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| Delhi for benefits to displaced KPs Additional battalions for CI operations in J&K : Rao Excelsior Special Correspondent NEW DELHI, Mar. 1: The Government of India proposes to raise additional......more CCI
condemns Anantnag, Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 1: The Chamber of Commerce and Industry has strongly condemned selective ...more CM
condemns NC Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar. 1: Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah has condemned barbaric....more Democratic
Youth Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 1: Tehsil Committee of Democratic Youth Federation of India held a dharna ...more Sharma
asks Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 1: A ceremony of all religious conference was held under the chairmanship of .....more |
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CM to hold
parleys with Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 1: The Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah is meeting the Union Power Minister, P R Kumaramanglam.........more Holy
celebrations at Dera Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar. 1: One of the biggest Holi Mela in Northern India is being celebrated at Dera Baba Wadbagh Singh Ji, where people from.....more People
Welfare Forum for Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 1: People Welfare Forum has demanded suspension of Station House Officer, Rajouri for....more Utterbehni,
Purmandal Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 1: Utterbehni and Purmandal, the two renowned pilgrim spots in Jammu are being brought on the tourist map of Jammu and....more |
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| Majrooh’s poetic collection
‘Lahu Ka Athroon’ released ... Govt to strengthen single window system: Farooq..... Sadhotra inaugurates awareness camp... |
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Delhi for benefits to displaced KPs Excelsior Special Correspondent NEW DELHI, Mar. 1: The Government of India proposes to raise additional battalions of security forces for counter insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir, Mr Vidyasagar Rao, Minister of State for Home Affairs, has informed the Lok Sabha. Mr Vidyasagar Rao stated in reply to a question by Mr Bhim Dahal and Mr Moinul Hassan that the restructuring of the counter insurgency grid "is a strategic exercise'' to deal with the insurgency situation in different parts of the country. This exercise, he revealed, was reviewed from time to time keeping in view the operational requirements. Mr Rao said that while the Government to raise additional battalions for counter insurgency operations in J&K, the Unified Headquarters in the State would coordinate CI (counter insurgency) operations. The Home Minister, Mr L K Advani, stated in the House that while Pakistan's ISI had been using Nepal as a launch-pad for its anti-India activities, it had been found that ISI was also using trans-border criminal and smuggling syndicates operating along the Indo-Nepal border for creating subversion in India. Answering a question by Mr Vilas Muttemwar and Mr Prabhunath Singh, Mr Advani divulged that the possibility of introducing a passport regime, without the requirement of visa, for the purpose of identification of nationality of Indian and Nepalese citizens travelling by air between the two countries was being examined. He also divulged that an action plan had been prepared in consultation with the concerned States for strengthening policing and intelligence collection along the Indo-Nepal border. "Yes'', was Mr Advani's reply when Mr Ramchandra Paswan and Dr S Venugopal enquired if the Government was aware of the circulation of tapes in Kanpur containing the speeches of recently-released militant, Azhar Masood, calling for jehad against India and circulation of handbills showing the hijackers of Indian Airlines plane IC-814 as heroes. The Centre, Mr Advani said , had sensiticed concerned State Governments to take appropriate action against the culprits as per the law. Anwering a question by Ms Reena Choudhary, Mr Bhim Dahal and Mr Ravi Prakash Verma, Mr Vidyasagar Rao stated that Masood Azhar, while addressing a serious of meetings and press conferences in Pakistan, had vowed to recruit 6 lakh Mujahideen for launching jehad. Masood Azhar had also announced formation of a new terrorist organisation, 'Lashkar-e-Muhammadi,' Mr Rao informed the House. Mr Vidyasagar Rao said that the Government had adopted a multi-pronged approach to tackle militants in Jammu and Kashmir. The programme inter alia included strengthening border management, neutralising plans of the militant by productive action against them in the hinterland, gearing up intelligence machinery, greater functional framework of operation groups and intelligence groups of the Unified Headquarters at all levels, improved technology, weapons and equipments for security forces. According to him, steps have also been taken afresh to flush out militants, check infiltration and curb militant activities, apart from closer vigil on the border by intensive patrolling and extensive search operations. Mr Rao stated in reply to another question that New Delhi had appropriately and effectively brought to the notice of international community Pakistan's support to cross-border terrorism against India. "We have maintained, clearly and unequivocally, that Pakistan IC pursuing sponsorship of cross border terrorism against India as a matter