Pak army trying to prevent surrender by militants

BARAMULLA, Apr 29: The Pakistan army is keeping a close watch on militants in 52 training camps across the Line of Control (LoC) to ensure that they do not surrender to Indian authorities, senior Army officials have said.

Despite the ongoing peace process, the training camps across the border are still operational and hundreds of trained militants are ready to find their way into the Kashmir valley, they said.

The Indian Army has learnt that over 700 Kashmiri youths who have been trained in training camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are ready to infiltrate into the Indian side.

"According to our information, there are 52 training camps operational in Pakistan and PoK and five of them are in Muzaffarabad alone," Brig Narinder Pal Singh Hira, Station Commander of 12 Infantry Brigade said.

The Indian Army has a list of Kashmiri boys who crossed the LoC and is in constant touch with their parents to motivate their children to surrender.

Hira said the Pakistan army is keeping a close eye on the militants to thwart such efforts. "The Pakistan Army is imposing strict checks and doesn't give safe routes to militants who cross the LoC to ensure they don’t surrender to the Army," he said.

But the Indian Army is hopeful that a majority of Kashmiri youths in Pakistan want to come back and surrender. "We learnt from militants who surrendered earlier that a majority of Kashmiri boys in PoK want to surrender," said Hira.

"They tell us that Kashmiri boys in PoK have realised the intentions of Pakistan and the discrimination that they face in such camps have affected their morale to fight and die against the Indian Army," Hira said.

The 12 Brigade mans a 300-km stretch of the LoC in Uri sector.

Of the five training camps in Muzaffarabad, four —Boi, Garhi Habbibullah, Butrasi or Jungle Mungle and Khewari — are more active.

"More than 700 boys, mostly Kashmiris who were trained in these camps, are ready to cross the LoC," said Hira.

While the Army prepares to tackle any inflow of infiltrators from PoK, it has reason to be satisfied as the number of youths exfiltrating from the Indian side has shown a steep decline.

"There is a considerable drop in the number of Kashmiris youth who want to exfiltrate to PoK for weapons training there," said Maj Gen Ramesh Halgali, the Officer Commanding the 19 Infantry Division.

The Army also feels the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service has played a major role in bringing about a change in the ground situation.

"Through the bus service, Kashmiri youths across the LoC come to know about the actual condition in the Kashmir valley," said Hira. (PTI)

Govt to reply in Parliament on LeT flags at rally

VARANASI, Apr 29: Under fire from the opposition BJP on raising of anti-India slogans and display of Lashkar-e-Toiba’s flags at a public meeting in Srinagar, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil today said the Government will reply on the issue in Parliament.

"The Government would respond to the issue in Parliament during the ongoing session," he said in reply to a volley of questions seeking the Centre’s stand on the issue.

Patil hinted at the Government’s displeasure over the incident by saying, "who can support the incident?"

The Union Home Minister, however, maintained that the terrorist and subversive activities in the strife-torn Jammu and Kashmir has come down due to a series of measures taken by the Centre and State Governments for the economic development of the State.

Apart from sanction of Rs 26,000 crore package for economic development, several rounds of Round-Table Conferences have been convened by the Centre with the representatives of various political parties for ushering in peace and tranquillity in the State, the results of which have been showing at the ground level.

Patil said there had been a 40 per cent drop in terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir and the North East during the Congress ruled United Progressive Alliance regime at the Centre.

"Terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir and the North East has dipped significantly by 40 per cent during the UPA regime. Recently, at the Round Table Conference on Jammu and Kashmir in New Delhi chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, reports of various committees and sub-comittees on terrorism in the Valley were tabled which that suggested a significant drop in terrorist activities," Mr Patil maintained.

The Home Minister added the Government was not at all soft on terror, but was applying a balanced and humane approach to tackle it in the Valley and North East.

