Property worth Rs 20 lakh destroyed in major fire

Excelsior Correspondent

BHADARWAH, Nov 23: Property worth over Rs 20 lakh was reduced to ashes as a three-storey building in Tharra locality of the Bhadarwah town, just closer to Police Station, caught fire during mid-night.

The incident took place at around 11.30 pm on Wednesday when most of the people in the town were fast asleep. The fire started from a room on the top floor of the building, belonging to Sartaz Ahmed Bhat, a senior teacher in the State Education department.

The landlord has given a portion of the house on rent. According to him the fire broke out from tenants’ room, apparently from the burning of charcoal Bhatti till late night. The family went to sleep and the wooden structured room caught fire as Bhatti had been kept closer to a window. The family came to know about the incident after the flames started spreading. The occupants raised alarm and shouted for help. Residents of this thickly populated area, woke up and rushed to the spot. Panic stricken neighbour also abandoned their house, seeing high flames coming out of the semi-timber structured houses.

Fire Services men were pressed into service. The only fire tenderer available in the town took a long four-hours to contain the fire. The police also reached the spot. It directed the evacuation of the families from the adjoining houses as the fire was spreading with the blowing of winds. The residents also joined the rescue operation and poured buckets of water fetched from nearby tank in the mosque. The Firemen had a tough time to contain the fire but they managed to save the adjoining houses with the timely and well supervised operation by Fire Sub Officer Mr Goni. The owner of the building has put the loss of property around Rs 20 lakh as most of the property including some cash, jewellery and other belongings of the family and tenants reduced to ashes. The occupants were rescued to safety during the operation and no loss of life was reported.

Meeting of Congress workers held at Kathua

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Nov 23: As a damage control exercise and to make scheduled rally of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad a grand success, the 23 members committee, constituted by the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief, Peerzada Mohammed Sayed, started convening meetings of party workers to iron out their differences.

First meeting of the committee was held today to chalk out strategy for the forthcoming rally. Convenor of the rally Amolakh Singh and his deputy, Ashwani Puri were deputed by the PCC to attend the meeting to review preparations for the rally.

While as Lok Sabha member, Choudhary Lal Singh and Minister of State for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Prem Sagar Aziz and Kathua MLA and Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Babu Singh could not attend the rally due to their pre-occupation.

Unlike Monday’s clash, majority of the Congress leaders today offered full support in making the rally a grand success. All the leaders expressed their anguish over Tuesday’s episode and assured that they will work over time for the success of the rally.

All prominent leaders of the party including district president Subash Gupta, MLA Basholi, Kanta Andotra, MLA Hiranagar, Girdhari Lal Chalotra, former MLA Balbir Singh, Municipal Council president, Naresh Sharma, Youth Congress leader Pankaj Dogra attended the meeting.

Bail plea of accused involved in attack on
Mobile Magistrate rejected

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Nov 23: Principal Sessions Judge Jammu, Subhash Chander Gupta today rejected the bail application filed by accused Raghbir Singh, Dara Singh, Devinder Singh, Kuldeep Singh and Amrik Singh who are involved in attack on Mobile Magistrate Traffic Kathua. The accused are in police custody since November 1, 2006.

In his detailed dismissal order of bail application in which Sr. Advocate UK Jalali appeared for the petitioners and Public Prosecutor E A Tak appeared for the State, the Judge after perusal of the statement of Jasrotia, Mobile Magistrate Traffic Kathua and his Nazir Mohd Din and the statement of other witnesses stated that while Jasrotia was holding the Court on spot in his vehicle near Pir-Baba Kharote Morh, the accused persons encircled the jeep, assaulted the Magistrate and caused damage to the vehicle in which the Magistrate was holding the Court, attempted to snatch the cash and receipt book from the Nazir.

