Husband, others denied bail in dowry case

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Nov 3 : Second Additional Sessions Judge Jammu AK Koul has dismissed anticipatory bail application filed by the husband of victim and other members of in-laws in much publicized case that occured at Village Mota Tehsil R S Pora.

In the dismissal order Mr Koul observed that the controversy has stemmed from the matrimonial discord between Manmohan Singh and his wife Sunita Kumari, as so many FIRs appear to have been lodged from either side. The petitioners Sewa Singh, Manmohan Singh, Pritam Kour and Bhupinder Singh all residents of Village Mota Tehsil R S Pura alleged that they are being harassed by the influential complainant party and at the same time, the complainant party is up in arms against the petitioners that they have kidnapped a minor girl and are also involved in commission section 498-A RPC (cruelty). The details of accusations against the petitioners are known, now and so the petitioners can safely approach a regular court for bail. A case of domestic violence cannot be treated at par with an ordinary crime, in a society where crime against women shows a rising trend. The petitioners are alleged to have harassed/torture the wife of petitioner Manmohan Singh for dowry and this aspect cannot be overlooked more particularly at this stage of the case.

The Judge after considering the report of the police held that the investigation of the case is in infancy and nature of accusation against the petitioners, reveals that petitioners arrest is stated to be necessary so that investigation can be taken to logical and custodial interrogation as law believes is important to ascertain the facts. A young baby is stated to have been kidnapped which is yet to be recovered and giving the concession of anticipatory bail to petitioners in view of the Court, defeat the very purpose of law. The court believe that this case does not qualify for grant of anticipatory bail in view of factual conspectus of the matter, granting anticipatory bail to the petitioners would means frustrating the investigation, which has just started. This petition is dismissed; the petitioners are, however, at liberty to approach a competent court for regular bail.

Rehman asks Azad to dissolve Assembly,
hold fresh elections

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 3: Charging Azad Government with failure on all fronts, State president of Samajwadi Party Sheikh Abdul Rehman has demanded dissolution of the State Assembly and fresh elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

Talking to media persons, here today, Mr Rehman alleged that Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad could not fulfill his promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir during the last one year. "Security situation has further deteriorated while the corrupt bureaucrats are still occupying important positions and tainted MLAs are holding ministerial portfolios in the Government," he said.

Mr Rehman also drew attention towards increasing unemployment, bunglings and scams, issues of the Pakistani refugees, misuse of Government schemes during the last one year. "The discrimination with Jammu region as also imbalances in the services and development continue unabatedly," he added and gave the example of creation of new districts and tehsils in the State which allegedly benefitted Kashmir division more.

However, at the same time, Mr Rehman also attributed the failures of Azad Government to the coalition partners like PDP which, according to him, were pursuing their own agenda instead of concentrating on the Common Minimum Programme.

"Under the prevailing circumstances, it would be advisable for the Chief Minister to recommend dissolution of the State Assembly and hold fresh elections so that he may come out of the compulsions of a coalition regime and get a free hand to deal with the situation," he said.

In the press conference, Ram Singh Chouhan and Krishan Lal Sharma, who joined the Samajwadi Party recently, alongwith their supporters, were also present.

Hakeem praises Azad for fulfilling CMP

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Nov 3: Minister for Transport and Chairman People’s Democratic Front Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen has expressed satisfaction over the last one years performance of the present coalition Government headed by Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad. He said the Government has succeeded in implementing its common minimum programme despite hardships.

Addressing a rally organized by the PDF in Srinagar today, the Minister said that Government has taken solid steps to strengthen the peace process in the State and is committed for the development and prosperity of the people. He hoped that the dialogue process between India and Pakistan would continue as both the countries have of late realized the futility of confrontation.

Hakeem Yaseen said that during last one-year massive development programme was launched in the sate and work on several mega projects is in full swing under double shift system adding that measures have been taken to provide equitable development in all the regions of the State.

He said PDF has decided to continue its support to the coalition government headed by Chief Minister for fulfilling the promises made under CMP with regard to development of the state. He said government is committed to provide transparent and corruption free administration in state saying that the government has planed to devise a broad based industrial policy to cope up with the problems of un-employment in the State.

