Guns silent but angel of death strikes with a new fury
9 soldiers, 8 porters, 5 students killed in Valley

From Ahmed Ali Fayyaz

SRINAGAR, Jan 9: Even as no militancy-related death occurred in Kashmir valley in the last 24 hours, as many as 22 people---including 9 soldiers and 13 civilians---have died in four separate tragedies. Militants have meanwhile left four paramilitaries injured in a grenade attack in Sopore this evening.

Informed sources told EXCELSIOR that over a dozen students boarded an already overloaded Tata-407 at Bajwani, on Kehlil-Tral Road, at 1700 hours this evening. The group of IInd year BA/B Sc students of Government Degree College Tral was returning to home after appearing in an examination. As the heavily loaded minibus began plying in the direction of Tral township, in Police district Awantipore, it skidded off the road and crashed against a massive rubinia tree, causing injuries of different intensities to about 20 students. The nearby villagers, followed by Police, came to the rescue of the passengers. While eight of the injured students were treated at Sub District Hospital of Tral, 12 others were referred to different hospitals and rushed to Srinagar.

Sources said that two of the critically wounded students, namely Shivka Pandit S/o Moti Lal R/o Tral Payeen and Suhail Ahmed Bhat S/o Abdul Khaliq Bhat R/o Rathsuna, Tral, breathed their last near Pampore when they were being rushed to SKIMS Soura. After 10 others were admitted to two hospitals in Srinagar, three of them succumbed to injuries during treatment at SKIMS. They were identified as Wakil Ahmed Rather S/o Abdur Rasheed Rather R/o Rathsuna, Aijaz Ahmed Khanday S/o Ghulam Ahmed Khanday R/o Puner Jagir and Manzoor Ahmed Sheikh S/o Ghulam Hassan Sheikh R/o Bata Gund, Tral. A pall of gloom descended on a vast area in Tral when the five dead bodies were delivered for funeral rites at respective residences of the ill-fated students this evening.

SP Awantipore, Sardar Khan, said that some students had already boarded the minibus and occupied all of its seats when it reached near Bajwani, about 3 km short of Tral. As the minibus came to a halt, some of the students occupied its gangway while others found a room either on the rear ladders or on the rooftop. When the vehicle was plying on the metalled but muddy road, which became increasingly dangerous with rain and snowfall, it lost the balance and skidded off the road. Residents complained that the authorities had never responded to their petitions in which the people have been seeking more buses for different routes. They lamented that there was a nexus between the transporters and the officials of Regional Transport Authority who had made the life of poor commuters "more and more miserable with every passing day".

Reports said that at least five more of the injured students were battling for life at SMHS Hospital and SKIMS late this evening. None of the senior Government functionaries had visited any of the hospitals when reports last came in tonight.

Sources said that after three days of intermittent rains and snowfall, a massive avalanche today demolished an outpost at Rajput Taikri on the LoC in Bijhama area of Uri sector in Baramulla district. Another report claimed that two groups of soldiers and porters of a unit of 9 Maratha LI were walking towards Bijhama when they were caught in snow avalanches and believed to be buried alive. A spokesman at headquarters 15 Corps maintained that one JCO, six soldiers of different ranks and eight porters had been hit by snow avalanches in Uri and Machhil sectors and they were all "missing". He said that Army and other authorities had launched a rescue operation but intermittent snowfall was a major obstacle. He said that in addition to the normal compensation to the families of service personnel and civil porters, Army had announced an immediate relief of Rs 50,000/- each to the families of the missing civilians.

However, informed sources in north Kashmir told EXCELSIOR that as many as 8 civilian porters and 6 soldiers, including a Naib Subedar, had got killed in Bijhama alone. They said that the snowfall was causing hurdles in the rescue operation even as Army had recovered dead bodies of two soldiers, namely Lance Naik Govoa Deepak and Sepoy Raj Bahu Bhim. These sources said that two more soldiers of 177 Artillery were buried alive when a massive avalanche demolished their post on the top of Muthal Naar in Machhil sector yesterday. Dead bodies of both the soldiers have been recovered today. They are identified as Lance Naik Basko Jacob and Signalman Subeesh.

