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C-Dot exchange commissioned at Leh Excelsior Correspondent LEH, Feb 20: The 4000-lines capacity C-DOT MBM Telephone Exchange alongwith 500-lines Trunk Exchange.......more Army
School Udhampur students hold Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Feb 20: The junior wing of the Army Public School, Udhampur held its annual exhibition and PT display here. The function was attended by civil and military......more ‘Autonomy
Report discriminated Scheduled Tribes’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 20: Cutting across the Party-lines and their affiliations to their respective groups, various Gujjar leaders .....more Campus
Jottings By Sanjeev Sharma Floral
painting Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 20: As a part of 40th Annual Flower Show, the Regional...more |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 20: Mr Om Parakash Sharma, Vidyarthi a dedicated IFS Officer of J&K Cadre brought laurels to state by getting his.....more Raina
Higher Secondary Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 20: Raina Higher Secondary School Paloura celebrated its 27th Annual Day cum prize distribution function with great pomp and show yesterday......more All
societies meet to Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 20: Representatives from all the Societies and various organisation today held a common meeting to fight out growing......more Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Feb 20: Clarifying a news report published in today’s edition of Daily EXCELSIOR, under the caption More families migrate from Kashmir, the Deputy Commissioner Anantnag has said that the relief among.....more |
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death anniversary of Baljerala martyrs observed.... Ashok Pandit’s Kashmiri folk song cassette released... BJYM finalises Prog for Seema Suraksha Yatra.... |
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C-Dot exchange commissioned at Leh Excelsior Correspondent LEH, Feb 20: The 4000-lines capacity C-DOT MBM Telephone Exchange alongwith 500-lines Trunk Exchange was commissioned at Leh today. The inaugural call was made by Mr Ramesh Lalwani, Chief General Manager Telecom, J&K Circle to Mr PS Saran, Secretary, Department of Telecom Services. With the commissioning of this Exchange, the communication facilities in this remote, isolated and strategically important region will be brought at par with rest of country. Mr Lalwani informed that communication facilities to Kargil have been further improved by replacement of analogue SCPC circuits by 30 channel, IDR digital satellite system. This will considerably improve STD facilities. In Leh area, Inter-Exchange junction capacities have already been increased by 20 channel digital system between Leh and Stoke and 30-channel system between Chuglamsar and Stoke. In order to provide communication to promote and isolated towns and villages in Kargil and Leh district, J&K Telecom Circle has chalked out an ambitious programme for providing Satellite-based communications alongwith local telephone exchanges. Presently nine stations namely Drass, Padam, Nimu, Kargil-I, Kargil-II, Trespoon, Nobra, Khalsi and Nyoma are connected with Jammu Hub Station. To improve upon the existing communication network in Ladakh region, an MCPC Hub Station has been installed at Leh. This station will facilitate inter-connection between all the MCPC station in Ladakh region directly, discarding the need to route the calls through Jammu Hub Station. The equipment is also available at site for 14 additional stations in this region and exchanges at these stations are in the process of commissioning progressively by March 2000. With the commissioning of the above mentioned MCPC V-SATs reliable communication and STD facilities shall made available during the current financial year. J&K Telecom has already provided 14 Satellite phones as VPTs for providing communication facilities to Armed Forces and civilians in the remote locations in Ladakh region. Twenty-eight additional locations have been identified which will be provided with INMARSAT Satellite equipment in near future. |
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Army School Udhampur students hold annual exhibition Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Feb 20: The junior wing of the Army Public School, Udhampur held its annual exhibition and PT display here. The function was attended by civil and military dignitaries and parents of the wards. The curtail raiser was a march past by the smart kids to the martial tune of ‘Sare Jahan Se Accha’. The salute was taken by the chairman of the School, Major Gen A K Sharma. It was spectacle of the synchronisation as the four house flags blue, red, green and orange fluttered in the breeze with the contingents. Looking bright and alert in their speaking white dresses with the national tricolour head bands adding colour to the show. The mass PT display by class-I was the next item of the prgoramme. The saree drill was meticulously performed by the children. Each formation depicting butterfly, peacock and lotus appeared animated and cast a pleasant magic on the spectators. The children in the next presentation portrayed that they were aware of the advantages of a healthy body. Keeping the adage of "a healthy mind in a healthy body" a yoga display with various asanas was adeptly displayed. Dressed smart in black trousers, white shirts and snazzy black bows and bright red kamar bands, the tiny tots performed Russian drill. The Lazium girls most vigorously and adeptly reminded the audience of Maharaja Shivaji’s warrior troops, dressed in their and green sarees they performed this martial dance. |
