Extra duty leads to provocation
CRPF cop kills Inspector, jawan; commits suicide

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 21: In yet another fratricidal act in para-military Central Reserve Police force (CRPF), a jawan gunned down a CRPF Inspector and a constable before committing suicide with his official Insas rifle at LMG post on a hill surrounding Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan, about 13 kms from Katra, this morning.

Initially, all three jawans were seriously injured in the shoot-out but all of them later succumbed to their injuries.

The killed CRPF personnel have been identified as Inspector Snoop Ba son of Kallubilageedu, a resident of Kollam, Kerala, Parveen Kumar Mandal son of Shiv Nandan, a resident of Lohchatam, Munger, Bihar and Devinder Singh Yadav son of Shiv Charan Yadav R/o Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh.

SP Katra Ashok Sharma, who rushed to the spot immediately after getting a report of the firing incident, told the Excelsior that Devinder Singh Yadav fired shots on Inspector Snoop and constable Parveen Kumar Mandal with his official Insas weapon at LMG Post, located atop a hill, about 700 meters from Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan, at 9.50 am.

After firing burst at Snoop and Mandal, Yadav pumped a couple of shots on himself. While Snoop was hit by a burst on his chest, bullets struck Mandal on his abdomen and his intestines were badly damaged.

While Yadav died few minutes after the firing at Bhawan dispensary, the Inspector and the constable were airlifted to Katra from Sanji Chat where they were given first aid and referred to Government Medical College hospital. They died enroute and were declared brought dead in the Medical College.

All three CRPF jawans belonged to 140 battalion.

Though an inquiry has been ordered into the incident by CRPF authorities and police have registered a case for investigations, preliminary reports gathered by police indicated that Yadav had reportedly been put to extra duty by the Inspector. He had been on guard duty from 1 am to 7 am and was again asked to wake up at 9 am for patrol duty. He had reportedly asked the Inspector to avoid his patrol duty as his further guard duty would also resume in the afternoon.

The constable, who had joined his duty on March 25 after a long training, was also reported to be asking for leave. This frustrated the constable and he indulged in firing. Denial of leave is, in fact, attributed to most of such incidents and only yesterday a Parliamentary panel had recommended an increase of 10 days leave to security forces.

IG CRPF, DIG CRPF Parlhad Singh and Commandant Komal Singh also visited the site for on spot investigations. DIG Udhampur Alok Puri was supervising investigations. SHO Bhawan H L Motton also reached the spot.

Sources said the incident occurred soon after Inspector Snoop completed his briefing to CRPF personnel for undertaking patrol from LMG Post to Channi Kupree atop the hills of Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan. Constable Yadav was asked to move ahead. While moving Yadav took out his weapon and targeted the Inspector and the constable before shooting himself.

Sound of gun shots created panic among the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims for a couple of minutes. However, very soon the Shrine Board and police authorities made announcements that incident of firing has occurred away on the hills and there was nothing to panic. The yatra continued uninterruptedly.

At Katra town, the base camp of the shrine, panic did spread among the yatris but only for few minutes till they were briefed by the authorities that it was an isolated incident of firing by the CRPF cop.

Bodies of all three killed CRPF personnel were in the process of being sent to their native towns.

CM cautions police against disruptive elements

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Apr 21: Appreciating the role of J&K Police in combating militancy and bringing about near normal situation in the State, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has cautioned the State’s police force against disruptive elements and hatred preachers who were desperate to reverse improvement in the situation.

Addressing first Sher-i-Kashmir Police Medal investiture ceremony here today, Mr Azad said even as situation in the State had improved a lot ‘‘there was a challenge before all of us in the form of disruptive elements and those who preached and promoted hatred among people.’’ These elements, he added, would try to throw the State back into the old situation where they could benefit at the cost and sufferings of the common people. He asked the police force to remain on guard against such elements and exuded confidence that the jawans and officers of J&K Police were capable of thwarting their designs. He said there was need to continue the offensive against these elements till the State reached the goal of complete peace and normalcy.

