LOS ANGELES, June 11:
The 17-year-old son of a former Indian Army officer, the lone survivor of his father’s killing spree that wiped out the rest of his family, was battling for life, even as investigators were trying to determine a motive for the shocking murder-suicide.
The teenager, identified as Chris Singh, underwent surgery at a Fresno hospital for head trauma after he was shot by his father on Saturday, local newspaper Fresnobee reported.
Doctors have said his injuries were life-threatening, without giving further details.
Spokeswoman of the Community Regional Medical Center, Mary Lisa Russell said that the boy was in critical condition.
Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims said Avtar Singh, a former Indian Army major who owned a Selma trucking company, apparently shot and killed his wife and two other sons, ages 15 and 5, before killing himself. Mims said Singh called Selma police at 6:15 a.m. On Saturday to report that he had killed his family and was going to kill himself.
While two children and their mother were found dead along with Singh, the eldest child was in a gravelly injured State.
Authorities have not yet officially released the names of Singh’s wife or the two sons who were killed.
According to Fresnobee, Singh was arrested in February last year after his wife accused him of trying to choke her. That is when police discovered that Singh was wanted in India on a murder charge in the 1996 death of human-rights activist Jaleel Andrabi in Jammu and Kashmir.
The people in the community where Singh and his family lived were shocked with the incidents.
“Our community is completely shocked…It’s a misfortune, especially for the children who died,” said Rajbir Singh Pannu, president of the town’s Sikh temple.
Meanwhile, US media reports said that the investigators were trying to determine a motive for the murder-suicide.
47-year-old Singh had fled to the United States after he was accused of killing Andrabi, whose body was found floating in the Jhelum River in March 1996.
Andrabi, 42, was allegedly detained by a unit of Rashtriya Rifles led by Major Singh and his body was found a day later.
Alli Adan, a driver for a trucking company that Singh owned and operated, said he was shocked to hear of the alleged murder-suicide. “I couldn’t believe it,” Adan said, “because I didn’t think he could do something like this.”
Adan said Singh recently talked about being stressed over financial problems related to his company, Jay Truck Lines in Selma.
But Adan said he spent time with Singh this past week, including Friday night, and Singh acted normally. (PTI)
Major Avtar’s son critical
Shahnawaz demands 50 % reservation for Doda youth in power projects
Excelsior Correspondent
DODA, June 11: Pradesh Youth Congress (PYC) president, Shahnawaz Choudhary today demanded 50 per cent reservation in employment in all the power projects in Chenab valley region for unemployed youth of the erstwhile Doda district.
Addressing mammoth gathering at Bhallesa, he said, “it is a matter of serious concern that everybody is focusing on tapping the water resources of erstwhile Doda district to generate electricity but nobody is paying any attention towards ensuring adequate employment opportunities to the unemployed youth of the area”.
He stressed the need to provide 50 per cent reservation in employment in all the already established and upcoming power projects in the erstwhile Doda district.
Lauding AICC president Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh and Rahul Gandhi for liberal funding to the State, he said, “we must ensure that the developmental activities being carried out by utilizing the financial assistance from the Union Government also generate employment for the youth of the State”.
He also lauded the UPA-led Government for bringing in several important legislations in order to check the corruption and bring the corrupt elements to book.
MLA Bahderwah, Mohd Sharief Naiz also spoke on the occasion and announced Rs 75 lakh on the recommendation of the Youth Congress.
Pankaj Basotra, Lok Sabha president Udhampur-Doda demanded special recruitment for the unemployed youth of erstwhile district Doda and said he will visit every Panchayat of Lok Sabha shortly.
Nadeem Sharief Niaz, Rashid Latief, Aamir Saroori, Fairoz Khan, Ajaz Mehr, Aftab Bajji, Ajaz Choudhary, Ajay Kumar, Abinivah Sharma, Narayan and Waseem Saroori also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier, the Jan Chetna Yatra entered the 3rd day.
Shoba yatra taken out on Parkash Utsav of Sant Kabir
Excelsior Correspondent
MLA Udhampur, Balwant Singh Mankotia, who also attended the congregation, paid floral tribute to the great saint.
Mr. Mankotia highlighted the contribution of Sant Kabir in eradication of social evils from the society and said that his greatest contribution was towards establishment of a harmonious society based on social and economic justice. It was Sant Kabir who envisioned a society where every individual and community would be treated as equal, Mr. Mankotia added
Earlier, in the morning large number of enthusiastic men, women and children participated in the Shoba Yatra of Sadguru Kabir ji which passed through Baryal, Venus Chowk, Salan Talab, Chabutra Bazaar, Dabar Chowk, Mukharjee Bazaar, Ramnagar Chowk, Slathia Chowk , Dhar Road and culminated at Kabir Bhawan, Baryal, where rich tributes were paid to the Great Spiritual Sant.
A Satsang was also held on the occasion and Swami Milki Ram Bhagat from Gorda and Swami Vijay Bhagat from Jalander threw light on the life and teachings of Bhagat Kabir .
