  |
|
| Kaun Banega Crorepati State
Special-1 Lines opened for J&K residents only Excelsior Correspondent MUMBAI, Dec 23: Kaun Banega CrorepatiNumber 1 show , the on Indian Television on STAR Plus is gearing up with a series of State Specials to ensure variety and give the.....more Demand of
Jammu Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 23: The demand of statehood for Jammu region and Union Territory status for Ladakh represent the aspirations of the people who want more integration with India........more Rs 20 cr
target fixed for Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Dec 23: The Minister for Power, Mr. S.S.Slathia has fixed a target of power revenue collection of Rs.20 crore against the target of Rs.16.55 crores in district Kathua.....more Panchayat
elections Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, Dec 23: Arrangements for the conduct of Panchayat Elections for 2nd and 3rd phase in Surankot....more Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Dec 23: Arrangements with regard to forthcoming Panchayat elections were reviewed at a meeting.....more |
 |
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 23: The Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir High Court, Dr B P Saraf inaugurated Intranet based Website of the State High Court today......more Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Dec 23: The Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta inaugurated a one-day Health Mela on "AIDS Awareness" at Kathua....more Gandotra
accorded Excelsior Correspondent KATRA, Dec 23: Heartist send off was accorded by the Employees Welfare Association, Katra to Shri N K Gandotra, Deputy Chief Education officer, Udhampur on his superannuation on 31st December, 2000........more Mushrooming
growth By Gopal Sharma Mushrooming growth of slums in unplanned manner in the winter capital city and coming up of several ‘jhuggi’ clusters within the regularised colonies has become a major threat to the environment and scenic beauty of the city. They have also become the safe dens for the criminals to hide and carry out their illegal and nefarious activities...........more |
Kaun Banega Crorepati State
Special-1 Excelsior Correspondent MUMBAI, Dec 23: Kaun Banega Crorepati, the Number 1 show on Indian Television on STAR Plus is gearing up with a series of State Specials to ensure variety and give the show a national perspective. The KBC has planned atleast two State Specials a month and to begin with it is for Jammu and Kashmir residents only. All those currently residing in J&K State can call for participation on December 27 6 am to December 28 6 am on the regular Kaun Banega Crorepati numbers. (You can call on any of the numbers). This is only for Jammu and Kashmir residents, anybody other than Jammu and Kashmir residents, calling on this line will be disqualified. The selection procedure and game format remains same as the main show. So, if you have still not been a part of this grand show, now it is your chance. This episode is being planned just for you. Call on december 27, 6 am to December 28, 6 am. It is State Special for those currently residing in Jammu and Kashmir only. To enter in any of the above mentioned Special episodes, contestants will have to furnish standard proof of identity and eligibility for a particular category. Apart from Standard local, STD or ISD phone rates, callers and potential aspirants will incur no extra charge, whatsoever, for participation. The Phone lines to enter the contest are DELHI: 0119373888, MUMBAI: 022 939 2888, CALCUTTA: 033 939 2888, BANGALORE: 080 238 888 and IDD: 011 905 4722888 (ISD rates apply). |
 |
Demand
of Jammu statehood, UT status for Ladakh Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 23: The demand of statehood for Jammu region and Union Territory status for Ladakh represent the aspirations of the people who want more integration with India. Stating this at a function today, Mr M G Vaidya, spokesman of RSS said it should not be seen as communal demand as people of all ethnicity, religions, linguistic groups in both regions are for it. If carving out states in other parts of the country is no communal then why and how granting statehood to Jammu region or Ladakh’s getting UT status can be termed as communal, he asked. Rather, it would enrich social, cultural, economic and political life of the people and bring harmony. " We are not thinking in terms of Hindus and Muslim angles but sentiments emerging from geographical regions. It must be viewed from the perspective of historical process and current scenario" , he emphasised. Mr Vaidya stated that voices for statehood for Jammu and UT status for Ladakh is getting louder and clear. This can not be ignored. He said it is, in fact, integrationists who want to end domination and discrimination by one region over the other. He said the trifurcation and re-settlement of migrant Kashmiri Pandits in a security area in the Valley can not be ignored. He stated that at the Gandhinagar session of RSS, it was decided to extend support to developmental and political aspiration of the people of Jammu and