Rs 4,000 crore plan likely
J&K gets ‘in principle’ approval for budget

NEW DELHI, Dec 13: The Planning Commission has given its ‘in principle’ approval to Jammu and Kashmir’s annual budget of Rs 4,000 crore for 2007.

The approval was given after a meeting between State Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia here today.

"Planning commission has given its in principle approval to the annual budget, which will be finalised after two-three more meetings between various departments," Azad told reporters after the meeting.

However, an official source said the budget could not be finalised as the State wanted to carry forward part of the Rs 1,300-crore power reform grant it received from the Centre.

"The issue has to be settled by the Finance Ministry and the Prime Minister," the source said.

However, Ahluwalia has assured the State he would support their stand with Finance Ministry and the Prime Minister, the source said.

The State Government would hold its budget session in January 2007. With the budget session being held in January, allocation of funds for various Ministries would be completed by March, leaving enough time for implementation of plans of the State Government.

The State also requested the Planning Commission to club the Phase-II of Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Plan with the 11th five-year plan.

Meanwhile, in the meeting, Ahluwalia praised the State on its fiscal reforms and said growth indicators looked good.

He suggested the State Government to diversify its farm sector and make value additions in horticulture sector.

"They have been asked to focus on marketing horticulture products and make plans for improving the quality so that more revenue can be generated," the official said.

For the 11th plan, the State Government has targeted a 6.5 per cent growth during the first year and a 7.5 per cent growth in the second year.

It has also set an aim to develop the agriculture sector at a rate of four per cent and increase jobs at a rate of 6.8 per cent during 2007-12. (PTI)

‘Violence level coming down progressively’
Azad, Duggal review security situation

NEW DELHI, Dec 13: Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today reviewed the security situation in the strife-torn state at a high-level meeting here with senior Government officials led by Union Home Secretary V K Duggal.

An official said the meeting deliberated upon issues of logistic support to the Central Para Military Forces operating in the State, strengthening of the Jammu and Kashmir police and coordination and sharing of intelligence.

"There was consensus that the security situation has improved in the state with the violence level coming down progressively," he said.

Installation of high power Transmitters by Prasar Bharti, the progress of the construction of two room tenements in Jammu and enhancement of cash and ration for Kashmiri migrants were also discussed at the meeting.

Top officials from the Ministries of Home Affairs, Defence, Railways and Information and Broadcasting attended the meeting.

The Jammu and Kashmir Government team comprised the Chief Secretary C Phunsog, Director General of Police (DGP) Gopal Sharma, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Anil Goswami, ADGP (CID) Kuldeep Khuda and the Revenue Secretary.

The Chief Minister emphasized that keeping in view concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir a mechanism is required to be evolved for sharing of intelligence with the J&K State with regard to arrest of any the State people in any part of the country. ‘‘No innocent should be arrested on mere suspicion unless full confirmation of any involvement is sought from J&K Police, he said that adding a large number of residents of J&K are either studying in different educational institutions in various states of the country or they are employed in establishments including IT sector or doing business. He believed that these people are playing a vital role in integration and their patriotism is above board. He said that stray incidents or involvement of some unscrupulous individuals in any untoward activities should not be allowed to affect high reputation of people of the State.

Mr Azad was assured in the meeting that all precautions are being taken by security agencies that no innocent person is put to any inconvenience.

It was decided in the meeting that henceforth information with regard to involvement of any individual will be shared with different agencies to ensure that only guilty is apprehended and no harm is done to any innocent person.

The meeting expressed satisfaction over the fact that as compared to last 17 years, the year 2006 showed remarkable decline in violence and militancy related activities. As per the details provided in the meeting, law and order situation in the State during last one year remained more stable. Security forces also exhibited maximum restraint to ensure that no collateral loss is caused to life and property of innocent people while tackling militancy.

The Chief Minister emphasized for early completion of rail projects in the state. He said that Local youth should be given maximum employment in rail projects. Even local youth should be employed for protection of railway establishments in the Valley, he demanded.

The meeting discussed progress made by working groups and other confidence building measures which are being taken to win hearts and minds of people. It discussed the measures to be taken to rehabilitate surrendered militants who could be utilized for productive purposes in developmental sector.

