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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 25: Security forces and police today gunned down four top Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jehad Islami (HUJI) militants in four separate encounters in Doda and Poonch districts while police recovered four wireless sets and a large quantity of ammunition and destroyed a hide-out of the militants in Snehi forests in Surankote. A woman, who was an employee of BDO office Bhadarwah in Doda district, was shot dead by the militants in her house last night. DIG Udhampur-Doda range Lalatendu Mohanty said a dreaded HUJI militant was eliminated by CRPF, police and security forces after a fierce exchange of gun-battle at Nagni in Gandoh area of Doda district tonight. Identified as Riaz Ahmed (code name Manzoor) son of Mohd Rafiq Wani R/o Tanta Draman, Gandoh, the militant was killed after a two hour long encounter, he added. One rifle, one magazine, two rounds and one grenade were recovered from the slain militant. Area has been cordoned off and a hunt was on for Manzoor’s associate, who was possibly hiding in the same area. A Lashkar militant was eliminated by security forces and police at Marwah in Doda this afternoon, Mr Mohanty said. He identified the killed ultra as Dilshad Ahmed (code name Tallah) son of Ghulam Ahmed Sheikh R/o Patgam, Marwah. One AK-56 rifle and one magazine were recovered from him. Security forces or police didn’t suffer any casualties in the operation, which was supervised by SSP Doda Manohar Singh. Security forces and police launched a joint search operation at Bakerwal Mohalla in Salwa area under the jurisdiction of Gursai police station in Mendhar tehsil of Poonch district this morning after developing a specific information about the presence of two Lashkar militants, most likely the foreign mercenaries, in the area. The militants were traced hiding in an abandoned dhok in Bakerwal Mohalla and were asked to surrender. However, they jumped out of the dhok and started running towards Banola forests. They were pursued by the security personnel and engaged in exchange of firing. In the afternoon, one militant was killed while his associate managed to slip deep into the forest cover and remained untraced till tonight. Security forces and police have maintained a cordon in the area and were hunting the absconding militant. Body of the slain militant has been recovered from the spot but his identity hasn’t been established so far. He was believed to be a foreign mercenary of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) outfit. Recoveries made from the scene of encounter include one AK-56 rifle, three magazines, 42 rounds, two hand grenades, Re 1 in Indian currency, one wireless set, one pouch, one diary and one religious book. Police party in the operation was led by SHO Mendhar Sagar Singh and SHO Gursai Abid Shah and was supervised by Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Mendhar Yougal Manhas. After a four day long gun-battle, security forces and police today succeeded in eliminating one militant at Khari in Banihal tehsil of Ramban police district. SSP Ramban Basant Rath said body of an unidentified foreign mercenary was recovered from the maize crops during searches after a fresh round of gunbattle this morning between security personnel and police. A total of three militants were believed to be trapped in Khari for last four days. During exchange of firing, a SPO was killed on the first day while the next day, an Army jawan had sacrificed his life. One AK rifle and some ammunition were recovered from the slain militant, whose identity hasn’t been established so far. Security forces and police continued searches in the area for two other militants inside grown up maize crop in Khari area. A woman Shabnam alias Gudi widow of Mukhtiyar Ahmed Mir, who was an employee in BDO office at Bhadarwah, was last night shot dead by two militants in her house at Upper Dandi in Bhadarwah tehsil of Doda district last night. Reasons behind her killing couldn’t be ascertained immediately. A police party led by DySP Surankote P R Shan destroyed a hide-out of the militants at Snehi in Surankote area of Poonch district today and recovered three Kenwood wireless sets, one I Com wireless set, one pistol with one magazine and six rounds and 750 AK rounds. However, no arrests were made from the hide-out. Meanwhile, after a meeting between family members, villagers and elderly people of both communities, it was decided to bury Hizbul Mujahideen commander Kuldeep Kumar alias KK alias Kamran alias Waqar, who was killed in an encounter with security forces and police at Kalihand in Doda yesterday along with his associate. The decision to bury KK was taken with the consent of his family members after it was established that he had converted to Islam, the sources said. |
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CM warns against