"While we are dealing sternly with terrorists killing innocents, we are also ushering development for the terror torned province. Funds amounting to Rs 26,000 crore have been pumped in the State," he claimed.

"The naxal problem in Andhra Pradesh has declined by almost 60 per cent, but the same menace has shot up by identical percentage in both Jharkhand and Chattisgarh," he added.

While Andhra Pradesh is ruled by a Congress Government, BJP governs the tribal State of Chattisgarh and a coalition Government headed by an independent Madhu Koda is in power in Jharkhand.

Urging the media to abstain from reporting small incidents to suggest that terrorism was on the rise in the province, Mr Patil maintained, "even I can point incidents like the terrorist strike on Parliament and the attack on the Akshardham Temple in Gujarat to highlight the velocity of terror in the past."

Trying hard to evade a battery of media queries related to terrorism, Mr Patil said, "the media is behaving even more proactively than the opposition. Whatever I have to answer I will do it on the floor of Parliament and not before the media." (Agencies)

Treat PRC as travel permit, allow tourists, ill people to cross
Open 7 new cross-LoC points: WG

By Sanjeev Pargal

JAMMU, Apr 29: Working Group on "Strengthening Relations Across the Line of Control" headed by M Rasgotra has recommended liberal travel regime for the people of two divided parts of Jammu and Kashmir including treating Permanent Resident Certificates (PRCs) as basic document for issuing travel permit. It recommended opening of seven additional routes for bus service between divided State and two additional contact/meeting points.

The Group, which was among five Working Groups set up after second Round Table Conference in Srinagar in May last year, has also called for broadening scope of visits across LoC by including more persons instead of confining the issuance of travel permits only to divided families. Out of five Groups, four have submitted their reports. Only the Group on "Strengthening of Centre-State relations’’ which had on its agenda the controversial subjects of self rule and autonomy is yet to submit its report.

"Persons who want to visit various places for tourism in groups (but not as individuals), places of religious interest and those who are in need of medical aid (provided they carry requisite medical documents) be added to the category of persons already eligible for travel across the LoC", the Group, which held three meetings—one in Srinagar and two in Jammu— has suggested.

The Group has favoured opening of seven new cross-LoC routes to increase frequency of bus services which, at present, is confined to Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakot. The new points recommended by the Group for bus service include Kargil-Skardu, Jammu-Sialkote, Turtuk-Khapulu, Chhamb Jourian-Mirpur (across Munawar Tawi), Gurez-Astoor-Gilgit, Titwal-Chilhan (across Neelam valley) and Jhangar (Nowshera)-Mirpur and Kotli.

Two additional contact/meetings points suggested by the Group are Hundurman on Kargil-Skardu route and a suitable point at Turtul-Khapulu route, both in Ladakh region. It also proposed that traditional Leh-Xinjiang route may be considered for opening across the LAC (of the border) with China with Leh being promoted as an alternative for Kailash-Mansarovar yatra.

The Working Group was of the view that the initiative to open new routes should be taken by the authorities unilaterally regardless of the nature of response of PoK/Pakistan authorities and announcement of the decision should be followed up with the establishment of integrated check posts at crossing points, in particular at the points which are designated for trade movement. Persons holding passports and visa should also be allowed to travel on Jammu-Sialkote route for which appropriate mechanism may be created.

"On production of the PRC, security clearance should be completed without fail within a maximum period of two months by security authorities and result communicated to the applicant", the Group said in its final report. However, in the case of traders, it added, the permit should be of multiple entry/exit and valid for a minimum one year.

"In case of an emergency like serious illness, death or marriage in the family, the permission should be granted on priority basis. Applications for travel permit may be accepted and disposed off at designated offices at Anantnag, Baramulla, Poonch and Rajouri in addition to existing designated offices at Jammu and Srinagar", the Group said.

The Group recommended setting up of a Joint Consultative Group comprising 10 members each of Legislatures of both sides to exchange views periodically on social, economic, cultural and trade related matters of mutual interest. It asked the State Government to take an initiative in this regard.