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‘Autonomy
Report discriminated Scheduled Tribes’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 20: Cutting across the Party-lines and their affiliations to their respective groups, various Gujjar leaders assembled under the banner of Gujjars United Front (J&K) to show their strength and raise the issues of their interest at a common platform at Idgah ground near Residency Road here today. Popular Gujjar leader of the state and former Congress stalwart, Mian Bashir presided over the one day convention organised by the J&K Gujjar United Front. Senior Congress leader from Kashmir, Mr Taj Mohi-ud-Din, BJP leader Mr Din Mohammed Cheetah, senior National Conference leader and Minister for Health and Medical Education Mian Altaf Ahmed, Mr Lal Mohammed Sabir besides other prominent Gujjar leaders were also present on this occasion. The programme was organised under the supervision of Mr Anwar Choudhary (Advocate), president of Gujjars United Front. The speakers at the conference raised various burning issues and also expressed their dismay and strong resentment against the alleged discrimination with the ST Community members in the recently approved State Autonomy Committee Report. They alleged that clause 242 of this Report is highly objectionable to the community and government must review it. Senior BJP leader and defeated MP, Mr Cheetah and Mr Taj Mohi-ud-Din from Congress opposed National Conference Government’s Autonomy move. Some of them remained neutral while some supported it and sought immediate amendment. A resolution was also passed at the conference. Speaking on the occasion, veteran Gujjar leader Mian Bashir expressed that community honours the accession of J&K with India and was committed to the integrity, communal harmony and brotherhood. Every member of the community is true Indian, there is no doubt about it. But even after 52 years of Independence, the ST community have been deprived of their rights. He appealed to the Chief Minister of the state Dr Farooq Abdullah to look into the welfare of the ST community and ensure them their rights. There is urgent need to raise living standard of the Gujjars and Bakerwals who are still leading the life of nomads. The government must ensure them the education, health other required facilities. Mian Bashir denied his affiliation with any political party and claimed that he has was least interested in it and would fight for the rights of the ST community. Mian Altaf (NC Minister and also the son of Mian Bashir), while supporting Dr Farooq Abdullah’s Autonomy move, assured the community members that if they feel any discrimination in the Report, the matter would be taken up with the Chief Minister for necessary amendment. He also said that some elements were trying to mislead the masses on the issue of Autonomy. He disclosed that in last three years of NC rule, various development activities were initiated for the welfare of the ST people and a lot is yet to be done. He assured that being the representative of the ST community in the ruling NC government he would try his best to raise his community and would also fight for the justice to them. Though he did not show his immediate reaction over the State Autonomy Committee Report but maintained that he believes in the final accessation of J&K with India and do not like emerging new issues raised merely for the exploitation of the innocent people of the state. In a resolution passed on the occasion, the Gujjars demanded inquiry into the issuance of fake ST certificates, proper utilisation of funds under Tribal Sub-Plan, good education, health facilities, rehabilitation schemes, better facilities at Gujjar-Bakerwal hostels, development of Gujjar-Bakerwal colonies, proper representation in Assembly, Legislative Council and other fields, inclusion of Gojri in 8th Scheduled of the Constitution, Gojri news bulletin from All India Radio, recruitment in Army, constitution of Gujjar-Bakerwal development Council etc. |
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Campus
Jottings By Sanjeev Sharma It is almost certain that the College students will get the demand of ‘open choice’ accepted in the hands of the University of Jammu. But they are quite unaware of the bitter truth that they are getting just half of the knowledge about their subjects in which they are opting for a degree. They are thinking of short term gains, realising little about the hard fact and repercussions, which would haunt them in the coming times. The University of Jammu has now accepted the students demand of ‘open choice’. This has happened for the first time in the history of the higher education in Jammu and Kashmir that a particular batch will get the three year degree after studying just 50 per cent of the prescribed syllabus. These were the opinions of the intellectual class of the University of Jammu who delivered their view points to this Correspondent on the issue. They feel that the students in this part of the country are already being taught lower standard syllabus, as compared to the Universities of Delhi, Maharashtra and in other major cities. When they have not been able to compete them even after having the 100 per cent knowledge of their subject, how they will take on them in the competitive examinations after