delay in completion of projects Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Aug 25: Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad has called for speedy execution of developmental infrastructure in the State. He said executing agencies of national repute are being involved in massive development works launched throughout the State. "The Government is actively considering handing over the construction work of 7 new degree college complexes to National Building Construction Corporation New Delhi (NBCC). A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for early execution of these projects is being signed soon. The projects comprise Degree Colleges Beerwah, Budgam, Pattan in Kashmir Province and Degree College complexes of Samba, Kathua, Mendhar and Basohli of Jammu Division. Funds for this purpose have already been released," he said The Chief Minister said this while presiding over a high level meeting here last evening to take stock of the matters pertaining to handing over the execution of various development projects to the NBCC. The meeting also reviewed the pace of on going developmental projects taken up under the Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Programme in every nook and corner of the State. Mr Azad added that R&B and JKPCC are already engaged in the execution of various developmental projects in the State under various Centrally and State funded schemes. He directed executive agencies of the State to ensure timely completion of developmental projects and asked them to work with dedication, devotion and honesty for over all development. He warned the executive agencies against delay in the construction of projects within stipulated timeframe. He said that officers and Engineers found negligent should be ready for punishment. Mr. Azad said his Government is determined to affect uniform development of all regions of the State. "Developmental process in underdeveloped areas like hilly districts of Kupwara, Doda, Udhampur and Poonch would be given special attention by handing over construction of various projects of these areas to reputed agencies of the country", he added. The Chief Minister said that Centre Government is going to release the funds very soon for construction of 40 districts and sub districts hospital buildings in the State. He asked R&B Ministry to inform whether they would be able to complete the execution of these hospital buildings within 18 months time frame. He said if the States executive agency is not able to ensure the completion of these hospital complexes within the time frame then the construction work of the same would be handed over to some reputed construction corporations of the country. He was assured by Minister of State for R&B Gulchain Singh Charak that the department would ensure execution of these hospital complexes within 18 months time. Mr Azad said that liberal financial assistance provided to the State under Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Programme should have to be utilized properly for speedy development of infrastructure under various sectors. He said "it is now upto us that how sincere we are for taking our State to new highs". "We all should listen to our conscience and work for welfare of our society. All of us should have to coordinate with each other to make Jammu and Kashmir a model state of the country", he asserted. He said various steps have been taken to develop tourism sector in the State. Nearly 20 tourist development authorities have been constituted in the State and for the purpose the Centre has already released funds for creation of tourism related infrastructure in these areas. Expressing anguish over poor utilization of released funds under Tourism Development Authority during last two years, the Chief Minister said that it has become imperative to handover construction work in the jurisdiction of tourist development authorities to reputed national level construction corporations for their early development. The Chief Minister also reviewed the pace of progress on seven Degree Colleges complexes being executed by JKPCC which include Degree College Complexes Dooru, Bandipora, Sopore, Hiranagar, R.S. Pura, Akhnoor and Thana Mandi. He was apprised that construction work of Degree College Hiranagar, R.S. Pura and Akhnoor would be completed by December this year. The Chief Minister stressed JKPCC authorities to accelerate the pace of work complete the execution of these college complexes within stipulated time frame. He said for the speedy construction of Degree College complexes of Bijbehara, Uri, Billawar and Ramban could also be handed over to the NBCC. |
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Uproar over Farooq's remarks in
Parliament NEW DELHI, Aug 25: The last day of the Monsoon session of Parliament was marred by adjournments in both Houses over National Conference leader and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah’s reported statement of release of a LeT terrorist by the NDA Government. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned four times and the Lok Sabha once as the issue rocked both the Houses. Soon after laying on the table listed papers in Rajya Sabha, Congress members waving newspaper copies said the report quoted Abdullah as saying that the decision to release terrorist Maulana Masood Azhar during the Kandahar hijacking was taken by the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani. This sparked acrimonious scenes as Congress members, led by Rajiv Shukla and V Narayanasamy who had given a notice, wanted the Chair to take up the issue. With Congress members vociferously pressing for their demand, Chairman Bhairon Singh Shekhawat adjourned the House for half-an-hour till 1230 hrs, within minutes after the question hour. When the House reassembled, it was adjourned till 1400 hrs only to be adjourned again to 1430 hrs. When the House met again, Congress members were on their feet demanding a clarification from Abdullah who was present