Surrendered ultra, PHE employee shot dead
LeT militant nabbed in Kishtwar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 3: Militants today gunned down two persons including a PHE employee and a surrendered militant and kidnapped a civilian in two separate incidents in Kishtwar and Reasi districts while a Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant was arrested by police and Army in Bonjwah, Kishtwar.

Official sources said a group of three militants intruded into two houses at village Kuchaal in Chatroo area of Kishtwar district last night and kidnapped two civilians identified as Bashir Ahmed, a PHE employee, son of Ghulam Rasool Hajam R/o Kuchaal, Chatroo and Imtiyaz Ahmed, a surrendered militants R/o Mir Mohalla, Kuchaal.

The militants took away the civilians to a surrounding forest area and were reported to have held them hostage for few hours before killing both of them by pumping bullets with AK rifle.

The militants escaped after the killing.

Bodies of both the persons were recovered from Kuchaal forest area this morning during a search operation launched by local people and police. Bodies of the civilians have been handed over to their families by police after completion of legal formalities.

Police and security forces have started a search operation for the militants, who were suspects to be local cadre of Hizbul Mujahideen outfit. However, no arrests have been made so far.

Sources said Imtiyaz Ahmed was killed by the militants as they were opposed to his surrender and were asking him to resume militant activities. However, Imtiyaz, who had surrendered in 2002, had refused to again take up the guns. Bashir was killed for his association with the surrendered militant.

A LeT militant Qasim Din son of Mohd Akbar R/o Qarrad, Bonjwah was arrested by police and 26 Rashtriya Rifles led by officiating CO in Bonjwah area of Kishtwar district this morning. He was a close associate of Abu Hamza, a top Lashkar ultra, who was gunned down by police and security forces at Bonjwah four days back.

Qasim had managed to escape in the encounter in which Abu Hamza was killed and had since then taken shelter in Kanuao forest. One SLR with two magazines and 26 rounds were recovered from him.

The militant was arrested by a police party headed by Incharge Operations, Kishtwar, Inspector Gurmeet Singh under the supervision of DIG Doda range Hemant Kumar Lohia and SP Kishtwar Imtiyaz Ahmed.

Another civilian, Sher Mohammad, a Panchayat member, son of Sardaru Gujjar R/o Barmidhar was kidnapped by the militants from his house in Mahore area of Reasi district last night.

Police have launched searches to trace him.

Security forces and police busted a hide-out of the militants at Tipperan Chimber in Bhadarwah area of Doda district and recovered some eatables and clothes.

Heavy presence of militants across Sunderbani, Mendhar

By Sanjeev Pargal

JAMMU, May 3: Even as no visible infiltration attempts have been reported in twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch especially along traditional infiltration routes in Mendhar, Balakote and Sunderbani despite passes getting clear with melting of snow, Intelligence reports have, however, indicated heavy presence of trained ultras across Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

According to official information, no major intrusion bid was reported on LoC in the two border districts in April this year though six to seven such attempts were noticed, four of which were successfully thwarted, in Mendhar and Sunderbani sectors in February and March.

Information gathered by the Intelligence agencies has, however, revealed that there was heavy presence of Pakistan-trained militants including foreign mercenaries as well as locals especially in Nalli area of PoK across Sunderbani sector, Panjni and Nakayal opposite Mendhar and Balakote besides Tetrinote across Salhutri.

At Nalli, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), which has been assigned the task of infiltration of militants to this side, is also reported to have set up its base camp, sources said.

They added that Pakistan army and ISI were desperate to push men and material to this side as there had been frequent intercepts from Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) commanders in Doda, Kishtwar, Banihal, Gool-Gulabgarh and Mahore besides Rajouri and Poonch to their mentors across LoC that their sources were getting dried due to "very less infiltration".

According to sources, change of guard in Pakistan in April with Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani taking over reign of affairs, could be one of the reason behind less or virtually no infiltration attempt from LoC last month.

