Monday, March 31, 2008
Jammu and Kashmir's longest bridge over Chenab to be thrown open in April
Jammu and Kashmir's longest and country's first bridge with a Pyle to Pyle distance of 160 meters connecting border districts of Rajouri and Poonch with Jammu over river Chenab at Akhnoor is set to be made operational within this month.
Located at a distance of 800 meters from the old Akhnoor Bridge on the right side of the Jammu-Reasi road, the bridge is likely to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Defence Minister A.K.Antony. Although the authorities are tight-lipped over the dates for the inauguration, but it has been learnt reliably that the bridge would be thrown open to the public in the first week of April.
Authorities maintain that "possibility of an unscheduled visit of the Prime Minister and defense minister cannot be ruled out." It is important to mention here that the bridge has been completed after 29 long years at a cost of Rs 23 crores. Situated at a distance of 26 kilometers from Jammu city, BRO claims that the bridge provides the shortest land route from Jammu to border districts of Rajouri and Poonch.
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Located at a distance of 800 meters from the old Akhnoor Bridge on the right side of the Jammu-Reasi road, the bridge is likely to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Defence Minister A.K.Antony. Although the authorities are tight-lipped over the dates for the inauguration, but it has been learnt reliably that the bridge would be thrown open to the public in the first week of April.
Authorities maintain that "possibility of an unscheduled visit of the Prime Minister and defense minister cannot be ruled out." It is important to mention here that the bridge has been completed after 29 long years at a cost of Rs 23 crores. Situated at a distance of 26 kilometers from Jammu city, BRO claims that the bridge provides the shortest land route from Jammu to border districts of Rajouri and Poonch.
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Labels: Akhnoor Bridge, Chenab, Jammu and Kashmir, longest bridge, Manmohan Singh, Poonch, prime minister, Rajouri
Friday, March 28, 2008
Centre questionsnon-existence of Panchayats, polls
Central government has rejected state's plea to release Rs.221 crores for the up liftment of the rural areas and strengthening of the Panchayati Raj institutions on the grounds that the state has failed to hold the panchayat elections.
New Delhi has rejected the plea that there were extraneous circumstances because of which elections could not be held in the last two years. State had pleaded that panchayat elections cannot be held due to the hovering security threat over the lives of the people who would be participating in the elections.
Referring to this contention of the state government, union ministry has said that situation has improved and panchayat elections should not be delayed any further.Sources have said that central government has further directed the state government to "hold the panchayat elections within shortest possible time".
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New Delhi has rejected the plea that there were extraneous circumstances because of which elections could not be held in the last two years. State had pleaded that panchayat elections cannot be held due to the hovering security threat over the lives of the people who would be participating in the elections.
Referring to this contention of the state government, union ministry has said that situation has improved and panchayat elections should not be delayed any further.Sources have said that central government has further directed the state government to "hold the panchayat elections within shortest possible time".
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Labels: Central government, Jammu and Kashmir, panchayat elections, Panchayati Raj institutions, rural areas
Thursday, March 27, 2008
He was killed the day he was whisked away
Giving a new twist, a prosecution witness in Abdul Rehman fake encounter case today disclosed before the principle district and sessions judge Srinagar that the civilian whisked away by police from Batamaloo in 2006 was killed on the same evening at Waskoora in Ganderbal.
The prosecution witness added that on December 8, 2006 he was a part of a police party which boarded Rakshak vehicle from Sumbal to Ganderbal and then to Batamaloo in Srinagar where on prior direction, they were supposed to chase a militant.
"When we reached the spot (Batamaloo petrol pump) a civilian accompanied by a tall police man approached us. We approached the civilian and after frisking him we found Rs 500 to 600, some medicine and a mobile phone," the prosecution witness revealed.
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The prosecution witness added that on December 8, 2006 he was a part of a police party which boarded Rakshak vehicle from Sumbal to Ganderbal and then to Batamaloo in Srinagar where on prior direction, they were supposed to chase a militant.
"When we reached the spot (Batamaloo petrol pump) a civilian accompanied by a tall police man approached us. We approached the civilian and after frisking him we found Rs 500 to 600, some medicine and a mobile phone," the prosecution witness revealed.
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Labels: Batamaloo, fake encounter, militants, srinagar, Sumbal, twist, whisky
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Harassment, sexual abuse in Tihar: SHRC takes cognizance, Geelani calls for strike
The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has taken suomoto cognizance of the newspaper reports about the alleged harassment of a Kashmir University student Mohammad Rafiq Shah in Tihar Jail and has asked the security and the administrative authorities under the state government to furnish factual reports about the case to the Commission on or before April 16, 2008.
