Srinagar, October 31
Ahead of US President Barack Obama’s visit to India, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram reviewed the law and order situation in the state here today after a review of the relief and rehabilitation work in the flood-affected areas of Leh and Kargil districts of the Ladakh region.

After visiting the two districts of Ladakh, the Union Home Minister made a surprise visit to Baramulla district . The Union Minister held a meeting with the officers and discussed various development activities and the law and order situation. The meeting was attended by DGP Kuldeep Khoda and other senior civil and police officers. Several delegations also met the Home Minister.

Later, he arrived in Srinagar and had a detailed meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. At the meeting, relief and rehabilitation for the cloud-burst affected people of Leh and Kargil was discussed in detail, an official spokesman said. Chidambaram assured the Chief Minister that the Centre would provide funds for permanent rehabilitation of the flood-hit and would also provide necessary funds for the reconstruction of public utility facilities.

Jammu, October 31
After getting additional forces to cordon off the dense forest of Navapachi in Kishtwar district, the 11 Rashtriya rifles (RR) of the Army and the police today continued with their joint search operation for the fourth consecutive day.

The operation is being carried out to track a group of three Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) terrorists hiding in the forest.

A senior police officer told The Tribune over the phone from Kishtwar that the forest, where the militants were hiding, was about 300-square km in area. Tracking down the ultras was a difficult task as the forest is uninhabited and very thick.

He said the forest was mostly covered with snow at this time. He added, “There are three mountain ranges in the forest and it is known as a cold desert.”

Accepting the fact, Haseeb Mughal, SP, Kishtwar, said, “The area is too vast and the topography of the land, too, is causing difficulty to soldiers.”

He added, “We are putting our maximum efforts to track the ultras, even if the terrain is difficult. Locals, too, have been involved in the operation. The search parties that were sent into the forest today comprised of locals, since they know the forest better.”

Mughal said the presence of these militants was noticed only after two Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) teachers were reportedly “abducted” and one managed to escape from their captivity.

“The place where the presence of militants was noticed earlier is near Remai Nullah and our forces have sealed the 7-km radius area around that spot,” Mughal stated.

He added, “However, we already lost one jawan, on the very first day of this operation, and now we will have to take every step cautiously.”

Mughal said the security forces had identified a group of three HM militants comprising Sajjad Ahmed, alias Rizwan, a self-styled Hizbul commander; Shakir Hussain, alias Chota Hafiz; and Mohammad Shafi.

On the presence of some more ultras, he said, “Some reports are coming that four ultras are hiding there, but our intelligence has so far confirmed the presence of three ultras.”

Jammu, October 31
Bimla Raina’s cassette, “Lal Meani Nazri”, which is based on the verses of great Kashmiri mystic poetess saint of the 14th Century Lal Ded, was released here today at the KL Sehgal Hall.

In the composition, the writer has recited the verses in her own voice.

The function was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art Culture and Languages in collaboration with the Nagrai Literary Forum. A discussion, including a question-answer session, on the “Yogic Kriyas” of Lal Ded was held.

Noted writer Prof PN Trishal presided over the function while prominent journalist of the state Sham Koul, and renowned physician and writer Dr KL Chowdhary were the guests of honour.

Savita Bakshi, additional secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, was also present.

In her address, she congratulated Bimla Raina, for the reinterpretation of the “Vakh” of Lal Ded. She also quoted the contribution of Habba Khatoon, Arnimal, Majhboor and other great saint poets.

Earlier, PZ Sudeshi, president, Nagra literary forum, welcomed the guests. PN Pandita conducted the proceedings of the programme, whereas vote of thanks was presented by PN Koul, vice-chairman of the forum.

Jammu, October 31
Three sons of a retired ASI of the police, two of them employed in police services, today allegedly assaulted four others of a family in Dhoomi village of the Kanchak area, over some old land dispute.

Chaman Lal and Joginder Kumar, duo employed in police services, along with their brother Bansi Lal, today allegedly attacked three brothers of their rival group namely, Ravi Kumar, Pawan Kumar, Shashi Kumar and their uncle Chaman Lal, using some sharp-edged weapons after entering their house forcefully, sources said.

Sources said it was a result of an old feud between the two families over the ownership of some piece of land measuring about 15 kanals in the same village.

