NC asks how Tourism Minister was ignorant of Govt Order No. 266
Gulmarg auction 3rd act of Govt's 'hidden agenda'

From Ahmed Ali Fayyaz

SRINAGAR, Nov 24: Jumping on the Hurriyat bandwagon of resistance to the auction of land at Gulmarg and fishing in the troubled waters, National Conference (NC) today alleged that the plan of leasing out Kashmir's tourist attractions to non-state subjects was the third consecutive act of the Congress-PDP coalition government's "hidden agenda". The largest mainstream political party raised serious questions over the Minister for Tourism Mohammad Dilawar Mir's assertions that he was ignorant of the Government Order No. 266 and that his bureaucrats had misled him.

Taking quick advantage of the Tourism Minister's landing in the trouble of his own making at a news conference on Thursday, senior NC leader and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, Abdur Rahim Rather, today asked how the Minister incharge could be ignorant of Government Order No. 266-TSM of 2006 dated 23-10-2006, draft of which was supposed to have been approved by none other than him. Rather, who has functioned as a Minister for over 10 years, asserted that none other than the Minister incharge Tourism was the competent authority for approving the draft of the controversial Government Order in follow up to the Cabinet meeting. "I read today's newspapers and I wonder how Mr Dilawar Mir has feigned ignorance and told the media that his officers had misled him", Rather said and claimed that the Government had completely lost its credibility.

Responding to Dilawar Mir's challenge to the NC chief Omar Abdullah to come forward for a public debate on the subject of leasing out land to non-state subjects, Rather said: "Now that the Minister himself has surrendered and put his own Government's plans on hold, his challenge is irrelevant". He said it was ridiculous that the Tourism Minister of the coalition Government (Dilawar Mir) was seeking to convince the people at large while the former Tourism Minister and PDP's MLA from Gulmarg (Ghulam Hassan Mir) was joining the people's protest against the move of auction at Tangmarg. "Dilawar Mir can better be advised to first convince his own party colleague and MLA of Tangmarg and then move on to Omar Abdullah", Rather added.

Rather alleged that the Congress-PDP coalition Government had a "hidden agenda" with respect to the state of Jammu and Kashmir and its "sinister intentions against the interests of the people of the State" had become manifest from day one of its assuming power in November 2002. He claimed that the present move of auctioning land at Gulmarg and other places to non-permanent residents was the coalition Government's third strike in succession on the Jammu and Kashmir's state subject law. He pointed out that the Gulmarg auction was coming in follow up to passage of Transfer of Property Act in 2003 and defeating of a Bill which would have disqualified a state subject woman on account of her marriage to a non-state subject. He claimed that all this damage to the special status State was being done according to a "hidden agenda" by the present ruling coalition.

Rather said that NC had put up strongest possible resistance to the Transfer of Property Bill but it failed to defeat the same due to lack of majority in the Legislature. He explained that the new law had, for the first time, authorised non-J&K banks and financial institutions to sell off an immovable mortgaged property of any loan defaulter of this State to non-state subjects. He said that the former Chief Minister Mufti Sayeed and Chairman of Legislative Council Abdur Rasheed Dar--- later expelled from NC--- had played key role in manipulating and defeating a Bill, regarding the proprietorial rights of J&K women marrying non-state subjects, two years ago. He asserted that then Minister of Law and senior PDP leader, Muzaffar Hussain Baig, was the one-odd individual in the ruling coalition who showed respect to the interests of the people and did not join his colleagues in the "anti-J&K move" in the Legislature.

"It's because of this quick succession that everybody in Jammu and Kashmir is today pointing fingers on the coalition government's hidden agenda", Rather asserted. He argued that the process of leasing out land to non-state subjects at Gulmarg was all the more unjustified as the Government had neither exposed its tourism policy to the legislative scrutiny nor responded to the clamour of the J&K industrialists and hoteliers. He claimed that Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry, a representative body of traders and hoteliers, had written to the Government that it had all the necessary potential to develop the best possible tourism infrastructure but it had not received any reply in over a month. Rather said that Tourism was the only sector in which the local entrepreneurs could make investments

"It's funny that somebody in London whispered into the ears of the Tourism Minister that Kashmir was lacking in infrastructure and he rushed back for the auction of land", Rather said. He claimed that non-state subject bidders would quote stupendous rates and defeat all the J&K aspirants in the auction.