The Chief Minister pledged his full support to the State police in its fight against violence and disruptive forces. "Don’t ever consider yourselves alone in this task", he assured them. He said resolve of the people, police and the Government to attain peace and normalcy was firm and could not be weakened by anybody. "Howsoever strong winds might blow against us we will not be deterred in our commitment to peace and development", he said, adding that in the years to come eyes of the entire world would be focused on J&K as it was going to enhance the pride of the country.

Mr Azad paid tributes to martyrs of the State police for bringing laurels to the force and the State by making supreme sacrifice in the service to the country. He also complimented the jawans and officers of the force for showing exemplary courage and commitment in the discharge of their duty. He said the medals given to them today were an expression of gratitude of the nation that they so well deserved. He said while he was happy in decorating the officers and jawans of the force who were among us today , he also felt sad for those who lost their lives and were not able to be part of this investiture ceremony.

In all, 48 jawans and officers were awarded the Sher-i-Kashmir Police Medal for Gallantry, 19 posthumously, and 6 the Sher-i-Kashmir Police Medal for Meritorious Service.

Earlier, DGP Kuldeep Khoda, in his address, said that the role of the State police had undergone paradigm shift from an investigating agency, also entrusted with managing routine law and order problems, to countering threat of terror emanating from hinterland as well as forward areas. He said despite several deficiencies in terms of sophisticated weaponry, communication cover and transport, the State police had acquitted itself commendably well in the eyes of public and the Government alike. However, he said, this had been at the expense of many precious lives of police personnel. He said till date, as many as 876 policemen had lost their lives while several others suffered injuries fighting militancy.

Mr Khoda said that the Chief Minister had been extremely sensitive to the requirements and needs of the State police. He thanked him for the recent enhancement in ration money allowance, saying it had helped 70,000 police families. He appreciated the State Government’s response to the need for providing modernized police force to deal with the abnormal situation. He said this had helped the police to take on terrorists at level playing field on account of matching weaponry and communication cover.

The DGP said that the Sher-i-Kashmir Police Medal for Gallantry and Meritorious Services was instituted in 2001 and since then 250 personnel had been awarded the medals including 206 Gallantry medals and 44 meritorious services medals. 

‘Mufti  selling dreams to Kashmiris’
Pak currency can never be used in J&K: Farooq

By Gopal Sharma

NAGROTA, Apr 21: Former Chief Minister and National Conference patron Dr Farooq Abdullah today charged PDP patron Mufti Mohd Sayeed with "selling dreams" to the people which were far from reality and "resorting to petty politics for short term gains.

"All of us know that Pakistan currency can never be used in J&K. The Mufti’s demand to this effect is a deliberate attempt to mislead innocent Kashmiris who have already seen enough violence and bloodshed in the State", Dr Abdullah said addressing a public rally here this afternoon.

He said the "power thirsty" father-daughter duo (Mufti Sayeed and Mehbooba Mufti) can go to any extent to remain in power which they have depicted several times in the past. However, he added, the people have understood the tactics of PDP.

Dr Abdullah alleged that the Mufti and Mehbooba were befooling the people of the State on the issue of allowing the use of Pakistani currency in the State.

He alleged that currency issue pertained to the Government of India and Pakistan. The Mufti has no domain over this sensitive issue. He said J&K remains integral part of India and the Muftis know it very well that they can not go beyond Indian Constitution. But they are exploiting the innocents Kashmiris over the issues like dual control over Kashmir, use of Pakistani currency just for vote politics.

"Muftis have no love for Kashmiris and this State. They can go to any extent even do not hesitate for the ‘sell out" of the Kashmir by propagating the Pakistani agenda," Dr Abdullah maintained.

He regretted that Centre listens to only those who raise voice against the State while the nationalists parties moving ahead by unfurling national flag, are often neglected and not cared by the Central leadership. He said National Conference has only one voice and stand in Kashmir and Jammu regions but Muftis have dual standards by exploiting people of Jammu on different issues and those in Kashmir on different issues.

Both Mufti and his daughter openly lure innocent Kashmiris on issues connecting Pakistan, opening roads, trade routes, dual control etc, Dr Abdullah said and cautioned the people from the dual speak of the Muftis.

