Rehman asks political leaders to mind their own business

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 17: State president of Samajwadi Party Sheikh Abdul Rehman lashed out at political leaders of various parties for raising the bogey against and in favour of Apex Court’s judgement awarding capital punishment to Prof Afzal Guru.

Mr Rehman said instead of addressing themselves to the problems of the people like corruption, unemployment, poverty and militancy, these leaders like Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mufti Mohd Sayeed and L K Advani, are indulging themselves in such like unnecessary and uncalled for issues, which are apt to generate unnecessary controversy and heat among the public.

The SP leader while addrsssing a meeting of the party workers at R S Pura called upon these leaders to refrain from raising such issues and instead mind their own business and let the President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam to do his job.

He added that Dr Kalam is not merely an individual, but a full fledged institution of the country, an authority, under the Constitution of India, which empowers judiciary to hear and deliver judgement on the law breakers.

In the meeting a prominent political and social worker namely Krishan Lal Sharma announced his decision to join Samajwadi Party after resigning from Congress. He was welcomed and formally admitted in the party fold by Sheikh Abdul Rehman.

Others who spoke included Ram Prakash Sharma, Sham Lal Mahasha, Th Prehlad Singh etc.

Gopal Arya Mission multi-crore scam
Court rejects bail application of Ashok Mahajan

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Oct 17: First Additional sessions Judge Jammu GK Pandita today dismissed bail application filed by Ashok Mahajan Managing Director Gopal Arya Mission involved in much publicized multi-crore finance scam.

In the bail application filed through BD Sundan it was submitted that father of the petitioner expired on October 17, 2005 and first Barsi of his father is to be observed at Shastri Nagar New-Delhi and the petitioner is to perform Havan, Pooja and all other rituals. The petitioner being the eldest son in the family, prayed for his release on parole for 10 days for observing the Barsi of his late father.

Mr. Pandita after hearing both the sides observed that Ashok Mahajan along with Parshotam Gupta and Nirmal Kumar Gupta are facing trail u/s 406/420/467/120-B/468/201 RPC before this court. The trial of the case is at initial stage, in the case, the petitioner along with others have already moved an application before this court for grant of bail and the same stands dismissed. At present, the petitioner Ashok Mahajan sought his enlargement on interim bail on the ground that he has to observe the First Barsi of his late father. Since it has came in the objection filed APP that bail matter of the petitioner along with other two accused is sub-judice before the High Court, as such this court cannot hear and entertain an application for interim bail as the High Court seized of the matter. As such the bail application is dismissed.

Mangat asks medical, para-medical staff
to work with missionary zeal

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 17: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Mangat Ram Sharma has said that prime duty of doctors and Para-medical staff is to serve the patients with sincerity, and missionary zeal and adding that service to suffering humanity is service to God.

He was addressing at a one day convention of Para-medical staff organized by J&K Medical Employees Federation (MEF) here today at Government Medical College, Srinagar.

Principal GMC, Srinagar, Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Shah, Director Health Services, Kashmir Dr. Muzaffar Ahmad and Administrator Associated Hospital Srinagar were present on the occasion.

Mr. Sharma said that Para- medical staff is an essential tool in the health sector and has to play an important role in providing treatment and speedy recovery of the patients. Their service with smile, good behaviors and politeness towards the patients help them in early recovery and proves to be miracle for ailing community, he added.

Regarding demands, Minister said that Government is fully aware of their problems and action has already been initiated to solve some of these and added that a joint meeting of representative of the federation and senior officers will be convened to find out the solutions to their problems. Regarding regularization of ad hoc/daily rated workers, Mr. Sharma said that this is a common problem of various departments and Government is taking steps to redress it in a phased manner.

The Minister said that the Government is keen to provide good governance, corruption free and transparent administration in the State and it becomes obligatory on every Government employee to be punctual, duty-bound and dedicated towards their duties for obtaining desired results. He said for providing latest and modern medicare facilities to the people of the State, Central Government has provided liberal funds for upgradation of GMC Jammu and Srinagar. In addition, hospitals at district headquarters are also being upgraded by equipping them with latest infrastructure under the Prime Minister’s package besides ISM and Unani System of treatment are also being strengthened. Under Rural Health Mission ASHA scheme is being introduced to aware and motivate rural women folk to get their treatment including pre and post pregnancy care and delivery in Government Hospitals rather than adopting traditional system. Government has also given an option to those doctors who had left the State but desire to come back and serve in the State will be re-appointed, he added.

PDP favours restoration of Sadr-i-Riyasat post

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 17: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) today said that jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and the Election of Commission of India over the State should be maintained in its proposal. The party, however, favoured restoration of the institution of the Sadr-i-Riyasat.

