PoK MLA among 117 cross LoC in Chakkan-Da-Bagh

Excelsior Correspondent

POONCH, Nov 20: An MLA from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) was among 117 civilians who crossed Line of Control (LoC) today from Chakkan-Da-Bagh on Poonch-Rawalakot bus service while preparations were in full swing to re-open Tatta Pani LoC point in Mendhar sector, which was closed for last more than four months due to washing away of Tatta Pani road on Indian side, by November 27.

Official sources said MLA Showkat Ali, who represents Jhelum constituency in ‘PoK Assembly’, crossed LoC point from Chakkan-Da-Bagh this afternoon after boarding Rawalakot-Poonch bus service.

Former Minister and National Conference MLA from Kangan, Mian Altaf Ahmed and Congress leader from Rajouri Sain Abdul Rashid were also present at Chakkan-Da-Bagh to receive the MLA from PoK, who will be guest of Mr Altaf and another NC MLA from Surankote Mushtaq Bukhari.

The MLA was seen off by his family besides Naheem Zafri, Designated Authority in PoK. He was welcomed by District Officer SICOP, Poonch, Matloob Khan.

The number of civilians who crossed LoC from PoK to this side was more than the persons who cross over to PoK from here.

According to sources, 82 civilians came to this side from PoK in Rawalakot-Poonch bus service while 35 went to PoK from Indian side.

Out of 82 civilians, who crossed LoC from PoK, 53 were fresh faced while 29 were returnees to this part of the State after completing a month long or a fortnight stay with their divided families and relatives in PoK.

Among 35 civilians, who went to PoK from Poonch, only five were first timers while 30 others were PoK citizens, who returned to their houses on completing their stay across LoC.

Meanwhile, preparations were going on in full pace to re-construct Tatta Pani road, which was washed away in heavy rains more than four months back leading to closure of Tatta Pani point in Mendhar sector.

Tatta Pani was second point on LoC where movement of civilians from both sides was allowed after it was opened in November last year. However, the point had to be closed due to washing away of road on Indian side.

According to sources, the road had been constructed but it again suffered damage due to recent rains. With work on construction of road going on at full pace, indications were that the point might be re-opened on November 27 or December 4, sources said.

Anant lambasts UPA, JK Govt for spurt
in terrorism, price hike

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: Former Union Minister and national general secretary of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Anant Kumar today held Congress led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government at Centre responsible for spurt of terrorism in the country.

Mr Kumar was addressing a public rally organized by State BJP in connection with Party’s nationwide Bharat Suraksha Sankalap March to mobilize public opinion against the price hike and coalition Government’s stand on Afzal Guru.

Anant didnot also spare the coalition Government of J&K headed by Ghulam Nabi Azad and blamed it for supporting the terrorists like Afzal Guru.

Maintaining that the Party has launched a nationwide campaign against the terrorism and price hike, the BJP leader said the people of J&K should not consider themselves alone in their fight against the insurgency as BJP activists throughout the country are with them in this fight.

Criticizing Azad for pleading clemency to Guru, he said this will have serious consequences for the coalition partners in the State and people will teach them a lesson at hustings in next elections.

He alleged those who support Guru and pleaded for his mercy are playing with the national interests and Congress was doing it for its vote bank politic.

Accusing the UPA Government at Centre of rising prices of essential commodities in the country, he said BJP has resolved to uproot this Government whose "remote control" was in the hands of Mrs Sonia Gandhi.

Decrying Mr Azad he alleged that the development works started under Gramin Sadak Yojna which was a vision of Vajpayee Government are at stand still in J&K.

Ridiculing at UPA, he termed the coalition as "Ulta Pulta Alliance" and said that it sees every thing topsy-turvy.

Mr Kumar, who strongly defended the POTA which was enacted during the NDA rule, claimed it was a deterrent against terrorism and UPA has revoked it to give free hand to militants.