"Pakistan army or ISI could be waiting for fresh directions from the new Government vis-a-vis infiltration of trained militants. It is also likely that even for next few days as well, Pakistan army might not push militants into this side till the next Government is settled", sources said.

However, they said, troops on this side have also left very little options for the intruders after fencing on LoC and installation of sophisticated gadgets besides round-the-clock patrolling along traditional infiltration routes in Mendhar, Balakote, Poonch, Sunderbani and Keri sectors.

Most of the infiltration attempts through Rajouri and Poonch sectors are generally reported during the months of April to July when the passes are totally cleared of snow in summer while intrusions come down to minimum from December to February due to snowfall. This year, however, three to four intrusion bids were reported in Mendhar and Sunderbani in February.

Sources said due to successful operations by Army and police in Rajouri and Poonch districts in past few months which has resulted into killing and arrest of many militants and very less infiltration attempts, only 50-60 listed militants were left in Poonch and Rajouri districts who include 20 foreign mercenaries. Majority of cadre was working with Hizbul Mujahideen outfit.

Marazi's petition dismissed in High Court
CM, brothers cleared of all charges

Excelsior Special Correspondent

SRINAGAR, May 3: A Single Bench of Jammu & Kashmir High Court, comprising Justice Hakeem Imtiyaz Hussain, today dismissed the petition of an attached and suspended General Manager of J&K State Forest Corporation (SFC) with the observation that the charges leveled by the petitioner against Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and four of his brothers had not been established.

While pronouncing his judgement after hearing arguments and counter-arguments of the parties involved for over three months, Justice Hakeem Imtiyaz Hussain observed that Marazi's charges of misuse of official position against Chief Minister and alleged undue benefits to four of the CM's brothers in allotment of contracts and rate enhancements in J&K SFC had not been established. For want of some typographical corrections, copy of the judgment was not immediately available.

While the petitioner was represented by advocate Mohammad Yusuf Bhat, respondent Government of Jammu & Kashmir, J&K SFC and Chief Minister were represented by Advocate General Altaf Naik and additional AG Ali Mohammad Magray.

Marazi had approached J&K High Court after he was attached to General Administration Department on September 12th, 2007,and subsequently placed under suspension when Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad had personally taken over Forest portfolio and ordered a high level inquiry into the alleged irregularities in SFC and Forest Department in September last year. Then Financial Commissioner Home, B R Kundal, who was later appointed as Chief Secretary, conducted the investigation in which he found Marazi guilty of grave irregularities, including his dubious service record, and recommended dismissal of his service. Fearing termination of his service, Marazi had filed a petition, seeking prevention of action against him and dismissal of the Kundal Committee report. Crux of his petition was that he was being targeted for refusing to oblige CM's relations in allotment of contracts and increasing their rates.

On the other hand, AG argued that a "tainted official" could not be allowed to drag head of the Government into a controversy after the Government had initiated action against the official. He pointed that according to the petitioner's service record, he had been appointed into the service at the age of 15 years which, he asserted, was impossible. He also pointed out that the petitioner had already been indicted into an embezzlement but he had managed blockade of a review petition against a Court order in SFC and State Government and subsequently managed to join back in the SFC.

In previous National Conference (NC) Government, Marazi had been dismissed from services on charges of corruption but he joined back in 2002 after Court observed that rules of service in SFC did not provide for termination of service. Kundal investigation pointed out that his service records were dubious as, according to his service book, he had joined service at the age of 15 years.

In his averments, AG had also disputed the petitioner's complaint that he had been targeted for having refused to oblige Chief Minister and his brothers in allotment of contracts (extraction and transportation of timber in Doda district) and enhancement of rates in their favour. AG had pointed out that Marazi did hold a junior position in SFC and it was far beyond his competence to benefit or harm the forest contractors in the matters of allotment and enhancement of rates.

With today's judgment, decks have been cleared for termination of Marazi's service in SFC as recommended earlier by the Kundal Committee.

