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Monday,
August 12, 2002, Chandigarh, India  
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No drop in ingress rate: Army
Four infiltrators among 15
killed No talks on J&K’s accession:
Farooq Forces on alert for I-Day
function JKDFP tentatively ‘accepts’ talks
offer Chief Secy briefs poll
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Pilgrims recede as ‘lingam’ melts Relief eludes farmers
in border areas NCC chief favours quota for cadets
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No drop in ingress rate: Army Jammu, August 11 A detailed survey carried out by the Army experts in the Jammu Sector has revealed that there has been no major drop in the rate of ingress from across the LoC in the Jammu Sector. According to the survey based on field reports and inputs from wireless intercepts, since the start Operation Parakaram six months ago, at least 434 infiltrators crossed into the Jammu Sector. If this figure is on the lower side than the one in 2001 (1136), it is definitely on the higher side than registered in 1995 (269), 1996(414), 1997(347). Senior Defence Ministry sources said by the end of the current year the infiltration figure may cross, 900 which will be higher than recorded between 1994 and 1998 in case Islamabad does not take suitable steps to check ingress. However, the situation on the 187-km-long international border (IB) from Kathua to Akhnoor has improved as far as infiltration from across is concerned. Not more than six infiltrators have crossed from across the IB during the past six months. With regard to the training camps for militants, the Army survey has revealed that 21 camps across the border exist now. Major training camps are at Kahuta, Mirpur, Bhimber, Sialkot and Rawalpindi, where a provision has been made for imparting arms training to over 1200 terrorists at a time. Since infiltrators adopt different strategies for crossing into Jammu Sector over high mountains and through dense forests, not more than 30 to 35 per cent of the total ingress is detected, as per the survey. During the past six months of Operation Parakaram, in Pakistani
firing, IED and mine blasts 29 persons have been killed and 128 injured. Another disturbing trend is immense tribulations caused to border villagers. The survey has revealed that during the past six months, over 68,000 villagers migrated to safer places from border areas of Rajouri, Akhnoor Jammu and Samba Sectors. The rate of elimination of terrorists has not slowed down, between January 1 and July 6,2002, as many as militants were killed by the Army which may be higher by the end of the year than recorded during the past four years. Defence Ministry sources said the Pakistani authorities had taken steps to check infiltration for two months, simply to impress upon the international community that Pakistan had stopped aiding cross-border terrorism. As the pressure from this community, especially the USA, declined, Islamabad again felt encouraged to push into Jammu and Kashmir as many groups of rebels as possible so that the separatists could achieve full response to their call for poll boycott. |
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Four infiltrators among 15
killed Srinagar, August 11 Two AK rifles, 49 UBGL rounds, four 107 mm rockets, 15 pistol rounds, three disposable rocket launchers, two magazines, nine RPG rounds and a cash of Rs 56,000 were recovered from the spot, the police said. Two militants of the Harkat-ul-Jehadi Islami and two civilians, one of them a woman, were killed in an exchange of fire between the militants and the security forces in the Kokernag area of Anantnag district of south Kashmir yesterday. Two AK rifles, two magazines and 20 rounds were recovered from the site of the encounter. A house where the militants were hiding was also damaged in the exchange of fire. The civilians killed in the incident have been identified as Shamima Akhtar and Habib Khan. One foreign mercenary of Lashkar-e-Toiba was killed in an encounter with the security forces at Arwani Zainapora in the Shopian area of Pulwama district yesterday. One militant was killed in an encounter with the security forces in the Nowgam sector of Handwara in Kupwara district of north Kashmir. The militants shot dead a police constable, Mohammad Amin, at Hari Singh High Street here last evening. The militants killed Haji Ghulam Hussain, Bashir Ahmad and Naik Subedar Mohammad Sharief at Sarawa and Gursai in Poonch district of the Jammu region during the intervening night of August 10 and August 11. An encounter took place between the militants and the SOG at Mori Khanater. One militant was killed and an SPO was injured during the encounter. |
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No talks on J&K’s accession:
Farooq Srinagar, August 11 Replying to a question regarding talks by the Kashmir Committee led by former Union Law Minister Ram Jethmalani here, Dr Abdullah said talks could be held on other issues, including autonomy. He added that negotiations on autonomy would not come in the way of the forthcoming elections in the state. “One thing is clear and that is there is no question of opening up talks on Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India”, he said in reply to a question after presiding over a function on the occasion of the Sher-e-Kashmir Memorial Lecture. The National Conference had reacted sharply to the reported statement of Mr
Jethmalani, demanding the imposition of President’s rule in the state. The lecture on “Agriculture for sustainability and economic development” was presented by Dr Panjab Singh, Secretary of DARE, Government of India, and Director-General,
ICAR, New Delhi. The Vice-Chancellor of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology was also present. Replying to a question on the demand of some political parties for imposition of President’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of Assembly elections, the Chief Minister said such parties had a vested interest. He ruled out imposition of President’s rule in the state. |
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BJP again seeks Farooq’s ouster Jammu, August 11 Making a sweeping remark, he said no Assembly elections held hitherto in the state had been fair and free. He also said in view of the non-completion of electoral lists,
elections should be deferred as more time would be required to complete the lists.
