Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 5: 2nd Additional Sessions Judge Jammu Subash C Gupta today rejected the bail application of the then SSP Jammu Manohar Singh, who is facing trial in the much publicized Amandeep murder case for the swapping the weapon of offence.
After hearing Advocate Ashwani Khajuria with Advocate Sumit Kumar for the petitioner Manohar Singh whereas Senior Advocate Sunil Sethi as Special Public Prosecutor for the State, 2nd Additional Sessions Judge Jammu Subash C Gupta observed, “on comparing the factual matrix of the citation to the fact as involved in the instant case, the Court is of the considered opinion that offences as committed by the accused petitioner would have certainly badly shaken the faith of general public in the functioning of the police”, adding “great trust is re-imposed in working of public lawful authorities including police and other investigating agencies by the public at large. The public confidence over the police working has been shattered in the instant case with the involvement of the higher rank police officer only for having greed for money”.
“Money power of Ch Nagar Singh seems to have motivated the accused petitioner to involve himself in fudging of the weapon of offence of a murder case in order to shield his son namely Jatinder Singh, prime accused in the instant case, from the clutches of the justice”, the Court said, adding “releasing the accused petitioner on bail would certainly shake the faith of law abiding citizens upon the judicial functioning of the courts”.
“On the other hand, peace loving citizens would feel demoralized. The manner in which the offence in the instant case has been committed by the then SSP in connivance with other accused reveals their degree of heinousness and graveness”, the Court said, adding “on adopting analogy as held in citation, court is unhesitant to hold that the offences as committed by then SSP are of most heinous, gruesome and serious in nature”.
With these observations, Court rejected the bail application.
Court rejects bail application of ex-SSP Manohar Singh
Four months old charred to death
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 5: A four months old baby was charred to death in a major fire, which broke out at Indira Nagar, falling under the jurisdiction of Miran Sahib police station.
Police spokesman said that, major fire broke out in plastic scrap at Indira Nagar, which later engulfed the nearby jhuggis.
On receiving information, police party from Miran Sahib police station rushed to the spot and fire tenders were pressed in to service to douse the flames, he said, adding, after hectic efforts of nearly one hour by the police personnel and fire fighter, the flames were brought under control, but by that time, all the jhuggis were completely gutted.
In the fire incident, nine jhuggis were completely gutted and a four-month-old baby identified as Razaullah, son of Abdul Majid was charred to death.
He added that around four to five fire tenders from nearby Fire Stations were pressed into service to douse the flames, adding that the body of the baby has been shifted to mortuary of Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).
A case under relevant Sections has been registered at Miran Sahib police station and investigation started to ascertain the reason behind the incident.
Man held for kidnapping, raping minor girl
Excelsior Correspondent
BHADERWAH, Mar 5: Police today arrested a person for kidnapping and raping a minor girl for the past several months.
Police spokesman said that, family members of the minor girl lodged a complaint with Bhaderwah police station on December 2012, that Abdul Rashid, son of Nassar Din of Kotli along with his five accompliance kidnapped their daughter from the house.
A case under FIR number 79/12 under Section 363 and 109 RPC was registered and manhunt was launched to arrest the accused, he said, adding that out of six, five accused were arrested and were later granted bail by the Court.
On reliable information that the accused along with kidnapped girl are coming from Doda to Bhaderwah, police laid a naka at village Malnai Pranoo and arrested the duo, he said.
The girl was restored to the family members after medical examination and further investigation into the case is going on, spokesman added.
Released by Pak, Poonch resident detained
Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH, Mar 5: Released by Pakistani authorities, a villager from Poonch who arrived here via Wagah border was picked up and detained by local police today.
Reports said one Nazir Hussain, son of Mir Baz, resident of Thanlot in Chhajla area of Mendhar had crossed over to PoK on Feb 7, 2009. He was held by Pakistani authorities and then jailed for three years. After completing his 3-year jail term he returned from Pak via Wagah border this morning. The police party lifted him and detained today. He was being interrogated by State police.