Ladakh. Now in the ensuing March, 2001 Executive Committee’s session at Delhi the demand of Ladakh and Jammu people will be discussed, he indicated. A galaxy of leaders of political parties, social and cultural organisations, intellectuals and prominent citizens were present at the seminar on re-organisation of Jammu and Kashmir arranged by the J & K National Front at Jammu Club here this evening. Mr T Samphel, Ladakh Buddhist Association chief reiterated the firm resolve of Ladakhis to get UT status as they have been discriminated in all sphere by the Kashmiri leadership. He assured that the Chief Minister for Ladakh will be from Kargil region as LBA is not viewing the issue from narrow communal consideration. Mr Tilak Raj Sharma, Convenor, Jammu and Kashmir Nationalist Front, announced that a massive demonstration will be organised in front of Parliament on February 22 (Budget session) in support of statehood for Jammu and UT status for Ladakh. The demonstration will also lay stress on involvement of all sections of the people in all three regions of the State in any talks for future set-up in Jammu and Kashmir. A memorandum addressed to the President of India and the Prime Minister will be submitted demanding re-organisation of J&K and involving all sections of people in the dialogue. A conference of women will be held during the next month. Mr Sharma said this movement for statehood for Jammu is gaining tremendous response in rural areas and among all sections of people. Prof Hari Om ridiculed the pleas of so-called secularists for their myopic view of the situation and not appreciating the ground realities. He said Article 370 is root cause of the problem. He supported demand of Jammu’s statehood and Ladakh becoming Union Territory as also the proper re-settlement of Kashmiri migrants in the Valley. Mr Swami Raj Sharma, in his presidential address called upon all the political, social , cultural organisations to join hands and wage struggle for eliminating domination and discrimination of Jammu and Ladakh regions. These people have suffered for over half a century. Quoting facts and figures of discrimination, Mr Sharma, a former bureaucrat and belonging to Congress, said that nearly 80 per cent students have been given admission in Medical and Ayurvedic colleges in Jammu while in Secretariat also there is 85 per cent employees belonging to Kashmir Valley. Moulvi Jamir Ahmed, a young leader from Rajouri district, spoke about discrimination at the hands of successive State Governments and neglect of their aspirations. He declared that the people in the border areas of Poonch and Rajouri are fed up with Kashmiri leadership. Ms Sneh Bali, Prof Harban Singh also spoke in support of demand for statehood. Prof K L Bhatia ably conducted the proceedings and Mr Romesh Sabarbal expressed vote of thanks. |
|
Rs 20 cr target fixed for power revenue collection Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Dec 23: The Minister for Power, Mr. S.S.Slathia has fixed a target of power revenue collection of Rs.20 crore against the target of Rs.16.55 crores in district Kathua for the current financial year. In addition 25,000 more power connections have been fixed at a meeting of Engineers of PDD held here today. The Minister was apprised that there are nearly 50,000 domestic and commercial power connections have been provided to the consumers of the district uptil now. He was further apprised that over Rs 8.28 crores have been collected as power tariff from the consumers upto December 14,2000. Addressing the meeting, Mr Slathia said that PDD is being streamlined and all the vacant posts of different categories will be filled up by promotions within one month. He asked the functionaries of the Department to work with more zeal and dedication so that working of the department could be improved. He said that honest and dedicated employees of the Department would be promoted on the basis of merit and not on seniority. He said that the department has adequate manpower but there is need how to utilise their services. He said that a number of daily wagers have been made permanent. Mr Slathia further said that police protection will be provided to the field staff for their safety and directions have been given to the police authorities at various police stations and police posts in this regard. He said that action against erring employees as well as power consumer defaulters and illegal power connection holders will be initiated against them. He said that deliquency will not be tolerated more and asked officers to have frequent visits in their respective areas during peak hours to curb the menace of power theft. Mr Slathia expressed his great concern that district have a population of nearly 6 lakh residing in 555 villages and hamlets, only 50,000 legal commercial and domestic connections have been provided to the consumers. He said that field staff should educate the masses about the necessity of getting legal connections as we have a liability of huge amount of power tariff in the State. With the result the Central and Punjab Governments have made curtailment of power supply to our State. He said that power generation has extremely reduced due to non-rainfall upto now during this year. The Minister assured the officers that he is fully aware of their problems and these will be mitigated on priority basis providing that they will raise the revenue of the department. The DDC, Kathua, Mr Mehboob Iqbal who was also present in the meeting apprised the Minister to a number of illegal connections in urban and rural areas as there is a heavy load on the transformers with the result most of them have been damaged. Moreover, he said adequate funds are required for their repair and maintenance. Among others Executive Engineer, PDD, Kathua and a number of Engineers of the department were present in the meeting. |