When it was pointed out to Mr Rather that Land Grants Act, drafted and passed by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah's NC Government in 1977-78, had made non-state subject industrialists entitled to getting land in J&K on lease, he argued that things had changed "a lot in the last 30 years" and in today's State there was no need to invite industrialists from outside. Mr Rather, however, fumbled and failed to convince mediapersons when they asked him why NC's Government in 1996-2002 had not repealed that "unwanted law". Failing to find a substance in support, Mr Rather still maintained that his party was "against the letter and spirit" of all laws prejudicial to the state-subject law.

Responding to Dilawar Mir's challenge, Rather asserted that entire 73 Kanals of land, leased out at Gulmarg earlier, had been allotted to state-subjects. He reminded Dilawar Mir that the Nedous were permanent residents of the State and so were the owners of Batra College in Jammu, who had been allotted land by then Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah. He, however, ignored a reference to late Lalit Suri, New Delhi-based hotel magnate who acquired Grand Palace, nee Hotel Oberoi Palace, in Srinagar courtesy Dr Farooq Abdullah in recent past.

Significantly, Rather declined to accept that his party was enjoying a piggy riding on Syed Ali Shah Geelani's faction of the separatist Hurriyat Conference which launched an agitation over the Gulmarg auction last month. He asserted that the NC had supported the "people's call of shutdown on November 25" not that of Geelani's. Asked why then NC had not issued its own call for some other day, Rather maintained that "the people of Kashmir" had already fixed that particular date. Meanwhile, NC is planning a major show of strength and resistance against the Gulmarg auctions as its senior leaders, including the party president Omar Abdullah, would be addressing a public rally at Tangmarg on Saturday.

Tax evasion runs in crores of rupees
IT Deptt surveys ASCOMS hospital, 3 coaching centres

By Mohinder Verma

JAMMU, Nov 24: Within few days of issuing stern warning to habitual tax evadors of strict action, Income Tax Department today surveyed premises of reputed private hospital—Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences (ASCOMS) at Sidhra in the outskirts of Jammu city, three prominent coaching centres including one run by a retired Professor.

Authoritative sources told the EXCELSIOR that sleuths of the Income Tax Department headed by Income Tax Officers of the concerned areas conducted simultaneous surveys in Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences (ASCOMS) at Sidhra, two branches of National College of Competition at Dogra Hall and Exchange Road, JKIETER Tutorial at Kachi Chawani and premises of tutorial run by retired Professor at Tallab Tillo.

"The surveys were conducted after the Income Tax Department came to know about evasion of tax worth crores of rupees by all these establishments for the past quite long time", the sources said and added that all the surveys started at around 4.30 pm with IT sleuths entering the premises of these establishments all of a sudden.

During the surveys which continued till late tonight, the Income Tax Officers seized all the documents relating to the income and expenditure of these establishments leaving no scope for the owners and partners for any manipulations, these sources disclosed but didn’t rule out the possibility of surrender of lakhs of rupees by the owners and partners of the surveyed premises on the pattern of M/s Abrol Electricals at Karan Market.

About the ASCOMS, the sources said that most of the irregularities in the accounts of the hospital were with regard to Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) as the hospital was not making complete payments of salary to the doctors under salary head. Instead, the major portion of the salary was being paid as incentives with an intention to avoid TDS.

As per the IT Act, TDS on salary is being charged between 20 to 30 percent but the same under incentives is charged at the rate of five percent. "By way of diverting salary to incentives the hospital authorities were evading about 25 percent TDS", the sources informed.

Though working out exact quantum of tax evasion would take time yet at the preliminary stage the same has been pegged more than Rs one crore, the sources disclosed.

About irregularities with regard to accounts of National College of Competition owned by Sanjeev Gupta, Prof Satish Anand and Prof Mohd Qayoom, the sources said that owners of the tutorial have not filed any IT returns for the year 2005-06 and 2006-07.

Moreover, payment to the teachers was made through cash instead of cheque with an intention to evade tax. "Barring some rough accounts, no proper record of fee received and amount of expenditure and payment was made by the tutorial", the sources disclosed.

They further said that the tutorial has been charging Rs 10000 for the completion of Physics and Chemistry courses and Rs 8000 for Mathematics but continued to conceal the income for the past two years. The default of Tax Deduction at Source by the tutorial cannot be ruled out.

With regard to evasion of tax by JKIETER, providing pre-coaching for 11th, 12th classes and Engineering and MBBS degrees, owned by S N Khajuria and H S Jamwal, the sources said that though the tutorial was charging hefty amount yet it didn’t reflect the same in the accounts books. "Moreover the tutorial has not filed Income Tax returns due in July this year", the sources said and added that all the account books of the tutorial have been seized for scrutiny.

