NEW DELHI : India today said it remains committed to building peaceful and friendly ties with Pakistan and expects it to abide by the commitment to prevent its territory and territory under its control from being used for terrorism against India.
In a written reply to Rajya Sabha on the government’s policies and programmes for enhancing bilateral relationship with SAARC countries, Minister of State for External Affairs Gen V K Singh said India will continue to engage pro-actively with all members of the grouping.
On Pakistan, he said the government remains committed to building peaceful, friendly and cooperative ties with Pakistan in an environment free from terror and violence.
“It is India’s desire to intensify and accelerate the process of trade normalisation and implement the steps agreed in September 2012 at the Commerce Secretary level,” he said.
The Minister said the government hopes that bilateral relations with Pakistan will progress in economic, cultural and political fields in the same manner that India’s relations with her other SAARC neighbours have progressed in the recent years, built on partnerships for development and mutual prosperity.
“It is India’s expectation that Pakistan abides by its commitment to prevent its territory and territory under its control from being used for terrorism against India,” Singh said.
Meanwhile, underlining that India has a close strategic partnership with Afghanistan covering a broad spectrum of areas including an active role in providing development and reconstruction assistance to Afghanistan, he said New Delhi is working with Kabul for its regional integration with the SAARC economy.
Regarding Bangladesh, Singh said that bilateral relations
have received a major boost in recent years and both sides have agreed on a Framework Agreement on Cooperation for Development that lays down the road map for future cooperation.
On Nepal, the Minister said key focus areas for further intensification of bilateral ties in the years ahead include hydro-power development, enhanced development cooperation, trade and connectivity as well as close security cooperation, among others.
Referring to ties with Sri Lanka, he said India greatly values its relations with the island nation.
In the recent past, bilateral cooperation has seen significant acceleration and expansion in all areas of mutual interest, including trade and investment, he said.
“India has taken up the issue of expediting the process of national reconciliation in a manner that meets the aspirations of the Tamil community. Other important issues taken up include early and full implementation of the 13th Amendment and beyond, fishermen’s issue,” he said. (AGENCIES)
India says it is committed to building peaceful, friendly ties with Pak
Gaza situation rocks RS for second day
NEW DELHI : The Gaza situation rocked Rajya Sabha for the second consecutive day today with a determined opposition demanding an immediate discussion even as Chairman Hamid Ansari said the matter can be taken up at a later date while rejecting the government’s plea against a debate.
Giving his ruling on External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj’s request made yesterday, Ansari said, “I am unable to accede to the request of the Minister” and cited rules in favour of the notices given by the opposition in this regard.
Swaraj had opposed any debate on the issue arguing it is not admissible as it is not primarily concern of Government of India and any discourteous remark could affect India’s relations with Israel and Palestine.
“I do not find any infirmity in the notices given by the Leader of the Opposition and others,” Ansari said, referring to the demand by the opposition for a debate.
In another ruling, he accepted the plea of Leader of the House Arun Jaitley that the issue be not taken up for discussion today and the government will communicate an appropriate date for the same soon.
“Accordingly, in view of the provisions of rule 177 read with the communication received from the leader of the House, the short duration discussion on Palestine has not been listed in today’s agenda paper,” Ansari said.
Citing rules, he said, the “the subject having been already admitted, now requires consultations with the Leader of the House to fix the next date and time for discussion.”
Not finding the issue listed in today’s business of the House, infuriated opposition members were up on their feet and in the aisles vociferously demanding that the important issue be taken up today itself.
Questioning the Chairman’s ruling, opposition members said he had no authority to change the agenda and an item listed yesterday had to be taken up first today.
The Upper House saw three adjournments in the pre-lunch session – two during Question Hour and one in Zero hour. (AGENCIES)
Amarnath yatra resumes after few hours due to suspension due to rain
SRINAGAR : Pilgrimage to holy Amarnath cave shrine resumed from both Baltal and Nunwan Pahalgam base camps after remaining suspended for few hours in the morning due to heavy rains.