in the House. The Chairman disallowed the demand and ordered taking up of private members’ business. At one time, Abdullah indicated his willingness to speak and even stood up. As the din continued, Shekhawat adjourned the House till 1700 hrs. In Lok Sabha, raising the issue, Madhusudan Mistry and other Congress members waved copies of the newspaper which reported Abdullah’s remarks. The NDA members vehemently protested against this. Speaker Somnath Chatterjee tried to pacify them. As the din continued, he adjourned the House for an hour till 1600 hrs. Meanwhile, under Congress fire over Abdullah’s remarks on the release of jailed terrorists during the 1999 IA plane hijack, the BJP today downplayed the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister’s comments as his personal opinion. Abdullah, whose son Omar Abdullah was a Union Minister in the NDA Government, has told a newspaper in an interview that the decision to set free Maulana Masood Azhar in exchange for the release of the IA hostages was taken by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Home Minister L K Advani. "This is his personal opinion which everybody is free to have," BJP Parliamentary Party spokesman Vijay Kumar Malhotra told reporters. He also recalled there was no opposition from within the Cabinet when it decided its course of action to secure the safe release of the hostages. Defending his party from the attack over the IA hijack crisis, Malhotra mistakenly recalled the BJP-backed V P Singh Government as a Congress-supported administration while referring to the Rubaiya Sayeed kidnapping case. He, however, accused the Congress, whose members created an uproar in both the Houses over Abdullah’s interview, of having sponsored protests for the release of the captive passengers in 1999. Also, Malhotra pointed out that his party’s demand for a discussion in Parliament on the Mitrokhin archives had remained unaddressed so far. In separate comments, the BJP leader condemned police action on protesting medicos here. At the same time, he again demanded reservation benefits for SCs and STs be extended to minority educational establishments as well. (PTI) |
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Working to be resumed
from Tuesday Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 25: The Jammu Bar Association today called off its 59 days long strike but it decided to resume work from Tuesday as the infamous Srinagar sex scandal case has been listed for hearing in the Supreme Court on Monday. A decision to call off about two months long agitation was taken in general house meeting of the Bar Association which was attended by majority of the members. Giving details of general house meeting, president of the Bar Association, Ved Raj Wazir told the EXCELSIOR that majority of the members were of the view that aggrieved parties have already gone to the Supreme Court and, therefore, there was no reason to continue the agitation. "When the matter is under consideration of the Supreme Court, it is illogical to agitate on this issue as the Bar Association Jammu has highest regard for the apex court", Mr Wazir said while defending the decision to call off the stir, adding, "the Supreme Court is the highest institution of the country and verdict pronounced by it is binding on us". "All developments of 59 days agitation including listing of the case before Supreme Court, were placed before the general house and after threadbare discussions, the meeting unanimously resolved to call off the strike," Mr Wazir said. Earlier, in the general house meeting the members were informed about all developments which took place during the agitation. General house was informed about meetings with the Chief Justice of the State, Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Transport Minister, Mangat Ram Sharma to break the stalemate. Worthwhile to mention here that Bar Association Jammu had started indefinite strike on June 29 when one of its member was allegedly threatened in Srinagar while appearing for this case. The Bar Association was demanding shifting of the case from Srinagar to Jammu or somewhere else in the country as, according to Bar Association, a fair trial was not possible in Valley. During the agitation, Bar Association received support from almost all organisations of Jammu. A bandh was also successfully observed in Jammu in support of the demand of the Bar Association. Meanwhile, in a press release issued here today, the Bar Association strongly condemned, what it called, unconstitutional action of the Kashmir Bar Association for not showing faith and respect in the Constitution of India and boycotting the diamond jubilee celebrations of J&K High Court in which President of India was chief guest. The Bar Association also expressed its gratitude to all the associations and individuals who extended their support and cooperation during the strike. |
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Hurriyat favours resumption of talks SRINAGAR, Aug 25: The Hurriyat Conference today urged the Centre to take serious steps to resume talks with Pakistan and the separatist leaders in Jammu and Kashmir to resolve the Kashmir issue. Government should, without wasting further time, make serious efforts to resume talks with Pakistan and the separatist leaders for resolution of Kashmir issue, moderate Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said addressing a Friday congregation at Khankhah-e-Faiz Panah at Tral, 40 kms from here. Calling for unity among the separatists, he said all small and big issues could be resolved unitedly but unfortunately Muslims have forgotten teachings of Islam and the prophet and were involved in civil war. He claimed that the Kashmir issue was being discussed at global level and pressure was building on Government to resolve it. (PTI) |
