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BJP leader for holding Panchayat elections on party basis Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 24: Senior Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) leader and spokesman of the pradesh BJP, ....more Jammu centre receives
over-whelming response Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 24: After providing excellent services to the Jammuites in the field of Slimming and Beauty, the VLCC has........more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 24: The Rashtriya Svayamsevak Sangh (RSS) today whole heartedly supported decision of the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari .....more J&K Conference on Feb 5 Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 24: Former Chief Minister and President of Awami National Conference, Mr G M Shah, who is holding " J&K ....more No compromise on the health care facilities-Mian Altaf Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 24: The Minister for Health and Medical Education, Mian Altaf Ahmed has.....more |
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People’s cooperation
sought for streamlining Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 24: The Minister for Tourism, Youth Services & Sports and Power, Mr S S Slathia has sought the people’s cooperation in streamlining ......more 10th day NSS camp concludes in Jammu Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec. 24: A ten-day NSS camp from Dec 14 to 23 was organised in Govt College for Women, Parade Ground, Jammu in which 195 students from all the classes participated.....more Governor, CM greet Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 24: Governor Mr Girish Chandra Saxena and Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah have extended warm greetings to the people of the State on the occasion of Christmas, the birth anniversary of Lord Jesus Christ.......more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 24: The Rashtriya Svayamsevak Sangh (RSS) today whole heartedly supported decision of the Prime Minister,.....more |
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| Upsurge in terrorist activities 89 civilians killed during Ramzan cease-fire by militants..... Migrant teachers demand CCA, HRA.... NCP greets people on Christmas day..... Power employees support drive to legalise illegal connections.... ‘Kaun Banega
Udhyogpati’ Malaviya Mission co-opts Non-BHU alumnis..... |
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BJP leader for holding Panchayat elections on party basis Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 24: Senior Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) leader and spokesman of the pradesh BJP, Dr Nirmal Singh has asked the ruling National Conference to hold forthcoming Panchayat elections on party basis. In a statement issued here today, Dr Singh said that ruling National Conference has utterly failed to mitigate miseries of the masses that is the reason why ruling party has been fearing to contest forthcoming Panchayat elections on party basis. BJP spokesman said that forthcoming Panchayat elections will be held on party basis. He challenged the ruling party to contest Panchayat elections on party symbol to get fresh mandate from the masses. He asserted that people would give a befitting reply to the ruling National Conference in the coming Panchayat polls for its anti-people policies. Dr Singh appealed people to actively participate in the coming Panchayat elections and elect dedicated, honest and sincere representative to make local self government functional in real sense. He further appeal to the authorities to make elaborate security arrangements for the elections to ensure maximum participation of the people. Appreciating sincere peace efforts initiative by the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, Dr Singh urged the Central leadership to also involve people on Jammu and Ladakh in the peace-process to make to meaningful in real sense. He said that beside involving Kashmiri groups representatives of various ethnic minorities should be involved in the on-going peace process. He hailed decision of the Prime Minister to extend unilateral cease and said that Kashmiri youth have ultimately realised that gun was no solution. |
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Jammu
centre receives over-whelming response Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 24: After providing excellent services to the Jammuites in the field of Slimming and Beauty, the VLCC has decided to open its centre in Srinagar to make the people healthy and beautiful. This was disclosed by Ms Vandana Luthra managing director of the VLCC which is today India’s largest Slimming and Beauty institution having 32 centres all over the country. Ms Luthra said that VLCC has been recognised as country best slimming and beauty centre due to its quality, commitment and promises. "We have providing treatment to our customers with international techniques", she said, adding " customers satisfaction is VLCC’s aim". The VLCC, which is today India’s leading largest chain in the field of Slimming and Beauty, is strongly associated with slimming in the minds of its customers. She said that VLCC was committed to make Indian health and beauty. "We have our centres all over India", she informed and added that it was high time to make people health and beauty conscious. Ms Luthra said that VLCC has received over-whelming response in Jammu. "We have opened our Jammu centre seven months back and we received over-whelming response at Jammu", she said and claimed that all most all the customers of the VLCC Jammu centre were full