Sources said that a head constable of CRPF 54 Bn was meanwhile found dead inside his camp at Awantipore today. Cause of his death in mysterious circumstances was being ascertained.

Sources said that suspected militants lobbed a hand grenade towards a CRPF vehicle at Sopore this evening. It exploded close to the intended target, causing injuries to four paramilitary personnel. They were rushed to hospital for medical treatment.

NPP, BJP MLAs troop into well, walk-out
Rather comes to Govt’s rescue on Delimitation Commission

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 9: National Panthers Party (NPP) and BJP MLAs today trooped into well of the House, indulged in massive slogan shouting and clashed with Leader of Opposition Abdul Rahim Rather on the issue of setting up a Delimitation Commission as promised by the coalition Government in its Common Minimum Programme (CMP). The NPP and BJP members were also opposing a Government’s earlier proposal for 25 per cent proportionate increase in Assembly seats saying this will increase the existing difference of nine Assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir regions to 12. All 5 MLAs of NPP and BJP later staged a walk-out in the House.

While treasury benches choose not to react to the protests by the NPP, a former ally of Congress-PDP, it was Mr Rather who came to rescue of the Government and traded charges with NPP and BJP MLAs. Heated arguments were witnessed between Mr Rather and NPP Legislature Party leader Harshdev Singh.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Harshdev Singh said Kuldeep Singh Commission which re-adjusted boundaries of Parliament and Assemblies across Indian (except J&K) has submitted its report and the UPA Government has already decided that next Parliament elections will be held on the basis of Commission report. The Commission has also recommended increase in the seats of SCs from 78 to 84 and STs from 38 to 42 in Lok Sabha, he pointed out.

He alleged that J&K Government has misused its special status and didn’t extend the Commission’s jurisdiction to the State. The coalition Government had in its CMP also promised to set up a Delimitation Commission but it has not fulfilled its promise.

Health and Medical Education Minister Mangat Ram Sharma said as the issue pertained to Law Minister, Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig, who holds Law portfolio, will react to the Delimitation Commission later.

Strongly opposing the Government’s earlier proposal of a 25 per cent proportionate increase in Assembly seats of three regions, Harshdev Singh said it will further widen the difference of seats between Jammu and Kashmir divisions. Present difference of 9 seats (37 Jammu and 46 Kashmir) will go upto 12 (46 Jammu and 58 Kashmir) if the Government proposal was implemented, he added.

Shouting slogans all 4 NPP MLAs including Mr Singh, Yashpal Kundal, Balwant Singh Mankotia and Faqir Nath and BJP MLA Jugal Kishore trooped into well of the House shouting ‘Jammu Virodhi Sarkar Hai Hai’, ‘Awaam Dushman Sarkar Hai Hai’, ‘Delimitation Commission Lagoo Karo’, ‘Jammu Ko Insaaf Do’ and ‘Jammu Ke Saath Bedhbhav Naheen Chalega Naheen Chalega’.

All 5 MLAs were surrounded by the Marshals in well of the House to prevent them from reaching the Speaker’s podium.

BJP member Jugal Kishore said the Government had overstepped Wazir Commission recommendations and given four districts each to both regions while on the issue of Assembly seats, more seats are being given to Kashmir than Jammu.

All 5 NPP and BJP MLAs then staged a walk-out from the House. Independent MLA Ashwani Sharma also supported the demand of Delimitation Commission from his seat and later walked-out.

PDP leader and PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Dilawar Mir said the Opposition leaders including Mr Rather and Harshdev Singh had been demanding increase in working days of budget session. But the NPP members are wasting time of the House, he said.