With about 11,000 pilgrims paying obeisance before the self made Ice-Lingam at the cave shrine, situated at 12000 feet above sea level, a total of about 2.55 lakh pilgrims had darshan since the commencement of the 45-day-long yatra from June 28. Yatra officials said pilgrimage was suspended this morning following heavy rains and poor visibility. However, after some improvement in the weather, fresh batch of yatris, including women and sadhus, left Baltal base camp for the cave shrine at 0730 hrs.
Similarly, yatra was resumed from Nunwan Pahalgam base camp at 0800 hrs, they said, adding that pilgrims, who had night halt at different halting station on traditiional Pahalgam route, have also started their journey towards the cave shrine. (AGENCIES)
BRICS bank opens cooperation opportunities with S America: PM
BRASILIA : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the establishment of the BRICS development bank opens up newer opportunities of cooperation with nations of South America.
“Our discussions today should throw up new ideas for partnership between BRICS and South America. BRICS nations have already started a new chapter in this with the BRICS New Development Bank. This will open up newer opportunities of cooperation,” he told leaders from South America.
South American presidents were specially invited by Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff for a meeting yesterday on the sidelines of the summit of the five-nation grouping.
Modi said South America has tremendous potential.
“It is blessed with vast resources and talent. It can become an important pillar of the global economy. In the face of economic uncertainty its growth can be crucial for global prosperity,” he said.
In a globalised and inter-connected world, he said, “our destinies are inter-linked”.
“We are all bound by shared aspirations and common challenges. We all have a stake in each other’s success. Distance is not a barrier to opportunities. It also does not insulate us from challenges in other parts of the world,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister said nations must unite to seek faster growth and newer avenues of generating prosperity, to find solutions to the challenge of poverty and to preserve our environment, and use our resources well.
Referring to the links between India and South America, the popularity of authors like Octavio Paz and Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and the links between Gujarat and the region, Modi assured the leaders from South America that India will work more closely with them more than ever before “at the bilateral level, as a BRICS member, in the G77, as well as other international forums.
India’s trade with South America, has shown strong growth
in recent years but it is still well below potential, Modi said.
To tap enormous opportunities of cooperation, he said, “We must utilise, the Preferential Trade Agreement between India and the MERCOSUR Trade Block (South America’s trade block) and Chile, more effectively.”
“I firmly believe, the possibilities of cooperation are limited not by distance but only by our imagination and efforts. We have much to learn from each other, in our journey towards inclusive and sustainable development.
“We must share with each other, our experiences, best practices and innovative solutions. India stands committed to the same. I am pleased, that India has deputed experts, to countries in the South American region in the fields of Agriculture, Horticulture, Disaster Management, Communications and Law. We are also working together in Renewable Energy,” Modi said.
To share its expertise in Information Technology, India will establish Centres of Excellence in Information Technology, in South American countries, the Prime Minister said.
India also offered to expand cooperation, in areas like Tele-medicine, Tele-education and e-Governance.
“We extend our Space capabilities, for weather forecasting, resource mapping and disaster management. I also look forward, to a much more intensive level of engagement, between India and South America, in the coming years, across all domains of cooperation,” he said. (AGENCIES)
Another batch of devotees leave for Amarnath
JAMMU : Amid tight security, the 21st batch of pilgrims today left for the Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas from here.
As many as 1,255 pilgrims, including 239 women and 10 children, left from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu in a cavalcade of 41 vehicles at 4:10 AM, police said.
The convoy for the yatra has already crossed Kud on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and would reach their destinations at Baltal and Pahalgam base camps by this evening, they said.