The statement of witnesses do not rest here, but it further demonstrate that number of drivers, President and Secretary of the Union namely Kuldeep Singh and Amrik Singh shouted slogans and collected mob of 1000 to 1500 persons by making telephonic calls to the mob, who gathered on spot and said that why the Magistrate is checking traffic from 8 to 10 hours daily and if he continued checking from 8 to 10 hours daily he would be crushed by running over the vehicle, it was mentioned.

In the wake of these statements of the witnesses, the Court further observed that the act of the accused is dictating the terms as to how long Magistrate to hold his Court is required to be discouraged and curbed further act of the accused persons in gathering the mob and assaulting the Court is a serious matter, cannot be brushed aside lightly by the mere fact that the accused are in custody for more than 20 days by passing the nature and seriousness of the case in which the assault has been made on the Court and the Court has not been allowed to function for a considerable time and the release of accused on bail at this stage will have a direct bearing on the smooth functioning of other mobile Courts in the State and such persons will be encouraged. Apart from this many other accused are yet to be arrested. The authority cited by the advocate appearing for the petitioners does not help the petitioner as in the authority cited, it has been held that the transfer of possession of property however transient, is an essential ingredient of offence of theft but in the case in hand the petitioners along with other accused had tried to snatch the cash and receipt book which is an attempt and constitute offence u/s 382/511 RPC, which is a non-bail offence.

The Court looking to the acts of the accused in assaulting and disrupting the function of the Court attempt to snatch cash and receipt book after collecting mob by making telephonic calls from the spot, dictating terms to hold Court, sacred institution, on spot for one or half an hour are the peculiar and special circumstances that deter the Court to release the accused on bail involved in offence u/s 382/511 RPC which is non-bailable as such this application for bail is rejected and dismissed.

Aijaz inaugurates archives exhibition

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 23: The Minister of State for Higher Education and Forests, Aijaz Ahmad Khan has inaugurated special exhibition on world famous manuscripts of "Shahnama Firdosi, Basohli paintings, jewelery, textiles, armoury pertaining to Dogra period Numismatics and other artefacts at Dogra Art Museum Mubarak Mandi Jammu today.

Aijaz visited each stall installed in the exhibition accompanied by Director Archives, Archaeology and Museum K.A.Qadri who apprised the Minister that the famous manuscript Shahnama Firdosi is hand written and calligraphed by Syed Jalal-u-Din Bukhari 1654- AD durng Shah-Jahan period. The 40 photographs of the illustrations of Shahnama has also been displayed in the exhibition.

Aijaz also visited the Dogra Art Museum, Reference library and urged concerned officers to preserve these valuable manuscripts and books for future generation. He said our future generation could learn about rich art and culture of the State through these valuable books and artefacts.

The Minister was informed that department has made arrangements for awareness programme for school children about the importance and preservation of heritage objects at departmental, conservation laboratory Mubarak Mandi from Nov. 20th to 25th 2006.

Mr Aijaz urged the officers to keep the vicinity and museum neat and clean and make all efforts to preserve these manuscripts.

The Minister was accompanied by Principal Secretary Higher and Technical Education A. K. Angurana and other senior officers of Archives, Archaeology and Museum.

Shiv Sena activists try to disturb Geelani’s conference

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 23: The irate activists of Shiv Sena (Bala Sahib Thackeray) tried to disturb the press conference of Tehreek Hurriyat Conference Chief, Syed Ali Shah Geelani at Jammu Press Club this afternoon.

Despite the deployment of a big contingent of police outside the Press Club, three Sena activists including its Jammu City president Nischay Sharma, Party leader from Akhnoor, Susheel Sharma and senior Sena leader, Ravi Verma managed their entry inside the Press Club, the venue of Geelani’s Press Conference and raised pro Indian Army and anti Hurriyat slogans.

The situation which turned tense for a moment as the supporters of Mr Geelani also retaliated with counter sloganeering was brought under control after the police evicted all three Sena men from the Club.

