Raju gets affectionate adieu

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar Oct 27 : An affectionate send-off was given to Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) Radhavinod Raju on his deputation to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI),New Delhi as a Joint Director at an impressive farewell function held under the chairmanship of Director General of Police, Gopal Sharma at Police Headquarters (PHQ) here today.

Senior police officers including Inspector General of Police (Headquarters) J.A. Makhdoomi and other PHQ staff members were present.

Speaking on the occasion, the DGP appreciated the qualities of head and heart and professional acumen of Mr.Raju and recalled his association with him spanning nearly three decades. He said Mr. Raju is not only an expert of high reputes in investigating toughest cases but he is also a great human being that has endeared him to all who so comes into his contact.

Reciprocating the sentiments expressed by the DGP, Mr Raju thanked all ranks and file of the Police Organization in Jammu and Kashmir for extending him full support, cooperation in discharge of his duties in various capacities during the past three decades.

Earlier in his address, the Inspector General of Police, J.A. Makhdoomi said that deputation of Mr. Raju to CBI will certainly enrich that organization with his rich experience and top professional commitment; however the state police organization will certainly miss his absence. He appreciated the work ethics of Mr.Raju and guidance he always give to his juniors wherever sought for.

Kashmir is embedded in India’s soul: Governor

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 27: Governor Lt. General (Retd) S.K. Sinha today said that Jammu and Kashmir will remain an integral part of India as it is embedded in the soul of the nation.

"Any initiative between India and Pakistan will have no impact on the integrity of the nation and Kashmir will continue to prosper as proud part of the country", the Governor said while paying tributes to Brigadier Rajinder Singh at a function here this evening.

"They call Kashmir as a jugular vein of Pakistan and we believe that it is embedded in India’s soul", the Governor said while referring to the statements of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh that borders cannot be redrawn. He said Pakistan has forced several wars on India to annex Kashmir and when failed they launched the proxy war which too is destined to meet its own death.

General Sinha wished peace process with Pakistan to progress, saying that this will open up new vistas of progress and development in the region benefitting peoples of the sub-continent. He said democracy has fully blossomed in India and wished democratic rights to be restored where it has been denied in the neighbouring country.

The Governor paid glowing tributes to Brigadier Rajinder Singh and said that his heroism had added one more chapter to the golden history of Duggar valour. He said Jammu is not only the land of temples but is an abode of warriors too. He said that he could not meet this great hero when he reached Baramulla as a young Major because of the martyrdom attained by Brigadier Rajinder Singh. He said contribution of Dogra generals and warriors in expanding the state’s territory and preserving its integrity can never be forgotten.

Minister of R&B Gulchain Singh Charak while paying glowing tributes to Brig Rajinder Singh said that his supreme sacrifice would be remembered by the grateful nation for times to come.

He said that Duggar has the proud distinction of producing great generals and veteran warriors, whose achievements and sacrifices have been written in golden letters in the military history of the country.

Mr. Charak also dwelt on the efforts and liberal assistance being provided by the central government for protection, preservation and conservation of historic monuments in the State.

Corps Commander 16 Corps Lt. Gen T.K. Sapru, GOC 26 Inf. Div Maj Gen Sanjeev Loomba and Maj Gen (retd) G.S. Jamwal also spoke on the occasion, recalled the supreme sacrifice of Brig Rajinder Singh and paid glowing tributes to him.

Patriotic songs and soulful renditions by the artists and school children throwing light on the valour of Brig Rajinder Singh formed part of the impressive function.

Senior serving and retired Army personnel, civil officers, prominent citizens and daughter of Brig Rajinder Singh, Urvashi Pathania were among others present on the occasion.

3 killed, 7 injured in road accidents

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 27: Three persons were killed and seven others received injuries in separate road accidents.

Police spokesman said that a pedestrian was killed and two others received severe injuries when a Tractor bearing registration number JK012-0657 hit them at Betab Bridge under the jurisdiction of Poonch Police Station.

All the critically injured pedestrians were rushed to hospital where one of them succumbed to injuries. The condition of injured was stated to be critical when reports last came in.

The deceased has been identified as Mohinder Singh, son of Gajan Singh of Gulpur while injured have been identified as Nar Singh, son of Ram Singh and Liyaqat Ali, son of Mohd Bashir, both the residents of Ajyote.