To a question, the sources revealed that evasion of tax by the institute was likely to run in several lakhs of rupees.

About the tutorial at Talab Tillo, the sources informed that a retired Professor, who has been providing coaching for one of the science subjects, was not filing Income Tax returns as per the receipts. "All the documents of the tutorial has been seized to compare the receipts and expenses which are not matching as per the filed IT returns", the sources said and added that at the preliminary stage huge variation in receipts and expenses was noticed.

When contacted, Income Tax Commissioner Virendra Singh confirmed that surveys were conducted in the ASCOMS and three tutorials and added that the Department has decided to lay hands on all those sectors having remained untouched so far.

"We have decided to take up the cases of defaulters on priority basis to keep check on the evasion of income tax", he further said and advised the habitual tax evadors to come forward and deposit tax according to their exact income.

India conveys concern to Pak over infiltration

WAGAH, AMRITSAR, Nov 24: India has expressed its concern to Pakistan over the infiltration of armed persons from across the border into Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab during a meeting here of border officials of the two countries.

The issue was raised during a meeting between the Border Security Force and Pakistan Rangers that concluded here last evening, highly placed official sources privy to the discussions said today.

"The BSF expressed its worry to its Pakistani counterparts with regard to infiltration of human beings with arms and ammunition through the International Border in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan," a source said.

The meeting was attended by BSF DIG G S Virk and Pakistan Rangers’s Deputy Director General Brig M Qaiser Khan Tareen, who led a 10-member delegation.

During the meeting, Indian officials cited an incident that occurred on the Rajasthan border, where three armed Pakistani nationals were gunned down nearly a month ago by the BSF during a shootout after they ignored warnings to surrender.

However, the Pakistan Rangers vehemently denied that the intruders were Pakistani nationals.

The BSF also raised the issue of the frequent seizure of heroin at the border with Pakistan, besides the smuggling of narcotics and huge quantities of fake Indian currency, the sources said.

Both sides resolved that vigilance along the entire border would be enhanced with immediate effect to curb unwanted activities. They also discussed a strategy to make the joint patrolling effective, they said.

It was also agreed that both sides would stop all unwanted constructions on the international border except the repair of concrete pillars marking the boundary.

Meanwhile, nearly 200 trucks carrying export goods to Pakistan are stranded at the Indo-Pak border in Wagah waiting for necessary clearances.

The trucks, loaded with perishable goods such as tomato, onion, frozen meat and ginger, were stuck in the International Border and the companies were bearing the parking cost of Rs 500 per day, sources said.

The goods were also getting spoiled due to lack of basic mandatory infrastructure such as airconditioned warehouse, they said.

Exporters blame the Indian customs authority for their negligent attitude that was leading to the wastage.

"If serious thoughts are given to their problem, then the loaded trucks could be cleared in a short span of time," Narin Export Import Corporation Director Rajdeep Uppal said.

The cost of one truck of onion is around Rs 1.5 lakhs, while one truck of tomatoes is worth Rs 1.9 lakhs and frozen meat is around Rs eight lakhs, Uppal said.

Assistant Commissioner at Wagah Atul Handa said slow pace of issuing clearance was due to lack of infrastructure.

"The sole gate has to manage the entire incoming and outgoing traffic to India and Pakistan. Priority is given to the passengers and bus service between the countries. Then passage is cleared for performing the daily beating retreat ceremony by BSF jawans in the evening," Handa said.

Export items also needs permission of Border Security Force and its Pakistani counterparts, he said.

"A detailed report has been sent to the Prime Minister Office (PMO) to provide basic infrastructure at Wagah Border for trade between India and Pakistan," Handa said. (PTI)

White Paper on KPs’ migration
SC notice to Centre, JK Govt

By Rajesh Bhat

JAMMU, Nov 24: The Supreme Court today issued notices to the Centre and Government of Jammu and Kashmir, on a petition filed by All India Kashmiri Samaj (AIKS), seeking constitutional protection to the lives and properties of over 3.5 lakh Kashmiri Pandits and issuance of a White Paper that led to the mass exodus of the community from the Valley in 1990.

The Petition among other things has demanded declaring Kashmiri Pandits as " Internally Displaced Persons" and granting all such benefits to the community under the guiding principles adopted by United High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The petition, which has been filed under Article 32 of the Constitution of the India, has sought involvement of Kashmiri Pandits in all future meetings, negotiations and agreements being entered into by the Government concerning Kashmir valley. Under this Article, petitions, concerning cause of vast chuck of people, can directly be filed before the Apex Court.

