Jammu, April 4
It has been double trouble for the militancy-infested Jammu and Kashmir. While the violence has halted the development on the one side, its consequences like not holding the panchayat elections has added to the woes.

The Government of India has denied the panchayat development fund to the state, thereby preventing 80 odd per cent of the state’s rural population a whooping Rs 200 crore that could have been utilised for various rural development projects.

The panchayat elections in the state were last held in 2001 by the National Conference government. However, these could not be held in the entire state, leaving the two worst effected districts of Kupwara and Baramulla out of the poll process.

The government had planned to hold these elections last year, but the idea was abandoned for the security considerations.

This has resulted in the Government of India rejecting the state’s request for the grant of Rs 200 crore for development of various rural areas and the revival of panchayats.

This development will further retard social and economic reconstruction of the state, despite the fact that democratically elected governments have been ruling the state for the past 11 years.

Babus in New Delhi have summarily dismissed the state’s request for development funds without which the process of reconstruction cannot be initiated nor can the democracy be restored at the grass roots level through revival of the panchayati raj institutions.

Owing to difficult ground realities panchayat polls were last held after a gap of two decades in 2001 when Dr Farooq Abdullah was the Chief Minister. But even then the highly militant infested areas like Kupwara and Baramulla were left out.

Of the 2,700 panchayats, 1,900 got their last elected representatives in 2001, while the remaining 800 odd panchayats do not have any elected representatives for a little less than three decades.

The lopsided logic of the Central government behind denying funds to the state is that since villages in Jammu and Kashmir have not had elections, therefore they do not qualify for any grants or central funds.

The Centre has further expressed its displeasure to the state for holding panchayat polls till date, even though the term of the panchayats expired in 2006.

The state government’s plans to hold the polls in 2007 fizzled out because the security agencies advised the government against them on the plea that the ground situation was not conducive to holding the polls. In the absence of panchayats and other panchayati raj institutions being functional, the rural development schemes in the state have been hit hard, mostly due to the lack of funds.

In this election year (as the new Assembly has to be constituted before November 20, 2008) there appear to be little possibility of the panchayat poll preceding the state’s general elections. This throws back all rural development projects by at least one year from now.

The move to deny the state funds for rural development defies logic. As on one hand the Centre is trying hard to tell the world that it is going all out for bringing normalcy to the state, on the other it has bracketed J&K along with other states that have witnessed normal growth over the past decades.

Jammu, April 4
It was a unique experience for thousands of Sikh devotees in the state to have a glimpse of a rare handwritten ‘Bir’ of Guru Granth Sahib and weapons of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. The rare hand written ‘Bir’ of Guru Granth Sahib scribed by Baba Deep Singh and the armory of Guru Gobind Singh, were today received by thousands of Sikh devotees who thronged Lakhanpur (the entry point of J&K) to welcome the Guru Manyo Granth Jagriti Yatra into the state.

Amid chanting of shabds (hymns) and bursting of fire crackers the yatra entered Jammu. The yatra is a part of the yearlong celebrations of the tri-centenary celebrations of the Gurta Gadi diwas of Guru Granth Sahib.

“This is a unique moment of my life, to see the belongings of the great prophet whom the community has been following for the past 300 years,” said Gurdeep Kaur. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad along with many of his cabinet colleagues, former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah also went to welcome the yatra. He congratulated the Sikh community on the event.

“The Yatra has the mission to spread the significance of the Shabad Guru concept from Nanded to the whole world. Traversing the length and breadth of India, the march has become a rallying point for Sikhs to focus on the upcoming celebrations,” said Mahant Manjeet Singh, head of the Shirmonai Dera, Nangali Sahib, Poonch. “It’s for the first time that I have seen any yatra entering our state on such a major scale, so how could we stay behind from participating in it, so we have come to Jammu from Baramulla to take part in it,” said Manjeet Singh, a resident of Baramulla, who is a part of a group which had come from the valley to take part in the yatra. 

Jammu, April 4
Reacting to the Mehbooba’s formula of dual power, National Conference president Omar Abdullah today reiterated that the NC document on greater autonomy was still the best-suited proposal to amicably undo the tangle.

During recently held Pugwash Conference at Islamabad, PDP president Mehbooba mufti had advocated creating a dual power sharing at national level between India and Pakistan to resolve Kashmir dispute.

Fielding media queries at party headquarters here this evening, Omar said, “During the Pugwash Conference, the PDP president delivered a speech that evoked strong reactions back home in India. Stung by sharp criticism she then beat a hasty retreat refusing to have made such a statement.”

“She needs to elaborate whether her statement was a reflection of PDP’s so-called self-rule proposal or a move to appease Pakistan,” said Omar.

