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Saturday,
September 21, 2002,
Chandigarh, India   
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Ultras among 10 shot in J&K No troops reduction on borders: minister Farooq sells autonomy to woo voters |
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AMIRAKADAL CONSTITUENCY Conflict among
ultras JKLF acting chief Mir detained Omar’s remarks invites protest Minister threatens to sue Omar Cong rebels demand repoll in
Surankote Uma rebuts Sonia’s charge Punish parties defacing valley:
Kashmiris Stop construction in green belt: HC Relief for POK refugees sought Pilgrims throng Vaishno Devi
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Ultras among 10 shot in J&K Srinagar, September 20 NC activist Azad Ahmad Khan was shot dead by militants at Radpora stadium near Naqashband Sahib, in the Khanyar area of downtown Srinagar last night, he said. Khan was returning home after attending an election meeting when militants fixed at him at point-blank range. Militants opened fire on a poll campaign vehicle of the Awami League in the Shopian area of Pulwama district in south Kashmir injuring the driver today, the spokesman said. In another major strike in the area, militants blasted a CRPF vehicle with a powerful IED wounding four jawans. The injured were taken to a hospital where one of them succumbed to his injuries, he said. Three militants were killed in an encounter with security forces at Gangangiri Chotalli in the Uri sector of Baramula district today, he said. A self-styled battalion commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen, Javed Ahmad Najar alias Jaja, was killed when he tried to snatch a weapon from a BSF officer at Krankshewan in the Sopore area of Baramula district last night, he said. The spokesman said a Pakistani militant of Lashker-e-Toiba, Khalid Mehmood Bukhari, was killed in an encounter with the security forces at Kandi in frontier district of Kupwara last night. A security jawan was also injured in the encounter, he said, adding that an AK rifle, two grenades, IED and some ammunition were seized from the slain ultra. The security forces killed a militant, Abdul Salam Dar, in an encounter at Tahab village in Pulwama district of south Kashmir today. A pistol was seized from him, he said. However, residents of the village held a noisy demonstration in protest against the killing claiming that the deceased was a civilian and had nothing to do with militancy. Dar was working as a private teacher and was stopped by the security forces for frisking at a bus stop and was killed without any provocation, the residents alleged and demanded an inquiry into the incident. Bullet-riddled body of an unidentified person was found by the police from the Najib Bhat area of Baramula district, the spokesman said. The police also picked up another body from Durinar in Doda district today, he said. In another incident troops of 18 Battalion seized six kg of deadly RDX one rifle grenade, one magazine, 31 rounds of ammunition and an improvised explosive device from Sarwal Nullah at Soura on the city outskirts during a night-long operation. The spokesman said with the recovery of the IED, a major tragedy was averted by the security forces. He said the RDX seized was
enough to make several deadly bombs which could have been used by the militants during the elections. |
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No troops reduction on borders: minister Srinagar, September 20 “Let us complete the poll process first...We will review the situation after that,’’ Mr Gupta said. “There is no question of any reduction of troops along the borders with Pakistan...The neighbouring country continues to infiltrate militants into this side. There is no stopping that,’’ he added. The senior BJP leader said the troops concentration in the strife-torn state had increased in view of the elections. “We had called the troops apprehending large-scale violence by the militants at the behest of Pakistan during the elections.’’ Mr Gupta said Pakistan had employed all means to disrupt the polls in the state. ‘’They have failed in their nefarious designs. The people of the state have given them a good drubbing,’’ he added.
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Farooq sells autonomy to woo voters Ganderbal, (Srinagar) , September 20 Apparently satisfied with the turnout, Dr Abdullah reiterated NC’s stand of securing autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir. Ridiculing Congress President Ms Sonia Gandhi’s claim that the Congress could solve the Kashmir problem, Dr Abdullah said that everyone had seen the performance of the Congress in the past. He added that dialogue on the issue of autonomy must be initiated immediately. He also challenged the Congress on the allegations of corruption levelled against the NC by Ms Sonia Gandhi in her address in Srinagar yesterday. Claiming always that he had insisted on the constitution of a commission to go into the frequently levelled charges of corruption against the NC. He said, “Constitute a committee headed by the Chief Justice of India and let it find out how many funds came to Kashmir and what happened to these. If anyone is found guilty, hang him in Lal Chowk.” Voicing hatred for Pakistan, which was perpetuating terror in the Valley, Dr Abdullah said that he would blow Pakistan apart. “They have been killing my workers but my enthusiasm is still alive. Death will one day come to all but let me tell you that Pakistan will never succeed in dismembering our state.” Despite strong anti-NC wave prevailing in Ganderbal which has returned Dr Abdullah to the Assembly thrice, he went on to refute allegations that Army had pressurised voters to vote for the NC. He said, “The Army only inspires confidence among people. It does not tell them to vote for the plough. I am proud that my Army is protecting people.” Addressing people at personal level, Dr Abdullah promised that every village of Ganderbal would have primary school with three teachers. Emphasising the need to give the Kashmiri language its due, Dr Abdullah referred to the rich treasure of Kashmiri literature at Charar-e-Sharif. He added that every primary school would have a teacher to teach Kashmiri. On the issue of a degree college for Ganderbal, Dr Abdullah said that the Physical Education College of Ganderbal would function as a Degree college and admission for the same would begin soon after the elections.