National, Vice President, Bhagat Mahasabha, Bodh Raj Bhagat, State President, Bhagat Mahasabha, G.L. Bhagat, Chairman, Kabir Sabha Udhampur, Ved Parkash, President, Ram Lal Bhagat, Senior Vice President, General Secretary, Members of the Sabha, Sarpanches, panches and representatives of other social and religious organizations besides large number of devotees attended the function.
Modalities for construction of Z-Morh Tunnel discussed
Excelsior Correspondent
The information was given in a high level meeting chaired by Minister for Forest, Mian Altaf Ahmad to discuss the modalities for clearance of forest area for the construction of 6.5 kilometers Z-Morh Tunnel being constructed on Srinagar-Sonmarg-Gumari road in Sindh forest division.
While appreciating the role played by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in getting the proposal sanctioned from the Union Government, Altaf said “it is due to the visionary approach of Chief Minister that various land mark and people friendly projects have been prepared and simultaneously sanctioned by the Government”.
During the meeting, various other road projects were discussed where clearance of forest land is required and the Minister directed to expedite the process for which Chief Conservator Forest has been advised to give detailed report on fortnightly basis.
Chief Conservator for Forest Vinod Ranjan, Chief Engineer Project Beacon, Brig. TPS Rawat, VSM, Chief Conservator Forest Manzoor Ahmed, Conservator Forest, Srinagar Nisar Ahmed and other officers of Beacon and Forest Department attended the meeting.
Govt committed to equitable development: Sadhotra
Excelsior Correspondent
The MLC said this while addressing a public meeting at Gol Gujral convened to listen to the public grievances.
He appealed youth to come forward and avail the benefits of self employment schemes launched by the State and Central Governments, especially SKWEPY. He asked them to strengthen the hands of Omar Abdullah to ensure prosperous future of the state.
Sarpanchs, Panchs and prominent people of Gol Gujral and adjoining areas apprised the MLC of their grievances and demands which mainly include repair and modernisation of local nallah, regular supply of cooking gas, upgradation of transformer in Swarn Colony, renovation and black topping of various link roads, repair of lanes and drains, blacktopping of Tirlokpur road, boundary wall and landscaping of cremation ground etc.
MLC listened to their demands and grievances and assured that all their issues would be addressed at the earliest.
The Legislator cautioned the people against the political groups, which are bent upon to divide the people on religious, caste and regional lines. He appealed common masses to supplement govt’s efforts of ensuring overall growth of the State.
NGFOA meets Chief Conservator of Forests
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 11: A delegation of All J&K Non-Gazetted Forest Officers Association (NGFOA) under the leadership of its provincial president, Jammu, Hazi Zaffar Ulla Seheik, called on Conservator of Forests, Jammu here today and submitted a charter of demands of the Association.
The demands included holding of DPC of foresters, deputy foresters, forest guards and class IV employees, removal of pay anomalies of non- gazetted cadre, making separate seniority list of foresters as per SRO-459, creation of 135 posts of RO Grade –II, regularization of adhoc, contractual and daily wagers who have completed seven years of service and promotion of RO Grade-II at provincial level as per SRO-459.
The Chief Conservator of Forests assured the delegation that all their demands would be considered appropriately.
Those present in the meeting included Bhupinder Singh Biloria, Rajesh Bakshi, Ravi Kumar, Balwinder Singh, Ajit Kumar, Surjeet Singh, Om Parkash, Ashok Khajuria, Subhash Kumar and many others.
Apex Committee optimistic about Govt’s commitment
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 11:- The Apex Advisory Committee (AAC) on migrants today expressed the hope that the promises made by the Chief Minister in the Apex Committee meeting on April 18 will be fulfilled soon.
Talking to reporters here today on behalf of the Committee members H L Chatta general secretary All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) and H N Jattu, president All India Kashmiri Pandit Conference (AIKPC) said that the Minister of Revenue Relief and Rehabilitation and Minister of PHE, irrigation and Flood Control Taj Mohi-ud-Din have reiterated the Government’s commitment to the Apex Committee delegation yesterday in this regard.
They said that Mr Bhalla and Taj Mohi-ud-Din assured them that the memo has already been sent to be approved in next Cabinet meeting regarding enhancement of cash relief. They also assured that the other genuine demands including implementation of employment package in toto with three years age relaxation will also be implemented soon. In this regard the ministers informed us that the advertisement of 1500 posts out of 3000 posts under PM’s package, which were to be sponsored by Central Government will be made soon, they added.
Besides the ministers gave assurance that the Ordinance for enactment of Board for Protection of Shrines and Temples in Kashmir Valley till passage of the Bill lying in State Assembly would also come soon, they said.
They said the Apex Committee also demanded that one job be given to each migrant family in the package for its survival. The other genuine demands were also brought in the notice of the Government especially of those migrants who are still residing in old camps and non camp areas on rent.
They said among total relief holders only 41 percent are Kashmiri Pandits while rest belong to other communities.