|
Panchayat elections arrangements reviewed Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, Dec 23: Arrangements for the conduct of Panchayat Elections for 2nd and 3rd phase in Surankot, Mandi and Poonch blocks of Poonch district was discussed in a meeting held here under the Chairmanship of Dy Commissioner, Poonch, Mr Khalid Hussain. Besides Additional Dy Commissioner, 33 Returning Officers and 77 Asstt Returning Officers also attended the meeting. Disclosing in the meeting, the District Panchayat Election Officer, Poonch said that the nomination papers will be filed on December 26th to December 29th for Mendhar and Balakot blocks, Dec 27 to Dec 30 for Poonch and Mandi blocks and Dec 29th to January 1st, 2001 for Surankot block. The scrutiny of papers will be done on December 30, 2000 in Mendhar and Balakot blocks, Poonch and Mandi blocks on January 1st, 2001 and on January 3rd, 2001 in Surankote block. The date of withdrawal for Balakot and Mendhar blocks have been fixed January 1st, 2001, for Poonch and Mandi blocks, January 3rd, 2001 and for Surankot January 5,2001. The polling in first phase will be held in Mendhar and Balakot blocks on January 15, 2001, in Poonch and Mandi blocks on January 17, 2001 and Surankot block on January 19,2001. While addressing the meeting, Mr Khalid Hussain impressed upon the Returning and Assistant Returning Officers to ensure free, fair and impartial elections in the district. He assured the officers for providing adequate security to all the polling stations for conduct of peaceful Panchayat election. |
|
|
Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Dec 23: Arrangements with regard to forthcoming Panchayat elections were reviewed at a meeting of Returning Officers of Rajouri and Manajakote blcoks held here today. The District Development Commissioner, Rajouri, Mr K A Khan presided. It was revealed in the meeting that in Rajouri district panchayat elections will be held in three phases starting from January 15, tentatively in first phase Sunderbani, Nowshera and Kalakote blocks would be covered. Similarly, Rajouri and Manjanote blocks would be covered on January 17 in second phase as many as 65,686 electorates would exercise their franchise to elect 326 Panches and 388 Sarpanches. The counting and results would be held at the same day. Among others, Asstt Commissioner (Dev), Tehsildars and Block Development Officers attended the meeting. The DDC exhorted upon the officers to ensure free and fair and orderly poll in the elections. The District Panchayat officers informed the concerned officers to collect requsite election forms from the concerned block headquarters. |
|
|
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 23: The Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir High Court, Dr B P Saraf inaugurated Intranet based Website of the State High Court today. The Website is first of its kind in India and contains comprehensive information about the functioning of the State High Court. Official calendar, summary of pendencies in High and District Courts are some major features of the Website. It also has exhaustive information about judgements made , administrative data, orders issued, query facility, pay roll accountancy and automatic allocation of cases. In addition, the Website also provides facilities to the judges to exchange their views through Email connectivity. In his inaugural speech, Dr Saraf said that the Website will help a lot in expeditious dispensing of justice to the people and will help in clearing the pending cases. He said that information technology has brought a global revolution and judiciary also has to get full advantage of this system. He said that in future, the orders regarding next date and status of every case , reportable judgements and orders of High Courts, orders and judgements passed by High Courts, status of pending cases in district courts, information regarding free legal aid and legal services and Lok Adalats will also be made available on internet. The Chief Justice said that entire legal fraternity has to work in unison to provide speedy and less expensive justice to every citizen of the country. This is possible with the active cooperation of the Bar. He called upon the Bar to keep a watch on the maintenance and functioning of the Website. Dr Saraf also inaugurated conference room and facilitation centre/enquiry counter. These have