He said silence of Congress over Mehbooba’s statement speaks volumes amply conveying that ruling alliance partner didn’t endorse her scheme of things.

The PDP hitherto has not come out with a blueprint on self-rule and keeps on befooling people with hollow slogans like healing touch, demilitarisation, revocation of Armed Forces’ Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and separate currency, he added.

He also claimed that PDP’s ‘brainchild’ of troop cut exposed the party fair and square in the wake of recent decision of the Centre to increase rentals of lands and orchards occupied by the security forces in the state.

“Considering geographical boundaries of the state, demilitarisation cannot be done unilaterally until and unless Pakistan and China also agree to undertake similar exercise on their borders,” he said.

He, however, said that the NC favoured that troops be brought back to their same strength that existed before 1989.

Omar also lashed out at former chief minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed for accusing the National Conference of rigging 1987 Assembly elections that created Syed Salahuddin, the United Jehad Council chief.

He reminded Mufti that if the NC was in alliance with Congress then Mufti too was Pradesh Congress Committee chief at that time.

The NC president also described recent announcement of 70,000 jobs and increase of rentals of occupied lands and orchards as pre-election ploys of the coalition government.

Udhampur, April 4
An impressive passing out-cum attestation parade was held at the Border Security Force (BSF) Subsidiary Training Centre, Udhampur, today.

A total number of 295 recruits participated in the parade. The parade was a culmination of 36 weeks of rigorous basic training.

Inspector general of BSF, Jammu frontier, A.K. Surollia, took the salute. He reminded the recruits to always keep in mind the motto of “Duty unto Death”.

He also congratulated the recruits on the successful completion of their training and welcomed them as full members of the BSF family.

In his address Surollia said BSF was the biggest paramilitary force in the world and had left an indelible mark in the history of the country since 1965 when it was raised. He especially mentioned the role being played by the BSF in fighting militancy in Jammu and Kashmir.

Srinagar, April 4
A four-day programme to celebrate the diamond jubilee of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment (JAKLI) began at its Regimental Centre, Rangreth, here today with a grand ceremonial parade.

Lt-Gen P.R. Gangadharan, Military Secretary and Colonel of the JAKLI Regiment took the salute and reviewed the parade.

The grand reception was organised in honour of guests who included the Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt-Gen S.K. Sinha (retd), Lt-Gen P.C. Bhardwaj, GOC-in-C, Northern Command, Lt-Gen Mukesh S abharwal, GOC 15 Corps and other military and civil dignitaries.

The day began with the laying of wreath at the Regimental War Memorial by the Colonel of the regiment. Other distinguished guests included Padma Bhusan Lt-Gen Dr M.L. Chibber (retd), Subedar Major and Hony Capt Bana Singh and several serving and retired Generals. The gracefully decorated Bana Singh parade ground was the cynosure of the day where the parade was lined-up to honour the Colonel of the Regiment and the guest of honour, Padma Bhusan Lt-Gen Dr M.L. Chibber (retd).

The highlight of the parade was the showcasing of its gallant soldiers both serving and retired who had won gallantry awards. The day culminated with a grand Bara Khana for all guests and jawans of the Regiment.

Jammu, April 4
Expressing displeasure over the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission, the IPS officers submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today for the purpose of forwarding the same to the Central government.

The IPS officers have ridiculed the commission's plea that IAS officers deserved a better deal than those in the IPS because the former hold important field-level posts, in the initial stages they work in small places and have to stand up to intense pulls and pressures.

In the memorandum, the officers have stated that the IPS officers have to face threat to life, long and irregular working hours. They have to work even on holidays causing disruption in family life thereby aggravating higher degree of stress.

It said that not only the IAS officers, the IFS officers also enjoy the edge over the IPS cadre officers. It said if an edge was required it should be given to the IPS officers and this edge the IPS officers enjoyed in the 14th to 18th year of service till a recent amendment to the IAS pay rules.

The IPS officers have, in the memorandum, described the pay commission report as “contradictory”. It said, “Even if it justifies a limited edge to the IAS till the selection grade only it could be understandable but the edge has been extended to much greater extent from the 14th year of service onwards.

It said that the edge was more acute from the super time scale of IAS and DIG rank in the IPS cadre and only after the completion of 36th year that an IPS officer can hope to catch up with his counterpart in the IAS in terms of the total of band pay and grade pay.

This too was possible if the IPS officer gets the ranks of director general or additional director general or inspector general police.

The officers had another complaint. They said about 250 posts of secretary to Government of India level are available for IAS officers while less than 10 such posts are available for IPS officers.

Jammu, April 4
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court dismissed criminal appeal filed by Mohd. Basharat, who was convicted in a rape case and was sentenced by a Sessions Judge, Poonch, to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of 10 years and to pay a fine of Rs 10,000 to the victim.