Mr Mir claimed that there has been no discrimination with Jammu. "If any part has been discriminated, it is Kashmir", he alleged.

While treasury benches were silent on NPP and BJP protests, Leader of Opposition Abdul Rahim Rather virtually took up their role and told the NPP MLAs that an issue which has already been raised in the House can’t be repeated again

"Only this House can set up a Delimitation Commission with a majority. They (the NPP MLAs) too were in the Committee set up for Delimitation Commission. Whether they want to dictate terms against this Constitution", Mr Rather said.

Harshdev Singh charged Mr Rather with trying to oppose the demands of Jammu and said this hegemony won’t be allowed to prevail.

Mr Singh said Gurez Assembly seat has only 18,000 votes while Jammu West seat has 1.75 lakh votes. He said Jammu has 30 lakh voters and 25000 sq km area while Kashmir with 28 lakh voters and 15,000 sq km area has more seats.

"If you want to change the Constitution, you can bring a bill. The Minister is right when he says that time of the House should be used properly", Mr Rather said and advised the NPP MLAs to bring a bill in the House instead of raising slogans.

NPP MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia pointed out that Mr Rather speaking on behalf of the Government indicated a friendship between NC and Congress. "Sarkar Bhi Dhokha Karti Hai Aur Opposition Bhi. In Donon Ki Dosti Hai (both Government and Opposition were cheating us. They have developed friendship)", Mr Mankotia observed.

Sagar, Akhoon, Sadhotra walk-out
Heated arguments among PDP Ministers, NC MLAs

By Mohinder Verma

JAMMU, Jan 9: Heated arguments were witnessed between arch rivals People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Ministers and Opposition National Conference (NC) Members in the Lower House over the rehabilitation of Dal dwellers and shortage of fertilizer and seeds.

The war of words between Minister for Housing and Urban Development Tariq Hameed Qarra and National Conference Member Ali Mohammad Sagar began when the Minister, in reply to the question of Khem Lata Wakhlu, stated that the Government was identifying plots for rehabilitation of left-over Dal dwellers.

"During last Budget Session, the Government had given the similar reply", shouted Sagar, adding "the Government is misleading the people as the proposed land for rehabilitation of Dal dwellers is a wetland and Government cannot construct houses on the same in view of clear directions of Environment Ministry".

When Dr Farooq Abdullah was the Chief Minister, he rehabilitated 1500 families in Chandpora area, the NC Member said and alleged that due to political pressure the Government was not rehabilitating the left over Dal dwellers in the remaining plots in that area.

Another National Conference Member Mohd Sayeed Akhoon said that Dal dwellers have been living in sordid condition and alleged that the Government was forcing them to live in horrible condition. "Mere slogans are not going to end the miseries of the Dal dwellers", he added.

This infuriated Mr Qarra, who shouted back "what political pressure you are talking about? Spell it out here. Spell it out here and I will give reply in the House itself". The Minister further lost the temper when NC Member made mention about the Sales Tax amnesty given to one of the PDP Members during last year’s budget while spelling out the meaning of political pressure.

"Don’t sensationalize the House. Don’t try to mix up the issues", the PDP Minister countered Mr Sagar and said "in the House you have to make the specific statement". Had the Environment Ministry been against the project forwarded by the State Government, it would have not cleared the same, Mr Qarra said.

Amidst shouting at the Minister and accusing Government of misleading the Dal dwellers, both the National Conference Members staged walk out.

The heated exchanges were also witnessed between the Minister for Agriculture Abdul Aziz Zargar and National Conference Member Ajay Sadhotra when the former stated that the Opposition Member was unnecessarily raising hue and cry and alleging shortage of fertilizer and seeds in the State in general and Marh constituency in particular.

"If Government fails to provide fertilizer and seeds to the farmers in time I will resign", Mr Sadhotra said, adding "injustice is being meted to the farmers". He requested the Chair to frame a House Committee to ascertain the factual position.