been specially designed and computerised for use by public and litigants to know the latest status of their cases and information about various reportable judgements of the Supreme Court. The Chief Justice informed that uncertified copies of judgement will also be made available to the public and litigants from the facilitation counter in near future. The computerisation and Website design has been made by J&K Unit of National Informatic Centre. The Chief Justice lauded the efforts of National Informatic Centre to set up the Website in a record time of one month. The function was also attended by Judges of the High Court, members of Bar Association, Judicial Officers, Advocates and prominent citizens. The State Informatic Centre also made a presentation of the Website on the spot. |
|
|
Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Dec 23: The Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta inaugurated a one-day Health Mela on "AIDS Awareness" at Kathua today. It was arranged by the Directorate of field Publicity Government of India. On the occasion, a symposium titled "AIDS eradication" besides folk songs, skits, healthy baby shows were the main feature of the Mela. Exhibition stalls were set up by the Health, Social Welfare and Handloom Departments. Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister appreciated the efforts of the Field Publicity Unit for organising the Mela for creating awareness among the masses about the deadly desease-(AIDS). He hoped that the Department will also organise such programmes especially in rural and remote areas. He stressed the need for educating the rural masses about various developmental programmes initiated by the Centre and state Governments. |
|
Gandotra accorded warm send off Excelsior Correspondent KATRA, Dec 23: Heartist send off was accorded by the Employees Welfare Association, Katra to Shri N K Gandotra, Deputy Chief Education officer, Udhampur on his superannuation on 31st December, 2000. A large number of officers including, Chief Education Officer, Udhampur, Mr B L Jain, Mr Parbhat Singh, Additional SP, Katra, Mr Sham Kesar, President United School Teachers Association, DEO, Udhampur, Mr R R Saraf and President,Employees Association, Katra, Mr Harish Dubey, Katra recounted the head and heart qualities of Mr Gandotra. They wished him long and prosperous life. Expressing thanks and gratitude for his honour, Mr Gandotra assured that he would continue strive for the cause of welfare for the students and teacher communities and Mr O P Padha, General Secretary of the Employees Welfare Association and presented the memento as a mark of the honour. Mr R S Manhas, NCC Officer presented the vote of thanks. The function was attended by the number of local associations, civil, police officers including District Information Officer, Udhampur, Mr Ved Kesar and prominent citizens. |
|
Mushrooming growth of slums in
Jammu city By Gopal Sharma Mushrooming growth of slums in unplanned manner in the winter capital city and coming up of several ‘jhuggi’ clusters within the regularised colonies has become a major threat to the environment and scenic beauty of the city. They have also become the safe dens for the criminals to hide and carry out their illegal and nefarious activities. The ever increasing influx of the people mostly belonging to labour class from Orissa, Bihar, UP and Madhya Pradesh has put an extra burden on the city and several unplanned and unregistered colonies have come up. Non-seriousness on the part of Jammu Development Authority and the Municipal Committee has made the things more worst for the residents here. The people of some areas of Gandhinagar, Trikuta Nagar, Gorakh Nagar and Railway Station area heaved a litte sigh of relief a few years ago when the then an able Vice-Chairman—P G Dhar Chakraborty identified the site on Bye-Pass Road adjoining Gladini for the rehabilitation of several families of slum dwellers. Thereafter, none thought or planned about the rehabilitation of this floating population in and around City. Not only this, a large number of Bangladeshis are also pouring in and finding place in these slums now. The scenic beauty and the clean environment of the city of temples is being marred rapidly with the increase in the number of slums in the city. The JDA, allied agencies and the District Administration are equally responsible for the environmental degradation and sanitation problems in the capital city. No doubt, the increase in the number of automobiles, mismanagement in handling the solid wastes, poor sanitation system, deforestation etc. are the major factors for the sharp rise in the pollution level but the migration of poor people from the other states has created the rehabilitation problem for the local Administration. For their convenience, these labourers select any vacant land/ plot near Railway station, bus stand, inner city localities and raise their temporary structures. It is a hard fact that these people excrete in the open as there are no community latrines constructed by the concerned authorities. The solid wastes and other garbage is thrown by them in