Jammu, December 19
Like their counterparts in Poonch, residents of the border region of Rajouri have also rejected the demand for a division of the state and made it clear to the visiting interlocutors that they want to live with the democratic and secular India.

Although delegations of Rajouri highlighted their grievances, they also told the interlocutors that the accession of the state to India was final and there was no need for any further debate on the issue.

The interlocutors, while winding up their tour of Poonch and Rajouri today, appreciated the role played by the Army in protecting the border. They said people of the two districts also supported the Army and assured that aspirations of all regions should be addressed while working out any solution.

The interlocutors admitted that Poonch and Rajouri were backward belts of the state. “We are trying to understand why the two districts remained backward even after 63 years of Independence,” they said, adding that they would hand over their report to the Home Minister in 10 days to suggest some measures for the socio-economic growth of the belt.

While suggesting the opening of more routes on the border to felicitate the movement of people from both sides, Dileep Padgoankar said the LoC could not be changed.

On the denial of compensation to terrorism-affected people, the visiting team said the issue would be taken up with the authorities concerned. The team asked the local administration to prepare a list of those, who had been denied ex-gratia and compensation by the government.

The interlocutors interacted with 24 delegations in Rajouri. During the meetings, a majority of the delegations charged the successive state governments with deliberately ignoring the border region.

A delegation of the Poonch-Rajouri United Front, led by Mohammad Farooq Khan, told the interlocutors that despite being a Muslim majority area, people of the belt had always opposed secessionists.

New Delhi, December 19
The three interlocutors will get Rs 1.5 lakh each as monthly remuneration and enjoy the status of a state guest when visiting Jammu and Kashmir.

The three interlocutors, journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, academician Radha Kumar and economist MM Ansari, appointed on October 13, will also be provided three rooms at Vigyan Bhavan for their common office, conference and staff, respectively, the Home Ministry has said in a reply to an application filed under the RTI Act.

“In case of MM Ansari, the remuneration will be minus the existing lumpsum pay/pension (after retirement),” the reply to SC Agrawal said.

“Until the office accommodation is provided, they can meet at the India International Centre. The charges will be reimbursed by the MHA. They will be provided Secretarial assistance of one or two persons as per need from the ministry,” it said.

Each of the interlocutors would also be allowed to have an executive assistant, who would be appointed by them with an overall remuneration not exceeding Rs 40,000 per month.— PTI

Jammu, December 19
The campaign of the Punjab police against members of the Topi gang has come as a respite to the Jammu police as the criminals are involved in a number of cases here also.

The state police hopes that the interrogation of the gangsters will help it as they are involved in many cases here also.

It is pertinent to mention here that in an encounter in Kharar in Punjab on December 3, two members of the gang, Luv Kumar of Amritsar and Sunny of Pathankot, were killed, and six others, Vijay,Rocky, Babban, Latti, Sanjeev and Mohammad Abbas, arrested.

The Punjab police yesterday arrested two more members of the gang from Gurdaspur. They were identified as Kulwinder Singh alias Kaka, a resident of Mule Chak, and Gurpreet Singh, a resident of Ibban Kalan, Amritsar.

The kingpin,Vijay alias Topi, had stayed in the Digiana area here for some time and was involved in a number of cases, a police officer said.

Vijay had relations with a woman here and both stayed at a place. “Vijay had earlier been arrested by the local police and a number of cases were pending against him,” the officer said.

Official sources said the Topi gang,which had 15 members was involved in murders and stealing of vehicles in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir.

One of the gang members,Mohammad Abbas Bhatt, who belonged to Anantnag in the Kashmir valley, used to help it sell stolen vehicles in Jammu and Kashmir.

Confirming the local connection of Topi gang and its kingpin Vijay, the subdivisional police officer (south), Mohan Lal Kaith said, “Yes, the kingpin of the gang, Vijay, stayed in the Digiana area, and was involved in a number of cases .” 