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Reward on Farooq’s head Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, who addressed his first rally in Ganderbal today, was accompanied by several sections of paramilitary forces to Fatehpore in Ganderbal today. He had huge motorcade and many security personnel with him. The place where he addressed the rally was also heavily guarded, because the militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen had announced Rs 50 lakh reward to anyone who killed the CM. A similar reward has been placed on NC chief Omar Farooq Abdullah’s head. |
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AMIRAKADAL CONSTITUENCY Srinagar What makes the contest here more interesting is the candidature of the sitting NC MLA, Mohammad Shafi Bhat, as a Congress nominee this time. That makes it a key constituency to witness a tough fight between the ruling National Conference candidate and the Congress nominee. This constituency is also important for it has elected one of the Chief Ministers, Ghulam Mohammad Sadiq in 1967. The Works Minister and senior most NC leader, Mr Ghulam Mohiuddin Shah, who seeks election this time from Batamaloo constituency represented Amirakadal thrice in the past i.e 1977, 1983 and 1987. The ruling National Conference has fielded Ghulam Nabi Mir this time from the constituency. An electorate of 57,960, including 11,213 migrant voters, will decide the fate of the eight candidates in the second phase of elections in Amirakadal constituency in the second phase on September 24. There are 68 polling stations set up in the Assembly segment. The entire Lal Chowk area has been decorated with flags of the Congress and the ruling National Conference. Like many other areas, voters here are also indifferent to the election process for “negligence” on the part of ruling National Conference. Except for the main roads the government did not repair the improved roads in the interiors. Continued power shortage in another complaint against the ruling party. Residents in different areas, particularly in the central Maisuma locality, have been holding demonstrations against the alleged excesses by the security forces from time to time, which they claimed have killed over 24 innocent civilians during the past six years. Three youth were killed in the firing by an Army officer during a protest demonstration in Maisuma locality, last year. Two civilians Nazir Ahmad Dar and Bilal Ahmad Sheikh of Batamaloo were allegedly killed by the security personnel on Thursday, evening, which provoked the residents to hold protests. At least six members of the Sikh community were killed by gunmen in Mehjoor Nagar area of the constituency two years ago which also created resentment among the members of the community. The residents of the Sikh-dominated locality regretted negligence on the part of the
adminis. |
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Conflict among
ultras Jammu, September 20 Confirming the conflict a spokesman for the Army’s Northern command said here today that radio messages, intercepted by security agencies, had revealed that the Pakistan-aided militants were being looked down upon by some local groups. The message said “the Pak terrorists are ‘Ghulam’ (slaves) working under orders of others with loaned guns”. And militants annoyed with their activities have sent messages across the border saying: “Pakistan does not have a history as old as that of Kashmir and was under the British occupation. Pakistan is dependent on Kashmir for water and wood and does not have anything of its own.” The local militants have neither the man nor machine power to confront the foreign mercenaries. Dread of security forces makes them to put up with Pakistani agencies. However, activists of the Lashkar-i-Toiba have been striking to disrupt the election process in the state. |
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JKLF acting chief Mir detained Srinagar, September 20 A group of Hurriyat activists led by Mohammad Maqbool Sofi assembled outside Jamia Masjid in downtown Srinagar shortly after today’s prayers and staged an anti-poll demonstration, they said. Carrying banners and placards denouncing the ongoing Assembly elections in the state, the protesters were joined by young boys. The police immediately swung into action and tried to disperse them by resorting to cane charge, the sources said. The protesters turned violent and pelted the policemen with stones, who in response fired teargas shells, they said, adding that Sofi was detained during the protest, which was continuing when reports were last received.
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Omar’s remarks invites protest Jammu, September 20 The blockade was lifted following intervention by sitting MLA and Jammu and Kashmir Nationlist Panthers Party candidate Harsh Devi Singh (Ramnagar-Udhampur), sources said. Omar had reportedly said at a rally in Samba yesterday that the NC had put an end to the rule of kings in the state and made them commoners.
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Minister threatens to sue Omar Srinagar, September 20 “I will sue Omar in the court of law for his remarks against me. I have sought tapes of his speech,’’ Mr Gupta said. Describing the National Conference (NC) President as a “child” in politics, the senior BJP leader said Mr Abdullah had to learn a lot. “He should avoid using such language...It is against the model code of conduct.’’
