J A M M U   &   K A S H M I R

J&K reconstruction works under way
SRINAGAR, Oct 17 — Having embarked upon a massive programme of reconstruction of the damaged infrastructure, the State government has completed 168 major and minor bridges, added 110 lakh gallons of potable water to the existing system and increased the total road length by about 400 kms during the past four years.

No memorial to forgotten martyrs
SOMEWHERE ALONG THE SINO-INDIAN BORDER, Oct 17 — It is just another hillock in the picturesque ranges but for some dilapidated structures on the top clearly outlined against the azure sky visible from afar on the dusty winding road leading to the Demchok post. 

Shah invites 57 leaders to talks
SRINAGAR, Oct 17 — Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister G.M. Shah had appealed to 57 separatist and mainstream political leaders in the state “to sit together and deliberate” over the Kashmir problem which could be solved only through dialogue.

DGP’s assurance on ex gratia
JAMMU, Oct 17 — Resentment seems to be building up in the police in Jammu and Kashmir over “inordinate” delay in releasing ex gratia to the tune of Rs 5 lakh in favour of the kins of those officials killed during anti-militancy operations.

J & K panchayat poll on Jan 5 
SRINAGAR, Oct 17 — The much-awaited panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held from January 5 next year on non-party basis.

Protest against college affiliation
JAMMU, Oct 17 — Camp College students started a fast in front of the divisional office this morning in protest against the state government’s decision to affiliate Camp College with Jammu University.

J&K reconstruction works under way
Tribune News Service

SRINAGAR, Oct 17 — Having embarked upon a massive programme of reconstruction of the damaged infrastructure, the State government has completed 168 major and minor bridges, added 110 lakh gallons of potable water to the existing system and increased the total road length by about 400 kms during the past four years.

Presenting the scenario of reconstruction and development at ‘Meet the Press’ organised by the Information Department here yesterday, the Minister for Works, Mr Ali Mohammad Sagar said the government when it assumed power in 1996, was confronted with the gigantic task of reconstruction of almost the entire infrastructure that was raised over decades. He said more than 401 bridges, both major and minor, were damaged by militancy in the State. Of these, 116 minor and 52 major bridges have been so far reconstructed, restoring the severed communication links. About 30 more bridges would be completed by the end of this financial year, he said and added that more than 50 per cent work of reconstruction of the gutted bridges would be complete by then. He hoped that the allocation of Rs 217 crore for reconstruction of the gutted bridges in the first phase would be utilised in full by the close of the current financial year.

The Minister said in the education sector, 19 gutted educational institutions have been reconstructed by the J&K PCC in Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam, Baramulla and Kupwara districts involving an expenditure of Rs 10.64 crore. He said construction of JLNM Hospital, Rainawari, 300 Bed Hospital, Shireen Bagh, IPD Block, District Hospital Budgam, District Hospital Baramulla (OPD/casualty block), Sub-District Hospital, Sopors and IPP works at Dhobiwan, Baramulla, Budgam and Bemina was in progress. The works would be completed at a total cost of Rs 116.72 crore.

In Jammu division, he said, construction of Betar Nullah bridge costing Rs 9 crore is near completion. The bridge over Chenab at Pul Doda has been completed at a cost of Rs 2.18 crore, he said, adding Aik Nullah Bridge at R.S. Pora and second Tawi bridge at Jammu would be completed soon. These would cost Rs 2.63 crore and Rs 6.95 crore, respectively. He said buildings for 8 educational institutions in Jammu division including college complexes for Udhampur, Doda and Kishwar have either been completed or near completion. The works would cost Rs 12.64 crore. The ophthalmology block at Jammu, OPD block and registration block at district hospital, Kathua and AMT School at Rajouri are also under construction, he said.

In the Public Health engineering sector, Mr Sagar said under the Master plan for Jammu and Srinagar cities, 40 lakh gallons were added to the existing system in Srinagar city and 52 lakh gallons in the Jammu city. He said for supplementing the limited resources of the State several projects have been sent to LIC and Rs 10 crore have been received for such works. These include Master Plan Phase II for Jammu and Srinagar cities. He said a Rs 7.52 crore scheme for augmentation of water supply in Leh is near completion. He said at the moment there are 113 water supply schemes in progress in Jammu division and 160 in the Valley. He said Rs one crore is allocated to each constituency to remove any complaint of neglect.