Police has registered a case in this connection.

Meanwhile, one Gudu Devi, wife of Sansar Chand of Hiranagar, who received severe injuries in road accident yesterday, succumbed to injuries today in Government Medical College Hospital.

Another accident victim—Surinder Kumar, son of Madan Lal of Reasi, who received severe injuries in road accident at Reasi, succumbed to injuries today.

The spokesman said that five persons were injured in separate road accidents reported from different parts of Jammu city and outskirts. They have been identified as Usha Sadhu, wife of M K Sadhu of Patoli, Rattan Singh, son of Krishan Singh of Udhampur, Patimber, son of Naranjan of Raya Morh, Parshotam, son of Charan Dass of Chatha and Sanjay Kumar, son of Parkash Chand of Hiranagar.

Meanwhile, two persons—Hafeez Ahmad, son of Shah Ali of Sujwan and Subash Lal of Hiranagar allegedly consumed poisonous substances at their respective residences. They were rushed to hospital when spotted unconscious. Doctors immediately provided them stomach wash treatment followed by other medicare. Their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in.

Woman facing murder charges acquitted after 10 years

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Oct 27: Second Additional Sessions Judge Jammu Ashok Kumar Koul today acquitted Bhag Kour, wife of Krishan Singh of R S Pura, who was facing trial for allegedly committing murder of a close relative, Dewan Chand in December, 1996.

According to the prosecution case, on December 28, 1996, Dewan Chand (deceased) around 10:30 AM, was his residence when accused started hurling abuses at Bachno Devi. In the meantime deceased arrived on spot and forbade the accused from abusing Bachno Devi. Since accused had some previous enmity with deceased, she started beating him and picked up a brick and hit it on the head of the deceased, which caused his death.

The police registered a case u/s 302 RPC and started investigation. Dead body was taken over by police and post-mortem conducted and after completion of the investigation, challan was presented in the court of law. The Court after considering the arguments of Advocate B L Kalgotra appearing for the accused framed charges against accused u/s 304 (II) RPC instead of section 302 RPC.

This order was challenged before the High Court, but the order was upheld. The prosecution examined number of witnesses.

According to the final opinion of Dr. C S Gupta who had conducted post-mortem on the body of the deceased, it was observed that in view of post-mortem examination and histopathological examination of heart, the doctor was of the opinion that death in this case was due to Ischemic Heart Disease as a result of occlusion of coronary arteries. The report is in the opinion of doctor that injuries mentioned in the report are not sufficient to cause death.

In the 11 pages acquittal judgment, Mr. Koul observed that as per the prosecution witness Sansar Chand was the first to reach on spot but this witness, has not supported the prosecution case. He even denied any seizure having been made in his presence, so the lone eye-witness examined has failed to support the prosecution story.

There is yet another important aspect which goes to the root of the case. The medical evidence appears to be totally inconsistent with the ocular version of eye-witness, as per Dr. C S Gupta, deceased had three external injuries. What is important in his statement, his final opinion, which he has given after receiving histopathological examination report of heart and has concluded that death was due to heart disease?’’, the court observed.

It further observed that a large number of people were present on spot, but none came out in support of prosecution. It is one thing that independent evidence would not be available, but where it is available and those are either not associated or they do not support the case is surely a situation, which casts doubt on the entire prosecution story. Defence theory is that deceased fell from the foot-bridge and sustained head-injury. A number of witnesses have been examined by accused, all of whom state like that and also about non-presence of prosecution witnesses on spot. So, on one hand there is doubtful link created by the prosecution between the accused and guilt and on the other hand defence theory also appears to be near logic and reason. It is so because the medical report can be read in support of defence version so it does not support the prosecution stand. So defence version cannot be rejected outrightly as it can also be a possible account. The prosecution story does not inspire confidence and it would be hazardous to rely one the witnesses of the prosecution.

With these observations, the Court said that it is fair to say that this case suffers from serious infirmities which create a reasonable doubt about the truthfulness of the prosecution story. The evidence on record does not inspire confidence and so it would be hazardous to base the final opinion on this evidence. The only opinion in such circumstances is to give benefit of doubt to the accused. This case is accordingly dismissed and accused is acquitted be given benefit of doubt, the court held.