the open and it pollutes the surrounding environment. Municipal Committee has never bothered about the civic problems in these areas and there is no routine cleanliness arrangement in such slums. The Government has no clear policy for the development of the slum areas and providing facilities to these people. They are even deprived of their fundamental rights. As per the Article 370 these people can not purchase a piece of land for the permanent rehabilitation of these labourers. Huge vacant land near Medical College and its hostel in Bakshinagar and adjoining Reshamghar has been encroached upon by the slum dwellers. They have contributed a lot in polluting the atmosphere. The State Pollution Control Board and the Department of Environment and Remote Sensing have no plans to create awareness among these people or to organise some community awareness programmes for the slum dwellers. Unhygienic atmosphere has also given open invitation to a senior officer in the Municipality said that some slums have been notified where development works of different nature have been taken up. He further disclosed that lanes, drains and community latrines in some areas were constructed but there is no such scheme to rehabilitate these labourers outside the city by cash starved Government. The people of this class prefer to stay within the city areas for want of work. Under Low Cost Sanitation scheme, some works have also been carried in Jammu slums by the Sulabh International under the supervision of Jammu Municipality. Over 350 low cost latrines have been constructed by the Sulabh International in some localities here during current financial year and 400 would be completed soon, he added. Replying to a question he said providing drinking water and power facilities was the costly affair. These facilities should be ensured by the concerned agencies as the funds sanctioned under NSDP are not sufficient. During winter season more attention is given to these localities. But similar problem is being faced in the big cities of the country. **** |
|
Residents accuse
Traffic Police of mis-management Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 23: While the Traffic Police has been pumping lakhs of rupees through some NGOs to create traffic awareness among masses the killings on roads are going unabated. Within 72 hours one more youth lost his life at Jammu-Pathankote National Highway near Satwari due to alleged negligent driving of a mini-bus operator. This time the victim was a motorcyclist who was knocked by a speeding mini-bus at Nai-Basti last evening. Identified as Raj Kumar, son of Nek Ram of Purmandal, Bari-Brahaman was crushed as a result of which he died instantly. Leaving behind the victim in pool of blood, the erring driver of the mini-bus fled away from the scene. Some passers-by spotted the victim lying on the road and removed him to the Government Medical College Hospital where doctors pronounced him as brought dead. Though a case under section 304-A RPC has been registered at Satwari Police Station yet no arrest has been made in this connection. According to police, the victim was riding a motorcycle bearing registration number 4761-JK02G when he was knocked to death by negligently driven mini-bus bearing number 8121-JK02D. It is worthwhile to mention here that two days ago a youth of Nai Basti locality was killed by an unidentified vehicle at the same spot. There was strong resentment and anguish among the people of the locality against failure of the Traffic Police to effectively monitor the traffic near Nai-Basti locality where such mishaps are routine affairs. People alleged that instead of taking strong steps to keep a check on reckless driving, Traffic cops were more concerned over accepting ‘Entry’ from the vehicle operators. People expressed surprise that number of mishaps increased during Traffic Awareness Week. Meanwhile, a youth allegedly made an abortive attempt to end his life by consuming some poisonous drug at his residence. Identified as Chander Mani, son of Raghu Nath of Gajansoo, he was removed to hospital when spotted unconscious by family members. Doctors attending on him immediately washed his stomach and his condition was stated to be improving. One Bishno Arora, wife of Satish Arora of Tallab Tillo sustained critical injuries when she was hit by speeding mini-bus at Bakshi Nagar. She was shifted to hospital and her condition was stated to be serious but she was responding to treatment. |
|
Cabinet