The minister said the defunct water supply schemes are being gradually made functional and so far 250 such schemes have been reactivated. Under the urban water supply programme, he said, other than the two capital cities, 27 towns have been taken up of which 11 including Pampore, Kupwara, Bandipore, Tral, Kulgam, Qazigund, Shopian, Hiranagar, Sunderbani, Vijaypore and Ramnagar have been completed at an estimated total cost of Rs 16.75 crore. He said apart from this, regional schemes were also taken in hand to provide better water supply to the people.

Mr Sagar admitted that in certain areas people face difficulties but the government takes cognisance of these and every effort was made to mitigate their problems. He did not agree with the opinion of a reporter that untreated water was supplied to people anywhere. He said water testing laboratories had been set up at district level and it is the practice to have the water tested before it is supplied to people. He said several tube wells were abandoned after it was found that the water so obtained was not fit for human consumption. He said in one case he had suggested people to use the water for irrigation purposes only. “The health of the people is more important than a few lakh rupees spent on digging a tube well”, he said, adding that recently a complaint was received by him about the water supplied from the Dal Lake. He said the samples were sent for testing and the SKIMS certified that it was 100% fit for human consumption.

He also denied a report that untreated water was supplied in Shopian resulting in several cases of jaundice. He said that a sand filtration plant was functional there and people are supplied filtered water. He asked the reporter who referred to this report, to identify the place where he thought untreated water was being supplied and the complaint would be looked into.

The minister said in view of the depleting water table world-wide, thrust is being given on digging of tube wells and conservation of water bodies. He said a perspective plan is being prepared to take care of the water requirements of the State upto the year 2021. He said 26.25 MGD would be added to the existing system in Srinagar city under the Master Plan Phase II estimated to cost Rs 180.67 crore. He said the present requirement in the valley is 6.5 crore gallons against which the availability is 5.5 crore gallons. He said the deficiency is mainly due to the excessive use of potable water for purposes other than human consumption. He said Jammu was also faced with shortage of water and to take care of this shortage Rs 450 crore plan has been sent to the Centre.

About the irrigation sector, Mr Sagar said 15 major schemes at an estimated cost of Rs 196.11 crore were in progress. He said work on three major canals, Ranbir canal, New Partap canal and Kathua canal is on. Similarly, he said, work on Tral-Rajpora Marwal, Letapore and Zainagir irrigation schemes is apace.

He said due to the efforts of the government in the irrigation sector the valley had a bumper crop this year despite scarce rainfall.

Mr Sagar emphasised the role of the media in highlighting the development and welfare schemes launched by the government and said while healthy criticism was welcome the achievements of the government should also receive appropriate coverage. He said while the Press in the State was overall performing well some times trivial issues are disproportionately highlighted.

He said he was taking due cognisance of media reports about the departments under his charge and had created a monitoring cell to take action on criticism appearing in the Press. He said the government has been able to create an atmosphere of accountability and transparency that would be further strengthened.

No memorial to forgotten martyrs
From Amarjit Thind
Tribune News Service

SOMEWHERE ALONG THE SINO-INDIAN BORDER, Oct 17 — It is just another hillock in the picturesque ranges but for some dilapidated structures on the top clearly outlined against the azure sky visible from afar on the dusty winding road leading to the Demchok post. Even as you wonder what they are, an Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel whispers, “ Sir, they are the remnants of the New Camp, a post which was overrun by the Chinese in 1962.”

The post, reportedly set up on the hillock facing one of the approach points from Chinese territory, was the solitary outpost in the harsh and inhospitable terrain in this particular area. The remoteness of this place then could be gauged from the fact that there were hardly any approach roads and the supplies had to be brought from Leh on ponies while the officers and men would march for days together to reach here.

Manned by a section of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and some men of the Jammu and Kashmir Militia, it was overrun by the Chinese on a cold, dark night by crossing a narrow valley, now named India Gate, and negotiating the Indus. The area facing the post is now under enemy occupation and enemy patrols on vehicles from the other side up to the river are a weekly occurence.