People protest against PWD
Excelsior Correspondent
SAMBA, Mar 5: Vinod Kumar Sharma president youth Congress today led a protest at Bus Stand Samba against the PWD authorities for their failure in renovation of roads in Ward 6,7,8 and 10.
Addressing the protestors Mr Sharma said that despite the repeated pleas to the concerned authorities they failed to restore the roads with the result the people were put to many hardships.
These roads have become death traps but the authorities are taking no pains in renovation of the same.
He warned to intensify agitation in case immediate steps were not taken to repair the roads as there is a lot of public resentment for the same. The Youth Congress leader in an appeal to Minister of PWD Abdul Majid Wani sought his immediate intervention in the matter.
BJP convenes meeting of cells
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 5: The State Prabhari of All BJP Cells Sat Sharma (C.A) in presence of BJP State general secretary (Org.) Ashok Koul organised a meeting of all cells of the party today.
Addressing the participants, Ashok Koul highlighted the importance of cells and said that they can achieve the target of the party to increase 10 per cent votes, by increasing their activities. Each and every cell should work in its respective field and highlight the problems of the people. He gave an immediate assignment to form the core committee of each cell.
While addressing to the cell convenors and co-convenors, Sat Sharma ensured every support from the party to enhance the activities.
Ashok Koul also asked to make a success March 14 Secretariat Gherao programme.
Sanjeev Sharma Rajnish Jain, Ashok Kumar, Vijay Sharma, Baldev Singh Baloria, Bharat Bhushan, Sheel Magotra, Wangnoo and others were present in the meeting.
Pak violated ceasefire 115 times
NEW DELHI, Mar 5:
Pakistan has violated on 115 occasions since 2012 the ceasefire agreement between the two countries, the Government said today.
Minister of State for Home Mullappally Ramachandran told Lok Sabha that there were 93 ceasefire violations along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir last year and there have been 22 ceasefire violations along the LoC during the current year.
“One Indian soldier was killed and six were injured in cross-LoC firing in 2012. Two soldiers have been killed and two injured during 2013,” he said, adding these incidents have taken place in Uri, Poonch and Rajouri sectors.
The Minister said all ceasefire violations are retaliated firmly and appropriately by the Army through return of fire. Violations of ceasefire are also taken up with the Pakistan military authorities at the appropriate level through the established mechanism of hotline, flag meetings as well as talks between the Director Generals of Military Operations. (PTI)
Protest against PHE at Rajouri
Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Mar 5: Residents of Jawahar Nagar area held protest demonstration against the PHE authorities for poor water supply in the area today.
A large number of people from the locality today came out on the road and raised barricades. They disrupted movement of traffic and staged protest demanding adequate supply of water. The movement of traffic was disrupted for about an hour. Later, AC Revenue reached the spot and assured the people to ensure better supply, the people then lifted dharna at around 11.30 am.
Firing unjustified, will hold probe; seek answers
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Mar 5: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today broke down in the Legislative Assembly over the killing of a youth in firing by the security forces during protests in Baramulla town of the Kashmir Valley and described action on the mob as totally unjustified.
In a brief 16 minutes reply in the Assembly on Motion of Thanks to Governor’s Address this evening, Omar virtually couldn’t speak for a minute but then turned emotional to give brief reply from 5.38 pm to 5.54 pm in which he ordered a probe into the killing and strict punishment to those found guilty but admitted that Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) has tied hands of the Government.
A glum faced Omar in emotion choked voice, without naming any one, said many people were getting impatient to get the chair he was sitting but justified the protests and walk-out by the PDP on the issue.
“I have more anger in me but I am bound to the chair. I know how I am speaking. What reply would I give to the people’’? Omar asked as he refused to give reply to the members’ queries raised during marathon debate on Motion of Thanks to Governor’s Address or speak on other issues like he did in the Council saying he was tired and saddened by the incident and won’t be able to speak anything.