Every village to have road, water, power
facility by 2010: Charak

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR Nov 3: Minister for Roads and Bridges Gulchain Singh Charak today laid foundation stone for 36.50 mtrs. long bridge at Sleri in Manjakote block of Rajouri district. Estimated to cost Rs.1.34 crore the project on completion would link 4 villages having population of over 3000 souls with the main road.

Mr. Charak also laid foundation stone for additional block of Koteranka Dak Bunglow estimated to cost Rs. 12.70 lakh. The Minister has also inaugurated 2 Km. long road from Dharan to Beejee village in Budhal block constructed at a cost of Rs. 69.39 lakh.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Charak reiterated the resolve of Government to provide communication, water and power facilities to all the villages and inhabitations of the state by 2010. He said major projects being executed under double shift system are yielding desirable results as development benefits are reaching people expeditiously. He said last one year’s performance of Azad led Government is quite perceptible in each nook and corner of the state as gigantic development programme has been initiated in every development sector in all the three regions of the State.

Among others Vice Chairman Pahari Advisory Board Shabir Khan, MLA Darhal Thakur Puran Singh, District Development Commissioner Parvaiz Malik and senior officers were accompanying the Minister.

Kathua, Samba Bar observe strike

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Nov 3: Bar Association Kathua’s strike against the attack on judicial clerk and misbehaviour with a Mobile Magistrate entered 5th day today.

All the members of the Bar abstained from the court and held demonstration demanding strict action against the accused. They also alleged that police has ignored certain sections of the RPC while registering case against the accused and demanded that the FIR should be amended.

President of the Bar Bodh Raj and secretary Bharat Bhushan were among others who spoke on the occasion.

Meanwhile, Bar Association Samba condemned the attack on judicial clerk and misbehaviour with Mobile Magistrate.

A meeting of the Bar was held under the presidentship of Sukhdev Singh Sambyal wherein it was unanimously decided to support Kathua Bar Association strike.

Samba Bar also decided to suspend the work and abstain from the court tomorrow in protest against the inaction on the part of the administration to arrest all the culprits.

Police-public meeting held at Ramnagar

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Nov 3: A police-public meeting was organised at Ramnagar by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Prithvi Raj Manhas to listen to the grievances of the people with regard to law and order.

In the meeting prominent citizens of Katha, Kulwanta, Majodi and Ghordi areas participated and raised various issues relating to the working of police and other Government departments. They appreciated the role of the police in maintaining law and order and dealing with the militancy particularly in the Basantgarh area.

The SSP gave patient hearing to the people and issued on the spot instructions to the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Ramnagar DySP Romesh Kotwal and SHO Bharat Sharma. He also directed the police officers to further tighten noose around the anti-national and anti-social elements.

Officers of the various Government Departments posted in Ramnagar also attended the meeting and were asked by the SSP to resolve the grievances of the people pertaining to their departments.

During his visit to Ramnagar, SSP also interacted with the students of Government Degree College Ramnagar and delivered a lecture on moral values to the students.

Dr M S Bloeria, Principal of the Degree College also spoke on the occasion.

BJP gives call for Jammu bandh on Nov 6

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 3: To register its protest against what it called the negative attitude of Congress led coalition Government towards the non Muslim minorities of the State, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has given Jammu bandh call on November 6.

Making an appeal to people to observe a complete bandh on November 6, the BJP senior vice president, Prof. Hari Om at a press conference here today, urged the people to register their protest on that day against the "militant friendly policies" of ruling coalition and the communal orientation it is giving to the State polity to humiliate the non Muslim minorities including the refugees from West Pakistan and PoK and internally displaced Kashmir Hindus.

He said the time has come for the people of Jammu, irrespective of their political affiliation and religious denomination to raise their voice against the policies of this Government and show door to it.

He alleged that both ruling coalition and Opposition National Conference were working for the promotion of the Pakistani cause , extending all help to the separatists, pursuing policies designed to render the non Muslim minorities to a nullity and giving a communal outlook to everything in the state.