Meanwhile reiterating his appeal to the people that they should observe com plete strike on April 5 against the harassment of the inmates in different jails across India, the chairman of Geelani faction of Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Shah Geelani today strongly reacted to the alleged harassment of a Kashmir University student Mohammad Rafiq Shah.
Mohammad Rafiq Shah is languishing in Tihar Jail without any trial following his arrest by Delhi Police in 2006 in Srinagar on the charges of "being involved in" Delhi blasts on October 29, 2005 on the eve of Diwali. In a statement, Geelani said that Kashmiri detenues are being harassed in the jails all across India. "From Kotbhlawal to Tihar Jail Kashmiri detenues are harassed day in and day out and every other day reports of harassment of Kashmiri prisoners come up.
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Meanwhile reiterating his appeal to the people that they should observe com plete strike on April 5 against the harassment of the inmates in different jails across India, the chairman of Geelani faction of Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Shah Geelani today strongly reacted to the alleged harassment of a Kashmir University student Mohammad Rafiq Shah.
Mohammad Rafiq Shah is languishing in Tihar Jail without any trial following his arrest by Delhi Police in 2006 in Srinagar on the charges of "being involved in" Delhi blasts on October 29, 2005 on the eve of Diwali. In a statement, Geelani said that Kashmiri detenues are being harassed in the jails all across India. "From Kotbhlawal to Tihar Jail Kashmiri detenues are harassed day in and day out and every other day reports of harassment of Kashmiri prisoners come up.
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Labels: harassment, india, kashmir, srinagar, State Human Rights Commission, Tihar Jail
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Hefty hike for employees
The Sixth Pay Commission today recommended a hefty increase in salaries of over four million central government employees, a move that would cost the exchequer Rs 12,561 crore in 2008-09.
The Commission, headed by Justice B N Srikrishna, submitted its report to Finance Minister P Chidambaram recommending implementation of the revised pay from January 1, 2006, which would impose an arrear payout burden of Rs 18,060 crore on the government.
The revised pays fixed the salary of Cabinet Secretary at Rs 90,000 a month and Secretary at Rs 80,000 per month, while making Rs 6,660 as the minimum entry level salary.
The Commission, headed by Justice B N Srikrishna, submitted its report to Finance Minister P Chidambaram recommending implementation of the revised pay from January 1, 2006, which would impose an arrear payout burden of Rs 18,060 crore on the government.
The revised pays fixed the salary of Cabinet Secretary at Rs 90,000 a month and Secretary at Rs 80,000 per month, while making Rs 6,660 as the minimum entry level salary.
Recommending a substantial increase in allowances and other benefits, the Commission also suggested a 40 per cent increase in pension and family pension.
The bonanza to employees would take effect once the Cabinet considers the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission that was set up in 2006.
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Labels: bonanza, Cabinet Secretary, employees, Finance Minister, pay hikes, pension, salary, Sixth Pay Commission
Monday, March 24, 2008
Jammu Jottings
Spring season, with every passing day, is making way for the summers which, within few days, will be in full bloom making life difficult. The thoughts of scorching heat of summers have already started scaring Jammuites as they have to bear with the unpleasant summer season for a pretty long time in a year.However for the students not the coming summers but the ongoing season of flowers is a great source of distress. Reason – the Spring season coincides with the examination time.
Though there are still few days for the Spring season to end and Jammuites can enjoy pleasant mornings and evenings for few more days yet the student community is not deriving any pleasure from the Spring. How can they be happy when instead of taking a stroll in the evening hours and drenching oneself in the fragrance of fresh flowers all they have to do is study and prepare hard for the examinations.
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Though there are still few days for the Spring season to end and Jammuites can enjoy pleasant mornings and evenings for few more days yet the student community is not deriving any pleasure from the Spring. How can they be happy when instead of taking a stroll in the evening hours and drenching oneself in the fragrance of fresh flowers all they have to do is study and prepare hard for the examinations.
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Labels: examination time, holi, Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu Jottings, spring season, summer, Udhampur
Thursday, March 20, 2008
22 injured in Srinagar IED blast
Twenty two persons including three women and a traffic police man were injured in a powerful IED explosion on the fly over near Jehangir Chowk here this evening. A security bunker, some portion of the flyover, some vehicles and window panes of adjoining buildings were damaged in the blast.
Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) has owned responsibility for attack. Its spokesman said the attack was aimed at CRPF and regretted the injuries to the civilians.