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Cong rebels demand repoll in Surankote Jammu. September 20 Holding a demonstration in Surankote, Congress candidate Mohammad Aslam and NC rebel candidate Hamid Manhas alleged that the NC had stage managed the polling in the constituency with inadequate security arrangements which kept most voters away from polling due to heavy firing by the “so-called militants”. In at least 34 polling stations, particularly in Terewali Charalan, Lathoong, Morcha, Bachhai, Gunthal, Marhote, Dushuniwala, polling staff failed to turn up due to heavy firing by the militants and rigging took place, the two leaders alleged. Accusing the administration and the police of supporting the ruling party, the duo demanded probe against Election Observer, District Election Officer, Returning Officer and the Assistant Returning Officer. The constituency which had registered a polling of 74.50 per cent in 1996 elections has shown only 35 per cent voting this time, they said.
PTI
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Uma rebuts Sonia’s charge Jammu, September 20 The ruling NC has always discriminated with Ladakh and Jammu regions since 1947 and this has resulted in the demand for trifurcation,” Ms Bharati told reporters here. She, however, said the BJP does not support separate statehood for Jammu. “At no point of time the demand for trifurcation authored by the RSS/VHP lends support or strengthen Pakistan,” she said emphatically, adding that it was mere propaganda by the Opposition parties. “For restoration of peace we are open to any one,” she said. “If Pakistan admits that it has failed to control terrorism sponsored from its soil, we will also talk to them to eradicate terrorism,” Ms Bharati said.
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Punish parties defacing valley: Kashmiris Srinagar, September 20 Notwithstanding a number of laws, residents moan that the authorities have so far failed to prevent political parties from plastering posters, displaying banners putting up flags and scrawling slogans during electioneering in the valley, particularly in the city. However, they lauded the role of the Jammu Municipality for not allowing any political party to put up any banner or poster within city limits. Law expert Abdul Hamid noted that fixing of posters, banners, flags, and writing slogans was a cognisable offence under the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1985. Besides, he said, it was also prohibited under the Municipal Act and model code of conduct for elections issued by the Election Commission of India. But, in spite of all these laws why the law-enforcing authorities, including, the city Municipality, had failed to prevent political parties from defacing the valley, particularly Srinagar city, was anybody’s guess, Mr Hamid said. “We have another law which prohibits the use of polythene, but look at the buntings, posters and flags of different political parties these all are made from polythene,” he said, adding it will harm the environment. Under the law, defacement of a place by anybody is punishable with imprisonment up to three months or fine of Rs 1000 or both, he said. “I do not understand why our courts have not intervened so far in this important issue when the routes are full of polythene flags, buntings and posters,” Mohammad Amin, a teacher, said. The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has intervened on its own in the case of Dal Lake and directed the government to preserve it, Mr Amin said, adding that the high court should issue similar directions to the authorities to remove all flags and buntings and punish the offenders. In fact, the court should fine the law-enforcing agencies for failing to implement the laws, he said. However, law experts said it was the duty of the Srinagar Municipality to remove the “eyesores” with the help of the police. A group of schoolchildren who participated in a seminar on environment were vocal in expressing displeasure that the National Conference, the party of Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, who was the chief guest on the occasion, had also defaced the city by putting up posters, flags and buntings all over.
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Stop construction in green belt: HC Srinagar, September 20 The Division Bench of the high court comprising Mr Justice B C Patel and Mr Justice Bashir Uddin ordered the work to be stopped. The Bench passed the order on a public interest litigation titled Syed Iqbal Tahir Jeelani Vs state and others. The buildings include the residence of the Director-General of Jammu and Kashmir Police and a police guest house coming up at Zeethyar, near hotel Grand Palace. It was, however, not clear whether the buildings were being constructed with or without permission from the competent authority. The court also ordered the re-examination of the treatment plant of Centaur Lakeview Hotel, the court had earlier stopped its operation through a recent order. However, the hotel continued to function after the management filed an affidavit in the court that the treatment plant of the hotel was functioning normally.
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Relief for POK refugees sought Jammu, September 20 Addressing an election rally at the Sarwal chowk yesterday the JKNPP chief lamented that the refugees from POK had not been given any compensation for the land and property they left or lost there in 1947. Prof Bhim Singh, while urging the people to support his candidates, claimed that his party was the only one which had been fighting for the just cause of POK refugees. He urged the masses to defeat the Congress, National Conference and BJP to save the state from further destruction.
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Pilgrims throng Vaishno Devi Jammu, September 20 According to an official press note here, more than 200,000 pilgrims have visited the shrine in the first fortnight of the month alone. Over 517,000 devotees paid obeisance at Vaishno Devi in August, and over three million have visited the place since January 1.
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Ganderbal, (Srinagar) , September 20
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