Earlier, addressing the rally BJP state president, Ashok Khajuria alleged that Congress, PDP and NC were trying to thrust the dominance of Kashmiris over Dogras of Jammu.

Cautioning the people against their policies, he said if people don’t awake, the Jammu will also become a safe target of terrorists.

Ridiculing the Chief Minister’s claim on weeding out corruption and creation of work culture, he said if Mr Azad is sincere he should authorize vigilance to initiate probe against the ministers and legislatures since 2002.

Terming the slogans of the Government to give corruption free administration as totally hollow, he said the Chairman of Accountability Commission, Justice (retd) R P Sethi had to lose his post because he initiated the probe against a Congress Minister.

He also accused the Chief Minister of misusing the power and government machinery during November 14 and 19 rallies.

Addressing the rally Ex BJP state president, Dr Nirmal Singh said his Party will not allow terrorists to succeed in their vicious designs.

He urged the Congress to start the campaign against the land mafia from ministers. Doubting the credentials of State Government in fighting corruption , he said how can it weed out corruption when it made the Accountability Commission defunct.

The rally was also addressed by BJP MLA from Nagrota, Jugal Kishore Sharma.

Later hundreds of BJP activists led by Anant Kumar, Ashok Khajuria and Dr Nirmal Singh took out a procession from Press Club Jammu to Parade. The Party activists with placards and banners in their hands were shouting slogans against the UPA and coalition Government in the State for their failure in curbing terrorism and containing the prices.

The senior Party leaders who were present in the rally include former Governor Haryana, Babu Parmanand, Ex Party president, Daya Krishen Kotwal,senior leaders Govind Ram Sharma, Ch. Piara Singh, Bali Bhagat, Lalit Kumar Moza, Col (retd) Uttam Singh, Kavinder Gupta, Ch. Sham, Chander Parkash Ganga and Satish Sharma. The rally was coordinated by District BJP and state BJYM led by Yudhvir Sethi.

Ultras’ attack repulsed in Rajouri
HM militant killed in Gool

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: The Border Security Force (BSF) today gunned down a hardcore Hizbul Mujahideen militant in an encounter at Thacchu Mohalla near Bhimdasa in Gool area of Ramban police district while Army and police thwarted a militant attack in Gambhir Mugalan, Manjakote forcing the militants to escape leaving behind two AK rifles and ammunition.

Official sources said jawans of BSF’s 4 battalion, assisted by 58 Rashtriya Rifles and STF Gool launched a search operation at Thacchu Mohalla in Bhimdasa this morning after developing a specific information about the presence of one Hizbul Mujahideen militant in the area.

In the ensuing gun-battle that last more than three hours, the militant was killed. Security forces didn’t suffer any casualties in the operation.

Slain militant has been identified as Mushtaq Ahmed alias Rafiq (code name Anwar) son of Noor-ud-Din Gujjar R/o Janwari, Gool. One pistol with one magazine, three rounds, one Chinese hand grenade, one pouch and Rs 935 in Indian currency were recovered from the scene of encounter.

Mushtaq Ahmed was involved in a series of militancy related incidents in Gool-Gulabgarh-Mahore belt and was operating there for last couple of years, sources said, adding with his elimination the Hizbul Mujahideen has suffered a major setback.

Two militants opened firing on a security forces picket at Uttah Sari in Gambhir Mugalan area under the jurisdiction of Manjakote police station in Rajouri district at 2 am today.

Troops of 38 Rashtriya Rifles and police retaliated firing. After about an hour long exchange of firing, the security personnel repulsed the militant attack. Both ultras fled away from the spot taking cover of darkness leaving behind two AK-47 rifles and two magazines.

In the morning, Army and police carried out a search operation for the militants but they remained untraced. Searches continued in the area throughout the day today but the militants remained untraced.

Security forces recovered 11 rounds of Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL), nine explosive sticks and five detonators from Balakote area in Mendhar tehsil of Poonch district during a search operation yesterday.

No arrests were made from the site of recovery, sources added.