Intriguingly, the lack of any detailed information of what actually happened that night is evident. None of the personnel posted in the area seems to know much about it, although the force has been maintaining vigil here for the past 38 years. Another thing which strikes a visitor is that a befitting memorial to the valiant band of men in this remote outpost has not been constructed all these years.

After initial reluctance, since even short-range patrols of the force are said to avoid this feature, this correspondent was allowed to see the ruins from up close. A detour from the dirt track along the meandering river took us to the base of the hill.

At the top one could clearly witness the layout of the camp that was. Remnants of the post — a stone-lined path leading to the top, sentry and pill boxes, stables, living quarters and even rusted tin cans that must have contained rations — could be seen embedded at various places in the post.

The view of enemy territory is excellent, but an officer explained that the present posts had been set up some distance away as they had learned from mistakes. “This post can be easily encircled and cut off by the enemy and that is reportedly what happened then. The initial party would have thought that it was on high ground since they could see enemy movement from afar. But that was not to be, but then it was war and such things are inevitable, “ the officer explained.

One can almost imagine the plight of the personnel at the post. No one to signal to for reinforcements (in any case there weren’t any, this correspondent was told) as they faced certain death in the form of swarming enemy ranks on that fateful cold night.

A chill runs down one’s spine even as one attempts to put oneself in the shoes of those personnel nearly 40 years ago. No hope of help, ammunition that would hold only for a few hours. It is unclear whether they could have opened fire, or were they taken prisoner and then done to death ? All these questions arise, but no one is able to answer them.

It is said that all personnel were killed but for three men of the J&K Militia who managed to escape since they knew the area and reached one of the border villages. They gave information that the Chinese had attacked and the forces were moving forward.

The Chinese forces reportedly traversed a distance of several miles and camped at what is now called Lakhan Khet. After the truce, the forces withdrew and also abandoned the place where the present-day Demchok post has been set up. It is also the point from where the Indus enters Indian territory.

After reaching Demchok, the last post in this axis, we were shown our position and the area across the place where the Chinese patrols come and observe our movement. It is pertinent to note that there has never been an unsavoury incident in this area since the war, a young officer pointed out. We were also shown the gorge through which the Indus enters our country.

This correspondent was handed over binoculars to observe people living in Demchok village across the post some distance away. Nothing much was visible in the fading sunlight but for four large shacks with billowing chimneys and some grazing horses.

As we leave, a patrol dressed in Siachen gear, which is checking in, smiles and waves at us.

Shah invites 57 leaders to talks
Tribune News Service

SRINAGAR, Oct 17 — Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister G.M. Shah had appealed to 57 separatist and mainstream political leaders in the state “to sit together and deliberate” over the Kashmir problem which could be solved only through dialogue.

In a letter to these leaders belonging to all three regions of the state — Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh — the former Chief Minister and President of the Awami National Conference (ANC) said the meeting would enable “intellectuals and other right thinking people to arrive at a consensus for achieving a lasting solution to this complex problem”.

Mr Shah has offered these leaders to meet them personally. This, according to his letter, will be appropriate to reach a consensus on reaching a conclusion towards the solution of the Kashmir problem.

Mr Shah referred to the unilateral ceasefire announced by the Hizbul Mujahideen on July 24 last in this context. He said the “announcement showed that the Kashmir problem could only be solved by dialogue and not by violence”.

The letter has been addressed to 57 leaders — 35 of them in Kashmir, 19 from Jammu and three from Ladakh among them Mr Abdul Ghani Bhat, Chairman of the APHC, and all other six executive members of the APHC, Mr Fazal Haq Qureshi, who mediated between the Union Government and the Hizbul Mujahideen after the unilateral ceasefire early in August, Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, leaders of the Congress, the CPM, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed of the PDP, Shia leaders and representatives of migrant Kashmiri Pandits.

Those from Jammu include the former Sadar-e-Riyasat, Dr Karan Singh, senior journalist, Ved Bhasin and representatives of various political parties. Those from Ladakh include Chairman of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) and two representatives from Kargil district.