of State policy. This point of view is beginning to have increasing reasonance on the international community. The international community has now come to recognise Pakistan a State sponsored of terrorism,'' he said. Answering a question by Dr Ashok Patel, Mr Rao said that while Central security forces were being made available to the Jammu and Kashmir Government keeping in view the availability of forces and the prevailing security situation which is reviewed from time to time, the Unified Headquarters within J&K kept reviewing the deployment which "has to be dynamic' keeping in view the changing situations. Mr K P Singh Deo wanted to know if the Government of Jammu and Kashmir demanded greater autonomy for the State and the Centre's standpoint on it. In his reply, Mr Vidyasagar Rao stated that the J&K Government has submitted and endorsed the recommendations of the State Autonomy Committee. The report of the committee "basically speaks of going back the pre-1953 position,'' Mr Rao said. He added: "The matter is under examination.'' Mr Vidyasagar Rao said in reply to a question by Mr Sadashivarao Dadoba Mandlik that the J&K Government informed the Centre that the question of Kashmiri Pandits' return to the Valley of Kashmir "is on top of its agenda.'' The Farooq Abdullah Government, Mr Rao informed the House, is contemplating an action plan for "early and safe return'' of the migrants to the Valley. Separately, a social interaction programme, Mr Rao stated, had been initiated by the J&K Government under which the migrants had visited the Valley so as to pave the way for their early return to the Valley. As per available information, 51, 122 Kashmiri migrant families are living in different parts of the country. According to Mr Rao, majority of these (29074 families) are staying in Jammu and 19338 families in Delhi. He said that as per information provided by the J&K Government, the number of civilians of various communities killed by militants in the State during 1997, 1998 and 1999 were 938, 867 and 821 respectively. Mr Rao pointed out that while the policy of the Government "is to minimise'' the hardships of the migrants temporarily staying outside the State, all possible financial assistance was also provided. Apart from cash relief and dry ration, temporary accommodation is being provided to the needy migrants. The J&K Government, according to Mr Rao, has extended the benefits of Prime Minister's Rozgar Yojna (PMRY) and State Self-Employment Scheme to the migrants requested other States to extend similar benefits to the migrants staying in their States. |
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CCI condemns Anantnag, Mendar killings Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 1: The Chamber of Commerce and Industry has strongly condemned selective killing of five innocent persons near Anantnag and earlier carnage of minority community members at Mendhar. According to a press release, a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce and Industries was held today under the chairmanship of Mr Ram Sahai, president of the Chamber. The members were of the view that these acts are sinister designs of the militants seem to disturb the communal harmony and also to create the wedge between different communities living peacefully in Jammu region in particular. Meeting said that mentors of insurgents across the border are aiming at creating a situation where tolerance of the people of Jammu is exhausted. The acts of selective killings and authorities being perpetuated on minority community are a sensitive issue and if proper result oriented measures are not adopted in time there is grave danger of things to be flared up to the extent that authorities may not be able to control the situation at that point of time. Members expressed grave concern over these incidents and cautioned the authorities to act fast with results so as to restore the confidence of the people in the effective governance. They also appealed to the public to refrain from failing into the trap of Pakistan’s evil designs, to remain united to face these challenges and maintain the traditional communal harmony for which Jammu is known world over. |
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CM condemns NC leader's killing Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar. 1: Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah has condemned barbaric killing of Master Mohammad Ramzan Block Secretary, National Conference, Handwara. Expressing grief and shock over the incident, the Chief Minister said the cowardly act by the perpetators of violence, who have no religion, demonstrates their level of frustration. He conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved family. The Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Ch. Mohammad Ramzan has strongly condemned the brutal killing of Master Mohammad Ramzan. Expressing deep shock and grief over the gruesome killing of Master Ramzan, the Minister said that it again exposes the barbarism of militants, who are carrying out such acts at the behest of their foreign mentors. Such acts, however, will not dampen the spirit of the people who have stood against the alien gun culture unitedly, he added. The Minister said that Master Ramzan all his life fought for the rights of the people and upliftment of the poor and downtrodden. With his killing, the National Conference has lost a dedicated worker and Handwara Block a great stalwart, he said. He also prayed for speedy recovery of Ghulam Nabi Ganai who was also seriously injured in the incident. The Minister condoled the death of Master Ramzan and conveyed his sympathies with the bereaved family and prayed for the peace of the departed soul. The Union Minister of State for Industries and Commerce, Umar Abdullah has expressed deep grief and shock over the inhuman killing of Master Mohammad Ramzan. The Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Information and Transport, Mr Ajatshatru Singh has also condemned the incident and recalled the contribution of Master Ramzan in highlighting the problems of the people of the area. Mr Umar Abdullah and Ajatshatru Singh have conveyed their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. |