The meeting observed with concern that in border areas people are not able to watch Doordarshan programmes. The meeting decided to depute a high-powered team to J&K to identify locations immediately where high power transmission towers will be erected and work for the same started without any delay so that people of such areas are able to watch developmental programmes and remain abreast with all information.

Mr Azad called for early establishment of 15 new police battalions in the State with exclusive local recruitment so that these police battalions are able to take over law and order duties. He hoped that this will not only solve the unemployment problem but also help State Government to tap talented youth in maintenance of law and order.

Widows return medals, seek Afzal’s execution

NEW DELHI, Dec 13: On the fifth anniversary of the Parliament terror attack, families of the eight slain security personnel stepped up pressure on the Government today returning their gallantry medals protesting against the delay in the execution of Mohd Afzal, who filed a fresh petition seeking a review of the death sentence.

There were also heated exchanges in Rajya Sabha where the Opposition BJP-Shiv Sena combine raked up the issue saying it was a national shame that the gallantry medals were being returned. They staged a walk out accusing the Government of not showing due respect to the martyrs.

In the morning, Parliamentarians led by Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Bhairon Singh Shekhawat paid homage at the spot where the security personnel laid down their lives at the hands of five Pakistani-trained terrorists this day on 2001.

A little after that the widows and children and other members of the families of eight security personnel, who were present in the Parliament House commemorative function, went to Rashtrapati Bhavan and surrendered the medals given to their husbands posthumously.

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned briefly following uproar when the BJP-Shiv Sena members shouted slogans demanding immediate execution of Afzal, whose clemency petition is pending before President A P J Abdul Kalam.

The uproar reached a high decibel level when Home Minister Shivraj Patil cited instances when in the last ten years when mercy petitions took six to seven years before a decision could be taken on them.

His assertion that law would take its course in the Afzal case did not not pacify agitated Opposition members, who kept shouting slogans at the top of their voice.

In the curative petition filed in the Supreme Court, Afzal has prayed for review of the judgement sentencing him to death saying he did not not fair trial.

The convict’s right to fair trial and Constitutional guarantee of competent legal representation through legal aid at state expense had been violated vitiating the trial.

He also contended that right to life provided in the Constitution was inviolable.

Accompanied by All India Anti-Terrorist Front (AIATF) chief M S Bitta families of the Parliament attack victims expressed shock over Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil’s remarks that they were being provoked by the BJP over the Afzal row.

"We did not order execution of Afzal. It’s the court that has ordered it. But this vile politics over his death sentence, which is being delayed, has led us to return these medals," Ganga Devi, widow of Sub-Inspector Nanak Chand, told reporters after emerging out of the Presidential palace.

They met the media holding a placard that contained photographs of all the slain security personnel.

The families of the slain securitymen returned the medals to an official at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, saying they should be placed in the National Museum until Afzal, who has been convicted in the case, is executed.

"We will take back these medals after Afzal is hanged," Jayawati, widow of head-constable Vijender Singh, said after returning the medal to a Rashtrapati Bhavan director.

The families rejected Patil’s remarks in Parliament about them, which they said have left them sad and shocked.

"He (Patil) is wrong. His remarks are painful. Our only support is Bitta. We are not going to raise our voice from any political platform," Jagmal Singh, father-in-law of Vijender Singh, said.

The families also ruled out accepting honours from any political parties in the wake of the BJP’s plans in this regard.

Nine securitymen were killed in the attack on Parliament on December 13, 2001.

In their joint memorandum to President A P J Abdul Kalam, with whom Afzal’s mercy petition is pending, the families of the slain securitymen said they regard the gallantry medals a "humiliation" in the light of the delay in the execution of the death-row convict.

"A pardon means making a mockery of the brave soldiers and civilians who laid down their precious lives while performing their duty for the nation.

"Hence we have decided to return the medals to the Government given to our near and dear ones, which now seem to us like humiliation piled on us," the memorandum said.

