J A M M U   &   K A S H M I R

Jawan, militant shot in encounters
Srinagar, September 6
An Army jawan and a Hizb-ul-Mujahideen militant were killed in separate encounters between ultras and security forces in Baramula and Anantnag districts today, official sources said.

Securitymen inspect the damage caused by a rifle grenade thrown at their camp at Ikhwan Hotel in Srinagar. — Tribune photo by Amin War

Reconciliation move in J&K BJP
Jammu, September 6
Senior functionaries of the BJP in Delhi have suggested to Mr Manohar Lal, who belongs to Haryana and is in charge of the party affairs in Jammu and Kashmir, to meet those who have been suspended by Dr Nirmal Singh president of the state party unit, on charges of anti-party activities.

No J&K steps to check corruption
Jammu, September 6
There is rampant corruption in government offices in Jammu and Kashmir with the state government failing to check the menace. Before the assembly elections, indicating corruption was high on the agenda of the PDP, the Congress and the Panthers Party.

Hostel opened for Vaishnodevi pilgrims
Jammu, September 6
For the convenience of pilgrims, a 700-bed hostel, Trikuta Bhavan, has been constructed at Katra by the Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board. The newly constructed accommodation is expected to come as a major relief for the pilgrims from various parts of the country who visit the shrine.

Jawan, militant shot in encounters

Srinagar, September 6
An Army jawan and a Hizb-ul-Mujahideen militant were killed in separate encounters between ultras and security forces in Baramula and Anantnag districts today, official sources said.

Lance Naik Ranjit Singh was killed when militants opened fire at a search party of Rashtriya Rifles at Nillah-Palpora village in the Pattan area, the sources said adding, troops returned the fire but the militants escaped.

A Hizb-ul-Mujahideen militant, identified as Nissar Ahmad Khan, was killed in a gunfight with the security forces at Panzgam in the Kokernag area of Anantnag district on Monday, the sources said.

The gunbattle ensued when the troops cordoned off the village to flush out hiding militants. Some arms and ammunition were seized, the sources added.

JAMMU: A truck was partially damaged in an explosion caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) near Ramban on the Jammu-Srinagar highway while the security forces arrested two suspected militants and recovered some arms and explosives in Rajouri district of Jammu division, official sources said.

The IED, which was planted by the militants on the highway, exploded last evening causing minor damage to a truck, they said adding no one was injured in the blast. — PTI

Reconciliation move in J&K BJP
Our Correspondent

Jammu, September 6
Senior functionaries of the BJP in Delhi have suggested to Mr Manohar Lal, who belongs to Haryana and is in charge of the party affairs in Jammu and Kashmir, to meet those who have been suspended by Dr Nirmal Singh president of the state party unit, on charges of anti-party activities.

Party sources said that after dissidents mounted pressure on the party leaders in Delhi, Mr Manohar Lal had been advised to resolve the issue amicably.

The sources said Mr Manohar Lal would be visiting Jammu on September 14 to explore the possibility of a reconciliation between the two sides.

Soon after the six party leaders were suspended, Dr Nirmal Singh referred the matter to the disciplinary committee of the BJP. The committee endorsed the action. Later, a report of the committee was sent to the party high command for a final decision.

In the meantime, senior party leaders, including Mr Arun Jaitley, have suggested to Mr Manohar Lal to intervene and if possible get the suspension revoked.

But the camp led by Dr Nirmal Singh is not yet prepared to revoke the suspension notice on the plea that indiscipline has to be checked at all costs. The group is upset over the way dissident sent a communication fo the party high command in which a demand was made for a change in the party leadership after levelling “baseless” charges against Dr Nirmal Singh

No J&K steps to check corruption
S. P. Sharma
Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 6
There is rampant corruption in government offices in Jammu and Kashmir with the state government failing to check the menace. Before the assembly elections, indicating corruption was high on the agenda of the PDP, the Congress and the Panthers Party. However, hardly any steps have been taken in this direction since the Mufti government came to power nearly two years ago.

The government has also failed to establish the Accountability Commission to check corruption in high places for which the legislature has already passed a Bill.

The alleged involvement of a minister in a case pertaining to issuance of cheques worth lakhs that have bounced has embarrassed Chief Minister Mufti Sayeed. So far, courts in three such cases have summoned the minister.

Congress President, Sonia Gandhi, during her election campaign in the state had made a commitment to a eradicate corruption.

The Vigilance Organisation that was proposed to be strengthened by recalling a top IPS officer from deputation with the CBI has failed to make its presence felt. Except hauling up a few persons. The organisation has not touched any top official.

The excise and toll tax barriers at Lakhanpur and Banihal continue to be dens of corruption although the Finance Minister, Mr Muzaffar Hussain Baig, has taken many steps to make their functioning transparent.

Reports of corruption, in the PWD, the Health, Transport and various other departments have also been received. A number of cases of a nexus between senior officers of the Transport Department and middlemen have come to light. Besides other things, these officers were allegedly involved in serious irregularities of issuing driving licences and fitness certificates for heavy vehicles.

Hostel opened for Vaishnodevi pilgrims
Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 6
For the convenience of pilgrims, a 700-bed hostel, Trikuta Bhavan, has been constructed at Katra by the Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board. The newly constructed accommodation is expected to come as a major relief for the pilgrims from various parts of the country who visit the shrine.

According to Mr Rohit Kansal, Additional Chief Executive Officer of the board, the building, which was inaugurated last week by the Governor, Lt-Gen (retd) S.K. Sinha, has been constructed at a cost of Rs 5.95 crore.

It comprises 69 dormitories spread over five floors. One of the features of the building is that it has a transparent 60 ft x 90 ft dome of polycarbonate sheet over arched trusses.

The hostel would cater to the long-felt need of economy pilgrims, with a bed costing Rs 50 per night. Over 50 lakh pilgrims visit the shrine every year, and the number is fast increasing.