Sub-Committee’s report awaited Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 23: With the State Government’s decision to close down the loss making Himalayan Wool Combers, Bari Brahmanha, the fate of 170 employees including 25 officers of the factory who have virtually come on road side is hanging in balance as no policy has been formulated till date regarding their adjustment in other departments. These employees who are sitting on dharna in front of Divisional Commissioner’s Office since August 16 this year are demanding their adjustment in other Government departments on the pattern of Tawi Scooters, Jammu, Old Woolen Mill, Srinagar, Vijaypur Electric Cooperative Society and SIDCO Watch Case. Though the dharna entered the 130th day today but no action has been taken to decide their future by the Government despite the fact that these employees are at the verge of starvation as they have been deprived of the salaries since June this year. According to Mr Vijay Sharma, Member Himalayan Wool Combers Employees Association, Action Committee, soon after the closure of the factory , the State Cabinet constituted a Cabinet Sub Committee with Finance Minister, Mr Abdul Rahim Rather as its chairman. This Committee was asked to devise the ways regarding the future of employees and submit the report within three months. But after the elapse of four months the report is still awaited, he alleged. The other members of the Sub Committee include Industries Minister, Mr Mustafa Kamal and Transport Minister, Mr B A Kitchloo. The Sub Committee has met a number of times since then but it has not so far furnished its report to Cabinet, he said. During the recent meeting of the Committee on December 18 the representatives of the employees were also invited to ascertain their views on the issue who reiterated their demand that they (employees) should be adjusted in the other Government departments and their salaries since June be released immediately. Mr Rather when contacted told Excelsior "the decision regarding the future of the employees will be taken by the State Cabinet and the Sub Committee has only to submit its report". He said we have ascertained the views from the employees representatives and the report is being formulated to be produced before the Cabinet. Without divulging about the recommendations being made by the Sub Committee, Mr Rather in reply to a question that what steps the Government is going to take to protect the services of these employees said "at least we will not leave them on foot path after all we have to think of their future on humanitarian grounds". Expressing concern over the Government’s apathy towards the employees of Wool Combers, Mr Vijay Sharma, said the factory was virtually closed down in March 1999 after the power supply to it was disconnected by Power Development Department (PDD) due to the non payment of arrears amounting over 10 lakh rupees. He said when we approached the Government and demanded that the power tariff arrears be paid to the Department so that the factory can resume the work, we were told that the Government has decided to close it down as it was running in loss. However, the employees representatives were at that time assured that the workers will be adjusted elsewhere, he added. Though the MD was adjusted in the same Cabinet order but no decision was taken regarding the other employees, he said. Holding the wrong polices of the Government responsible for the loss Mr Koul another representative of the employees said the factory has the capacity of dying and combing five lakh kgs of raw wool per year and since the Sheep and Sheep Development Board was entrusted with the job of providing the raw wool to the factory it failed in this work. He said how can the wool combers be held responsible for the loss when our supplier did not provide us the raw material as per the requirement. "Instead of six lakh kgs last year the Board purchased only 14,000 kgs of raw wool", he added. He said when the state has no capacity of procuring five lakh kgs of wool then what was the fun of establishing the plant by wasting a huge amount on it. |
|
175
PDP workers join BSP with leader Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Bahujan Samaj Party state unit president Mr Sheikh Abdul Rehman has said that there was no need to seek mediation of Hurriyat Conference by Central Government to initiate dialogue process with Pakistan over Kashmir issue. Talking to media-persons here today, the BSP leader who is also MLA from Bhaderwah constituency of district Doda said that Centre should hold direct talks with the Pakistan involving the representatives from all the three regions of the state. The Government of India and Pakistan should understand it well that Hurriyat Conference people are not the sole representatives of the Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir. They may have a little influence in some parts of Valley. Any agreement made or understanding worked out at their (HC’s) sweet will, can never be imposed on the people of Jammu, Ladakh, Kashmiri Pandits and over 20 lakh Gujjars-Bakkerwals of the state. Mr Rehman said BSP was not against the peace in the region. " Cease-fire is a welcome step as due to this over 1.5 crore of people will heave a sie of relief," he said adding that dialogue process between the two countries should begin but the people of all the three regions are equally effected. There was strong need to take care of their sentiments and sacrifices. Coming down heavily on the Central leadership, Mr Rehman a senior politician alleged that due to wrong policies of the respective Central Governments, the Jammu region always remained discriminated. Centre did never bothered for Jammu people and Kashmiri dominated State Governments never gave