The incident happened this morning, when Ravi, along with his brothers and uncle, was having meal at his house when suddenly Chaman Lal, along with his two brothers, came to their house and after a short verbal duel attacked them, the sources said.

As per information, Ravi, his brothers and uncle also retaliated and attacked trespassers, in which the members of both families got injured and were brought to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) for treatment.

Doctors have admitted the injured to the hospital, as they have received severe injuries.

The police has also registered a case against the members of both families at the Kanachak police station.

Iftaar Khan, ASI, additional in charge, Kanachak police station, said, “We received the information about the clash, which took place over some old dispute and immediately rushed to the spot, where persons of both families were found injured. They were taken to the hospital. After recording their statements, cases have been registered against them.”

He added that a similar incident had also taken place earlier. He added that a legal suit had also been filed by both parties in the court, but he was unaware whether the court had given its judgment or not.

Srinagar, October 31
At least 13 persons, including three tourists, had a narrow escape when two houseboats in the Jhelum were gutted in a fire incident here today, officials said.

The fire broke out in one of the houseboats in the river in the Rajbagh area of the city due to a short circuit around 2.40 am and within no time, it spread to the other houseboat, they added.

They said fire and emergency services personnel reached the scene and it took nearly three hours to douse the flames.

Three tourists and 10 members of the two families that lived in the commercial houseboats, were on board when the fire broke out. However, they escaped unhurt, the officials said, adding, both houseboats were completely damaged in the incident.

The estimated loss in the fire incident was Rs 80 lakh, they added. — PTI

Jammu, October 31
The intellectual cell of BJP organised Pt. Premnath Dogra Memorial Lecture on the topic “Policies of the Union Government are creating confusion on the issue of accession of J&K State with India” here today.

The programme started with the honouring of veteran social activists Amarnath Gupta, Atma Ram Sharma, Shambhu Nath Sharma, Dewan Chand Dogra and Sahitya Academy award winner and famous Dogri poet Tara Smailpuri.

In his opening remarks, state convener of the intellectual cell, Chander Mohan Sharma, said since 1947, a political tug of war was being played in the state.

“On the one hand, nationalist forces are struggling for the complete integration of the state by abrogation of Article 370, one the other hand, separatists and pro-Pakistan elements want it to join Pakistan,” he said, adding, “numerous sacrifices have been made by the patriotic forces fighting against separatists and anti-national forces”.

He also paid tributes to Pt. Premnath Dogra, Maharaja Hari Singh and Lala Hans Raj.

Om Prakash Kohli, in charge, state BJP, in his address, said the policies of Jawaharlal Nehru and Lord Mountbaten were the real cause of the so-called Kashmir problem. He said the Congress still pursued the policies laid down by Nehru. These policies, instead of bringing peace and normalcy, had aggravated the situation to the extent that there is no government in the Valley.

Jammu, October 31
Even as the Durbar (Civil Secretariat) is scheduled to be opened on November 8 in Jammu, the BJP would kick off an agitation on the very first day of the opening against the controversial speech of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the Legislative Assembly on J&K accession. The Sangh Parivar has decided to divert all its attention towards Kashmir.

The BJP, a major constituent of the Sangh Parivar, has been assigned the job to lead the agitation, while all other organisations would actively participate in the stir against the “pro-separatist policies” being propagated by the Centre as well as State Government.

Although BJP leaders are tightlipped over the future course of action of their campaign against Omar Abdullah, sources said strategies had already been devised to step up attack on the Chief Minister to corner the Congress at national level.

Buoyed by the encouraging response the Parivar received from people all around the country during Accession Day celebrations, it has already decided to launch an agitation in Jammu with the opening of the Durbar here.

“Our programmes would be announced after Divali and the stir would be intensified on the statement of Chief Minister”, a senior BJP leader told The Tribune, adding that senior party leader Om Prakash Kohli’s visit to Jammu today was aimed at giving final shape to the programme.

Kohli has been recently appointed as in charge of the BJP in the state.

Om Prakash Kohli, who reached Jammu this morning, convened meetings with party leaders besides addressing a public function. During his two-day stay here, he would hold interactions with leaders of various organisations of the Sangh Parivar.

The BJP has already started campaign against the speech of Chief Minister in the Legislative Assembly in which he had passed some controversial remarks regarding accession of the state to India.