Leveling serious charges against the coalition Government in the State he said its biased and discriminatory policies have forced the BJP to give a Jammu bandh call on November 6.

Attempt to smuggle bovine animals foiled, 4 held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 3: Police today foiled an attempt to smuggle bovine animals to Srinagar and seized two vehicles at Chanderkote. Four persons were also arrested in this regard.

Police spokesman said that a police party from Chanderkote Police Station led by SHO Inspector Nazir Dar intercepted two Tata Mobile vehicles bearing registration numbers JK02P-8369 and JK02X-4097 near Chanderkote at a special naka.

From the vehicles, a total of eight bovine animals were recovered. All the four persons travelling in these vehicles were immediately arrested.

They have been identified as Mohd Sultan, son of Shabir Ahmed of Gandoh, Mohd Arif, son of Mohd Ramzan, Mohd Sadiq, son of Mohd Hussain and Mohd Basharat, son of Mohd Sultan, all the residents of Udhampur.

It is pertinent to mention here that smuggling of bovine animals to Srinagar from different parts of Jammu region has increased for the past some months and several attempts were also foiled by the Police on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

Fruit, Vegetable Wholesale Association elects office bearers

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 3: A meeting of Fruit and Vegetable Wholesale Arti Association, Canal Road was held in which the office bearers of the Association were elected.

President of Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) Shiv Kumar Sharma was the chief guest on the occasion. Pawan Kumar was unanimously elected as president, Suraj Sharma as senior vice-president, Ram Paul Khajuria as vice-president, Ashok Kumar as general secretary, Om Parkash as cashier, Gani Shyam as secretary and Tarseem Kumar as publicity secretary.

Addressing the meeting, Mr Shiv Kumar Sharma said that fruit and vegetable wholesale dealers have been selling their goods at Canal Road for the last 15 years and facing several hurdles from different quarters.

"Sometime Municipal administration ask them to shift their business and sometime police ask them to vacate", he said and added that growers of vegetables and fruits from Gho Manhasan, Gajansoo, Marh and Jherri are fully depend on this market therefore Government should provide suitable place for setting up of fruit and vegetable mandi in areas surrounding area Canal Road.

He assured the deputation that their demand will be taken up with Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad for redressal.

Pandits living in miserable conditions: European team

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 3 : Kashmiri Pandits, the victims of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, are living in "miserable conditions" in camps and their situation needs to be improved, an European Parliamentary delegation said today.

"Kashmiri Pandits are victims of militancy. They are living in miserable conditions in migrant camps outside Kashmir," co-president of the delegation Charles Tannock told reporters after an hour-long visit to Muthi camp on the outskirts of Jammu.

Tannock, who interacted with migrants, particularly the women, said their living conditions needed to be improved.

The Pandits raised the issues of homelessness, identity crisis, unhealthy living conditions, education, political rights and their return to the Kashmir valley with the team.

R L Bhat of Jammu and Kashmir Vichar Manch told the delegation that nobody in the world talked about the original inhabitants of the Kashmir valley — the Pandits.

"Issues of global terrorism, terror in Kashmir and the Indo-Pak peace process are being talked about across the world, what about the Pandits? They have lost their homes and motherland," Bhat said.

He asked the European team to make the world community aware of the plight of Pandits in their own country.

The Kashmiri Pandits also gave the team a memorandum on behalf of the community. The delegation promised to raise the issue at all forums to educate the world about the plight of Pandits.

Among others, J P Singh representative from External Affairs Ministry, Ex MLC, B L Bhat, Camp Commandant Muthi Phase Second, Mr Santosh and prominent citizens were also present on the occasion.

Other members of the European delegation were Jo Leinen (Germany), Marcello Vernolla (Italy), Justas Vincas and Inese Vaildere (Latvia).

Scholars seminar on ‘Envisaging Peace in J&K’ begins at JU

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 3: A two-day seminar on the topic ‘Envisaging Peace in J&K-Research Scholars Perspective’ began at Jammu University, here today.

