Azad, Bansal discuss loan for works
NABARD approves Rs 300-cr loan for J&K

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 7: The State Government would construct 4000 additional classrooms for accommodation deficient about 1000 newly up-graded high and higher secondary schools throughout the State. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) will provide a loan of Rs. 100 crore for undertaking this construction activity to be completed in four months. Another Rs. 200 crore would be made available by NABARD for construction of buildings for 100 primary health centres and 200 allopathic and ayurvedic dispensary buildings this year across the State.

The urgency of taking up these social sector related development activities was highlighted at a high level meeting the Chief Minister had here today with Union Minister of State for Finance, Pawan Kumar Bansal and Chairman, NABARD, U. C. Sarangi.

Currently, there are projects worth Rs. 524 crore pending with NABARD for loan while another 678 projects costing Rs. 1062 crore would be forwarded to it soon. It was decided that the State Government would send education and health sectors related projects to NABARD by April 20, besides prioritizing other projects pending with the country’s premier financial institution for clearance in its Board meeting scheduled for April 25.

On the insistence of the Chief Minister, the NABARD agreed to enhance normative loan allocation to the State for current fiscal from Rs. 606 crores to Rs. 900 crores.

Mr Azad asked Education and Health officials to prepare and send projects to NABARD before decided timeline so that these are cleared by the Bank in Board meeting later this month. He said there was urgent need to prioritise building of infrastructure in important social sectors to extend and upgrade facilities in all parts of the State as the basic services were still lacking in many areas of the State.

The Chief Minister said that keeping the limited working season in the State in view, there was need for early sanction of projects by the financial institutions to ensure time bound completion. He said the election process in the State scheduled to start later this year would also slow down execution of development projects. He said the decision to advance the budget session by two months was also governed by the need to make funds available in time given the limited working season.

He thanked Mr Bansal and Mr Sarangi for taking a sympathetic view towards the State. He said the Central Government under Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had been very considerate in accommodating development requirements of the State and providing liberal assistance.

Mr Bansal assured the Chief Minister that NABARD would clear the proposals already submitted by the State Government by this month. He said other proposals to be received from the State Government would be cleared in June this year. He said 30% of mobilization amount was given to the State for speedy execution of schemes. He said that special attention was being given to J&K and other hill States and north-eastern States in providing finances for infrastructure development. He asked the State officials to prioritize projects for funding in various sectors.

Meanwhile, the State Government today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NABARD for a package of Rs 220 crore for recapitalization and revitalization of cooperative credit institutions in the State.

The MoU was signed by Chairman, NABARD, U. C. Sarangi and Registrar Cooperatives, Dr G. N. Qasba in presence of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and Union Minster of State for Finance, Pawan Kumar Bansal here.

The package worked out in pursuance to Prof. A. Vaidayanathan Committee report would help the State in putting cooperative credit institutions in the sound fiscal health and enable these to compete with commercial banks and provide farm credit to the farmers.

52 Pakistanis to visit Vaishno Devi shrine

By Sanjeev Pargal

JAMMU, Apr 7: For the first time, 52 Pakistanis have reached Katra, the base camp of holy Mata Vaishno Devi ji shrine, to have darshan of natural pindies of the Goddess in Trikuta hills.

The Pakistanis, all Hindus hailing from Sindh province, reached Katra town last night on a 15 day visa for three religious places in India including Katra, Amritsar and Haridwar, official sources said.

An official of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) told the Excelsior that this was for the first time that the Pakistanis have been visiting the cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi ji since the Board was set up in 1986. A couple of Pakistanis might have undertaken journey to the shrine on their own but a big group has arrived for the first time, he said.

On their arrival to base camp, the Pakistanis, who mostly hailed from Jakababad and Kashmor districts of Sindh province, were accorded a welcome by the people. They were accommodated in Trikuta Bhawan.

SP Katra Ashok Sharma said all necessary security arrangements have been made for the Pakistani citizens in the base camp. They will leave for darshan of Goddess Vaishno Devi tomorrow morning and will have night stay at the Bhawan. They will return to Katra the next day. During their pilgrimage, the Pakistanis will be provided full security cover, he added.

Mr Sharma said the Pakistanis have been allowed to move freely but under protection. No restrictions have been imposed on their movement, he added.

Visit by over 50 Pakistanis to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine was an indication about popularity and reverence of the shrine even in foreign countries, the SMVDSB official said.

The Pakistanis had entered India via Wagah border on April 5 on a 15 day visa granted by the Pakistani Government. They will also visit Golden Temple, Jalianwala Bagh and Durgiana Mandir in Amritsar and have a bath on holy Ganga river in Haridwar before returning to Pakistan.