“Keeping in view the festive season, we have decided to keep our campaign a low profile affair, but post-Divali, the agitation would be intensified,” said the BJP leader and added that all organisations of the Sangh Parivar would jointly take up this issue to corner the Congress.

It may be mentioned here that the RSS, the fountainhead of the parivar, had passed a special resolution in its national executive committee meeting that concluded two days back at Jalgaon in Maharashtra. In the meeting, the RSS had taken a serious note of the statement of Omar Abdullah and warned him against taking any move to appease the separatists in the Valley.

Srinagar, October 31
Rich tributes were paid to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi at the State Congress Committee headquarters on her 26th death anniversary here today.

A meeting, convened to pay tributes to the former Prime Minister, was held under the chairmanship of Mohammad Muzaffar Parray, vice-president, PCC, and was attended by a number of state Congress leaders and office-bearers.

Party members urged secular parties to unite and fight against anti-social elements and communal forces to ensure peace, progress and development in the country.

Jammu, October 31
Amidst reports of widening differences between coalition partners, the Congress and the National Conference (NC), Congress workers today gave a veiled warning to the party high command against succumbing to the pressure of the NC.

Both parties are running a coalition government in the state, but Congress workers are annoyed with the controversial statements being repeatedly given by NC leaders.

While commemorating the death anniversary of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Congress leaders expressed their anguish over the functioning of the State Government, in the presence of All-India Congress Committee secretary and in charge of state Capt (Retd) Parveen Dawar.

Party spokesman and MLC Ravinder Sharma in an obvious reference to the indifferent attitude of the government towards extending 73rd and 74th amendments of the Indian Constitution in the state, observed that without extending such amendments in the state, democracy would not be strengthened in this region.

“Instead of organising such functions on the birth and death anniversaries of our leaders, it is better we should work assiduously to get their policies implemented at the grass-root level,” he said and reminded that it was the dream of late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to strengthen the Panchayat system.

In an obvious reference to recent statements of NC leaders who have charged the high command of betraying the people of Jammu and Kashmir, a senior Congress leader strongly countered these allegations and took the coalition partner to task for “brazenly” trying to exploit sentiments of the people of Kashmir.

“Since 1947, the Congress has been giving liberal assistance to the state, but NC leaders usually target our party, accusing us of betraying the people of Kashmir”, another leader said and cautioned the high command against repeating the same mistakes.

“It is high time party leaders wake up from deep slumber, as situation is deteriorating in the state,” a party worker cautioned.

Sources in the Congress said the visit of Capt Dawar attached importance as he was in Jammu to interact with a cross section of party workers to assess the situation, keeping in view the growing disenchantment among party cadre.

Jammu, October 31
Jagatguru Shankaracharya of Kanchimutt, Jayendra Saraswati, said yesterday that “Kashmir is an integral part of India and from Kashmir to Kanya Kumari India is one.”

Addressing a function organised by the All-India Kashmiri Samaj (AIKS), Saraswati said: “Kashmir is an inseparable and integral part of the country and we all have to work to strengthen national integration.”

Expressing his concern over agony and pain of the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community, he announced maintenance and help for Kashmiri Pandit widows living in displacement. He also announced to give scholarships to the needy Kashmiri Pandit children.

Speaking on the occasion, Moti Kaul, president, AIKS, said even after 20 years of their displacement, miseries of Kashmiri Pandits in general and camp dwellers in particular had been increasing with every passing day due to the indifferent attitude of the successive governments.

Kaul pointed out that shrines and temples, which were the symbols of identity of Kashmiri Pandits, were being neglected, grabbed and encroached by land grabbers.

Usha Tickoo, H N Tickoo, Surinder Ambardar, Virjee Bhat, Aryan Ramesh, AK Raina, KN Pandita, Virender Kuchroo, JL Pandita, Vir Saraf and Ashok Bhat were among those who spoke on the occasion.

Srinagar, October 31
While the curfew was imposed in parts of Kashmir today, life was affected across the Valley in response to a separatist-sponsored strike call.

Life was hit in several parts of the Valley in response to a Hurriyat Conference(Geelani)-sponsored strike call as part of its protest calendar. Shops and business establishments were closed in many areas while private traffic was plying normally. Passenger transport was off the road, though buses operated in some areas.

The curfew restrictions were imposed in Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipore as a preventive measure for the third consecutive day today. The areas included the Delina and Palhalan localities along the Srinagar-Baramulla Highway, which have witnessed trouble during the past four months.