Later Geelani continued his press conference. But the trouble shooted up again when Geelani and his associates left the Press Club. As soon as their ambassador car crossed the Exhibition Gate, a group of slogan shouting Sena activists led by its president Anan Sharma staged a demonstration in front of the vehicle and some activists tried to smash the windowpanes of the vehicle also. The situation took a critical turn and Hurriyat leader’s driver was left with no alternative but to reverse his vehicle towards the Press Club.

Later, the Sena and Janata Party activists led by its president Som Nath Dabgotra again staged a demonstration in front of Hurriyat leader’s car. They shouted slogans against Geelani and Hurriyat. To disperse the agitating Sena and JP activists the Police resorted to lathicharge in which some activists of the two parties including Dabgotra received minor injuries.

Later talking to media persons Anan Sharma said that his Party will not allow the anti national people like Hurriyat to use the land of Jammu for its activities.

He demanded abrogation of Article 370 for total integration of J&K with India. Mr Sharma said that his organization is not against any religion but at the same time it will not tolerate the anti national elements also.

Minor rescued from clutches of rapist after 10 days

Excelsior Correspondent

Basohli, Nov 23: Basohli Police rescued a minor girl from the clutches of a rapist, who had taken her into the Charri forest area of Billawar and continuously raped her for ten days. After medical examination the girl was handed over to the family after legal formalities. Police nabbed the kidnapper who was planning to take the girl to Punjab.

According to reports, a 14 year girl (name withheld) of village Berata was kidnaped by two brothers namely Mohammed Hussain and Mohammed Sharief, sons of Bashir Ahmed of the same village of tehsil Basohli .

The girl, in her statement, told the police that she was picked up in the dark by Mohammed Hussain, when she came out of her house on November 11, 2006. Another kidnapper was waiting away from the site. Taking advantage of the darkness, they first took her to Billawar where she was kept in room for two days where she was repeatedly raped by Mohammed Hussain.

The accused later took the girl to Dharailta village in the house of his relative.

As a case in this regard has been already registered with the Basholi Police Station, a team led by SHO Basohli, Surinder Choudhary, on a specific information, conducted a raid in the forest of Chaarri area where the accused had kept the girl in the hide out. Accused Mohammed Hussain was also nabbed while as his brother Mohammed Sharief was still at large.

According to police, another accused who was also involved in kidnaping the girl, is serving a belt force. After taking away the girl to Billawar, he has reportedly joined his duty.

The police has registered a case under section 363, 376 and 109, RPC under FIR No 66/06.

Dalit Maha Sabha demands amendment in SRO 294

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 23: Criticising State Government for its failure to fulfill its promise, the all J&K Dalit Maha Sabha today regretted that despite repeated assurances given by Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad nothing has been done to amend the ‘controversial’ SRO 294.

Addressing a press conference, Vijay Kumar Lochan, president of the Sabha, recalled that the Chief Minister has repeated hisassurance to amend this SRO which, according to him, was anti-weaker section. Sabha demanded immediate amendment in the SRO and restoration in promotion for Scheduled Caste and other weaker sections.

The Dalit Maha Sabha also expressed grave concern over poor water and electricity supply in Dalit basties of the city and demanded immediate regular supply of water/electricity on cheap rates like other states of the country.

It was also demanded that old age pension of senior citizens belonging to the Scheduled Caste communities be granted immediately without any further delay. Enhancement of scholarship of Scheduled Caste students was also demanded.

Earlier election of the Dalit Maha Sabha was held under the chairmanship of Vijay Kumar Magotra in which Vijay Kumar Lochan was unanimously elected as chairman while as Vijay Kumar Magotra as vice-chairman.

Addressing the meeting, Mr Lochan expressed his gratitude towards Dalit Samaj for electing him as chairman of the Sabha. He assured that he will fight for the cause of Dalit Samaj.

PWA discusses transfer issue of 104 technicians

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 23: Power Workers Association in a meeting held under the presidentship of Ashok Kumar, discussed the order issued by Development Commissioner Power concerning 104 power employees.

