Axe to fall on corrupt officials soon: Azad

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 2: Describing the next few days as very crucial in his crusade against corruption and nepotism in the State, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today disclosed that action is being taken against the corrupt officials in the administration, including those who looted Jammu and Kashmir under the garb of militancy.

"The Government is all set to take stern action against corrupt officers and deadwood in different departments and the results will be visible before everyone from tomorrow," he said in an informal chat with the media persons during his visit to Jammu University here today.

Stating that several people were on a spree of looting the State on the name of militancy, Mr Azad gave a clear warning to such officials to take voluntary retirement before they are suspended by his Government. "Enough damage has been done by those who made ‘Aish’ (enjoy) on the name of militancy and now the time has come to punish these elements too," he said.

Replying to a query regarding possible action against tainted politicians also, Mr Azad made it clear that no corrupt person, irrespective of his position or affiliation to any political party, would be spared at any cost.

However, at the same time, he added that mere levelling of allegations against someone was not sufficient for action against any individual. "Come with authentic proof of involvement in corruption and I assure you that action will surely be taken against the accused," he stressed and suggested media as well as opposition parties not to involve in mere propaganda against anyone.

Claiming 99 percent success in picking up of work culture in the State since his taking over as the Chief Minister, Mr Azad informed that he had reviewed functioning of various departments which included Health, Agriculture, Rural Development, Social Welfare etc.

"After an insight review of these departments upto block level, I have issued directions to maintain a calendar for the work and fix targets to achieve results within the stipulated time," he disclosed lamenting that several developmental works were pending for the years without sufficient reasons.

But since now, the Chief Minister added, maximum time for completion of a work would be 18 months and penalty shall be imposed in case of delay upto two years while after this the working agency would be blacklisted. When asked whether action would also be taken against Jammu Kashmir Project Construction Corporation (JKPCC) for delay in completition of works, Mr Azad replied in affirmative and said that no one would be spared.

Admitting that opportunist and corrupt officers had a hey day in the State administration, the Chief Minister said that there was no dearth of honest and hard working officers but they were sidelined. "Now gone are the days of ‘Chaploos’ (psychophants) as I am here not for ‘Gup Shup’ (chatting) but implementation of policies and directions," he stressed.

The Chief Minister informed that target set for construction of temporary shelter sheds for earthquake affected people has been achieved upto 70 percent and the people whose construction work is completed by December 10, would be entitled for reward of Rs 5000.

Earlier, addressing the Jammu University faculty members, students and delegates from different Universities, Mr Azad expressed pleasure in getting an opportunity to have interaction with cultural troupes and said that he would prefer to be a student if provided an opportunity to participate in the Youth Festival.

He also asked JU Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo to keep in touch with Kashmir University Vice-Chancellor and organise a similar Youth Festival in Srinagar during the forthcoming summer.

VO establishes fraud in WDC
43 appointments, promotions made on back-dated order
*Direct recruitment of gazetted officers

By Sanjeev Pargal

JAMMU, Dec 2: In a sensational revelation, the Vigilance Organisation has detected that 43 orders including direct appointments of gazetted officers were issued in the Women Development Corporation (WDC) on a back date after change over of the Government in the State on November 2.

Vigilance Organisation, whose chief personally supervised investigations in the appointment scam and completed them in just 15 days, is reported to have submitted a report to the Government recommending cancellation of all appointments and promotions, filling up of the posts through a proper procedure and action against WDC Managing Director, who had issued the order.

The Vigilance Commissioner’s report has been received and accepted by the Government. Action on the report was expected to be taken very soon, the Government sources told the Excelsior.

Daughter of a Special Assistant of a former Minister was among the beneficiaries. She had been recruited directly as District Manager in the Corporation, a gazetted cadre post, from a junior post she earlier held in Forest Protection Force (FPF).

The sources said that investigations in the scam were conducted by a high level team of the anti-corruption body headed by Vigilance Commissioner Dr Ashok Bhan immediately after a complaint was received both by the Government and the Vigilance Organisation that 43 orders had been issued by WDC Managing Director after change of guard in the State.

All orders were issued on a back-date, the sources said, adding the orders included direct appointments of officers and officials and promotions in the Corporation.