satisfied with the treatment provided to them. Earlier, Ms Luthra visited Jammu centre of the VLCC and expressed satisfaction over the treatment provided to the customers by this Centre. She also appreciated team of the Jammu centre for effectively reflecting VLCC culture at Jammu centre. Ms Luthra was on a visit to have Darshan of the holy cave of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. She also distributed prizes among winners of the yesterday’s contests which were held in connection with the VLCC Beauty Day. Those who were adjudged best in their contests included Sumit Seghal, Meenakshi Aggarwal, Alka, Priyanka, Anjila and Seema Bakshi. It is worthwhile to mention here that various contests including beauty quiz, self care contest, best dress contest etc were held in connection with VLCC Beauty Day. Ms Sabina A Sehgal, Marketing and Media incharge of the VLCC Jammu centre informed that Jammu centre has so far provided treatment to large number of customers. " We have reason to make claims as all our customers are satisfied with our treatment and they still are under patronage of VLCC", she said. Ms Sehgal said that VLCC has been providing weight reduction and fitness with German techniques. |
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‘Talks
with Pakistan be under Shimla Agreement’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 24: The Rashtriya Svayamsevak Sangh (RSS) today whole heartedly supported decision of the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee to extend on-going cease-fire by one more month to bring peace and tranquality in the State. Talking to reporters, national spokesman of the RSS, Mr M G Vaidhya termed Prime Minister’s decision as right step in right direction and said that RSS was of the view that dialogue should be held to bring peace in the militancy infested J&K State. "We had hailed cease-fire decision of the Hizbul Mujahideen in the month of July", he recalled and added that despite grue-some killings of Amarnath Yatries RSS had endorsed decision of the Government to continue dialogue with some groups. He, however, regretted that Hizbul Mujahideen had itself withdrawn that cease-fire without any reason. Replying to a question, Mr Vaidhya expressed concern over killings of innocent people by militants and continuation of attacks on security forces. He said that some groups were hell bent to disturb on-going peace process in the State. "Some risks are involved while announcing unilateral cease-fire but one should has to take risk for larger interest", he said while pointing towards militancy related incidents during cease-fire. "There are apprehension of escalation of militancy incidents during cease-fire as some groups are bent upon on disturb peace process", he said but expressed satisfaction that those who were opposing peace process were very few in number. RSS spokesman, however, asserted that peace process should be continued despite some incidents relating to militancy. Expressing satisfaction over situation on Line of Control (LoC), Mr Vaidhya said that situation has improved considerably on LoC. "Guns fell silent on LoC and the prevailing situation permits to initiated dialogue with Pakistan", he said but in the same breath made it clear that dialogue with Pakistan should be held under the purview of Shimla Agreement. "There should be no trilateral dialogue with Pakistan on Kashmir", he said and added that talks on all contentious issue with Pakistan should be held under Shimla agreement. "The Government should talk to the militants in Kashmir first and immediately after that, a dialogue with Pakistan needs to be initiated for a long-lasting solution to Kashmir problem", he said. When asked about the contours of the dialogue, the RSS leader said the conversion of Line of Control into a permanent border can be a "theoretical possibility" for talks. "We can agree on this thing that the part which they came, they can keep with themselves while we can keep the portion that we have", he said adding that though many more things can crop up during the course of dialogue, the conversion of LoC into the International Border can be basis for the dialogue. "We can forget the past 52 years and as a positive step has taken by the NDA Government towards the long lasting solution of Kashmir problem, this can be a good possibility for bringing to an end the bloodshed and violence which has engulfed once peaceful Kashmir valley, Vaidya said. Responding to another question about the Hurriyat delegation wanting to visit Pakistan, he said as they had their godfathers sitting across the Line of Control, the Sangh had no objection to their visit to Pakistan. "They can go to Pakistan. We do not mind at all", Vaidya said. Replying to a query, RSS spokesman said that there was possibility of dialogue with Pakistan on the issue of converting Line on Control (LoC) into International Border. Though, he did not support the idea, mooted by some people, to convert LoC into IB but said that one should be aware of the ground realities. "Though our Parliament has passed unanimous resolution to liberate PoK but situation is entirely different on ground", he said. RSS spokesman, while replying to a question, expressed his reservation over the economic policies of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government but hailed some decision taken by the NDA Government led by Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee. Staunchly supporting demand of the statehood of the Jammu, RSS spokesman, stoutly denied the apprehension that trifurcation of the State would lead to the disintegration of the country. "Demand of the statehood for Jammu region is guided by the desires and aspirations of the people of this region and we are bound to support this demand", he said while clarifying stand of RSS on this issue. "I don’t think there is any reason to air apprehension that this demand will lead to the disintegration of the country", he said, adding "states are formed to render justice to the neglected people". RSS leader said that demand of trifurcation of state should not be seen as communal as this demand has been associated with aspirations and wishes of the people of Jammu and Ladakh region irrespective of there caste, creed, colour and religion. |