With today’s batch, a total of 39,258 pilgrims has so far left from the Jammu base camp for the Amarnath shrine. (AGENCIES)
Sumo plunges into Chenab due to PWD’s lethargic approach
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 16: The lethargic approach of the Public Works Department (PWD) in repairing the Kishtwar-Dangdoru Dachhan road claimed lives of eight people including Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) of Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) when the Tata Sumo, they were traveling in, plunged into river Chenab at Pinjrari in district Kishtwar this morning.
The ill-fated vehicle bearing registration number JK14-8968 was on its way to Kishtwar from Dangdoru-Dachhan when it plunged into river Chenab at Pinjrari due to the dilapidated condition of the road, resulting into on the spot death of eight persons and serious injuries to two others.
After receiving information about the accident, police party from Police Station Dachhan, medical teams, Army personnel and local people rushed to the spot and retrieved the bodies and injured persons, which were later shifted to District Hospital, Kishtwar.
The deceased have been identified as ASI Mushtaq Ahmed of Juda Mohar, district Reasi, Constable Mangat Ram (36), son of Narayan Dass of Hanzal, Vidya Lal (55), son of Dass Ram of Janakpur Dachhan, Ghulam Hassan (35), son of Habib Shah of Patimhalla, Constable Mangat Ram (36), son of Narayan Dass of Hanzal, Tanu (6), daughter of Romesh Kumar of Kalno Dachhan, Parvaiz Ahmed (25), son of Gh Rasool of Dangdoro Dachhan, Krishna (36), wife of Narayan Dass of Kalno Dachhan and Sachin Kumar (17), son of Yashpal of Kalno Dachhan.
The injured were identified as Abdul Hamid (35), son of Mohd Ramzan of Pinjrari-Dachhan and Sonia, wife of Rakesh Kumar of Prangass-Dachhan.
The bodies were handed over to family members for last rites after completing legal-medical formalities.
A case under relevant Section has been registered at Police Station Dachhan and investigation started.
Meanwhile, NN Vohra, Governor, has expressed sadness on being informed about the innocent persons injured and killed in road accident near Panjrari in Kishtwar district.
The Governor has wished speedy recovery to those injured and conveyed his condolences to the families whose near and dear have been killed and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls.
The Governor has, in his message, once again urged the Transport and Police Departments, and all other concerned agencies, to lose no more time in enforcing the required remedial steps.
Leader of Opposition, Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, has conveyed his heartfelt condolences and deep sympathies to the bereaved families of those who died in this tragic accident.
Expressing shock and grief on the loss of precious lives, Mr Azad prayed for the eternal peace of the deceased and wished all the injured a speedy recovery.
He has also called upon the State Government to provide adequate medical assistance to the injured.
Clashes in Srinagar, North Kashmir after accident
Fayaz Bukhari
SRIANGAR, July 16: In a tragic accident involving a military crane and a SUV on Srinagar-Baramulla highway in Srinagar this morning, seven commuters were killed and two injured. The accident was followed by massive protests and clashes between police and security forces leading huge traffic jams on the highway.
The mishap took place near HMT on Srinagar-Baramulla highway when a military crane bearing registration number 01P013859W of 51 RR collided head on with a Tavera vehicle bearing registration number JK01P-1464 near Noora Hospital.
The crane was part of Army convoy and was on way from Srinagar to Baramulla while as the civilian vehicle was on way to Srinagar from Sopore in North Kashmir.
All the injured were shifted to hospital where three persons succumbed to injuries on way to hospital and four others passed away during treatment.
The dead have been identified as Mohammed Rafiq Antoo son of Ghulam Mohammad of Dugliteng, Baramulla; Ghulam Nabi Dar son of Mohammad Ismaiel of Kranshoo Colony, Sopore;Ghulam Hassan Bhat (driver) son of Abdul Samad of Dangarpora in Baramulla; Naseer Ahmad Mir son of Mohammad Jamal of Mumkak, Sopore; Pir Mohammed Syed son of Pir Sharif-ud-Din of Ashpir, Sopore; Mohammad Ramzan son of Ghulam Nabi of Sopore and Zareefa wife of Ashiq Hussain of Diver Pattan. The husband of Zareefa, Ashiq Hussain and Sheikh Zaid son of Abdul Qayoom of Naseem Bagh, Sopore who are critically injured have been admitted in SKIMS hospital in Srinagar.
