Pak ready to give up claim on Kashmir: Musharraf

NEW DELHI, Dec 4 : Pakistan is prepared to give up its claim on Kashmir, the demand for plebiscite in the region and on implementation of UN resolutions if both countries agree on the four-point solution.

In an interview with NDTV, Gen Musharraf said self-governance or autonomy did not mean independence and Pakistan is against independence for Kashmir.

He said Pakistan was prepared to give up its claim to Kashmir if India and Pakistan agree on the four-point solution (a solution in which boundaries are not changed and India does not have to give up any territory).

"We will have to. Yes, if this solution comes up," he said when asked if he was prepared to give up claim to Kashmir.

"...We are on the same position as we were since 1948. But we both...I am saying we both ought to be prepared to give up all that we have been saying. And this includes all this...If we reach an agreement where we are giving self governance, yes indeed, we...That is it..."

President Musharraf also made it clear that if the four-point solution, which includes no change in boundaries of Kashmir, making borders and the LoC irrelevant, staggered demilitarisation and autonomy or self-governance with a joint supervision mechanism, is agreed upon, Pakistan would also give up on the UN resolutions and its long-standing demand for a plebiscite.

He said when both sides are negotiating, it meant compromise and compromise could never take place without stepping back. So inherently, both sides would have to give up their positions and step back.

The Pakistan President made it clear once Pakistan gave up its claim to Kashmir, this four-point solution was not a negotiating step towards getting independence for Kashmir and that self-governance or autonomy was not the first step to Kashmir’s independence.

"Yes, we are against independence...." he said when asked whether he meant no independence for Kashmir.

He was referring to his four-point solution, which is: to make no change in boundaries of Kashmir, to make borders and the LoC irrelevant, have staggered demilitarisation and have autonomy or self-governance with a joint supervision mechanism.

Asked whether, by talking about self-governance, he wanted to say no independence for Kashmir, Musharraf said "yes we are against independence". He said even India was against independence for the State.

He said that negotiations for peace involves "compromise", otherwise "you can’t go for a solution of a problem". If one of us is not prepared to step back, we will not reach a solution."

Asked whether he will step back if India accepts his solution, he said "yes .. We will have to." (AGENCIES)

One way traffic on highway
Fresh snowfall, rains hit life

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU/SRINAGAR, Dec 4: Intense cold wave continued to sweep across the State with Trikuta Hills of world famous Mata Vaishnodevi shrine and upper reaches of twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch experiencing season’s first snowfall. Kashmir and Ladakh regions also witnessed fresh snowfall today, thereby further dipping the temperature considerably there.

The plains of the entire State were, however, lashed by intermittent rainfall since yesterday and keeping in view the inclement weather conditions, the authorities allowed only one way traffic on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway till this evening when it was again closed due to shooting stones at Panthal.

The inclement weather, however, had not much impact on the air service as only one flight to Summer capital of the State was cancelled today. It was Jet Airways that cancelled its Jammu-Srinagar flight. All other airlines — Spicejet, Air Sahara, GoAir, Indian Airlines, Air Deccan and Kingfisher — operated their flights as per schedule. The special Haj flight carrying 213 pilgrims, including 68 women, also took off from Srinagar Airport for Jeddah.

There was heavy rainfall at the upper hills of Vaishnodevi shrine last evening before it started snowing early this morning. Bhairon Ghati also experienced minor snowfall while the entire track and cave shrine continued to be lashed by the intermittent rainfall since yesterday", Puneet Kumar, Additional Chief Executive Officer (Additional CEO) of the Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board told the EXCELSIOR.

He added that despite intense cold, pilgrimage continued smoothly with no decline in number of pilgrims reaching cave shrine to pay obeisance. An increase of 11000 pilgrims has been witnessed during the first three days of December this year as compared to the corresponding days of the last year which indicates that the intense cold wave condition has failed to lower the enthusiasm among the pilgrims, Mr Kumar said.

Reports from twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch said that season’s first snowfall was also experienced in the upper reaches today while plains continued to experience heavy rainfall.