It was the first attack of its kind after a long time and occurred at a time when assembly election related activities had started picking up here.
The incident occurred around 5.45 PM. Police and CRPF men on the spot said militants had planted an IED in a CRPF bunker located on the fly over just in front of the highly guarded state high court complex and near the civil secretariat.
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Labels: blast, CRPF, flyover damage, IED, Jehangir Chowk, srinagar
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Government fast tracks recruitment process
The state cabinet today gave a go ahead to fast-track recruitment mechanism thus paving way for filling up of thousands of vacancies pending with various government departments. Beside major administrative reshuffle was also effected.
Under the fast-track mechanism, one officer from State Service Selection Recruitment Board (SSRB) and three officers from districts would ensure to put recruitment process on fast track.
The cabinet, which met here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, lasted over four hours.
In the administrative In the reshuffle, Khursheed Ahmad Ganai Principal Secretary GAD has been transferred and Financial posted as Revenue. Commissioner Basharat Ahmad Dar, Commissioner/ Secretary PDD has been transferred and posted as Commissioner/Secretary GAD.
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Under the fast-track mechanism, one officer from State Service Selection Recruitment Board (SSRB) and three officers from districts would ensure to put recruitment process on fast track.
The cabinet, which met here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, lasted over four hours.
In the administrative In the reshuffle, Khursheed Ahmad Ganai Principal Secretary GAD has been transferred and Financial posted as Revenue. Commissioner Basharat Ahmad Dar, Commissioner/ Secretary PDD has been transferred and posted as Commissioner/Secretary GAD.
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Labels: IAS officers, PDP, state cabinet, state Service Selection Recruitment Board
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Cross LoC trade may take off within 90 days: Jairam
Stating that the cross-LoC trade through the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road was just a "last mile problem now", the union commerce minister Jairam Ramesh today said that the trade will start within the next 90 days. Meanwhile, the minister also announced that the Kashmiri Kani Shawl will get protection under geographical indication within the next few days even as Rs 35-crore medicinal plant processing zone will be established in Jammu under the Rs 630 crore project of establishing five such zones across India.
Addressing a press conference here, the union minister said that there was no bottleneck in the way of proposed cross-LoC trade and added that the developments in Pakistan in the last few months caused the delay.
I won't say that it will happen, but I hope we will be able to do it", Jairam said. He said that the government of India had sent a list of 14 items to Pakistan
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Addressing a press conference here, the union minister said that there was no bottleneck in the way of proposed cross-LoC trade and added that the developments in Pakistan in the last few months caused the delay.
I won't say that it will happen, but I hope we will be able to do it", Jairam said. He said that the government of India had sent a list of 14 items to Pakistan
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Labels: jammu, LoC trade, Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road, union commerce minister Jairam Ramesh
Monday, March 17, 2008
GM Shah: We are in it
Formally kicking off his assembly election campaign, former chief minister and Awami National Conference (ANC) president G M Shah today said that his party working committee will decide whether or not to join the proposed third front.
Accompanied by wife Khalida Shah, Shah arrived here this afternoon from Jammu. They were received at the airport by their supporters and taken in a procession to their party office at Pratap Park, where the former chief minister addressed the gathering.
"We are not against the elections. Polls are the soul of freedom. We will surely contest the free and fair polls and working committee will take a decision in this connection. I appeal you to make the election related preparations from today only and move in different directions to strengthen our party," Shah said.
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Accompanied by wife Khalida Shah, Shah arrived here this afternoon from Jammu. They were received at the airport by their supporters and taken in a procession to their party office at Pratap Park, where the former chief minister addressed the gathering.
"We are not against the elections. Polls are the soul of freedom. We will surely contest the free and fair polls and working committee will take a decision in this connection. I appeal you to make the election related preparations from today only and move in different directions to strengthen our party," Shah said.
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Labels: Awami National Conference, In 1977, jammu, Kashmir issue, Pratap Park
Friday, March 14, 2008
Rahul Gandhi's ‘Discover India' visit rocks Parliament
A member in Lok Sabha raised the issue of alleged violation of security rules during the visit of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi to Orissa last week, triggering several bouts of clashes between UPA and NDA Benches.
Members of NDA and Congress clashed repeatedly after Braj Kishore Tripathi, leader of BJD in the House, raised the matter during Zero Hour, saying the incident had put the Orissa government in a ‘difficult situation'.