The Government also wrote to the Vigilance Organisation for an immediate inquiry into the scam. The probe was completed within 15 days by Dr Bhan led team and the report submitted to the Government.

The Organisation has confirmed that the order had been issued on a back date. Moreover, the appointments had been made without completing the requisite formalities. The blue eyed boys and girls were appointed in the Corporation while some officials were given promotions. Some of them had been recruited as gazetted officers directly. Generally, the posts of gazetted officers are filled through the Public Service Commission (PSC).

Entire order had been issued in a haphazard manner. According to sources, the WDC authorities, during investigations, shifted blame of appointments and promotions on the higher-ups including a political leader. They told the premier investigating body that they did it on receiving instructions from the top.

Sources said the Vigilance Organisation has recommended to the Government the immediate cancellation of all 43 orders including appointments and promotions in the Corporation and filling up the posts by advertising them through a notification.

It has also recommended action against the WDC MD including her immediate suspension from the services pending an inquiry.

According to sources, the Government has in principle agreed to the recommendations of the Vigilance Organisation and was expected to rescind the appointment and promotion orders anytime. Action against the MD was also on the cards, they said.

The appointment scam was second important case investigated in a short span of time and taken to logical conclusion by the Vigilance body. A fortnight back, the Government had concurred with another report of the Organisation in which it had established that a lucky draw held for 90 liquor licenses by the Excise Department was ‘screwed’. Accordingly, the Government had decided to cancel the licenses.

Volcker rocks Parliament
Opposition seeks Sonia's resignation

NEW DELHI, Dec 2: A vociferous opposition today forced the adjournment of both Houses of Parliament demanding that Ms Sonia Gandhi quit as head of the National Advisory Council after fresh revelations on the Volcker issue by Indian Ambassador to Croatia, despite Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s assurance that the enforcement directorate would look into the envoy’s statements.

Opposition members targetted the Congress president and Union Minister Natwar Singh, even as the Government assured that it would go into the "root of the matter and establish the truth or otherwise" of Ambassador Aneil Mathrani’s remarks to a television channel.

Determined to floor the Government on the disclosure by Mr Mathrani that oil coupons were indeed given to Natwar Singh, the opposition constantly disrupted proceedings of both the Houses forcing repeated adjournments.

Dr Singh, in his statement made in both Houses of Parliament, said the Enforcement Directorate had assured that its investigations were on the right track and they would be able to establish the facts soon.

He said it was not proper to pre-judge the outcome of the investigation or pre-empt the findings that may be given by the Justice R S Pathak inquiry authority.

"I can assure the House that no one who is guilty will go unpunished," he said.

The Prime Minister’s statement failed to satisfy the opposition who insisted that Ms Gandhi resign from her official post and Natwar Singh be arrested.

Even after Dr Singh’s assurance the opposition continued their chant of "Sonia Gandhi Bhrasht Hai, Sonia Gandhi Istifa Dein (Sonia Gandhi is corrupt, she must resign)".

Today’s disruption meant that no business could be transacted during the private members’ time.

Earlier in the day, the question hour could not take place in the Rajya Sabha as the uproar forced chairman Bhairon Singh Shekhawat to adjourn the House twice in the pre-lunch session.

After the Prime Minister made his statement post-lunch, the opposition wanted clarifications, but the ruling party insisted that private members’ business be taken up first.

The pandemonium forced Deputy Chairman K Rahman Khan to adjourn the House for the day.

In the Lok Sabha, the uproar on the issue led to two adjournments in the pre-lunch session.

After Dr Singh’s statement, leader of the opposition L K Advani said the PM had stated that references to Natwar Singh, as made in the Volcker Committee report, were unverified, but that the disclosures made today by Mr Mathrani confirmed the charge.

Referring to the Prime Minister’s remark that Natwar Singh had pleaded ignorant about the scam, Mr Advani said a person who had accompanied Mr Singh on a visit to Iraq had confirmed that it was all "hogwash".

He said Ms Gandhi should resign from the post of the chairperson of the National Advisory Council till the submission of the report of the Pathak panel.

This was followed by slogan-shouting between opposition and treasury benches leading to adjournment of the house till 1530 hours.

When the House reassembled the opposition remained adamant on its demands, forcing the Deputy Speaker to adjourn the House for the day at 1535 hrs.