Soz for wait & watch on self-rule, autonomy

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: Union Minister of Water Resources, Prof Saifuddin Soz today suggested Pradesh Congress leaders to adopt " wait and watch" policy on the People’s Democratic Party’s self rule and National Conference’s autonomy proposals.

" Instead of opposing self-rule or autonomy in one go, adopt wait and watch policy for sometime on these two issues", Prof Soz said at the ‘Meet The Press’ function organised by the Press Club here this morning.

Prof Soz, who is member of the all important Congress Working Committee (CWC), was of the view that party should not rake up controversies on these issues and rather facilitate and promote dialogue process among different sections of the society. "We should not be afraid of discussing self-rule of PDP or greater autonomy of NC but no solution should be imposed on the people", he emphasised.

Prof Soz said the present dialogue process at various levels should be promoted to see how best the people of three regions of the State remain together.

"The dialogue process would help in finding a roadmap for different voices and proposals coming up from different sections and parties," he said and stressed the need for making this process effective.

Asked about road map of the Congress, which is leading coalition in the State, the CWC member clarified that there was no confusion in the party as far as solution of Kashmir problem was concerned, "Instead of floating a proposal or imposing a solution, we want to evolve consensus among people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh", he remarked and added that Congress was of the view that ‘very sharp’ and ‘very focus’ dialogues should be started so to elicit most acceptable solution of the problem.

Prof Soz, who was once a strong advocate of greater autonomy to the State, admitted that ‘with the sweep of time’ situation has changed. "We should not impose any decision on the people of Jammu and Ladakh", he said.

Replying to a question on the Indus Water Treaty, the Union Water Resources Minister said India sustained the treaty despite wars with Pakistan.

Referring to the arbitration on the Baglihar issue, he said "our lawyers have fought out the case and I cannot say that the decision can totally be in our favour".

"After accepting the arbitration we cannot say no now. If review is possible, may be we do it, may be it is not possible," he said.

When his attention was drawn on the disadvantages of the treaty for the people of State, Prof Soz said there are some perceived disadvantages which could have been avoided.

About the melting of glaciers, the Minister said this situation has emerged due to global warming with climate pattern changing all over.

However, he said the Army’s presence at Siachen had nothing to do with it.

Replying to another question regarding his Ministry, he expressed concern over depleting water level in some parts of the country, especially Punjab, He asked the Government of the northern state to take urgent measures for harvesting rain water. He also suggested Jammu and Kashmir Government to introduce a Bill in the Assembly in this regard.

"I am worried about Punjab where water level has reduced in about 500 areas, of which 60 areas have been notified," Prof Soz said. Punjab does not have water in upper layers and water for irrigation has to be tapped from deep levels, he said, adding the State Government must accept conservation and harvesting of rain water.

On the steps taken for conservation of water, Soz said his ministry has written to all States about the proposal of bringing a model bill.

"There has been good response from most of the States, including from Jammu and Kashmir," he said adding Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is also holding a meeting with Chief Ministers of all States next month to discuss the issue.

He also said that the coming year will be celebrated as the ‘year of water’. Ruling out privatization of water resources, Soz said the Government has undertaken measures to conserve water.

On interlinking of rivers in the country, the Union Minister said it is a very difficult thing. "We have 16 such feasibility reports, but succeeded only in one such project in Uttar Pradesh/Madhya Pradesh".

At other places, we have asked the States to jointly undertake this process as they are free to do this and our ministry can facilitate the process, he said adding about Rs six lakh crores are required for interlinking rivers.

Asked about reports that China was constructing a dam on Brahamputra river, Prof Soz said "there is no alarming situation in this and our Government knows how to protect its rights."

Earlier, the Union Minister was felicitated by the office bearers of the Managing Committee of the Press Club. He announced to give financial help for the construction of the library in the premises of the Press Club.

Later the Minister, presided over a meeting of the officers of the Central Ground Water Board, Central Water Commission, National Institute of Hydrology, Irrigation and Flood Control, PHE etc here today. He also reviewed various activities regarding his Ministry with the officers in the meeting.