Tripathi said that during his ‘Discover India' visit to Orissa, Gandhi, who has ZPlus security, had left the NALCO Guest House in Naxal-infested Koraput for some ‘undisclosed destination' for four hours at night on March 7 without informing local police.
When Superintendent of Police, Koraput, tried to go after Gandhi's vehicle, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Malik of SPG prevented him, the BJD member alleged amid protests from Congress Benches which led to verbal clash between the two sides.
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Members of NDA and Congress clashed repeatedly after Braj Kishore Tripathi, leader of BJD in the House, raised the matter during Zero Hour, saying the incident had put the Orissa government in a ‘difficult situation'.
Tripathi said that during his ‘Discover India' visit to Orissa, Gandhi, who has ZPlus security, had left the NALCO Guest House in Naxal-infested Koraput for some ‘undisclosed destination' for four hours at night on March 7 without informing local police.
When Superintendent of Police, Koraput, tried to go after Gandhi's vehicle, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Malik of SPG prevented him, the BJD member alleged amid protests from Congress Benches which led to verbal clash between the two sides.
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Labels: BJD members, Discover India, Lok Sabha, NALCO Guest House, NDA, parliament, Rahul Gandhi, UPA
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Dialogue with separatists: Soz ready to mediate
The newly appointed Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president and the union water resources minister, Professor Saif-u-Din Soz today offered his services for restoring the stalled dialogue process between the separatist leadership and New Delhi. He hinted that the separatist leadership should consider the option of adopting the democratic course for sorting out issues with New Delhi, but he added that dialogue process should not be stopped till it actually happens.
Refusing to share his ideas or the policy of his party regarding the alliance with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming elections, Professor Soz however observed that the coalition partners were getting along nicely albeit with some “minor differences off and on.” Professor Soz addressed a press conference here this afternoon soon after addressing a public rally. The newly appointed PCC president, who visited the valley for the first time after assuming the office, was received by a number of Congress workers.
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Refusing to share his ideas or the policy of his party regarding the alliance with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming elections, Professor Soz however observed that the coalition partners were getting along nicely albeit with some “minor differences off and on.” Professor Soz addressed a press conference here this afternoon soon after addressing a public rally. The newly appointed PCC president, who visited the valley for the first time after assuming the office, was received by a number of Congress workers.
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Labels: PCC, Peoples Democratic Party, union water resources minister
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
First ever exercise in 20 yrs: Govternment rakes in Rs 58 lakhs in sapphire auction
In a bid to generate revenue for the state government undertaking Jammu and Kashmir Minerals Limited, the government today auctioned its limited stock of world famous sapphire corundum after 20 years at Regional Research Laboratory premises. The exercise today generated Rs 58 lakhs.
Jammu and Kashmir Minerals Limited was entrusted with the responsibility to conduct an auction in order to fetch competitive prices for the rare sapphire mined out from sapphire mines Paddar Kishtwar, famous for its peacock-neck-blue colour.Nearly 100 bidders from all over the country and abroad took part in the auction.
A total of 40 lots having precious peacock-neck-colour stones with varied weights were kept for auction. “During the day-long auctioning, 16 lots were auctioned and the remaining 24 lots would be auctioned tomorrow morning,” informed the Secretary to Government, Department of Industries Pawan Kotwal adding that the state government fetched Rs 58 lakhs in today’s auctioning and hoped that handsome amount would be generated after the completion of auctioning.
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Jammu and Kashmir Minerals Limited was entrusted with the responsibility to conduct an auction in order to fetch competitive prices for the rare sapphire mined out from sapphire mines Paddar Kishtwar, famous for its peacock-neck-blue colour.Nearly 100 bidders from all over the country and abroad took part in the auction.
A total of 40 lots having precious peacock-neck-colour stones with varied weights were kept for auction. “During the day-long auctioning, 16 lots were auctioned and the remaining 24 lots would be auctioned tomorrow morning,” informed the Secretary to Government, Department of Industries Pawan Kotwal adding that the state government fetched Rs 58 lakhs in today’s auctioning and hoped that handsome amount would be generated after the completion of auctioning.
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Labels: Jammu and Kashmir Minerals Limited, peacock-neck-colour stones, Regional Research Laboratory, sapphire auction, sapphire mines
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Man missing after army picked him up in 93 - widowed mother still awaits justice
Widowed mother of Mohammed Yousuf Wani, a young man who was picked up by army in 1993 and is missing since then, has been living a completely crippled life since she last saw him.She is fatigued by her endless pursuit for justice from the corridors of power, where "criminal silence" prevails.
