EU delegates meet Governor
Victims of terrorists go unnoticed in Kashmir: Sinha

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 2: Governor Lt. General (Retd) S K Sinha today regretted that terrorists’ atrocities on civilians in Kashmir get unnoticed as a handful of separatists remain always on toes to malign the forces for human rights violations.

Interacting with a delegation of European Parliamentarians, the Governor said that the Army’s human rights record is far excellent than other armies tackling similar situations. He cited the example of Iraq and Wazirstan where heavy arms like helicopter gunships were used to meet the situation.

The delegation told the Governor about their meetings, among others, with some victims of terrorists violence in Srinagar yesterday.

He, however, added that complaints of violations against the Army and other forces are immediately looked into and action taken against guilty. Taking cognizance of various complaints, 17 personnel were sentenced, some of them getting imprisonment from two to 14 years.

On the condition of the people in Kashmir, the Governor said that they are forward-looking and far better off than Muslims in India. He compared below poverty level in Jammu and Kashmir with rest of India and said that against the national average of 26 per cent, only 3.7 per cent people in the State live under BPL. He said that unemployment is a national phenomenon and its impact is felt in Jammu and Kashmir too. He said the Government is sincerely endeavouring to address to this problem.

Describing peace as imperative for prosperity and development, General Sinha said that the neighbouring country after failing in its designs on Kashmir resorted to proxy war that vitiated the situation in Kashmir. He said things are improving now and the peace process is gaining momentum with Pakistan. ‘Converting Line of Control into Line of Peace and Prosperity will help in giving a start to trade which will bring about prosperity in the region’, he added. He said terrorism has taken its toll and spread its tentacles to other parts of the country. ‘Those not so happy with India fast steering to progress will have to change their mind-set’, he maintained.

The Governor referred to the rich ethos of Kashmir, popularly known as Kashmiriyat, and said that this is the most effective tool to defeat the cult of violence.

General Sinha replied a volley of questions on various subjects including genesis of terrorism, growth of fundamentalism and challenge of violence to the civilized world. He called for a united war against terrorism, which has emerged as the biggest threat of 21st century.

The other delegates present were Jo Leinen, Germany, Marcello Vernolla, Itlay, Justas Vincas Palecais, and Inese Vaildere, Latvia.

JU Business School to host International
Conference on New Age Management

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 2: Business School of Jammu University is organising biggest ever international conference in its history on November 4-5.

‘Strategic Thought in the New Age Management’ is theme of the two-day conference in which leading academicians and researchers from India and abroad are participating.

Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha will inaugurate the conference on November 4 while Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad is likely to be the chief guest in the valedictory function on November 5.

This was informed by JU Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo while addressing a formal news conference on the campus, here today.

Accompanied by the Law School Director Prof Keshav Sharma, Dean Management Studies Prof J R Dhotra, Prof Neelu Rohmetra , Secretary of the conference and Prof Ashok Aima, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted significance of the conference theme in light of the changing business paradigms and the challenges posed by globalisation and intense competition.

"To meet with the cross-culture challenges in the era of gloablisation, different kind of managerial outlook is required and the conference will deliberate upon issues concerning this new age management," he said and hoped that the conference would help the JU Business School to get enlisted among top ten Management Schools of the country.

"Organizers of the conference received 94 extracts out of which 62 were selected after blind review by an international panel of experts," he disclosed.

Prof Keshav Sharma, Director of the Business School, told mediapersons that delegates from USA, UK, China, Romania, Slovenia and from over 45 different institutes across India are participating in the conference. "Prof Keith Bradley, Director of the Integra Life Science and Business Development, USA; Prof Arun Kumar Jain, Professor of Strategic Management, IIM Lucknow; Prof Lynda Moore from Simmons School of Management, Boston, USA, are among the participants," he added.

Prof Neelu Rohmetra, secretary of the International Conference, stated that the conference proceedings and a book of select papers shall be released during the inaugural function.

She also informed that there shall be five technical session and three special session during the conference. "Further, There shall be a special session on ‘Women and Management’ which is being organised in collaboration with the Simmons School of Management, USA," she added.

One killed, 22 injured in road accidents

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 2: A child was killed and 25 others received injuries in separate road accidents while as three persons allegedly consumed poisonous substances in separate incidents.