They said besides them the other Apex Committee members who met the two ministers yesterday included K K Khosa, B L Bhat (ex MLC), C L Bhat, R L Raina, M K Yogi, Prem Singh, Shiban Ji, Amar Jit Singh, P L Raina, A K Raina and Jiten Bhat.
KEA demands resignation of Chib
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 11: Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) has sought resignation of the Health and Medical Education Minister Rajinder Singh Chib over more than 1300 deaths of children at G B Pant Children Hospital during the past one and half years.
The KEA has urged United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Chairperson and President of Indian National Congress, Sonia Gandhi to intervene and ask Chib to resign.
The KEA, an amalgam of trade, tourism, transport and hotel associations of the Valley, has shot an e-mail to UPA Chairperson asking her to take remedial measures so that the mortality rate of the children especially infants at G B Pant Children Hospital is put to rest.
The KEA chairman in the mail writes that the deaths of infants have occurred due to gross negligence of people at the helm. He said the onus of this grave tragedy lies with the Health and Medical Education Minister, who is from the Congress party.
“It is unfortunate that the high command of the Congress party is yet to act in real sense, knowing the irresponsibility of the Health and Medical Education Minister. The tragedy in the form of infant and children deaths is grave in nature and unpardonable as well” said Khan.
The KEA has appreciated the concern shown by Congress President for divesting Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed of the education portfolio following allegations that he helped his son to pass the 10th class examination while resorting to copying. The Alliance demanded similar action against the health and medical education minister.
Meanwhile, addressing a press conference this afternoon, the KEA chairman said that Health and Medical Education Minister should resign on moral grounds. He said the Minister has no moral authority to remain in office following death of around more than 1350 children since January 1, 2011 till date.
Khan demanded immediate arrest of former Medical Superintendent, G B Pant Hospital, Dr. Javed Chaudhary, adding Dr. Chaudhary is the main culprit in the whole mess and action against him would have given a signal that the ‘murderers’ would not be spared.
Secretary General, KEA, Siraj Ahmad said that the money sent by the Union Health Ministry led by Ghulam Nabi Azad for implementation of various health schemes were not being utilized by the State’s Health Department. He said money meant for distribution of free medicines at G B Pant Children hospital and other hospitals has remained unutilized over the years.
“Union Health and Family Welfare Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad should appoint a commission so that a probe is conducted as to how much money has been spent by the State Government with regard to Centrally sponsored health schemes. Accountability is lacking in the state and same needs to be inculcated for a better and healthy future,” said Siraj.
Gujjar-Bakerwals highlight demands
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 11: Jammu Kashmir Gujjar Bakerwal Conference today highlighted their demands in a meeting held here today under the chairmanship of its president, Haji Mohd Yaqub.
The meeting demanded social and political reservation also rehabilitation of nomadic Gujjar Bakerwal.
The president of the Conference urged the State Government to reconstitute the State Advisory Board and District Boards for the development of the community at grass root level.
Senior vice-president, Haji Saif Ali, stressed the Government for opening of new mobile schools for nomadic Gujjar Bakerwals.
Other demands highlighted in the meeting were better medical and educational facilities for the community in particular and public of far flung areas in general.
Prominent among those who spoke on the occasion included Molvi Shah Mohd, Ch Amir-ud-Din Kasana, Ch Murad Ali, Ch Gulzar Ahmed, Hafiz Abdul Rashid, Bashir Ahmed, Mohd Shafi, Misra Begum and many others.
Govt failed to implement developmental schemes in backward areas: PDP
Excelsior Correspondent
MAHORE, June 11: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) today lambasted the coalition regime for its failure to execute developmental schemes in remotest backward areas.
Addressing a meeting of party workers at Mahore, senior PDP leader Mohammad Sartaz Madni flayed the coalition regime for halting developmental activities in the State. He regretted that residents of the backward and far-flung areas were the worst victim of Government’s non serious attitude towards executing development programmes. PDP leader said that PMGSY programme which was aimed at connecting inaccessible areas through road connectivity with the nearby towns has virtually came to halt in the remotest areas of Reasi because State Government has failed to properly implement this programme.
Contesting claims of the coalition regime on developmental fronts, he said that failure of the authorities to implement PMGSY programmes in backward areas speaks about non serious attitude of those who are at the helm of the affairs. He reminded that during the regime of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed various developmental projects were initiated for the backward regions but the present dispensation has reversed the whole process.
Taking a dig at coalition regime for its failure to provide even basic amenities to the people, he said that majority of the residents of the backward areas of Reasi have been confronting with the shortage of ration but Government was not serious to solve this problem. He said that ration is not available in the Government runs depots and worst sufferers are people living below the poverty line. He further said that poverty alleviation programmes claimed to the launched by the Government have been confined only on papers.
Coming down heavily on the coalition regime headed by Omar Abdullah, PDP leader said that during the last three and half years this Government has done nothing to ameliorate lot of the people. He regretted that instead of mitigate woes of the people, this regime multiplied problems of the masses due to its mis-goverance and mal-practices.