Interacting with intellectuals of Jammu region, former Deputy Chief Minister, Muzaffar Hussain Baig said that all good laws and the beneficial provisions of the Indian constitution, which promote secularism and democracy should be retained under new proposal. He, however, said that power of Union Government under Article 356 of the Constitution to dismiss the State and dissolve its Legislative Assembly should be replaced.

Mr Baig, who has been assigned the job to prepare written document on self-rule, said, "likewise, the institution of Sadr-i-Riyasat should be restored and he should be elected by the Legislatures by rotation from different regions of the State’’. He observed that this will give a sense of equitable empowerment to people of various regions and ensure unity of the State.

"Self-rule is the restoration of full empowerment to the people of the State and its various regions on its equitable basis within the constitution of India to which they are historically entitled to’’, he claimed and further added while elaborating , "Swaraj would be an essential component of the comprehensive architectural for the resolution of the Kashmir issue stabilizing its relationship with Union of India and better cooperation of various regions of the State by addressing their legitimate aspirations’’.

He said that Union Government should insist Pakistan to give similar dispensation to the people living in Northern areas and PoK.

Mr Baig was of the opinion that there was need to evolve consensus among people of State and at national level in favour of self rule ‘‘Swaraj’’. He said that Union Government should take advantage of the opportunity for the settlement of the issue on permanent basis and PDP will do its best in this direction.

The former Deputy Chief Minister said that PDP believes that regional aspirations should be accommodated to ensure identity of the State with Indian union and will take care of their concerns.

Maj Gen (Retd) Goverdan Singh Jamwal, M M Khajuria, Brig (Retd) K S Kotwal, Prof Zahar-ud-Din, Dr Rekha Choudhary, Prof Ashok Aima, S S Lehar and other intellectuals participated in the interaction while as PDP leaders T S Bajwa, Dhaman Bhasin, Ved Mahajan, M S Tariq, Nisar Khan, Iqbal Malik and others participated.

Activists of Backward Classes Union stage demonstration

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 17: All United Forum of Backward Class and Communities staged a dharna in front of Divisional Commissioner’s Office here today against the anti reservation policy of the State Government.

The dharna was spearheaded by All J&K Backward Classes Union and the demonstrators where shouting slogans against the SRO 294 which they termed as an infringement on their rights.

Addressing the demonstrators the leaders of the Union alleged that the SRO 294 has crushed their fundamental rights and it should be revoked immediately and SRO 104 be implemented in letter and spirit.

Talking to media persons, Ayodhya Kumar Manwa said that SRO 294 is draconian in nature as it debars the community from the reservation benefits. Nowhere in the country such a law has been made except the J&K.

He warned that the people of backward classes will continue the struggle till the demand is settled. He said the SRO is contrary to SRO 104 of 1998 and Cabinet decision of 10-12-1997.

The demonstrators were also addressed by Bansi Lal Choudhary convenor of the Union. He, while making a dig at State Government alleged that it has failed to implement the Mandal Commission report regarding 27 percent reservations for social caste and comments.

He alleged that State Government has unconstitutionally provided their major share of 25 percent of these castes and communities to the artificial group of backward classes under the garb of Resident of Backward Area (RBA) and area near the Line of Actual Control (ALC).

The leaders of various organizations including Madan Lal Basotra, Rattan Lal Chargotra, Madan Lal Dogra, Abdul Gani Teeli and others addressed the demonstrators.

Court rejects bail application of two woman
facing trial in murder case

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Oct 17: Principal Sessions Judge Jammu Subhash Chander Gupta today rejected bail application of Kamla Devi W/o Dhanater Singh who has been declared absconder and Chinta Devi W/o Dilbagh Singh facing trial in a much publicized broad-day light murder of Gopal Singh at Channi-Rama Jammu on May 31, 2005 on a land dispute.

In the bail application filed through Advocate Ranjit Singh, it has been submitted that both the petitioners are lodged in the jail and suffering from various ailments and are house-wives. On the other hand Special Public Prosecutor appointed in this case by the Govt Sunil Sethi resisted the bail petition by submitting that petitioner Kamla Devi if is suffering from any ailment that can be treated well in jail where all medical facilities are available.