This is the story of 55 year old Shahmali, a resident of village Dreyan in Qazigund, who has been knocking at the doors of the establishment, seeking justice but to no avail. She has been told that her son was innocent and had no affiliation with any militant group.
Authorities have affirmed the innocence of Shahmali's son and even said that her son was picked up by Army IST RR but maintained that "efforts are being made for tracing out the actual culprits responsible for the kidnapping". They have assured the aggrieved mother that "they have been tracing his son since the last 15 years and a breakthrough in this difficult search operation is expected anytime."
According to Shahmali, her son Mohammed Yousuf Wani was an employee in the irrigation department.She maintains that her son was picked up by Ist unit of Rashtriya Rifles from outside the gate of Qazigund hospital on September 15, 1993. "I know nothing about him since the day of his arrest; he was picked up and disappeared in custody, said the mother of Wani.
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This is the story of 55 year old Shahmali, a resident of village Dreyan in Qazigund, who has been knocking at the doors of the establishment, seeking justice but to no avail. She has been told that her son was innocent and had no affiliation with any militant group.
Authorities have affirmed the innocence of Shahmali's son and even said that her son was picked up by Army IST RR but maintained that "efforts are being made for tracing out the actual culprits responsible for the kidnapping". They have assured the aggrieved mother that "they have been tracing his son since the last 15 years and a breakthrough in this difficult search operation is expected anytime."
According to Shahmali, her son Mohammed Yousuf Wani was an employee in the irrigation department.She maintains that her son was picked up by Ist unit of Rashtriya Rifles from outside the gate of Qazigund hospital on September 15, 1993. "I know nothing about him since the day of his arrest; he was picked up and disappeared in custody, said the mother of Wani.
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Labels: Dreyan, jammu, justice, Mohammed Yousuf Wani, Qazigund, Rashtriya Rifles, Shahmali
Monday, March 10, 2008
Uttar Pradesh serial blasts: It's a cooked up story, say family of accused
Father of the November 23 bomb blast accused Sajjad-ur-Rehman has alleged that Uttar Pradesh Police has framed his son in a fake case and sought intervention of the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his release.
Seeking a CBI inquiry into the "alleged drama enacted by the UP Police in active connivance with the Jammu and Kashmir police to establish his son's involvement", 47 year old Ghulam Qadri Wani, hailing from a remote village of Kochal said that "if the government would not heed to his pleas, he would be forced to commit suicide."
Wani maintains that he has been knocking at the doors of the state administration including the Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, but to no avail. He believes that if the state government orders a CBI inquiry into the arrest of his son, reality of the story drafted by state police in connivance with the UP police would shock the entire nation.
Wani's son Sajjad-ur-Rehman was arrested by the Jammu and Kashmir Police on December 22, 2007 from his house at village Kushal in Chatru area of district Kishtwar for his alleged involvement in the November 23 serial bomb blasts at Lucknow, Varanasi and Faizabad in Uttar Pradesh. 12 persons including lawyers were killed and 50 wounded in the bomb blasts which shook the entire nation.
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Seeking a CBI inquiry into the "alleged drama enacted by the UP Police in active connivance with the Jammu and Kashmir police to establish his son's involvement", 47 year old Ghulam Qadri Wani, hailing from a remote village of Kochal said that "if the government would not heed to his pleas, he would be forced to commit suicide."
Wani maintains that he has been knocking at the doors of the state administration including the Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, but to no avail. He believes that if the state government orders a CBI inquiry into the arrest of his son, reality of the story drafted by state police in connivance with the UP police would shock the entire nation.
Wani's son Sajjad-ur-Rehman was arrested by the Jammu and Kashmir Police on December 22, 2007 from his house at village Kushal in Chatru area of district Kishtwar for his alleged involvement in the November 23 serial bomb blasts at Lucknow, Varanasi and Faizabad in Uttar Pradesh. 12 persons including lawyers were killed and 50 wounded in the bomb blasts which shook the entire nation.
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Labels: Ghulam Nabi Azad, Manmohan Singh, Sajjad-ur-Rehman, Uttar Pradesh
Friday, March 7, 2008
Jammu and Kashmir specific confidence building measures must speed up: Mufti
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has said a defining moment has arrived for the amicable settlement of the Kashmir issue, and it is time to focus on the resolution of the problem by adding substance to the peace process through substantial confidence building measures.