“But, we have to convey thanks to Governor (NN Vohra) for his Address. That we would do’’, he said and urged Speaker Mubarak Gul to pass Motion of Thanks on Governor’s Address. The members, sitting in the House, were also stunned by the Chief Minister’s speech and none of them pressed for the amendments. All amendments were withdrawn unanimously and the Speaker passed the Motion of Thanks. The PDP had staged a walk-out in the House before the Chief Minister’s reply.
“A probe would be held into the killing and strict punishment given to those found guilty,’’ Omar said.
In a tweet tonight, the Chief Minister dispelled rumours of his impending resignations saying this could bring the youth back to life, he would resigns.
“Note to those spreading rumours about my impending resignation. I haven’t resigned. If my resignation could bring a person back to life I would resign in a flash. Mr responsibility to the State and people is to ensure that incidents like today’s see justice done’’, he wrote on micro-blogging site tweeter.
Omar also had a tweet for the Opposition PDP.
“Note to PDP—don’t confuse anger and sadness with helplessness. What you saw today was me angry and sad at the tragic loss of life,’’ he said.
Omar said he will seek answers for the killing.
“Today I want answers for those questions, which were raised here (by PDP over the killing and silence of New Delhi). I do not have answers immediately but I will seek answers. Whosoever’s door I have to knock, I will knock. But I will have answers,’’ he said.
Asserting that action on the protesters was unjustified, the Chief Minister assured the youths’ family that a thorough probe will be conducted. “Whatever action is needed from our side, I will take that to ensure justice,” he said.
“If there was misuse of force—I assure you (members of the House) that I will definitely give them justice— otherwise there is no fun of this chair”, Omar said amidst pin drop silence in the House with not only the National Conference-Congress coalition partners but even some of the Opposition members from Jammu, who were present in the House, watching the Chief Minister in a different mood.
Strongly disapproving the action by security forces, the Chief Minister said: “the firing is at the protesting rally— in that rally, as per my reports, there were no militants, there was no firing from the mob.
“Even if they had pelted stones— what is the big thing in it—this is not for the first time—have we not faced stones in the past,” he contended.
The Chief Minister said the walkout by PDP over the issue was justified. “What answers can I give— the questions that these Honorable members (of PDP) asked me— I am posing these questions myself”.
“The members who protested over the incident and staged a walkout from the House have not done anything wrong—I cannot do that— my chair does not allow me to do so—anger which the members gave went to in the House is more in me— I know how I am standing here and talking,” he said.
“What answer will I give to the people— have we for this reasons held the flag of India in our hands— for what I have to apologies to the people every time and every time I have to answer for every bullet (used by the forces)”, Omar said.
On the issue of targeting Chief Minister, Omar said, “somebody is hanged somewhere— the decision is taken by someone else— mercy petition is rejected somewhere else— the incident comes knocking to my house as if I have hanged him (Afzal Guru)”.
He said more people had taken to streets after the execution of Guru but CRPF and police had exercised restraint and handled the situation excepting one place where there were allegations of excess use of force.
“Whenever peace starts returning, some incident takes place. We want benefits of peace to percolate to the people but one incident put the peace on backburner’’, he lamented.
“Mera Kaleja Fat Raha Hai (My heart is bleeding)’’. I’m controlling my emotions with very difficulty. I have become tired. I don’t know what God has in stores for us’’, Omar said and asserted that he can’t throw mikes like Opposition or boycott the proceedings but can only ask for justice.
He regretted that one member said what would have happened had that youth been the Speaker’s son. “What level of politics have we reached. I pray none’s son should have meet that fate’’, he said and charged the PDP with making attempts to grab the chair of the Chief Minister after every incident.
The Chief Minister utilised the occasion to reiterate his demand for withdrawal of AFSPA.