The Supreme Court Bench, comprising Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justice D K Jain, while issuing notice to the Centre and J&K Government, further directed the respondents to file status report about the steps taken to rehabilitate about 3.5 lakh members of the minority community.

Senior Counsel Arun Jaitely and assisted by Advocates B L Wali and T K Ganjoo, appearing for All India Kashmiri Samaj, through its president M K Kaw, a former bureaucrat, in their submission before the Bench pleaded for directing the Government to declare as "null and void" all distress sales made by the displaced Kashmiri Pandits and restore the properties back to them. The Apex Court sought the reply of the respondents on the matter within four weeks.

The petitioners demanded that all displaced Pandits be provided their constitutional rights to vote to the candidate of their choice and to create constituency in exile and for the purpose to freeze the voter list of Jammu and Kashmir concerning to KPs as on January 1, 1989 so that their names are not deleted .

Besides, petitioners prayed for appropriate action for nomination of representatives from minority/displaced community in the Parliament as well in the State Legislature.

In the petition, it was also impressed upon the Supreme Court to direct that no properties belonging to the Pandits be acquired by the State Government without the prior concurrence of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Seeking issuance of the White Paper spelling out as to what led to the mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, the petitioners prayed for investigating, all cases of massacre and murders and a direction to Central Bureau of Investigation ( CBI) to investigate and prosecute all such cases.

In the petition, it was prayed that all encroachments on Pandits’ properties be vacated within three months and placed under the direct supervision of a Custodian of Kashmiri Pandits properties to be appointed by Department of Kashmir Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India.

In another issue concerning the community, it was prayed for granting the status of Citizenship in Perpetuity to the displaced Kashmiri Pandits and accordingly prepare a voter list as per the census held in 1988.

Other submissions made by the petitioners included preparing a comprehensive rehabilitation package for displaced Kashmiri Pandits and to earmark proportionate amounts from the Budget allocations by respondents, directing the respondents to provide a permanent housing accommodations to all the Kashmiri minority migrants living in various parts of the country, creating employment opportunities for displaced persons and in particular give 10 percent reservations in various services under Central and State Governments and to create a separate National Commission for the Welfare of Kashmiri Pandits.

The Petition, submitted first time in the Court concerning the entire community in exile, also drew the attention of the Government towards the alleged desecration of their places of worships in the valley and prayed for their protection.

All India Kashmiri Pandit Conference and Rajinder Premi are also included as petitioners.

Creating peaceful atmosphere in J&K
Working group suggests measures

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 24: Although meeting of the working group on Confidence Building Measures remained inclusive, representatives of various political parties put forward their view points and suggested measures to be taken by the Government for improving conditions. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Mohammed Hamid Ansari.

Six issues were thoroughly discussed in today’s meeting. These issues included measures to be taken to improve conditions of the people affected by militancy, schemes to be formulated for the rehabilitation of orphans and widows,

Issue regarding relaxation of conditions for persons who have forsworn militancy was also discussed, Furthermore, an effective rehabilitation policy including employment package for KP migrants was also discussed by those who were present in the meeting, They also discussed approach to be formulated for the return of Kashmiri youth, who have crossed over to the areas controlled by Pakistan and measures to protect and preserve the unique religious and cultural heritage of the State.

Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Peerzada Mohammed Sayed, who represented Congress party in the meeting, demanded adequate economic package for orphans and widows. He strongly demanded that effective rehabilitation policy should be formulated for widows and those children who became orphans due to militancy. He opined that human rights violations committed by militants should also be highlighted.

Mr Sayed told the EXCELSIOR that his party has favoured effective steps to preserve and project ethos and cultural of all ethnic groups of the State. He also pointed out in the meeting that some incentives should be announced for the Kashmir Pandit migrants for their return in their native places.

PCC chief also demanded after proper screening Kashmir youth, who are not involved in heinous crime, should be released from jails.

Vice-president of the Pahari Advisory Board, Shabbir Khan demanded that all SRO-43 cases should be settled. He demanded a comprehensive package for orphans and widows. He was of the view that cultural heritage of all ethnic groups should be protected.

Master Tassadiq Hussain, who was representing People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the meeting, suggested that State Human Rights Commission should open its offices at tehsil and district level so that people can approach, in case of any violation. He pointed out that poor people, who have been bearing brunt of the militancy, can not approach the Human Rights Commission due to their economic conditions.