"Two sides may be encouraged to undertake consultations, as necessary, for the provision of disaster and relief measures during calamities and epidemics. Joint Consultative Groups of professionals may be set up for horticulture, tourism promotion and environment protection. There should be a programme for removal of land mines for better utilisation of agriculture and grazing lands", the Working Group suggested.

It recommended that Universities in Jammu and Kashmir may be authorised to organise exchange of visits between students and faculty members on two sides of the LoC. Students of constituency and affiliated colleges of the Universities will also be eligible for such group visits and exchanges. The concerned Vice Chancellors may take the initiative in this regard, it said.

It favoured organising visits of school students from both Government and private institutions with the initiative of Director of Education. To begin with, the Universities may organise short term (20 to 30 days) courses in certain specific subjects and award certificates of participation as may be deemed appropriate. "The grant of admission in certain specific courses on regular basis to PoK students in J&K Universities may be sympathetically considered", it suggested.

"Exchanges of groups of journalists, academicians, lawyers and other groups, which may be identified after due consultation, may be authorised by the Government. Cultural trips in the field of music, dance and drama may be encourage and shows organised at designated places. Telephone calls, both landline and mobile, should be allowed across the LoC. A decision to this effect may be taken after due consideration of security aspects", it recommended.

It recommended that a Joint Consultative Machinery of officials and representatives of trade and commerce (including the Chamber of Commerce) from both sides be formed to resolve any difficulties in flow of trade and commerce. The list of items for export/import should include, inter-alia, handicrafts, fruits, cement, iron, medicines, sugar, basmati rice, machinery and equipments, sport goods including raw material like willow clefts, plastic pipes and other items, manufactured or assembled by the small scale industry in Jammu and Kashmir. For import, it suggested, the concerned chambers/traders of PoK be asked to provide the list that can be finalised in consultation with their counterparts in J&K.

"The goods be allowed to be transported in special vehicles (trucks/mini-trucks) to be authorised to travel across the LoC direct to the destinations for which the groups are intended. In case there are initial difficulties in this regard, transport depots at the LoC should be earmarked", it recommended. It called for exemption of Customs duty on exchange of goods initially for a period of three years on reciprocal basis.

The Group recommended that both sides should organise trade fairs at prominent places as also on small scale at some agreed border points. Roads on which goods and passenger traffic will take place may be widened and resurfaced to better specifications, in particular, Aman Setu bridge be reconstructed/extensively repaired.

"Ultimate aim would be to encourage, in stages, the creation of a Free Trade Area comprising J&K and PoK, modalities for the same being worked out between the two sides, issues of State taxes on goods traded across the LoC may be determined by the State Government after due consideration of all relevant aspects", the Group said.

Encroachment bid on graveyard
Papa Kishtwari arrested amid clashes in Pampore

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Apr 29: Ghulam Mohammad Lone alias Papa Kishtwari, one of the most prominent counter-insurgents of yesteryears, was arrested by Police when his act of encroachment on a local graveyard triggered off massive protests and ding-dong clashes between Police and residents in the saffron-rich highway township of Pampore today.

Informed sources told EXCELSIOR that hundreds of residents at Frastbal locality in Pampore gathered on the highway and blocked traffic in the forenoon today while registering their strong protest against Papa Kishtwari’s alleged act of encroachment of land on a graveyard. They complained that the former counter-insurgent had encroached upon a part of the graveyard and sold it off to Saifco Floor Mills which needed an approach road. They alleged that Papa had forcibly felled a large number of trees on the premises adjacent to Ziarat Chaharyar and Police had not only provided a helping hand but also remained mute spectator to the whole episode of outrage since last week.