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J&K
Conference on Feb 5 Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 24: Former Chief Minister and President of Awami National Conference, Mr G M Shah, who is holding " J&K Conference for Search of Peace and Solution" on February 5 next year here, today release the list of all those individuals who have been invited in this conference. The list includes politicians, intellectuals, social activists, journalists and academicians drawn from various parts of the State. The list of politicians invited from Kashmir province include Prof Abdul Ghani Bhat, Chairman Hurriyat Conference, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Moulvi Abbas Ansari, Abdul Gani Lone, Moulvi Umar Farooq, Mohd Yasin Malik, Fazal Haq Qureshi, Sheikh Abdul Aziz, Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, Mohd Azam Inquilabi, Dr Hyder Hazini, Hamid-ullah Bhawani, Abdul Ahad Bhat, Hilal Ahmad War, S Aslam, Ghulam Rasool Wani, Ghulam Mohd Bhat, Mushtaq Bukhari, Mohd Yaqoob, Shabir Ahmad Shah, Nayeem Khan, Aga Syed Mustafa Almousvi Alsafvi, Dr Farooq Abdullah, Sheikh Nazir, Mohd Shaffi Qureshi, Mohd Yousuf Tarigami, Mufti Mohd Sayeed, Moulvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari, President Chamber of Commerce, Abdul Rashid Kabli and Harcharan Singh Bahri of Akali Dal (B). The politicians representing Jammu province include Daya Krishan Kotwal, Dhanraj Bargotra, Dr Karan Singh, Gulchain Singh Charak, Prof Bhim Singh, Gurbaksh Singh Kala, Mohd Maqbool Dar, Col Kanwal Singh, Sheikh Abdul Rehman, Sudershan Sinhh, Ram Sahai, Ashok Gupta, Talat Niaz Qazi and Daljeet Singh Saini. The politicians belonging to Ladakh division, include Thumpsung Chewang, Namgyal Jigmid, Pintoo Norboo, Syed Jaffer and Ghulam Hasasan Zakiri. The intellectuals and social activists from Kashmir division have been also invited in this conference. They include Sanullah Bhat, Sofi Ghulam Mohd ( Editors), Hakim Ghulam Rasool, Hakim Manzoor, Dr S N Dhar, Ghulam Rasool Bacha, Ghulam Nabi Hagroo, Mohiuddin Uri, Dr Manzoor Ali Fazili, Ghulam rasool Khan, Ghulam Rasool Bhat, Prof Gulam Mohd Sheikh Nazim, Muzzaffar Jan, Ghulam Nabi Gowhar, Zaffar Shah, P N Jalali, Dr Mohd Ali Mattoo, Tariq Abdullah, Prof Hamida Banu, Dr Girija Dhar, Suriaya Ali Mattoo, Quratul Ain, Shamla Mufti, Sabia Mufti, Saeeda Nasreen, Ghulam Nabi Shah, Sheikh Mohd Yousuf, Ghulam Nabi Khayal, Dr Aga Ashraf Ali, Mohan Kishen Tickoo, Aasiya Andrabi, Dr T N Gangoo, Justice Retd A Q Parray, Ghulam Mohd Shora, Imam Sahib of Pinjora Shopian, Bakshi Bashir Ahmad, Mian Bashir Ahmad, Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz, Vijay Dhar, Sheikh Manzoor Ahmad, Syed Malik, Amitabh Mattoo, R C Ganjoo, Prof Warikoo of JNU, Dr Riyaz Punjabi and Nazir Ahmad Runga. Those intellectuals and social activists invited from Jammu division include Om Saraf, Ved Bhasin, Maqbool Qazmi, S D Rohmetra (all journalists), Prof Hari Om, D N Gupta, Prof Zahoor-ud-Din, Ram Nath Shastri, Justice (Retd) K K Gupta, Mir Muni Ahmad, Prof Sheikh Abdul Aziz, Capt Diwan Singh, Ch Aishi Ram Batra, S P Sahni, Prof M R Puri, D N Kotwal, Sardar Teja Singh, Maj Gen B N Dhar (Retd), Sadiq Bhat, Prof Posh Charak, Farida Mir, Shakuntala Joshi, Rekha Chowdhary, Renu Azad, Neelam Mahajan Singh, Dr Nirmal kanwal, Dr Ved Kumari Ghai, Mammohan Khajuria, Ch Mohd Aslam, Zaffar Iqbal Manhas, Chander Gulati, Mahant Manjit Singh, Sant Gurbaksh Singh, Jehangir Mir and Balraj Puri. The list of the heads of the political parties invited from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir include Amanullah Khan, Sardar Abdul Qayoom, Barrister Sultan Mohammed Chowdhary, Justice (Retd) Abdul Majeed Malik, Abdul Rashid Turabi, Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan, Abdul Khaliq Ansari, Sardar Khaliq Ansari, Sardar Khalid Ibrahim, Reg (Retd) Mohd Hayat Khan, Afsar Shahid, Sardar Anwar Khan, Shoukat Maqbool Butt, Sahibzaada Ateeq-ur-Rehman and Kifayat Hussain Naqvi. The intellectuals and social activists from PoK include G M Mir, Prof Nazir Anjum, Ch Sharif Tariq, Sardar Saghir Ahmad Khan, Prof Shafiq Ahmad, Sayeed Assad and Abdul Samad. Those invited from Gilgit-Baltistan, the northern areas of Jammu and Kashmir State held by Pakistan, include Fida Mohd Nashasad, Shabib Khan, Saif-ur-Rehman, Nawaz Naji, Major Hussaain Shah, Maulana Qazi Nisar Ahmad, Deedar Ali, Qurban Ali, Abdul Qadoos, Abbas Kazmi, Ikhlaq Hussain, Wazir Shakeel, Mohammad Eisa, Jamsheed Khan Dukhi and Sadat Ali Mujahid. The list of invitees from Europe and United States of America include Prof Zafar Khan, Barrister Asif Khan, Mirza Mohammad Siddique, Malik Mushtaq Ahmad Pasha, Gh Nabi Fai, Usman Rehman Ahmad, Manzoor Ahmad Khan, Nazir Gilani and Shabir Chow-dhary. |