Police spokesman said that a child was killed and 21 were injured when a bus bearing registration number JK02E-3643 which was on its way from Bani to Kathua rolled down at Satwian under the jurisdiction of Lakhanpur Police Station.

All the injured were rushed to District Hospital Kathua where a child was pronounced as brought dead. Two of the injured were referred to Government Medical College Hospital for specialised treatment.

The deceased has been identified as Masood Ahmed, son of Zakir Hussain. The injured admitted in Jammu hospital have been identified as Parveen Akhtar and Amar Singh, both the residents of Basohli.

In another accident, a jawan of Road Opening Party (ROP) Satpal Ankesh received severe injuries when a Tempo Number JK01E-0721 driven by Riyaz Ahmed, son of Assadullah Mir of Pulwama hit him. He was rushed to Command Hospital Udhampur and his condition was stated to be critical when reports last came in.

Meanwhile, three persons allegedly consumed poisonous substances at their respective residences. Identified as Amarjeet Singh of Bakshi Nagar, Gurpreet Kour of Jeevan Nagar and Ritu Rani of Laswana, they were rushed to hospital when spotted unconscious by family members.

Doctors immediately provided them stomach wash treatment followed by other medicare. Their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in.

Inter-State narcotic smugglers’ gang busted, 2 arrested

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 2: In a major achievement, Samba Sub-Division Police today busted an inter-State narcotic smuggling racket and recovered 1000 kilograms of poppy straw from a Punjab-based transporter.

Addressing a press conference at Samba, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Abrar Chowdhary said that police had information about the inter-State narcotics smugglers for the past so many days but the transporter was frequently changing his movement to escape from police action.

Today, on a specific information, a special team laid a naka at Nud near Mansar and a truck bearing registration number PB04H-9681 was signaled to stop. The driver attempted to break the naka but the same were foiled by a police team headed by SDPO Samba and comprised of SHO Virender Singh and S I Sanjeev Chib.

The vehicle was subjected to checking and subsequently 1000 kilograms of poppy straw was seized. The narcotics smuggler Bhajan Singh, son of Massa Singh of Dorri Bagh district Taran Taran Punjab was arrested alongwith driver of the vehicle Pargat Singh, son of Bhaksi Singh of same locality.

The contraband was wrapped in gunny and plastic bags, the SDPO said and added that during preliminary investigations Police came to know that the consignment was purchased by Bhajan Singh from Anantnag by paying Rs two lakh and was to sell the same for Rs six lakh at his home place.

"Both the persons were smuggling contraband for the past two years and by making fortunes out of this killer business, Bhajan Singh had accumulated wealth which include three shops in Taran Taran district, 68 acres of land and he was now planning to buy a plot of land at Chandigarh", Mr Abrar said and claimed that by making seizure of such a huge haul of narcotics, police prevented several youths from going to drugs.

Both the persons have been booked under Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPSA).

Udhampur-Katra-Qazigund rail section all set to be delayed

By Mohinder Verma

JAMMU, Nov 2: Though first ever train will start chugging in Kashmir before March 2007 yet connecting the Valley with the rest of the country through trains will take another seven years as Udhampur-Katra and Katra-Qazigund sections are all set to be delayed owning to the biggest technical challenges.

Authoritative sources told the EXCELSIOR that though the concerned agencies have completed about 70 per cent work on the 25 kilometre long Udhampur-Katra Railway Project yet they would not meet the target of its completion by March 2007, coinciding with the inauguration of Budgam to Rajvansher section in Kashmir valley.

"Lots of problems are being faced in Tunnel Number one and three by the concerned agencies as the geological strata in the area is very lose as compared to Jammu-Udhampur section", they said, adding that all sorts of work on the geological vulnerable areas was going on at snail’s place.

Confronting with such problems, this section of the prestigious project is all set to be delayed by a period ranging between six months to one year, the sources disclosed and said that work on Tunnel Number 3 was also shelved in the past because of stream flowing inside the rocky terrain.

Similarly, Katra-Qazigund section of the prestigious Jammu-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project is not going to meet its deadline of 2009 as 80 kilometre area of this railway line will be built on virtually unchartered area.