Soon after the accident, the locals protested against Army and clashed with police.
Angry youth tried to set the crane on fire and thrashed its driver, however, Army fired few shots in air to disperse the angry protesters. The contingents of Army immediately reached to the spot and rescued the driver identified as Hawaldar Krishan Singh.
The angry youth pelted stones on police and security forces leading to clashes between police and youth. Police charged batons and fired tear smoke to disperse them. Two protesters were injured in the clashes and they were treated in Noora Hospital.
The clashes led to major traffic jam on the highway disconnecting North Kashmir from Srinagar. However, the traffic was restored at around 3 p.m. but the security forces are heavily deployed on the highway upto Narbal. Sporadic clashes were reported till late in the evening and residents said that police beat up residents of adjoining localities and smashed the window panes.
Police said that driver of the Army crane, Hawaldar Krishan Singh, has been arrested and the crane was seized. A case (under FIR No. 139/2014 under Section 279, 337, 304 A RPC) has been registered in Police Station Parimpora and investigation into the matter has been taken up. “In aftermath accident there was some minor law and order situation which has been brought under control”, police said.
Meanwhile hundreds of people took to streets and staged anti-army protests in Sopore where from these commuters belonged. Stone pelting and clashes were also received from several places at Sopore town
Defence spokesman, Col S D Goswami, in a statement issued here said that an Army vehicle and a civil Tavera vehicle met with an accident near Lawepura village on National Highway today, resulting in the death of seven persons and injuries to two more persons. “The General Officer Commanding in Chief, Northern Command, Lt General DS Hooda has expressed deep anguish and regrets on the unfortunate loss of innocent lives and conveys his deepest condolences to the bereaved families”, the statement said.
“Police are investigating the case. Army authorities are extending full cooperation to the Police to enable expeditious and early completion of the inquiry into the accident”, the spokesman added.
Chairman Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Geelani appealed people to observe complete shutdown on July 17 and called for the peaceful protest demonstration on 18 July, Friday, against the Israeli aggression in Gaza and to mourn the tragic deaths in the HMT incident.
Height of exploiting pain: CM
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, July 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today blamed Hurriyat Conference Chairman, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, of exploiting the tragic accident in Srinagar by calling for shut down and protests.
Omar wrote on microblogging social networking site twitter: “The accident happened with an army truck but it was an accident, not a deliberate action. I hope better sense & cooler heads prevail.”
In another tweet, Chief Minister said: “Only in Kashmir can a tragic accident be exploited by ordering a 2 day shutdown & protests after Friday prayers. Height of exploiting pain.”
Omar offered condolences to the families of those who were killed in road mishaps. “The deaths in the two road accidents in Kishtwar & Srinagar are extremely tragic. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased”, he wrote.
Adm Secys, DCs among several IAS, KAS officers transferred
*Operationalization of new adm units approved
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 16: State Cabinet, which met here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, today ordered massive reshuffle in the civil administration.
Pradip Kumar Tripathi, awaiting orders of adjustment in the General Administration Department, has been transferred and posted as Director General, Institute of Management, Public Administration and Rural Development, J&K, relieving B B Vyas, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of the additional charge of the post.
Bipul Pathak, Commissioner/ Secretary, Science and Technology and Information Technology Department, has been transferred and posted as Commissioner/Secretary Transport Department.
Ashok Kumar Parmar, awaiting orders of adjustment in the General Administration Department, has been transferred and posted as Commissioner/ Secretary Animal and Sheep Husbandry Department vice Sarita Chauhan, who after completion of the Mid Course Training (Phase-IV), shall report for further orders of posting to the General Administration Department.