Bring KAS, KPS at par with IAS, IPS: Farooq

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar May 3: NC patron Dr Farooq Abdullah, has appealed to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to direct the State Government to implement recommendations of 6th Pay Commission immediately and urged him to impress upon the State Government to bring KAS and KPS officers at par with IAS & IPS to encourage local talent which has understanding of local problems of people.

In a statement, he said the local officers have proved their mettle time and again in difficult circumstances prevailing in the State and have performed their duties with excellence, honesty and uprightness. "The local officers deserved to be encouraged and given a pat on their back," he said, adding in a State like Jammu and Kashmir where the avenues of education have not reached all as yet, it is difficult for the state subjects to compete at all India level and as such they do not get enough opportunities for placement in Central services. Therefore, he said, there is a need to bring local KAS and KPS officers at par with IAS and IPS in terms of pay scales. He said this move of the State Government will not only give confidence to local officers but also encourage the local unemployed to strive harder to make it to administrative services of the State.

Dr Abdullah said the State Government should immediately bring KAS and KPS officers at par with IAS and IPS in terms of their time scale promotions as well so that local officers have a greater role to play in the process of decision making in the State which will be for welfare of the people of the State as the local officers are well versed with topography of the State and have better understanding of diverse, social, ethnic, linguistic and regional pattern, which is very peculiar in its nature and content.

Dr Abdullah appealed to the Prime Minister that such a move will go a long way in better administration in the State. "Such an administrative structure will be more responsive and address the problems of the people more effectively," he added.

Dr Abdullah has also appealed to the Union Government to reconsider recommendations of the 6th Pay Commission and end the disparity in the pay structure between the IAS and the IPS. He said the pay anomaly between two important cadres is likely to create bitterness between officers of two cadres and effect the civil administration. He said the structures of IAS and IPS should be at par with each other so as to create a better congenial working atmosphere between the two vital wings of civil administration.

He said roles of both the civil administrators and the police are very crucial and both have a daunting task at their hands and so should be placed at par with each other.

He said disparity in pay structures between IPS & IAS is likely to demoralize the police officers which will not be in the interest of the administration particularly when the police officers are engaged in multifarious difficult internal law and order problems.

Dr Abdullah said many police officers across the country have lost their lives fighting to maintain peace and order in the country and it is high time "we encourage them and boost their morale lest they feel demoralized and disinterested which will adversely effect their performance."

The former Chief Minister said apart from internal security, police is also working to combat terrorism at the peril of their lives and so they should enjoy respect of the society and that respect and authority can only be restored when they are paid the highest salaries at part with their counterparts in IAS and not treated second to anyone in hierarchy and status within the civil administration.

Murder worked out, 2 arrested

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, May 3: Police today solved mystery behind the death of a youth and arrested two accused persons.

Giving details in a press conference, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Srinagar S A Mujtaba said that on April 27, a youth Basharat Ahmed alias Raja Kala, son of Mohammad Maqbool Khan on his return from Jammu met with his two friends—Imran Khan, son of Ghulam Nabi Khan of Ziyarat Batmaloo, a mechanic by profession and Mohammad Sadiq Parray, son of Ghulam Ahmad Parray of Haft Chinar and presently residing in Haji Kareem Building, Kawji Adda Batmaloo as tenant.

The trio went to Dalgate and consumed liquor there. Later, they went to the room of Mohammad Sadiq Parray where the Basharat Ahmed intended to take more liquor and sodomize Imran Khan. They entered into a scuffle when Mohd Sadiq objected to the intentions of Basharat.

In order to control Basharat, Imran and Mohammad Parray hit the former on his head with iron rods leading to Basharat’s death. Later, the accused persons threw the body into muddy drain and covered it with some garbage and a piece of jute matting.

Next day, some children noticed the body in the drain and informed Batmaloo police about the incident. Police took the body to hospital for post-mortem and started inquest proceedings.

During the course of investigation, Batmaloo Police got some clues regarding the mysterious death of the youth and apprehended both the accused persons, who confessed their crime during questioning.

A murder case has been registered against them.