On June 21, 2001 the victim, aged eight years, was grazing cattle in her land. The accused was also grazing cattle in the adjacent land. He took her to a nearby jungle and raped her. The accused left the girl in state of unconsciousness.

The matter was taken up with Biradhari Panchayat, after she narrated the entire episode to her mother, but to no effect.

Ultimately, a written complaint was lodged on June 24, 2001 by victim’s father upon which a case was registered under Section 376 of the RPC. The investigation culminated into filing of challan against the accused, who was finally convicted in aforesaid terms.

Advocate Anil Sethi assailing the judgment said articles lifted by the investigating officer from place of occurrence on June 24, 2001 and sent to FSL for examination, have not been produced during trial.

Sethi further argued that questions put to victim by the trial court were not sufficient to declare her to be competent witness to depose against the accused, as victim being of very tender age at the time of examination before the trial court, was chanced to be tutored from outer source (parent side).

Justice Virender Singh of the high court while dismissing criminal appeal observed, “The attempt to disturb conviction, with regard to withholding of FSL report and non-production of certain articles, would not demolish case of prosecution. Rule of prudence is that the evidence of a child witness does not call for rejection per se and needs to be considered with close scrutiny.”

The HC further observed that “crime against women that too in case of child has to be dealt sternly and with heavy hands and any leniency shown in such type of cases, with regard to sentence has to have its repercussions.

In present case, a poor girl of tender age, has fallen prey at the hands of beastly sexual lust of accused and such type of person does not deserve the least sympathy of the court as his conduct is revolting to all and much more to judicial conscience. The substantive sentence of 10 years already slapped upon him by trial Court being most adequate is affirmed.

Srinagar, April 4
A leopard was killed by villagers in the central Kashmir district of Budgam early this morning, official sources said.

They said a leopard entered the village from nearby forest area early this morning. However, before he could attack anyone, villagers attacked and killed it.

Wild animals had come down from the woods in January in search for food following the heaviest snowfall in Kashmir valley in 20 years, posing a threat to people residing in upper reaches of the valley of being attacked by them.

The Wildlife Department has directed people living in villages adjacent to forests to remain cautious against the movement of wild animals who have now turned towards plains in the wake of heavy snowfall on upper reaches.

Official sources said more than two dozen people were killed and at least 40 others wounded by wild animals in the Kashmir valley during the past one year.

However, in retaliation, people also killed four wild animals in the valley during the same period. A number of animals loving organisation protested against these killings. The villagers have, however, rejected these protests saying the wild animals killed and injured people, including women and children. — UNI

Jammu, April 4
With the holy ice Lingam fully formed this year, stage is set for annual two-month Amarnath yatra in Kashmir beginning on Vrat Purnima (June 18). Sharing the news about the formation of Shiv Lingam after three years with the members of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) during its 14th meeting here this morning, Governor Lt-Gen S.K. Sinha (retd) said this has set at rest the fears about Lingam not forming due to global warming and shifting of glaciers.

“We feel encouraged by this development, which is a good omen for this year’s pilgrimage,” the Governor said, adding that the board has geared up for making elaborate arrangements for conduct of the smooth yatra.

Addressing the members of SASB, Sinha, who is also its chairman, appreciated cooperation and help, which the board has received from the state government and the local population in the smooth conduct of the yatra.

The Governor, who has remained associated with the yatra consecutively for the past five years, regretted that some people have been raking up non-issues at the start of the yatra to create confusion in the public mind.

However, he complimented the people of Kashmir for their warm hospitality and assistance to the visiting devotees.

He said the board has been seeking assistance of the local work force in clearing the snow-clad routes and providing gainful vocations like handling pre-fab huts, pitching tents, opening shops and marketing the much sought after Prasad to devotees.

After detailed discussions, the board unanimously decided to start the yatra simultaneously from Pahalgam and Baltal routes from June 18, which will conclude on Sravana Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) on August 16.

Dwelling on the outcome of the board meeting, a spokesman of SASB said that several decisions were taken for raising temporary infrastructure and ensuring smooth yatra from both the routes subject to weather. Jammu will continue to be advance base camp, he said.

“Every effort is being made to provide all basic amenities to the pilgrims keeping in view the environmental requirements of the area,” he said.

Jammu, April 4
The bi-annual darbar move (shifting of state capital) from winter capital Jammu to summer capital Srinagar would start from April 25 this year and would start work from Srinagar on May 5.

The state government has issued an order for the offices observing 5-day week to close at Jammu on April 25 and those observing 6-day week to close on April 26. The government has also issued orders to facilitate condition for timely move of the darbar including transport and security.