Rather than taking any action against Papa Kishtwari, Police swooped on the demonstrators with batons, tearsmoke and firing in air. Even as five of the demonstrators sustained injuries in the Police action, an angry mob put up resistance and directed an attack on Papa’s CRPF-guarded house. Guards of CRPF 77 Bn as also a personal security officer of the protected politician opened fire. Bullets hit a passenger bus in which two more persons sustained gunshot wounds. They were identified as Munir Ahmed Bhat S/o Abdus Salam Bhat R/o Kadalbal and Mohammad Ayub Shah S/o Ali Mohammad Shah R/o Hawal, Srinagar. Two more commuters sustained injuries due to glasspanes breaking out of firing.

Residents dispersed only after senior officials pulled up SP Awantipore and he was directed not only to register an FIR against Papa Kishtwari but also arrest him immediately. Consequently, FIR No: 70 of 2007 dated April 30, 2007 was registered against Papa Kishtwari at Police Station Pampore under sections 147 (Rioting), 447-A (Criminal trespass), 295-A (Maliciously insulting religious beliefs or properties) and 427 RPC (Causing mischief or damage to property). Thereafter, Papa Kishtwari was arrested and detained at Police Station Pampore and an inquiry was initiated into the allegations of firing by his Police and CRPF guards.

Papa Kishtwari had first shot into prominence when he had joined Kukka Parray’s Ikhwan-ul-Muslimoon and Awami League and helped security forces in arresting and eliminating scores of pro-Pakistan militants in 1995-97. Papa and his wife, Hafeeza, had also contested Assembly elections of 1996 but lost to the National Conference candidates. Later, he again contested the elections but failed to secure any good number of votes. He has been a protected person for the last 12 years but has gone into oblivion after most of the counter-insurgents, including founders Kukka Parray and Javed Shah, were gunned down by militants during Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s PDP-led coalition Government in 2003.

Gangster stabbed in City

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 29: A former member of the Bakra gang was brutally stabbed by four of his old associates including Bakra’s brother at Lower Mast Garh area under the jurisdiction of Pir Mitha Police Station this evening.

Police sources said that Suresh Sawhney alias Baba Sawhney, son of Parshotam Lal of Lower Mast Garh was on his way to his residence alongwith his wife Sonia Sawhney and their son when four persons intercepted them near their house.

The gangsters attacked Baba Sawhney with sharp edged weapons and after inflicting severe wounds on different parts of victim’s body fled from the spot. Sonia Sawhney also sustained minor injuries while trying to save her husband from the clutches of the gangsters.

On hearing the cries of the victims, some inhabitants of the area swung into action and shifted the victims to Government Medical College Hospital.

According to the doctors, Baba Sawhney has lost four fingers in the attack besides having deep wounds on other parts of his body. His condition was stated to be critical when reports last came in.

Three of the accused have been identified as Sonu, brother of slain Sanjay Kumar Gupta alias Bakra, Pappu Langra and Jyoti Raina. Identity of fourth accused could not be immediately established.

The preliminary investigations revealed that Baba Sawhney was associated with the Bakra Group about four years back and Bakra had invested in cable network service business of Baba Sawhney.

As the relations between Baba Sawhney and Satish Chander Gupta became estranged, the former left Jammu for Kullu Manali where he was having a well established business. Baba Sawhney had even refused to return the amount which Bakra had given to him for cable service business.

Police has also come to know that Baba Sawhney was also in touch with Mohan Chir, who was arrested by the police after the murder of Bakra, and possibility of Baba Sawhney paying money to Mohan Chir for the murder of Bakra cannot be ruled out.

Police has launched a hunt to nab the accused. However, no arrest was made till late this evening.

Cop, SPO, source held for murder; DySP, Insp being arrested
As CRPF disowns cops' version, CB establishes
custodial death

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 29: Disowning the version of the then police officers at Ramban and Banihal police stations by CRPF officers had virtually sealed the fate of a number of senior police officers, who were facing murder and conspiracy charges under Section 302/34 RPC in FIR No. 65/1998 for torturing an innocent youth in custody at Ramban police station and later trying to cook up a story that he was injured of a fall in gorge while being taken for recovery.