It was signed by ten people, including widows of two CPWD men and of a TV journalist who were killed in the attack. (PTI)

29 senior Forest officers transferred

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 13: Twenty-nine senior officers, mostly of the rank of Conservators and Divisional Forest Officers ( DFOs) have been transferred across the State today.

According to the Government order, Project Coordinator JV Division North Kashmir, Shafiq Khan has been transferred and posted as Conservator of Forests South Kashmir in place of Manzoor Ahmad Tak. Mr Tak has been posted as Regional Director IWDP Kashmir.

Zahoor Ahmad Jan, DCF attached with Chief Conservator Forests Kashmir has been transferred and posted as I/C Project Coordinator JV Division South Kashmir in place of Nissar Ahmad Darri, who has now been posted as I/C Project Coordinator JV North Division, replacing Shafiq Khan.

Ghulam Ahmad Hajam, DM SFC has been transferred and posted as I/C DFO SF Pulwama relieving A R Kakroo of the additional charge.

Abdul Salam Bhat, I/C DCF Ecology and Environment has been transferred and posted as I/C DFO SF Anantnag vice G M Bader, who has been in turn posted as I/C DFO Lidder Division in place of Abdul Hamid. Mr Hamid has been posted as I/C DFO Shopian against an available vacancy.

Vice Principal SCTS Miran Sahib, Jarnail Singh and I/C DFO SF Division Doda, G L Khajuria will swap their places of postings, the order said.

Abdul Rashid Mir, I/C DFO SF Kupwara has been transferred and posted as I/C PO CAT Uri, relieving GA Malik, DFO Jehlum valley from the additional charges.

Rakesh Kumar, attached with CCF Jammu has been transferred and posted as DFO, Working Plan-I against an available vacancy.

Farooq Ahmad Dar, ROP-I SFRI has been transferred and posted as I/C PO North Jehlum Project Baramulla in place of Bashir Ahmad Wani I/C Po North Jehlum Project Baramulla. Mr Wani has been posted as I/C DFO SF Division Kupwara vice Abdul Rashid Mir.

Amar Nath Bhagat, RO-I, Panchari Range has been deputed to SFC for further posting as I/C DM, SFC.

Gurcharan Singh, I/C DCF Projects has been transferred and posted as I/C DCF, EE&RS in place of Abdul Salam Bhat.

B Balaji, attached with PCCF Office has been transferred and posted as DCF Projects PCCF Office in place of Gurcharan Singh.

Sameer Ji Aima, I/C DCF IWDP has been transferred and posted as Project Officer Seva Project Division-I, Thein Dam vice Kamal Kishore, who has been posted as I/C Dy Director FPF Udhampur in place of Harjinder Singh.

Mr Singh has been posted as I/C DFO SF Kathua in place of J K Kohli, who has been posted as I/C Mass Media Officer, Directorate of EE&RS Department, relieving R S Jasrotia of additional charge.

Bashir Ahmad Shah, I/C ACF Agrologist Jammu has been transferred and posted as I/C DFO Kishtwar in place of Ramesh Kumar, who in turn has been posted as Agrologist Jammu vice Mr Shah.

Atta Mohd, I/C PO Chenab-III has been transferred and posted as I/C DSCO Jammu, Directorate of Soil Conservation J&K in place of Abdul Rashid Malik. Mr Malik has been posted as PO Chenab Basin vice Atta Mohd.

N K Kohli, I/C DFO Billawar has been transferred and posted as I/C DFO Reasi vice Nirmal Singh, who has been posted as I/C Deputy Director FPF Budgam in place of Qamar-ud-din. Mr Din has been posted as I/C DFO Mahore vice A K Rehan. Mr Rehan has been posted as I/C DFO Billawar vice Mr Kohli, the order added.

Phase out CST, work out VAT compensation: Qarra

Excelsior Correspondent

New Delhi, Dec 13: Lauding Jammu and Kashmir Government for effective and motivated implementation of VAT regime, the Empowered Committee of Finance Ministers has asked other States of the country to follow J&K as a role model.  

Speaking at a meeting of the Empowered Committee here yesterday, West Bengal Finance Minister, Dr Asim Dasgupta, who is Chairman of the Committee, acknowledged substantial progress made by the J&K Government in revenue collection through implementation of VAT regime. He said Jammu and Kashmir has become a trendsetter for other states in the country for efficient implementation of the new tax regime.