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No compromise on the health care facilities-Mian Altaf Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 24: The Minister for Health and Medical Education, Mian Altaf Ahmed has called upon the doctors to be more responsive towards the health care requirements of the people and maintain high character in attending duties towards mankind which is imperative to their noble profession. The Minister was addressing the 6th Annual Dental Conference held here today organised by the Indian Dental Association, Jammu Branch. The Conference among others was attended by special invitees, the Minister for Agriculture, Ch. Mohammad Ramzan, Ministr of State for Food and Supplies, Mr. Ajay Sadhotra, Member Parliament, Mr. Vaid Vaishno Dutt and Chairman, Legislative Council, Mr. Abdul Rashid Dar. The Health Minister said that the State Government is committed to provide better medicare facilities to the people of the State irrespective of any religion and regional consideration particularly in rural and far-flung areas. He said there will be no compromise on the health care requirements of the people and added that Dr. Farooq Abdullah has always accorded high priority to the health sector and has been very liberal in releasing the grants to the health sector, so that health care requirements of the people may not hamper at any level. He further said that despite of sever financial crises efforts are afoot to improve the medicare and infrastructural requirements of the health institutions, with equip these institutions with modern and diagnostic facilities in a phased manner so that the rural populace is benefitted with such facilities. He said very recently the State Government has acceded to the demands of Doctors of SKIMS and were given grades at par with their counter parts PGI/AIIMS. It is imperative on the part of doctors not to leg behind in attending their duties. He said when we ask for certain incentives, we should be more attentive to our duties, as rights and duties are co-related. Referring to the demands put-forth by dental faculty on the occasion, the Minister said that every genuine demand would be considered favorably and added that the State has also accommodated the demand of dental chairs to a large extent. He further revealed that the State Government could also consider appointment of those dental surgeons who are willing to serve in the rural areas which include Ladakh and Kargil regions. Earlier, Dr Som Dutt Gupta, Chairman Organising Committee presented the presidential address and highlighted various demands of the dental faculty and sought redressal of their grievances. Dr N P Gupta, Patron of the Association presented welcome address on the occasion. Dr Tara Singh, Principal Dental College, Srinagar who was guest of honour on the occasion also spoke and sought the Governments assistance in improving the dental facilities in health institutions. Dr Suresh Chander Gupta, Honorary Secretary of Indian Dental Association Jammu Branch presented vote of thanks. The Ministers also presented mementos to various doctors for their meritorious services. A galaxy of doctors and other prominent citizens besides large gathering were present on the occasion. |
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People’s cooperation
sought for Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 24: The Minister for Tourism, Youth Services & Sports and Power, Mr S S Slathia has sought the people’s cooperation in streamlining the Power Development Department and minimising their power related problems. He was addressing a public meeting at border village Maalshah near Ramgarh in Vijapur Block of Jammu District today. He said the Department of PDD has launched a vigorous drive against the illegal power connection holders, revenue defaulters and Government officials who have joined hands with such elements. He also said the departmental functionaries have given strict instructions that there will be no compromise with power thieves. He said, though, the power generation has reduced very low due to dry season and non-availability ran and snow, but he hoped that as and when the water in the rivers and dames will increase, the Government will certainly minimise the curtailments and will provide proper power supply to the consumers. Expressing the Government’s resolve to come up with the people’s aspirations, the Minister said that with the issuance of notification of Panchayat election the Government has fulfilled one more promise made during the Assembly elections. He asked the women to register the maximum participation in the panchayat election. He also asked the youth to educate the people and ensure their maximum participation in electing the honest, dedicated and educated candidates who could work for the development of their areas sincerely. Referring to the development, Mr Slathia said the present Government is committed for all round development of all regions. He said a special attention is being given to rural and far-flung areas. He said the achievement of the present Government just in four years is everywhere and assured the gathering that the problems of the border villages would be looked into on priority in phased manner. |