Huge haul of liquor recovered from truck

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 27: Continuing drive against drug peddlers and illegal sale of liquor, Doda Police today recovered huge haul of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) from a salt loaded truck.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Doda Manohar Singh said that on a specific information a naka was laid at Malhori Pass under the jurisdiction of Assar Police Station and a truck bearing registration number JK01A-2379 was intercepted.

From the truck loaded with salt bags, police recovered 239 bottles (180 ml each) of Officer’s Choice Whiskey, 86 bottles (375 ml each) of Director Special Whiskey, 95 bottles (375 ml each) of Aristocrat and 192 bottles (180 ml each) of Aristocrat Whiskey.

Truck driver Mohd Sharief, son of Abdul Aziz of Jathi Doda was immediately arrested under Section 48 Excise Act and truck seized.

During questioning, the truck driver revealed that he had brought the liquor from Saharanpur Punjab with the sole purpose to sell the same illegally in various parts of Srinagar.

"We have also come to know about the other persons involved in this illegal trade and they will be arrested shortly", the SSP said.

DFO Poonch seizes 3 trucks with forest produce

Excelsior Correspondent

SURANKOTE, Oct 27: In a drive against timber smugglers, Divisional Forest Officer, Poonch, Brij Mohan Sharma alongwith Range Officer, Haveli, N. H. Shah and Range Officer, Surankote Mr. Mohd. Hussain intercepted three trucks loaded with forest produce and timber which were being escorted from Mandi Poonch to Jammu at Forest Check Post Surankote here today.

During the raid, truck No JKR-2197 which was loaded with kail scants hidden under the bags of walnut was intercepted at Forest Check Post, Surankote while two other trucks bearing No. 8557 and 9907 drove away speedily but the officials of the Forest Check Post, Bhimber Gali were informed immediately and all the three trucks were taken into custody where from they were taken to district headquarter Poonch for initiating legal proceedings against the offenders.

Meanwhile, the Range Officer, Surankote also seized three saw mills and after dismantling them, the machinery was taken into custody to ensure compliance of Supreme Court direction.

Infantry Day celebrated

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 27: The Northern Command of the Indian Army celebrated the 59th anniversary of Infantry Day today.

A solemn wreath laying ceremony was held at Command War Memorial where a wreath was laid by Lt Gen Rajinder Singh, Chief of Staff, Northern Command.

The ceremony was held to pay tributes to those gallant soldiers who made the supreme sacrifices, in service of the Nation, in Jammu and Kashmir.

The State of Jammu and Kashmir and Infantry Day enjoy a unique and unprecental bond. It was on this day in 1947 that in response to the signing of the Instrument of Accession, that the first contingent of Indian Army (Sikh Regiment) landed at Srinagar airfield and resolutely defended Srinagar from Pakistani tribal raiders.

Tiger Division also celebrated the Infantry Day today by paying tributes to the brave soldiers.

At a War Memorial here, serving and retired officers, JCOs and jawans paid homage to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives for the country.

The ceremony began with General Officer Commanding Tiger Division, Maj Gen Sanjeev Loomba, laying wreath at Amar jawan Jyoti followed by other serving, retired and civil officials.

Dogra Ratan awards ceremony held
Winds of change start blowing in J&K: Sinha

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 27: Expecting restoration of normalcy and peace in the turmoil-hit State, Governor Jammu and Kashmir Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha has said that winds of change have already started blowing across the state.

Addressing a large gathering at a function organised here to confer Dogra Ratan Award held here this evening, the Governor said that the State has seen lot of blood-shed and turmoil in the past.The people here are now yearning for peace.

The Governor, referred to the response of people in Baramulla to observe 27 October as the day when Indian troops came to save Kashmir from Pakistani raiders and said this demonstrates their deep concern and yearn for peace. He said despite bandh call, over 5000 people including a large number of children joined the peace rally in Baramulla town this morning.

He lauded the valour of Dogra warriors and defending the territorial integrity of the state and the country. He said their saga of bravery will be written with golden letters in the history of India and the state.