Moreover, before start of the work on this section, the concerned authorities will have to construct 500 kilometre of road to take the machinery to the site. The security related problems coupled with slow pace of land acquisition process will also contribute in delay in completion of this section in stipulated time-slot.

About 142 kilometre long Katra-Qazigund railway line is the most difficult part of the project as 89 kilometre lie in tunnels and 16 kilometre in bridging. It’s on this section that country would have highest railway bridge and longest tunnel.

"The dream of travelling upto Kashmir valley from rest of the country in train will be fulfilled only in 2013 as Katra-Qazigund section is all set to be delayed by few more years", the sources revealed.

Keeping in view the technical difficulties on this line, the Railways have carried out the geological interpretation of the satellite imageries through Geological Survey of India, Lucknow.

Meanwhile, six coaches of Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) have reached Jammu for chugging in the Kashmir valley. Their transportation will start as soon as the dummy coach, presently on test drive, reaches Budgam.

Officers of the IRCON, constructing project in Kashmir valley, said that Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has agreed to provide all support to the ABC Construction Company of Bombay, which is transporting dummy coach, in providing machinery for widening of national highway at certain places for smooth shifting of coach.

They said that as the coach has successfully crossed Nandani tunnel, the shifting of coach would face some hurdles only in the curves of Patnitop, Batote and Ramban. About the Jawahar Tunnel, they said that BRO would be requested to temporarily remove exhaust fans if required.

Religious function held at Geeta Satsang Ashram

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 2: A large number of devotees thronged Swami Kumar Ji Geeta Satsang Ashram Muthi near here, today to participate in the religious congregation.

The function was chaired by Swami Chaman Lal Bamzi of Nand Bab Ashram and Kashi Nath Bhagwan a noted writer and poet was the guest of honour.

On the occasion, the financial assistance was provided to some displaced students and families. The booklets published by Satisar Foundation on Sanaskars and copies of Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta were also distributed among the people by Swami Kumar Ji in the function.

Kashi Nath Bhagwan, while throwing light on the Sanaskars said that the rituals and traditions should be maintained as they are a link to the rich and glorious culture of Pandits.

Swami Kumar Ji threw light on Tulsi Pooja. He, while expressing concern over the plight of the displaced people announced that the Ashram will launch the self help programmes to help the needy and poor members of the community.

Among others who addressed the function include ASKPC general secretary, H L Chatta, Dr Susheel Wattal and Kamlesh Ji president Satisar. The vote of thanks was proposed by Bitu Ji, president of the Ashram while the Programme was compered by Pradhuman Krishen Bali.

DB takes serious note of attack on Mobile Magistrate

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Nov 2: Division Bench of State High Court Srinagar wing comprising Chief Justice B A Khan and Justice Bashir A Kirmani today took serious note of attack on Mobile Magistrate Kathua by a mob and directed Registrar Judicial to issue notice to Kuldeep Singh Kingu, President and Amrit Singh secretary Truck Union Kathua requiring them to explain/show cause why they be not proceeded for obstructing the course of justice and committing a contempt of Court.

Notice shall also go to District Magistrate/ Deputy Commissioner and SSP Kathua requiring them to explain the action taken by them in the matter after the incident was reported to them.

The DB also directed Registry to issue notice to Inspector General of Police Traffic, Deputy Inspector General of Police Traffic and also the Officer-In-Charge Traffic Police, who was accompanying the Magistrate, asking them to explain the circumstances in which the traffic police failed to act and protection warrant to SHO for producing the Kuldeep Singh Kingu and Amrit Singh in the court tomorrow. DB further ordered Registrar Judicial to ask these authorities to appear before the court on November 3, 2006 with their reply/objections.

This order was passed by the Division Bench after considering a report which has been received from District Judge Kathua, stating that Mobile Magistrate Kathua, Mr. Jasrotia and his staff were held in wrongful confinement by a mob 1,000 strength, who were raising slogans and expressing resentment against holding of spot trails. It was submitted by the District Judge that he went on spot along with Chief Judicial Magistrate Kathua and found that mob had ghearoed the Magistrate and some allegations were also made on the pretext on some discrepancy in issuing receipts for the amount of fine, which on verification was found to be groundless. The District Judge further submitted in the report that this incident has sent shock wave in judicial circles and the unlawful acts of commission resorted to by the mob at the instigation of Kuldeep Singh Kingu and Amrit Singh, which appears to have been designed to thwart the course of justice, scandalize the Court and sabotage the Judicial process which constitutes gross contempt of court. It was also reported by the District Judge that traffic police personal deployed with the traffic court deserted them and made good their escape leaving the Magistrate and his staff to face the wrath of the irate mob and no action was taken by the District Administration in the matter after the incident was brought to their notice.