Jammu, December 19
Governor NN Vohra today called for formulating a close, meaningful and effective relationship among universities and their affiliated colleges and between colleges and schools for improving the educational standards in the state.

He was speaking at the 13th Annual Day function of KC Public School, near Akhnoor, as the chief guest.

The Governor said vertical and lateral synergy among educational institutions could bring significant improvements in the standards of education and the quality of teaching.

He added that there was a need for further supplementing the resources for the universities, colleges and schools so that the objectives were effectively met.

Referring to the participation of children of a government school of Narayana, he said such relationships and close ties between an urban resourceful educational institution and a rural school could benefit the children of the latter.

“If the urban schools, which are fortunate to have sound financial resources and good infrastructure, provide help and collateral support to institutions which are not so fortunate, such laudable initiatives shall boost the cause of quality education,” he said.

‘Rangon ki Duniya’ , a dance drama, was staged on the occasion. The Governor congratulated the students and wished them bright careers ahead.

Raju Choudhary, vice-chairman of the school, presented a memento to the Governor.

Prof Varun Sahni, Vice-Chancellor of Jammu University, was the guest of honour. Dr RD Thakur, principal of the school, read out the address of welcome.

Anantnag, December 19
As the number of active militants in various parts of the Kashmir Valley has declined, their leaders have started instigating the youth to target the security forces.

“There are around 60 militants active in the entire south Kashmir range and they have links with the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and the Hizbul Mujahideen.However, they don’t come in direct confrontation with the security forces and motivate and instigate the youth and teenagers to target the security forces and civilians,” Shafqat Watali, DIG (South Kashmir) told The Tribune.

He said this came to light when the police busted a module of the LeT that was active in the areas of Sangam and Naina and arrested Muzaffer Ahmad Wani alias Bulbul.

During interrogation,Wani disclosed that he was working for the LeT under the command of Abdul Rehman Bhai, alias Noor, a resident of Pakistan.“Wani was involved in throwing a grenade at Bijbehara in which nine civilians were injured and an eight-year-old boy died. Shabir Ahmad Magray was involved in grenade throwing at the CRPF camp and two others,Irshad Ahmed and Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din, were in close contact with Rehman. They were assigned the task to blow up the newly-constructed police post of Achan Pulwama. Two IEDs were also recovered from him,” Watali said.

Two hand grenades, 35 kg of explosives, 75 detonators, 150 meters of safety fuse, a pistol with a magazine and 11 rounds, two IED fitted in a pressure cooker, four combat uniforms and two pouches were recovered from them, the DIG said.He said the militants in the area were avoiding direct confrontation with the security forces and were instigating the youth to indulge in militancy-related activities.

“The militants are involved in various illegal activities in the area, including smuggling of timber. At certain places in the area, they are plundering the green gold in the garb of militancy, but we won’t let their nefarious designs succeed,” Watali added.

He said the LeT commander,Abdul Rehman Bhai, was active in the area and was involved in many militancy-related activities and killings in the area.

“ Bhai was able to escape after many encounters. But we will eliminate him soon,” Watali said.

Jammu, December 19
The Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, an organisation of the Gujjars, today, asked the youth belonging to the community to struggle hard to achieve educational and socio-cultural development by using the Scheduled Tribes status as an effective tool.

Addressing a press conference here, the secretary of the foundation, Dr Javaid Rahi, announced the formal launching of the tribal youth movement.

He said the main objective of launching the movement was to channelise the energies of the Gujjar and Bakerwal youth of the state through proper guidance enabling them to compete in different competitive examinations.

He said: “ In the initial phase of the movement, we have to reach out to at least 20,000 to 30,000 youth of the community, who are presently pursuing various academic and professional degree courses in various colleges and universities of the state, to harness their skills, develop their personality and improve their communication skills, and to prepare and equip them for the challenges facing them.”

He said the movement was an attempt to reach out to the marginalised, neglected and educationally backward youth of the society, mainly those hailing from the Gujjar-Bakerwal communities, to equip themselves with educational capabilities, cultural sensitisation and social awareness.