Commenting on the silence of UPA Government over the remarks of Muftis, Dr Abdullah alleged that Union Government seems to have accorded patronage to the Muftis otherwise he would not have dared to raise such touchy issues. He further maintained that NC has not lowered its stand on autonomy but wants it within the ambit of Indian Constitution.

Dr Abdullah promoted that the National Conference, if voted to power, will provide one Government job to each family in the State. "My assurances are not like those given by the PDP just to come to power and later leave the unemployed youths at the mercy of God", he said.

The PDP, he added, had assured one job to each family but even after remaining in power for more than five years, it had turned a deaf ear towards the plight of unemployed youths.

Referring to Indus Water Treaty, Dr Abdullah said Congress Government was in power at the Centre and they did not care to discuss the issue with the State in early sixties. Three main rivers of J&K including Indus, Jhelum and Chenab were handed over for use to Pakistan while Beas, Ravi and Sutlej rivers of Punjab were allowed to be used for irrigation and generating power. Now Mufti and his PDP leadership was projecting the issue. Where was Mufti at that time. Why he remained mute spectator to that agreement with Pakistan.

The NC leader charged the Mufti of causing delay in the execution of Baglihar power project and slowing down of progress of work over Sawlakot power project. He said NC had been in power, Baglihar’s second phase would also have been commissioned so far. He said J&K can raise its economic condition only if it would become self sufficient in power generation.

Expressing concern over rising prices of essential commodities, Dr Abdullah said that UPA Government should take immediate strong steps otherwise it is going to lose ground in next elections. It has to go as it miserably failed to keep a check on soaring prices of essentials. He said the Government should announce lowering of prices of atta, rice, edible oil, pulses, diesel, petrol etc. and open fair price shops.

Dr Abdullah also appealed the people to render support to Ajatshatru Singh, the probable candidate of the party from Nagrota constituency. He said he has made come back to home after remaining out of party for five years. He has been pardoned by the leadership and given chance to contest from Nagrota.

Referring to the issue of hanging of Sarbjeet Dr Abdullah said it would have impact on the ongoing Indo-Pak process. He said Amanullah’s demand of hanging an innocent Indian by Pakistan Government has no weight. "How a killer of many innocent Kashmiris can be a judge in this case, "Dr Abdullah maintained.

Party president Omar Abdullah however, had to face a little embarrassing situation as the people started moving out of ‘Pandal’ when he was speaking. In fact, the poor people kept waiting in the open sun since 11 am up to 3 pm. Despite appeals by provincial president of the Party Ajay Sadhotra and Rattan Lal vice president, the people continued moving and the Omar had to suspend his speech with a few remarks. Some anti-Ajatshatru Singh slogans were also raised at the rally site by some people as the function concluded.

Former Minister and NC leader Ajatshatru Singh also spoke in the rally besides other leaders-Rattan Lal Gupta, Satpal Lakhotra, Chander Mohan Sharma, Surinder Singh Bunty, Vijay Kumar Lochan, A G Kohli, Bimla Luthra, Ajay Sadhotra, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Devinder Rana (MLC), Vijay Luxmi Dutta, Veena Oberai and others were also present.

On this occasion, a memorandum was submitted to Dr Farooq Abdullah by Anganwari Workers delegation led by Sureshta Thakur, president and Rama Kumari, secretary, Anganwari Workers Association demanding hike in wages.

Police files status report
Driver’s active involvement surfaces in Chopras murder

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 21: Police filed status report regarding investigation into the much publicized Chopras murder case and informed the Court that driver of the cement tycoon Rajinder Bhushan Chopra alias Raju Chopra was involved in the conspiracy with the criminals of Pardhi Tribe.

The driver too become the victim of criminals when he demanded his share in Rs 55 lakh cash and diamonds taken from the house of Chopras after the brutal killings.

According to the status report, nine criminals of Pardhi Gang were involved in the murder of Rajinder Bhushan Chopra alias Raju Chopra, his wife Madhu Chopra, daughter Saloni Chopra, servant Sonu and driver Jagan Nath on September 18, 2006 at Trikuta Nagar.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of 11 Gazetted officers headed by an IPS officer of SP Rank was constituted for investigation into the case. The team examined more than 150 suspects and looked into every possible reason for the killing of RB Chopra, his wife and daughter, servant and driver.