In his inaugural address, senior journalist Arun Joshi said that Kashmir was more a human problem rather than a political and territorial problem. "Unless we stop taking rigid stand and learn to concede, we can never find a lasting solution to the Kashmir problem," he stressed.

Inspector General of Police (Jammu Range), Dr S P Vaid, who presided over the inaugural session, said that the most important thing is the right to live with dignity. "Since 2005 violence level in the State is coming down and the fight against corruption and misgovernance is showing positive results," he said adding that the police was also a part of the society which need co-operation of people in fighting the war against terrorism.

Earlier, Dr Ranjeet Kalra, co-ordinator of the seminar, highlighted the aims and objectives of the seminar.

Prof Kulwant Kour Dean Social Sciences Department, JU, stressed that international community was in favour of solution and the time was ripe for the same.

In two session, seven research scholars namely Sandeep Singh Sandy, Pawan Vivek, Atul Sharm, Pankaj Sharma, Shabir A Khan, Ajay Singh and Mukesh presented papers on different aspects of the Kashmir problem.

The sessions were chaired by Prof Zahur-ud-Din, Zafar Choudhary, Bureo Chief, Kashnmir Images and Prof D Parthasarthy from IIT Mumbai.

The seminar has been organised by the Jammu University in collaboration with the Delhi Policy Group and supported by the European Union.

Teachers Forum highlights demands

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 3: A meeting of Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum was held under the chairmanship of Ghulam Mohd here today wherein burning issues being faced by the teaching community were discussed.

The participants said that teachers working before 1996 are serving in the grade of 4500-7000 and they should be placed in the grade of 5000-8000 as higher standard pay scale promotion in SITU.

They demanded early release of Master Grade list in favour of trained graduate teachers without any delay, selection grade to teachers as senior teachers, earned leave for teachers, enhancement in the pay of RET teachers equal to basic pay of teachers, confirmation of education volunteers serving in EGS centre, framing of clear cut transfer policy, selection grade to Masters on the pattern of senior teachers, Headmasters and Lecturers.

The participants further demanded computerisation of GPF scheme in the favour of employees on the pattern of Haryana Government employees, issuance of one GPF number for serving in different districts during service and fixation of SSA meeting only once in a month as it disturbs the functioning of the school.

All the district and zonal presidents were directed to contact Ganesh Khajuria, State general secretary of the Forum to discuss any type of problem being faced by the teaching community.

Others who participated in the meeting include Bhupinder Shastri, Rajinder Gupta, Yog Raj Singh Slathia, Bachiter Singh, Susheel Pawar, Gopal Singh, Manohar Singh, Satish Dutta, Kuldeep Singh, Daljit Singh and Romesh Khajuria.

Impressive Shoba Yatra taken out by Shodh Sansthan

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 3: An impressive Shoba yatra was taken out by Pt. Prem Nath Shastri Sanaskritik Shodh Sansthan from Swami Suymanand Ashram Muthi to Om Nagar Udhaywala in connection with solemnization of three day long Chandi Maha Yagya.

A large number of devotees including men, women and children in matadors, tractor trolleys, cars and two wheelers joined the Shoba yatra which passed via, Boota Nagar, Roop Nagar, Durga Nagar, Chinore, Bantalab, Barnai, Muthi, Paloura, Talab Tillo, Gole Gujral, Bohri, Anand Nagar and culminated at Raj Kamal Garden Om Nagar Udhaywala where the "Kalash Sathapna" was performed amidst chanting of religious hymns.

The yatra was led by Jyotshi O N Shastri, chairman of the Sansthan and among others president ASKPC, A N Vaishnavi, Swami Kumar Ji of Geeta Satsangh Ashram, Swami Chaman Lal Bamzi of Nand Bab Ashram, Swami Kumar Ji of Ghari Ashram, M L Matto president, KP Association, Mumbai, P N Takoo, chief of Durga Nag Trust , Kuldeep Raina president Jaishta Devi Sansthan and P L Badgami also participated in it.

People enroute had erected welcome gates to greet the yatra which was carrying Kalashs of 107 havans performed at different parts of the country including the Kashmir valley.