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10th day NSS camp concludes in Jammu Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec. 24: A ten-day NSS camp from Dec 14 to 23 was organised in Govt College for Women, Parade Ground, Jammu in which 195 students from all the classes participated. The camp was inaugurated by Prof. Kiran Bakshi, Principal, Govt. College for Women by lightening the ceremonial lamp followed by NSS prayer, Vandana and the 'Swagatam Geet'. Principal stressed upon the need of NSS for mobilisation of masses as NSS workers constitute a bridge between the rural and urban masses and there is no limit of the services that can be performed by the NSS volunteers. The programme officers of the NSS unit of the College Prof (Dr) Vijay Sharma, Prof (Dr) Subash Chander Sharma & Prof (Dr) Sangeeta Sudan maintained its healthier traditions of dynamic activism, social activities & of acquainting the volunteers with role and objectives of NSS. During these ten days, the volunteers undertook campus cleaning programme (especially the back ground, eradication of parthenium weeds, garbage disposal, maintenance of Botanical garden, College Lawn and flower beds, application Bordeanx mixture to trees. The volunteers were educated on the minor intricacies involved in blood donation and the need of blood transfusion in patients (especially young children) suffering from Thalassemia. The volunteers were so moved that they decided to donate their blood to save the lives of these young children. They are Jasvinder Kour, Paramjeet Kour Pinky Sharma, Archna Gupta, Smriti Sharma, Sushista Koushal, Sapna Kohli, Pooja, Shveta, Puneet Kour, Sheetal Nayyar, Manya, Monika Jamwal, Asima, Sonia, Mohini Anjali Preety & Shikha. The activities during the camp, organised under the leadership of group leaders - Nidhi Gupta, Vipra Suri, Bhavana Jamwal & Sheetal Nayyar, were "Poster - competition on Environmental pollution and population explosion", "Essay competition on National Integration and Child Labour" & extempo speech on various socio-economic problems. Interaction with Miss Deepika Suri (IPS) who was a source of inspiration for the volunteers with her straightforward approach towards life, her uprightness and sense of devotion and her aptitude for social work. She motivated the volunteers to do simple social work without forgetting their basic objectives of learning, to realise their potential and courageous in their approach and regarding the widespread epidemic of alcohol & drug addiction - one should learn to say "No" at the first instance. Informal intevaction of the volunteers with Prof. Rita Jeetandera (Ex-Principal) and Raj Bharti (Gen Secretary) Viraj Kala Kendra movitated the NSS volunteers to eradicate the evil of illitracy and gender - abuse from our society. Several students excelled in various activities and won prizes. The chief guest in her speech appreciated the role of volunteers during the ten days camp and particularly she stressed upon the volunteers for propagation and motivation of the masses. The programme officers of NSS unit of this College - Dr Vijay Sharma Dr Subash Chander Sharma & Dr Sangeeta Sudan also spoke on the occasion and thanked the volunteers for their co-operation and active participation without which the camp would not have proceeded so smoothly and successfully. |
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Governor, CM greet people on Christmas Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 24: Governor Mr Girish Chandra Saxena and Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah have extended warm greetings to the people of the State on the occasion of Christmas, the birth anniversary of Lord Jesus Christ. In their separate messages, the Governor and Chief Minister said that the sacrifice and teachings of Jesus Christ have inspired humanity to cherish the values of truth, charity, compassion and love. His message of peace and tolerance has special and much greater relevance in the present troubled times, which are witnessing strife and terrorist violence in many parts of the world. In his message, Mr Saxena expressed the hope that this first Christmas of the new millennium will usher an era of peace, goodwill and tranquility in our State and country. In a message, the Chief Minister said that on this auspicious day the humanity was blessed by yet another messiah who steered people from darkness to light. Lord Christ preached love, compassion, peace and harmony, he said. Dr Abdullah called for shunning hatred and strengthening peace and harmony saying that the essence of all religions is to forge brotherhood among peoples and eschewing violence. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 24: The Rashtriya Svayamsevak Sangh (RSS) today whole heartedly supported decision of the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee to extend on-going cease-fire by one more month to bring peace and tranquality in the state. Talking to reporters, national spokesman of the RSS, Mr M G Vaidhya termed Prime Minister’s decision as right step in right direction and said that RSS was of the view that dialogue should be held to bring peace in the militancy infested J&K state. "We had hailed cease-fire decision of the Hizbul Mujahideen in the month of July", he recalled and added that despite grue-some killings of Amarnath Yatries RSS had endorsed decision of the Government to continue dialogue with some groups. He, however, regretted that Hizbul Mujahideen had itself withdrawn that cease-fire without any reason. Replying to a question, Mr Vaidhya expressed concern over killings of innocent people by militants and continuation of attacks on security forces. He said that some groups were hell bent to disturb on-going peace process in the state. "Some risks are involved while announcing unilateral cease-fire but one should has to take risk for larger interest", he said while pointing towards militancy related incidents during cease-fire. "There are apprehension of escalation of militancy incidents during cease-fire as some groups are bent upon on disturb peace process", he said but expressed satisfaction that those who were opposing peace process were very few in number. RSS spokesman, however, asserted that peace process should be continued despite some incidents relating to militancy. Expressing satisfaction over situation on Line of Control (LoC), Mr Vaidhya said that situation has improved considerably on LoC. "Guns fell silent on LoC and the prevailing situation