The hills of Patnitop also witnessed fresh snowfall while another tourist resort of Sanasar recorded heavy snowfall. The road connecting Sanasar and Nathatop with the Patnitop got blocked due to snow.

Keeping in view the inclement weather conditions, authorities allowed one way traffic movement on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway till 7.30 PM when shouting stones blocked it at Panthal. "Only vehicles from Jammu to Srinagar were allowed to ply on the national highway", said DySP Traffic National Highway M H Wadroo this evening.

In the morning, the traffic on highway remained suspended for about three hours because of landslides at Rattanbas between Ramsoo and Banihal. The one way traffic was again restored at around 2 pm with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) clearing the debris. But in the evening the highway was again closed. Decision about plying of vehicles would be taken only after reopening of highway tomorrow.

While the upper reaches of the State experienced snowfall, the lower areas witnessed heavy rains since yesterday, thereby bringing down the day temperature considerably. The people preferred to stay indoors because of intense cold.

Reports said that people in the Kashmir valley and Ladakh region continued to shiver under severe cold because of a heavy snowfall resulting in a considerable drop in temperature.

The upper reaches in the Kashmir valley experienced about one feet to three feet fresh snowfall since yesterday while the summer capital, Srinagar, too had seasons first snowfall disrupting normal life.

The ski slopes at world famous Gulmarg had turned white under about two feet of fresh snowfall, much to delight of skiers and tourists. About two and a half feet of snowfall was recorded at Affarwat, Kongdori and Khilanmarg.

Reports of heavy snowfall were also received from holy Amarnath Cave and its periphery, Pissu Top, Mahaguns, Sheshnag and Panjtarni. About two feet of snowfall was experienced at tourist resort of Pahalgam.

A report from Baramulla said heavy snowfall was experienced at Sadhna Top, Keran, Karnah, Machil and other high altitude areas of north Kashmir. A number of roads to far flung and remote areas have been closed due to snowfall. However, efforts are being made to reopen them, it said.

Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir took stock of snow clearance arrangements in a high level meeting held at Srinagar today. He was informed that snow clearance control rooms have been put in operation besides 39 machines have been kept ready for snow clearance operations round the clock.

The officers of UEED were directed to put in service dewatering pumps in low lying areas. Srinagar Municipal Corporation and Roads and Building Department officers were also asked to gear up its men and machinery to meet any eventuality.

Sufficient quantity of essentials have been stocked in far-flung areas like Machil, Tangdhar, Keran and Karnah, the Divisional Commissioner was informed. The officers of the CAPD Department were also directed to conduct regular market checking to tackle hoarding and profiteering.

2 Al-Badar militants, civilian killed
Jaish cop killer killed in Bandipore

Excelsior Special Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Dec 4: One of Jaish-e-Mohammad's most wanted militants, who was allegedly responsible for killing over a dozen Police and paramilitary personnel in Kashmir Valley, has been eliminated in a Police-CRPF operation in Bandipore area of north Kashmir today. Elsewhere, security forces have killed two militants of Al-Badar outfit in Sopore where suspected militants have gunned down a young civilian this evening.

IGP Kashmir, S M Sahai, told the EXCELSIOR that SOG Bandipore and CRPF 16 Bn laid an ambush over a specific information at Pethkot Chhandaji in Bandipore area of Baramulla district in the wee hours today. During the operation, an encounter took place between a militant and the Police-paramilitary contingent, which continued for some time. Jaish-e-Mohammad's top wanted militant, Gulbadeen Khan, alias Mohsin of Rawalpindi, Pakistan, was killed in this gunbattle.

One SOG personnel, namely Balraj Singh of IRP, sustained injuries in the gunbattle. He was evacuated and admitted to a hospital for treatment. Two hand grenades and a pistol were recovered from the possession of the militant killed. Reliable civilian sources, however, said that one militant got killed and another managed to escape.

After operating in Srinagar and Pulwama districts in the past few years, Gulbadeen Khan had reportedly shifted his base to Bandipore. IGP said that Police and armed forces were looking for him for the last many months and he was finally tracked down in Bandipore today. According to Sahai, Gulbadeen Khan was directly involved in attacking and killing over a dozen Police and paramilitary personnel besides a number of civilians in Kashmir valley.