3 more held in Samba with weapons
3 criminals detained under PSA

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 3: District authorities in Samba today imposed Public Safety Act (PSA) on three hardcore criminals for two years and sent to jail while three more top criminals were nabbed in Samba town.

Three criminals, who have been detained under PSA, include Mohitesh Sharma alias Munna of Shakti Nagar, Sourav Gupta alias Shammi of Nanak Nagar and Yogesh Sharma alias David of Thalora, Samba.

A warrant for the detention of three criminals under PSA for two years was signed by Deputy Commissioner, Samba, Sourabh Bhagat, today.

A case for the criminals’ detention under PSA was made out by Samba police, SSP Samba Rajinder Gupta said.

He added that all three criminals were today sent to Central Jail, Jammu soon after their detention order was issued.

This is for the first time that three criminals have been detained under PSA in newly created Samba district. Prior to them, another hardened criminal, Raju was booked under PSA about one and a half month back, for a period of two years.

Munna, David and Shammi along with Rajinder Singh alias Shamboo of Thalora Mandi were arrested by Samba police parties led by SDPO Samba Ram Singh Charak and SHO Inspector Ashok Singh under the supervision of SSP Samba Rajinder Gupta on Thursday. A country made pistol besides a large quantity of sharp-edged weapons were recovered from their possession.

All three accused, detained under PSA, were involved in six to eight cases of attempt to murder and Arms Act at different police stations in Jammu district.

They had come to Samba with intentions to murder Vinod Singh Samyal alias Binny son of Kuldeep Singh R/o Ward No. 3, Samba. Earlier, they had planned to kill Mohan Cheer but he was arrested by police in connection with the killing of Bakra.

Meanwhile, three more criminals including Binny, Anil Singh Samyal alias Racsoo son of Jagdish Singh and Lakhbir Singh alias Lucky son of Kuldeep Singh, both residents of Mandi Thalora, Samba have also been arrested by police.

From their possession, police have recovered sharp-edged weapons. The accused had made a murderous assault on Vinod Singh alias Bunty, also a resident of Mandi Thalora, Samba. Bunty was seriously injured and has been hospitalised.

A case against the three accused has been registered at Samba police station for further investigations.

Sources said with the detention of three criminals under PSA and arrested of four others, the criminals’ bid to indulge in large scale activities in Samba has been foiled.

Sawlakote power project case
HC allows Norway company to file amended petition

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 3: In much publicized case of 1200 MW Sawlakote Hydro Electric Power Project, Justice J P Singh of State High Court today permitted the Sawlakote Prosjektuviklingas and other petitioners to file amended petition within two weeks. The petitioners have filed CMP for placing additional documents on records.

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Shinghvi with Advocates Ritu Bhalla Misha and Pranav Kohli appearing for the petitioners submitted that the petitioners would not press this CMP and would instead seek permission to amend the petition so as to project all those facts which are within their knowledge and grounds which may available to them to question the order impugned in the petition.

Solicitor General of India, J E Valanvati with Advocate Reshihash Barva appearing for the respondents while offering no objection to petitioner’s request for amendment of petition, submitted that in the event of allowing petitioners request for amendment of petition, respondents be also allowed to state all those facts and grounds which may be available to them to meet the case proposed to be set-up by the petitioners in the amendment petition in their counter affidavit.

After considering the submission of counsels for the parties, Justice J P Singh observed "keeping in view the facts and circumstances of the case, it is considered just and proper to permit the petitioners to file amended petition. Petitioners file amended petition within two weeks with a advance copy to the respondents who may file their response within four weeks thereafter with an advance copy to the petitioners. Rejoinder, if any, may be filed by the petitioners within two weeks thereafter".

Earlier, the contractors —M/s Sawlakote Prosjektutvikling of Norway, M/s Hindustan Construction Company, Mumbai, and M/s Ozaltin Construction Trade and Industry Company INC of Ankara Turkey through the petition challenged the decision to cancel their EPC contract and also to float fresh global tenders for the EPC.