getting a degree leveled with ‘open choice’. Quoting instances, the academicians said that a student can attempt 100 per cent of his paper in the examinations by learning just two and half units of their syllabus. It also means that a student can get 70 per cent marks with only 50 per cent of the course knowledge. Nothing, but it will reduce the credibility of the division and the degree which a candidate will get after enjoying the ‘open choice’ for three consecutive years. No doubt, they have good percentage on their mark sheets, but they are hollow from inside. There knowledge will be limited to only two and half units, while they are unaware of the remaining topics in a subject which will certainly ease them when they will be preparing for the competitive examinations or perusing their Post Graduation courses in the same subjects. Then they will feel the need of old books, which they should keep with, instead of giving them away to their juniors. On the other hand, the University had no other option but to consider sympathetically the students demand of ‘open choice’. In the initial stage the authorities in the University had decided to take tough stand against the students this year, but could not get the support from the state government which they otherwise supposed to. Even they were forced by the security agencies to consider the students demand favourably, as they (police) were facing law and order problem in the wake of the threat perceptions from the anti-social elements. Furthermore, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof R R Sharma, who after taking over the reign of affairs had utilised his energies to formulate an academic calendar, never wanted to disturb the things which have been for the first time set systematically in the Jammu University. He was committed to maintain the academic calendar and streamline the examination system, which insisted him to avoid the postponement of the examinations. However, while considering the two options, the postponement and ‘relaxation’ he also took in mind the coming session which he wanted to start in time. Earlier, the University authorities were reluctant to take any decision at this stage when examinations were to be held after near one and half months later. They had apprehension that the students may not attend to their classes once they get the favourable decision. Not only students, the teachers would avoid going to the colleges. Talking to this Correspondent, some senior college teachers felt that the ‘open choice’ given to the students may turn to be a gift of those teachers who have opened tutorials in their homes. They would use these one and half month to accumulate wealth through fee by avoiding the college. They suggested that the University which have academic control over the colleges, must ensure that every teacher should attend to their duties whether there is class work or not. If, we go through the different stages of the strike, the Principals and University authorities had various meetings during all these days and it was observed that about 60 %, 50-55 % and 45-40 % syllabus was covered at BA/BSc/BCom part I, II and III level respectively in the urban colleges, whereas situation in the Muffassial colleges was quite satisfactory. It was also felt that about 40-50 more teaching days are required to complete the rest of the syllabus. The authorities had also appraised the students about the unacademic aspects of their demand regarding ‘open choice’ as it shall adversely give a bad name to the University and such approach can lead to derecognition of the degree also. But, during their discussions with the University authorities, these students once again forgot to take up other related issues. While, the issues vary from college to college, but uninterrupted electricity was the joint demand of the students of Jammu city, Kathua and Udhampur districts. Not even a single student had voiced for other issues accept ‘open choice’ during the last meeting they had with the University. Unfortunately, stress was only given on short term goals giving little attention towards the basic necessities like proper infrastructure, opening, more teaching staff to fill the gaps, for which in the initial stage of the strike the voice was raised by the students. Demand for ‘open choice’ was an issue which always followed the strikes which comes to Jammu with the Darbar Move every year, especially from the last three years. To bring the things on rail, taking in view the past, the University and the government should formulate some way out to avoid the unrest and dilution of the academic standards. |
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Raina Higher Secondary
Paloura celebrates Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 20: Raina Higher Secondary School Paloura celebrated its 27th Annual Day cum prize distribution function with great pomp and show yesterday. Prof Aman Rathore, Secretary J&K State Board of School Education was the chief guest on the occasion and Mr Kamal Gupta , president School Education presided over the function. The programme started with welcome address by Managing Director of the School Mr B D Raina which was followed by the unfurling of the National Flag by the chief guest. A colourful function was presented by the children on the occasion which include Sarswati Vandna, patriotic songs, group dance, Radha Krishan Dance, Dogri, Khmiri, Rajasthani, Bhujpuri, Haryanavi Dance, Raas Leela, Qawali, Break Dance and many solo items. The Principal of the