“There are various agencies cooperating with the foundation for the smooth and successful conduct of the movement, including Centre for Life Long Learning, University of Jammu,the Jammu and Kashmir Gujjar-Bakerwal Students Federation, the SC / ST Students Federation and other local organisations,” he said.

“The foundation would also make the youth aware of various schemes run by different government /semi-government departments for ST youth, and coordinate with Gujjar NGOs across the country, including those working for Gujjars in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, UP, Uttaranchal and are willing to provide financial assistance to the poor students,” he added.

Dr Rahi said the foundation had already requested Governor NN Vohara, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Gujjar ministers for help, and also wrote to different colleges and universities of the state for their coordination and guidance to make the movement a success.

Jammu, December 19
Ravi Paar - a play based on a story by Gulzaar, was staged here today at Natrang’s weekly programme - Sunday Theatre. Acted and devised by one of the leading actors of Natrang, Deepak Virdi, and directed by Neeraj Kant, the play excelled in all departments.

The story narrates the events unfolding during Partition. Religious fanatics belonging to both the communities are up-in-arms against each other.

The narrator, who himself performs the lead character of the play - Darshan Singh - talks about the country, Partition and its perceived implications. After Partition, Darshan Singh, along with his family, takes asylum in a nearby gurdwara. They spend their days there listening to all kinds of rumours. Amidst all the chaos, Shahni gives birth to twins. But one of the babies is weak and has a little chance of survival. Meanwhile, Darshan Singh gets the news of the arrival of a special train to transport people to India as their village becomes part of the newly-created Pakistan. Darshan Singh leaves the gurdwara and reaches the station only to find the train packed to capacity.Somehow, he finds a place for himself and his family on the roof of the train.

At sunset, the train leaves the station. Darshan Singh notices that one of the babies has turned cold. His co-passengers,who are aware that the baby is dead, try to take the body away from Shahni, but the shell- shocked mother refuses to do so.

The moment the train reaches the bridge over the Ravi, someone whispers in Darshan Singh’s ears that he should throw the dead baby into the river for its deliverance.

He quietly throws it into the river only to hear a faint cry of the child.

Jammu, December 19
Stepping up attack on Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on the Hindu radical groups, various organisations of the Sangh Parivar today warned that humiliating the Hindus in India would not be tolerated at any cost.

In a one-day Hindu convention today, Hindu leaders from different parts of the country attacked Rahul for his remark that the Hindu radical groups were more dangerous than terrorist outfit like the Laskhar-e-Toiba.

All speakers targeted Rahul and cautioned that the appeasement policy of the Congress would prove disastrous for the country.

They said utterances of Rahul and Digvijay Singh have served the cause of terrorist outfits like the LeT and the Indian Mujahideen.

“We were expecting such statement from Rahul Gandhi,” said Mahant Aditiya Nath, BJP Lok Sabha member from Gorakhpur, while addressing the convention.

He said Rahul had insulted crores of Hindus by such statements. “The Congress leadership has been humiliating the Hindus with one way or the other. It is high time for opposing the appeasement policy of the Congress,” he said.

He added that maltreatment was given to Sadhvi Pragaya Thakur, who had been arrested in connection with the Malegaon blast case. “Her health has been deteriorating because of low quality food being given to her in the jail,” he said, adding, “On the other hand, mutton and chicken biryanis are being served to Kasab and Afzal Guru in the jails”.

Jai Bhagwan Singh, former national convener of the Bajrang Dal, cautioned the majority community against the policies being propagated by the Congress to get Muslim votes.

“Such policies would encourage terrorist outfits and fundamentalist forces in the country,” he added.

Jammu, December 19
From the next year,the traffic police will issue challans to those in Jammu city who run away after committing offences.

After the implementation of the new system, the police will be able to issue a challan to an offender and send it to his house.

The cops are hopeful that the new system will lessen their burden.

Apart from it, there will be an increase in the collection of fines.