The judge after hearing both the sides observed that it is true that accused petitioners are ladies but the mere fact that they are ladies is no ground for their release on bail as ladies accused have also been charged for commission of offence u/s 302,307,148, 149,323 and 427 RPC. The authority cited by the advocate of the accused, does not reveal the fact of the case under what circumstances the offence was committed and is an authority where there was no one to look-after the child of the woman accused outside the jail. But in the case in hand nothing has been placed on record to show that the boys and daughters at whom are not in a position to managed themselves independently. The accused have been charged for the heinous crime of murder which punishable with life imprisonment or death sentence. Further the evidence in the case is in progress. With these observations court dismissed the bail application of both women.

Core Group reviews security arrangements

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 17: The Core Group meeting chaired by Security Advisor to State Govenrment Lt Gen TK Sapru was held at Nagrota to coordinate the security arrangements in Jammu region.

The meeting was attended by Divisional Commissioner Pramod Jain, Maj Gen BS Jaswal, IGP Dr SP Vaid, IG CRPF JC Dabas, DIG CID Ravinder Kotwal and other senior officers of civil administration and para military forces.

The Core group assessed the security situation in Jammu region and carried out necessary coordination to achieve synergy between civil administration, PMF and the Army in conduct of operations. They also reviewed the strategy for counter terrorism and counter infiltration operations. The Security Advisor expressed his satisfaction over the arrangements.

BJP, BJYM activists hold demonstration at Khour

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 17: District Akhnoor block of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) staged a demonstration at Khour in protest against the leaders of various mainstream political parties including Chief Minister demanding clemency for Afzal Guru who is involved in attack on Indian Parliament.

The demonstrators were led by BJP S C Morcha, vice president, Chaman Lal Kanathia. The Morcha leaders shouting anti Congress slogans also torched the effigy of political leaders.

Addressing the demonstrators Chaman Lal Kanathia, Col (retd) Uttam Singh and Bodh Raj said that Guru has been convicted by the Court of law and there should be no interference by the politicians in the functioning of judiciary.

They said that Guru has been found guilty by the court of law and he deserves no mercy. They also strongly criticized the Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and former Chief Minister and N C patron, Dr Farooq Abdullah demanding clemency for Guru. By making a demand for clemency of Guru it reveals that the duo have no respect for the democracy and Parliament.

The demonstration was also addressed by BJYM state chief, Yudhvir Sethi, general secretary Omi Khajuria and district president Mukesh Sharma. They urged the Muslims not to get mislead by politically motivated stances of the leaders pleading for Guru’s clemency.

Soz concludes Bhutan visit

Excelsior Correspondent

NEW DELHI, Oct 17: The Union Minister for Water Resources, Prof Saifuddin Soz, returned here to the national capital yesterday, after a three-day visit to Bhutan.

During his visit, the Minister went round various projects and had discussions with Bhutanese leaders and officials.

Prof Soz paid a visit to 1020 MW Tala Hydro-electric project and Wangkha dam site and had discussions with engineers and officers. The project would be commissioned soon. He also visited the first major hydro-electric project, Bhutan-Chukha Hydro-Electric project, which generates 336 MW of power.

The Union Minister for Water Resources called on the King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The King expressed gratitude for the support, the Government of India had extended to set up hydro-electric projects in Bhutan and for the assistance.

The Union Water Minister assured the King and other functionaries of the Bhutan Government that the people and Government of India were deeply interested in promoting and strengthening the age-old relations with Bhutan. He also met the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, Minister for Trade and Industry and Minister of Agriculture.

During the course of these meetings, Prof Soz discussed execution of hydro-electric projects and issues concerning water resources.

No power curtailment in Vijaypur town

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 17: In view of hundred percent electronic metering at consumer’s premises at Vijaypur town, the power supply on 11 KV Vijaypur Town feeder emanating from 33/11KV Receiving Station Vijaypur is being supplied without normal curtailment from October 16, 2006.

Superintending Engineer, EM&RE Circle-1, Jammu, D. K. Gupta requested the consumers of the areas to desist from bypassing/ fiddling with the electronic energy meters installed by the Power Development Department to avoid action under J&K Electricity Rules and not to use heating load during evening hours to avoid overloading/ tripping of the feeder.

Promotion, adjustments of Principal Private
Secretaries in High Court

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Oct 17: On the recommendation of Departmental Promotion Committee, Registrar General of the State High Court Hasnain Masoodi issued orders of promotion and adjustment of Principal Private Secretaries and other Gazetted of the State High Court.