due share to other two regions. So, for the last more than fifty years, a volcano is developing which may blow out any time now. The Centre should learn to treat all the three regions equally. Opposing the trifurcation move, the BSP leader said that his Party did not support it as it was a game plan of the Centre. Moreover, it was not in the interest of the country. Welcoming the conduct of Panchayat elections in the state, he maintained that elections should have conducted on Party basis. The BSP leader assailed NDA Government for encouraging multi-national companies in India and alleged that this policy will increase the poverty and jeopardise the rights of poor and middle-class Indians. He disclosed that BSP is observing ‘awakening week’ from Ist of January, 2001 and as a part of this programme, BSP workers would hold demonstrations at District level. In Jammu a massive demonstration will be held on January 8 and later, a memorandum will also be Given to the Central Government through State Governor. Meanwhile, a senior leader of People’s Democratic Party today joined Bahujan Samaj Party alongwith his 175 activists, giving a jolt to the PDP leadership in the region. Disclosing this Mr Rehman said that vice-president of PDP Youth Wing Mr Amit Manhas alongwith 175 activists, most of them from Marh Block today joined BSP. Replying to a question Mr Rehman said as per the statement of Manhas, he left PDP with the allegations that its policies were anti-Jammu and the PDP chief Mr Mufti Mohammed Syed was always talking the language of militants ( Syed Sallaudin) and supporting them. He said some more PDP activists may join BSP in near future. |
|
JKNF, LBA’s joint
demonstration outside Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 23: Jammu and Kashmir Nationalist Front and Ladakh Buddhist Association will jointly hold a massive demonstration outside Parliament House in New Delhi on February 22, when Parliament will be meeting for the budget session. As per a release, the demonstration will be held to press the demand for re-organisation of J&K State with statehood for Jammu and Union Territory status for Ladakh. The announcement to this effect was made by Mr Tilak Raj Sharma, convenor Jammu and Kashmir Nationalist Front and Mr T Samphal, president Ladakh Buddhist Association in a seminar on re-organisation of J&K organised by Jammu and Kashmir Nationalist Front today. Mr Sharma, who gave a call for ‘Delhi Chalo’ appealed all the supporters of statehood for Jammu to join the Abhayan. The demonstration will lay emphasis on involvement of all sections of the people of all the three regions of the State in any talks for future set up in J&K. Prior to this a march to the Raj Bhawan Jammu by the supporters of trifurcation will be taken out. The Jammu and Kashmir Nationalist Front activists and other supporters of the demand including intelligentia will also join the march. A memorandum addressed to the President of India and Prime Minister will be submitted through the J&K Governor demanding reorganisation of State and involving of all sections of people in dialogues to be initiated by the Central Government on J&K. |
|
Kashmir SAD (B) demands representation in talks Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Dec 23: A meeting of Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal). Kashmir was held under the chairmanship of its president Mr Charan Singh Bali here today to discuss the present political scenario. As per a release, representatives of various Sikh organisation of Valley took part in the meeting and discussed the present scenario of the on-going discussions with regard to peace process in the wake of unilateral cease-fire by Prime Minister Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee. It was regarded as a healthy step towards the right direction with positive response from all circles. It was also revealed that no stone should be left unturned in contributing towards this process. The meeting said that Sikhs of the Valley though in minority never dreamt of migration despite odd hours. The meeting further said that Sikhs should be taken into confidence and invited on the negotiation table to voice their future programme and aspirations. The issue of recent suspension of duely elected body of Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee Jammu by the President of J&K Gurudwara Prabandhak Board also came up for discussion. The meeting termed the whole episode as uncalled for and an attempt to put the committee in an embarrassed position. The verdict of High court in quashing the suspension order in record time and reinstating the committee was highly praised and applauded by the meeting. The Government was urged to make certain amendments in the Gurudwara Act which have already been proposed by the six members of the Board from Kashmir Valley. |
|