UNI |
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Forces on alert for I-Day function Srinagar, August 11 We have intercepted a number of messages, most probably from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), directing militants here to cause blasts and attack security forces and other vital installations, a senior security official said. “We apprehend increase in militant violence during the next few months as Assembly elections are going to be held in September and October this year,’’ he said. However, our immediate concern is Independence Day celebrations on August 15 across the valley, he said. “We are taking all necessary measures to scuttle militant attempts to cause blasts and other attacks, but nothing could be enough to prevent militants from attacking soft targets under the prevailing circumstances.” Official sources said about 100 preventive arrests had been made throughout the valley during the past few days. “We are taking into custody known criminals and other anti-national elements during Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations to avoid any disturbances,” they said. Reports from across the valley received here said that all former militants have been directed to report to the nearest police station everyday till the celebrations are over. “We do not want to take any chance this time too,’’ sources said, adding that it was because of effective preventive measures taken by the security forces that there was no major incident on August 15 and January 26 during the past few years. Militants used to fire rockets or rifle grenades besides triggering blasts on these days almost every year from 1990 till 1996. A number of people were killed and wounded in these attacks in the past. Sources, quoting intelligence inputs, said that about 20 foreign-based and about 200 local militants were operating in the summer capital and its outskirts. They mostly indulge in hurling grenades to avoid any direct contact with the security forces in the city, sources said. “But we are after them and never allow them to settle down at any place,’’ they said. Almost all incoming vehicles from different areas are being thoroughly searched before allowing them to enter the city. We have further information that militants will try to transport arms and ammunition into the city for disturbing the main Independence Day celebarations being held at Bakshi Stadium in the uptown. A UNI correspondent saw security forces busy constructing new sand bunkers around the Bakshi stadium and its adjoining areas to foil any Fidayeen attack. The security forces have also stepped up patrolling within a 5-km radius of Bakshi Stadium. “We are making sure that militants do not fire rockets or rifle grenades from these areas towards the stadium during the function when almost all VVIPs will be present.’’ Residents of Sarai Bala, Goni Khan, Batmaloo, Danderkha, Lachmanpora, Magarmar Bagh, Haft Chinar, Wazir Bagh, Iqbal Park road, Mehjoor Nagar, Solina and Jawahar Nagar said, “Their houses were being searched by the security forces almost daily for the past one week and this practice would continue till the August 15 evening.” The residents said they had been directed to inform security forces in case a guest came to their house for night stay. “We do not want to harass the people, but what can we do. We have to make sure that militants do not strike on Independence Day,’’ a security official searching a house at Sarai Bala said. The security forces have already taken positions around the Bakshi Stadium and others wearing bullet-proof jackets and holding automatic weapons were seen deployed inside the stadium. The security forces have also intensified frisking of
pedestrians in the civil lines and uptown areas. People in the civil lines are being paraded before informers once in a day.
UNI |
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JKDFP tentatively ‘accepts’ talks offer
Srinagar, August 11 However, the party, headed by Shabir Ahmad Shah, ruled out participation in the ensuing Assembly elections saying that “we will not participate in the traditional elections meant for replacing the Chief Minister or the administration.” “We are not laying pre-conditions for accepting the invitation for talks but would like to enter into a dialogue in a conducive atmosphere which would be created after the release of Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mohammad Yaseen Malik, Mushtaq-ul-Islam and all those who have been in jails for the past 12 years without trial,” JKDFP spokesman Mohammad Saleem Geelani told reporters here. Geelani said the release of the detained leaders and others would satisfy his party members of the Centre’s seriousness for the success of the proposed talks. The offer for talks on “relevant issues” was made by Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani during a 40-minute meeting with the Kashmir committee leaders headed by former law minister Ram Jethmalani on Friday. Briefing reporters about the deliberation of a day-long meeting of district presidents and secretaries of the party, Geelani said a formal acceptance of the invitation would be announced tomorrow after a meeting of the executive body of the party.