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Seats to be increased NEW DELHI, Aug 25: The controversial Quota bill to provide 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in Central Educational Institutions, which is to be made operational from the academic year 2007, was introduced by HRD Minister Arjun Singh in Lok Sabha today. The Central Educational Institutions (reservation in admission) bill, 2006, makes no mention of the creamy layer. Asked about the issue of including minority institutions under the purview of reservation, Singh said this was negated by the House earlier. The minister said the bill was brought in order to benefit millions of students belonging to socially and economically weaker sections of society. It provides for a mandatory increase of seats in Central Educational Institutions, which would be attained over a maximum period of three years beginning with 2007 academic session. It said though it may not be possible to quantify the financial requirement at this stage, "whatever be the expenditure, it would be met from the consolidated fund of India through budgetary provision" under the HRD Ministry. The bill applicable to Central universities, IITS and IIMS and certain other institutions established, maintained or aided by the Central Government, defines OBCs as the class or classes of citizens who are socially and educationally backward and are so determined by the Central Government. The bill envisages 27 per cent seat reservation for OBCs in admission in Central Educational Institutions besides 15 per cent for SCs and 7.5 per cent for STs. Speaker Somnath Chatterjee said the bill will be referred to the standing committee. As many as eight institutions of excellence including Homi Bhabha National Institute and its constituent units like Bhabha Atomic Research Centre as also Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, are excluded from the quota regime. The other institutions that are excluded from the quota purview are north-eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Science, Shillong, National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Gurgaon, Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, Space Physics Laboratory, Thiruvananthapuram and Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Dehradun. The provisions of the bill will not apply to minority educational institutions. In a move to ensure that the general category of seats are not reduced, the bill has made it clear that the increase of seats in any branch of study or faculty was not less than the number of such seats available for the preceding academic session. The bill says if for reasons of financial, physical or academic limitations or in order to maintain the standards of education, the annual permitted strength in any branch of study or faculty of such institutions cannot be increased for the coming academic session, it may seek permission to increase the strength over a maximum period of three years. In such a case, the extent of reservation for OBCs shall be limited for that academic session in such a manner that the number of seats available to OBCs for each academic session is commensurate with the increase in the permitted strength in each year. While congratulating the minister for bringing the measure, D P Yadav (RJD) wanted to know what is the definition of creamy layer. V Radhakrishnan (CPI-M) sought a clear-cut definition of minority institutions while Yogi Adityanath contended that there was a difference in the statements made by the Prime Minister and the HRD Minister on the issue. The bill, which was cleared by the Cabinet on Monday, is expected to be taken up for consideration only in the next session of Parliament in winter. While DMK and PMK have demanded that there should be no dilution in the implementation and that the measure should be implemented in one go, Government has chosen to implement it in a staggered manner. A similar bill for unaided institutions is likely to be taken up at a later stage. (PTI) |
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Sinha suggests 3-pronged strategy to contain terror Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Aug 25: Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S. K Sinha today said that terrorism continues to be a big challenge in Jammu and Kashmir, which has to be fought with an iron fist along side winning over hearts and minds of the people. In an hour-long interaction with an editors’ delegation from Bangladesh at Raj Bhawan this morning, he said economic development, good governance and psychological initiatives hold key to the problem. "Above all, revival of Kashmiriyat is an imperative for heralding peace on this heaven on the earth", he added. The Governor said though militancy has been contained significantly, yet a new dimension of throwing grenades by terrorists is a matter of grave concern. "This has had an adverse effect on tourism, the mainstay of the people in Kashmir and jeopardized security of common pedestrians. Attacks on tourists have resulted in low arrivals during past over a month