Rohit Kansal, awaiting orders of adjustment in the General Administration Department, has been transferred and posted as Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir. Shailendra Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, has been transferred and posted as Commissioner/Secretary, Department of Tourism and Culture.
Vineeta Gupta, Excise Commissioner has been transferred and posted as Secretary to the Government, ARI and Trainings Department, relieving Mohammad Ashraf Bukhari, Secretary to the Government, General Administration Department of the additional charge of the post.
Shahid Anayatullah, Secretary Transport Department has been transferred and posted as Secretary to the Government, Labour and Employment Department, relieving Mohammad Shafi Rather, Secretary Social Welfare Department of the additional charge of the post.
Tushar Kanti Sharma, Director, School Education, Jammu, has been transferred and posted as Member, J&K Special Tribunal. Parvez Ahmad Malik, Secretary Youth Services & Sports and Technical Education Departments, has been transferred and posted as Secretary to the Government, Science and Technology & Information Technology Department.
Nirmal Sharma, Labour Commissioner has been transferred and posted as Secretary to the Government, School Education Department, relieving Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Government, Home Department of the additional charge of the post.
Shafaat Noor Barlas, Vice Chairman, Srinagar Development Authority, has been transferred and posted as Secretary to the Government, Department of Rural Development Department & Panchayati Raj, relieving Sheikh Mushtaq Ahmad, Secretary to the Government, Higher Education Department of the additional charge of the post.
Khurshid Ahmad Shah, Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, has been transferred and posted as Secretary to the Government, Youth Services & Sports and Technical Education Departments. Zaffar Ahmad Bhat, Secretary to the Government, Department of Tourism and Culture, has been transferred and posted as Excise Commissioner.
Saurabh Bhagat, Transport Commissioner has been transferred and posted as Secretary in the Industries and Commerce Department. Hemant Kumar Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, has been transferred and posted as Director, Command Area Development, Jammu. Dilshad Khan, Special Secretary to the Government, Industries and Commerce Department, has been transferred and posted as Transport Commissioner.
Sajad Ahmad Khan, Deputy Commissioner, Poonch, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama, vice Manzoor Ahmad Lone. Saugat Biswas, Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, has been transferred and posted as Director Employment, J&K.
Jatindera Kumar Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri. Shyam Vinod Meena, Additional Secretary to the Government, PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Doda.
Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Kathua. Mubarak Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Doda, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Samba. Manzoor Ahmad Lone, Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Budgam. Mohammad Hussain Malik, Deputy Commissioner, Ramban, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Poonch.
Rajinder Krishan Varma, Deputy Commissioner, Samba, has been transferred and posted as Special Secretary to the Government, Health and Medical Education Department. Shabir Ahmad Bhat, Director, Command Area Development, Jammu, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Reasi.
Dr Abdul Rashid, Director, Employment, J&K, has been transferred and posted as Director, Industries and Commerce, Jammu, against an available vacancy. Jahangir Mir, Deputy Commissioner, Kulgam, has been transferred and posted as Director, Social Welfare, Kashmir. Peerzada Hafizullah Shah, Chief Executive Officer, JAKEDA, has been transferred and posted as Special Secretary to the Government, ARI and Trainings Department.
Gulzar Hussain, Project Director, DRDA, Kargil, has been transferred and posted as Chief Executive Officer, JAKEDA. Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Additional District Development Commissioner, Kupwara, has been transferred and posted as Director, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, Kashmir.
Nisar Hussain Wani, Director, Social Welfare, Kashmir, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Kulgam. Rohit Khajuria, Member, Services Selection Board, has been transferred and posted as Executive Director, Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society, against an available vacancy.
Mukhtar-ul-Aziz, Additional District Development Commissioner, Baramulla, has been transferred and posted as Executive Director, Rehabilitation Council, Social Welfare Department, relieving Ghulam Rasool Mir, Additional Secretary to the Government, Social Welfare Department of the additional charge of the post.