PTI |
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Chief Secy briefs poll
officers Jammu, August 11 Mr Malhi took stock of various arrangements made to this effect and amplified the need for arranging frequent training sessions near every polling booth to impart training to the electorate on the use of
EVMs. He stressed on the need to gear up administrative arrangements for preparation of photo-identity cards of voters. He issued instructions to the officers on election duty not to stop any bona fide voter in exercising his right to franchise for want of identity card. He said in the absence of photo-identity card, any other suitable identity of voters can be considered. The Chief Secretary emphasised on strict adherence to the instructions of the Election Commission in implementing the Model Code of Conduct. The Chief Electoral Officer, Mr Parmodh Jain, who accompanied the Chief Secretary, sought support and cooperation of the officers. He said all necessary inputs would be put in to force to ensure a free, fair and successful election, besides following the Model Code of Conduct in letter and spirit. Mr Jain asked the District Election authorities to give wide publicity on the locations of new polling stations. He said local staff would not be assigned election task. |
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Assurance to EU team
on poll Srinagar, August 11 Talking to a visiting delegation of the European Union
(EU), who called on him here yesterday, he said “some vested interests” were bent upon prolonging the disturbance in Jammu and Kashmir even though people wanted peace and believed in democracy, which was evident from their enthusiastic participation in elections to Parliament, the state Assembly and the panchayats held in the past. The minister, however, asserted that these elements had no public footing which was the reason for their hesitating from taking part in the elections. He also told the delegation that care was being taken to avoid any human rights violation while dealing with anti-national elements, though whenever a complaint was made in this regard, the state government had never failed to take action.
PTI |
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Over 50,000 get voter cards in Baramula Srinagar, August 11 Updated and computerised electoral rolls have been kept at the offices of Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO), ‘tehsildars’ and
‘niabats’, besides prominent public places, District Electoral Officer Navin Kumar Choudhary said at a joint meeting of representatives of political parties and officers convened by special election observers for Baramula. He asked voters to go through the rolls and avail of free forms available with the AEROs and ‘tehsildars’ if they wanted any addition or deletion. Other arrangements for smooth conduct of free, fair and transparent elections were also discussed at the meeting. The special election observers directed representatives of political parties and district officials to strictly adhere to the Model Code of Conduct devised by the Chief Election Commissioner and Chief Electoral Officer.
PTI |
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BJP opens election office at Jammu Jammu, August 11 Inaugurating the election office, the Union Minister of State for Defence, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, said the main issues on which his party would contest were end to terrorism and regional discrimination. He told newspersons that the BJP had raised the issue of setting up of regional councils in 1987. But when the successive state governments paid no heed to it, the demand for trifurcation was raised from various quarters. Without directly supporting the division of the state, he said the RSS demand for trifurcation was in keeping with the demand for removing regional disparity by establishing regional councils for Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir valley. He denied that there was rift between the BJP and the RSS, adding that “the RSS is the source of our inspiration.” Prof Gupta said lack of a definite policy on the part of the National Conference had made the state government “incapable” of fighting terrorism. He said the next government would have to be formed with the support of the BJP. Coming down heavily on the Congress, he alleged that the organisation was facing leadership crisis. He blamed the Congress for all political and economic ills that plagued Jammu and Kashmir. He was also critical of the National Conference leadership. “It is plebiscite at one stage and autonomy at the other. As a result, its government had lost the will to resolve the problems of terrorism, poverty, unemployment, water and power crisis,” he said. |
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Pilgrims recede as ‘lingam’ melts Amarnath, August 11 The early melting of lingam is largely due to clandestine ‘darshan’ by thousands in the fortnight before the yatra began officially on July 19 this year, officials here said. Heat emanating from the human body led to melting of the revered as thousands, including security personnel and those running ‘langar’, visited the cave in the run-up to the starting of the yatra. A common refrain amongst pilgrims is they are not afraid of terrorists, believing "Bhole Nath" (Lord Shiva) is on their side, but are disappointed with the melting of the lingam. Even before the terrorist attack on the base camp at Nunwan, the drop in the number of pilgrims was perceptible when news spread that the ice lingam had melted. A Patiala-based pilgrim, Sanjeev Bhardwaj a veteran of half a dozen yatras, says the ice lingam in the normal course is 14.5 feet tall, but this year on the second day itself it was not more than three feet in height. "This is happening for the past three years, The lingam is not formed in its complete glory and melts within days," he says, adding, over-enthusiasm to undertake the pilgrimage before the annual yatra aggravates the problem. Many are said to have poured milk and applied vermillion over the lingam, speeding up its disappearance and later flaunting the photographs of a full-length lingam. Officials plan to ban the use of cameras with flash since it generates heat, causing an adverse impact on the sensitive lingam. Consequently, when ‘Chari Mubarak’ (Holy Mace) is taken to the cave on the day of Raksha Bandhan, marking the culmination of the yatra, there is a threat of the lingam not being there even before any ritual is performed.