but it has now started picking up again," he added. When asked how he felt by being shifted from a troubled state of Assam to yet another trouble destination of Kashmir, Lt Gen Sinha observed that as a result of sustained efforts of wining hearts of the people and ensuring development in Assam, the people distanced themselves from terrorism and played a useful role in taking Assam to new pinnacles of development and progress. "Similarly, a welcome change has taken place in Kashmir where the people are longing for peace Terrorists are isolated in Kashmir", he asserted. Elaborating on three-pronged strategy to combat terrorism, he said terrorism will have to be fought militarily while good governance, weeding out of corruption, responsive administration and all round development will go a long way in tackling militancy. "A massive development effort is on and effective measures are being taken to curb corruption. On the psychological front, 1000 micro hydel projects have been taken up in remote and border areas. Of these, 500 have been completed while remaining 500 would be ready by October this year," he said, adding that 1000 micro-hydel projects clearly signified heralding of a mini economic revolution in the State with un-electrified areas getting light during nights and the grafts being used for lathe, grinding corn, etc. The involvement of village community has been ensured and the Army will be providing expertise in running these units, he said. The Governor also dwelt on revival of Kashmiriyat, saying that it was eroded in the wake of eruption of militancy. "Kashmiriyat is the essence of glorious cultural heritage, brotherhood and above all a proud legacy of the beautiful Valley," he averred. On the initiatives being taken for steering the State to peace and prosperity, Lt Gen Sinha referred to the special package of Rs. 24000 crore announced by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and said this coves many vital projects, work on which have already been started. He said the per capita development allocation to Jammu and Kashmir, being lent by the Centre is higher than any other State of the country. He gave historical background of Srinagar city to the delegation, saying it had been founded by Ashoka the Great. He also replied to the question of the editors on varied subjects particularly his militancy career. |
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Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Aug 25: Security forces today recovered six grenades, one rocket launcher and 250 AK rounds during a search operation at Palli Morh in this district. Earlier also, security forces had recovered grenades and some ammunition from Palli Morh. According to sources, investigations were on to find out source of grenades. It appeared that some security agencies might have inadvertently left the grenade there during an exercise, which were being recovered slowly. |
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Two kidnappers held, car seized Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 25: Vijaypur police tonight arrested two kidnappers, rescued a Government employee kidnapped by them and seized a TATA Indica car from their possession, which was used in the offence. SSP Border Rajinder Gupta said two persons travelling in a white TATA Indica car No. 7272 JK02P intercepted Suresh Kumar, a Technician in Power Department, Vijaypur and a resident of Parmandal when he was returning to his house. They packed him in the car and started driving towards Jammu. A Vijaypur police station party headed by SHO Inspector Khalil-ur-Rehman chased the car and rescued the hostage. Both accused were taken into custody and the car was seized. They have been identified as Harvinder Singh of Rampura, Gandhi Nagar and Billoo of Khir Pind, RS Pura. Mr Gupta said they kidnapped Suresh Kumar on behalf of V K Finance Company, Moti Bazar from where he had financed his car. Some installments of the car were due for which he was kidnapped and beaten-up. Police have registered a case of kidnapping against the accused for further investigations. |
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Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Aug 25 : Special Representative to Government of India for dialogue on J&K N N Vohra today called on Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad here and discussed with him various issues pertaining to peace and development of the State. The meeting lasted one and a half hour, an official spokesman said. |
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NEW DELHI, Aug 25: With the CBI giving a clean chit to Minister of State for Home Manikrao Gavit over an alleged conversation with a jailed criminal, the Government today said an inquiry will be conducted to ascertain who actually talked to the prisoner. Home Minister Shivraj Patil told the Lok Sabha that the CBI had collected tapes from Zee TV, which aired the report, and recorded statements of relevant persons. The CBI also collected a voice sample of Gavit on tape in the presence of independent witnesses and experts of the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), he said. "The voices on the tapes were examined on audio spectrography by experts who have opined that they do not tally and are not of the same person," Patil said. He laid the experts’ report on the table of the House. Noting that it was important to first establish whose voice it was, he said an inquiry will now be conducted to ascertain who actually spoke. Patil said it would be ascertained whether the person in jail was spoken to and if so, how could he have a telephone in prison. This will take some time, Patil said. Zee TV had on August 13 aired an audio tape claiming that it contained a purported conversation between Gavit and a criminal in Bulandshahr jail in Uttar Pradesh. After Patil’s statement, Speaker Somnath Chatterjee said Gavit has been exonerated and asked him to return to the House. Gavit, who was sitting in the back row, then moved to the front benches. (PTI)