According to Police records, he had carried out firing and grenade attacks at many places in the capital city of Srinagar and left a number of Police and paramilitary personnel dead and injured at Batmaloo, Kokerbazar, Dalgate, Residency Road, Naz Crossing in the last one year. His victims included IGP Kashmir's driver, who was killed yards away from J&K Police Headquarters in Srinagar, a selection grade lady constable, who was killed in another attack near Naaz Crossing, besides Police and CRPF personnel at Shakti Sweets, Jehangir Chowk, Nayid Kadal and Hazratbal. IGP claimed that Gulbadeen Khan's killing was a major achievement for Police and security forces and an equal reverse for the militants.

Meanwhile, sources said that troops of RR 22 Bn launched a cordon-and-search operation at Hib Dangarpoa in Sopore-Rafiabad belt today. According to the tip off, some Pakistani militants were present at the hideout. Sources said that during the search operation, an encounter took place between the holed up militants and security forces in which two militants were killed. They were identified as Abu Umair and Abu Turab, both believed to be Pakistani cadres of Al-Badar.

Reports from north Kashmir added that unidentified gunmen, believed to be militants, appeared on the main road near Hassan Motors in the apple-rich township of Sopore this evening and they fired upon 20-year-old, Imtiyaz Ahmed Itoo S/o Ghulam Qadir Itoo R/o Nopora Reban. Itoo was rushed to Srinagar and admitted to SKIMS but he succumbed to injuries. Reports described him as a 'freelance informant' and drug addict who had maintained relations with Police and security forces.

Two militants killed in Banihal

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 4: Army and police today gunned down two Hizbul Mujahideen militants in an encounter at village Lablota in Khari area of Banihal tehsil under the jurisdiction of Ramban police district.

DIG Udhampur-Doda range Lalat Indu Mohanty said troops of 23 Rashtriya Rifles and police launched a search operation at Lablota in Khari area this morning after developing an information about the presence of two militants in the area.

An abandoned dhok, where the militants had taken shelter, was destroyed in the operation. Both militants were killed in the gunbattle while the security personnel didn’t suffer any casualties, Mr Mohanty said.

Slain militants have been identified as Qasim Gujjar alias Badshah Khan son of Shamas Din Gujjar, a resident of Lablota and Irshad alias Shaheen son of Lakhiya Gujjar R/o Mahore.

Qasim Gujjar was a top militant of Hizbul Mujahideen outfit.

Recoveries made from the scene of encounter include two AK rifles, seven magazines and two radio sets.

DB issues notice to UGC chairman, others

Excelsor Correspondent

Jammu, Dec 4: Representation sent to State Chief Justice regarding illegal off-campus centers run by deemed Universities, has been treated as Public Interest Litigation and was listed today before the Division Bench comprising Chief Justice BA Khan and Justice JP Singh.

The DB issued notice to Chairman University Grant Commission (UGC), Chairman/Director Distance Education Council (DEC), Chairman Academic Council of Technical Education New-Delhi, Vice Chancellor of Vinayaka Mission Research Foundation, Salem, Tamil Naidu and others to response to the representation within one week in advance before next date fixed in the matter. The DB also directed Registrar Judicial, Jammu Wing, to supply copy of representation to all these authorities and seek their reply/ response.

These notices were issued by the Division Bench on a representation made by number of Junior Engineers of Various Works Department in which it has been brought to the notice of Chief Justice regarding alleged fraud being perpetuated by the Deemed Universities running illegal off-campus centers, particularly Vinayaka Mission Research Foundation, Salem, Tamil Nadu Deemed University's Off-Campus Center at NITS Jammu, running B.Tech, B E Courses in various branches of Engineering, by shear gross mis-representation of the facts to the student, as the said university has not only amassed crores of Rupees from the poor, gullible students of J&K State, but has jeopardized the career of the students by hanging them over legally untenable and invalid degrees.