“This is why I am vehemently raising the issue of partial revocation of AFSPA so that the erring forces personnel do not go scot-free”, he said.
“It is easy to say that the Chief Minister of the State is all powerful but only those who sit on this chair can tell you how powerful a Chief Minister of the State is. Let you ask this to (Mufti Sayeed, father of leader of single largest opposition party, Mehbooba Mufti) Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Ghulam Nabi Azad who have remained Chief Ministers of the State”, he said.
On handing over of Afzal Guru’s body, Omar said the decision in this regard will be taken “somewhere else” and suggested that the State Government has no role in it.
Over the Baramulla firing in which a youth was killed, Omar said, “What was need of the firing. Post Afzal Guru hanging, there were more people on the roads than today. Unfortunately at one place there was misuse of power and one youth fell to the bullets. It should not have happened.”
Targeting PDP, Omar said on his part, he can only raise his voice for justice and cannot “throw mikes”.
He also accused the opposition party of playing politics over Afzal issue.
Pointing out that some Opposition member has described him a daily wager, he said: “I admit we are only daily wagers, our chairs are not permanent, we have to relinquish the offices after completing a fixed tenure so we are, of course, daily wagers and I have no hesitation in accepting it”, he said, adding “if we start calling ourselves as permanent, we would become Raja-Maharajas’’.
Omar said that though these incidents are highly painful and emotion raising but to blame the country, while getting carried away by emotions, is not correct perception of expressing anger.
“Wrong doing by some individuals does not call for blaming the country”, he said.
Omar said he had prepared himself to give full account of the achievements of his Government while replying to debate on Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s Address. However, he added that he was not in a position to say anything on this subject at present because a precious human life of a young person from the State has been lost and he was engulfed in anger and pain. “I also convey the condolence of this House and that of the people of the State to the bereaved family”, he said assuring them justice. “I cannot bring back the dear one you have lost but my heart bleeds with you and my gloom not less than anyone of you”.
Earlier, trouble erupted in the Assembly when after the end of debate on Motion of Thanks to Governor’s Address, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Saifullah Mir responded to the query raised earlier by PDP MLA Rafi Ahmad Mir on the killing of a youth in Baramulla town in Army firing.
Saifullah gave details of the incident, name of the dead and injured and described the incident as unfortunate. He said jawans of 46 Rashtriya Rifles had opened firing on the procession after a duel between troops and civilians.
Within no time, all PDP MLAs besides Independent legislator Engineer Rashid were on their feet. While Rashid trooped near Well of the House, PDP MLA Basharat Bukhari was also close to the Well and took strong exception to mere reading of the statement on killing of the youth.
“This is the height of helplessness. An innocent youth has been killed in the firing. The Minister has just read few lines of statement from a paper. That’s all. Why he was killed? How he was killed? We need answers. Blood of the people is not so cheap that it can be spilled over so easily’’, an agitated Bukhari said even as Minister for Cooperatives and Congress leader Dr Manohar Lal Sharma had heated exchanged with him from his chair.
Bukhari threw his mike from the desks and continued to agitate loudly against the killing while other PDP MLAs including Abdul Rehman Veeri and Peer Mansoor Shah shouted towards the treasury benches for reacting “callously’’ on the killing by just reading a statement from the paper.
As Engineer Rashid continued to shout from Well of the House, Housing Minister and Congress leader Raman Bhalla was on his feet saying he has crossed all limits with his ‘anti-India speeches’’,
“There is a limit to which we can tolerate. Rashid has crossed all limits. We can’t allow all this to go on’’, Mr Bhalla said, adding they too were sad about the incident.
At this stage, Speaker Mubarak Gul ordered the Marshals to immediately remove Rashid from the House. The Marshals took Rashid out of the House while the PDP MLAs including Mehbooba Mufti were on their feet and marched towards front row.
Law Minister Saifullah Mir intervened to say that all of them were saddened with the incident. “No one is happy. Your protests are justified but you just listen to the Chief Minister’’, he said.