Earlier, J&K Finance Minister, Tariq Hameed Qarra, who is a member of the high-powered committee, while giving a resume of the progress made by the State Government in implementation of VAT regime, drew attention of the Committee towards some critical issues impeding augmentation of J&K revenues.

Mr Qarra said the major area of concern is that Central Government is dragging its feet on commitment made with the States regarding losses suffered by them with switch-over to VAT regime. He said even after two years of VAT implementation, the Government of India is yet to phase out the Central Sales Tax (CST) and work-out compensation formula for the States including Jammu & Kashmir. He said the Central Government must announce compensation package in upcoming Union budget to fulfill its commitment in this regard.

The second area of concern, Mr Qarra said, is tax deviation by the neighboring states on goods listed under VAT. He said while the national average of such deviation is three per cent only, the deviations by the states neighboring J&K is a staggering 15 per cent. He added that such deviations by the neighboring states cause a huge revenue loss to J&K, and the Government of India must intervene to prevent the State from bearing this recurring loss.

Mr Qarra said the State's cumulative rate of growth in the revenue collection under VAT regime has gone up by 35 per cent and from Rs 455.74 crore ending November 2005, it has shot up to Rs 615.81 crore ending November 2006. He said during current year, the revenue collection has gone up from 66 per cent in April to 79 per cent in November. The registration of traders under VAT regime has gone up from 22426 (pre-VAT) to 42722 registering a growth of 94 per cent, highest in the country, he said and added that revenue collection in the State is witnessing a steady growth under VAT regime and the State is now fully geared up to further streamline the regime through use of latest technology.

Mr Qarra said with more and more members joining the Empowered Committee, it has become an instrument for resurgent change in the country.

Army refuses to participate in inquiry into boys’ killing

SRINAGAR, Dec 13: The Army has refused to participate in the inquiry into a firing incident at Doodhipora in Handwara area of Kupwara district on February 22 this year in which four teenaged boys were allegedly killed by soldiers.

Passing the orders, inquiry officer Syed Tariq Ahmed Naqshbandi termed as "unfortunate and sad" the Army’s intention of not participating in the probe.

"Had the Army taken part in the inquiry, it could have put forward its version regarding the incident. But, having chosen not to do so, the Army has lost an invaluable opportunity of putting forward its defence," he said.

Mr Naqshbandi, who is also the District and Sessions Judge, said the inquiry would now go ahead with the recording of evidence of the complainants in support of their statement of facts.

The next date of hearing has been fixed on January 4. The counsel for the Army, Lt Col Rajeev Sharma, was not present during the hearing on Monday and the matter was later posted for yesterday as his presence was awaited in the proceedings. But, he failed to appear before the Commission. However, the orders were passed today.

The Army had once again challenged the jurisdiction of the State Government in ordering a probe and competence of the inquiry officer to investigate the incident after withdrawing the objections earlier on November 11.

During the previous hearing on November 25, Mr Naqshbandi had prima facie found the involvement of the Army in the incident.

The inquiry officer had directed the Army personnel to appear before the Commission in person to submit their statements and explain their conduct.

When the matter came up for hearing on December 11, the Judge said the Army did not produce statements of defence and supporting material nor any witnesses instead filed an application.

He said Lt Col Sharma filed a plea, objecting to notices issued by him against the captain and other personnel of 33 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) stationed at an Army camp at Doodhipora, Handwara.

The Army sought withdrawal of the notices and expressed its intention not to associate with the probe. It urging that the inquiry officer does not have the competence and the jurisdiction to probe the conduct of Army personnel in Jammu and Kashmir in aid of civil powers, Mr Naqshbandi added.

The counsel of the complainants, Advocate M A Qayoom, stated his objections to the application filed by the Army.

The judge, in his order, said the Army after withdrawing the objections cannot rake up the issue once again or allowed to approbate and reprobate at the same time.

He said the objections raised by the Army in its application on December 11, questioning the jurisdiction of the State Government in ordering the probe and the competence of the inquiry officer in investigating the incident was not available.