In the representation various notifications/circulars issued by various Govt of India's institutions of higher learning has been submitted in these notifications issued by University Grant Commission (UGC), Distance Education Council (DEC), IGNOU (New-Delhi) as well as the University of Jammu to substantiate the legal invalidity of these courses run by the deemed universities. Notice/circular August 23, 2005 issued by UGC regarding non-reorganization of study centers of deemed universities which is clearly mentioned that for deemed universities to start Off-Campus Courses, specific approval of the UGC, the State Govt where such centers is proposed to be started and the Distance Education Council (DEC) are mandatory and as of that particular circular, UGC has not approved any study center of any of the Deemed Universities including Vinayaka Mission Research Foundation, Salem, Tamil Naidu.

In another notice/ circular issued on January 5, 2006 by Distance Education Council where in it was clearly stated that the deemed universities are not permitted to offer Distance Education outside the State of their location and private study centre/ franchising is not permitted.

In the representation it has been submitted that being Technical Courses in Engineering B.Tech/ B.E prior approval from Academic Council of Technical Education J&K State and AICTE has not been granted to these centers. In this regard it has been mentioned that certain in-service students (Diploma holders) who enrolled themselves with particular Deemed University last year in the mid 2005 have already obtained Degrees from this University by appearing simultaneously for two semester exams at a time thereby clearing the degree in three sittings within one and half years making a mockery of the whole education system. Such candidates as well as some other candidates of such Deemed Universities have submitted their cases to the authorities for consideration of promotion to Degree Engineers.

In the PIL, it has been pared that in view of the amply clear guidelines of UGC, DEC and all institutions of Higher Learning with specific regard to the Off-Campus Courses being illegally run by the Deemed Universities. It was prayed that all such B.Tech/ B E Degrees being awarded by these Deemed Universities including Vinayaka Mission Research Foundation, Salem, Tamil Naidu, Deemed University be not entertained by the Govt Institutions/Departments and a stringent action taken against such Deemed Universities for duping and playing with the career of poor student of the State.

Situation most conducive for Kashmir solution: Mufti

Excelsior Correspondent

New Delhi, Dec 4: People's Democratic Party (PDP) Patron, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has said the prevailing supportive environment in the sub-continent is offering a window of opportunity for the peaceful and permanent settlement of the Kashmir problem. He urged India and Pakistan to take advantage of the feasible situation to realize the much-cherished dream of peace and prosperity for the region.

Mufti Sayeed, who arrived here on Sunday after his month long visit to the United States, called on the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh here this morning to brief him about the visit.

In addition to his engagements at the United Nations, where he had gone as the head of the non-official Indian delegation, Mufti Sayeed briefed the Prime Minister about the meetings and interactions he had with US think-tanks and Kashmiri groups on the side-lines of his tour.

Mufti Sayeed had, during these interactions and discussions stressed the need for building consensus on PDP’s Self-Rule formula as the most viable solution of the problem. Participating in a discussion "Kashmir-The Way Ahead", jointly organized by Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and Stimson Center in Washington DC, he presented a comprehensive document on the ways and means for resolving the Kashmir problem amicably to the satisfaction of all the concerned parties.

In his meeting with Dr Singh today, Sayeed told the Prime Minister that the Indo-Pak peace process catalyzed by the Confidence Building Measures (CBM) has build a conducive atmosphere for initiating practical measures for the lasting resolution of the Kashmir problem. He said it is now a well-accepted fact that the peace process in the sub-continent is irreversible. "It may move in fits and starts, but the direction is clear now," he said and added that the challenge is not only in sustaining the peace process but ensuring that it is insulated from the day-to-day setbacks that have often derailed it in the past.

Mufti Sayeed said a South Asian region free from friction and feud emanates from the basic oneness of its people that can dominate all other considerations in an atmosphere of goodwill. "I visualize a space of dignity and opportunity for Jammu & Kashmir in that paradigm of friendship between India and Pakistan," he said and reiterated the need for involving all shades of political opinion in the resolution process to arrive at broad-based consensus.