In his welcome address Prof Bhim Singh said that Dogra awards are being presented to the distinguished persons for their contributions in rebuilding the state and promoting its art, culture and languages. He said whosoever stands for the integrity of the country is Dogra Ratan. Noted Dogri poetess, Padma Sachdev also spoke on the occasion.

Later, the Governor presented awards to 22 persons.

Those awarded at the glittering function here included-Justice K K Gupta, Prof M R Puri (Former Vice Chancellor of JU), Prof Amitabh Mattoo (VC, JU), Mohd Yousuf Taing, Prof Champa Sharma (Former HOD, Dogri Deptt JU), Jitender Udhampuri ( writer & poet), Ghulam Mohd (singer), Om Saraf, Veteran leader Rishi Kumar Koushal, Capt Dewan Singh (Ex-ADC to Maharaja Hari Singh), Abdul Ghani Goni, Masood Hussain, G M Mir Poonchi, Zulfqarnain Khan ( A Jammu born PoK president), Dr Father Aziz William ( Posthumously), Sonum Narboo, D D Thakur ( Ex-DyCM), Om Mehta-Parliamentarian (Posthumously), Ghulam Qadir Bondey ( Posthumously), Maqbool Sherwani (Posthumously).

However, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and former J&K Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah who were also among the awardees could make it to attend the function. Senior NC leader Ajay Sadhotra received the award on behalf of Dr Abdullah. On behalf of the awardees- Dr William, Om Mehta, G Q Bondey, Maqbool Sherwani, Mir Poonchi and Sonam Norboo, their family members received awards.

The members of the Selection Committee of the Dogra Ratan Awards included- Former Vice Chancellor of JU, Dr R R Sharma, S Rangil Singh, Mrs Padma Sachdev, Dr Zahoor-ud-Din and D C Parshant.

Tax Bar Association for extension in date
for submitting VAT audit report

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 27: Tax Bar Association, Jammu, at a meeting held under the chairmanship of its president, Rattan Lal Gupta, discussed the problems being faced by traders of the Jammu and Kashmir under VAT Act.

The members of the Association expressed anguish over filling of VAT Audit Reports and annual returns of VAT keeping in view the season of festivals and also being maiden year.

It was recalled that the Government authorities had promised with the Tax Bar Association and other trade organisations of the State that they would issue SRO regarding these issues. They noted with concern that no SRO has been issued so far by the Government.

The meeting of the Association unanimously adopted a resolution which reads as follows:

Being a maiden years and due to technical entities involved in the VAT Audit Report and moreover, due to number of festivals during this month, it is not feasible for the trading community to submit the VAT Audit Report by the month of October, 2006, is as such impressed upon the Government to extend the date of submission of VAT Audit Report by the end of December, 2006.

Bhalla inaugurates tube-well at Gandhi Nagar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 27 : The State Government is fully determined to make available drinking water facilities besides other basic amenities to all sections of the society equally.

This was stated by the MLA Gandhi Nagar Raman Bhalla while inaugurating a tube-well at Gandhi Nagar posh colony here this morning. It has been completed at a cost of Rs.50 lakh.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Bhalla said that the tube-well with capacity to discharge 15,000 gallons of water per hour would cater to the drinking water needs of those living at the tail end area . He stated that two dozens tube-wells would be constructed in Gandhi Nagar in near future to meet the growing demand of increasing population.

He said that demand of more water has been fully tackled with the cooperation of senior officers of Public Health Engineering Department and hoped similar help would be received in future for completion of other projects. He said that old water pipes would be replaced with new ones with larger capacity would be laid keeping in view the future demand of the people.

JMM condemns PDP for propagating ‘self rule’

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 27: Jammu Mukti Morcha has strongly condemned the PDP for propagating ‘self rule’ proposal as a solution to resolve J&K issue, before the UN Assembly.

In a joint press statement, issued by Prof Virender Gupta, H B Khajuria, Vikram Gaur, B M Kohli and Chanderuday Sharma, the JMM leaders said that the PDP’s move would amount to internationalisation of J&K issue and inviting outside interference in the internal affairs of India. Except for a few PDP leaders, there is no taker of self rule proposal on J&K, they said and stressed that the people of J&K were by and large opposed to self rule as well as greater autonomy. "The fact of the matter is that even PDP leaders are not able to explain the self rule," they claimed.