Though FIR lodged at P/S Kathua, there is no scope or reason to doubt the authenticity of the report of District Judge Kathua. Upon this report, the Division Bench observed that going by its terms the incident raises a matter of serious concern which besides constituting a contempt of court, prima-facie has the consequence of obstructing the functioning of Judicial Officer and impede the course of Justice. Accordingly, serious notice is taken on the report of the District Judge Kathua and directed Registrar Judicial to issue notice.

Meanwhile, Bar Association Jammu today suspended work against alleged attack on Mobile Magistrate Kathua and condemned the authorities for their failure to protect judicial officer.

Seva Dal takes out rally on completion of
one year in office by Azad

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 2: On celebrate the completion of one year in office by Ghulam Nabi Azad as Chief Minister of J&K State, the Pradesh Congress Seva Dal took out a procession here, today.

The procession was taken out under the presidentship of Baldev Singh Sambyal J&K Seva Dal chief. A large number of Dal workers from Jammu Urban district took part in the procession. It started from Indira Chowk and after passing via Shalamar, City Chowk and Kanak Mandi, the rally culminated at PCC Headquarters at Shahidi Chowk.

Mr Parduman Singh Azad, MLC and vice president PCC was the chief guest on the occasion while Party general secretary Vinod Sharma was the guest of honour.

Addressing the rally Mr Sambyal said there is an improvement in all round development of the State after Mr Azad took over as Chief Minister.

Mr Sharma said in the one year of his rule Mr Azad has brought a sea change in the State by taking historical decisions like implementation of Wazir Commission, Finance Commission and Delimitation Commission reports.

Mr Parduman Singh Azad said the commitments made by the Congress Party in the last elections with the people have been fulfilled by the Chief Minister. Among others who addressed the rally include Messrs Bharat Gandhi ex MLA, B S Jamwal, Th. Ravinder Singh Jamwal, Anil Sharma, Harinder Singh, and JK Kaul.

Meanwhile, State vice president of Youth Congress Ajay Tony alongwith large number of party activists celebrated completion of one year in office by Azad. He said that Government has made remarkable achievements in all sectors.

CM inaugurates video conferencing facility at Rajouri

Excelsior Correspondent

Rajouri, Nov 2: Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today launched video Conferencing facility at DC office Rajouri and talked to Chief Executive Councilor LAHDC, Leh Tsering Dorje from whom he enquired about pace of development, stocking of food grains and other essential commodities in the region. He was informed by Mr Dorje that sufficient stocks have been stocked to fulfill the requirements of essentials during the winter season.

Chief Minister also talked to Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Basharat Ahmed and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Ajaz Iqbal on this facility and enquired about stocking of essential commodities dumped in far-flung areas of Kashmir division and directed them that this should be ensured before the onset of winter.

The Divisional Commissioner assured that all the necessary commodities would be dumped before the closure of roads in these areas.

Mr. Azad also talked to Deputy Commissioner Doda Dr. Pawan Kotwal through this facility and enquired about the pace of progress of developmental schemes and public utility works.

Mr. Azad also talked to Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Anil Goswami in Jammu. He enquired from him about the arrangements made for re-opening of Civil Secretariat and other move offices in Jammu. Mr. Goswami informed him that adequate arrangements have been made in this connection. He also talked to Resident Commissioner in New Delhi S. V. Bhave.

On the occasion, Chief Minister said that this video conferencing facility will largely benefit the people of state especially of far-flung areas like Rajouri. He said this facility can also help in seeking tele-medicine guidance and can also link with prestigious health institutions like SKIMS.

While talking to Deputy Director General National Informatic Centre (NIC) New Delhi Dr. V K Sharma, Chief Minister thanked the NIC for providing this facility at Rajouri. Dr. Sharma informed the Chief Minister that with the commissioning of this video conferencing centre, all the 14 districts of the state have been covered with this facility. He said internet facility is already available at all the block headquarters through CICs adding tele-medicine consultations sessions can now be arranged from the Jammu and Kashmir with all the state capitals and 470 other locations of the country.