"There is a need for well-articulated views to emerge from the State that can form the basis of fruitful dialogue for a practical and implementable solution of the problem," Sayeed said and added that PDP is making an effort to fill this most critical gap to have convergence of views within the State.

Fazal leaves promising to return on visa
PoK visitors take more advantage of LoC point

By Sanjeev Pargal

JAMMU, Dec 4: The number of PoK citizens, visiting this part of divided State, from fortnightly Chakkan-Da-Bagh crossing point in Poonch district is far exceeding the number of people crossing over to occupied Kashmir from this side.

Last three fortnightly crossing from Chakkan-Da-Bagh, presently the only LoC crossing point in Jammu region after closure of Tatta Pani for nearly six months now, revealed that number of civilians coming to Poonch from PoK was nearly nine to 10 times more than the number of civilians going to PoK from Poonch using the services of Poonch-Rawalakot bus.

Today, a total of 119 civilians crossed the Line of Control (LoC) from both sides at Chakkan-Da-Bagh. Among the crossers was Haji Fazal Hussain, originally a resident of Jagaal, Mendhar and presently a PoK citizen putting up at Kotli. He had shot into limelight following development works launched by him at Jagaal, from where he had migrated in 1965 along with his two brothers, during a month’s stay in the village.

The Haji had sought at least two month extension in his stay to complete the development works, a request turned down by the authorities citing rules framed by the two countries under which permit of the citizen from either side can’t be extended beyond one month.

Authorities in Poonch had alerted police and CID in Mendhar on Saturday to ensure that 66 year old Fazal Hussain moved to Poonch along with his wife Sameena for return to PoK as there were reports that his two brothers and other family members, staying at Jagaal, besides some locals could force him to stay illegally for few more days.

Before departing, Haji Fazal said he would return to his birthplace on visa for two to three months and complete development works he had started during his one month stay. He constructed a pond for drinking water for cattle and repaired a local mosque. Work on 5 km road linking Jagaal with Mendhar was also started by him. During his next trip, he has promised an ambulance, compensation for the people whose land came in the road and construction of a play ground besides completion of the road.

While 73 persons today crossed over from Poonch to PoK, 46 came to Poonch from occupied Kashmir from Chakkan-Da-Bagh, which remained open from 11 am to 5 pm for fortnightly movement of the people.

Out of 46 civilians, who came from PoK today, 41 were PoK citizens, who came to this side while five hailed from this part of the State, who returned to their houses after a month’s stay in PoK.

As against the arrival of 41 new visitors from PoK, only 19 first timers left for PoK from Poonch while 54 PoK citizens returned.

On November 21, 53 PoK citizens had travelled to Poonch on Rawalakot-Poonch bus service for first time while only five first timers left for PoK from Poonch. Similarly on November 7, the number of first timers crossing LoC from PoK to Poonch was 45 as against just five freshers leaving from Poonch to PoK.

Rajya Sabha member and former State Congress president Choudhary Aslam was also present at Chakkan-Da-Bagh today to see off his guests—Fazal Hussain and Abdul Aziz, who returned to PoK after a month’s stay in Rajouri. Wali Dad, brother of Rahim Dad, ex-MLC was also present at the LoC point to see off Fazal and Abdul.

District Officer SICOP Matloob Khan and Designated Authority, Hajira, Naeem Jafri were present at Chakkan-Da-Bagh to receive visitors of the two sides respectively.

DB directive to pvt schools

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Dec 4: Division Bench of the State High Court Jammu wing comprising Chief Justice BA Khan and Justice Hakim Imtiyaz Hussain, in a petition regarding unreasonable fee charged by private schools, has directed, Director School Education Jammu to submit the status report showing compliance of the directions, passed by the Division Bench at Srinagar, which apply to Jammu also and also directed private schools of Jammu to publish their fee structure in the media for public information in coordination with the Directorate of Education within three weeks.

While issuing the direction, the Division observed that in Srinagar wing of the State High Court, the Division Bench has already passed such direction on the subject in an identical PIL in which amongst other things, the private schools were required to publish their fee structure, and Directors of School Educations at Kashmir and Jammu were required to enforce directions. The battery of lawyers appeared in this PIL for the respondent private schools, who admitted that no such publication has been done by the Private Schools.