The meeting, while hailing DCP, informed the participants that the order was issued on recommendations of the Chief Engineers Maintenance and RE wing Jammu and Commercial and Survey Wing Jammu, where sanction was accorded to the transfer of 104 posts of technician-III ( grade Rs 3050-4910) from Commercial and Survey wing J&K Jammu to Maintenance and RE wing Jammu for a period of six months, w.e.f September 2006 for the smooth maintenance of M&RE wing.

The PWA release alleged that some self-styled leaders were collecting money from the 104 incumbents, pretending that they had managed the order, while as such orders are issued in routine manner.

Among those who attended the meeting included Messrs Mohan Lal, Rajinder Prasad, Rajan Singh Charak, Krishen Singh, Tara Chand Choudhary, Madan Lal Chalotra, Lab Dass and Mohan Singh Jamwal.

10 injured in different incidents

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 23: Three people including a burn case were admitted in the Government Medical College Hospital during the past 24 hours.

Ram Dhani from Railway Station Jammu and Ajay Kumar of Raya Samba were brought to GMC Hospital by relatives when spotted unconscious at their respective residences while Arun Gupta, son of Jagdish Lal, Kallar (Udhampur was admitted in GMC Jammu as a burn case. The police has taken cognizance and has started inquest proceedings.

Seven people were injured when subjected to assault at different places in Jammu region during the past 24 hours and were admitted in Government Medical College Hospital Jammu. The injured were Nissar Ahmed, Riyaz Bibi, Nayat Bibi, Harjinder Pal Singh, Chanchala Devi, Mohd Latif and Ranjit Singh.

ASKPC warns against shifting of
Mishriwala Camp to Nagrota

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 23: All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) in a meeting here, today expressed grave concern over proposed move of the State Government to shift the Mishriwala camp to Nagrota.

In a statement president, ASKPC, A N Vaishnavi alleged that shifting of the camp near a flood channel of River Tawi will add to the problems of the migrants. Moreover, it will be cumbersome for the displaced Pandits putting up at Mishriwala for the last 17 years to shift along with their bag and baggage to Nagrota.

The issue was raised by a delegation of camp inmates from Mishriwala led by Sat Paul in the ASKPC meet.

Mr Chatta warned that shifting of camp without the willingness of the camp inmates will not be allowed and the ASKPC will launch an agitation against the move.

Govt urged to declare Pandits as internally displaced

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 23: Youth Wing All India Kashmiri Pandit Conference (AIKPC) president Kuldeep Pandita has blamed the Government for its failure in mitigating the sufferings of the displaced Pandits.

Addressing the Executive meeting of the organization here today, he alleged that the Government was playing with the sentiments of the displaced Pandits who are living in exile for last 16 years.

He said if the Government is serious towards rehabilitation of this community, it should evolve a mechanism by passing a bill in the Assembly and declare the community as internally displaced. Moreover, the Government should also ensure employment to the community youth he added.

He urged the displaced Pandit leaders to come on a single platform for the redressal of the problems of the displaced people. The meeting was attended by M K Raina, general secretary, Satish Raina, Comrade M L Raina, Rajinder Kilan, Shiban Ji, Kuldeep Kanganoo and Sanjay Sahib.

Estates Deptt employees highlight demands

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 23: All J&K Estates Employees Association, Jammu province, under the chairmanship of their president Prem Singh Bawa, had a meeting with Deputy Director Estates Department, Jammu, J P Singh.

Association discussed various demands with the Deputy Director including original designation to employees; Reorganization of the Department; Release of two and a half day extra salary; Regularization of daily wagers and adhoc employees; removing grade anomalies; Site accommodation to field staff; Repair and renovation of damaged staff quarters; and Benefit of SRO 149 to experienced technical Non-ITI employees.