Chief Minister impressed upon NIC authorities to arrange video conferencing facility for the eight newly created districts also by March next.

Present on the occasion were Minister for R&B Mr. Gulchain Singh Charak, Member Parliament Ch. Mohammad Aslam, DIG Rajouri-Poonch M. A. Anjum and Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Parvez Malik.

Later, Chief Minister also inaugurated three-day exhibition arranged by various departments including Social Welfare, Self-Help Groups, J&K KVIB, Handloom, Handicrafts, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, Fisheries, Api-Culture, Agriculture and Health and Family Welfare.

Chief Minister went round the stalls and evinced keen interest in the products put up at the exhibition. He called for further improving the quality of the products to make them more competitive in the market so that state gets better benefit.

DDC convenes District Advisory Board meeting

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Nov 2: District Development Commissioner, Kathua Sarita Chauhan convened a meeting of the district Schedule Tribe Advisory Board to finalize the action plan under Special Central Assistance (SCA) to Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) for the district for 2006-07.

Among others Additional District Development Commissioner, Kathua Dr. Mandeep Bhandari ,Chief Planning Officer, Kathua Dr. Harjeet Singh Arora, Assistant Commissioner Development, Kathua Shyam Bijyal, DPO cum ACD, Samba, Indu Chib, District Information Officer, Kathua Suram C. Sharma, District Social Welfare Officer, Kathua D.C. Bhatti Ex-Ens PDD and R&B, Kathua, Chief Animal and Sheep Husbandry Officers, Kathua, superintendents ITI, Kathua and Billawar and members of Sub Tribal Advisory Group representing Kathua, Basohli, Billawar, Barnoti, Ghagwal, Hiranagar and Bani blocks were present.

Plans proposals of various schemes under different sectors amounting Rs. 24.50 lakh were discussed and finally approved for execution after detailed deliberations. The sectors figured in the plan include PHE and PDD with an allocation of Rs. 4.40 lakh each, Rural Development Rs.7.70 lakh Sheep Husbandry with Rs. 3.60 lakh, Animal Husbandry 3.30 lakh and ITI with Rs.1.10 lakh.

Speaking on the occasion, DDC stressed upon officers to complete the works on spill over schemes (SOS) and create no pendencies henceforth. She disclosed that the distribution of works has been done after a hectic exercise of even distribution according to the percentage of population in all the 9 CD blocks in the district after due consultations with Advisory Board members and blocks with least population have been given meager allocations.

Ms Chauhan further stressed the need for selecting works of community important other than spending the money on small schemes benefiting individuals as objected by the members.

Dr. Mandeep Bhandari while addressing the meeting enjoined upon the sectoral officers to identify the priorities as per the guidelines and review such cases of individuals benefit as objected by the members before execution and conduct spot visits.

The ACDs (Comand and Non-Comand), Kathua apprised the meeting that the available amount has been distributed among all the blocks in the district on the basis of percentage of population and works have been selected only on recommendation of the members of respective blocks as per the guidelines.

PRM denounces PDP’s self rule, autonomy of NC

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 2: Peoples’ Revolutionary Movement (PRM), denouncing the self-rule idea mooted by PDP supremo Mufti Mohd Sayeed and its president Mehbooba Mufti demanded stern action against them.

Addressing a gathering PRM leader Rajinder Jamwal accused Mufti Sayeed and Mehbooba Mufti of their anti-national campaign which amounts to sedition and demanded immediate action against them. He said equally criminal was the silence adopted by Congress, heading the coalition Government in the State.

Out-rightly rejecting any move of Government or any other party group for grant of autonomy or self-rule to Jammu and Kashmir, PRM leaders said that casual and unplanned move of the government will not be allowed to materialize as far as affairs of the State were concerned.

The PRM leaders said that nothing less than ‘reorganization of the State within J&K State ranging between Ravi river and Peer Panjal ranges would be acceptable to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Others who spoke on the occasion included Naveen Sharma, Sanjay Slathia, Deepu Chib, Jaswant Singh, Kuku Baglay, Tonney, Vicky and others..