During the course of discussions, so far as irrigation was concerned, the Minister informed that the budget for the 11th plan shall be increased substantially as compared to 10 plan in order to harness more irrigation potential in the State.

Fake currency seized, one held

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Nov 20: Police arrested a youth along with Rs 10,000 fake currency notes in the town here this evening.

Police said Wasim Ahmed son of Tufail Shah R/o Dani Dhar, Rajouri was arrested on a tip off by a police party headed by DySP Headquarters K S Jasrotia. Rs 10,000 fake currency in denomination of 500 was recovered from him.

Police said two more accused, who had given fake currency to Wasim are being searched. Both of them, stated to be locals, were absconding. A computer used in printing fake currency was also being traced.

Free for all situation in Cong’s Kathua meeting

By Dinesh Manhotra

JAMMU/KATHUA, Nov 20: A virtual ‘free for all’ situation prevailed in the meeting of senior Congress workers as some leaders of the party resorted to shouting at each other in presence of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Peerzada Mohammed Sayed and Health and Medical Education Minister, Mangat Ram Sharma.

The meeting was convened to review preparations for the forthcoming rally of the Congress, scheduled to be held on November 27. Both the leaders, who came all the way to Kathua from Jammu to attend the meeting, left midway due to ‘‘open fighting among party leaders.’’

Everything was going smooth in the meeting and workers were giving their suggestions for making the forthcoming rally a grand success. The situation took an ugly turn when district president of the party, Subash Gupta asked few workers to speak. Some block presidents opposed this decision and shouted that ‘genuine’ Congressmen should be given the chance.

Without naming any person, some workers pointed out that those who have ‘jumped’ into the party, have been trying to hijack the rally. These remarks infuriated some workers loyal to Minister of State for Sports, Babu Singh. The Minister’s supporters resorted to shouting slogans while as other workers to countered them. Both the groups continued sloganeering and leveled serious allegations on each other.

Some Congress workers were seen shouting that all workers should be involved in the rally and ‘outsiders’ should not be allowed to hijack it . Amidst the pandemonium, former MLA Billawar, Balbir Singh also stood up and demanded that all Congress workers be involved in the rally. He was also countered by supporters of the Minister.

As the situation turned from bad to worse, Peerzada Mohammed Sayed, who was helplessly watching ‘fighting’ of the party leaders, snatched mike from the district president and gave strict warning to the warring factions.

Visibly enraged over the episode, Peerzada asked Congress workers to shun their personal differences to make the party strong. He said that he was very upset over today’s episode. He, however, declared that no individual will be encouraged in the forthcoming rally, which is a function of entire Congress party.

Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Babu Singh, Minister of State for Finance, Prem Sagar Aziz, Lok Sabha member, Ch Lal Singh, MLA Basohli, Kanta Andotra, MLA Hiranagar, Girdhari Lal and Kathua Municipal Committee, president Naresh Sharma were among those prominent party workers who were present in the rally.

Worthwhile to mention here that there is resentment among a section of Congress workers that ‘genuine’ partymen have been singled out and ignored in the preparations for the forthcoming rally of the party.

Sex scandal hearing on Dec 5

CHANDIGARH, Nov 20: Even as the CBI supplied copies of statements of witnesses to the defence, a local court today fixed December five for arguments on a plea of five accused in the sex racket case for trial by a Judicial Magistrate.

Sitting MLAs Raman Mattoo and G A Mir, bureaucrat Iqbal Khandey, Mohammad Yusuf Mir and Mohammad Riyaz Kawa — who were booked under section five of under section five of Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act (PITA) in the case —had argued that the Sessions Court had no jurisdiction to hold trial under this section.

District and Sessions Judge B S Mehndiratta also reserved order on the bail pleas of 13 of the 14 accused till pendency of the matter before Punjab and Haryana High Court here.