"This is all due to blessings of Goddess Vaishno Devi that all 52 applicants were granted visa by Pakistani Government. Normally, only half of the applicants are permitted for the pilgrimage of religious shrine. We were surprised when we were told last month that visit of all 52 Pakistanis has been cleared. This is nothing but miracle of the Goddess", Nanak Ram and Mahesh Kumar, group leaders of the Pakistanis, said.

According to them, the visit to holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi ji, Golden Temple and a bath in sacred Ganga river was like a dream coming true for them.

"We had never thought that we will be able to visit these shrines in our life. But Goddess Vaishno Devi Ji has made it possible", they said.

The Pakistanis, all of whom were male, were delighted to see the Trikuta hills for the first time in their life. "We had only seen them in CDs or heard about them through religious books. We had never thought that we will have their darshan in our life", they added.

Karvan-e-Aman completes 3 years
*140 cross sides at Chakkan-Da-Bagh

SRINAGAR, Apr 7: The trans-border "Karvan-e-Aman" bus service between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad, the Capital of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), completes three years today, which enabled thousands of divided families to meet each other after more than six decades.

The service continued despite threats held by militant outfits to attack the passengers.

However, the bus service had to be suspended for four long months following the massive earthquake that hit the two sides of the Line of Control, which killed over 70,000 people on the PoK side while over 1,400 were killed on this side, on October 8, 2005, reports UNI.

The quake had completely destroyed the Aman Setu bridge and the road on the two sides of the bridge as landslides rolled down and an entire mountainside caved in on other side of the road.

The inaugural service was flagged off in Srinagar by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on this day in 2005, and more than 6000 passengers have undertaken the trans-border journey so far.

The State Road Transport Corporation, which runs the buses for the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad travel, had to add nine Ashoka Leyland buses fitted with stereo music systems, plush upholstery and air-conditioners to cater to passenger needs for the historic travel.

These buses have to be handed over to the security agencies two days ahead of the scheduled travel date for security reasons and sanitisation, which adds to the overheads of the Corporation.

The Karvan-e-Aman service runs once a fortnight.

A week before the inaugural run of the service four militant groups — Al-Nasreen, Al-Arifeen, Farzandane Milat and Save Kashmir Movement — threatened to attack the bus and its passengers.

However, a day before the start of the service, militants attacked Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) where the passengers for Muzaffarabad were staying. The entire TRC was gutted but the passengers escaped unhurt in the attack.

Passengers from this side had to deboard the buses near Aman Setu and cross the bridge on foot to other side where they board PoK buses for Muzaffarabad.

Similarly passengers from PoK had also to cross the bridge on foot to reach this side of the border.

Our Poonch correspondent adds: A total of 140 persons from J&K and the Pak Occupied Kashmir crossed sides at Chakkan-da-Bagh Line of Control (LoC) point in district Poonch today.

The LoC point was opened after the interval of a fortnight this morning at around 10.30 am (IST) and was closed at 4.45 pm. Parvez Yaqoob, SDM Hazira and Assistant Commissioner (Revenue) Hazira (PoK) were deployed by the Pakistani authorities to facilitate the exit and entry of the visitors of both the sides.

Out of the total, 69 persons crossed over to that side. They included 28 residents of J&K State going to that side for the first time and 42 PoK returnees who went back after staying with their relatives here for some days.

From PoK side, a total of 71 persons entered this side today. They included 50 new visitors from PoK while 21 are residents of J&K who returned after staying with their relatives on that side of the LoC.

From the Indian side Matloob Khan, GM DIC Poonch and Ghulam Rasool from RDD were deputed to facilitate the passengers.

No compromise on Kashmir: Shanta Kumar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 7: Maintaining that no compromise will be allowed over Kashmir, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national vice president and former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Shanta Kumar said his Party is committed to J&K’s total integration with India.

"These are not only the aspirations of BJP, but the people of entire country that there should be no compromise on Kashmir", he said while talking to reporters here, today.

Mr Kumar, who was closeted by BJP State chief, Ashok Khajuria and Party senior leader and former MoS for Defence, Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta made a dig at the reported statements of People's Democratic Party (PDP) leaders advocating self rule and joint control of India and Pakistan over Kashmir. The BJP leader demanded legal action against them.

He said the situation in Kashmir is fastly changing and those who spread terror, took to arms and spill blood of innocents have now realised their follies. Though the militants are now shunning the path of violence, but some political leaders are misleading the people through their wrong statements.

Situation in Kashmir is not as some people are projecting outside, he said while referring to the larger participation of people in Republic Day function organised by his Party in Srinagar this year where Party’s Seh Prabhari for J&K, R P Singh hoisted the National Flag.

Maintaining that BJP has not changed its stand on Kashmir, he said it is committed to abrogation of Article 370 once the Party gets full majority at Centre.