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Pilgrims stranded at Batote Srinagar, August 11 As many as 1029 devotees, who left here this morning for the Amarnath cave shrine, were stranded at Batote due to landslides and mudslides triggered by heavy rains overnight, official sources said. The landslides occurred between Ramban and Ramsu on the Jammu-Kashmir national highway. One more pilgrim on way to the holy cave shrine died of heart failure last night. Sadhu Sawtan Singh from Uttar Pradesh died on the Pahalgam-cave route, the sources said.
PTI |
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Relief eludes farmers
in border areas R.S. Pura, August 11 This is the tale of thousands of farmers in this rice bowl of Jammu, from where good-quality basmati worth between Rs 60 and Rs 65 crore is exported annually. Rice from this town and its adjoining areas in Jammu and Kathua is exported to the USA and West Asia. Mining in the villages, occupation of several villages by Indian troops as part of its military build-up and intermittent heavy firing from the Pakistani side during the past six months have reduced the area under rice cultivation by about 45,000 acres this season. According to Mr S.N. Anand, Director, Agriculture, paddy is usually grown in over 1.5 lakh acres in parts of Jammu and Kathua districts. This yields about 37,000 tonnes of rice per year. According to Mr Trilok Singh Bajwa, president of a local kisan union, a 30 to 40 per cent drop in paddy sowing is being feared this season and there may not be enough good-quality rice for export. The Revenue Department authorities claimed that the delay in receiving the compensation was the result of variation between the surveys carried out by the Army authorities and state government agencies. In the initial stages, state agencies had claimed that more than 70,000 acres had been occupied by the Army in Jammu, Kathua and Akhnoor sectors. The Army had contested this claims, saying not more than 15,000 acres had been occupied for laying mines. It had been as a result of the intervention of Union Minister of State for Defence, Chaman Lal Gupta that a joint survey by the Army and the Revenue Department was ordered. Under the latest report submitted to the Centre, the Army had occupied 37,000 acres in these sectors. As per the formula adopted in Punjab and Rajashtan, the Centre would have to pay Rs 11,000 as compensation for each acre occupied by the Army. Many farmers said exporters from Delhi and Amritsar used to pay them in advance for basmati, but this time they had not met any exporter. When over 40,000 persons migrated from R.S. Pura, Hiranagar and adjoining areas six months ago, several farmers were forced to sell their produce for a song. Said Mr Des Raj, a farmer, “We sold rice at Rs 700 a quintal against the market price of Rs 1500 a quintal.” He and others were now under the “grip of gloom.” “We do not expect immediate de-escalation on the border. We have no hope that Pakistani guns will fall silent. Hence, we may not be able to carry out farming practices in the next season also,” he added. |
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NCC chief favours quota for cadets Srinagar, August 11 General
Bopanna, who met state’s Chief Secretary I.S. Malhi yesterday, said this had already been done by the Centre and several other state governments in some services. The Director-General said more incentives were needed to encourage students to join NCC, an official spokesman said. Several decisions were taken for strengthening the corp in the state, the spokesman said. General Bopanna said an integrated NCC complex was planned at Jammu. Assuring all possible help from the state government to expand NCC activities, Mr Malhi stressed the holding of more all India and advance leadership camps in the state. He said the state had excellent potential for mountaineering and trekking that could be utilised fully for arranging adventure activities for the cadets from all parts of the country. Mr Malhi suggested that the infrastructure created for Amarnath pilgrims at Panjtarani and Sheshnag could be utilised to organise trekking events for NCC cadets when the annual pilgrimmage was not on. These sites could serve as base camps for high altitude training, adventure and other such activities, he said adding Baltal could also be an ideal site for a base camp to
organise trekking expeditions up to the holy cave shrine.
PTI |
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Video:
The
Air Force in a daring operation evacuates a person from the
flooded Tawi river near Jammu. 
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