permits to initiated dialogue with Pakistan", he said but in the same breath made it clear that dialogue with Pakistan should be held under the purview of Shimla Agreement. "There should be no trilateral dialogue with Pakistan on Kashmir", he said and added that talks on all contentious issue with Pakistan should be held under Shimla agreement. Replying to a query, RSS spokesman said that there was possibility of dialogue with Pakistan on the issue of converting Line on Control (LoC) into International Border. Though, he did not support the idea, mooted by some people, to convert LoC into IB but said that one should be aware of the ground realities. "Though our Parliament has passed unanimous resolution to liberate PoK but situation is entirely different on ground", he said. RSS spokesman, while replying to a question, expressed his reservation over the economic policies of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government but hailed some decision taken by the NDA Government led by Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee. Staunchly supporting demand of the statehood of the Jammu, RSS spokesman, stoutly denied the apprehension that trifurcation of the State would lead to the disintegration of the country. "Demand of the statehood for Jammu region is guided by the desires and aspirations of the people of this region and we are bound to support this demand", he said while clarifying stand of RSS on this issue. "I don’t think there is any reason to air apprehension that this demand will lead to the disintegration of the country", he said, adding "states are formed to render justice to the neglected people". RSS leader said that demand of trifurcation of state should not be seen as communal as this demand has been associated with aspirations and wishes of the people of Jammu and Ladakh region irrespective of there caste, creed, colour and religion. |
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Upsurge in terrorist
activities Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 24: With the announcement of unilateral cease-fire by Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee last month there has been an upsurge in the militancy related activities in Jammu and Kashmir state as the killing of civilians by militant groups opposed to peace process has shown an increase during this period. As per the figures available with the State Government 89 civilians were killed during the 26 days of unilateral "cease-fire" which was enforced by the security forces on November 28, the first day of Holy month of Ramzan. This figure includes three civilians who were killed when a Lashkar-e-Toiba suicide squad attacked an Army Camp at Red Fort on December 22. Besides, 199 civilians were injured in the militant attacks during this period in different parts of the Jammu and Kashmir State as per the official figures. In comparison to this 70 civilians were killed in the corresponding period during the last month while 113 were injured. This also includes killing of 10 civilians including five truckers in separate militant attacks in Banihal and Kishtwar Tehsil of Doda district soon after the Indian Government declared the unilateral cease-fire on November 19. The figures available with Government reveal that 20 security personnel were killed during the last 26 days of cease-fire while 93 were injured. Total 34 militants were also gunned down by the security forces in this period at different places in the state and 84 were injured. However, the security forces who had the upper hand eliminated 88 militants in the corresponding period last month. Baffled with the Government’s peace initiative suicide squads made six attempts of attack on security forces camps in the last 26 days of cease-fire. Talking to Excelsior the Minister of State for Home, Mr Mushtaq Ahmed Lone said there was an alarming increase in militants attacks especially in first 18 days of cease-fire. He while terming the initiative of Indian Prime Minister a daring step expressed the hope that the militant organisations and Pakistan will realise the futility of gun culture and also give positive response to the initiative of Mr Vajpayee. Mr Lone who however expressed apprehensions of sabotage by some radical groups opposed to peace move said there is still a confusion in the militant ranks as Majid Dar chief Commander of Hizbul Mujahideen in Kashmir has assured all cooperation to Government’s peace initiative , its cadres are still working to thwart the peace process. He said however, the positive response shown by the leaders of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and other militant outfits will help in creating a conducive atmosphere for restoration of normalcy in the state. Mr Lone said the response given by Pakistan is also a positive sign and let us hope that good sense will prevail upon Pak rulers and militants in ending the bloodshed in the trouble- torn state. It may be recalled that militants gunned down five truckers and injured six others on two different places near Banihal on Jammu, Srinagar National Highway on November 21 two days after the announcement of cease-fire by India. It was followed by killing of five villagers and injuring of six others at Tali Mohalla near Ikhalha village of Kishtwar Tehsil on November 24. On December 2, four children of Minority Community were massacred in village Sharju in Tehsil Mahore. Two days after this incident five CRPF jawans were killed on December 4 when a suicide attack was made by Lashkar-e-Toiba militants at a CRPF formation in South Kashmir district of Anantnag. Two Army jawans were killed in a mine blast planted by militants while 19 were injured on the same day at Baramulla