The DB further observed that the matter pertains to determination of fee structure by private schools in the light of complaints of their charging unreasonable fee from students/children. The Court on October 25, 2005, had directed, Director School Education to file a supplementary affidavit whether any exercise has been undertaken by his department to regulate fee structure of the Private schools, but no such affidavit has been filed by the Director School Education. Upon this Division Bench issued fresh direction to Director School Education to submit status report.

Notice to be issued before Dec 31
3.9 lakh kanal State land encroached in Jammu only

By Mohinder Verma

JAMMU, Dec 4: Out of total 20 lakh kanal State land encroached in entire State, more than 15 per cent of it falls only in Jammu district and process for retrieving the same was in full swing.

Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Hirdesh Kumar has started computerised mapping of the encroached State land of 3.98 lakh kanal to submit the same to Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad before December 15.

Talking to the EXCELSIOR, Mr Hirdesh Kumar said that in Jammu district alone about 3.9 lakh kanal State land has been encroached and didn’t rule out the possibility of increase in the number. He added that a special team has been working round the clock to prepare individual wise computerised mapping of the encroached land to submit the same to the Chief Minister.

In this regard, the Deputy Commissioner said that he conducted meetings of Tehsildars, Naib Tehsildars and Patwaris for the past few days and discussed with them ‘Roshni Scheme 2001’ for conferring ownership rights to the State land occupants.

"All the encroachers will be issued notices alongwith application forms till December 31 so that they could study the same till the finalisation of land rates by the Government after studying area-wise market rates", the Deputy Commissioner disclosed.

Before January 21, 2007 rates of the encroached State land to be charged from the encroachers will be notified so that the amount would be deposited by the occupants before January 27, 2007 after which the eviction process will began.

To fix the rates for towns and cities, the Divisional Commissioner would be the Chairman of a Committee with Deputy Commissioner, Vice-Chairman Jammu Development Authority (JDA), Assistant Commissioner Nazool and Tehsildar as its members. However, for the rural areas, Deputy Commissioner would head a Committee comprising Additional Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner Revenue and Tehsildar as its members.

"All the Tehsildars, Naib Tehsildars and Patwaris have already been issued directions to educate the people about the scheme so that rebate incentives are properly availed of by them", Mr Singh said and disclosed that rebate of 25 per cent would be given to those who pay the cost within three months followed by 15 percent rebate after three months and after six months a concession of five per cent would be given and thereafter only two per cent rebate would be applicable.

Moreover, those people who pay the compensation amount of land after three months will have to pay penalty of five per cent, after six months penalty of 15 percent and beyond the period 25 percent penalty would be applicable, the Deputy Commissioner Jammu said.

Elaborating, he said that 50 percent concession would be given to commercial land occupants while 15 percent rebate for the land used for institutional and agricultural purposes.

"If a person possesses 70 kanals of private land and he occupies 50 kanals of State’s encroached land, he would be given benefit of only 30 kanals out of encroached 50 to make its total land holding to 100 kanals", he mentioned about the formula to be adopted in dealing with land encroachment issue.

Kashmir highway closed, fresh snowfall on upper reaches

SRINAGAR, : The Kashmir valley was today cut off from the rest of the country after the 300-km-long Srinagar-Jammu national highway was closed due to landslides, triggered by heavy rains.However, all outgoing and incoming flights operated normally.

A traffic police official told UNI that the highway, the only road linking the Kashmir valley with the rest of the country, was closed early this morning following landslides and shooting of stones between Ramban and Ramsu.

He said the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) resposible for the maintenance of the highway has pressed into service men and machines to make it traffic worthy.

The authorities had decided to allow only-way traffic yesterday after a portion of the highway was damaged. However, no vehicle was allowed from Jammu or Srinagar today, spokesman said.

Official sources said hundreds of vehicles are stranded on either side of the Jawahar tunnel, the highest point on the highway.