Bashir Ahmad Khan, Director, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, Kashmir, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag.
Abdul Rashid War, Additional District Development Commissioner, Srinagar, has been transferred and posted as Director, Command Area Development, Kashmir, against an available vacancy.
Choudhary Rashid Azam Inqalabi, Special Secretary to the Government, School Education Department, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Ramban. Nazir Ahmad Mir, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Development Authority Wullar-Manasbal, has been transferred and posted as Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Development Authority, Gulmarg, relieving Tufail Matoo, Managing Director, J&K Cable Car Corporation of the additional charge of the post.
Farooq Ahmad Rather, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Development Authority, Sonamarg, has been transferred and posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, against an available vacancy.
Dr Abdul Kabir Dar, Director, Indian System of Medicine be re-designated as Director General, Indian System of Medicine pursuant to his promotion in the Common Pool of posts for HoDs.
The Cabinet also ordered transfers/postings in the J&K Accounts Service.
A M M Jehangir, Director General Codes Finance Department has been transferred and posted as Director General, Audit and Inspections. Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, Director Local Fund Audit and Pensions J&K has been transferred and posted as Director Finance J&K State Forest Corporation.
Lochan Dass, Director Audit and Inspections J&K, has been transferred and posted as Director Accounts and Treasuries Jammu. Mohammad Aslam Malik, Director Accounts and Treasuries Jammu has been transferred and posted as Director Local Fund Audit and Pensions J&K.
Mohammad Rafi Andrabi, Director Budget Finance Department has been transferred and posted as Director Codes Finance Department
The Cabinet also approved the recommendations made by the High Power Committee headed by the Chief Secretary for examining the proposals of different departments regarding creation of posts and necessary infrastructure for the new administrative units.
It approved the creation and operationalization of new administrative units viz 46 Sub Divisions, 135 Tehsils, 177 CD Blocks, 301 Niabats and 2576 Patwar Halqas.
The Cabinet further approved the creation of 5860 posts out of which 181 are under Gazetted category and remaining under Non Gazetted category by corresponding adjustment of 2187 posts out of overall strength of Revenue and Relief Department. It also approved creation of infrastructure for the new units in a phased manner as per the recommendations of the High Power Committee and allotment of funds to the tune of Rs. 63.22 crore for making these new administrative units immediately operational.
The Cabinet authorised CA&PD Department to open 7697 departmental sale outlets in replacement of the existing fair price shops and the outlets functioning through internal adjustment by engaging 7697 salesmen and 7697 helpers to man these on casual basis.
The department was also authorized to take all other necessary steps to make these outlets functional.
The Cabinet directed for taking all necessary steps for the smooth implementation of the Re-structured Accelerated Power Development Reforms Programme (R-APDRP).
It also took note of the steps taken so far towards the implementation of the (R-APDRP) Part A and Part B. The Government of India launched (R-APDRP) in the year 2009. The Programme has two components; Part A and Part B. The estimated cost of Part A (R-APDRP) is Rs 191.25 crore and the estimated cost of Part- B is Rs 1665.27 crore and it covers 30 towns in Jammu and Kashmir including twin cities of Jammu and Srinagar. The overall objective of the programme is to reduce the AT&C losses in the towns covered in the programme to 15%.
The Cabinet also accorded sanction to the procurement of the medicine for anti Hepatitis-C Virus (HCV) therapy at Takiya Magam and Sonabrari villages (Kokernag) from M/S Fulford India Limited in relaxation of the procurement rules. It asked the Department of Health and Medical Education to conduct a survey in other districts of the valley to assess the incidents of Hepatitis-C.
The creation of 1032 posts of Accountant-cum-Data Entry Operators under Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan (RGPSA) to be filled up on contractual basis for a period of 4 years on monthly honorarium of Rs 8000 in the first phase also received the Cabinet nod.