district in North Kashmir. On December 5, two members of a police constable’s family were killed and two others injured in militants attack in village Kundi in Surankote Tehsil of Rajouri district. Three civilians were killed and 26 hurt in a grenade explosion in Kupwara on December 7. Thirty two persons were injured in militants attack at Sagar’s rally at village Arwani in South Kashmir district of Anantnag on December 13. Four people were killed in two different cycle blasts in Baramulla on December 14 and three civilians were gunned down by militants one each in Kupwara, Ganderbal and Pahalgam in separate attacks on the same day. On December 16 three civilians were killed in different militant attacks at Banihal and Budhal while two civilians one at Kupwara and another at Ganderbal were killed on December 17. Militants gunned down Mr Abdul Razak Itoo, the uncle of State Minister of Irrigation and FC Miss Sakina Itoo at village Dhamhal Hanjipora in and an advocate Ab. Ghani Bhat at Bijebehara in the same district on December 18. Two Army jawans were killed and six injured when militants opened fire on two civil buses hired by Army at Deri Leot in Rajouri district on December 21. On the same day an NC activist was also gunned down by the militants at Dogripora, Handwara in Kupwara district. Besides, three militants were killed in an encounter at Nud near Samba during late night hours on this day. On December 22 three persons including two army personnel were killed in the militants attack on an army camp at Red Fort and nine persons were killed in different militant attacks on December 23 in Kashmir Valley. |
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Migrant teachers demand CCA, HRA Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 24: A deputation of the Migrant Teachers Welfare Association (MTWA) called on Minister of Revenue and Relief, Mr Abdul Qayoom, Law Minister, Mr P L Handoo and Minister of State for Education Agha Syeed and demanded release of HRA and CCA in favour of the displaced teachers. Meanwhile, Administrative Department has informed the Association representatives that orders regarding the release of HRA and CCA for the migrant employees deputed on census duty has been issued in last month. As per a release, the Association today urged all the displaced teachers who were deputed on census duty to attend the meeting at Mubarak Mandi along with documents on December 30 so that the same will be handed over to Chief Accounts Officer of the Cell. |
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NCP greets people on Christmas day Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 24: The Nationalist Congress Party in a meeting held here today under the chairmanship of its state president Thakur Randhir Singh congratulated the Christian community on the eve of Christmas. As per a release, Mr Singh expressed hope that the Christianity will promote brotherhood and contribute further in the upliftment of poor people in the field of education, health and overall economic prosperity in future with same spirit as they have contributed in the past. He wished that secular fabric of India will be fully retained as is the practice uptoday and christian brothers and sisters will also contribute for the well being of the common man in India hailing from different communities. Among others in the meeting were Messrs Abdul Gani, B L Suri, Choudhary Hussain, Abdul Majeed, Amrit Sagar, Paras Ram Poonchi, Inder Mohan Bakshi, Baldev Singh, D P Saraf, Bansi Lal, Gulab Chand, Sukhdev Singh, Jarnail Khoker, Lal Gull, George Bullet and Gulzar Masie. |
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Power employees support drive to legalise illegal connections Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 24: J&K Non-Gazetted Electrical Employees Union supported the drive launched to legalise the illegal power connections and welcomed the initiative of the State Government and Electricity authorities in this regard. According to police reports, the Union and Coordination Committee of Electricity Employee and Engineers said that the Government should show its will power to control the theft of electricity and ensure metering of all levels. The Union today held a meeting to discuss the drive and State Cabinet’s approval for restructuring of power sector. The meeting was attended by Messrs Mohd Maqbool, P N Raina, H S Slathia, Gurmeet Singh, S N Koul, Arun Moza, Karan Dev and Varinder Gupta. The meeting appealed to all the employees of PDD particularly the field staff of M & RE Wing to make the drive successful and urged the Department not to bow before the pressure of certain influential persons and continue the drive. |
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‘Kaun Banega
Udhyogpati’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 24: Pelican House—manufacturers of cables, wires and plastic articles has made an unique attempt to catch the businessmen at young age. In this regard, the management and staff members organised a visit of the school children to their industrial unit at Gangyal to give them on the spot knowledge of the products and also to find out how many of them are willing to set-up their own entrepreneurship. ‘Kaun Banega Udhyogpati is the slogan of this unique initiative. The main aim of organising the visit of young school goers was to inculcate among them the desire to opt for the business, especially in the present era when finding a Government job is becoming difficult, said Mr B B Raina, partner of the Pelican Cables and Wires, while talking to EXCELSIOR. While on the other hand, the Field Activity organiser of visiting school—Jagriti Niketan, Jammu, Mr S C Bali