Meanwhile, according to an official handout, the working group on Confidence Building across segments of society in the State met here this evening and discussed matter pertaining to Confidence Building.

The members, who participated in the meeting, included Asgar Ali Karbalai, Yash Paul Kundal, Dr Agnishekhar, O N Trishal, Sheikh Abdul Rehman, T Dorjey, Shabbir Ahmad Khan and coordinator Ajit Kumar also participated in the meeting.

This was the third meeting of the group held so far and is likely to continue tomorrow. So far nine meetings have been held by various working groups announced by Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh on conclusion of second round table conference at Srinagar, to look into various affairs pertaining to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Foundation of Bhalessa Grid Station laid
Azad becomes first CM to visit Chingam

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Nov 24: Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today became first Chief Minister in 54 years to visit remotest area of Chingam in Doda district to personally take stock of people’s development needs.

Addressing largely attended public meeting at Chingam, and Bhalessa, the Chief Minister reiterated his commitment to strive for taking development to every nook and corner of the State and seek economic well-being of people living in backward and far-flung areas.

Mr Azad said that Government has formulated a comprehensive development policy ensuring equitable progress giving priority to far-flung and hitherto neglected areas. He said that extension and improvement in education sector, construction and upgradation of roads and links, setting up of health centres and expanding medicare facilities in the areas like Chingam is receiving full attention. "Clear-cut directions have been given to the administration to ensure speedy progress of these areas", he added.

Mr Azad said that remote and far-flung villages situated in the lap of beautiful mountain ranges, Valleys and foothills bear vast potential for tourism and horticulture development, adding that both the sectors are being given new dimension. He said creation of three new tourist circuits one of which covers Kishtwar-Chhatroo-Chingam-Simthan, etc. is a significant decision in this direction.

Announcing Rs. 20 lakh for tourism development for Chhatroo-Chingam tourist circuit, Chief Minister said that generating tourism activities and launching infrastructure development programmes would create job opportunities for both educated skilled and un-skilled people.

Chief Minister on his arrival was given enthusiastic welcome by thousands of people who were vying with each other to have his glimpse.

Chief Minister announced upgradation of middle school Chingam to high school and directed the administration to formulate comprehensive and integrated project for development of horticulture, agriculture and allied sectors.

He also gave orders for formulating schemes for road upgradation, drinking water augmentation and health cover extension sectors and for provision of other amenities in the area.

Later, laying foundation stone of Rs. 14 crore 132/33 KV grid station at Changa in Bhalessa, the Chief Minister said that foundation stones should not become rituals only but work should go unabated till the project is completed in all respects. He gave two years target for the completion of grid station to the concerned construction agency. On completion, the project will ensure reliable and quality power supply to the areas of Doda, Dunadi, Kahra, Bhatyas, Gandoh, Changa, Mankota, Hadal, Kaljugasar, Bunjwah and part of Thathri.

Speaking to a huge public meeting there, Chief Minister lauded the role of people for openly exhibiting their faith in democratic set up and participated in bye-elections in record number. Saying that he is fully aware of the development demands of backward areas like Bhalessa, as such, he has continuously deputed ministers and administrative heads to understand the public demands properly and personally and come up with pragmatic solutions.

Referring to his programme of personally visiting remotest and far-flung areas, Azad said that he recently visited Turtuk in Ladakh and other such areas to give confidence to the people that Government is responsive to their requirements and development needs.

Referring to the development demands of the area, Chief Minister said that power and road projects, schemes for health cover and drinking water have been formulated and are being launched in all areas including district Doda.

Minister for Power Nawang Rigzin Jora addressing the meetings, said that under the dynamic leadership of Mr Azad unprecedented cordial relations have developed between Centre and State and for the first time every project being preferred for central assistance receives favourable consideration and proper funding.

No politics over Afzal: Patil

NEW DELHI, Nov 24: In the midst of a raging row over the death sentence of Parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal, the Government today cautioned against "politics" over capital punishment and cited statistics showing only one execution was carried out between 2000 and 2004 when the NDA was in power.

Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, in his reply to a private member’s bill on abolition of capital punishment, recalled that mercy petitions in connection with the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi were left pending for four years from 2000.

He, however, ruled out the possibility of abolishing capital punishment which, he said, has been "recognised" in the constitution.