Militant killed, 4 fake ultras held SRINAGAR, Aug 25: Security forces shot dead a militant during an encounter while as an ‘insane’ created panic in the main market of Kupwara district. Official spokesman said that security forces cordoned off Lalpora village of Kupwara district late last night following a tip-off. During the operation, militants opened fire on the search party which was retaliated and in the ensuing encounter one ultra was killed. Some arms and ammunition were seized from the encounter site, he said, adding the search operation was going on when reports last came in. The identity of the slain ultra was yet to be established. Meanwhile, an ‘insane’ person created panic in the main market of Kupwara district when he took away an automatic rifle of the troops of 41 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and moved freely displaying the weapon The spokesman said that troops of 41 RR had parked their vehicle at a particular place in the Kupwara main market and kept their service weapons in it. As they were busy frisking and searching people, the insane person took away one of the rifles from the vehicle. When some people noticed the insane person carrying a weapon in his hands and moving freely in the main market, they informed the police who arrested him. Police later returned the weapon to the troops. The spokesman said that four ‘fake’ militants today hijacked a vehicle, snatched mobile and Rs 7000 cash from the milk sellers at village Badgampora under the jurisdiction of Awantipora Police Station this morning. Their drama came to an end after about three hours when all were arrested alongwith hijacked vehicle. Some fake guns were also recovered from their possession. Police spokesman said that four youth intercepted a Tata 207 vehicle (JK01A-1649) of a milk seller Shabir Ahmed Rather, son of Asad Rather of Goripura near village Badgampora and hijacked the vehicle on gun point. The youth, who were projecting themselves as militants, also snatched mobile and Rs 7000 cash from Shabir Ahmed Rather and two more milk sellers travelling in the vehicle. On getting information, SP Awantipora Sardar Khan constituted four teams and deputed them in different directions to nab the ‘militants’. After about three hour, the ‘militants’ were chased at Dogripura village. The hijacked vehicle, mobile and cash were recovered from their possession. From their hide-out, police also recovered fake guns which established that they were not the real terrorists. They have been identified as Mohd Yasin Dar, son of Mohd Ramzan Dar, Mohd Yawar Bhat, son of Ghulam Kadir Bhat, Mehraj-ud-Din Bhat, son of Mohd Subhan Bhat and Zahur Ahmed, son of Manzoor Ahmed, all the residents of Malangpora in Pulwama district.(Agencies)
Bhoot, associate held with pistol Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 25: Anti-Goonda Squad of Jammu Police today arrested two miscreants and recovered a pistol and ammunition from their possession. SSP Jammu Mukesh Singh said Vipan Gupta alias Vipan Bhoot, a resident of Shakti Nagar and Purshotam Samyal alias Abhi son of Rattan Singh, a resident of Durga Nagar were arrested this afternoon. One country made pistol with live cartridges were recovered from them. Arrests were made by an Anti-Goonda Squad of Jammu Police led by Sub Inspector Arjun Singh Chib. Bhoot was wanted in connection with a non bailable warrant issued against him at Nowabad police station.
Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Aug 25: Forest Protection Force (FPF) has unearthed smuggling of large quantity of plywood veneers to Punjab and seized 14 trucks carrying 4610 bundles of the veneers. Disclosing this to the EXCELSIOR, Deputy Director Forest Protection Force Kathua said that on a specific information a team of FPF laid a special naka near Lakhanpur and checked several vehicles for violation of Forest Act and Rules. During the course of checking, 14 trucks were seized which were carrying plywood veneers from Jammu and Kashmir to Punjab without prescribed documents and in violation of notification issued under Section 15 of J&K Forest Act, 1930. From these vehicles, Forest Protection Force recovered a total of 4610 bundles of plywood veneers having market value of lakhs of rupees. As per the notification, there should be an official seal of the concerned Range Officer on the invoice in the possession of vehiclists transporting the veneers to keep check on the use of raw material collected by illegal means, he said. However, there was no official seal on the invoice in the possession of drivers of all the 14 trucks. Fine will be imposed and realised from the violators of the Forest Act, he further said. Mr Singh said that special drive has been launched against the violators of the Forest Act and strict action is being taken against the smugglers. |
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