The JMM leaders reiterated the party’s stand that any solution of Jammu and Kashmir problem has to be evolved within the framework of Indian Constitution with the purpose to bring the State in the national mainstream without damaging integrity and solidarity of the country. People of all the sections and regions of the State have to be taken into confidence and their aspirations have to be met, they said and added that the solution lies only in re-organisation of J&K State.

JU students protest against ‘misbehaviour’ by Professor

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 27: Protest demonstration over alleged misbehaviour by a Jammu University Professor with his students led to cancellation of Kathak Dance recital programme on the campus by renowned artists Padamshri Shovana Narayan, here today.

Shouting slogans against the JU authorities and a Professor of Bio-diversity, the agitating students and scholars stormed the University auditorium and did not allow the classical dance programme even to take off.

The protesters were demanding stern action against the erring Professor and a complete ban on re-employment in the University.

Activists of JSSM, ABVP and JJSF joined hands to lodge the protest against alleged misbehaviour by Professor R L Mattoo, who is Academic Co-ordinator of Bio-diversity course in Jammu University.

Though the University authorities tried to pacify the agitating students, the latter did not allow holding of the programme. The high-voltage drama continued for more than half an hour and ultimately culminated with cancellation of the programme.

Earlier, in the afternoon, a deputation of student had also tried to apprise the Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo about their resentment but the latter could not be approached.

The students have warned to continue their stir if no action is taken against the erring Professor.

PDD employees assaulted by villagers, 3 arrested

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 27: Two employees of the Power Development Department (PDD) were assaulted by inhabitants of Gangwa Parwah village under the jurisdiction of Domana Police Station.

Reports said that a team of PDD employees from Sub-Division-I visited the village for inspection of the power connections and removed some connections which were being operated without any permission of the Department.

Some villagers prevented the PDD employees from performing their official duties and attacked them. After inflicting severe injuries on two employees, the accused fled from the spot leaving behind the victim bleeding profusely.

Both the critically injured PDD employees—Subash Kachroo and Balbir Singh were rushed to Government Medical College Hospital and provided treatment. Both the employees have received injuries on their heads and other parts of the body.

Later, Coordination Committee of the Power Employees Union led by president of Provincial Power Employees Union (PPEU) Shakti Gupta and president of Linemen and Workers Union Gulam Nabi Bhat and president ITI Diploma Holders Union Jasbir Singh staged dharna at M&RE Sub-Divisional-I at Canal Head in protest against the attack on two employees of the Department.

They demanded immediate registration of FIR against the villagers. Following their protest, Domana Police registered a case under Section 341 and 332 RPC against the villagers identified by them.

All the three accused were immediately arrested by a police team headed by SHO Domana Pyar Singh Katoch.

Meanwhile, J&K Central Non-Gazetted Electrical Employees Union condemned the attack on PDD employees.

Aggrieved B Ed candidates force suspension of admission

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 27: Aggrieved B Ed candidates continued their protest for the fifth consecutive day and held a demonstration in front of the Government College of Education, here today.

Shouting slogans against the Board of Professional Entrance Examination (BPEE), they forced suspension of ongoing admission process at the B Ed Colleges and locked the room where admission was being held.

They were demanding admission to all the candidates whose names figure in the first selection list, issued by BPEE on October 7.

The protesting B Ed candidates were also joined by some activists of Jammu Joint Students Federation (JJSF) and Jammu State Students Morcha (JSSM). Both the organisations have already extended their support to the aggrieved B Ed students.

The protest demonstration was also addressed by some student leaders, including Sunil Sharma and Pushvinder Singh who warned the BPEE authorities to accord admission to all the candidates who were declared selected or face agitation.

Limited Edition Pulsar-180 unveiled

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 27: Jammu Bajaj, a unit of Jammu Motors Private Limited, unveiled Pulsar 180 (Limited Edition) at its showroom at B C Road Jammu.

The Limited Edition Pulsar 180 bikes with unique micro orange colour and chrome decals were sold through a bidding process

Vinit Aggarwal, director of Jammu Bajaj, handed over the keys of motor bikes to two highest bidders namely Gurmukh Singh and Ravi Kumar. Alongwith bike, the owners of the Limited Edition were also given gift of Swiss made Pulsar brand watch.