While seven accused had pleaded for lodging them in Srinagar Central Jail, former BSF DIG K C Padhi and Anil Sethi, who is a son of former Supreme Court Judge R P Sethi, had sought permission for a visit to a Temple in Hoshiarpur during the last hearing on November three.

After the CBI submitted copies of statements of witnesses, the defence objected that the same were still in coded form while these should have been decoded.

However, the CBI contended it had complied with Jammu and Kashmir High Court orders that the identity of witnesses had to be protected.

One accused Anil Sethi claimed they were not allowed to hold discussions with their counsels before the commencement of court proceedings.

"We are suffering prejudice. We have been deprived the right of defence," he said adding that "our counsels are only permitted to sit at a distance from us by jail authorities when they visit us". At this, the Judge observed he always allowed them to meet their counsels in the court room and ordered that the jail manual be gone through and he be intimated about the rules in this regard.

The court also directed the CBI to hand over the mobile phone of Mehrajuddin to him.

Fourteen persons were facing trail in the case, including Iqbal Khandey who is out on interim bail. (PTI)

SHO suspended for black-marketing

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: SHO Assar police station in Doda district was today placed under suspension by SSP Doda Manohar Singh for his alleged involvement in black-marketing of kerosene oil in Assar market on Batote-Doda highway.

Suspension order of Inspector Romesh Kumar Bhutyal was issued today after it was established during preliminary inquiry that he didn’t take any cognisance of open black-marketing of kerosene oil at Assar market.

Sub Inspector Ghulam Rasool has been asked to officiate as SHO Assar till the posting of a new SHO.

It may be recalled that on Saturday, a raid was conducted at Assar by a team of the SSP Doda, which had arrested two persons and seized kerosene oil, which they were selling in black-market, from their possession.

ASI arrested taking bribe

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: The State Vigilance Organisation (SVO) today arrested an Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI), posted at Bus Stand police station in the City here, while accepting a gratification of Rs 5000 from a persons against whom a case was under investigations at Bus Stand police station.

Official sources said a team of the SVO arrested ASI Bharat Bushan Koul from Bus Stand police station as soon as he accepted Rs 5000 from Kulwant Singh of Digiana.

Arrest was made in presence of a Magistrate and independent witnesses. The corruption money was recovered from the ASI and he was sent to lock-up. A case against him under FIR No. 25/2006 has been registered at SVO’s police station.

According to the complaint, Kulwant Singh was arrested by the Bus Stand police station in a case which under FIR No. 56/2006 which was being investigated by Koul. He was granted bail by the CJM Jammu. When the accused went to deliver copy of the bail to Koul, he demanded Rs 5000. Otherwise, he said, he will make another case on him to get his bail cancelled.

Fresh snowfall in Gulmarg and upper reaches

SRINAGAR, The world famous ski resort of Gulmarg and other upper reaches in the Kashmir valley experienced fresh snowfall resulting in severe cold in the plains.

It was snowing heavily since this morning in the entire belt.

The world famous ski resort has turned into mini Switzerland and skiers, including some foreigners, are out on slopes.

About one feet of snow had accumulated at Gulmarg while it could be between three to four feets at Kongdori, Affarwat and Khilanmarg, he said.

It was a with come true for some tourists who had come from different states.

A tourist group from West Bengal said they were witnessing the snowfall for the first time.

Reports of heavy snowfall was also received from holy Amarnath Cave where it was still snowing. About six inches to one feet of fresh snowfall was recorded at Pisso Top, Mahaguns, Panjtherni and Sheshnag on Pahalgam-Amarnath cave route.

Fresh snowfall was also experienced on upper reaches, including Keran, Karnah and Sadhna Top.

Upper reaches in Kargil and Drass, the worlds second coldest place in the world after Siberia, also experienced snowfall.

The icy cold winds were sweeping plains in the Kashmir valley after snowfall on upper reaches. (UNI)

'Partners' India, China on path of nuke cooperation

New Delhi, Scripting a new chapter, India and China today decided to "promote" civil nuclear cooperation and accelerate efforts to arrive at a boundary settlement while declaring that they are "not rivals" but "partners for mutual benefit".

After wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese President Hu Jintao, the two sides came out with a ten-pronged strategy to intensify cooperation in all areas and to give "greater content" to their strategic partnership.

The two sides affirmed their commitment to resolve outstanding differences, including on the boundary question through "peaceful means and in a fair, reasonable, mutually-acceptable and pro-active manner".

While this process goes on, it would be ensured that "such differences are not allowed to affect the positive development of bilateral relations".

Significantly, at the joint press interaction held after 100-minutes of one-to-one and delegation-level talks, no questions were allowed. Both Singh and Hu read out brief statements and later an eight-page Joint Declaration was issued.

"Cooperation in the field of civil nuclear energy will be promoted," Singh said.

India and China are "committed to non-proliferation objectives and agree to expand their dialogue on the related issues, in bilateral and international fora," the declaration said.

It said global energy systems should take into account and meet the energy needs of both the countries, as part and parcel of a stable, predictable, secure and clean energy future.

"In this context, international civilian nuclear cooperation should be advanced through innovative and forward-looking approaches, while safeguarding the effectiveness of international non-proliferation principles," the declaration said.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu said China was "willing to conduct cooperation on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy with all countries, including India, on the pre-condition that all parties should honour their international obligations."

On the vexed boundary issue, the two sides said an early settlement will "advance the basic interests of the two countries and shall, therefore, be pursued as a strategic objective."

The two sides will continue to intensify work as per the 'Political Parameters and Guiding Principles' to find a solution to the problem, said Hu who is the first Chinese President to visit India in a decade.

Describing China and India as "true friends", he said they would work hand-in-hand to promote peace and development.

Singh said the two Special Representatives - National Security

Adviser M K Narayanan and his Chinese counterpart Dai Bingguo --

were being asked to "accelerate their efforts" to arrive at a boundary

settlement on the basis of the agreement on political parameters

and guiding principles signed in May last year.

"Both sides hold the view that there exist bright prospects for

their common development, that they are not rivals or competitors

but are partners for mutual benefit," the declaration said.

They agreed that there is "enough space" for them to grow together

while playing their respective roles in the region and beyond, "while

remaining sensitive to each other's concerns and aspirations".

It said as two major countries in the emerging multi-polar global

order, the simultaneous development of India and China would have

a positive influence on the future international system.

The two countries signed an agreement for the promotion and protection

of investments. The accord, signed by Commerce and Industry Minister

Kamal Nath and his Chinese counterpart Bo Xilai, provides for a framework

for bilateral investment flows between the two countries.

"This will send a positive signal to prospective Indian and

Chinese investors and contribute to strengthening of the economic

engagement between the two countries."

Twelve other accords were signed by the two sides in the presence

of Singh and Hu. (PTI)

Junior Engineer, university student killed by ultras in J&K

Srinagar, : A Junior Engineer and a university student were killed by militants in separate incidents in Baramulla and Pulwama districts of Jammu and Kashmir, an official spokesman said here today.

Bashir Ahmad Tantray, a Junior Engineer in the Electricity Department, was called out of his house by militants at Mamoosa in Pattan area today and shot dead from close range. Tantray died on the spot, he said adding the ultras later escaped. The reason for the killing was not immediately known.

Security forces cordoned off the area and launched a hunt to arrest the culprits, he added.

In another incident, militants hanged to death a postgraduate student of Kashmir University, Mohammad Yousuf Dar, in Awantipora area yesterday, the spokesman said.

He said Dar and his father Ghulam Mohiuddin were abducted by ultras two days ago. While Mohiuddin was let off, Dar was hanged to death for no apparent reason, he added.

No no militant outfit has claimed responsibility for the two killings so far.

Meanwhile, a suspected militant Mohammad Shafi Ganaie has been arrested in Pulwama town and a hand grenade seized from his possession, the spokesman said. (PTI )