During the course of investigation, the team laid hands on a day book maintained by R B Chopra which revealed that on the fateful day there were around Rs 55 lakh in the house but only Rs 3 lakh could be traced. However, the gold jewellery was lying intact inside the Puja Room and even the gold ornaments worn by Madhu and Saloni Chopra were left untouched.

The team looked into every possible reason for the killing of Chopras but nothing fruitful came out of it as the modus operandi adopted by the intruders was very uncommon for Jammu and brutality of crime besides weapons used hinted of a gang from outside the State.

For the first time in the history of investigation of State Police, the crime journals, literatures and dossiers prepared by the police of other States were studied. The dossier of Delhi Police on the functioning of the Bawaria and Pardhi Tribes was referred which was of immense help in understanding the modus-operandi of these tribes.

Meanwhile, one Pardhi Shanker, a resident of Khejra, District Guna and presently residing at Jammu informed the police that he has seen a gang of dreaded Pardhi criminals in Jammu on the very day of incident. The investigation team was able to identify the gang and apprehend two members of the gang namely Mahesh and Roshi, real brothers.

However, during investigation they didn’t reveal anything relevant to the case and were sent to judicial remand. The team adopted scientific investigation and the suspects were put to polygraph, brain mapping and Narco Analysis Test as a result they broke and revealed that a party of 8 members including Sangram, Kiran, Mahesh, Roshi (all real brothers), Sikander, Narinder, Nanju, Vicky (all belongs to Pardhi Tribe and residents of village Khejra Chak, District Guna, Madhya Pradesh had committed the gruesome act and were engaged by a local criminal namely Bhawani Singh, a resident of Katra.

According to the status report, Bhawani Singh showed them the residents of R B Chopra and all the accused with the active involvement of Chopra’s driver Jagan Nath entered in the house of cement tycoon and killed him, his wife, daughter and a servant before taking away Rs 55 lakh and some diamonds.

When Jagan Nath demanded his share, he too was killed by the criminals and fled from the spot in Chopra’s Alto car which was later left by them in Hari Market area before leaving Jammu.

After a hot pursuit of several months, Bhawani Singh was forced to appear before the Investigation team. Although he has denied his involvement but his contradictory statements raised serious suspicion about his complicity in the case. He was put on Narco Analysis Test, where his role in the murder conspiracy has came to light.

He conspired with Chopra’s driver Jagan Nath and tasked Sangram Singh’s group to commit the crime, the status report said, adding Jagan Nath provided assess to the criminals to enter Chopra’s house and supplied vital inside information.

During the investigation, police become confused if it was a case of dacoity then why they (criminals) left behind the huge amount of gold jewellery present on spot? Why the ornaments were not removed from the families? Why there was no sign of any forced entry?

For all these questions, the accused have told that it is their tradition that they do not pick gold and other valuables from the place of worship. They also revealed that they don’t remove ornaments from the bodies of females. Since driver Jagan Nath had colluded with the perpetrators; there was no sign for any forced entry into the house.

It has been established that the crime was the handiwork of Pardhi gang of Guna, Madhya Pradesh and a team has been deputed for search of remaining members, the status report said.

Job letters haul, 3 arrested
Fake appointment racket with political links busted

By Sanjeev Pargal

JAMMU, Apr 21: Police have unearthed a major racket of fake appointments spread across the State and working with the blessings of a former Chief Minister of the State with the arrest of three persons including a young Kashmiri girl and seizure of a large number of fake appointment letters of different Government Departments from their possession. Three more racketeers were still at large and police have launched an operation to nab them.

Preliminary police investigations have so far revealed that the racketeers had collected over Rs 1 crore from several aspirants of Government jobs and the figure could go up once more people will know the names of cheats, police sources said.

While the gangsters have also admitted their links with a former Chief Minister, the latter has himself confirmed his involvement by ringing up a senior police officer not to harass the arrested persons, they said.

Three persons, who have been arrested so far for being part of the racket, have been identified as Sat Pal alias Vishal, a resident of Bajalata, presently putting up at Bantalab, Humra Khan, a young girl student of Srinagar and Pervez Khan of Rajouri. The accused, whose involvement has been established in the racket and who were absconding, include Abdullah Dar and Ghulam Nabi Bhat of Srinagar and Khaleel Khan of Rajouri.

Arrests have been made by Jammu Rural police as most of the unemployed youths, cheated by the racketeers, belonged to rural areas. The accused have been lodged at Chinore police post. The racket has been busted by a police party headed by Additional SP Jammu Shakti Pathak under the supervision of IGP Jammu K Rajendra and DIG Jammu range Farooq Khan.

According to sources, the accused had issued a number of fake appointment letters of Class-IV posts in Forest, Irrigation, Police and some other Departments after charging an amount ranging between Rs 1.20 lakh to Rs 1.70 lakh from several unemployed youths across the State.

A number of cheated youths have deposed before the police and revealed that they had even worked in Forest and Irrigation Departments for two months and were paid salary. Later, they were removed from the Departments.

"It seems that the gang members had their connections with some officials of Government Departments as well with whose help they had been making youths to work in the offices for two months to charge full payment. Once the payment was taken, the victims were removed from the offices", sources said, adding identity of officials in-league with the gang is being ascertained.

A large number of fake appointment letters have also been recovered from the accused which had been issued on the names of youths from whom the gangsters had charged money, sources said. Complaints so far with police revealed that the gang might have swindled at least Rs 1 crore but, according to sources, the amount might go up considerably once the youths came to know about the arrest of gangsters.

Entire amount collected from the youths was deposited by the gangsters in Humra Khan’s bank account. Humra was said to be girl friend of kingpin of the gang Abdullah Dar.

Sources said the accused gangsters have confirmed the patronage of a former Chief Minister to them. Their revelation was established when this former Chief Minister himself rang up a senior police officer and asked him not to harass the gangsters, sources said.

A case against the accused has been registered by police for further investigations. Efforts are being made by the investigating team to apprehend rest of the accused.

India for impetus to peace process with Pak

NEW DELHI, Apr 21: India today said it wanted to take further the ongoing peace process with Pakistan, but at the same time called for maintaining "eternal vigil" on all fronts.

"We want to take peace process with Pakistan further, but at the same time we must maintain eternal vigil on all fronts,"Defence Minister A K Antony said while inaugurating the Biannual Air Force Commanders Conference here.

India wishes to create an atmosphere of trust and confidence, free from violence and terror, in its bilateral relations with all the neighbouring countries, he added.

"We are working on confidence building measures towards this objective. We continue to support the process to help Afghanistan emerge as a stable democratic State."

Giving a broad overview of changing security dimensions across the globe, Mr Antony said geopolitics and strategic objectives of nations were increasingly being power driven by economic interests.

"With latest technological advancements fuelling militarycapabilities, the type and level of future conflicts is rapidly changing from overt to covert warfare," he added.

In the present strategic environment, the Defence Minister said the term security had assumed a far greater criticality in the realm of trade and energy than ever before.

Antony asserted that funds would never be a constraint in the modernisation of the Armed Forces, but at the same time called for judicious and optimal utilisation of allocations to avoid wastage and duplication.

He also called upon the defence scientists to evolve ways to skip the intermediate steps in the country’s quest for attaining the level of modernisation achieved by developed nations.

"Funds will not be a constraint for the modernisation process. However, the allocated funds must be utilised optimally and judiciously. While the drive for modernisation must not suffer, we must be ever mindful of economy and avoid waste and duplication," the Defence Minister added.

At the same time, he said it should be ensured that the twin processes of modernisation and indigenisation of the Armed Forces proceed simultaneously.

Mr Antony urged the scientific fraternity to think of "ways and means" to attain the levels of modernisation achieved by advanced States without necessarily having to follow all intermediate steps.

The four-day conference, being attended by Air Chief Marshal F H Major and Air Officers Commanding in Chiefs besides Principal Staff Officers of Air Headquarters, would discuss the operational challenges before the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Issues such as maintenance, flight safety, administrative and logistics would be discussed threadbare at the conference.

The Defence Minister stressed the need for steps to hasten the procurement process "to plug gaps in the country’s defence preparedness."

"It is also imperative that procurement procedures are followed diligently. As the gestation period for induction of new equipment is rather long, the Commanders should break down perspective plans for modernisation into short-term and long-term objectives taking into account our strategic requirements."

Mr Antony complimented the IAF for its highest standard of professionalism both at times of war and peace. He recalled the humanitarian assistance and relief by the IAF during natural calamities both at home and abroad.

The Defence Minister also lauded the IAF’s stellar role in providing assistance to uphold the sovereignty and integrity of legitimate Governments of friendly nations.

"The contribution of various IAF teams in UN peace keeping missions at Congo and Sudan has been highly appreciated in the international arena. Such missions contribute immensely in building a global image of India - one that has paid us rich dividends."

Mr Antony complimented the IAF for taking effective measures to bring down accident rates. He called upon the Commanders to devise proactive measures to enhance flight safety further.

The Defence Minister asked the Air Force Commanders to constantly monitor the statutory and non-statutory complaints so that timely redressal was possible for all concerned.

"The promotion boards should be transparent and objective. Since Air Force Commanders deliberate on the personal profiles of officers in the zone of consideration, I would like to suggest that you should keep various aspects related to the profiles of officers.

"Keep the meritorious record in view, so that there are no inconsistencies while grading the officers. Cases of supersession should have sufficient justification which should be clearly pointed out," he urged the Commanders. (UNI)

Vyas, 6 others get PM’s award

NEW DELHI, Apr 21: A team of seven IAS and other officials who showed "extraordinary performance" in carrying out relief and rehabilitation work during the devastating 2005 earthquake in Jammu and Kashmir has been selected for the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration.

B B Vyas, IAS officer, received the award of Rs five lakh, a medal and citation from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on behalf of the team on Civil Services Day today. Other members of the team are the then Kupwara Deputy Commissioner, A M Khanday, then Additional DC Srinagar, Sharif-ud-Din, then Anantnag Additional DC J P Singh, then Poonch DC Ramzan Thakur, GAD Commissioner Secretary Basharat Dar and Director Estates B A Runyal.

"By actively involving various stakeholders, coordinating and networking with civilian departments, police, Army, para-military forces and NGOs, the officers saved several lives by quickly evacuating and treating the injured," the citation said.

Deputation of judicial officers for working in Lok Adalats for on-the-spot resolution of disputes regarding entitlements and inheritance, use of mobile bank-teams and vigilance squads for settling claims and disbursement of compensation in a transparent manner were part of the innovative practices that reinforced the effectiveness of relief, it said.

A team of 28 officers at the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) has been chosen for bringing a revolutionary change in the efficiency, effectiveness and performance of the Indian Railways through development and implementation of a computerised Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS).

J K Tripathy, Inspector General of Police in Tamil Nadu has been awarded for instituting "Community Policing" which brought down crime rates considerably.

T Chandra Shekar, an IAS officer of Maharashtra cadre, has been honoured for changing the face of Thane and Nagpur cities for better during his tenure as Municipal Commissioner in these cities.

Amod Kumar and five others in Uttar Pradesh have been selected for the award for their innovation and adaptation to meet stakeholder’s complaints and requirements by setting up "Lokvani - an effort to empower the citizen".

Five Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS) have been chosen for designing and implementing an Information Technology Audit Initiative.

Two IFS officers from Uttarakhand bagged the award for showing impressive performance in achieving effective management of protected areas. Their sustainable initiative resulted in mitigating the conflict in the Nanda Devi National Park (NDNP) between the public and park authorities.

Two officers of Maharashtra Government have been given the award for improving children’s education through an innovative initiative titled "Rajarshi Shahu Sarvangini Shiksha Karyakram" named after eminent educationist and social reformer Rajarshi Shahu.

Rajendra Kumar, IAS and three of his team members received the award for bringing in radical improvement in Delhi Government school system.

A very educative and attractive multimedia kit was developed and installed in all schools for the bridge course to help the students joining the Government schools in Class VI and Class X which resulted in improvement in pass percentage, it said.

Water and Sanitation Management Organisation (WASMO) has been selected for carrying out an innovative drinking water delivery project in the rural areas of Gujarat.

A Kerala Government promoted "Asraya" project to improve the living condition of destitute individuals and families has also been chosen for the award.

Electronically Deliverable Services (e-Seva) project of Andhra Pradesh Government and the Orissa Primary Education Programme Authority (OPEPA) are the other two initiatives selected for the awards. (PTI)

Ramban mishap toll 13

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 21: The death toll in the tragic road accident near Battery Chashma under the jurisdiction of Ramban Police Station has today gone up to 13 with two of the injured succumbing to injuries.

An official spokesman said that two injured persons, who were referred to Government Medical College and Hospital here from Emergency Hospital, Ramban, for specialised treatment, succumbed to injuries late last night.

They have been identified as Ali Mohd, son of Gul Mohammad of Kheri and Rafiq Ahmed, son of Mohd Hussain of Ramban. Their bodies were this morning handed over to their relatives after post-mortem and other legal formalities.

With these deaths, the toll in the accident has gone up to 13 as 11 passengers died in the accident yesterday.

132 cross sides at Poonch

Excelsior Correspondent

POONCH, Apr 21: A total 132 passengers from both sides of the Line of Control crossed sides at Chakkan-da-Bagh LoC point in district Poonch today.

Out of the total, 64 persons crossed over to that side of the LoC today are 28 fresh J&K residents, who had gone there to meet their relatives while 36 are residents of PoK who returned after brief stay on this side of the LoC.

A total 68 passengers came to J&K today from PoK side. They included 50 residents of Pak occupied Kashmir and 18 Indian returnees, who came back after stay with their relatives in PoK.

The LoC point was opened at 10.30 a.m. and closed at 5 p.m. (IST). From Pakistani side, Guftar Choudhary AC (R) and SDM Hajira (PoK), Designated Authority were deployed for facilitating the exchange of passengers while from Indian side, GM DIC Poonch Matloob Khan and Rajinder Singh DSP (DAR), Poonch were deployed.

3 officers transferred

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 21: The Government today ordered transfers and postings of three officers.

Abdul Maajid, Additional Commissioner, Jammu, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Resident Commissioner in the office of Principal Resident Commissioner, New Delhi.

Tasneem Maajid, Joint Agrarian Reforms Commissioner, Jammu, has been transferred and posted as Special Secretary with Financial Commissioner (Co-ordination), New Delhi.

Kamla Devi, awaiting orders of adjustment in General Administration Department, has been posted as Joint Agrarian Reforms Commissioner, Jammu vice Tasneem Maajid.

SC declines to entertain PIL on subsidy

NEW DELHI, Apr 21: The Supreme Court today declined to entertain a petition seeking a subsidy for pilgrims of various religious faiths, for visiting places of worship in neighbouring countries, as granted by the Government to Muslims for the Haj.

The petitioner had sought subsidy for Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist pilgrims for visiting religious places in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and China.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan said it could not pass any direction for providing subsidy on the lines of the Haj pilgrimage and those who wanted such relief could approach the Government.

"We straight away cannot pass any order. You (petitioner) can go to the Government and make a representation about the places where you want to go," said the Bench, also comprising Justice R V Raveendran.

Following the remarks of the Bench, the advocate Ashok Kumar Pandey, who had filed the PIL, preferred to withdraw the petition.

Pandey had challenged the Allahabad High Court order dismissing the PIL seeking subsidy for people of other religious faiths as granted by the Government to Muslims for Haj pilgrimage.

He had alleged that the actions and activities of Government was discriminatory as far as the grant of subsidies to the Hindus including Buddhist, Jains and Sikhs are concerned for their yatras to religious places in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and China.

He submitted that while the Government was providing subsidy of Rs 400 crores for Haj pilgrimage, no such grant was there for others.

He had sought subsidising travel of Hindus for visiting Ashok Vatika and other places situated in Sri Lanka and other religious places in Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh and China. (PTI)