According to the order No 406 of October 17, 2006 Abdul Hamid Khan Principal Private Secretary on Supernumerary basis is temporarily promoted to the post of Principal Private Secretary at his own term in the grade of Rs 9000-14,100 and posted in the main wing of the High Court. Abdul Majid Mir Private Secretary is temporarily promoted as Principal Private Secretary in the pay-grade 9000-14,100 posted in the High Court Srinagar Wing. Tilak Raj Sharma Senior Scale is temporarily promoted to the post of Private Secretary in the pay-garde of 7500-12000 and posted in the Jammu wing of the High Court. Ved Parkash Senior Scale is temporarily promoted as Private Secretary in the pay-grade of 7500-12000 and posted in the Jammu wing of the High, Asif Iqbal Mahajan who was temporarily appointed as Reader subject to passing of test/examination, is selected and appointed temporarily as reader in the pay-grade of Rs 7500-12000 from the date the official took over and joined such in the High Court, his selection is however is subject to outcome of writ petition and passing of computer test with in three months. Abdul Rashid Dar Senior Scale Stenographer (law graduate) is temporarily promoted as reader in the pay-garde of 7500-12000 and posted in the Srinagar wing of the High court, his promotion is however subject to passing of computer test within three months. Amjad Ahmed Lone Junior Stenographer presently posted in the District Court Baramulla is temporarily appointed as Sr. Scale Stenographer in the grade 6500-10500 in relaxation of qualification bar and posted in the main wing of the High Court. Mr. Abdul Qayoom Lone Junior Stenographer presently posted in Court of CJM Handwara is selected and temporarily promoted as Sr. Scale Stenographer in the grade 6500-10500.

Natrang stages ‘Mahabhoj’ in Theatre Festival

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 17: A Dogri play- ‘Mahabhoj’, staged by Natrang theatre group of Jammu achieved the distinction for being the first non-Hindi play featured in the 13th National Theatre Festival held at Jabalpur.

A twenty-member team of the Group, returned here today after the successful presentation of the play in country’s one of the most prestigious theatre event. For the unique experimentation and innovation in direction, Balwant Thakur the director of Natrang group was also honoured on the occasion. The participation has brought honour to the Dogri.

The play is based on the famous novel of Mannu Bhandari and has been adopted by Padamshree Prof Ram Nath Shastri. Suraj Singh has scored its creative music.

In the play, Beesu, a fiery young man is murdered in a dastardly act. The murder of Beesu is sensationalised and every political party tries to earn maximum mileage out of it. The media magnifies this tragedy beyond proportions. The Chief Minister, mastermind behind the murder uses his murder as weapon to silence his opponents and tries to suppress internal unrest within party ranks. The hurt sentiments of people of ‘Saroha’ are nursed by installing a cottage industry project. A fresh inquiry is ordered into murder. The politics of power plays its dirty game once again and the truth becomes a casulty. A friend of Beesu and a crusader are falsely implicated and arrested.

More organisations, individuals pay
tributes to student martyrs

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 17: More organisations, students and individuals today paid rich tributes to four student martyrs who were killed in a police firing during an agitation in 1966.

JKNPP chairman Prof Bhim Singh, accompanied by MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia, P K Ganju and others, visited the Shahidi-sthal in front of GGM Science College and remembered the student martyrs. They offered flowers and paid tributes.

Prof Bhim Singh also addressed the gathering and appealed the students to take a pledge for fight against injustice and discrimination. On the occasion, Prof Singh also inaugurated the literacy campaign by PSU.

Cutting across the party lines, Jammu University scholars and students from different organisations also assembled at the Shahidi-sthal and jointly paid tributes to the martyrs.

Prominent among those, included Vikas Sharma, Vikrant Sharma, Shahnwaz, Anuradha Goswami, Sandeep Sandy, Vinay Sharma and others.

Neena Handa, sister of one of the student martyr Gulshan Handa, also visited the memorial and offered tributes.

Meanwhile, the three-day long fast by JJSF activists, being observed in memory of the student martyrs, entered into second day. A number of student leaders and social activists, who visited the Shahidi-sthal for paying tributes, also met JJSF activists and appreciated their commitment for a cause.

PUC directs Crime Branch to finalize
proceedings against Pvt firm

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Oct 17: The Committee on Public Undertakings (PUC) has directed the Crime Branch to speed up the investigation of a case relating to a Calcutta based dubious firm which was engaged with the extraction of gypsum from the State in joint venture with the Jammu and Kashmir Minerals Ltd and submit its report before the Committee enabling it to reach on a logical conclusion.

The PUC which met here today under the chairmanship of MLA, Abdul Rehman Veeri and discussed the functioning of Jammu and Kashmir Minerals Ltd and deliberated on the Audit Para of CAG’s Report for the year 2002-03.

The Committee expressed concern over the pace of investigation by the Crime Branch till date and asked the Investigating Agency to expedite the proceedings without further loss of time.