Mr Naqshbandi also said the application regarding the withdrawal of notices for appearance was "per se untenable" as these were issued after recording the prima facie satisfaction in the matter.

The Judge thus dismissed both the applications and decided to go ahead with the inquiry without the participation of the Army. The State Government, on December 11, gave an extension of two months to the inquiry commission the term of which had expired on November 22.

On September 22, the State Government ordered an inquiry into the killing of four boys, aged between 8 and 18 years, by 33 RR personnel while they were playing cricket at Doodhipora village on February 22 this year.

It appointed Mr Naqashbandi as the inquiry officer to probe the causes and circumstances that led to the firing by troops who "mistook" the four teenaged boys as militants and killed them.

The incident had sparked off massive protests and violence in the entire Kashmir valley. The Army later admitted and regretted the incident and also offered compensation to families of the victims.

The State Government had asked Mr Naqshbandi to submit his report within two months. Besides identifying the people, if any, whose negligence caused the incident, the inquiry officer was told to fix responsibility for use of excessive force which resulted in the death of four boys.

Mr Naqshbandi was also asked to recommend the necessary action against those found negligent or guilty and suggest measures to avoid recurrence of such incidents. (UNI)

Centre rules out handing of Maqbool Bhat’s remains

SRINAGAR, Dec 13: Noting that the grave of JKLF founder Mohammad Maqbool Bhat was intact inside Tihar jail in Delhi, the Centre today said the mortal remains of the hanged separatist cannot be handed over to his relatives due to apprehensions that it might create a law and order problem.

There is an apprehension that handing over the mortal remains of Bhat will be turned into an occasion for mass demonstration that can lead to a large-scale law and order problem, counsel for the Centre said in a written reply to a petition filed by Kashmir High Court Bar Association.

The Bar Association had moved the High Court seeking directions to the Centre to hand over the remains to Bhat’s relatives or their representatives for a proper burial as there were reports that his grave inside Tihar jail had been dismantled and earmarked for some construction.

"It has been wrongly mentioned that the grave of Maqbool Bhat has been dismantled ... In fact, the grave is intact and no construction has been raised over it," the counsel for the Centre said.

Seeking dismissal of the petition, he also submitted that Bhat was given a proper Islamic burial and the spot selected for his grave was according to the Punjab Jail Manual.

Justice Mansoor Ahmad Mir is expected to anounce the order on the issue tomorrow.

JKLF and other separatist organisations have been demanding that Bhat’s body be exhumed and handed over to them for burial at martyrs’ graveyard at Eidgah here.

Bhat was hanged in 1984 after a court found him guilty of murder of an intelligence officer. (PTI)

IAF re-constructs Kargil Airport

UROOSA, LoC, Dec 13: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has reconstructed the damaged runway and apron at the Kargil aiport which was closed for air traffic since the past one year.

Western Air Command, AOC-in-C Air Marshal A K Singh stated this during his visit to this earthquake-ravaged village near the Line of Control (LoC) in Uri border area of Baramulla district today.

The IAF adopted the village after the devastating earthquake destroyed the hamlet on October 8 last year.

He said cracks had developed on the runway and the apron at the Kargil airport as the land had caved at many places.

Air Marshal Singh said the Kargil airport was closed for air traffic for the past one year.

"The runway has been reconstructed and the first AN-32 landed at the Kargil airport today," he added.

Air Marshal Singh said about 450 stranded passengers in Kargil were later airlifted to Srinagar.

The Kargil airport lies very near the LoC and some of key heights ringing the take-off and landing flight path are in Pakistan- occupied Kashmir (PoK). It was damaged several times due to shelling by Pakistani troops since 1999.

The Rs 500 million airport is situated on Kharbatang plateau at a height of 6,000 feet. It was originally designed for major aircraft but the plan could not materialise due to several technical reasons.

In 2002, the Union Government decided to hand over the Kargil airport to the Defence Ministry because of its proximity to Pakistan border and vulnerability to cross-border shelling. (UNI)

SVO detects irregularities in PHE

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 13: The State Vigilance Organisation (SVO) has prevented misappropriation of Rs 5 lakh in PHE Division, Shopian and initiated against four persons including an Executive Engineer, an AEE, a Junior Engineer and a contractor.