After the arrest of a so-called "civil SP" (a police source) and a Special Police Officer (SPO) last night, Crime Branch, which have been investigating the case, tonight arrested a police constable from Banihal police station. Arrest of a DySP and an Inspector was also on the cards while role of SSP Traffic Jammu Shafkat Wattali, then posted as Additional SP Ramban in the killing was under investigation, official sources said.

"Officers of CRPF’s 124 battalion, deployed in Ramban in November 1995 when the custodial killing took place and presently headquartered at Ahmedabad in Gujarat, have disowned police version that CRPF had accompanied police to village Paryot in Banihal on November 8, 1995 for recovery of arms and ammunition at the behest of Aiyaz Ahmed Wani alias Chunnu son of Abdul Rashid Wani, a resident of Bankoti, Banihal", sources said, adding the CRPF version that their entire company was stationed at Ramban town on the fateful day has sealed the fate of police officers and made out a strong case against them.

In defence of their claim that Chunnu was seriously injured due to fall on November 8, 1995 at Paryot, Banihal where he was taken for recovery, the then police officers had claimed that the CRPF had also accompanied them to the spot.

Crime Branch had yesterday arrested Nazir Ahmed Wani son of Aziz Joo Wani, a resident of Ramban, commonly known as "civil SP" for being an active police sources and Mohd Ashraf Khan alias Gazi, a resident of Ramban, who was a surrendered militant, presently posted as a SPO in Ramban police station. A police constable, who was arrested tonight from Banihal police station, has been identified as Mohd Rafiq Naik R/o Banihal.

Sources said Mohd Rafiq and Mohd Ashraf were posted as SPOs at Ramban at the time of Chunnu’s killing while the victim was picked-up at the instance of Nazir Ahmed. Their arrest was made on the statement of victim’s father, Abdul Rashid Wani who met his son in hospital where he was shifted for treatment during which the victims had named trio as among the persons who had tortured him in custody.

Other officers, named by the victim, include Inspector Sonaullah Naik, the then SHO Banihal, presently posted as DySP in Indian Reserve Police (IRP) at Jammu, Inspector Jagtar Singh, the then SHO Ramban, who had died in an encounter later after being promoted as DySP and Abdul Qayoom Mirza, the then Sub Inspector posted at Ramban police station and presently posted as Inspector in Traffic Police.

Sources said arrest of Sonaullah Naik and Abdul Qayoom Mirza was on the cards while no decision has been taken on the fate of a SSP, who was then posted as Additional SP Ramban.

"We will record statements of the then Munshis of Ramban and Banihal police stations besides other police personnel to ascertain role of the SSP", they said, adding only after the questioning of eye-witnesses a decision can be taken on the SSP.

Chronology of custodial death goes like this:

Chunnu was taken into custody on November 3, 1995 and lodged at Banihal police station. His arrest was made at the behest of three persons arrested by Crime Branch today and yesterday. No record was maintained about his arrest at Banihal police station. Same night, he was shifted to Ramban police station where he was brutally tortured. His condition became critical in the lock-up and he was got examined by the then CMO Ramban on the intervening night of November 3 and 4, who advised that the person be shifted immediately to hospital.

Police, however, didn’t adhere to the advice of the CMO. On November 5, Chunnu’s condition further deteriorated. Even his family was denied a meeting with him. On November 5, 1995, police showed his arrest in Banihal police station. As his condition became serious, police cooked up a story that he was taken to Paryot, Banihal on November 8 along with CRPF for recoveries where he fell into gorge and was injured.

Chunnu was then rushed to Government Medical College hospital on November 8 where he met with his father and narrated entire story. He succumbed to his injuries on the intervening night of November 10 and 11.