The Cabinet also condemned the wonton killings of men, women and children in Gaza strip over the last few days and expressed sympathies with the bereaved families.
Refugees issue, poll strategy discussed
Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, July 16: The refugees’ issue and the strategy for the forthcoming elections in J&K came up for discussion in BJP high level meeting which was convened by Party’s newly elected national president, Amit Shah at Union Capital today.
The meeting, which was chaired by Mr Shah was also attended by Ram Madhav a strong RSS man who was recently inducted in BJP. Besides, Party National general secretary, organization, Ram Lal another national general secretary, J P Nada, BJP Prabhari for J&K and chief whip in Rajya Sabha, Avinash Rai Khanna, Union Minister in PMO, Dr Jitendra Singh, BJP Seh Prabhari, J&K, R P Singh, State president and MP Jugal Kishore Sharma, Leader of Legislative Party in J&K Assembly, Ashok Khajuria, former State president, Dr Nirmal Singh, four party generals secretaries of the State Ashok Koul, Bali Bhagat, Kavinder Gupta and Rajiv Jasrotia were present in the meeting.
This was the first meeting of Mr Shah with Core Group of the Party from the State after taking over national president of the Party few days back. The Party sources said that BJP has attached top importance to trouble –torn J&K which has witnessed lot of blood shed in last 25 years of turmoil and Mr Shah has urged the Partymen to work for winning the hearts of the people of the State.
According to party sources, Mr Shah urged BJP leaders to concentrate on Kashmir Valley and Ladakh region and create such a situation that ruling NC was politically confined to Valley during electioneering.
He also stressed on giving mandate to honest, young and dedicated partymen in the forthcoming Assembly elections who have a good public image, acceptability and 100 percent chances of winning the elections, sources said, adding Mr Shah also stressed on conducting a detailed survey in this regard.
He asked the Partymen from the State to make such a strategy for the forthcoming elections that the BJP sweeps the Assembly elections. Mr Shah also enquired about the prevailing political situation in the State in the aftermath of Lok Sabha elections, sought details from the Party leaders about the previous Assembly election held in 2008 and party wise position in the Assembly.
Sources said the meeting discussed in detail the future strategy and Mr Shah urged the Partymen to concentrate fully on Kashmir and Ladakh regions, sources said, adding it was decided that BJP will hold five big rallies in the State which included two in Jammu region, one in Kashmir Valley and one each in Kargil and Leh districts of Ladakh region starting from the month of September and Mr Shah will also visit Jammu in September to address a public rally here.
The BJP leaders from the State took up the issue of PoJK refugees forcefully in the meeting and showed their annoyance for not keeping any provision for their one time settlement in the recent budget. They stressed that the State Government be asked to submit the one time settlement package of these refugees immediately to Centre and the issue be settled once for all as BJP has always championed their cause and also made a commitment to these hapless people during the campaigning in Lok Sabha elections.
The BJP general secretary Bali Bhagat confirmed that Amit Shah assured that the Party will fulfill the commitment as budget session is going on and amendments can be made in it to include refugees’ package also.
Mr Bhagat said Mr Shah also assured that all steps as warranted under the Constitution of India will be taken to ameliorate the lot of West Pak refugees.
He said that among the 22 Union Ministers who were earlier named to visit the State some senior members of Cabinet have shown their inability to visit on the dates given to them due to their preoccupation and instead some more Ministers from BJP ruled States like Punjab, Rajasthan and MP have been included in the list and their visit to State will begin from July 25 to apprise the people of the State about the policies and programmes of Modi led Government at Centre.
He said Ram Lal and J P Nada the two national general secretaries of the Party will also visit Kashmir on July 19.
Admitting that Vikrama Dittya the elder son of Maharaja Karan Singh, the then Sadr-e-Riyasat of the State has approached the Party for his entry in BJP, Mr Bhagat said the proposal in this regard is under consideration of Party High Command.