J A M M U   &   K A S H M I R

BJP chief rules out troops’ withdrawal
Jammu, February 15
BJP national chief Jana Krishnamurthy today ruled out withdrawal of additional troops deployed on the border with Pakistan unless Islamabad stopped aiding terrorism from across the border.

NC MLAs violating code: PCC chief
Jammu, February 15
The Pradesh Congress Committee has urged the Chief Election Commissioner to strengthen its monitoring system to prevent the ruling National Conference from rigging the byelection to the Jammu Lok Sabha seat.

The recent snowfall in the Jammu region has paved way for enjoyment and serious business. Panoramic view of snow-capped and enigmatic mountain peaks leaves one mesmerised.  In Videos(28k, 56k)

BJP chief rules out troops’ withdrawal
Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 15
BJP national chief Jana Krishnamurthy today ruled out withdrawal of additional troops deployed on the border with Pakistan unless Islamabad stopped aiding terrorism from across the border.

He said for the resumption of talks with Pakistan the only condition imposed “by us” was that Pakistan should stop aiding militancy in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a news conference here the BJP chief said so far Pakistan had not adopted any positive response to the world resolve to end global terrorism. He said instead of supporting campaign against terrorism Pakistan President, Gen Pervez Musharraf, was trying to secure a third party mediation for resolving the Kashmir issue. He said the Indo-Pakistan dialogue could be resumed if Pakistan first return occupied Kashmir to India and after that the issue, if left any, could be debated and discussed.

Mr Krishnamurthy blamed the Congress for having contributed to delay to the solution to the Kashmir issue. In this context he referred to the 1971 war and said India gained a major military victory and it had the opportunity to settle the Kashmir issue with Pakistan once for all. But instead of doing it, frittered away all military gains on the negotiating table in Shimla.

Referring to the Hurriyat Conference announcement on the constitution of its election commission, the BJP chief said: “It is a sign of frustration” and the government would not grant recognition to this programme and the commission.

He suggested to the Hurriyat leaders to take part in the Assembly poll and test their popularity among the people without imposing any condition.

The BJP chief expressed confidence on forming a BJP government in Uttaranchal and Uttar Pradesh. He seemed to be doubtful about Punjab and said his party would fare better in Manipur. As far as the Jammu Lok Sabha seat was concerned, he said the BJP would win it with a big margin.

NC MLAs violating code: PCC chief
Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 15
The Pradesh Congress Committee has urged the Chief Election Commissioner to strengthen its monitoring system to prevent the ruling National Conference from rigging the byelection to the Jammu Lok Sabha seat.

This was stated by the PCC chief, Mr Mohammad Saifi Qureshi, at a press conference here today.

Mr Qureshi said the ruling party had posted a number of polling officers and other agents in the far-flung areas of the constituency where it planned to indulge in “massive rigging.”

He said the National Conference ministers and legislators had been openly violating the conduct by using government machinery for mobilising support in favour of their party’s candidate. He pointed out that government vehicles were used in the pre-poll campaign.

Mr Qureshi said the Jammu Municipal Committee had been directed to remove posters and banners of the Congress from public places, but those belonging to the National Conference had not been removed.

The PCC chief said the National Conference initiated these measures only after it found the going difficult. He hoped that the voters would give a befitting reply to the National Conference because under its rule militancy had taken roots in the Jammu region, especially in the Poonch and Rajouri areas, which fell in the constituency.

Mr Hari Singh Nalwa from Haryana said during his tour of the Poonch and Rajouri areas, he was told by voters that the National Conference had fielded a Gujjar candidate to provide help to the BJP candidate.

Expressing concern over the plight of border migrants, Mr Qureshi demanded that they be treated on a par with the Kashmiri migrants in terms of financial assistance and free ration.

The Congress leaders appealed to people to vote in favour of the Congress candidate, Mr Madan Lal Sharma.