The Kalashs were put on two tractors trolleys which were fully decorated. Earlier the Kalashs from different parts were brought to Swami Suymanand Ashram.

The Maha Chandi Yagya will begin tomorrow morning and puran ahuti will be performed on November 5 afternoon.

Giving information regarding the programme convenor of the Sansthan A K Jyotshi said with the performance of Chandi Maha Yagya the series of 108 havans started by it in January this year for peace and prosperity will culminate.

He, however regretted that the Sansthan was not given permission by the Government to visit Sharda Shrine on Sharda Ashtami September 1 this year to perform the 80th havan of the series of there. However, our struggle in this regard will continue, he asserted.

Various communities holding congregations on Nov 5

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 3: Various communities are celebrating their annual congregations on November 5 at their respective places of worship in different areas.

In a meeting headed by Jai Gopal Mengi, general secretary of All India Mengi Biradari, J&K Jammu decided to hold congregation of Biradari at Mahadev Temple, Reasi on Sunday at 11 am.

Annual congregation of Katal Rajput Biradari is going to be held on November 5 at their Kuldev Sthan at Katli in Samba, for which all necessary arrangements have been made. Function will start at 10 am with Havan, Kirtan and prayers followed by Bhandara.

The annual congregation of Khajuria Biradari is being held at village Sangwali near Police Naka Jatwal, tehsil Hiranagar on November 5. After Havan and Kirtan, Prasad will be served to all devotees. All Biradari members have been requested to participate and seek blessings of Kul Devta.

Annual congregation of All India Thathar (Mahajan) Biradari is being held at Dati Maa Temple, Bawa Jitto Talab (Jhiri) on November 5. Bhandara will be served after Pooja and other rituals. President Devinder Gupta has extended an open invitation to all Biradari families to participate and invoke blessings of Dati Maa.

The traditional annual congregation of Pachialla, Gunkudu and Kailoo Biradari is being held on November 5 at the holy place of Kul Devta, Rakh Jaganoo. Procession will start at 5.30 am from Sheetla Mata Mandir to Dev Sthan of Baba Bhola Devta Ji. Dev Sthan Poojan will start at 7 am, followed by Havan and annual family assembly. Prasad (Khichri) will be offered to devotees at 12.30 onwards. Free transport facility will be available from Pachialla chowk to Dev Sthan and back.

Digra Biradari congregation is being held at Bua Dati Mandir, Abtal (Ramgarh) on November 5. All Biradari members have been requested to attend and have blessings of Bua Dati.

Annual congregation of Brahmin Balotra Biradari is being held at their Bua Sthan village Panthi (Samba) on November 5. Bhandara will be served after conclusion of Pooja and Havan.

The annual congregation of Sudan Brahman Biradari is going to be held on November 5 at village Barwal (Kathua) on November 5. Biradari members have been requested to participate to get blessings of the deity.

Kaith community is celebrating annual congregation on November 5 at Kothe Chohala, R S Pura at Bua Dati Dehri. Havan and Kirtan will be followed by community lunch (Langar). Chief organizer Lt Col Manohar Lal Kaith has urged the community members to participate and invoke blessings of the deity. On the occasion prizes and awards will be presented to youth for their outstanding performance in educational and cultural fields.

Congregation of Jamwal Biradari will be held on November 5 at Domana. Prasad will be distributed after the Pooja.

Congregation of Pandotra Biradari will be held at Ghagwal on November 5.

Working of GMC Jammu hailed
Surgeon, Plastic Surgeons meet under way at GMC

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 3: Two conference on Surgery are being held in Government Medical College, Jammu by Post Graduate Department of Surgery in collaboration with Regional Surgeons Association, Jammu.

The conferences are combination of Minimal Invasive Surgery, commonly called Laparoscopic Surgery and Plastic Surgery. It was inaugurated on November 2 and will conclude on November 5.

About 600 surgeons from all over the country are participating in the conference, jointly organised by North Zone Association of Minimal Access Surgeons of India (NZ-AMASICON) and North Zone Association of Plastic Surgeons of India (NZAPSICON). A number of surgical, gynecological, urological and plastic surgical operations are being conducted by internationally renowned surgeons attending the conference.