was of the opinion that such visits will benefit these students in two ways. Firstly, they will get the knowledge of how a product (being used by them in day to day life) is made out of the raw material. And, secondly, it will be helping them to prepare their mind for entering the world of self reliant by setting up their own entrepreneurship. "I think this is the right time to give the children exposure to various professions and businesses, so that they could decide about their future", said Mr Bali, while interacting with this Correspondent. It was a well organised programme wherein people from financial and industrial institutions, besides education took part and replied to the various queries of young students. From Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Chief Manager, Mr V K Gupta, from District Industrial Centre, Jammu, General Manager, Mr Sahni and president, Small Scale Industries Association, Gangyal, Mr Anil Badera were among some of the the distinguished personalities present on the occasion, who also interacted with the students. "We have set an example and decided to continue with such programs in near future too. Our aim is to make the young generation self-reliant", said Mr Raina. Students have also been asked to pen down their view point on their visit and send that to the Pelican House. And those who come out with right view point, will be awarded with a special gift on annual day function of their school. A surprise gift was also awarded to Mukesh, whose birthday falls on December 26. |
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Malaviya Mission co-opts Non-BHU alumnis Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 24: Mahamana Malaviya Mission J&K State Jammu is celebrating the 140th Birth Day of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya at Jammu Club tomorrow at 4 pm. As per a release on this eve the executive committee of Mission headed by Rana Rajinder Singh, has co-opted prominent citizens and scholar Dr Champa Sharma and Mr Shiv Kumar Mengi. They are the first Non Banaras Hindu University alumni in the State to be co-opted so far. Dr Champa Sharma, an eminent educationist, writer, poetess and founder and Head of Department of Dogri in University of Jammu has to her credit various awards like ‘Dogri Sahitya Rattan’ and recipient of gold medal in the Millennium World Hindi Conference held last year at Delhi. Doctorate in Sanskrit she has teaching experience of 35 years. Mr Shiv Kumar Mengi, a renowned figure in Doordarshan Kendra and Radio as a casual compere and News reader, has to his credit of being a first officer in his rank (AG Office) from the State to visit Indian Embassies abroad in connection with the audit of the accounts of Missions and other offices. Graduated in Arts, Commerce, Law and Post graduate in Journalism and SAS (Commercial) he has been associated with various organisations and has been active as social worker for the needy, poor and down trodden people. This Mission has its branches scattered through out the world which aim at to propagate ideals of Malaviya Ji to stir the conscious of the nation, particularly the youth on basic principles of humanism and also to bring about amalgamation of eastern and western culture to synthesize the best elements preserving the ancient Indian heritage. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 24: The Tiny Scholars School celebrated eve of the X-Mas as also the New Year in the school premises with great enthusiasm and zeal. As per a release various programmes were organised in the institution which formed the part of celebrations. These included different types of sports activities, skill games, competitions and also a lucky draw. The students were apprised about the relevance of the X-Mas and light was thrown on the life and teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. They were also taught about the values of moral education. |
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Dissident group of BSP assails Abdul Rehman Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 24: Dissident group of Bahujan Samaj Party in a workers conference held here today strongly criticised Mr Sheikh Abdul Rehman, MLA Bhaderwah for causing discrimination with the members of SC/ST/ OBC communities. The one day conference of the BSP dissident faction was held today under the chairmanship of Mr Tulsi Dass Langeh. Mr K C Bhagat, Retired Director Social Welfare and member J&K Reservation Rules Enforcement Committee was the guest of honour. Mr Dass while speaking on the occasion said that movement of BSP is based on the ideology of Dr Ambedkar but it has been derailed in the state by Mr Sheikh Abdul Rehman who was entrusted with the responsibility to lead the movement in the J&K state by the Party High Command in 1995. He alleged that Mr Rehman has now become the mouth-piece of the Government and is least interested in the burning issues of SC/ST/ OBC communities. Even he is opposing the trifurcation issue along with Dr Farooq Abdullah. He pointed out that it was basically in the favour of the members of these communities, who are getting injustice from the ruling NC Government. The members today passed a resolution in the conference to launch state-wide movement in support of their demands and protection of the rights of the members of these communities. Mr K C Bhagat alleged that leadership of the Party in the state has given by the Party High Command in the hands of a wrong person who was not safe-guarding their interest. Such members has no right to stay in the Party at top position, he added. Several other members also spoke on the occasion. |
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