On November 11, people held massive protests at Ramban and Banihal and observed shut down in protest against the custodial killing. Few days later, Chunnu’s father, Abdul Rashid Wani approached the Supreme Court for justice which referred the case to High Court.

Police inquiries into the case were conducted by the then Additional SPs Rashmi Ranjan Swain, presently on deputation to the Centre as DIG and Prithvi Raj Manhas, presently SSP Udhampur.

On the direction of High Court in 1998, a FIR No. 65/1998 was formally registered against the accused police officers and investigations started. In 1999, Wani sought compensation and transfer of investigation to CBI. While the court didn’t transfer the case to the CBI, it awarded Rs 50,000 compensation to Wani. The court also ordered that after outcome of investigations, Wani can claim more compensation.

On an LPA filed by Wani, the Court also ordered payment of Rs 40,000 litigation fee to him and immediate completion of investigations. In 2004, the case was transferred to Crime Branch.

"With conclusive evidence before investigating agency that Chunnu was tortured to death in police custody, Crime Branch have started making arrests in the case. All those arrested will be tried for murder and conspiracy charges", sources said.

4 militants killed in Kupwara

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Apr 29: Four militants of a recently infiltrated group of Lashkar-e-Toiba were killed today in a joint operation by Rashtriya Rifles and Kupwara Police in Kandi forest belt of Kupwara even as two intruders managed to escape. Meanwhile, suspected militants have gunned down a civilian in Damhal Hanjipora village in Kulgam district.

Informed sources told EXCELSIOR that working over a specific information, Kupwara Police and troops of RR 47 Bn launched a search operation in Mangarwar forest area in Kandi late last night. In the morning today, one of the militants was spotted and killed in a brief encounter. Later in the day, troops swooped on the militants’ hideout and killed three more militants in a fierce gunbattle. Sources said that two militants of the group, one of them injured, ran away and managed to escape. Troops followed a trail of blood with the help of sniffer dogs but failed to find the injured militant. Four AK-56 rifles besides a large number of hand grenades and UBGLs were claimed to have been recovered from the site of encounter.

Commander of Army’s Sector-8, Brig Devender Kapoor, and SSP Kupwara, Vijay Kumar, who were later also joined by DIG North Kashmir, Dr B Srinivas, supervised the operation. Vijay Kumar maintained that Police and security forces did not suffer any damage. He confirmed that two militants were believed to have escaped and they included the most wanted Pakistani commander in Lolab-Kandi belt, Furqan. Eyewitnesses said that all the four militants, believed to be Pakistani cadres of Lashkar-e-Toiba, were in the age group of 17 to 20 years.

Officials revealed that the militants killed in today’s operation were members of a larger group of Lashkar-e-Toiba militants who had recently infiltrated through Machhil sector.

Sources in south Kashmir said that suspected militants barged into the residence of Tata-Sumo driver, Waheed Ahmed Sheikh S/o Abdus Sattar Dar at Chowgal, near Damhal Hanjipora village, in Kulgam district, late last evening. They opened fire, killing Sheikh on the spot. Sources said that Sheikh’s brother, who was a militant, had been killed in an encounter last week.

Here in the capital city, Police spotted and fished out decomposed dead body of an unidentified youth from river Jhelum in Noorbagh locality.

Law of land will be supreme in Afzal Guru case: Kalam

ON BOARD SPECIAL AIR INDIA PLANE, Apr 29: With the European Parliament President raising the death sentence awarded to Mohammed Afzal Guru for his role in the Parliament attack, President A P J Abdul Kalam has said judicial and other processes of India would be adhered to in deciding the matter.

Wrapping up a five-day visit during which he addressed European MPs and made a state visit to Greece, a calm-looking 75-year-old Kalam said he had told European Parliament President Hans-Gert Pottering that clemency for Guru would be decided on only after legal procedures were completed.

Kalam was replying to questions from reporters accompanying him, who asked whether there was any pressure from the European Parliament on granting clemency to Guru.