Holding the increasing corruption and wrong policies of Congress led UPA at Centre responsible for rising prices in the country, Shanta Kumar said , though Congress is trying to win peoples confidence after announcing sops in the so-called budget for the farmers but they are still committing suicide.

There is no control on price hike as UPA Government lacks a proper policy, he said, adding it allowed multinationals to purchase foodgrains from India which resulted in price hike that has broken the back of commonman.

He warned that due to these wrong and anti people policies the gap between the rich and poor is widening which is a dangerous signal for the nation."There was no price hike during NDA rule as there were stock of foodgrains everywhere in the country. Through our policies we ensured food security", he added.

In response to a question, Mr Kumar said there is no shift in Party’s stand towards the PoK or West Pak refugees and in the recently held Pugwash meeting in Islamabad, BJP representative kept the Party’s view point on all issues concerning J&K and PoK there.

BJP leader said his Party will contest elections on maximum seats in Kashmir valley as well and it is committed to 33 percent reservations to women.

He also criticized the State Government for providing Rs three lakh and a job to next kin of militants while the families of refugees have been ignored.

Mr Kumar, who is also the prabhari of the Party for J&K was here on two days visit to Jammu to review the prevailing situation with the State party leaders and discuss the strategy for ensuing elections. He was also accompanied by Seh Prabhari, R P Singh.

On the controversies generated by Lal Krishan Advani’s book he said it is not necessary that every body will be in agreement with the book. There can be difference of opinion also.

On reported reaction of NC leaders including Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah on Advani’s book, Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta said what more autonomy Dr Abdullah needs when the State already enjoying a special status under Article 370.

Cong leader attacks PDP
Dual control slogan is anti-national: Vakil

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Apr 7: Voicing concern over hotchpotch concepts regarding Kashmir centric issues, PCC senior vice president and Minister for Social Welfare Abdul Gani Vakil has ridiculed the dual control hypothesis floated by a political party describing it "anti-national" and naive.

"Why should the people accept foreign control, when they are themselves sovereign and master of the situation", Mr Vakil said without naming the PDP and added that raising of ‘self-rule slogan’ at one hand and floating the idea of ‘dual control’ on the other amounts to blowing hot and cold in a same breath.

Addressing a public gathering at Supper-Naghama, Langate in northern Kashmir today, Mr Vakil said Congress would tooth and nail oppose all efforts aimed at weakening national integration and dividing people for vote bank politics.

"Why can’t be we sincere to the people and speak truth, he questioned and said the days of petty politics and double speak were gone and there was no taker for hollow slogans. "People are wise enough to read between the lines and understand the politics of cheating for power".

He said, "Congress stands for peace, prosperity and development of all regions of the State and recognizes democratic rights of the people and nurtures these in an atmosphere of secularism and brotherhood". He said: "Jammu and Kashmir enjoys special status and people of the State are themselves sovereign and capable to settle all issues within the framework of Constitution of India. Foreign forces have no role in internal matters of the State and the country".

Referring to large scale development kick-started in the State by the Government, Mr Vakil said that unprecedented financial and logistic support provided by the UPA Government to Mr Azad catapulted the development process to new heights. He said the dream of connecting Valley with railway link was coming true after 60 years. He said Mr Azad’s efforts and his influence in the Central politics opened new vistas of development in the State.

"For the first time it is being observed that all Union Ministries are liberal in providing funds and schemes to Jammu and Kashmir to help its reconstruction and give fillip to the economy", he added.

Referring to development in the Kupwara district, Mr Vakil said that for its topographic vagaries and backwardness, priority was being given on over all and comprehensive development of all the sectors. The hitherto left underdeveloped pockets were receiving additional attention for bringing them at par with other areas.

Fast track infrastructure development launched by Mr Azad under his personal supervision was providing favourable dividends in the shape of schools, colleges, hospitals, bridges, roads, PHE scheme, power stations, training institutes, etc, the Minister said.

Pul Doda families' rehabilitation discussed

Excelsior Correspondent

DODA, Apr 7: On the directions of Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Secretary, Revenue Department, Masood Samoon today reviewed the progress of revenue matters relating to the rehabilitation of Pul-Doda populace, whose land will submerge in the Baglihar Hydro Electric Project dam later this year.

He also reviewed the progress of Roshni and land acquisition cases of PMGSY roads in Doda district. A deputation of about 60 to 70 inhabitants of Pul-Doda met the Revenue Secretary and apprised him about their grievances pertaining to their evacuation from Pul Doda.

They demanded revision of assessment of structures by PWD authority, exemption of compensation payments from Income Tax rules, providing of land for construction of their dwellings/shops. They also demanded land free of cost for their rehabilitation.

