J A M M U   &   K A S H M I R

Mufti for all-party talks on Kashmir
JAMMU, Feb 16 — The President of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mufti Mohammed. Sayeed, has asked the Centre to initiate certain unconditional reconciliatory measures to bring peace in trouble-torn Jammu and Kashmir. The pro-active policy has not paid dividends, rather it has aggravated the situation.

Srinagar: Two Maruti cars in flames following a militant attack in Badshah chowk area of Srinagar on Wednesday — PTI photo

Pak abetting militancy: Farooq
LEH, Feb 16 — Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah has said Pakistan is aiding and abetting militants, and asked the Army and the people of Ladakh to be vigilant against Pakistan’s “evil designs”.

Mufti for all-party talks on Kashmir
From Our Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 16 — The President of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mufti Mohammed. Sayeed, has asked the Centre to initiate certain unconditional reconciliatory measures to bring peace in trouble-torn Jammu and Kashmir. The pro-active policy has not paid dividends, rather it has aggravated the situation.

Addressing a largely attended public meeting at Ramgarh, 40 km from here today, the Mufti said the Kashmir problem could be resolved only through a reconciliatory move. He said the Kashmir problem was of political nature. He asked the Centre to start a meaningful dialogue with all sections of society, including local political leaders, militant groups and the All-Party Hurriyat Conference in a bid to find a solution to the vexed problem.

The PDP leader asserted that predominant view is fast emerging in different quarters at the Centre that the gun was no solution to this vexed problem. The majority of leaders were endorsing our stand that the situation could be solved with a meaningful dialogue.

The PDP President said that it was a matter of concern that the situation in the peaceful Jammu region had become alarming and bomb blasts were the order of the day. He said that if remedial measures were not taken immediately, the situation will go out of hands.

He came down heavily on the State Government and said the National Conference had abdicated its responsibilities and lost its representative character.

The Mufti reiterated his party's demand that the Centre and State governments should issue a White Paper on the over all financial situation in Jammu and Kashmir, so the people of the State learn about the actual situation. He further said existing financial mess, militant attacks on vital installations, administrative and political failures were the cause of alienation of masses in the State. The Mufti said the National Conference Government had failed to live up to the expectations of the people, if this government would have done 10 per cent of what people expected, the things would have been different today, he asserted.

Pak abetting militancy: Farooq

LEH, Feb 16 (PTI) — Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah has said Pakistan is aiding and abetting militants, and asked the Army and the people of Ladakh to be vigilant against Pakistan’s “evil designs”.

Stating that India has always stood for cordial relations with its neighbours and Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had extended the hand of friendship to Pakistan, he said yesterday, “They (Pakistan) did not reciprocate to our friendship gesture.”

However, Indian overtures of peace should not be construed as *our weakness*, Dr Abdullah said, inaugurating a newly-created rural development block at Kharu.

The country was fully equipped to give a befitting reply if Pakistan again indulged in the “Kargil-like misadventure”, he said, adding Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of India and shall always remain so.

On the state autonomy report, the Chief Minister alleged that some political circles were creating misgivings and misinterpreting the report to further their nefarious ends.

He said autonomy did not mean secession from the country, but was aimed at strengthening relations with the Centre and the rest of the country to fulfil the aspirations of the people of the state.

Dr Abdullah also lauded the role of the Ladakh Scouts during the Kargil conflict and said the country would always remember their sacrifices.

He gave an ex-gratia relief of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of late Tsering Phuntsog who laid down his life during the Kargil conflict, and handed over orders of compassionate appointment to next of kin of seven deceased Army personnel of Leh district.

The Chief Minister announced that a ice hockey stadium would be constructed at Leh to promote winter sports and boost tourism activities in the area.

In his address, state Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development and Cooperative Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan said additional funds to the tune of Rs 12 crore would be provided in the Ladakh region under the Desert Development Project.

Arrangements for Haj pilgrims
From Our Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 16 — The local divisional administration has made boarding and lodging arrangements for the Haj pilgrims of this division, Leh and Kargil districts. This information was given at a meeting held here yesterday. The Minister for Haj and Auqaf, Mr B.A. Kichloo, presided over the meeting.

The minister was informed that 20 pilgrims from Ladakh and 357 pilgrims including one infant, from various parts of this division would reach here on February 18 and 20, respectively. Arrangements for their stay had been made at Danish Kadha (Talab Khatikan), Jammu.

The pilgrims will leave for Delhi on February 22 and the Indian Airlines has arranged three special flights for them. Reception committee headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jammu has also been constituted.

Forum stages dharna against killings
From Our Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 16 — The Jammu United Forum, a non-political organisation, today staged a dharna in protest against the unscheduled power cut, deteriorating law and order, and failure of the state government to protect the people residing here and at its adjoining areas.

While addressing demonstrators at the Dogra chowk, Mr Bansi Lal Gupta, president of the forum, lamented failure of the police to keep a check on militants activities.

Mr Gupta alleged that it was a deep rooted conspiracy of Kashmir rulers to change the demographic character of Jammu by forcing exodus of the people from here. Militants have started consolidating their position in the city.

He urged the Centre to dismiss present government and impose President rule as law and order machinery in the state had collapsed.