"Well, (they) did not pressurise or anything. They raised the issue. In fact the European Parliament President raised the issue during a one-to-one meeting and I said the law of the land will be supreme," he said.

"...Any judgment as per the law of the country will be processed and carried out. Law is the final authority," Kalam firmly told reporters last night while returning from Athens.

Asked about clemency powers vested in the President, he said: "Once it comes to me, I will take care of it."

Kalam has referred a mercy petition submitted by Guru to the Government.

There was a minor protest by a group seeking clemency for Guru outside the European Parliament in Strasbourg when Kalam addressed the House on April 25.

Asked about 22 other clemency petitions pending with the President’s Secretariat, Kalam said: "They are at various stages and with various wings of the Government."(PTI)

JCO, ultra killed in Rajouri

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Apr 29: A JCO was killed in an accidental firing at Kalakote while a Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant was gunned down by security forces in Budhal area in two separate incidents in this district today.

Official sources said V K Katoch, a JCO of the Army was hit by an accidental shot which went off from the pistol of Sepoy S S Yadav at Kalakote this morning. Katoch died on spot.

An inquiry has been ordered into the incident, sources said.

A Lashkar militant Abu Hamza alias Shamsher was shot dead by security forces in an encounter at Tulwani in Budhal area of this district.

One AK rifle, 23 rounds, four magazines and 3 grenades were recovered from the slain militant.

Security forces arrested an Over Ground Worker (OGW) of the militants identified as Aldin Gujjar, 40 son of Sabu Gujjar from Breshwana in Doda. A hide-out made for the militants in his house was destroyed by the security personnel.

Aldin has been handed over to Prem Nagar police station for questioning.

Jawans of Territorial Army recovered 10 UBGL grenades, one AK magazine and 95 rounds and one Kenwood radio set from Cherwari, Nachlana in Mahore area of Reasi district.

During a search operation at Phugal Nullah in Krishna Ghat area of Poonch, security forces recovered one Chinese pistol with one magazine and three rounds, three AK rounds, 70 Pika rounds, six Chinese hand grenades, one RPG rounds, one Kenwood radio set, four electronic detonators and half kg RDX.

CIC asks J&K CM to bringchanges in State RTI Act

NEW DELHI : With a view to giving teeth to the RTI Act in Jammu & Kashmir, the Central Information Commission has asked the Chief Minister to get it amended to bring it in conformity with the Central Law.

"The Chief Minister of J&K would be well advised to bring an amendment to J&K RTI Act, 2004 bringing it in conformity with the (union) RTI Act 2005," Chief Information Commissioner Wajahat Habibullah said in a recent decision.

The CIC’s suggestion came during the hearing of a RTI complaint filed by R C Pandita, a Jammu resident, who had earlier approached the President’s Secretariat in July, last year, seeking certain information related to the State.

"We are constrained to observe that although J&K has a right to Information Act of 2004, it is regrettable that citizens in that part of India are denied the benefits of the union act available to all their fellow citizens," the CIC remarked.

The Commission during its hearing expressed displeasure over the denial of a response to Pandita’s RTI query, saying that the action mandated under the RTI Act had not been taken by the President’s Secretariat.

It, however, refrained from imposing any penalty on the erring officials after the Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) of the President’s Secretariat pleaded that the delay was inadvertent and happened due to a clerical error.

"All that was required in this case was to inform Pandita that his letter addressed to the President had already been sent to the concerned State Government of J&K," the CIC observed, while directing the CPIO to inquire into the delay and take action against the delinquent officials within 20 days. (PTI)

Haryana, J&K get central funds for SGSY

NEW DELHI : Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir have been graned Central assistance of Rs 9.03 crore and Rs 1.6 crore respectively for implementing the Swarnjayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojna in 2007-08.

The Ministry of Rural Development has released grants-in-aid of Rs.9.03 crore as part of first instalment to 16 DRDAs of Haryana SGSY during the year 2007-08.