Other demands pertained to filling up of vacancies by holding DPC; Leave salary, provision of tool kits to field technical staff and release of salary to daily wagers etc.The Deputy Director assured the Association that all their demands under his competence would be conceded while the rest would be referred to higher authorities.

Later the Association delegation also met the Executive Engineer Estates Department Vimal Tickoo, who also assured to recommend their genuine demands before the authorities.

Pvt schools not to increase fee
structure without prior approval

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Nov 23: The recognized private schools in Kashmir have been asked not to affect any increase in the fee structure without prior approval of the School managing Committee duly constituted under rules.

In a statement issued by the Department of School Education here today, the Director School Education and other senior officers of the department had a detailed interaction with the private schools Co-ordination Committee and heads of certain private schools in which public perceptions about the working of these educational institutions and the concerns being voiced by the representatives of such schools were discussed at length.

These schools have also been advised that mid-term increase in any component of the fees is not permissible in any case and wherever increase in fees may be justified, it has necessarily to be reasonable enough and the parents should be taken into confidence at least 45 days before affecting such increase on commencement of the next academic session.

In yet another important decision, the private schools have been asked not to charge the school children on account of building fund as otherwise the infrastructure raised with such contribution from children shall be liable to be claimed as public property.

J&K Dalit Maha Sabha body reconstituted

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 23: All J&K Dalit Maha Sabha, Jammu, was reconstituted under the chairmanship of Vijay Kumar Mangotra today.

Vijay Kumar Lochan was once against elected as chairman, unanimously and Vijay Kumar Mangotra as vice chairman. While Simer Dass was made secretary other members included Milkhi Ram Bhagat, Ayodhya, Nand Lal Masha, Chaman Lal Bhagat, Baba Kuk Ram Balmik, Om Parkash, Surinder Bhatti etc.

Through resolution the Sabha demanded implementation of SRO 294 with amendment as per aspirations of Scheduled Castes; improvement in supply of water and electricity in Dalit Basti; and immediate grant of old age pension to senior citizens of Scheduled Caste community as also enhancement in the scholarship of SC students.

The house held that at present the Dalit Samaj of J&K was feeling neglected in all spheres of life and that their genuine rights were not being protected.

The general house meeting stressed on the chairman to start struggle against atrocities being meted out to Dalit Samaj.

Woman killed, 12 hurt in different mishaps

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 23: A woman got killed while 12 other persons were rendered injured in different road mishaps during the past 24 hours in Jammu region.

A Mini bus rolled down at Jajjhar Kotli resulting injuries to several persons and all were rushed to Government Medical College Hospital Jammu where one Hasina Bibi, wife of Noor Jamwal of Jhajjar Kotli expired. Others injured in the accident were Ram Lal, Ronik Singh, Surinder, Sanjeev Kumar, Mukhtyar, Haniffa Bibi, Bansi Lal, Kulvinder, Bansi Lal, all residents of Tharra.

Three people were hit by motorcycles at different places and got admitted in the GMC Hospital here. The injured have been identified as Gurdev Raj of Arnia, Ravinder Bubby and Janak Raj of Phalain Mandal.

Lalita Devi, Anju Devi, Sunita Devi and Sourav, all residents of Kot Bhalwal were injured when the auto-rickshaw in which they were travelling rolled down at Pakhian.

2 lecturers, teacher placed under suspension

Excelsior Correspondent

POONCH, Nov 23: Deputy Commissioner Poonch Mohammed Ramzan Thakur during inspection in several schools placed under suspension two lecturers and a teacher besides directing action against half a dozen teachers of Primary and Middle schools during surprise visit in Surankot and Balakot blocks today.

The DC during inspection in Govt Higher Secondary School, Bhatadurian ordered the suspension of lecturer Sociology, Mohd Aziz and Lecturer Botany Mohd Arif besides a senior teacher Sajjad. These teachers were found absent at 12 noon when the DC paid visit. CEO Poonch who was accompanying the DC was asked to hold a departmental inquiry into the matter.