In his statement in Parliament, the Prime Minister said "statements (by Mathrani) have been made about Natwar Singh and other individuals. These are all a matter of concern".

He said "the Enforcement Directorate will take cognizance of the recent statements attributed to the Indian Ambassador to Croatia and persue its investigations".

The Prime Minister said "as for the statements made today - and I am told are likely to be published in a magazine later - they certainly relate to the transactions under investigation".

He said the ED has assured the Government that its investigations were proceeding on the "right track" and it would be able to estblish the facts expeditiously.

"We should not pre-judge the final outcome of the investigation or pre-empt the findings that may be given by the Justice R S Pathak Inquiry Authority," he said emphasising that "for us in the Government, truth is of utmost importance. We are determined that truth must prevail in this matter".

Asserting that his Government believed in maintaining high standards of probity and transparency in public life, he said "I can assure the House that no one who is guilty will go unpunished".

The Prime Minister said ever since the first mention was made of certain Indian entities and individuals in the Volcker Committee report as non-contractual beneficiaries in the Iraq Oil for Food programme, the Government has been "firm, consistent and clear in its stand on the matter".(Agencies)

Railways need more funds for J&K: Lalu

NEW DELHI, Dec 2: Railway Minister Lalu Prasad today said additional funds were required for ongoing projects in Jammu and Kashmir and North Eastern Region.

He disclosed this at a meeting with Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia to review the 2006-07 annual plan and Budgetary support for enhanced railway investments, an official release said.

The minister said there was a need for Rs 4,092 crores for railway projects in North East and Jammu and Kashmir. The money, if allocated, would be used for a mega bridge project at Bogibeel in Assam, Munger bridge over river Ganges, Patna bridge also over Ganges and Kosi Bridge as well as for the Sudoor Gram Sampark Yojana.

Progress made on the Dedicated Freight Corridor was also discussed during the meeting and it was decided that both the corridors, Mumbai-Delhi and Delhi-Howrah, would be implemented simultaneously.

It was agreed in principle that the project will be supported, if necessary, through Central Government funds and necessary procedural requirements would be completed at the earliest.

The Planning Commission acknowledged Railway’s improved finances and enhanced internal generation while assuring to consider its request for enhanced infrastructure investment through budgetary support.(PTI)

8 burnt in quake ravaged PoK

MUZAFFARABAD, Dec 2: Eight people, two of them Turkish aid workers, have been hospitalised with serious burns after their tents caught fire in quake-ravaged Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, Health officials said today.

Officials blamed the blazes on survivors of the October 8 disaster who had built fires too close to or inside temporary shelters, adding that they expected more such cases as the Himalayan winter intensifies.

"There are around eight burns cases in different hospitals, including two Turkish engineers," Major General Abdul Malik, Health Secretary Pakistani-occupied-Kashmir, said.

"People are used to burning fires to protect themselves from the cold but they are burning wood inside or very close to the camps," he added.

"They need to realise that they are not in concrete shelters."

The earthquake killed 73,000 people in Pakistan and left more than 3.5 million homeless. Tent camps have sprung up across the worst-hit areas of Northwest Pakistan and Pakistani Kashmir.

Turkey was the first country to send quake aid to Pakistan and dozens of its citizens are still in the country helping with relief and rebuilding efforts.

A World Health Organisation official in Muzaffarabad also confirmed there had been a number of burns cases.

"There is no proper burns treatment in Muzaffarabad and the local Health authorities are trying to set up one," the official said on condition of anonymity. (AFP)

3 foreign militants among 7 killed
Breakthrough in Lone's killing

Excelsior Correpondent/Agencies

srinagar, Dec 2: In a major breakthrough, police today arrested three persons in connection with the gunning down of Minister of State for Education Dr Ghulam Nabi Lone here last October.

"We have got three of the four key accused in the case," Inspector General of Police K Rajendra Kumar said.

He said six people, including two suicide attackers,were involved in the killing of the minister on October 18.

Of the two suicide attackers, one was killed on the day of the attack. The other, who had fled after killing Lone, was later shot dead in Baramulla district, the IGP said.

The three arrested persons had provided all logistic support and arranged accommodation, vehicles and other necessities for the attackers.