"... Only thing that we have to guard against is politics (over capital punishment)," Patil told the Lok Sabha as he maintained that the Government had been "very very careful in hanging any person".

"We shall have to understand under what circumstances death punishment can be awarded," the Minister said.

He, however, insisted there was nothing wrong in retaining death as a penalty, but maintained its use depends on the nature of the crime.

In this regard, he also referred to "crimes against nation", women and children, as he listed out numerous offences that can be punished with death.

The Minister, who did not name the NDA, read out statistics that showed only one person — Dhananjay of West Bengal — was executed between 2000 and 2004 out of a total of more than 500 death sentences awarded during that period. (PTI)

3 soldiers, ex-militant injured

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Nov 24: Three soldiers and a released militant have sustained injuries in two incidents of firing in Bandipore and Kulgam areas in Kashmir valley today.

Informed sources said that unidentified gunmen, believed to be militants, barged into the residence of released militant Ahmadullah Parray S/o Abdullah Parray at Home Shalibugh village in Kulgam area of south Kashmir this evening and fired upon. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds in both of his legs. Parray was rushed to a hospital for medical treatment.

Sources said that earlier today troops of 2-Grenadiers launched a cordon-and-search operation at Rampur village in Bandipore. In the beginning of the operation, some holed up militants opened fire. Sources said that three soldiers sustained injuries.

Even as residents believe that all the holed up militants managed to escape, troops maintained the cordon and continued the search operation. They believed that at least two militants of Lashkar-e-Toiba were hiding in the village. Operation was in progress when reports last came in late tonight.

3 Nodal officers appointed

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 24: Government has ordered transfers and postings of three officers as Nodal Officers for the newly approved districts of Kashmir Division.

G. N. Sufi, Special Secretary to Government Industries and Commerce Department will be Nodal Officer for newly approved Shopian district, Shafat Noor, Additional Secretary to Government Tourism Department will be Nodal Officer for newly approved Ganderbal district and Abdul Latief Deva, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Srinagar will be Nodal Officer for newly approved district of Kulgam.

Government has also ordered that Charge of Commissioner Municipal Corporation Srinagar shall be held by Director Local Bodies Kashmir Mohammad Abbas Dar, in addition to his own duties till further orders.

Art 370 bill fails in RS

NEW DELHI, Nov 24: A private member’s bill to repeal the Article 370 of the Constitution of India, according special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was rejected in the Rajya Sabha amid heavy protests from the treasury benches, saying such a bill had been negated twice in the past in the House.

The bill seeking to omit Article 370 of the Constitution was introduced by Mr Manohar Joshi of the Shiv Sena, which sparked off intense protests by Congress chief whip V Narayana Sami as he rose to speak.

BJP deputy leader Sushma Swaraj, supporting Mr Joshi, said the Legislative competence of Parliament could not be questioned at the introductory stage itself.

India is a secular country and Jammu and Kashmir has been accorded special status under the Constitution, though as a temporary provision, she added.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Suresh Pachauri rose to inform that on earlier two occasion on August 24, 1956 and July 30, 1993 the bill had been negated and hence, it could not be introduced in the House again for discussion.

Opposition benches insisted that the introduction of bill cannot be opposed at the introductory stage, and the chair refused to allow the introduction of the bill citing rulings in the constitution.

Treasury benches rejected the introduction of the bill by a voice vote and the opposition walked out of the House protesting the refusal to introduce the bill. (UNI)

Lawyers continue boycott of courts

SRINAGAR, Nov 24: Lawyers boycotted courts for the second consecutive day today in protest against a grenade attack on Bar president and senior counsel Mian Abdul Qayoom on Wednesday.

The Kashmir Bar Association (KBA) had condemned in strongest terms the assassination bid on its president and decided to strike work in all courts in protest for two days.

KBA secretary Mohammad Ashraf Bhat said it would soon be decided whether to approach the State Government for seeking adequate security for Mian Qayoom. The Bar would discuss this "important and serious" issue with other organisations before approaching the State Government, he added.

However, Mr Bhat said Mian Qayoom was not in favour of getting security from the State.

The KBA president escaped a bid on his life when unidentified men threw a grenade on his car near his residence at Barzulla here on Wednesday evening.

This was the second assassination attempt on Mian Qayoom as he was shot at and wounded by unknown gunmen in mid 1990s. He was also detained by the State Government under the Public Safety Act (PSA) for two years in 1990. (UNI)

45 Mechanical JEs promoted

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 24: Government today ordered placement of 45 Junior Engineers (Mechanical) of Public Works Department (R&B) as Incharge Assistant Engineer (Mechanical) in their own pay and grade.