While countering NC Member, the PDP Minister also offered to resign if the Members proves that there has been shortage of fertilizer and seeds in the State. "Everybody knows how much benefits the farmers received during your Government", he shouted at Mr Sadhotra.

Later, Mr Sadhotra walked out of the House while shouting that the Government has failed to provide justice to the farmers.

Earlier, the NC member faced embarrassing situation when he misinterpreted the written reply given by the Government about the district wise total requirement of fertilizer and seeds in the State and Marh constituency.

PDP-NC members clash, disrupt proceedings
Qazi’s remarks spark furore

By Gopal Sharma

JAMMU, Jan 9: The Upper House today witnessed unruly scenes and verbal clashes between the Opposition National Conference and Coalition partner-PDP members, over the remarks of Forest Minister Qazi Afzal.

A furore in the House sparked during Question Hour, when the Forest Minister from People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was responding to the question of Ali Mohd Bhat, followed by series of supplementaries by National Conference legislators, Devinder Singh Rana, Mohd Rashid Qureshi and Sakina Itoo on adjustment of Forestry Graduates on the pattern of Rehbar-e-Taleem and regularisation of daily wagers.

The minister was grilled by the NC members on the issue of delay being caused in taking a decision regarding the fate of Forestry graduates and non-regularisation of many daily wagers who are still serving. During reply, Qazi Afzal passed some remarks pointing towards Bhim Singh that nothing happens just to keep a cloth on the shoulder, you need to see around what’s happening. Though Mr Singh remained calm, the words of minister provoked the NC legislators.

All of them including Sakina Itoo, Devinder Rana, M R Qureshi, M Y Taing and T S Wazir were on their feet immediately after Qazi’s remarks. Qureshi started moving towards minister leaving his place shouting at him and raising slogans, " Chor Machae Shor’. However, with the intervention of Chairman Legislative Council, Ghulam Nabi Lone he stopped and turned back to his place. While, Qazi went on saying, " Shanti....Shanti....Shanti...., the NC members continued slogans against him, " ....Machae Shor".

The PDP members Murtaza Khan, Bashrat Bhukhari, Nizamuddin Bhat, Bilal Lodhi and M S Panditpuri came to the rescue of Minister and launched counter attack. The heated exchanges amidst allegations and counter allegations from both the sides continued for some time. Chairman’s efforts failed to restore order in the House. The proceedings were disrupted for about 10 minutes.

After a brief silence, Devinder Rana raised a point with the Chairman that ministers should behave like ministers. If they pass on some personal remarks, they will have to face its reaction from the opposition.

Earlier, while replying to question of Ali Mohd Bhat minister said on the basis of representation of J&K Unemployed Forestry Graduates Association to the Chief Minister, a committee of officers was constituted on 18-4-2007 to examine and work out a viable scheme (ReJ) on the pattern of ReT and ReS for considering the engagement of these unemployed youth. A proposal is pending before the Government it would have financial implications of Rs 6 cr. Regarding relaxation of age the minister said the issue of over aged candidates would be arise only when the scheme is proposed. The NC members regretted delay being caused in the implementation of ReJ scheme and sought the time limit. However, minister avoided to give any time frame for the same.

Bill introduced in Assembly
Govt to set up Shiv Khori Shrine Board
on SMVDSB, SASB pattern

By Sanjeev Pargal

JAMMU, Jan 9: The Government today introduced a bill in the Legislative Assembly seeking to constitute Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board (SSKSB) for better management, administration and governance of Shiv Khori shrine located in picturesque Ransu area, about 50 kms from Reasi town.

After approval by both Houses of the Legislature and assent by the Governor, which seems quite likely, Shiv Khori will become third Hindu shrine in the State to have a Shrine Board. Presently, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) and Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) are managing the affairs of Mata Vaishno Devi ji and Amarnath ji shrines.

The SSKSB will be on the pattern of the SMVDSB and the SASB.