Kumar said the three had confessed their involvement in the murder.

The accused had planned more high-profile attacks in the near future, police sources said adding they had hired a house just a few metres from the residence of Srinagar SSP Munir Khan.

Piercing through high-security Tulsibagh area,militants shot dead Lone and three others, including two securitymen, on October 18.

Meanwhile, reliable sources said that the two persons, who were arrested near Soura the other day, have confessed their involvement in the Rajouri Kadal bank robbery case. Sources said that the interrogation of the robber, who was apprehended on the spot at the time of dacoity, led the police to the arrest of Shakeel Ahmed Sofi and Shabir Ahmed Bukhari of Kreeri Pattan, presently residing in Srinagar.

Police claimed that the duo from Pattan was arrested from Zoonimar Soura on Thursday. Police claimed that all the accused have confessed their crime of robbery and have been put in Maharaj Gunj Police Station.

While claiming that the interrogation of the arrested persons have led police to certain ‘startling’ disclosures, police sources said that investigations are on to nab the other involved persons and recover the looted money. Police sources said that the arrested youth escorted the police to a militant hideout near Anchar Lake in Soura, where some foreign mercenaries were hiding. They said that police surrounded the area, during which militants hiding there opened fire and in the ensuing gun battle, three Pakistani militants were gunned down besides recovery of some arms and ammunition.

The sources identified the slain militants as Abid-ur-Rehman alias Abu Talha of Faisalabad, Mohammed Saleem alias Abu Abbas of Lalukhet Karachi and Sadaaqat Ali alias Abu Hamaad of Wah Cantt, Rawalpindi. Sources also claimed that two AK rifles, four AK magazines, one pistol and two grenades from the possession of the slain foreign militants. Furthermore, police suspected that some militants were able to run away from the spot during the encounter towards Ganderbal area.

Police also revealed that on the identification of the arrested persons, police was able to recover two AK rifles, two AK magazines and 60 rounds from the hollow of a chinar tree in Naseembagh.

Meanwhile four persons, including two militants and a teacher were killed in separate incidents of violence in the Valley since Thursday evening. According to sources, suspected militants this morning opened fire at one Mohammed Maqbool Sheikh, son of Mukhtha Sheikh, of Bakihaakar Handwara from a point blank range. Maqbool, who was hit on his head, was rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him as ‘brought dead’. Sources said that he was working with Territorial Army and was presently associated with 21 RR.

Unidentified gunmen shot dead a teacher identified as Bashir Ahmed, 20, of Ganderpora Pattan in north Kashmir during the last night, sources said. Sources said that gunmen, whose identity couldn’t be revealed, forced their entry into the house of Bashir and after dragging him out, shot him dead near his house. Bashir was working as a Rehber-e-Taleem teacher in a school in his area. One unidentified militant was killed during an encounter at Watnilu Tangmarg in Baramulla district today. Sources said that troopers of 193 Artillery and 52 RR launched an operation in the area, during which an encounter broke out. One militant, whose identity could not be established, was killed in the encounter.

CM suspends 15 SIE officials

Excelsior Special Corresponent

Jammu, Dec 2: Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has ordered suspension of 15 officers and officials of the State Institute of Education Srinagar after receiving the report from Commissioner/Secretary Education about their unauthorized absence from duties at the time of surprise checking made by the concerned authorities on November 22.

The officers and officials who have been placed under suspension are Mohammad Shafi Bhat, Coordinator; Ahmadullah Uwaisi, Field Advisor; Ghulam Rasool Khatai, Research Officer; Gh. Mohd Batkaloo, Research Officer Nuzhat, Research Officer; Naseema, Headmaster; Yasmeena Jan, Headmaster; Showkat, Master; Shafkat, Master; Akbar Ali, Section Officer; Mohd Sami, Head Assistant; Abdul Hameed, Senior Assistant; Hafiza, Accounts Clerk; Maisar, Statistical Assistant and one Statistical Officer.

Top LeT ultra, civilian killed

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 2: A top Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant, involved in the killing of six civilians at Neeram, Mahore, was gunned down by troops of 58RR at Thatharaka, Gool in Ramban police district this afternoon while a civilian was kidnapped and killed by the militants at village Karam Katha in Gool last night.