Nizam-ud-Din Bhat (PDP) said the Minister should have expressed regrets over the killing. Abdul Rehman Veeri (PDP) said the Government itself should have come out with details of the killing but they reacted only after PDP leader Rafi Ahmad Mir raised the issue in the House.
PDP Legislature Party leader Mehbooba Mufti alleged that there was no value of human life in this Government. Instead, she regretted, the Government has been charging the PDP with playing politics.
Ms Mufti along with all PDP MLAs staged a stormy walk-out in the House.
Talking to reporters outside the Assembly after the Motion of Thanks to Governor’s Address was passed, Mehbooba said the PDP had raised the issue of youth’s killing with a hope that the Chief Minister would respond to it but he gave a chit to the Law Minister to react to the incident.
“The youth has been killed as to if he was a fly. Whether he was a militant? How long would this attitude last?’’ she asked.
Pointing to Omar taking excuse of AFSPA in taking action against the Army jawan, the PDP leader said 120 civilians were killed during 2010 summer unrest in which police personnel were involved. “What action was taken against them’’? she asked and said the action would have served as deterrent.
Ms Mufti said: “if the Chief Minister had the heart of father, he should have replied to the killing’’.
Charging the Chief Minister with compromising on many issues for the sake of power, she said Omar’s speech didn’t matter after the killing of the youth’’.
Pak important party in resolution of Kashmir issue: CM
Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Mar 5: While advocating the revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the State, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that the Act should be withdrawn in phased manner whereas, resolution of Kashmir issue was not possible without the involvement of Pakistan and the permanent peace can’t be restored in the State till this problem is settled once for all.
Replying to the debate on Governor’s address in the Upper House today, the Chief Minister reiterated his party’s demand for the revocation of AFSPA from the State. He said the Union Government must review the situation and withdraw Act from the areas, where it was no longer required first and later it should be gradually withdrawn from the other areas where improvement in the situation is witnessed. He pointed out that the issue of AFSPA has not been put on the back-burner by his party. “If the lone woman Irom Sharmeela from North East, can fast in protest against the AFSPA for 12 long years why can’t I speak against it,” Omar maintained.
“In the areas where we do not need Army, this Act can be repealed from those places. Our discussion with the Centre on this issue is on. I believe that we are right on this issue and will continue to support our demand. A lady is on fast for the last 12 years only for revocation of this Act and in her comparison I have done nothing. I am just talking about its revocation. I never said to remove it entirely and I am not that much senseless. I am just asking to remove it where it is not needed,” Omar added.
While referring to the recent attack by the Naxalites on the Indian Air Force helicopter in a Naxal- hit Chhatisgarh, the Chief Minister said, “When you do not remove AFSPA there why do you need the Act in the State here. I am not politicizing the issue. It would have been better if I would have been in the opposition and demanded to repeal the Act where I would have known that nothing could be done.”
Referring to the bloodshed and turmoil in the State during past few decades, Omar said, “We can not afford to linger on this issue any more. The people of this State have already suffered a lot and seen bloodshed. New Delhi should realize it. And for the resolution of this issue we can not ignore Pakistan. Without the involvement of Pakistan this issue can not be settled once for all. If money or gun would have the solution, the issue would have settled till now. This is the political issue and can be settled with the political will and wisdom of all the stake holders including New Delhi and Pakistan.”
“We have told Delhi that one day, the solution of this issue has to be reached. It is not possible that no body will oppose the solution or it should be acceptable to all. There may be some opposition at some pockets or areas but it should be acceptable to the majority of the people in all the regions and major stake holders. Many people like Jawahar Lal Nehru, Sheikh Mohd Abdulla and others tried for the resolution of the issue. We should keep trying and look into the external and internal dimensions of the issue. Centre must take initiate and involve Pak in the dialogue,” the Chief Minister added.