According to official sources, a new challan book will be introduced soon.

The sources further said with the introduction of the system, the number of road accidents would come down as people would be more careful.

“Even after the launching of special drives and deployment of woman cops, traffic violations continue unabated in the winter capital. That’s the reason why we have opted to launch the new challan system here,” said a senior traffic police official.

He added that the police would note down the number of the vehicle violating a rule and send a challan to the offender’s house.

Jammu, December 19
The J&K Kashyap Bandhu Committee has instituted an award for those Kashmiri Pandit women who have more than two children.

Members of the committee, an organisation of Kashmiri Pandits, resolved at a meeting yesterday to set up the Award of Motherhood, which would consist of a certificate of honour and a reward.

A release by the committee said the resolution was passed unanimously in view of an alarming fall in the population of Kashmiri Pandits. The members felt concerned when a UN report showed that the community was one of the vanishing communities of the world. They had earlier discussed the small size of their families compared to other communities in the state.

The meeting,which observed the 25th death anniversary of Pt Kashyap Bandhu,was held under the chairmanship of the president of the organisation, VK Kashmiri.

The press note said the community was facing the problem because of migration, inhospitable climatic conditions, nostalgia, uncertain future and excessive use of family planning methods.

Srinagar, December 19
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated Gurez House at SDA colony, Bemina, here today. Completed at a cost of Rs 1 crore, including the cost of the land, the house has a 50-bed accommodation.

Addressing a gathering on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the government was actively considering regular helicopter services for Gurez, and the matter would be taken up with the Centre.

He said the Border Roads Organisation had also agreed to conduct a survey of the Rajdhani Pass next year to construct a tunnel and similar tunnels were also proposed for the Sadhna and Zojila passes. This, he said, would provide ample opportunities of development to the people living in the areas.

Jammu, December 19
A girl was injured when two boys, allegedly tried to snatch her gold chain at Belicharana area in Satwari here.

Sources said Parveen Kaur, daughter of Darshan Singh of upper Gadigarh, was on her way at Belicharana when two youngsters travelling in a car tried to snatch her chain, but failed.

Though the chain didn’t break, the girl’s neck was badly injured.

Acting on a complaint filed by the girl, the police got a case registered at the Satwari police station and arrested two boys, Devinder Singh and Parvinder Singh alias Sunny, both residents of Old Satwari area.

Jammu, December 19
The security forces today busted a hideout of the Hizbul Mujahideen at Panjal Gali of Danna Daryal forests in the Budhal area of Rajouri district and recovered some arms and ammunition from there, sources said.

The security forces launched an operation yesterday which yielded a cache of improvised explosive device (IED) weighing about 10 kg, one UBGL launcher, one radio set, four Chinese grenades and three kg explosive powder from the spot.

Jammu, December 19
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said here yesterday that the two-year tenure of the Omar Abdullah Government was the worst period in the history of the state.

The party said the inability of the National Conference leadership to fulfil the aspirations of the people had once again plunged the state into a crisis and alienated people.

Addressing workers in connection with the ongoing meetings of office-bearers of different districts, senior PDP leaders said the present dispensation headed by Omar was repeating the blunders committed by the National Conference Government from 1996 to 2002.

“With his efforts, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, during his tenure as the Chief Minister, had not only restored peace in the state, but also carved out a path of equitable development to address the aspirations of all regions and sub-regions,” the leaders said.

They said the PDP-led regime had set a vibrant and progressive standard in which all regions and sub-regions were equally involved. They added that the present regime had failed to carry forward that achievement.

“Instead of pursuing the agenda of development and reconciliation, the present government is indulging in vindictive policies,” they said. Due to lack of transparency and accountability, there was a total chaos and confusion in the state during the past two years, they added.

The PDP leaders said the NC-led regime had alienated people as it had failed to come up to their expectations.

Those who addressed the meeting included Trilok Singh Bajwa, Balbir Singh and Sardar Rafiq Hussain Khan.