According to the bill, Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board will be headed by Divisional Commissioner, Jammu as chairperson provided that he is a Hindu. In case, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu is not a Hindu, the Board will be headed by Deputy Commissioner, Reasi.

However, if both Divisional Commissioner, Jammu and Deputy Commissioner, Reasi are non-Hindus, the Government will nominate an eminent person professing Hindu faith as chairperson of the Board.

Deputy Commissioner, Reasi will be vice chairperson of the Board. In case, DC Reasi is chairperson of the Board or he is not a Hindu, Additional DC Reasi will be vice chairperson of the Board.

The SSKSB will have seven members including Chief Executive Officer of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board or his nominee, Director Tourism, Jammu and in case he is not an Hindu an officer of the Department to be nominated by the Government but not below the rank of Additional Secretary to Government.

Two other members to be nominated by the Government should have distinguished themselves in the service of Hindu religion or culture while two other members should have been top personalities in administration, legal affairs, financial matters, journalism etc.

The Board will have a woman member who, in the opinion of Government, has excelled herself in service of Hindu religion or culture or social work especially in regard to advancement of women.

MLA of the area i.e. Reasi, if he is a Hindu, shall be a special invitee at the meetings of the Board with a right to vote. Barring Government officers, all other persons should be permanent residents of the State, according to the bill. The Board will be a body corporate.

Members of the Board, other than the officials, will have a term of three years from the date of their nomination. Executive Officer of the SSKSB will be member-secretary of the Board. Business of the Board will not be conducted at any meeting unless at least five members are present.

The Board will be responsible for arranging proper performance of worship by the pilgrims, provide adequate facilities to devotees and make arrangements for safe custody of funds, valuables, property and jewellery for preservation of the Shrine Board.

The SSKSB will be responsible for undertaking construction of building for accommodation of worshipers and pilgrims, sanitary work, improvement of communication, development activities concerning the shrine and its surroundings, make suitable arrangements for imparting religious instructions and general education, provision of medical relief for worshipers and pilgrims and set a sum not exceeding Rs 20,000 per month for maintenance of the Sadhus visiting the shrine.

The Board will make provision for payment of suitable emoluments to salaried staff and do all such things that may be incidental and conducive to efficient management, maintenance and administration of the shrine and its Fund for convenience of the pilgrims.

In its statement to the bill, the Government observed that in recent year, Shiv Khori shrine is fast gaining national and international popularity and faith. It is emerging as an important Hindu pilgrim destination like Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and Shri Amar Nath ji.

The Government quoted figures to prove that pilgrimage to Shiv Khori shrine and offerings were on rise for last four years. In 2004, 2.39 lakh pilgrims had visited the shrine while the number went upto 3.06 lakh in 2005 and 3.47 lakh in 2006. In 2007, upto June 21 (i.e. less than six months of the year), 2.31 lakh pilgrims had darshan of most venerated shrine of Lord Shiva having Svaymshambhu Lingam.

Offerings in the shrine were Rs 31.92 lakh in 2004 which went upto Rs 40.98 lakh in 2005 and 53.06 lakh in 2006.

The Government had in 2003 constituted Shri Shiv Khori Temple Board, headed by Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur and in 2006 set up a Monitoring Committee for Shiv Khori Shrine Board also headed by the Deputy Commissioner.

However, the Government statement said, keeping in view the fast growing popularity of the shrine, increase in number of pilgrims and income of the shrine, a need has been felt to constitute a statutory authority for administration and governance of the shrine. The authority to be known as SSKSB will be on the pattern of the Boards of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji and Shri Amar Nath Ji shrines.

Narrow escape for Jet passengers

SRINAGAR, Jan 9: Passengers of a Delhi-bound Jet Airways flight had a narrow escape after one of its wings hit the ladder of another while taking off from Srinagar International Airport here, official sources said.

The Jet Airways flight was about to take off when one of its wings hit the ladder of an Air Deccan flight, which was being removed from the tarmac, they said.