Bandipore was also brought under the curfew for the third consecutive day today. A shopkeeper was arrested recently which led to demonstrations, resulting in clashes between youths and the police. At least eight persons, including five civilians, were injured in the clashes. The residents alleged that the security forces damaged windowpanes of a mosque in the town recently.

In Kupwara district, the curfew was imposed for the second consecutive day in Kupwara town, Trehgam and Kralpora. However, the restrictions were later lifted.

Meanwhile, the police has arrested a timber smuggler who was evading arrest in a number of cases and was involved in instigating stone throwing in Shopian town. According to DIG, South Kashmir, Shafqat Ahmad Watali, the police succeeded in arresting Nazir Ahmad Lone, alias Nazir Konda of Shopian, last evening. The DIG claimed that the incidents of stone throwing would come down with this arrest.

Meanwhile, incidents of stone throwing were reported from two places, Sonarwani village and Jamia Qadeem in Bandipore district, late this evening. It was also reported from Batamaloo area of Srinagar, where protesters resorted to stone throwing on the security forces,who exercised restraint and managed to disperse the miscreants.

Jammu, October 31
The Jammu University Teachers’ Association (JUTA) yesterday expressed serious concern over the new policy of the state government under which university teachers are not covered.

Prof Dalip Singh Jamwal, president of the association, said university teachers were not covered under the recent road map of the state government with regard to the settlement of arrears of employees, as 80 per cent of the arrears of university teachers come from the UGC.

He appealed to the state government to complete necessary requirements at the earliest, so that the Centre share be released as had been done in the case of agricultural universities of the state.

“It was further resolved in a meeting yesterday that Kashmir University will be involved and a coordination committee will be constituted in this matter having representations from the Kashmir University Teachers’ Association,” he said.

He said the executive committee had resolved that if the demand was not addressed on priority, JUTA would adopt different methods to raise the issue of arrears, including submission of the memorandum to the vice-chancellors, education minister, pro-chancellor and chancellor concerned.

Jammu, October 31
Taking a serious note of the failure of the authorities to set up procurement centres for purchasing the paddy crop, the BJP yesterday alleged that farmers were being duped due to a nexus between Food Corporation of India officials, officers of the state government and middlemen and millers.

“Poor farmers have been suffering every year as officials of the FCI and the state government have a nexus with millers and traders,” alleged Choudhary Sukhnandan, BJP MLA from Marh, while addressing a press conference here yesterday.

“A farmer is totally dependent on seasonal crops for survival and works round-the-year in fields with a hope that his produce will yield a good return, but due to an indifferent attitude of the authorities the farmers in the region have been suffering huge losses,” he said.

Sukhnandan pointed out that the Union government had fixed Rs 1,030 and Rs 1,000 as the maximum support price (MSP) for Ratna paddy and the China variety, respectively. “It is eyewash, as there is no procurement centre in any part of the Jammu province. The farmers have no option but to sell their produce for Rs 800 to

Rs 850 per quintal to the millers and private traders,” he said.

He alleged the FCI authorities were deliberately delaying the opening of procurement centres to provide an opportunity to the traders to exploit the farmers.

The BJP legislator pointed out that the indifferent attitude of the authorities towards the farmers could well be judged from the fact that for the last 20 years the FCI had not procured any crop produce through cooperatives societies.

The MLA warned that if effective steps to open procurement centres for the farmers were not taken within two days, he along with thousands of farmers would hold protests against the FCI and the state government.

Jammu, October 31
In connection with the ongoing programmes to celebrate Accession Day, a large number of youth today took a pledge to work for the integration and unity of the country.

The pledge-taking function was held under the leadership of Yudhvir Sethi, chairman of the Sanatan Dharam Natak Samaj, on the premises of the historical Dewan Mandir.

While taking the pledge, the youth - irrespective of their caste, region or religion - asserted to defeat those forces which have been posing a threat to the integration of the country.

They lambasted Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his controversial speech in the Legislative Assembly on the accession of the state with India.

Sethi, in his address, said the controversial statement of Omar about the accession of the state was unfortunate.

“There is resentment among the nationalist forces across the country against him for making such utterances,” he added.

Decision of Maharaja Hari Singh to accede with India was final and not questionable. Earlier, the portrait of Maharaja Hari Singh was garlanded and sweets were distributed among the gathering.