It was submitted in the petition that on the basis of reports published in the newspapers on November 16, 2006 and November 17, 2006 and on an alleged report of Cabinet Sub-Committee, the Jammu and Kashmir Government decided to cancel the EPC contract of the petitioners with the Power Development Corporation and also to float fresh Global Tenders for the EPC Contract.

They further submitted that they were never informed of the constitution of scope of reference of the Cabinet Sub-Committee nor were ever called upon by the state or the Cabinet Sub-Committee to address and respond to any issue or queries on the basis of which the impugned decision has been arrived at, this despite the petitioners’ letter dated November 11, 2006 to Chief Secretary, Government of J&K upon coming to know of the constitution of a Cabinet Sub-Committee to allegedly "review the Sawlakote Project" through media reports.

By the said letter, the petitioners offered to assist the committee with all factual information related to the project development contract and consortium structure.

The High Court, in the petition, directed State not to call new global tenders and also directed the Chief Engineer, Power Development Corporation that he will maintain status quo as it exists that day till next date of hearing.

Mir briefs PM on J&K situation

NEW DELHI, May 3: Rebel PDP leader and former Jammu and Kashmir Minister Ghulam Hassan Mir today met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and discussed the current political situation in the State, particularly in view of the coming Assembly elections.

Incidentally, Mr Mir is floating his own outfit — Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Party — in Srinagar on May 7.

During the 30-minute meeting, Mr Mir, a founder member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), briefed the Prime Minister about the current political situation in the State.

"I had no personal agenda. I wanted to brief him about the prevailing economic situation in Jammu and Kashmir," he told after the meeting.

Mr Mir said he informed the Prime Minister about the negative role played by the Jammu and Kashmir Bank in eradicating unemployment in the State.

"Jammu and Kashmir is facing a massive problem of unemployment. Hundreds of thousands of unemployed youth are feeling frustrated. The Jammu and Kashmir Bank could have played a positive role by providing loans to the unemployed youth so that they have alternate means of employment. But, its role is totally negative," he added.

Mr Mir, a former Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Minister, said the economy of the State was in doldrums.

"The economy of Jammu and Kashmir should not be dependent, but self-reliant. I also told the Prime Minister that the stalled economic package should be immediately revived so that development works could be taken up on a priority basis," he added.(UNI)

Langet shocked over kid's electrocution

Excelsior Correspondent

HANDWARA, May 3: In the wake of reports that over a hundred deaths were taking place every year in Kashmir valley due to electrocution on plains and fields, a 4-year-old girl, Mehak D/o Fayaz Ahmed Bhat R/o Yaru, Langet, today died when a decayed wooden pole and livewires fell on her. She became victim of the Power Development Department's criminal negligence when she was on way to a Madrasa where she was learning to recite holy Quran.

The girl child's death by electrocution sent shockwaves in Langet-Handwara belt as hundreds of people gathered and began shouting slogans against PDD engineers and the State Government. Unruly mobs later resorted to stone pelting on vehicles and Government offices. Here in Handwara, hundreds of angry demonstrators ransacked the office of AEE Sub Division Handwara and roughed up several officials including a JE, namely Mashooq Ahmed.

The demonstrators said that the PDD officials had refused to take any action even as they had been repeatedly submitting applications and pointing out that LT transmission system was spread over rotten wooden poles and thus a naked threat to human life. They alleged that PDD officials had embezzled huge funds, including those provided under APDRP and Rajiv Gandhi schemes and taken no action to improve the transmission system.

Police registered FIR against PDD officials and arranged post mortem of the girl child. Police officials said that a large number of such incidents, in which human beings or animals had got electrocuted, had taken place in Handwara area. They said that over a dozen criminal cases against PDD officials were already under investigation.

Maximum number of deaths by electrocution have been reported in Budgam and Srinagar districts even as over a hundred of such cases have reportedly taken place in Kashmir valley in the last over a year.

Sarabjit's family hopes for freedom

AMRITSAR/ISLAMABAD, May 3: Sarabjit Singh’s family home near Amritsar erupted with joy today after Pakistan’s Government put off the hanging of the Indian death row prisoner indefinitely raising hopes of him escaping the noose.