School Mr J N Koul read the annual report in which he highlighted the achievements of the school in different spheres. Mr Aman Rathore, the chief guest distributed prizes among the meritorious students. In his address the chief guest appreciated the performance of the school. He also had a word of appreciation for the performance of the children who participated in various cultural programmes. He advised the teachers to work hard and give students better education with love and affection. He also advised the students to come up to the expectations of the teachers and parents. Mr Kamal Gupta appreciated the performance of the school which has produced a good number of brilliant students over the years. He said the norms of recognition and affiliation of the private schools should be liberalised so that education reaches the door steps of poor and neglected people. The chief guest was also honoured by the Management Committee. The programme was compared by Mr Shishoo and Miss Shallu. |
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All societies meet to fight growing militancy Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 20: Representatives from all the Societies and various organisation today held a common meeting to fight out growing militancy in the Jammu and Kashmir state. The meeting was organised at the Dogra Brahman Sabha under the chairmanship of its president, Mr O P Dubey, president of the organisation. The meeting was attended among others by Mr Gulchain Singh Charak, president Dogra Sadar Sabha, Mr Yash Paul Gupta, president Jammu Central Mahajan Sabha, Mr Surinder Singh, president District Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee, Mr G N Kohli, president Khukhran Biradari, Mr Ashok Sawhney, Dogra Khatri Sadar Sabha, Mr Ashok Brareo, general secretary Kashmiri Pandit Sabha and Mr Ramesh Jain, general secretary S S Jain Sabha. The members expressed serious concern over the growing militancy and resolved to fight out the terrorism with unitedly. An urgent need was felt to bring all sections of the Society under one umbrella to fight for the common cause. It was also suggested that the societies should remain aloof from becoming political centres. The participants underlined the importance to revive the common history and culture which is glorious for the reconstruction of society. It was also resolved to fight against the social and economic injustice. It was decided to constitute a coordination committee representing all the societies of the region to work out common strategy for action plans for the real cause. |
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Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Feb 20: Clarifying a news report published in today’s edition of Daily EXCELSIOR, under the caption More families migrate from Kashmir, the Deputy Commissioner Anantnag has said that the relief among the Telvani killing victims was distributed on the next day of the episode. The D C said the Ex-gratia relief was paid to the next kin of the families of the slain by Health and Family Welfare Minister, Mr Mian Altaf who visited the ill fated village on the next day of the militants strike.He said all the minority community members of the village were assured full help by the administration and no body from the administration tried to stop them from migration to Jammu. However, due to blockade of National Highway these families were kept at Nagbal Temple Anantnag for couple of days and during this period they were provided full police protection. They were looked after very well by the administration during this period, he added. |
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First death anniversary of Baljerala martyrs observed Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Feb 20: The first death anniversary of the Baljerala martyrs was observed yesterday. A function was organised in Baljerala village 15 kilometers from here which was attended by a large number of people from all walks of life. The people paid rich tributes to these militancy victims and observed two minutes silence in their memory. The DIG Poonch, Rajouri Range Mr Ram Lubia presided over the function which among others was attended by Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Mr B A Ronyal, S P Rajouri, Mr Pupinder Singh, Shiv Sena district president, Mr Dev Raj, BJP leader Vivod Gupta and Rajinder Kumar. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Ram Lubia complimented the people of both Rajouri and Poonch districts for not falling a prey to ISI designs which wanted to foment a communal tension in the state by killing the members of a particular community. He said secularism has really given strong roots in the twin border district and people are well aware of the secular principles. He expressed the hope that people will continue to show such a spirit in future and will not allow the ISI to succeed in its designs. The Deputy Commissioner, Mr Ronyal also complimented the people for giving full cooperation to administration in launching anti militancy operations. He said the people of this sensitive border district showed enough maturity in keeping the vested elements at bay who wanted to foment trouble. It may be recalled that eight people were massacred by Pak militants on February 19 in Baljerala last year. |