It may be mentioned here that during the year 1995, the J&K Minerals Ltd took a decision to extract the gypsum from Parlankha Gypsum Mine in a joint venture with a Calcutta based private firm namely Kashmir Gypsum Ltd. after executing necessary agreement about the terms and conditions. The J & K Minerals Ltd. released a sum of Rs. 58.60 lakh as 10 per cent of the equity participation of the project. Later it was established that the said private firm was a bogus and did not comply with the terms and conditions of the agreement. After this development, the J & K Minerals had filed a FIR and the Government also assigned the case to the Crime Branch for investigation for ascertaining the facts.

The IG Crime, P.L.Gupta present in the meeting briefed the Committee about the latest position of the case and said that the proceedings are near completion and hopefully completed within next couple of months.

Those present in the meeting include, legislators Lal Mohammad Sabir, M.Y.Shah, Ghulam Nabi Lone, Mir Saifullah, Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce, S.S.Kapoor, Director Accounts & Treasuries, M.I.Khandey, Managing Director, J& K Minerals Ltd, A.K.Khullar, Managing Director, Geology and Mining, Inayat Ullah Khan, Deputy Accountant General, J&K and Additional Secretary Assembly, Mohammad Ramzan.

Taj opens non levy, kerosene oil outlet

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Oct 17: To further streamline the distribution of Kerosene in the Valley, free sale of non-levy Kerosene oil would be made available to the consumers including industrialists and business establishments at the rate of Rs. 41.46 at various out lets. This was stated by Minister for Consumers Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) Taj Mohi-ud-Din while inaugurating the first non-levy kerosene out let at Hyderpora, Srinagar today.

The Minister said that the supply of non-levy kerosene to the consumers would help check the diversion of subsidized kerosene to different agencies meant for consumers of the Valley. Owing to frequent disruption of electricity during the winter months the Minister said the people in Valley face various hardships as such kerosene oil must be available in all depots in abundance.

Mr. Taj said the supply of non-levy kerosene would also check the black marketing by the dealers who otherwise indulge in hoarding of quotas meant for consumers of the Valley. The Minister warned those dealers to desist from this practice otherwise their licenses would be cancelled. However he appreciated the work of those dealers who distributed their quotas and collected the coupons from the consumers transparently.

Speaking on the occasion Minister of the State for CAPD Manjeet Singh appreciated the efforts for installing the non-levy kerosene outlets in the valley. He said that this would ease the availability position and curtail its black marketing. He said different agencies who are in need of kerosene would get the supply without facing hardships. He suggested that more such outlets be opened in all the districts for the benefit of consumers.

Power employees stage demonstration

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 17: The power employees owing allegiance to J&K Electrical Employees Joint Action Forum today staged a demonstration in front of Power Development Corporation (PDC) Complex Bimina in protest against the police lathi charge at the employees in front of Exhibition Ground here yesterday who were staging a dharna in support of their various demands.

The demonstration was led by Mir Ghulam Rasool, chairman of the Fourm and among others it was addressed by Rafiq Ahmed Khanyari, president of Non Gazetted Electric Employees Union, Abdul Ahad Khandey, Mohammed Ramzan Kumar and Mohammed Shaban.

They, while condemning the yesterday’s police lathicharge blamed the authorities for sleeping over the employees demands. They warned that the Forum will intensify its agitation incase the long pending demands of the power employees were not solved.

The employees are demanding convening of DPC, abolition of lower grades, change of designation on pattern of PHE, regularisation of daily wagers and release of two and half days pay for drivers in the Department.

Mir Ghulam Rasool said that the demonstrations were staged by power employees at all district headquarters in the Valley.

KCC delegation meets Secy GAD

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Oct 17 : A delegation of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce, comprising of senior vice president N.A. Dar, Rouf Punjabi and Mohammad Ibrahim Shahdad called on Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department, Khurshid A. Ganai in his office chambers here today.

The delegation conveyed the appreciation of the chamber to the efforts being made by Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad for improvement of governance and eradication of corruption in the State. They pointed out that General Administration Department was the key player in the whole process of governance, and it needs to issue clear guidelines to the subordinate offices so that there is perceptible change.

The delegation assure the higher authorities that chamber fully supports Govt's efforts for the improvement in governance.

The delegation urged the Government for improvement of road and power infrastructure in the Valley, augmentation of parking places in Srinagar city, lifting of ban on parking at Hari Singh High Street, dredging of flood channels, ban on polythene, fencing of Badambagh and conservation of Dal Lake, construction of fly-over at Hyderpora and Aloochi Bagh, over bridge near Government Women College and ban on entry of organized baggers from outside the State.