The Revenue Secretary gave patient hearing to the deputation and assured that he will take up the matter at the appropriate forum for the redressal of their demands. He directed the Deputy Commissioner to prepare a comprehensive rehabilitation package forthwith so that the matter is taken up with the concerned authorities for approval.

The directions were also issued to the Power Development Corporation (PDC) representatives to provide the land compensation amount forthwith to the Collector BHEP enabling him to make payments of structure on war footing basis.

He further directed the concerned Collector to dispose off all the pending cases relating to the matter forthwith and issue the award under rules without any further delay in view of the gravity of the matter.

Jawan 'murders' young wife

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 7: A young housewife was murdered allegedly by her husband, an Army jawan, in her house at Doomi Malpur under the jurisdiction of Kanachak police station this afternoon.

The victim has been identified as Chinta Devi, 28, wife of Jasbir Singh, a driver with JAK Li, posted at Lale Da Bagh, Muthi.

Additional SP Jammu Shakti Pathak rushed to the site of killing. He said the woman had been stabbed in her house at 2 pm today. She was rushed to hospital but succumbed to her injuries enroute.

While some witnesses said Jasbir Singh had himself stabbed his wife, the husband has denied the charge. Police said Jasbir has been detained for questioning to investigate the murder and reasons behind it.

The Army driver had come to his house on leave for construction of house.

A murder case has been registered at Kanachak police station for further investigations.

Gujjars clash with Revenue staff, cops

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 7: A big group of Gujjars today clashed with police and Revenue authorities when latter tried to evict the JDA land encroached by former at Pouni Chak under the jurisdiction of Domana police station this morning.

Reports said Revenue authorities accompanied by police reached Pouni Chak this morning to get JDA land, meant for construction of a Revenue complex, vacated from the occupation of Gujjars.

The Gujjars had already been given today’s deadline to vacate the land but they didn’t respond.

Reports said the Gujjars burnt their ‘kullahs’. The Gujjars, however, blamed the authorities for burning their ‘kullahs’. They also subjected police and Revenue authorities to stone pelting which was replied by the cops with mild lathicharge.

As a Gujjar had died in Pouni Chak today and a number of people had gathered for his burial, police and Revenue authorities retrieved in the afternoon without getting the land vacated.

A case against the Gujjars has, however, been registered under Sections 332, 147, 148 and 427 RPC at Domana police station but no arrests have been made so far.

AE in Vigilance net

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Apr 7: State Vigilance Organisation (SVO) today caught red handed Assistant Engineer (Rural Engineering Wing), Block Development Officer, Kakpora, Pulwama and SDC while demanding and accepting bribe of Rs 4,000 for releasing pending bills pertaining to construction of culvert and drain at Kunjipora, Pulwama.

An official spokesman said that a contractor Ghulam Mohd Mir, son of Ali Mohammad Mir of Rakhi Parigam, Pulwama lodged a written report with Police Station, Vigilance Organisation alleging that Assistant Engineer Sami Ullah Naik was demanding Rs 4000 for release of his pending bills amounting to Rs one lakh.

Subsequently, the Vigilance officials laid a trap and caught Assistant Engineer red-handed while accepting bribe of Rs 4000 from the complainant in the presence of independent witness. The tainted money was first paid by the complainant to Sami-Ullah Naik, who in turn passed on the same to Mohd Yousaf Bhat, son of Mohammad Sultan Bhat of Parigam, Pulwama, SDC.

Court extends Capt Chaitanya's remand

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 7: Police today produced Captain Chaitanya Bhatwadekar before the Duty Magistrate with the application for extension of police remand.

Duty Magistrate, Mohan Singh Parihar, after hearing Senior Prosecuting Officer Jawaid Ahmed Khawaja, extended by five more days the police remand of Captain Chaitanya Bhatwadekar, husband of deceased Capt Megha Razdan, who was found hanging on July 1, 2007 at Kunjwani Army Quarters.

Capt Chaitanya has been arrested under Section 306 (abetment to sucide) and 498-A RPC (cruelty).

Jawan ends life by shooting

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 7: An Army jawan posted in unit of IX Corps at Nagrota allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself with his service weapon late last night.

Official sources said that Sepoy Kitty Kumar of 22 Ammunition Company of 9 Corps and resident of Gujarat committed suicide by shooting himself with his service Insas rifle soon after his return to the barrack from official duty.

On hearing the sound of gun-shot, officers of the Unit immediately rushed to the barrak of the jawan and shifted him to the hospital where doctors pronounced him as brought dead.

Army has initiated a Court of Inquiry to look into the matter, Defence Spokesman Lt Col S D Goswami said.

However, sources said that the jawan was distressed due to some family matters.