In his extensive deliberations with several central leaders including former Prime Ministers I K Gujral & V P Singh, External Affairs Minister Parnab Mukherjee and Home Minister Shivraj Patil, the PDP Patron reiterated that the fast-changing equations in and around Jammu & Kashmir offer the country's leadership a great opportunity to make India more at peace not only with its neighbors, but also with itself. "The emerging encouraging scenario offers a momentous opening for conceiving an exceptional grand strategy for the country and the region in Jammu & Kashmir," he said and added that the Indo-Pak peace process has provided a strong foundation to build upon and it could be further fortified by reconciling the past misgivings and leaving for future generations a different prosperous world.
The Mufti said the people of Jammu & Kashmir, who have suffered immense tragedies because of the Indo-Pak hostility, could greatly gain from the friendly and cooperative relationship between the two countries. "I visualize a space of dignity, opportunity and prosperity for the people of Jammu & Kashmir in the paradigm of friendship and cooperative relationship between India and Pakistan," he said and added that the peace process has already created a notable impact as it has brought into focus the convergence of our interests rather than the hackneyed rivalries.
The PDP Patron stressed the need for accelerating the pace of implementing J&K specific confidence building measures that are in tune with the State's fast improving security situation.
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In his extensive deliberations with several central leaders including former Prime Ministers I K Gujral & V P Singh, External Affairs Minister Parnab Mukherjee and Home Minister Shivraj Patil, the PDP Patron reiterated that the fast-changing equations in and around Jammu & Kashmir offer the country's leadership a great opportunity to make India more at peace not only with its neighbors, but also with itself. "The emerging encouraging scenario offers a momentous opening for conceiving an exceptional grand strategy for the country and the region in Jammu & Kashmir," he said and added that the Indo-Pak peace process has provided a strong foundation to build upon and it could be further fortified by reconciling the past misgivings and leaving for future generations a different prosperous world.
The Mufti said the people of Jammu & Kashmir, who have suffered immense tragedies because of the Indo-Pak hostility, could greatly gain from the friendly and cooperative relationship between the two countries. "I visualize a space of dignity, opportunity and prosperity for the people of Jammu & Kashmir in the paradigm of friendship and cooperative relationship between India and Pakistan," he said and added that the peace process has already created a notable impact as it has brought into focus the convergence of our interests rather than the hackneyed rivalries.
The PDP Patron stressed the need for accelerating the pace of implementing J&K specific confidence building measures that are in tune with the State's fast improving security situation.
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Labels: External Affairs Minister, Indo-Pak, Jammu and Kashmir, kashmir, Patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Peoples Democratic Party
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Manmohan ready to meet Pak leaders half-way
Hoping that newly elected leaders in Pakistan shall build close and cooperative relations with India, Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh on Wednesday committed to meet them (new leaders of Pakistan) half-way to have a frame work for enduring peace. Praising leaders of main Pakistani political parties for showing interest in developing close relations with India to bring about durable peace, Dr. Singh had a word of praise for Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharief and who during their premierships had struck a cord with their Indian counterparts and Rajiv Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee respectively.
PRAISED VAJPAYEE: Responding to the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address, Dr. Singh while making scathing attacks on the previous National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, however, praised Vajpayee for his "courageous" steps to foster peace with Pakistan. "The most courageous steps to build peace were taken by Prime Ministers Nawaz Sharif and Atal Bihari Vajpayee," Singh said in both houses of parliament.
"We have continued the process with President Musharraf," he added.
CONGRATULATIONS TO PAKISTANIS: Congratulating the people of Pakistan for choosing the democratic path, Prime Minister also mourned the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. "I am sure, the House will join me in conveying to them our warmest good wishes as they consolidate democracy in that country. The great daughter of Pakistan had to sacrifice her life in the process. We mourn with profound sadness, the death of Benazir Bhutto. The people of Pakistan have paid their tribute to her memory in their own way," he said.
While assuring newly elected leadership of Pakistan India's desire to live in peace, he retreated that destinies of two countries are inter-linked. "We need to put the past behind us; we need to think about our collective destiny, our collective security and our collective prosperity," he maintained.
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PRAISED VAJPAYEE: Responding to the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address, Dr. Singh while making scathing attacks on the previous National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, however, praised Vajpayee for his "courageous" steps to foster peace with Pakistan. "The most courageous steps to build peace were taken by Prime Ministers Nawaz Sharif and Atal Bihari Vajpayee," Singh said in both houses of parliament.
"We have continued the process with President Musharraf," he added.