The district authorities in the frontier district of Kupwara has pressed into service seven snow clearance machines to clear the road between Kupwara-Keran and Karnah. The administration has also engaged labourers to remove the snow on the road so that hajis of far flung and remote areas could reach Srinagar for undertaking the journey to Jeddah.

The world famous ski resort of Gulmarg has turned into a mini Switzerland as two to three feet of snowfall has accmulated on the slopes running from 2 km to 20 km.

A report from Baramulla said the town witnessed fresh snowfall today, disrupting normal life.

Reports said that about six inches to one feet of fresh snowfall was experienced on the upper reaches in the north Kashmir since last evening.

Sources said heavy snowfall was also recorded at holy Amarnath cave and its periphery and Mahaguns, Pisso top, Sheshnag and Panjtherni on the 45 km pilgrimage route from base camp Pahalgam.

The tourist spots of Yumarg, Tosamaidan, Deksum, Ahrabal and Sonamarg also received snowfall.

The plains, including Srinagar city, had rains throughout the night disrupting normal life. Almost all the localities, including Badshah Chowk, Natipora, Banapora Nowgam, Bemina, Exchange Road and Lal Nagar were under one feet of rain water due to faulty drainage system constructed at a cost of crores of Rupees.

A weather office spokesman said 17.6 mm rainfall was recorded in Srinagar it was 54.4 mm at Qazigund and 20.8 mm at Pahalgam and Kupwara 22.2 mm.

(UNI)

India not in favour of redrawing boundaries

NEW DELHI, : Giving a cold response to Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf’s suggestions to resolve the Kashmir issue, India today said it was committed to peace and removal of distrust but not in favour of redrawing of boundaries.

"India does not want this region to remain in conflict. We want people of Pakistan and India and this region to enjoy fruits of economic development which can only come when conflict and distrust are removed," Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma told reporters when asked about Musharraf’s remarks in an interview to NDTV.

While disfavouring "Independence" for Jammu and Kashmir, Musharraf had said his country would give up claim on the State if India accepts his four-point solution that includes demilitarisation and "self-governance with joint supervision mechanism".

Sharma said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had made India’s position clear by stating the two countries should make the borders "irrelevant".

"We cannot redraw the map but we can make borders irrelevant," Sharma quoted the Prime Minister. "I think that remains India’s position. (PTI)

7-day-old baby among 43 stranded in Kargil

Kargil, : About 43 people, mostly labourers and their family members, including a seven-day-old baby and five women from different parts of the country are stranded here since November 15 after the Srinagar-Drass-Kargil-Leh national highway was closed for six winter months due to snowfall.

The body of a Kashmiri teacher, who was buried under a snow avalanche at Zero point on Srinagar-Leh national highway on Novemeber 25, could not be recovered due to continuous snowfall and bad weather.

Official sources said 43 people, mostly labourers and their family members from Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Jammu region are stranded here since November 15.

The labourers working with different construction companies in Kargil and Drass could not leave for Srinagar after the highway was closed for six winter months after snowfall at Gumri and Zojilla.

The stranded passengers are staying in the State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) yard despite severe cold.

A UNI correspondent who visited the SRTC yard this morning saw the stranded people sitting in a room without any heating arrangements.

They said the local authorities have failed to provide them any facility. ''We are being fed by local Muslims'', the stranded people said adding one woman gave birth to a baby last week.

The labourers demanded that they be airlifted to Srinagar.

The Kargil town witnessed yet another snowfall today, forcing people to remain indoors.

Reports of heavy snowfall was also received from Drass, the second coldest place in the world after Siberia.

It was also snowing on all upper reaches in Kargil, Drass and Sankoo.

The rescue teams searching for the body of a Kashmiri teacher who was buried under a snow avalanche at Zero point on the Srinagar-Leh national highway, returned back without achieving any breakthrough.

The rescue operation could not be resumed because of snowfall and bad weather in the entire belt. It was also snowing at Zojila, Gumri, Shantan Nullah and Zero point on the highway, which has been closed for six winter months on November 15.

However, about a dozen vehicles are stranded on the highway at different places because of snowfall.(UNI)