Under the grants Bhiwani district would get Rs 79.39 lakh, Faridabad Rs 71.11 lakh, Fatehabad Rs 48.92 lakh, Gurgaon Rs 47.48 lakh, Hisar Rs 62.2 lakh, Jhajjar Rs 64.69 lakh, Jind Rs 66.14 lakh, Kaithal Rs 54.15 lakh, Karnal Rs 55.29 lakh, Kurukshetra Rs 36.44 lakh, Panchkula Rs 30.82 lakh, Panipat Rs 47.25 lakh, Rewari Rs 47.20 lakh, Rohtak Rs 73.98 lakh, Sonipat Rs 61.64 lakh and Yamunanagar Rs 56.12 lakh.

The ministry has released Rs 1.60 crore to 11 districts of Jammu and Kashmir as part payment of first instalment during the year 2007-08 for implementation of the SGSY.

Under the SGSY, assistance is given to poor families living below poverty line for taking up self-employment. It actively promotes group approach by organising the rural poor into Self-Help Groups. (UNI)

Special concession for Kashmiris in CRPF recruitment

SRINAGAR, Apr 30: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has decided to give special concession to the Kashmiri valley youths in its recruitment policy.

"We have decided to allow a eighth standard passed youth of the Valley to apply for the CRPF when in the rest of the country the minimum qualification is metriculation for the post of General Duty Constable," a CRPF spokesman said.

He said the decision was taken for the first time keeping in view the 17-year-long turmoil that affected every shade of the life, including education.

The spokesman said a special massive recruitment drive will be launched soon in the valley for Kashmiri youths only. No candidate from Jammu or Ladakh can apply for the posts reserved for the youths of Kashmir, he said adding the education qualification for which will be eighth pass.

In reply to a question he said 247 youths of the Valley will be adjusted during the drive in the CRPF after their proper physical tests and police verification. The concession is limited to the education qualification, he added.

He said the CRPF also launched similar recruitment drive in Gurez and Uri area for Gujjar and Bakerwal youths last year. The selected youths are undergoing training, he said.

The spokesman said of the 450 newly recruits who completed the training at Humhama Training Centre, 22 were from Kashmir.

He said ten new battalions are being raised in the country for which recruitment drive was on.

"As every state gets its due share from the recruitment quota in the CRPF there will be no qualification concession in these recruitments for anyone," he said.

The CRPF had replaced Army, Border Security Force (BSF) and Indo Tibetian Border Police (ITBP) in all major towns and other areas in the Kashmir valley.

About 58 battalions of the CRPF have been deployed in the Valley for counter-insurgency operations and security of VVIPs and vital installations. (UNI)

Halt to infiltration depends on neighbours' attitude: Antony

Ezhimala (KER) : A complete cessation to infiltration and cross border terrorism would entirely depend upon the change in attitude of India's neighbours even while the country was working hard to improve ties with them, Defence Minister A K Antony said today.

"A complete cessation to cross border terrorism depends largely upon change in attitude by our neighbours, especially Pakistan while India was continuously striving to improve ties with these nations," Antony told PTI in reply to a question whether he expected a complete halt to terrorist infiltration into the country in the immediate future.

"Unless Pakistan took stern steps to contain infiltration, to end terrorist camps, the menace will continue to haunt us and that is the major hindrance why complete cessation to infiltration could not be achieved as yet," he said during his maiden visit as Defence Minister to the prestigious Ezhimala Naval Academy to lay the foundation stone for a well-equipped hospital.

Infiltration across the border had not declined but there had been signs of stability in recent days thanks to stern retaliatory action by the security forces along the borders, he said.

The 64-bed state-of-the-art-hospital, being built at the academy premises, would be completed by 2008 and will have, among other facilities, two ICU sections, operation theatres, blood bank and would be also be a boon to the ex-servicemen in and around the area, he said. (PTI )