India and Pakistan, should benefit from the current peace process assured the Kashmiri leaders that he would meaningfully engage the Indian leadership to move forward to a solution to the Kashmir issue.

It was important to associate the Kashmiris with efforts to find a just solution to Kashmir issue and they should be the beneficiary of the Pakistan-India peace process, he said adding "the composite dialogue process should be result-oriented," he said after a meeting with Pakistan-based Kashmiri leaders.

Kasuri holds talks with Natwar Singh on Sept 5 and 6 to review the composite dialogue process which included Kashmir and seven other issues.

Kasuri, who has been given an ambassador at large status by President Gen Pervez Musharraf in view of the dissolution of the previous cabinet headed by former Prime Minister Shujaat Hussain, said it was important to associate the Kashmiris to find a just and final settlement in accordance with their legitimate aspirations.

Today’s meeting was attended by President of Pakistan occupied Kashmir, (PoK) Gen (retd) Muhammad Anwar Khan, Prime Minister of the province, Sikander Hayat Khan and other leaders. (PTI)

Restricted holiday today

Excelsior Special Correspondent

Srinagar, Aug 31: The Government have ordered that September 1 shall be observed as a restricted holiday in Jammu and Kashmir on account of 4th centenary of Shri Guru Granth Sahib.

CB books 3 Bank officials

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 31: Crime Branch, Srinagar today established a case of embezzlement of Rs 5.79 lakh against a Chief Manager and two cashier-cum-clerks of Jammu and Kashmir Bank Ltd’s Parimpora, Fruit Mandi branch. The case was worked out after more than seven years.

Accused have been identified as Abdul Ahad Malla son of Abdul Samad Malla, a resident Maras, Handwara and the then Chief Manager of J&K Bank Fruit Mandi, Parimpora branch, Manzoor Ahmed Sheikh son of Mohd Sultan Sheikh R/o Qazi Masjid, Habbakadal, Srinagar and Bashir Ahmed Khan son of Noor Mohd Khan R/o Dareshkadal, Srinagar, both cashier-cum-clerk in the same branch.

SSP Crime, Srinagar, Dr Abdul Aziz Khan said the Chief Manager first himself reported to police station Parimpora of the embezzlement on March 25, 1997. Case was transferred to the Crime Branch, Srinagar on June 18, 1997.

Investigations by a special team of the Crime Branch revealed that all three accused opened a fictitious Savings account No. 2204/23 on the name of a non existing person Hafiz Ali Baba son of Mohd Sadiq, a resident of Parimpora.

The account was shown to have been introduced by one Khizar Mohd Baba, the account holder of 449/2. Investigations, however, revealed that Khizar Mohd’s signatures had been forged by the accused Bank officials.

Accused started depositing money in the account from their own from March 25, 1996. They used to deposit some amount and withdrew after few days to avoid any doubts. When balance in the account came to Rs 1.11 lakh, they changed 1 into 7, making the total amount as 7.11 lakh.

Subsequently, they started withdrawing the amount keeping only Rs 20,975 as balance.

The embezzlement was worked out to the tune of Rs 5.79 lakh.

Accused are presently on bail while the case was today challaned in the court of law.

Pak releases 36 Indians

WAGAH (Indo-Pak Border), Aug 31: India and Pakistan today swapped 55 civilian prisoners as a goodwill gesture days before the crucial talks between the Foreign Ministers of the two countries.

Pakistan handed over 36 Indians, lodged in its jails from three to 15 years for spying, illegal border crossing and overstaying their visas, to the Border Security Force at the Indo-Pak International Border here, officials said.

India released 19 Pakistanis, including three women and six children, who had overstayed their visa, they said. Most of the repatriated Indians hailed from Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan.

The Pakistan nationals who have been repatriated included eleven members of a family who reached India after crossing the Bangladesh border in West Bengal.

Head of the family Muhamed Haneef told reporters that they were arrested while trying to enter Pakistan and were lodged in a Gujarat jail for more than three years. (PTI)

Kalotra, Arora promoted as CEs

Excelsior Special Correspondent

Srinagar, Aug 31: The State Cabinet which met here today with Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in chair approved promotion of Chief Engineers Electrical.

D.R. Kalotra, Superintending Engineer electrical has been promoted as Chief Engineer Electrical against the newly created post in Baghliar Hydel Project.

V.K. Arora, Superintending Engineer has been placed as Incharge Chief Engineer Electrical in his own pay and grade with charge allowance. He shall perform duties in the corporate office of Power Development Corporation and draw the salary against the post of Executive Director which has been revived till September 2004.
 
 
 

 

 

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