"Sarabjit’s execution has been stayed," Interior Secretary Syed Kamal Shah said in Islamabad.

Asked for how long would the execution process be halted, Shah said yesterday’s order postponing the execution does not mention any time-frame. The execution was stayed till further orders by the Government of Pakistan and the President of Pakistan, according to Sarabjit’s lawyer Rana Abdul Hameed.

Sarabjit’s wife, daughters and sister offered prayers at a Gurudwara at Bhikiwind village in Amritsar district and exchanged sweets. Scenes of joy were witnessed amid hopes that Sarabjit may walk free after spending 18 years on death row in a Lahore jail.

"Now I am expecting that the Pakistan Government in the next few days would definitely extend the clemency," said Dalbir Kaur, sister of Sarabjit.

Sarabjit, whose family say he is the victim of mistaken identity, was to be hanged on April 1 after being convicted of involvement in 1990 blasts that killed 14 people in Lahore.

But President Pervez Musharraf, who had earlier rejected a mercy petition, delayed execution until April 30. The execution was further delayed by Pakistan authorities a few days before April 30 on technical grounds.

Significantly, the latest reprieve for Sarabjit, who is lodged in a Lahore prison for the last 18 years, comes days ahead of External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee’s visit to Pakistan on May 21. Moves are also afoot in Pakistan to commute death sentences to life and Sarabjit may be benefitted if it goes through.

Sarabjit’s elder daughter Swapandeep Kaur said "we are very happy. We prayed in a Gurudwara for our father’s early return."

His sister Dalbir Kaur expressed her gratitude to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani and President Pervez Musharraf for the temporary reprieve. She also thanked PPP chairman Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif.

Talking , Kaur said she was immensely happy and thanked the Indian Government, which took the initiative and urged the Pakistani Government to extend clemency to Singh.

She said former Human Rights Minister of Pakistan Ansar Burney has played significant role to save Singh’s life. It was Burney who had recently filed a fresh mercy petition before President Musharraf.

She said "Now I have strong hopes that the Government of Pakistan while considering the mercy petition of my brother would certainly set him free so that he could be repatriated to India to join his family."

Kaur said "Now I have firm faith on the existence of Almighty who ultimately shown his unseen power to save my Sarabjit. Now, God would also bring Sarabjit on Indian territory safe and sound so that he could participate in the marriage ceremonies of his two daughters Sawpandeep Kaur and Poonam."

Kaur claimed that Singh had crossed over to Pakistan inadvertently in the year of 1990.

Kaur had gone to Pakistan on April 23 and returned on 29.

Singh’s family maintains he was arrested after the 1990 Lahore blasts, which left 14 people dead, at a different province of Pakistan in the name of Manjit Singh and not at the scene of the crime. (PTI)

Zardari evasive on May 12 deadline

ISLAMABAD, May 3: PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari cast doubts over Pakistan’s sacked Judges being reinstated on May 12 as announced by coalition partner PML-N fuelling speculation that their differences over the "problem" issue still lingered.

That the dispute over how to bring the Judges may continue to be a thorn in the PPP-led coalition was apparent when Zardari would not confirm the May 12 date for the restoration of some 60 Judges sacked by President Pervez Musharraf. Remaining non-committal, Zardari said the question should be put to a committee of experts set up to draft a Parliamentary resolution.

Following two days of talks with Zardari in Dubai, PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif yesterday announced in Lahore that the Judges will be restored through a Parliamentary resolution on May 12.

However, Zardari told ‘Aaj tv’ channel that a committee of legal experts set up to finalise the resolution for the Judges would decide the matter "as soon as possible".

Evading a direct reply to a question whether the Judges will be restored on the date set by Sharif, he said: "ask the question about reinstatement of the Judges on May 12 with the committee. God willing, as soon as possible this will be done."

Meanwhile, according to Tariq Azim, a spokesman of Musharraf’s PML(Q), the President may accept the reinstatement of the Judges if the new Government amends the Constitution instead of simply passing a Parliamentary resolution.