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Democratic Youth Federation stages dharna at R S Pura Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 1: Tehsil Committee of Democratic Youth Federation of India held a dharna at R S Pura today in support of the various demands of the people of the area. As per a release, the dharna was led by Dr O P Gupta. The Committee also submitted a memorandum highlighting the various demands to Tehsildar on the occasion. The memorandum demanded creation of separate Suchetgarh Block. It said the people of Suchetgarh Assembly Constituency are main sufferers due to Government’s apathy. The Federation also criticised both state and Central Governments for their wrong policies. Dr O P Bhagat strongly condemned the budget which is pro-riches and anti poor people. Mr Ashok Kumar stressed on more Government schools should be opened and privatisation should be stopped. He also demanded application of Article 45 which stresses on universalisation of primary education. Mr Vijay Kumar while alleging discrimination with Sucheetgarh demanded constitution of separate block. Mr O P Khajuria laid stress on opening of more computer centres in rural areas under the MPs constituency Development schemes. Mr Kishore Kumar (Marxist) leader strongly criticised the prevailing political and economic system of Government. |
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Holy celebrations at Dera Baba wadbag Singh Ji Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar. 1: One of the biggest Holi Mela in Northern India is being celebrated at Dera Baba Wadbagh Singh Ji, where people from all walks of life irrespective of their caste and creed have been invited to join the celebrations and seek the blessings of Baba Ji. In this connection a high level meeting of the Managing Committee of Gurudwara Manji Sahib under the chairmanship of Dr. Sant Singh was held. The meeting was attended by all the high officials of the District, namely Deputy Commissioner of Una, SDM, ADM, SSP, SD, DSP, Tehsildar and other concerned officers. In this meeting it was decided to take all necessary steps for the upliftment of the area especially village Mairi by Gurudwara Manji Sahib Ji. The Deputy Commissioner assured the managing committee that the Government shall make all the necessary arrangements relating to security etc. for the forthcoming Holi Mela at Gurudwara Manji Sahib Ji. This Holi Mela is being celebrated every year at this Tapo Sthan of Gurudwara Manji Sahib Ji situated at village Mairi in District Una of Himachal Pradesh. This is the place where Baba Wadbagh Singh Ji had spent much of his time for Meditation. The Mela will begin on March 13 and conclude during the intervening night of March 22 and 23. |
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People Welfare Forum for action against SHO Rajouri Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 1: People Welfare Forum has demanded suspension of Station House Officer, Rajouri for illegal detention of Mir Mohammed Shamshi, hailing from Choudhary Nar in district Rajouri. A spokesman of the Forum told reporters that Mr Shamshi who was himself coming to address a press conference here to expose the misdeeds of Rajouri police today, was picked up by a group of police personnel and then taken to some unknown destination. Maulvi Ghulam Nabi, a spokesman of the Forum alleged that Mir Shamshi had been implicated by SHO Rajouri, Ch.Haq Nawaz in connection with firing incident at Choudhary Nar recently. He was taken to detained and then sent to JIC. The JIC cleared him and sent back to Rajouri. But he was illegally detention for three more months by the SHO, even after nothing was proved against him. Mr Nabi alleged that not only this, the SHO even covered up the dacoity case which took place in the same area last year. A youth Mohd Sadiq who had identified one of the dacoits as Shabir Sheena, was placed behind the bars by police just to extort money. He was released merely for a petty amount. Sheena was also arrested and his associates were not taken into custody and the case was hushed up for Rs 80,000 bribe, Mr Nabi alleged. The DSP, Sultan Khan later took up the investigation into hands after public raised the voice. He found that Sheena and his men were behind the case. The matter has now come into the notice of senior police officers but the action is still awaited. |
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Utterbehni, Purmandal to be