They are Vijay Kumar Rawal, Darshan Lal, Ravi Wakhloo, M H Malik, Ravinder Tickoo, Vinod Kumar Bhat, D K Khajuria, M A Bhat, Kuldeep Abrol, Sat Paul, Anil Kumar Sharma, Ashok Kumar Bhat, Gansham Gupta, Tilak Raj, R C Gupta, D K Dhar, M M Iqbal, M A Tak, G M Wagay, Shiv Narayan Chebi, Sanjay Raina, Satish Kumar Koul, Ram Nath Raina, Yogesh Raj Gupta, Girdhari Lal, R B Sharma, V S Datta, K K Gupta, R N Tukra, M L Raina, Som Raj Bali, Yash Paul Gupta, Devakar Sharma, J K Gupta, B B Sharma, Jatinder Kumar Kangotra, A K Padha, Shiv Darshan, Rajinder Kumar, Tejinder Kumar Sethi, Sunil Kumar Koul, Amarjeet Singh, Vijay Suman Gupta, Trilok Singh and Manzoor Hussain.

The placement of these JEs (Mechanical) as Incharge Assistant Engineers (Mechanical) will be purely on stop gap arrangement for a period of six months only and they will be liable for reversion even prior to the said period as and when eligible degree holders from regular quota attain eligibility, the Government order said.

Moreover, the placement of these Junior Engineers as Incharge Assistant Engineers will not confer any right on them to hold the post substantatively which will be filled up strictly as per rules from the eligible officers falling in the feeding category for the quota in consultation with DPS/PSC.

According to the order, the placement of these JEs as Incharge AEs will be provisional and also subject to the outcome of the writ petition pending before the court, if any.

18 Pak trained militant surrender after their return from PoK

BARAMULLA, Eighteen militants trained in different camps across the border over the years surrendered before the troops after their return from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

We want to lead a peaceful and honourable life now, the militant said after their reunion with family members at a special surrender function organised by the Army here today.

Emotional scenes were witnessed when Abdul Gafar, who had crossed over to PoK in 1993 met his family members.

Besides feeling humiliated in PoK where Kashmiris are not being considered humans, we were also feeling home sick, they said.

Two of the militants, who stayed in Pakistan and PoK for more than 10 years said they were missing everything there.

They said initially everything was good but now Kashmiris are not being trusted.

Gaffar, a resident of Lolab Valley in the frontier district of Kupwara said he and others crossed over to PoK in 1993 to receive arms training there.

He said after getting the training in Boyee camp, we were told that we have to kill people in Kashmir.

Gaffar said his elder brother was killed by militants in 1996 without any reason.

Pervez Ahmad, a resident of central Kashmir district of Badgam expressed similar sentiments and said what was going on in Jammu and Kashmir was not a "jehad"( holy war).

Gaffar and Pervez said the top leaders of different militant organisations are enjoying life in PoK and Pakistan. Their children are in good schools and some of them have married twice, militants said.

About their surrender, they said they came in different vehicles towards the border after escaping from the camp alongwith arms and ammunition.

We had already expressed our desire to surrender to security forces through our family members, they said adding that they were in touch with their family members.

"Our dream to lead a normal and honourable life will be fulfilled now, they said adding they feel sorry for the past.

Hailing from different areas, including Baramulla, Badgam, Srinagar, Doda and Kupwara the militants surrendered 10 AK rifles, eight pistols and other arms and ammunition before the troops in the presence of a large number of people and district administration officials.

The militants said that only those associated with the pakistan based tanzeems are being treated well in the camp. Others, they said, had to beg for a living.

The Kashmiri youths, still in different camps, are feeling isolated and discriminated by the leaders.

They alleged some top militant leaders were killed in the Kashmir valley on the directions from across the border.

Those in Pakistan and PoK are not in favour of restoration of peace in Kashmir as they are enjoying life there, the militants said.

A senior Army officer said each militant will be helped to start a new life under the surrender policy of the Government.

He said the militants will be handed over to police for completing the legal formalities before they join their families.

About 100 militants, belonging to different militant organisations have surrendered before security forces and police since January this year. (UNI)

Four soldiers and 1 militant killed

SRINAGAR, Four soldiers and a militant were killed in a night-long fierce encounter in south Kashmir, a Defence Ministry spokesman said.