Shrine Board honours 50,00000th Yatri Excelsior Correspondent KATRA, Dec 23: An all time high Yatra has been recorded this year at Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine as on December 22. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Katra honored 5000000th Yatri having Darshan at the holy cave. Mrs Juli Hissaria, wife of Mr Kamal Hissaria C/o Shiv Kumar Sushil Kumar Madhushree Tea Agrsen Bazar, Kota-6, was recorded as the 50,00000th Yatri. The Yatri was honoured with mementos from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. She was honoured as guest of the Board. By the end of this year, the number of Yatris is expected to reach somewhere near 51 lakh. The number of Yatris has been continuously increasing and has multiplied more than four times. In 1986, the number of Yatris visiting the Holy Shrine was 1395832, in 1999 it was 4670454 and now it has for the first time crossed the figure of 50 lakh. The increasing trend of the Yatra is mainly attributed to better facilities being provided to the Yatris. After takeover in 1986, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has created a number of facilities, some of which are—a scenic alternative track from Adhkawari to Bhawan with facilities like clean and fresh drinking water and toilet blocks on all the tracks, Bhojanalyas and View Points, an easily approachable accommodation Vaishnavi Dham at Rail Head Jammu, dormitories and double and four bedded rooms at Jammu, Katra, Adhkawari and Bhawan. Recently helicopter service has been provided to the pilgrims visiting the shrine and it has been regularly appreciated. In addition to the above facilities, work is going on for construction of a dormitory accommodation in Niharika complex, a Sarai building in Katra town, Shankeracharya Temple Katra, Vaishnavi Dham Jammu, phase second, a sewage treatment plant at Bhawan, widening of old track at different places, construction of Rain Shelter Sheds on new and old tracks. Remodeling of old stairs and the prestigious Mata Vaishno Devi University. Continuous efforts are being made to augment water, electricity and other facilities to cope up with the increasing Yatra, said a release issued here today. |
|
|
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 23: VLCC which is country’s leading largest chain in the field of slimming and beauty observed December 23 as ‘The VLCC Beauty Day’ as a harbinger for the new millennium. A beauty quiz contest was held where clients were judged on questions pertaining to cosmetics, skin and hair care, home remedies etc. A self care contest was also held where participants were asked to suggest tips for taking care of skin, hair, hands and feet. The Best Dress Contest was also conducted on this day where the participants were adjudged on the basis of how well turned out they are. A lucky draw was also conducted today. Winners of the lucky draw will be received free skin and hair packages as prizes. A 50 percent discount will be offered on regular services alongwith other attractions like millennium hair cuts and colours, millennium party make-ups etc. |
|
Army organises 2-day seminar on environment Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 23: A two day seminar on Army's efforts to improve environment/ecology with special reference to Field Firing Ranges (FFRs) organised under the aegis of the famous Silver Mace Division of Northern Army Command, concluded at Mamun Military station about 100 Kms from here today. The aim of the seminar was to review the Army's efforts in the field of ecological regeneration and environmental conservation with special reference to Field Firing Ranges. The seminar also sought to create an awareness about environment and ecology and the need for closer coordination between the Army and civil agencies at the Centre, State and District levels. Addressing the gathering Maj Gen MP Singh, (AVSM), general officer commanding of an Infantry Division said that there is a slow but sure global awakening about protection and development of the environment. Even the Government of India is committed to the implementation of a concrete policy on development of the environment. He said that the country's Armed Forces constitute the single largest group of organised and disciplined men with adequate in built infrastructure and should, as such, be targeted to spread "Environment Awareness" on the national plan. A number of distinguished speakers and environmentalists, who took part in the seminar, landed the Indian Army for ecological development, preservation of bio-diversity and greener environs. The multi dimensional contribute of the Army has greatly evoked environmental consciousness, which in turn has been the right step to reverse the ecological collapse. The speakers included Dr C M Seth, an Indian Forest Service Officer of repute, presently project Director of the proposed Mata Vaishnodevi University, Jammu, Professor Shashi Kant of Bio Sciences Department, University of Jammu, Mr P C Patnaik, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests J&K and Mr P C Kapur, Director, State Forest Research Institute Maj Gen G S Jamwal, AVSM (Retd), who is a keen environmentalist also spoke on the occasion. Prof Y R Malhotra, ex VC, University of Jammu, presently president WWF, J&K was the chairperson of the seminar. |
|
|
| home | state | national | business| editorial | advertisement | sports | |