Zardari said the reinstatement of the deposed Judges is "a problem" and a formula should be devised for this. He also said that providing food and shelter to the people were more important issues than bringing back the Judges.

Law Minister Farooq Naek also said the deposed Judges may not necessarily be restored on May 12.(PTI)

Life sentence to ex-Army officer

NEW DELHI, May 3: A Delhi Court today awarded life imprisonment to ex-Army Officer S J Choudhary for killing businessman Krishan Sikand in a parcel bomb explosion 26 years ago.

"I sentence you to life term," District and Sessions Judge Mamta Sehgal said, pronouncing the sentence in a jam-packed courtroom.

The court also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on Choudhary.

The court did not agree with the CBI’s contention that the former Lt Colonel deserve death sentence for killing a defenceless person in a pre-planned manner that too without any provocation.

Relatives of both Choudhary and Sikand were present in the Court room when the punishment was pronounced.

Choudhary, 70, was on April 28 found guilty by the Court for the murder of Krishan Sikand (40), who had died in an explosion caused by the parcel bomb delivered at his Sunder Nagar residence here on October 2, 1982.

Choudhary’s counsel S P Minocha had yesterday countered the CBI’s contention for death sentence saying the offence was a normal murder case.

There could not be bigger provocation for an Army officer than that his estranged wife, with whom the litigations for divorce were then on, was kept by the victim, he had said.

In his fervent plea, Minocha said the convict had fought battles for the country and won bravery awards.

The 70-year-old convict, who used a Pakistan-made hand grenade in the parcel, had plotted the murder as he was opposed to victim’s alleged plan to marry his estranged wife.(PTI)

J&K,Assam gets highest allocation of addl funds for police modernisation

NEW DELHI : Assam and Jammu and Kashmir received the highest allocation of additional funds for police modernisation during the last fiscal.

Twenty-four states had demanded a total of Rs 537.91 crore additional funds but the Centre allocated Rs 346.28 crore only based in their utilisation of funds in 2006-07 and funds available at the revised budget estimates.

Assam got the highest allocation of additional funds of Rs 30.61 crore even as it demanded Rs 37.70 crore for modernising its forces in the fight against insurgency, a senior official said.

Punjab was the only state which got more money than it demanded. The state received Rs 16.98 crore as against its demand for Rs 10.78 crore.

The second highest allocation went to militancy- affected Jammu and Kashmir which got Rs 28.21 crore, the amount they demanded for the purpose.

The north-eastern states of Manipur, Meghalaya and Nagaland were the only other states which were alloted the same amount they demanded.

Manipur got Rs 11 crore, Meghalaya Rs three crore and Nagaland Rs six crore.

The naxal-affected states of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand received Rs 21 crore, Rs 19.25 crore and Rs 13.5 crore respectively.

Orissa (Rs 19.5 crore), Karnataka (Rs 18.71 crore), Bihar (Rs 15 crore), Haryana (Rs 13.75 crore) and Gujarat (Rs 12.05 crore) were the other major beneficiaries. (PTI)

Indo-Pak talks: More cross-LoC bus services on agenda

NEW DELHI : Keen to take the peace process with Pakistan forward, India is expected to press for launch of more cross-LoC bus services and propose some other confidence building measures during the upcoming visit of External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee to Islamabad.

In the first high-level contact with the new Pakistan government, Mukherjee will hold talks with his counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi on May 21 during which the Indian side is also expected to propose increasing the frequency of fortnightly Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakot bus services to make these weekly.

During the much-delayed talks, the two sides will review the fourth round of Composite Dialogue and assess progress made on eight issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek and terrorism.

The talks between Mukherjee and Qureshi, which will also set the tone for the fifth round of composite dialogue, will be preceded by the Foreign Secretary-level discussions on May 20.

At the talks, the Indian side is expected to press for launch of Kargil-Skardu and Jammu-Sialkot bus services.

The two sides will also discuss operationalisation of the truck service on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad route, sources said here. (PTI)