Addressing a press conference earlier this month here, the former Chief Minister stressed on the “need for concerted efforts by all to keep the gun aside and take recourse to dialogue and negotiations for resolving the imbroglio created by blunders during the past five decades”.

The dialogue, he had stated, must be held in an atmosphere of openness, sincerity and with the best interests of the people of the state in mind and between the two contending parties — the Governments of India and Pakistan.

The letter addressed to various political leaders, in Jammu and Kashmir, copies of which were released to the Press here, is part of the efforts by the ANC leader for a dialogue on the issue. He had earlier stated that his party would launch a “mass contact programme” followed by public rallies.

DGP’s assurance on ex gratia
Tribune News Service

JAMMU, Oct 17 — Resentment seems to be building up in the police in Jammu and Kashmir over “inordinate” delay in releasing ex gratia to the tune of Rs 5 lakh in favour of the kins of those officials killed during anti-militancy operations.

The Director General of Police, Mr Gurbachan Jagat, who toured all the six districts in the Kashmir valley recently was conveyed that resentment regarding ex gratia was not reaching the kin of officials killed in action.

All that each affected family had received was Rs 2 lakh from the police Welfare fund. A senior police officer pointed out that against this an Army personnel killed during operations against militants received Rs 7 lakh as ex gratia without any delay.

The officer said ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh each had not been released for the 130 police officials killed in action during the past 10 months.

Informed sources said Mr Gurbachan Jagat had detailed interaction with constables posted in different areas besides holding a discussion with the senior police officials in each district.

The sources said Mr Jagat had been informed that the police force was experiencing the pinch of shortage of manpower and weapons. He was told that since areas sanitised two years ago had become “grey” again thereby there was a need to extend the filed of operations for the police. This called for deployment of more forces.

As far as the weapons and ammunition were concerned the men in field wanted better weapons and adequate ammunition. Field reports communicated to Mr Jagat had revealed that lack of adequate number of wireless sets was another handicap for the police.

Mr Jagat is said to have assured the field force that he had already taken up the matter of releasing ex gratia to the tune of Rs 5 lakh with the state and Central governments. He is stated to have informed the constabulary that modernisation of weaponary and communication systems had already been taken in hand. He said the government had earmarked more than Rs 198 crore for the project which was to be completed in a phased manner.

J & K panchayat poll on Jan 5 
Tribune News Service

SRINAGAR, Oct 17 — The much-awaited panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held from January 5 next year on non-party basis.

This was disclosed by the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah, while intervening during a discussion on the Bill moved by Mr Ashok Sharma of the Congress party in the Legislative Assembly this afternoon. The Bill seeks amendments in the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Raj Act, 1989.

“I do not want to postpone these elections any more”, Dr Farooq Abdullah said. He added that due representation would be given to women, and in case no women candidates romped home two women would be nominated in each panchayat. “Even if Atom Bombs fall, the elections will be held in any case from January 5, 2000”, Dr Farooq Abdullah stated categorically. “Whether we win or lose, we want to pass on power to the people”, he added.

Replying to the mover of the Bill, the Chief Minister said that the amendment would be made after these elections were over.

The Chief Minister also announced that Srinagar and Jammu municipalities would be converted into corporations “very soon”. Two towns each in Jammu and Kashmir regions, would be converted into municipalities. These include Udhampur and Kathua towns in Jammu region and Anantnag and Baramula towns in Kashmir division.

Earlier speaking on the Bill, the Law Minister, Mr Pyara Lal Handoo, regretted that the panchayat elections could not be held in Jammu and Kashmir in the past 22 years. He said there were various reasons responsible for the delay in holding these elections.

Protest against college affiliation
From Our Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 17 — Camp College students started a fast in front of the divisional office this morning in protest against the state government’s decision to affiliate Camp College with Jammu University.

Yog Raj, Romesh Koul, Sunaina Pandita and Anjali were replaced by Vijay Kumar, Amit Raina, Sunanda Koul and Kiran to continue the fast.

The agitating students, who were on a fast for the past 44 days, said that the government had not considered their demand for reconsideration of this decision, forcing them to go on fast.

The students started slogans against the government demanding affiliation with Kashmir University. They alleged that the state government was hatching a conspiracy not to send back displaced Kashmiris to Kashmir.