During NZ-AMASICON, surgeons who are already conversant with laparoscopic surgery got a chance to improve their knowledge and skills.

NZAPSICON discussed new directions and developments in management of complex wound problems following trauma, cancer surgery and infections with special reference to microsurgical techniques, re-construction of breast following its removal in cancer patient, cosmetic surgery with special reference to nasal cosmetic surgery, removal of scars wrinkled, blemishes and moles of skin, hair transplantation, techniques of laser plastic surgery, facio maxillary trauma management, management of skin cancer and management of hand injuries and deformities.

Dr C Palanivelu, president of Surgeons, in his address said he was impressed by the sanitary conditions of Government Medical College, Jammu which was a rare feat for a Government hospital. He gave credit of maintaining sanitation in such a large hospital to GMC Medical Superintendent Dr Vinod Gupta.

Penalty imposed on PHE X-En

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 3: Excise and Taxation Officer, Circle A Jammu today imposed penalty of Rs 3,20,900 on the Executive Engineer, PHE Ground Water Drilling Division Jammu for not deducting Service Tax from the payment of the contractors, who have executed works in the Division during 2004-05 and 2005-06.

The test check of the deductions made on account of Service Tax from the payment of contractors by the Assessing Authority of Circle A Jammu revealed that Service Tax has either not been deducted or deducted less in respect of 40 parties to the extent of Rs 1,60,450.

The concerned Executive Engineer was given opportunity of being heard as to why the penalty under Section 16 (C)(7) of the J&K GST Act, 1962 may not be imposed against him.

But the said officer didn’t file any reply. Accordingly penalty to the extent of Rs 3,20,900 was imposed on him.

10 bovines seized at Batote, 4 arrested

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 3: Batote police today seized a truck in which 10 bovine animals were being smuggled from Jammu to Srinagar. Four bovine smugglers were arrested.

Police said a truck No. 7211 JKC was intercepted at Batote by a police party headed by SHO Inspector Sat Pal Modi. Ten bovine animals being smuggled in the truck from Jammu to Srinagar were seized.

Four bovine smugglers were arrested from the truck. They have been identified as Liaquat Ali R/o Bani, Murad Ali R/o Jhiri, Kanachak, Fareed Ahmed R/o Panchairi and Manzoor Ahmed R/o Qazigund.

A case against the accused has been registered at Batote police station.

Illegal vaccination case
JMIC Katra rejects bail application of Babu Nayar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 3: Judicial Magistrate First Class Katra, Amar Jeet Singh Langeh today rejected the bail application of Babu Nayar alias Shokat Hussain of Subash Nagar, who was arrested by Katra Police for illegal vaccination for Hepatitis-B and Typhod on October 22, 2006.

The order said that Babu Nayar was organising various vaccination camps in tehsils of Jammu, R S Pura, Samba, Udhampur and Reasi without the permission of authorities concerned by charging money from public.

"The evidence collected by the investigating officer indicated prima facie the culpability of accused/applicant in the commission of offences involving cheating, forgery for the purpose of cheating, forgery of valuable security and using forged documents as genuine", the order further said.

The seized letter pads and stamps have the propensity to create, extend, transfer and release a legal right thereby indicating prima facie involvement of applicant in an offence for which punishment is upto life imprisonment (Section 467 of RPC) and hence it’s grave and henious crime.

"In this context, the investigation is at too an initial stage and any concession of bail if granted to applicant will have prejudicial impact on the ongoing investigation", the order said and added that lenient view if taken in the peculiar circumstances of the case to ensure the liberty of accused could be seen as though his rights even under eclipse are being respected, dexterously defended and jealously guarded as against the genuine interest and suffering of public at large.

Thus, the accused has no merit and accordingly his bail application is rejected.

It is pertinent to mention here that Babu Nayar alias Shokat Hussain was arrested by SHO Katra Inspector S S Sambyal on a complaint from Block Medical Officer (BMO), Community Health Centre Katra.