Although no one was injured in the mishap, the Jet Airways flight could not leave for its destination and remained grounded due to some damage to its wing, the sources said.

However, the sources said the Air Deccan flight left for Delhi as per schedule.(PTI)

Session extended by 5 sittings

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 9: The Legislative Assembly today approved Business Advisory Committee (BAC) report extending 21 days budget session by five more sittings taking number of total sittings to 26.

The session, which began on January 7, will now conclude on February 9 instead of February 1 as scheduled earlier.

The BAC report was introduced in the Assembly today by Health and Medical Education Minister Mangat Ram Sharma on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig and was adopted by the House unanimously.

Excelsior had today exclusively reported that current budget session of the Assembly is being extended by five sittings.

As per the revised calendar adopted by the Assembly today, the debate on Governor’s Address, which had started on January 8 (a day after the Governor’s Address on January 7) will continue for four days i.e. upto January 11 when the Chief Minister will reply to the Address. January 14 and February 8 have been reserved for Government business while private members’ resolutions will be taken up on January 15 and February 9. Private members’ bills will be taken up on January 17 and 24. Finance Minister Tariq Hameed Qarra will present budget on January 16 as scheduled earlier.

Three days—January 21-23 have been fixed for discussion on budget and reply by the Finance Minister.

Demands for Grants of Ministries will be debated for 10 days i.e. January 25, January 28-February 2 and February 4-6.

CBI searches in MES office

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 9: The Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) today conducted searches in MES office at Sunjwan following reports of sub standard material used in some pillars.

Official sources said the searches were conducted on a specific information of spurious material having been used in the pillars.

The CBI team had also taken along with them the Construction Division Officers of Railways and GREF to videograph the material under question.

The material seemed to be of very poor quality, sources said, adding an inquiry was on into the case.

The CBI team in the searches was led by Inspector Radhey Shyam Sharma under the supervision of SSP CBI Jammu, O P Gaur.

Deputy Speaker-chief whip clash

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 9: Congress chief whip and former Minister Prem Sagar Aziz today had a duel with Deputy Speaker Mohd Akbar Lone during Zero Hour in the Assembly when former charged the latter with not doing justice to his party members in allowing them to raise their issues.

"You have allowed 15-16 NC members to speak while only 5-6 Congress members were asked to raise their issues during Zero Hour", Mr Aziz shouted at Mr Lone, who was in the chair as Zero Hour was declared over by the Deputy Speaker.

"I’m chief whip of the party. You should do justice with us. This is not fair", Mr Aziz said.

As tempers ran high between the two, Mr Lone shot back: "then what if you are chief whip. You can’t dictate terms to me".

Congress MLA from Hiranagar, Girdhari Lal also came to the support of Mr Aziz and asserted that justice was not being done to the Congress members.

As Mr Aziz and Mr Lal continued their protest, the Deputy Speaker remarked: "are you fighting in the bazaar. This is Assembly. Respect the House and the Chair".

Both sides cooled down after the Deputy Speaker switched over to other business.

Highway re-opens partially

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 9: Traffic on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway resumed partially after remaining suspended since yesterday due to landslides and heavy snowfall.

About 500 vehicles, carrying passengers and essential commodities which were stranded on the highway since yesterday, were allowed to proceed towards their respective destinations this morning after clearance of the highway of debris at Panthyal, Senior Superintendent of Traffic Police, National Highway, Danish Rana said.

However, the traffic was suspended at 12.30 pm when shooting of stones again started at Panthyal, he said, adding at around 5 pm the vehicular traffic was again allowed and several trucks carrying essential commodities safely crossed highly vulnerable spot till 5 pm when the highway was officially closed.

According to Mr Rana, about 800 trucks carrying essential commodities were stranded at different places on the highway and decision to allow traffic tomorrow will be taken only in the morning after receiving information from the officials posted at different places on the highway.