Commenting on the over all situation, the Chief Minister said in last 25 years, 2012 remained the most peaceful year in the State. Compared to 2011, the year 2012 has witnessed 37 % improvement in militancy and violence front.
“We want that people live in peace here but some people tried to exploit the situation and disturb peace. No body wants curfew. It was my compulsion to impose curfew in Kashmir, otherwise there would have been blood shed and innocent killings. Opportunists would get the opportunity to create violence, exploit people and engineer killings blaming Government as it happened previous years. The security forces also maintained maximum restrain and controlled the situation. There was only one casualty of a youth due to drowning, otherwise it would had not happened. I will not seek pardon from anybody for that as I did what the situation demanded in the larger interest of my people, ” Omar maintained.
On the killings of Sarpanchs and Panchs, the Chief Minister said it was not possible to provide security to all but in area of domination, police patrols can be increased. It is unfortunate that elected representatives are being targeted to further exploit the situation. He said some vulnerable areas have been identified and force deployment was being strengthened. In view of situation arisen after Guru’s execution, the security force men from various areas were withdrawn and deployed in Srinagar and other major towns where situation demanded. Due to this some areas became vulnerable and militants got opportunity to strike. It happened due to the situation exploited by some people for political benefit. They politicized the issue for power lust and have no respect for human values and sympathy for those being killed.
While referring to the postponement of Block Development Council elections, the CM said after issuance of notification by election authorities the process was stalled in order to provide reservation to women, SCs and others. He said the process has almost been completed and the elections to the BDCs would be held shortly. He assured the House that elections to the Urban Local Bodies would also be held shortly and most probably in 2013.
Omar said RTI Act has been brought to bring transparency in the system of governance. Process of e-tendering has also brought great transparency in the system. Accountability Commission was established by previous regime for vested motives to pin point some wrong decisions taken during 1996-2002 and it had specific agenda. But his Government has tried to make it a better and an accountable institution.
Some people tried to create a hype among masses that new police act was being enacted by State Government. Basically, we wanted to initiate an exercise to discuss Model Police Act as adopted by Himachal and Kerala States. It was put on the website for seeking public response before discussing it in the Cabinet and Legislature and moving ahead for making a new law but misinformation campaign was launched. He also stressed for educating Sarpanchs and Panchs about their duties and role and said that they should ensure that powers are being granted to them for public cause and it should not be compared with the financial aspects. He said Sarpanchs can check attendance of teachers in schools, Anganwadi functioning, quality of mid day meals and nutrition in Anganwadi centres etc. and then report to Administration at Block, Tehsil or district level for cognizance. The powers should not be mis-used.
Omar pointed out that unemployment, security concern and corruption were the major issues before the Government and his regime was trying its best to deal with them. Fast track recruitment has been started and the purpose of offering half salary for first few months is to accommodate more and more unemployed educated youth. But from the day one they will be permanent employees and get entitlement of all the benefits from date of joining.
In obvious reference to the remarks of a senior PDP member, Omar said, “ I am also a daily wager and his Ministers are also so. Daily wagers work more efficiently than the permanent ones. And when an employee turns permanent, he has no fear of losing job and his performance go lower. While remaining daily wagers, he and his cabinet colleagues will perform better for the public cause,” Omar maintained.
The Chief Minister said great efforts are afoot for improving tourism infrastructure in the State. Over one crore pilgrims visit Mata Vaishnodevi and if we managed to divert one to two percent pilgrims to other areas like Patnitop, Mansar Shiv Khori etc, it will be a great achievement. He pointed out that in power sector Government was losing Rs 2000 crore every year. The power theft has created more problems for the Government. He said besides increasing power generation, increasing power infrastructure was equally important and his Government was working towards this direction. He also announced the officer for the domestic power consumers to wave off their interests and penalities if they want to settle their account. It will be unique offer and Rs 22 crore waive offer has been given to the consumers willing to pay their long pending dues.