CONGRATULATIONS TO PAKISTANIS: Congratulating the people of Pakistan for choosing the democratic path, Prime Minister also mourned the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. "I am sure, the House will join me in conveying to them our warmest good wishes as they consolidate democracy in that country. The great daughter of Pakistan had to sacrifice her life in the process. We mourn with profound sadness, the death of Benazir Bhutto. The people of Pakistan have paid their tribute to her memory in their own way," he said.
While assuring newly elected leadership of Pakistan India's desire to live in peace, he retreated that destinies of two countries are inter-linked. "We need to put the past behind us; we need to think about our collective destiny, our collective security and our collective prosperity," he maintained.
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Labels: Atal Bihari Vajpayee, National Democratic Alliance, Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Budgam encounter, shelling leave 30 homeless
Near about 30 persons have been left homeless due to shelling on residential houses during an encounter two days ago in this far off village, 17 kilometers from Budgam town. The residents allege that shelling started after the encounter, a charge army denies. Authorities say compensation will be given to the aggrieved after police report.
The operation was carried out by the troops of 34 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) of Sector RR and Special Operation Group of Kashmir police. It was supervised by SSP Budgam and commander 12 Sector RR.
The houses belong to Ghulam Muhammad Bhat and Abdul Aziz Bhat and the strength of the families is 30. "We do not have a place for shelter now. They snatched every belonging by shelling our houses," the victims told Kashmir Times.
"The militants after the cordon left the house and were killed outside in gunfight," they added. In one house near about 40 quintals of food grains were gutted.
In another house belonging to Naseema, a widow, where troops and police claimed to have killed the two Hizbul Mujahideen militants- there is nothing other than rubble. Naseema has three daughters and a son, studying in Yateem Trust. She was wailing near what was once her home her house. "What will happen to these orphans? Is there anything to feed them? Why my house was burnt down?," she said.
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The operation was carried out by the troops of 34 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) of Sector RR and Special Operation Group of Kashmir police. It was supervised by SSP Budgam and commander 12 Sector RR.
The houses belong to Ghulam Muhammad Bhat and Abdul Aziz Bhat and the strength of the families is 30. "We do not have a place for shelter now. They snatched every belonging by shelling our houses," the victims told Kashmir Times.
"The militants after the cordon left the house and were killed outside in gunfight," they added. In one house near about 40 quintals of food grains were gutted.
In another house belonging to Naseema, a widow, where troops and police claimed to have killed the two Hizbul Mujahideen militants- there is nothing other than rubble. Naseema has three daughters and a son, studying in Yateem Trust. She was wailing near what was once her home her house. "What will happen to these orphans? Is there anything to feed them? Why my house was burnt down?," she said.
To read the full article, click here...
To read the ePaper, visit: http://epaper.kashmirtimes.com
Labels: Budgam encounter, Rashtriya Rifles
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Army commander punished for crack down on corruption
Lt.Gen.H.S.Panag's relentless crackdown on corruption in his command had become a thorn in the flesh for many of the army's top brass.And, this finally resulted in his transfer from crucial Northern Command to Lucknow based Central Command.
This revelation was made in the "Outlook" magazine in its recent issue, quoting sources in the army headquarters. The report claimed that it was not a routine transfer as it was being projected by the army top brass.
During his tenure in the Northern Command, Lt Gen Panag had ordered 120 Courts of Inquiry. Some key cases wherein he ordered courts of inquiry included tent scam, egg scam, Diversion of high-altitude rations and frozen meat scam.
In the tent scam, Lt Gen Panag had ordered inquiry and action into the "emergency" purchase of tents while in egg scam, show cause notices were issued to officers and men, including a Maj General. Similarly, in case of diversion of high-altitude rations, an inquiry was ordered. Lt Gen Panag had also issued a letter of displeasure to Lt Gen S.K. Dahiya in the frozen meat scam.
Given this scenario, February 25 directive by the ministry of defence that Northern Command chief, Lt General H.S.Panag, was being transferred out to non-operational Lucknow-based Central Command was seemingly a bald statement. It was supposed to be a "routine transfer", though concerning the army's crucial Northern Command.
But sources in army headquarters told Outlook there was nothing routine about the development. Many even chose to describe it as a punishment posting. It seems Panag's relentless crackdown on corruption in his command had become a thorn in the flesh for many of the army's top brass.
In fact, in the last few months there was a sustained campaign to rein in the Lt Gen-turned-whistle blower. Panag's detractors finally seem to have got their way. Says a source in army HQ: "Many senior officers will be heaving a sigh of relief, including present army chief Gen Deepak Kapoor, who may unwittingly have okayed some questionable procurement when he was Northern army commander."