He said troops of 62 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) launched a search operation at village Neeldora, 3 km from Shopian, in south Kashmir district of Pulwama, following a tip-off that some militants were hiding there.

However, when the troops were about to storm a particular house, militants fired at them. The fire was returned and in the fierce clash, four soldiers and a militant were killed.

Reinforcement was rushed from nearby camps and the cordon in the area has further been tightened.

The operation was going on, the spokesman said.

A police spokesman said Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir from Imam Sahib and Gagran have also joined the operation. (UNI)

PM seeks clear and purposive response to threats of terrorism

NEW DELHI, Nov : Expressing himself against the tendency to blame any community or religion for acts of terror by a few individuals, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today asked leaders of all communities to ensure that "fringe elements" are identified and isolated.

He also sought "clear and purposive" response to threats posed by terrorism, extremism and insurgency in different parts of the country.

"No democratic government can tolerate the targeted killing of innocent people. While our Government is willing to talk to any disaffected group prepared to abjure violence, it stands firmly committed to enforcing zero tolerance to terrorism within the framework of existing laws," he said addressing a seminar on "law, terrorism and development" organised in connection with `National Law Day’.

"Terrorists have to be dealt with as terrorists per se," he said noting such elements had no religion or faith and do not belong to any community. "No community or religion can and should be blamed for irresponsible and violent acts of a few individuals of that community or religion," he said.

Home Minister Shivraj Patil, Law Minister H R Bhardwaj and Attorney General Milon K Banerjee and a number of legal luminaries attended the day long seminar.

"I urge leaders of all communities to ensure that fringe elements seeking to disrupt our society are identified, isolated and, wherever possible, encouraged to join the national mainstream", Singh said.

The Prime Minister said people of all communities, faiths, regions and religions want to live a life of peace, security, self-respect and dignity. They recognised that the future prosperity and well being of the nation lies in maintaining peace and communal harmony in the country, he said.

To counter terrorism, he said, the Government had taken many steps for improving intelligence collection system and intelligence sharing for enhancing capabilities and for better coordination between various agencies.

"We also need to use relevant provisions of the unlawful activities (prevention) act and the prevention of money laundering act to cut off flow of funds to terrorists," singh said adding there was need to streamline investigation and prosecution machinery to apprehend culprits involved in acts of terror.

Emphasising the need to pursue investigation and prosecution of such cases in a professional and scientific manner, he said "at the same time, in our attempts to deal with terrorism the police and security agencies should make every determined effort to ensure that innocent citizens are neither harmed nor subjected to undue harassment".

Singh said that the judiciary at different levels also has a vital role in ensuring that such cases were tried expeditiously and offenders were brought to justice without delay. "Central and swift punishment is an effective deterrent to potential terrorists," he said.

Observing that terrorist groups have become more sophisticated, better networked and highly motivated, Singh said their linkage with organised crime, like drug trafficking, gun running, counterfeit currency and money laundering was a matter of extreme concern.

"Terrorism has also emerged as one of the most serious threats to international peace. Terrorists do not believe in democracy and the rule of law", he said.

Apart from a strong and sustained police action against anti-national and terrorist elements, civil society also has a major role to play in preventing terrorist activities and in fighting the ideologies of extremism, he said adding "our aim is to forge a meaningful partnership to successfully meet the challenge posed by terrorism."

Noting that he derived great satisfaction from the public reaction to terrorist incidents in the recent past and people stood firm and united against attempt to disturb communal harmony, singh said "it is my strong belief that nothing can undermine india’s resilience in the maintenance of peace and communal harmony".

Hoping that the deliberations of the seminar would help sensitise judiciary and legal fraternity to the need for efficient, speedy dispensation of justice, Singh said "this is an important means of fighting terrorism and promoting development".

Speaking on the occasion, the Home Minister said that to deal with terrorism some people desired a lenient law and some others a stringent law. "What is required is a just and balanced law" to deal with the menace, he said.

Patil said that the law enforcement agencies should be strengthened and armed forces trained to be effective and also humane in order to control and contain terrorism.

The Law Minister said while effective framework should be there to fight terrorism but at the same time it should also look into the civil liberty and human rights also.

The Prime Minister also gave away national law day awards to ten legal luminaries including the Law Minister. The other recipients are Justice R C Lahoti, Milon K Banerji, S M A Kazmi, M R Prasanna, Ravi Singhania, Amarjit Singh Chandhiok, Satish Aggarwala, a Thiyagarajan and Nipul Gupta.

On this occasion, Singh also launched a legal portal. (PTI)