developed into Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 1: Utterbehni and Purmandal, the two renowned pilgrim spots in Jammu are being brought on the tourist map of Jammu and Kashmir State. This was disclosed at a public meeting at Purmandal here by Minister for Tourism, Parks and Gardens and Youth Services and Sports, Mr Surjit Singh Slathia. He said that this far-flung area, which is a place of tourist interest and has religious sanctity will be developed into a tourist spot. The Minister sanctioned an amount of Rs 10.00 lakhs for the development of Purmandal and issued instructions to the concerned authorities for construction of Shanan-Ghats (bathing spots), a community hall and a bus-stand also. He disclosed that he will also take up the matter with the concerned agencies for construction of higher secondary institution so that the children of this far-flung area do not face any inconvenience. The people of the block demanded that Purmandal and adjoining areas be declared back-ward. He assured that the demand will be looked into sympathetically and brought to the notice of the Government. The Minister during his tour was accompanied by the Commissioner/Secretary Tourism, Mr Pervez Dewan, Director General Tourism, Mr Mohammed Ashraf, Executive Engineers of PWD, Road and Buildings, Public Health Engineering, M&RE, tehsil and block officers. |
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Majrooh’s poetic collection ‘Lahu Ka Athroon’ released Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 1: A serving cop’s dream came true when his Gojri poetic collection—" Lahu Ka Athroon" was released by the veteran Gujjar leader and former senior Pradesh Congress leader and former minister, Mian Bashir Ahmed here today. Minister for Health and Medical Education, Mian Altaf was the special guest on the occasion while Secretary, Academy of Culture, Art and Languages Mr Balwant Thakur was also present. Prominent literary figures, writers, poets and intellectuals also witnessed the occasion. The function was organised by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation in connection with the releasing ceremony of the book (Poetic collection) written by a serving J&K Police personal, Ch. Noor Mohammed Majrooh, hailing from remote Mahore block of district Udhampur. While releasing the book, Mian Bashir stressed the need for the promotion of the Gojri language and maintained that this old language has been dominated by other languages. Appreciating the efforts of a simple matriculate youth—Majrooh from Gool-Gulabgarh area, Mian Bashir hoped that he would continue to work for the promotion of the language in future with same dedication and zeal. He said this language, has been deprived of proper place and there is need to provide the required respect and place to it by the Government. Mian Altaf, while congratulating Mr Majrooh said that efforts of several years of this youth, are laudable specially for being in police force and simultaneously writing poetry after getting time from his tough schedule of duty. He asked the young generation of the community to work for the upliftment of this language. Earlier, welcoming the guests Mr Javid Rahi, secretary Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation said that among the Tribal languages of the state, Gojri is only language which has become more developed in the fields of research, creative writing and folk literature. He urged upon the government to establish Tribal Research cells in Kashmir and Jammu Universities so that tribal languages and ethnic tradition could be safe guarded. Dr Assad Ullah Wani and Iqbal Azeem Choudhary also spoke on the occasion and appreciated the work of Mr Majrooh. |
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Govt to strengthen single window system: Farooq Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 1: Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah today said the strengthened window system would be strengthen to promote industry in Jammu & Kashmir. The committee set up for the purpose would be empowered to take on-the-spot decisions for creating infrastructural facilities for setting up of industrial units expeditiously, the Chief Minister said while addressing a delegation of the Federation Chamber of Industries, Kashmir here this afternoon. The delegation led by the Federation president Mr Jan Mohammad Kakroo brought to his notice the difficulties faced by the entrepreneurs of the Valley. The Chief Minister said quick disposal of cases was imperative as delays mar the initiative of the entrepreneurs. He called for concentrating on such units, which could be run on locally available raw material. In this context he made a mention of timber based furniture units which had tremendous scope to flourish. Dr Abdullah asked entrepreneurs to maintain the standard of their produce and assured them of all possible help in its marketing. The Government, he said, could consider providing temporary showroom facilities in New Delhi for displaying their products and giving them exposure at the national level. For this, the entrepreneurs will have to come forward in a big way, he added. The Chief Minister said the Government departments would give preference to the produce of small-scale industrial units while making purchases. This will go a long way in giving boost to industrialization in the State which in turn will open up new openings for skilled and unskilled work force, he said. The meeting discussed various problems faced by the industry, which include regulating power supply, releasing incentives, rehabiliating units and simplifying loaning procedures. A 3-member committee under the Principal Secretary, Planning and Development was set up to assess the requirement of power and suggest measures to meet the needs of industries. The Minister for Industries and Commerce, Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, Principal Secretary, Power, Mr K B Pillai, