RMM delegation sent back from Lakhanpur, supports return of land
Entire Jammu under siege but rallies unabated
*Curfew continues in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch

—Excelsior/Rakesh
An old man waves tricolor after breaking police barrier as
others protest at Rehari on Saturday.

By Sanjeev Pargal

JAMMU, Aug 9: A 40 member delegation of Rashtravadi Muslim Munch (RMM) comprising 16 women, which was on way from New Delhi to Jammu and Srinagar to tell the Muslims to restore 800 kanals land to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), was detained and sent back by police from Ravi bridge at Lakhanpur, the gateway to Jammu and Kashmir, this afternoon but not before the Manch leaders held a demonstration at the bridge in support of their demand and extending full support to their Hindu brethren in their 41 day long struggle for a just and genuine cause.

Even as authorities didn’t relax curfew in any part of Jammu, Samba and Udhampur districts today apprehending trouble during the visit of an all party Central delegation to Jammu, crowds at the rallies surged at several places in these areas to give a message to the delegation that the agitation has taken the shape of a mass movement and was not going to stop at any cost unless the land is restored to the SASB. As Army, CRPF and police didn’t allow even a single person to come out on the road from Satwari to Raj Bhawan sealing all roads leading to BC Road by erecting barbed wire fencing during movement of the delegation, people including women turned up on their roofs and showed tricolor and black flags to leaders and beat ‘thalies’ and coonch shells "to awaken the sleeping Central and State Governments from deep slumber’ to restore the land to the Shrine Board.

People, holinding a demonstration at Bakshi Nagar in Jammu
defying curfew mostly women. on Saturday. —Excelsior/Rakesh

The rallyists shouting ‘Bum Bum Bhole’, ‘NN Vohra Go Back’, ‘Mehbooba, Omar Hai Hai’ came out on the roads close to the National Highway and all other major roads notwithstanding the deployment of hundreds of Army, RAF, CRPF, Reserve Police and local police personnel. In Sunderbani town of Rajouri district, activists of Muslim Federation also joined the rally taken out in support of the agitation.

Barring a two hour relaxation in the morning, curfew continued in Kathua district for third day, Rajouri town for seventh day and Poonch town for second day. In Jammu and Samba, curfew remained in force for 9th consecutive day today while in Udhampur town, today was eighth day of indefinite curfew.

Army, meanwhile, today started air surveillance of two National Highways from Pathankot to Qazigund and Udhampur-Pathankot rail track to ensure uninterrupted movement of trucks to and fro Srinagar and the trains, both the services which were on the target of protesters and have been repeatedly disrupted.

Women beating thalies in a rally at Rehari Colony on Saturday. —Excelsior/Rakesh

Defence Ministry spokesman Lt Col S D Goswami confirmed the air surveillance through routine flying of the choppers.

Authorities had today deployed all five Brigades of Tiger Division, Jammu including Miran Sahib, Domana, BD Bari, Kalu Chak and Sunjwan, three Brigades of Mamoon Cantt including 51, 78 and 90 and 168 Brigade Samba in all sensitive areas of Jammu, Samba, Kathua and Udhampur districts and Pathankot to Banihal on the National Highway to strictly enforce curfew restrictions during the visit of an all party Central delegation to Jammu headed by Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil. In addition to nearly 8000 troops, about 6000 jawans of RAF, CRPF, Reserve Police and police had been deployed in all volatile areas to keep the people indoors as authorities didn’t relax curfew in Jammu and Samba districts and Udhampur town, which they had been doing for last three days continuously. Even the people holding curfew passes were not allowed to move out in the city and towns.

As reported, last night’s decision of the administration to relax curfew in Jammu district from 5 am to 8 am, in Udhampur from 7 am to 10 am and Samba district from 5 am to 10 am was withdrawn by the authorities last mid-night anticipating that the protesters might march towards Jammu to show their presence to the delegation, which could have forced Army and police to take action against them. Despite strong presence of Army and other para-military forces, the people succeeded in taking out rallies at several places.

—Excelsior/Rakesh
People staging a dharna after taking out a rally at Old Janipura on Saturday.

Reports said a 40 member delegation of Rashtravadi Muslim Munch including 16 women, which was on way from New Delhi to visit Jammu and Srinagar to persuade Muslims of Kashmir and their leadership not to become an obstacle in restoration of 800 kanals land to the SASB, was stopped by police and para-military personnel as soon as they entered the jurisdiction of Jammu and Kashmir at 10.30 am today in a bus at Ravi bridge in Lakhanpur area of Kathua district, the gateway of J&K.

The Muslim delegation which was led by Moulana Hirzab Rehman Marathi, Shahi Imam of Jharkhand and comprised top Muslim leaders like Imam Umre Ahmed Almami, president, Indian Muslim Parishad and Tanveer Ahmed, ex-president, Central Haj Committee, told the administration that they were on a peace mission to the State to persuade Kashmiri leadership to use their influence to return the land to the SASB and should be allowed to go ahead with their mission.

However, a strong pose of CRPF and police led by Additional SP Kathua Rajeshwar Singh and Additional DC Daulat Ram Sharma asked the delegation to return reportedly on the instructions of the Government. The delegation wanted them to be either allowed to visit the State or arrested. After an hour long protests at Ravi bridge, police detained all members of the delegation including women under Section 107/151 and released them after half an hour from Lakhanpur. The delegation returned to New Delhi.

Carrying tricolor people marching in Janipura on Saturday. —Excelsior/Rakesh

Speaking to mediapersons at Ravi bridge, Moulana Hirzab Rehman Marathi said it has never happened in the history of India that land donated for a religious purpose has been taken back. "Even the Rajas (be they Hindus or Muslims) have never taken back the donated land for the shrines. Doing so is a sin, which can never be forgiven", he said as all other members of the delegation including women endorsed his view point.

Even he quoted from a religious book to drive home his point that any thing donated for religious purpose can never and should never be taken back. He condemned the J&K Government for taking back the land from the SASB and wanted it to be restored immediately.

The delegation members belonged to different States including New Delhi, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana.

—Excelsior/Sanjeev
Members of Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangarsh Samiti Vijaypur
sitting on hunger strike supporting immediate land transfer to
Amarnath Shrine Board, at Vijaypur in Samba District on Saturday.

Curfew was relaxed in Kathua town for two hours from 6 am to 8 am. Kathua district is under curfew for last three days. In the evening, a large number of women from Krishna Colony, Parli Band, Ward Nos. 3, 4, 5 and other areas of the town marched towards Shaheedhi Chowk defying curfew restrictions and held a massive demonstration shouting ‘Bum Bum Bhole’ and ‘NN Vohra Hai Hai’. Police today exercised restraint and fired only few tear smoke shells to disperse the crowd. It may be recalled that yesterday, police had resorted to heavy lathicharge and teargassing on the procession in Kathua town causing injuries to several protesters including women.

People also took out processions at Nagri, Jakhbar, Patel Nagar, Shiva Nagar, Dayala Chak, Hiranagar, Ramkot, Nagrota, Basohli, Mahanpur, Lakhanpur and other major towns and rural areas of the district in support of the agitation. In Barnoti, people held a demonstration near the highway for an hour.

Panthers Party women leaders sitting on a hunger strike in Gandhi Nagar on Saturday. Excelsior/Rakesh

Though for the last three days, authorities had been giving relaxation in curfew in the morning for a different period in Old City and areas across Tawi bridge from 5 am to 1 pm, today no relaxation was given in curfew in any part of the district, which reeled under ninth straight day of curfew restrictions.

All link roads and streets leading to BC Road from Satwari Chowk to Raj Bhawan and Old City roads had been barricaded by Army with barbed wire fencing to ensure that not even a single protester could come close to the convoy of all party delegation. However, people, mostly women came to the roofs in their houses in different localities along the road used by the delegation and beat ‘thalies’ and coonch shells to ensure that their voice was heard by the delegation and land restored to the SASB. At some localities, people also waived black flags and tricolor on their roofs.

Despite stiff restrictions on movement of the people, the protesters managed to take to streets at several places in Jammu district and took out rallies chanting ‘Bum Bum Bhole’ and other religious and anti-Government slogans. At Karan Nagar and Panjtirthi, the two localities close to Raj Bhawan, where the delegation was putting up, women continued to beat ‘thalies’ throughout the day.

Excelsior/Dipankar
Troops blocking mob from marching towards Jammu-Srinagar
National Highway in Udhampur on Saturday.

Swami Dinesh Bharti, who has been mobilising the movement for restoration of land in most parts of the region, led a huge rally from Gajansoo Aashram to Mishriwalla in which a large number of women and children participated and vowed to continue their struggle till restoration of land to the Shrine Board.

People from Bantalab, Patoli Brahamana, Gurha Keran, Muthi, Lower Muthi, Durga Nagar, Roop Nagar, Netar Kothian and several adjoining villages marched in processions to Dream Land City along Jammu-Akhnoor road where they held a ‘Vishal Rally’ which was among others addressed by late Swami Dwarka Natha Shastri’s son, Gangu Ji Maharaj, Kailash Khajuria, Omi Khajuria, Vijay Sharma, Sukhdev Singh, Ghar Singh, Tara Chand Choudhary, Master Mohan Lal, Jasbir Singh, Pappu Ji, Pavinder Gupta, Jugal Dogra and Manohar Lal Bhagat.

The people demonstrated at Dream Land City for more than two hours. However, since all streets leading to Jammu-Akhnoor road had been fenced by Army, para-military and police, the people were not allowed to come to the main road.

People shouting slogans against Government at Shakti Nagar on Saturday. Excelsior/Rakesh

There was no locality in the City and outskirts barring Old City, which was under total siege of Army and para-military forces, where the people didn’t come out of their houses and took out rallies in support of the agitation.

Huge rallies were taken out by the people with large participation of women and children at Janipura Colony, Old Janipura, Rehari Colony, Rehari Chungi, Subash Nagar, Bakshi Nagar, Shakti Nagar, Rajpura and posh localities across Tawi bridge including Gandhi Nagar. In Sainik Colony, a large number of people including ex-servicemen held a demonstration near UNO’s office and took serious exception to the statement of GOC 9 Corps Lt Gen Vinay Sharma that Army could also open firing on ex-servicemen protesters.

In Akhnoor, Jourian, Pallanwalla and Khour towns, Army and police didn’t permit the people to take out the rallies. At Rakh Muthi, security forces had barricaded Khour-Akhnoor road to prevent movement of the rallyists. Bar Association, Akhnoor, also tried to take out a rally but were not allowed.

Four women leaders of Panthers Party including Manju Singh, Jasdeep Kour, Rashika Sahni and Deepali today went on a hunger strike outside the party’s office.

Huge processions were taken out by the people from Raya, Soankha, Gurha Slathia and Utterbehni in Bari Brahamana-Vijaypur belt towards the National Highway. For a couple of hours, the protesters staged a dharna on the Highway blocking half of its portion. Later, they were asked to disperse by Army and police. Rallies were also taken out by the people at Sarore, Jalu Chak, Bishnah, Arnia, RS Pura, Shiv Nagar to SIDCO lane, Gurha Slathia and other areas in defiance of curfew restrictions. In Vijaypur town, relay hunger strike by the Sangarsh Samiti entered into fifth day today.

In Samba town, where curfew relaxation was announced by the administration from 5 am to 10 am but was withdrawn at 7.30 am anticipating that the people might move towards Jammu. People, however, took out a rally from Link Road to Hari Singh High Chowk in large number and dispersed before reaching the National Highway as the road had been fenced by the Army.

In Ghagwal area of Samba, a huge crowd marched from different villages and reached Narsingh Mandir from where they took out a procession towards Nanoth Ashram and dispersed peacefully.

People staging a dharna at Vijaypur Chowk in Samba district on Saturday. Excelsior/Sanjeev

Nine persons including four youths, two women and three cops were injured as incidents of stone pelting by the mob, which was replied by the cops with lathicharge and teargassing in different parts of Poonch town, where curfew was imposed by the administration yesterday morning.

People took to streets at Bus Stand, Purani Poonch, Khaka Nawan, Parade Ground, Sher-i-Kashmir bridge, Sheesh Mahal and Azad Mohalla at mid-night last night and resorted to stone pelting on the cops. Members of both the communities also exchanged stoning from roofs of their houses.

Heavy exchange of stone pelting continued between the two sides from 1 am to 3 am before both the groups were dispersed by police. Army remained deployed on outskirts of the town.

Trouble again erupted in the afternoon in Poonch town when youths of minority community started stone pelting on police. Ding dong battles between cops and protesters continued till this evening.

In the evening, people held a meeting at Akhara Mandi, from where annual Budda Amarnath yatra is launched, where they were addressed by Mahant Basant Ram. The Mahant asked the people to continue their agitation in a peaceful manner, take out daily processions and beat thalies on roofs in the evening. He advised the people not to resort to violence.

In neighboring Rajouri, where curfew remained in force for 7th day today, authorities relaxed curfew from 4 pm to 5.30 pm in Jawahar Nagar and Gujjar Mandi areas and from 5.30 pm to 9 pm in Old City. Curfew relaxation passed off peacefully. Curfew was imposed in Rajouri town after youths of majority community had damaged closed shops and business establishments of minority community protesting thrashing of majority community youths at Sunderbani and Rajouri town.

Defying curfew, people including women, demonstrating in Reasi town on Saturday. Excelsior/Mengi

Sunderbani, Nowshera and Kalakot besides some other towns of Rajouri district continued to observed a bandh. In Sunderbani town, people took out a rally which was also joined by the activists of Muslim Federation, which extended full support to the Sangarsh Samiti’s demand for restoration of land to the Shrine Board.

In Udhampur town also, which remained under the grip of curfew for eighth day today, no relaxation was given in curfew by the administration in anticipation of trouble due to the visit of all party delegation. However, people including women gathered at Adarsh Colony, Housing Colony, Chabutra Bazaar, Shiv Nagar and other localities and marched towards the Main Market. Led by senior BJP leader Pawan Gupta, the mob tried to force their way towards Jammu-Srinagar national highway but were stopped by the troops.

Protesters indulged in massive sloganeering against the Governor, NC and PDP president before dispersing.

Ramnagar, Chenani, Majalata, Tikri, Rhembal and other towns of Udhampur district also observed a bandh and people took out rallies in support of the agitation.

Night curfew continued in Bhaderwah town of Doda district where situation remained peaceful. In view of Mani Mahesh yatra beginning August 11, shopkeepers in Bhaderwah and Kishtwar towns have decided to keep their shops open for few hours for a couple of days to ensure that the pilgrims didn’t face any problems. However, minorities in Bhaderwah and Kishtwar towns continued to support the agitation by holding rallies and demonstrations and burning effigies of the Government.

In Reasi town, people including women and children braved heavy rains to take out a massive rally in the town, which was joined by a large number of Gujjars. BJP leader Subash Vaid went on a fast-unto death in Reasi town demanding restoration of land to the Shrine Board. Eight leaders of Panthers Party continued their hunger strike in the town.

All shops and business establishments remained closed in Reasi town for 18th successive day today. Shopkeepers kept their shutters down in Katra town on 9th straight day and people took out a rally in the evening.

Govt working on solution acceptable to
both regions: Home Minister

By Mohinder Verma

JAMMU, Aug 9: Stressing the need to maintain peace for immediate resolution of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) land issue, Union Home Minister, Shiv Raj Patil, today asserted that Government will make all sincere efforts to find out such a solution which would be acceptable to people of both the regions of the State.

Talking to media-persons after the members of all party delegation acquainted themselves with the prevailing unrest and demand of people of Jammu region during the day long meetings with different groups mainly Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangarsh Samiti, Mr Patil said that several suggestions came to fore during the meetings to resolve the SASB land issue and after thoroughly deliberating upon them the all party delegation will submit a report to the Government to take final decision at the earliest.

"This issue needs to be solved in such a manner that the decision gets wide acceptance from the people of both the regions of the State. While finding such a solution we will also keep in mind that it would not create any further controversy and Shri Amarnath Yatra continues smoothly as was desired by Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh while concluding all parties meeting held at Delhi over the issue recently", the Union Home Minister said, adding "the visit of all party delegation is a step in this direction".

He further said, "For such a solution, dialogue is imperative and we will ask the Governor, N N Vohra to continue the talks with Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangarsh Samiti, which is spearheading the ongoing agitation, through his Advisors and by involving intelligentsia".

Stating that in the democratic set-up the violence and use of force cannot find amicable solution to any issue, Mr Patil said "if we think peacefully, concrete solution can come out to any complex problem", adding "we hope the Sangarsh Samiti will help in maintenance of peace and will not stick to its stand of continuing agitation".

He disclosed that during discussions with different political and other groups, several other issues like discrimination with Jammu both political and economical and delimitation came to the fore. "Though these related issues cannot become part of the main issue of SASB land yet we will raise the same at appropriate fora", he added.

About the economic as well as loss of human lives during the ongoing unrest over the issue, the Union Home Minister said that the State Government will be directed to give adequate compensation. "Even the Union Government will give compensation of Rs 3.5 lakh to the family members of persons who lost lives during the agitation", he announced.

Again laying stress on maintenance of peace, Mr Patil said "even administration didn’t feel any happiness in imposing curfew and deploying Army but violent incidents and blockade of roads lead to such steps", adding "we will try to lift the curfew and send back Army to the barracks at the earliest".

He said that keeping in view the crisis which the Jammu and Kashmir has faced due to violence for several years, it was imperative to maintain unity and integrity, communal harmony and brotherhood. "We hope that people of the State and Sangarsh Samiti will help us in this regard", he added.

Admitting the mistakes on the part of administration which resulted into violent protests, the Union Home Minister said that directions have been given to the administration to exercise restrain. "But at the same time they have also been advised to be cautious about the violence", he added.

Advani declares war against anti-Hindu political psyche
*Supports Jammu agitation

NEW DELHI, Aug 9: Reminding the people of the launch of the freedom struggle against the Britishers on this day in 1942, when Mahatma Gandhi had given a call of "do or die", the BJP today declared a war against the anti-Hindu political psyche.

When an all-party peace delegation headed by Home Minister Shivraj Patil was visiting Jammu and Kashmir to bring about normalcy, NDA’s Prime Ministerial candidate and Leader of the Opposition Lal Krishan Advani, at the historic Ram Lila Ground here, justified the month-long violent agitation in Jammu for restoration of the 100 acre land allotted to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board for the convenience of the pilgrims.

"The anti-Hindu mindset is behind Jammu violence," Mr Advani said, addressing a BJP Yuva Morcha Rally, and assured the Jammu people of full BJP support in their struggle. He alleged that the land allotment order was revoked to please separatist elements.

Expressing his dismay over the argument that the land allotment to SASB for constructing temporary structures for pilgrims would change the demography of Kashmir, the BJP leader asked, "what is the identity of Kashmir? Is it not a part and parcel of India? The argument is ridiculous. The fact is that the Congress-led UPA Government has surrendered before the anti-national powers."

Mr Advani accused the Congress for the mess over land issue, saying this party never cared for just demands of the Hindus and believed in appeasement of the Muslims.

Congratulating the people of Jammu, whom he described as nationalist, and were now out to "do or die" to save their honour, he said, "to tolerate injustice is cowardice. It is not a struggle by Jammu people alone but by the people of the country".

Jammu has been in turmoil for the last few days and the Hindus in other parts of the country are also agitated over the revocation of land allotment order. Amarnath is a pilgrim centre in Kashmir where pilgrims from all parts of the country visit every year. If arrangements were made for Muslims going for Haj, why such arrangements could not be extended to the Hindus visiting the Amarnath, he said.

Mr Advani said for Amarnath pilgrims, 100 acre land was not the question. "It is not an issue between the Hindus and Muslims, but the question of our national identity and a fight against double standards," he added.

Observing that their fight was against the separatist mindset, the BJP leader recalled RSS ideologue Shyama Prasad Mukerjee, who launched a broadside against two PMs, two flags and two legislatures in a country.

"Time has again come to wake up against this duality," he thundered and declared that the BJP would not allow it and ready to make any sacrifices.(UNI)

Talks inconclusive but positive: Samiti

By Avtar Bhat

JAMMU, Aug 9: Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangarsh Samiti today kept its view point before the Centre’s delegation, headed by Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, after the State leadership stepped out of the visiting committee.

"The talks remained inconclusive, but were positive and have opened a door for more initiatives to resolve the tension," Samiti convener Leela Karan Sharma told reporters. He however said the agitation launched by Samiti will continue till goal is achieved.

There was no concrete offer to the Samiti from the Centre and the delegation had same proposal as was of Governor N N Vohra, he informed.

The Samiti had earlier refused to hold any discussion with any Central delegation having National Conference (NC) patron Farooq Abdullah, People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief , Mehbooba Mufti and Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress chief Saif-ud-Din Soz as its members. The Centre’s 18-member delegation, headed by Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, was also briefed on the situation in curfew-bound Jammu region, which is witnessing massive protests on Amarnath land row, Mr Sharma said.

He said the seriousness of the delegation could be judged from the fact that on the Samiti’s demand Dr Farooq Abdullah, Ms Mehbooba Mufti and Saif-ud-Din Soz were excluded from the meeting.

He said Mr Patil assured the Samiti that all losses suffered on whatsoever count will be compensated and stressed on maintenance of peace for which the appeal was also made by Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh in all parties meeting in New Delhi recently.

He said the Samiti apprised the delegation about the brewing resentment among the people of Jammu against the repression and we also thanked the Central team that at last they have remembered Jammuites after 40 days agitation."We also apprised them of the police repression to crush the agitation and opposed the deployment of Army tooth and nail," he added.

Mr Sharma said the Samiti reiterated its demand for revocation of the order regarding the cancellation of land allotted to SASB, restoration of powers to Board and recall of Governor.

He said the delegation was informed that this Governor adopted all repressive measures to suppress the peaceful agitation of Jammuites and and it was for the first time in the history of independent India that Jammuites revolted against the Governor.

He said the Samiti members also told the visiting delegation that the people of Jammu agitating with Tricolors and raising slogans like ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ were facing bullets, lathis and all types of repression.

"We also pointed out that Jammuites have been bearing the Kashmir centric policy of State and Central Governments for last 60 years for the unity of the State," Samiti convener said.

He said the Central delegation was also told that the Governor and political parties surrendered to slogans of separatists and Jammu was for the first time leading a mass movement which is supported by people from all communities and shades of opinion.

We informed the delegation that this agitation was launched after the sentiments of Jammuites were hurt by surrendering to separatists who hoisted Pak flags and shouted slogans like "Indian dogs go back". Despite this all happening in Kashmir the Centre has taken Jammu for granted which led to present resentment, he added.

Mr Sharma said delegation was also informed that in the history of Kashmir the Amarnath yatra was stopped during Afghan rule. It was boycotted by the majority community in 1993-94 and today it is under general attack.

Mr Sharma said the Samiti also submitted a memorandum to the delegation headed by Shiv Raj Patil which said that the people of Jammu belonging to all sections of society felt outraged when the land diversion to SASB for building temporary facilities for the pilgrims visiting the holy cave of Shri Amarnath was cancelled. The memorandum also demanded recall of Governor, N N Vohra, who in his capacity as Chairman of the Shrine Board in blatant violation of the provisions of SASB Act asked the Government to take over the land diverted to SASB at Baltal.

It also demanded withdrawal of letter written by Mr Vohra on June 29 to the State Government asking it to take over the land diverted to SASB and reverse and rescind the decision of the State Cabinet of July 1 accepting the request of the chairman of SASB and restore the land to it at Baltal.

Mr Sharma said the delegation was headed by him and its other members included Brig (retd) Suchet Singh, Narinder Singh, Narain Singh, Dev Raj Baru, Ram Sahai, Yash Paul Gupta, Vijay Sharma, Kuldeep Singh, Chander Mohan Sharma, B S Salathia, Udey Chand, Prof Virender Gupta, Rajesh Gupta, Hem Raj Khajuria, Mrs Mamta Singh, Romesh Sabharwal, Rakesh Jain, Dr R L Bhat, Hira Lal Bhat, Anil Suri, Virenderjeet Singh, K K Paroch, Anan Sharma, Dr M T Krishna and Mrs Sneh Bali.

Curfew relaxation for 7 hours

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 9: Curfew will be relaxed in entire Jammu district for seven hours tomorrow.

Official sources said curfew will be relaxed in entire Jammu district from 5 am to 12 noon.

Today, no relaxation was given in curfew in any part of the district in view of an all party delegation’s visit here.

Suspects spotted in Ghrota

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 9: Security forces, police and Special Operations Group (SOG) today launched a joint search operation in Ghrota area on old Jammu-Akhnoor road after some people tipped off the cops about the movement of three suspected militants in combat dress.

Security forces swung into action along with police and SOG personnel soon after an information was received about the movement of suspects in Ghrota.

Searches continued in Ghrota and surrounding villages but no arrests have been made so far.

Searches will go on till tomorrow, sources said.

Al-Badar commdr among 3 killed in Tangmarg

Excelsior Special Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Aug 9: Senior commander of Al-Badar Mujahideen, Mohammad Sultan Bhat, was among three persons killed in a fierce gunbattle between militants and Army in upper Tangmarg area of Rangawali.

IG Operations, North Kashmir, Dr B Srinivas, told EXCELSIOR that troops of Rashtriya Rifles 52 Bn and 34 Bn launched a search operation in the upper Tangmarg forest area of Rangawali, over a specific information late last night. He said that during the operation, senior commander of Al-Badar,Mohammad Sultan Bhat S/o late Ghulam Rasool Bhat R/o Rairam, Kunzar, got trapped alongwith two of his associates. A fierce gunbattle took place in which all the three got killed. He said that troops did not suffer any casualty.

Dr Srinivas said that one AK-47 rifle, two pistols and a quantity of assorted ammunition was recovered from the site of the encounter. He said that Bhat got killed alongwith two of his important associates, namely Shabir Ahmad Khan S/oAbdul Hami and Nazir Ahmad Khan S/o Abdul Rashid Khan, both residents of Ganiwan, Chhandil (Tangmarg). He said that recovery of three weapons was proof of the fact that Shabir Khan and Nazir Khan were Bhat’s close associates, who were carrying loaded Chinese pistols. A Police spokesman said categorically in a press release today that all the three killed in today’s gunbattle were "active militants".

Residents, however, insisted that Shabir Khan as well as Nazir Khan, were "uninvolved and innocent civilians". They asserted that both had ventured into the meadow area last night for the purpose of carrying crystal salt for their herds. Official sources, however, maintained that Shabir and Nazir were actually "timber smugglers" who had been enjoying free and frequent movement in the jungle area while felling coniferous trees and smuggling timber out of that area with the back-up support and facilitation of some militants.

According to official sources, Sultan Bhat was active in the area for last more than a decade and was allegedly involved in a murder case, registered under FIR No: of 2008. Case FIR No. 03/99 under section 302 RPC, 7/25 Indian Arms Act and 3/13 Unlawful Activities Act in which five innocent civilians were killed at a house at Shrai village in Tangmarg area. Bhat was also allegedly involved in case FIR No. 102/2007 under section 302 RPC, 7/25 Indian Arms Act in which one civilian was killed. He was also involved in case FIR No. 96/2007 under section 302 RPC and 7/27 Indian Arms Act in which one civilian was killed.

While Army did not issue any statement, A Zonal Police Headquarters press release asserted that all the three killed in today’s gunbattle were active militants. As against the claim of the Tangmarg residents that all the three killed today were militants, officials insisted that Shabir Khan and Nazir Khan were actually timber smugglers who had maintained a rapport with Sultan Bhat and some other militants in Baramulla district.

Sources said that a party of RR 21 Bn at Bawan Watsar Forest area in Handwara was also fired upon by militants. In the retaliatory fire one un-identified foreign militant got killed. One AK 47 rifle, three magazines, 60 rounds of ammunition, three hand grenades (destroyed on spot) and one pouch were recovered from the militant earlier killed. Police claimed to have registered a case for investigation.

Stage set for Musharraf's impeachment

ISLAMABAD, Aug 9: The stage was set today for the launch of impeachment proceedings against President Pervez Musharraf with the summoning of the National Assembly on Monday even as he ruled out dissolving the House to overcome the crisis facing him.

The 342-member Lower House will meet at 5 PM on August 11 for a session that will decide the fate of the 64-year-old Musharraf who himself issued the notification at the behest of the PPP-led ruling coalition which is moving for his impeachment.

Amid mounting speculation about how he would handle the challenge, Musharraf pledged to face the impeachment motion in a "democratic spirit" and not to use his constitutional powers to dissolve the Assembly.

While there have been questions as to whether the coalition had the numbers in the two houses of Parliament-the National Assembly and the Senate-to carry through the impeachment, one of his closest political aides Sheikh Rashid, a former Federal Minister, surprisingly advised the beleaguered leader to quit.

Rashid was of the view that the coalition would win the numbers game and the army would not support the President if he chose to dissolve the Assembly.

Musharraf, who has not spoken in public since the coalition announced two days ago its decision to impeach him, met top leaders of PML-Q, his ally, at Rawalpindi after which sources quoted him as telling the meeting that he had not indulged in "loot, corruption and malpractices".

The PML-Q leaders, including party president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly, told the President that he had two options to face a possible impeachment motion or to step down, sources said.

They also made it clear to Musharraf that any attempt by him to exercise his powers to dissolve the Parliament would not be supported by "political parties, the masses and the establishment", they said.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, who is in Beijing, said Musharraf should not prolong his stay in office against people’s wishes and should seek a vote of confidence in Parliament or else he will be impeached.

If the motion is passed by Parliament, Musharraf would have the ignominious distinction of being the first Pakistani President to be impeached.

Musharraf is "required to obtain a fresh vote of confidence from the Parliament. Otherwise, the Parliament, being a sovereign and independent body, has the option to exercise the right to impeach him," Gilani said.

During the hearing of a case challenging Musharraf’s re-election in uniform, the President’s counsel had given a commitment to the apex court last year that he would secure a vote of confidence from the Parliament elected in the February 18 general elections. (PTI)

Amarnath row to be resolved to safisfaction
of both regn:Patil

SRINAGAR : Asserting that communal harmony will not be allowed to be disturbed, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil today said the Amarnath land row will be resolved in a manner that its does not hurt either people of Jammu or Kashmir regions.

"We will have to seek how to deal with the (Amarnath) land issue. We will definitely make efforts that it is resolved in a manner in which it does not hurt (the sentiments) of people of Jammu as well as people of Kashmir," Patil told reporters after chairing nearly three-hour long all parties meet here.

He said the Amarnath yatra should go on as before. "The Prime Minister has also said that it should continue (as in the past)."

Patil said the all parties at the meet felt that communal harmony should not be disturbed.

"There should be no communalisation of the situation. There have been some incidents but we will tackle these," he added.

He said talks to resolve the Amarnath land row will be held with whoever it is necessary in Jammu as well as Kashmir.

The minister urged the media to be sensitive in reporting the events taking place in the state. "Media can also make mistakes. We request you to see what is covered is fact and done in a manner that it does not hurt sentiments (of people)."

Patil announced a slew of measures in a bid to please people on either side of the divide created by the Amarnath land controversy in Jammu and Kashmir.

"We will compensate the victims of violence ... We will compensate the near and dear ones of those who have been killed," he said, adding those who have suffered grievous injuries will also be compensated.

On the "economic blockade" of the valley caused by the ongoing stir in Jammu, Patil said all measures will be taken to ensure that the national highway remains open at all times so that there is smooth supply of goods to and fro Kashmir.

"It was the focus of the talks here as well as in Jammu. We talked to the administration and those people (security forces) to whom the national highway has been handed over," he said.

He said it was felt at the meeting that the law and order situation needs to be maintained and the national highway kept open for movements of goods.

Patil asked the fruit growers not to act upon their threat of taking their produce towards Muzaffarabad (in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir) tomorrow.

"Don’t go by the other (Srinagar-Muzaffarabad) road. It is not good for us and not good for you as well," he said assuring them that the safety of their goods will be ensured during transit from markets in the valley to other parts of the country.

Asked how the government will deal with the fruit growers association and Hurriyat Conference who have called for ‘Muzaffarabad Chalo’ programme tomorrow, the minister said, "If such a thing is done, it helps nobody. I hope it is not done and I am sure it will not be done."

Patil, who was scheduled to meet a representative delegation of traders from the valley, appealed to them also to not go ahead with their programme.

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry had come to meet Patil but left in a huff as they were kept waiting for more than an hour at venue as the all parties meeting went beyond the scheduled time.

The Home Minister apologised for the inconvenience caused to the traders but asserted that dialogue was the only way to resolve issues. (PTI)

Curfew lifted in Poonch,Kathua, relaxed in 4 districts

JAMMU : A day after the meeting between the all-party delegation and the Shri Amarnath Sangharsh Samiti, curfew was today lifted in border districts of Poonch and Kathua and relaxed in Jammu, Samba, Rajouri and Udhampur.

Peaceful protests were, however, held in the region where people burnt tyres and effigies of Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra over the Amarnath row.

"The district administration has lifted curfew in border towns of Kathua and Poonch since 0600 hours today after four days of its imposition in view of betterment in law and order situation," police officers said.

Authorities also relaxed curfew in Jammu, Samba, Udhampur and Rajouri districts and these passed off peacefully without any untoward incident, they said.

In Jammu and Samba district, where curfew continues for the 10th day today, it was relaxed for seven and five hours between 0500-1200 hours and 0500-1000 hours respectively.

In Udhampur and Rajouri, where curfew was imposed for the past seven days, was given curfew relaxation for two hours from 1100-1300 hours and 0700-0900 hours respectively.

"Curfew was reimposed all these districts. Army also conducted flag marches in Jammu and Samba districts," they said.

The army has choked all road, lanes and by-lanes with barbed-wire fencing, turning Jammu city into a virtual battle field. Besides this, all entry and exits points are manned by army to maintain peace.

Reviewing the law and order and security situation in Jammu and Kashmir yesterday, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil had asked the State Government to deal with the current situation with a balanced approach.

People took out peaceful rallies at scores of places in Jammu, Samba, Poonch, Kathua and Udhampur districts of Jammu region.

The rallies took place in Khour, R S Pura, Satwari, Purkhoo, Gangyal, Rehari, New Plot, Mishriwala, Trikuta Nagar Gandhinagar, Barnie, Patoli, Muthi, Miran Sahib, Maralian, Janipur, Bishah (Jammu district), Gangwal, Samba, Vijaypur, Thandi Khoie, Gurha Salathia, Ramgarh (Samba), Hiranagar, Kathua, Basholi, Madhovpur, Billawar, Lakhanpur (Kathua) and Sallian Tallab, Ramnagar, Domail, Chopra Shop, Chenani and Garhi (Udhampur), Sherikashmir bridge, Purani Poonch, Bus stand (Ppoonch).

They also burnt tyres and effigies of Governor N N Vohra and raised slogans against him.

"However, there were no violent clashes with police or army at any place. There were no violent protests. The situation is tense but under control," they said.

Meanwhile, 50 members of Rastriya Muslim Manch led by Jharkhand Shahee-Imam Moulana Hizb Rehman Merthi on a ‘Aman Paigam yatra’, which was stopped by the police at Lakhanpur, were allowed today.

Over 50 arrested activists of yatra including women were released and reached Jammu. They held meetings with SASS leadership at Geeta Bhawan this afternoon.

Criticising the administration for stopping them from meeting the Jammu and Kashmir leadership and carrying a message and appeal of peace to the people of the State, Moulana Merthi told the media, "It is unfortunate the administration and police had stopped us from entering J&K." (PTI)

Advani compares Amarnath agitation
to protest of S P Mukherjee

NEW DELHI: Comparing the present agitation in Jammu over the Amarnath issue to the protest launched by Jana Sangh ideologue Shyama Prasad Mukherjee 55 years ago for cancelling the "visa" system for those visiting Jammu and Kashmir, BJP leader L K Advani today said "we have turned a full circle".

"Shyama Prasad Mukherjee had promised the people during that agitation that he would either get the permit system abolished or sacrifice his life ... Today (after the Amarnath agitation) we seem to have turned a full circle," Advani said.

He was speaking at a function to release the special issue of a children’s magazine dedicated to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Criticising the forces opposed to allotment of land for Amarnath pilgrims, Advani said, "They say how can you give land to outsiders in Kashmir... Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and whoever raises questions about this issue will have to pay for it."

Advani praised Mukherjee for his agitation which led to the abolition of the permit system for those entering Jammu and Kashmir.

"Mukherjee died two years after forming the Bharatiya Jan Sangh under mysterious circumstances. This party had to undergo several tribulations to reach this stage," he said. (PTI)

J&K ex-Governor blames PDP, media roles in Amarnath row

CHANDIGARH: Former J&K Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha today took on the PDP for its so-called anti-national role while blaming the media for "misleading and misinforming" the public on the sensitive Amarnath land row.

Alleging that Mufti Mohammed Sayeed was opposed to the length of the annual pilgrimage to the cave shrine, Sinha said the former Chief Minister and PDP patron placed prefabricated structures along the Baltal route and continuously resisted his work as chairman of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board.

In his 90-minute keynote address at a seminar on "Shri Amarnath Land Transfer -- Implications of Revocation" organised here by the Forum on Integrated National Security, Sinha blamed the media, too, for its irresponsible coverage of the issue.

"I can understand the Valley press being prejudiced and engaging in yellow journalism but the national media has been misleading public opinion on this issue which is a matter of great concern," he said.

Sinha said vested interests are trying to portray the decision

of land transfer to SASB as one made by him "whereas the truth is that the state cabinet in May this year had unanimously approved of land being given to the Board."

Separatists are whipping up the sentiments of Kashmiri citizens against the transfer, he said, by projecting it as a step to facilitate permanent settlement of Hindus and one that could potentially change the demography of the Valley.

Sinha also blamed the Centre for going into an "overdrive" with its "appeasement policy and hurried revoking of the order." "All I had been trying to do as Governor went up in smoke during the last ten days of my tenure," the former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir said.

He added that Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad had fallen victim to the politics of compulsion.

"The PDP stabbed the government in the back. Azad was a very able Chief Minister, totally secular and national in outlook... He fell victim to his coalition partner's move patronised by Delhi, who sacrificed their own CM to appease the PDP," Sinha said.

Sinha spoke at length about Kashmiriyat or the Valley ethos of which both Muslims and Hindus were an inseparable part and how fundamentalist forces were trying to destroy that.

"The Mufti's role in the Baglihar project and his stand on dual currency and dual control indicate his party's anti-national and communal leanings," he said.

"He (Sayeed) gave no replies to my letters to the state government to conduct the Amarnath yatra for two months as he was dead against this step. Though his government went to the Court against this, the Shrine Board's stand was upheld and the yatra was allowed for two months," Sinha said. (PTI)

Amarnath row: Leaders hopeful of solution

Srinagar : Political leaders, who attended the all-party meeting here on the Amarnath land row, today expressed optimism on finding a solution to the vexed problem as the BJP accused the Centre of playing politics on the issue.

"The government is playing politics on the issue. If it wants, the resolution of the problem is very simple," BJP leader leader Arun Jaitley told reporters here.

Emerging out of nearly three-hour-long meeting, chaired by Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, he, however, refused to elaborate what would be the possible solution.

"Whatever we have to say in this regard will be given in writing to the government," Jaitley said.

Union Water Resources Minister Saifuddin Soz, who is also Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief, said the suggestions at the meeting had thrown up new opportunities for talks.

"Various suggestions have been put forth at the meeting. These will give fillip to the dialogue process," he said.

Asserting that there was no economic blockade of Kashmir, Soz said there had been some attacks on trucks carrying goods to and from the valley but such incidents would be curbed firmly.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah said a solution could be found through dialogue, but the economic blockade of the valley must end.

"It is not that we (Kashmiris) do not want to give land or they (Jammuites) want to take the land .. We have to find a solution and that can be found through talks," Abdullah said.

He said economic blockade of the valley must end as it was creating a lot of problems for people. CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury said the prime concern of all political parties was unity and integrity of India which was not negotiable.

He said the land row had acquired serious proportions and there was need for collective efforts to resolve the issue.

"The issue needs to be resolved. We are going back. We will submit a report We believe there is a solution (to the problem)," Yechury said.

He said vested interests were exploiting the sitution to derive political mileage and appealed to people not to fall prey to their designs.

"There are vested interests trying to communalise the situation and our efforts will be to counter these forces," the CPM leader said.

CPI's D Raja said "there have been certain suggestions which have to be looked into." SP General Secretary Amar Singh said a controversy had been created out of nothing by vested interests for petty electoral gains.

"This is not an issue Some vested interests are playing politics with an eye on election," he said. (PTI)

Differences crop up in all-party delegation

New Delhi : Differences today cropped up in the all-party delegation that visited Jammu and Kashmir with National Conference disapproving the nationwide agitation called by the BJP on the Amarnath issue, and the saffron party blaming the government for delay in holding the talks.

After a two-day visit to the strife-torn state, the delegation led by Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil returned here this evening.

Patil, however, exuded confidence that solution would be found out after considering all the suggestions made at the meeting over the past two days.

To a question, the Home Minister said that he would brief Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, at whose initiative the delegation visited the state, on the outcome of the talks.

At the hurriedly convened press conference at the Delhi airport, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah said in presence of other leaders that BJP's plan to hold the nationwide agitation might escalate the trouble.

"The agitation can add fuel to fire. I appeal to the BJP to stop its agaitational programme," Abdullah said Jaitley on his part earlier said that talks would have been held long before. He felt that if exercise of having talks continue, then a solution to the row would be found.

The Home Minister in his opening remarks said, "the situation was improving and blockades have been removed. The road from Valley to Jammu and to Punjab has been cleared, he said and promised compensation to the victims of the ongoing agitation.

To a question on the sanctity of the delegation sans leaders from the Valley, Patil said some leaders withdrew themselves on a demand made by Shri Amarnath Sangharsh Samiti that it would not sit for talks till Saifuddin Soz (Congress), Mehbooba Mufti (PDP) and Farooq Abdullah (National Conference) were present.

Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad cautioned against some separatist group trying to misuse the situation by threatening to cross the LoC and counter the economic blockade.

CPI leader D Raja was "optimistic" of a solution and Union Minister A Raja described the talks as "fruitful and positive".

Earlier in Srinagar, Patil told a press conference that communal harmony will not be allowed to be disturbed, and the land row will be resolved in a manner that its does not hurt either people of Jammu or Kashmir regions. (PTI)