To read the full article, click here...
To read the ePaper, visit: http://epaper.kashmirtimes.com
This revelation was made in the "Outlook" magazine in its recent issue, quoting sources in the army headquarters. The report claimed that it was not a routine transfer as it was being projected by the army top brass.
During his tenure in the Northern Command, Lt Gen Panag had ordered 120 Courts of Inquiry. Some key cases wherein he ordered courts of inquiry included tent scam, egg scam, Diversion of high-altitude rations and frozen meat scam.
In the tent scam, Lt Gen Panag had ordered inquiry and action into the "emergency" purchase of tents while in egg scam, show cause notices were issued to officers and men, including a Maj General. Similarly, in case of diversion of high-altitude rations, an inquiry was ordered. Lt Gen Panag had also issued a letter of displeasure to Lt Gen S.K. Dahiya in the frozen meat scam.
Given this scenario, February 25 directive by the ministry of defence that Northern Command chief, Lt General H.S.Panag, was being transferred out to non-operational Lucknow-based Central Command was seemingly a bald statement. It was supposed to be a "routine transfer", though concerning the army's crucial Northern Command.
But sources in army headquarters told Outlook there was nothing routine about the development. Many even chose to describe it as a punishment posting. It seems Panag's relentless crackdown on corruption in his command had become a thorn in the flesh for many of the army's top brass.
In fact, in the last few months there was a sustained campaign to rein in the Lt Gen-turned-whistle blower. Panag's detractors finally seem to have got their way. Says a source in army HQ: "Many senior officers will be heaving a sigh of relief, including present army chief Gen Deepak Kapoor, who may unwittingly have okayed some questionable procurement when he was Northern army commander."
To read the full article, click here...
To read the ePaper, visit: http://epaper.kashmirtimes.com
Labels: Army commander, Lt.Gen.H.S.Panag, meat scam in Nothern Command, Tent scam, Udhampur
Monday, March 3, 2008
Sharif wants probe into Musharraf's role
The new government in Pakistan should review the causes for the Kargil war, including President Pervez Musharraf's role, and fix responsibility for the conflict with India, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has said.
The Charter of Democracy signed by the Pakistan People's Party and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz nearly two years ago committed both parties to setting up a commission to review the Kargil conflict, Sharif, whose party has decided top support to a PPP-led coalition government, said.
The document also committed the parties to abolishing the National Security Council, making the InterServices Intelligence Agency accountable to the civilian government and getting all army officers to declare their assets annually, the PML-N chief said.
"We stand by the Charter.
We think it's an excellent document and it must be implemented in letter and spirit. And I have all the intentions to do that," Sharif told interviewer Karan Thapar on the ‘Devil's Advocate' programme.
"The PPP is committed to that because it bears the signature of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto ," he said.
Asked if he was still committed to the setting up of a commission to look into the causes of Kargil and to fix responsibility, Sharif replied, "Yes".
Sharif, whose PML-N emerged as the second largest party after PPP in the February 18 polls, also said the charter continued to be binding despite slain former premier Bhutto's talks on a possible power-sharing arrangement with Musharraf.
Sharif has for long contested Musharraf's contention that he was aware about and had backed the plan to take over strategic heights in the Kargil sector of the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir in 1999, while he was the prime minister.
The Charter of Democracy signed by the Pakistan People's Party and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz nearly two years ago committed both parties to setting up a commission to review the Kargil conflict, Sharif, whose party has decided top support to a PPP-led coalition government, said.
The document also committed the parties to abolishing the National Security Council, making the InterServices Intelligence Agency accountable to the civilian government and getting all army officers to declare their assets annually, the PML-N chief said.
"We stand by the Charter.
We think it's an excellent document and it must be implemented in letter and spirit. And I have all the intentions to do that," Sharif told interviewer Karan Thapar on the ‘Devil's Advocate' programme.
"The PPP is committed to that because it bears the signature of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto ," he said.
Asked if he was still committed to the setting up of a commission to look into the causes of Kargil and to fix responsibility, Sharif replied, "Yes".
Sharif, whose PML-N emerged as the second largest party after PPP in the February 18 polls, also said the charter continued to be binding despite slain former premier Bhutto's talks on a possible power-sharing arrangement with Musharraf.
Sharif has for long contested Musharraf's contention that he was aware about and had backed the plan to take over strategic heights in the Kargil sector of the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir in 1999, while he was the prime minister.
Labels: Jammu and Kashmir in 1999, Kargil war, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan Muslim League, Pakistan People's Party
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