Mr Thakur also directed the Executive Engineer R&B to resume the repair/ construction work of 4 rooms and a hall of the same school which had been stopped. At Middle School Serichowuna four teachers were found absent from duty. Zonal Education Officer was asked to take action against these teachers. At HSS Lassana, the DC directed Xen PWD for the repair and renovation of school building which was in dilapidated condition.

He also inspected various development works in Bhimber Gali and Balakote area. He identified 3 kanals of land for the waysite facility for tourists under Circuit Tourist Development scheme at Bhimber Gali. NBCC will take up this project. Several Sarpanchs and Panchs of the area met the DC and submitted representations. Most of the issues were resolved on the spot.

Power employees without salaries

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 23: All J&K Electric Department Linemen and Workers Union has criticised the Government for non-release of salaries of daily wagers and other permanent employees.

In a meeting of the Union members held here today, its president Ghulam Nabi urged upon the higher authorities in the PDD to release the salaries of the workers for the month of October.

He pointed out that even after the lapse of 22 days of this month, the officers failed to release the wages of the employees.

He said that their families are suffering due to delay in the release of salaries.

VC urged to include scholars demands
in agenda for Syndicate

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 23: A deputation of Jammu University Research Scholars today called on Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo and urged him to include a few demands in the agenda for forthcoming JU Syndicate meeting, which is going to be held on November 25.

The demands, included enhancement in contingency to scholars, insurance cover to scholars and also intercom facility in scholars room. According to Vikas Sharma, who led the deputation, Prof Mattoo.

Nowshera woman wounded in leopard attack

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Nov 23: Panic gripped the entire township of Nowshera after attack of man-eater leopard on a middle-aged woman, just near a forest close on the outskirts of Nowshera town this evening.

The victim of the wild beast this time is a 45-year-old, Jasbir Kour, widow of Darshan Singh. She was left seriously wounded by leopard and was struggling for life in local hospital.

Hailing from Ward No.1 of Nowshera town, the woman had gone for a natural call alongwith her sister towards a forest, closer to the locality. As the woman walked inside the forest closure created by Social Forestry wing, the leopard suddenly attacked her. Her sister took a lathi and started attacking the leopard to rescue her sister. They raised alarm. Some people rushed to the spot and the animal ran away, leaving the woman with multiple wounds on her neck and other parts of body. Her sister, however, escaped unhurt.

A wave of terror spread the entire town this evening after coming to know about the entry of wild beast around the town. The people closed their doors in panic. The matter was brought to the notice of Administration. It is said that police alongwith some civilians equipped with guns have laid traps around the forest to eliminate the animal. The Chief Wild Life Warden has already issued orders of killing the animal which has killed eight persons so far besides leaving more than thirty injured.

ASI granted bail

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu , Nov 23: Special Judge Anticorruption Jammu Mr. JR Kotwal today granted bail to Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police Bharat Bushan Koul, who was caught red-handed by the VOJ Team while accepting bribe.

While allowing the bail application, Mr. Kotwal after hearing Advocate Rajneesh Oswal and Rohit Sharma appearing for the accused applicant and SPO for the State, observed that accused applicant who is an ASI of the police has been arrested on November 20, 2006 red-handed when he was demanding and accepting Rs 5000/- as bribe from Informant Kulwant Singh and he is now in VOJ custody by order of this Court. As per the record the informant Kulwant Singh had lodged a written information on November 20, 2006 and on the same day Vigilance Organization arranged a trap and caught the accused applicant red-handed demanding and accepting Rs 5000/- as bribe from informant at Tea-Stall on Court road Janipura and was arrested on the same day.

The Court further observed that accused is in VOJ Custody from last four days, and after persual of the record and CD file, no good ground for refusal of bail has been made out. Accused-applicant be released subject to his furnishing personal bond along with surety in the amount of Rs 10,000/- each, the Court ordered.