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Ashok Pandit’s Kashmiri folk song cassette released Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 20: Noted film maker Ashok Pandit’s cassette of Kashmiri folk songs"Chashem-Beh-Vandhey" was released by Panun Kashmir Convener, Dr Agnishekhar at a simple but impressive function here today. The function which was organised by Panun Kashmir was attended by a large number of people including a galaxy of writers and poets. The singer of the cassette is Neerja Pandit and lyrics has been given by Bhagyavani. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Agnishekhar highlighted the contribution of Mr Pandit for community’s cause during the decade long exile. He said Mr Pandit though busy with the world of films devoted a lot of time to highlight the problems of the community before any national and international foras. He was instrumental in getting the quota reserved for the wards of the displaced families in various professional colleges in Maharashtra. The cassette besides Jammu will be available in other parts of the country also. |
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BJYM finalises Prog for Seema Suraksha Yatra Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 20: A meeting of State Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha was held under the presidentship of Mr Shamsher Singh Manhas to chalk-out the programmes of Seema Suraksha Jagran Yatra being started from Dwarka on March 5 next, which shall reach Jammu on March 16. As per a release the Yatra starting from Gujarat state will come to Jammu via Rajasthan and Punjab. Mr Manhas said the yatra will be received at Madhopur, Lakhanpur and touching the borders in Jammu division will reach upto Rajouri and Sub Yatras from Kashmir and Doda district will also merge in the said Yatra at Jammu on March 16. Mr Manhas asked all the state executive of BJYM, district presidents and members for making all out arrangements for success of Seema Suraksha Yatra. Others who attended the meeting and spoke on the occasion included Messrs S Virinderjit Singh, member National Executive of BJYM, Ramesh Raina state vice president BJYM, Rajeev K Charak, state secretary and spokesman Morcha, S Harvinder Singh, state secretary, Fiaz Ahmed Khan incharge Kashmir division of Morcha, Vinod Sharma, Daljit Singh Chib, Vaishno Dogra, City president, Gulshan Kumar, Satish Sharma,, Subash Bhagat, Karan Singh, Vinod Kumar, Kuldeep Mehra and Tek Chand. |
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Nari Jagaran Manch oppose Autonomy move Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 20: Nari Jagaran Manch has strongly criticised the National Conference government for its Autonomy move and said that it was dangerous for the people of the state and especially for the minorities here. As per a release, a meeting of the members of the Manch was held here today. Ms Sneh Bali, convenor of the Manch presided over. Speaking on the occasion, Ms Shashi said that government is least bothered about the growing militancy and was more interested in State autonomy. The move has been initiated by the ruling party to disintegrate the country. She said there can not be a country within the country. Such dangerous move will bring disaster to the state which is already in the grip of militancy. Ms Naseem Kausar said that no one can turn the clock in backward direction. The downstream flow can not be reversed and autonomy move appears to be a hollow claim of the NC government just to misguide the masses. The government wants to cover up its misdeeds and to divert the attention of the people. Ms Prabha Sharma from old Jammu city, said that only National Conference has no right to decide about the fate of the people from all the three regions of the state. The people from minority communities and those residing in Ladakh and Jammu region were never taken into confidence. Moreover, the Autonomy Committee Report has no validity as its chairman, Mr Balraj Puri was removed by the government. The people of Jammu would never accept such domination from the Kashmiris and would prefer the pre-mature death of this controversial report. Ms Sneh criticised, Dr Farooq Abdullah for law and order problem and growing militancy and maintained that his government has been failed on all the fronts. She said due to Article 370, special status has already been given to the J&K state but after returning to the pre-1953 conditions, Dr Farooq Abdullah wants to become Prime Minister. |
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Social Welfare Deptt holds camp at Ramkote Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Feb 20: In order to distribute the financial assistance among the deserving persons under National Old Age Pension and Integrated Social Security Scheme, the District Social Welfare Officer Kathua organised a camp at village Ramkote in Tehsil Billawar. As per a release, a large number of beneficiaries from village Ramkote and adjoining areas participated in the camp. Chief Medical Officer, Kathua, Assistant Commissioner Development, Kathua and Tehsildar Billawar were also present on the occasion. The Deputy Commissioner Kathua Mr Mehboob Iqbal distributed 36 cheques of Rs 825 each to old men and women under National Old Age Pension Scheme of National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). He also provided financial assistance of Rs 150 each to 83 widows and handicapped persons under the Integrated Social Security Scheme. The DC asked these beneficiaries to open the account in the nearest bank to collect this aid in future instead of attending the office of Tehsil Social Welfare Officer Billawar. |
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