Official sources said the SVO received a complaint that two PHE officials of Shopian division had received 368 GI pipes from divisional stores on an indent in November 2005 for using them in water supply scheme at Manloo Zawora, Shopian. They drew bills against the work without executing the work on spot.

The SVO officials carried out a joint surprise check during which records were pursued and inspection carried out, which revealed that no work was executed by the PHE officials as late as June 30, 2006 while the payment had been drawn in March 2006.

After getting information that the SVO has initiated action , the PHE officials started executing the work in July 2006. Thus, sources said, timely action by the SVO, has prevented misappropriation of Government to the time of Rs 5.23 lakh which include Rs 4.36 lakh as cost of GI pipes and 87,000 as pipe laying charges already drawn from the Government treasury.

Action is being taken against erring officers under rules. They have been identified as Ghulam Nabi Gami, Executive Engineer, Ghulam Nabi Bhat, AEE, Bashir Ahmad Tokhar, JE and Barkat Ali, contractor.

HM ultra surrenders in Doda

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 13: A Hizbul Mujahideen militant today surrendered before Doda police along with arms and ammunition while security forces destroyed a hide-out of the militants at Marhot, Surankote in Poonch district.

Identified as Mohd Yasin alias Tufail son of Mohd Shaffi R/o Pathshalla, Tipri in Kishtwar tehsil of Doda district, the militant surrender before SSP Doda Manohar Singh along with one AK rifle, one magazine, 27 rounds and some incriminating documents.

The militant surrendered following meetings held by the SSP Doda with parents and other family members of the ultras urging them to persuade their kin to lay down arms.

Security forces destroyed a hide-out of the militants at Kalas Mohalla in Marhot area of Surankote and recovered one pistol with one magazine and two rounds, six 51mm mortars, eight mortar bombs, five magazines of AK rifle, 46 AK rounds, one wireless set and three civil bags.

Down convoy on highway today

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Dec 13: As the traffic on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway resumed this afternoon after remaining closed since last night due to shooting of stones, the Traffic Police has decided to allow down convoy of vehicles tomorrow.

Deputy Inspector General of Traffic Police, Mohd Amin Shah said that though no vehicular traffic was allowed to cross Panthal area after 8 pm yesterday yet during the night the shooting of stones again blocked the highway.

In the morning, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) pressed its men and machinery into service and cleared the highway of stones at around 1 pm, the DIG said and added that after that all sorts of vehicles from both sides were allowed to ply on the highway.

Even after 1 pm, the shooting of stones took place a number of times but the vehicular traffic crossed the highly vulnerable spot of Panthal without any major problem, he said and disclosed that more than 2000 vehicles of all sorts including those stranded till afternoon crossed Panthal area from both sides till this evening.

He informed that tomorrow vehicular movement will be allowed only from Srinagar to Jammu.

Meanwhile, Minister for Transport Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen and Minister for Roads and Buildings Gulchain Singh Charak visited various parts of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and assessed the situation arising out of the shooting of the stones at Panthal.

They said that matter would be taken up with the Central Government so that highway was maintained properly to ensure round the clock movement of traffic.

Jobs will be given to all Kashmiri Pundits: Patil

NEW DELHI, Dec 14: BJP and other opposition members today staged a walkout in the Lok Sabha to protest against the inadequate steps taken by the Government to deal with the situation arising from atrocities against Kashmiri Pundits in Jammu and Kashmir.

Raising the issue through a call attention, BJP Deputy Leader in the House Prof Vijay Kumar Malhotra said the Government had provided employment to only about 500 Kashmiri Pundits while 400,000 to 500,000 such people had migrated out of the state.

In his response, Home Minister Shivraj Patil said the Government would provide job to all Kashmiri Pundits who were in need, both within Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere in the country.

The Minister said temporary accommodation would be given to all such Pundits before facilitating them to move into their own houses which they had left at the time of migrating out of the State.

Such temporary accommodation was smaller at present and this "mistake" was being rectified, he said.