Official sources said troops eliminated a Lashkar ultra Nissar Ahmed alias Abu Muslim son of Sulla Mohd Gujjar R/o Nevran Ghat, Mahore in fierce exchange of gun-battle at village Susani in Thatharaka area of Gool.

One AK-56 rifle and two hand grenades were recovered from him.

Slain militant was involved in the massacre of six civilians at Neeram in Mahore few months back.

Meanwhile, militants kidnapped and killed a civilian at village Karam Katha in Gool last night. He has been identified as Mohd Shaffi son of Abdul Aziz Malik R/o Karam Katha.

Sources said the civilian was kidnapped by the militants from his house and taken to a nearby forest area where he was killed. His body was recovered this morning.

A police party visited the spot for investigations.

5 officials inducted into IPS

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 2: President of India has formally inducted five senior officers of Jammu and Kashmir Police into the Indian Police Services (IPS) and allotted them the cadre of Jammu and Kashmir.

They are Manmohan Singh, Staff Officer to IGP Jammu, Ashkoor Ahmad Wani, SSP Baramulla, Ali Mohd Bhat, Vijay Singh Samyal, SSP Vigilance, Jammu and Jagdish Lal Sharma, SSP Reasi.

An order to this effect was issued today by the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi. The appointments will take effect from the date of issue of the notification.

Pak bans militancy teaching in madrasas

ISLAMABAD, Dec 2: Tightening the noose on Islamic seminaries in Pakistan, President Pervez Musharraf has promulgated an ordinance prohibiting madrasas from teaching or publishing any literature which promoted militancy, spread sectarianism and religious hatred.

The ordinance, called ‘Societies Registration (second amendment) Ordinance-2005,’ will come into force with immediate effect in the Islamabad Capital Territory. Similar ordinances were expected to be issued by the four provincial governments.

The amendment to the ordinance makes it mandatory for every madrasa in Islamabad to register with the Government and submit audit reports of their accounts as well as educational activities. Also, all madrasas, if not already registered, should do so before the end of this year.

According to the ordinance, no seminary would teach or publish any literature which promotes militancy and spread sectarianism and religious hatred.

Official estimates said Pakistan has over 25,000 madrasas across the country. The Capital itself has several hundreds, most of them located in prime locations.

The ordinance was worked out in the aftermath of the 7/7 London bombings in which some of the suicide bombers allegedly underwent training in Pakistan madrasas.

It would be applicable to religious institutions meant primarily for religious education, Jamia, Darul Uloom, school, college or university or called by any other name, set up for the purpose of imparting religious education with boarding and lodging facilities.

The ordinance directs all madrasas to submit annual report of its educational activities to the registrar of societies.

Similarly, it has been made mandatory for every religious institution to carry out audit of its accounts by an auditor and submit a copy of its audit report to the registrar of the societies.

Most of the madrasas were initially reluctant to submit their accounts and source of funds as most of them received funding from various Gulf and Islamic countries. Government was hopeful that all the madrasas would be registered as most of them functioned under one association which has conveyed its tacit agreement.

Meanwhile, the Government’s plans to introduce close circuit cameras in most of the mosques to ensure safety and monitor the speeches by the preachers was opposed by Islamist alliance Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal and Jamaat-e-Ahl-e-Sunnah.

The two organisations organised protest demonstrations during Friday prayers today.

Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao on Wednesday announced that cameras would be installed to ensure safety of mosques and imambargahs. (PTI)

Attack on security camp 3 wounded, 2 ultras nabbed

SRINAGAR, At least three personnel were injured in an attack on a security force camp in north Kashmir, while two miliants were arrested and explosives recovered in the south of the Valley, official sources said today.

They said militants attacked a security force camp at Yaribal Banipora in north Kashmir district of Baramulla with automatic weapons. The fire was returned and in the fierce clash which lasted for about 20 minutes, three soldiers were wounded. The militants, however, managed to escape.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Police and security forces, in a joint operation at village Samboora in Pulwama district, arrested two militants and recovered 10kg of rdx, a pistol with one magazine, six rounds, six timers, two detonators, a wireless set and ten hand grenades.

Security forces detected and later defused two IEDs at Pathari. (UNI)
 
 

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