As a mark of goodwill, the amount excess of ex-showroom price of the Limited Edition Pulsar, was donated to representatives of Home for Aged and Infirm.

Speaking on the occasion, Sushil Sharma, Sales Manager of Jammu Bajaj, highlighted the advantages and main features of Pulsar-180 range. He disclosed that Bajaj Auto Limited has beefed up its Pulsar 180 range with state of art upgradation. It has got aggressive masked fairing with wolf eye headlamps, back light LCD digital sppedo and techometer console, twin slash LED tail lamp, sculpted side panels, self conceling clear lens blinkers, non-contact bacelit control switches, high performance black alloy wheels, nitrox-nitrogen assisted gas shockers, DTSI and world’s first exhaust TEC technology which improves power and fuel economy of the bike.

LAHDC holds function, highlights achievements

Excelsior Correspondent

LEH (LADAKH), Oct 27: A grand function was organized by Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council,(LAHDC) at Pologround here , today on the completion of its one year. The function started with a mass procession from Old Bus Stand here and concluded at the venue of function.

The Chief Executive Councilor and Chairman LAHDC, Leh, Mr Tsering Dorje was the chief guest on the occasion. The function was also attended by the MLA Nobra, Mr Pintoo Narboo, Executive Councilors Tresing Narboo Lampa, Dorje Motup, Tsewang Rigzin and Mohammed Khan besides a large number of people and religious leaders.

The speakers highlighted the importance of the day. They also recalled the developmental activities achieved by the present Hill Council.

Addressing the function, Mr Tsering Dorje said present Hill Council is committed to provide all basic amenities to the people. He gave a detailed resume of the activities registered during the last one year and said that during this period the prestigious projects like Kubet Bridge, Sub District Hospital Khaltsi were commissioned and dedicated to the public.

He also said that 167 posts of ANM and 144 teachers were appointed during this period and the posts lying vacant for many years were filled up.

He said the Polytechnic College was made functional by recruiting 90 students in the first instance and 125 Anganwari centers were opened and workers appointed.

Kavinder Gupta elected BJP chief for Jammu urban

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 26: Mr Kavinder Gupta was unanimously elected the president of BJP district Jammu Urban today. He was declared elected to the post by State president of the Party, Dr Nirmal Singh who is also election incharge for Jammu district.

Mr Gupta has already served as district president of the Party. Later addressing the BJP activists, Dr Nirmal Singh said, Mr Gupta is an experienced person who has already served as district president of Jammu urban. He appealed the Partymen to strengthen his hands.

Mr Gupta, while seeking cooperation of the Partymen assured them that he will leave no stone unturned in strengthening the organization.

On the occasion Party general secretary, Ashok Khajuria, senior vice president Prof Hari Om and Ravinder Gupta were elected to State council from Jammu East Mandal, Gandhi Nagar Mandal and Jammu West Mandal respectively.

Among others who were present on the occasion include MLA Jugal Kishore Sharma, Shiv Kumar Gupta, Chander Mohan Gupta, Vikram Randhwa, Ramesh Sharma, Yudhvir Sethi, Rakesh Gupta and Vinay Gupta.

AIKHF, Democratic Youth Front highlight problems

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 27: All India Kashmir Hindu Forum (AIKHF) has expressed grave concern over the plight of displaced Pandits from Valley.

The Forum chief and Apex Committee member on migrants R L Bhan in a statement has urged the Government to take immediate steps in mitigating the sufferings of displaced people.

He reiterated the demand for special employment package, payment of relief in favour of bifurcated families and restoration of migrants land and property in Valley.

Mr Bhan also expressed his anguish over the installation of electronic meters in migrants quarters saying the people getting a paltry sum of Rs 3000 as cash assistance can’t bear the expenses of electricity. He demanded that Government should continue to supply free of cost power to displaced people putting up in various government quarters as has been decided previously.

Meanwhile J&K Democratic Youth Welfare Front president Ajay Bharti has also urged the Government not to install electronic meters in quarters occupied by displaced people. The Government should bear the expenses of migrants putting up in these quarters including rent and power tariff he demanded.