All places of worship, be it temple, church or mosque, were being provided adequate security, while their maintenance were left to the local people, Mr Patil said.

He denied that confiscated properties were not being returned to their owners.

The security situation in the state had improved on account of the sincere efforts of the security forces, Government efforts and people’s yearning for peace and normalcy.

"It is true that some people still continue to suffer. Attempts are made by all concerned to help the people to live a more secured and peaceful life," the Minister added. (UNI)

18 air space violations reported

NEW DELHI, Dec 14: Though the ceasefire along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir is holding on the ground, as many as 18 violations of Indian air space by helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) were detected this year.

"A total of 17 incidents of helicopter and one incident of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) violating the Indian air space have been reported during the current year," Defence Minister A K Antony told Rajya Sabha today.

The bulk of air intrusions were reported between January and March, the Minister said. Figures tabled in the House reveal that there were as many as seven intrusions by helicopters from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir in January, two in February and five in March.

The Minister said most of these intrusions had happened in earthquake-affected areas of Titwhal, Tangdhar and Uri in North Kashmir and were" probably by aircraft on relief operations".

The Minister said there was an intrusion by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle in August and three more by Pakistani army helicopters in October and November.

The figures tabled in Parliament indicate a sharp rise in air intrusions as last year one or two such cases were reported.

"The matter is taken up with the concerned country through diplomatic channels as per the established procedure," the Minister said. (PTI)

China illegally occupying 38,000 sq kms in J&K: Mukherjee

NEW DELHI, Dec 14: China continued to be in "illegal" occupation of approximately 38,000 square kms in Jammu and Kashmir, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee informed the Rajya Sabha today.

In a written reply, he said in addition, under the so-called Sino-Pakistan Boundary Agreement of 1963, Pakistan illegally ceded 5,180 square kms of Indian territory in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to China.

Besides, the External Affairs Minister said China illegally claims approximately 90,000 square kms of territory in the Eastern sector. In the Middle sector, China claims about 2,000 square kms.

To another question, Mukherjee said Pakistan has not agreed to India’s proposal on opening Munabao-Khokhrapar rail sector for trade. On an average about 10-12 freight trains run between the two countries in a month through existing Attari-Wagah rail link.

Ministrer of State for External Affairs E Ahamed said India is contemplating on issuing multi-entry visa for five years for foreign tourists and traders.

Accordingly, he said, the Government has already decided to grant such a visa to nationals of 18 countries, namely France, Germany, Luxumbourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Finland, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Vietnam.

Ahamed said tourists on this visa can stay in India for 90 days on each visit and added that necessary instructions to this effect were being issued to all Indian Missions/Posts abroad.

He said multiple-entry visas up to five years are already being issued to traders and businessmen who can furnish documentary evidence of conducting business or to explore possibilities of setting up business ventue in India.

This visa is issued with the stipulation that the stay in India during each visit shall not exceed 180 days, he said. (PTI)

Severe cold cripples life, minus 13 degree in Kargil

SRINAGAR, : The days ahead in the Jammu and Kashmir faces are te prospect of colder weater in the coming days as western disturbances, moving over northern Pakistan, are fast approaching the State which could result in further snowfall and further drop in the temperature.

Meanwhile, the upper reaches in the Kargil in Ladakh region experienced fresh snowfall since last evening.

A weather office spokesman told UNI that night in the Valley was cold becuase of icy cold winds sweeping the entire belt.

The minimum temperature was recorded at minus three degree, which was two degree below normal, he said, adding the coming days would be more colder.

He said the western disturbances moving over northern Pakistan were fast approaching to this part of the country, which would result in further drop in the temperature besides snowfall.

Several taps were frozen due to minus temperature. However, the frozen water melted the day progressed.

The temperature in the plains, including Drass, the second coldest place in the world after Siberia, dipped to minus 13 degree.

A report from Baramulla said that authorities in north Kashmir had failed to clear the snow on the Keran and Karnah roads.

People of these areas alleged that both the towns remained cut off from rest of the State because of snowfall.

Meanwhile, the 300-km-long Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open for one way traffic today. (UNI)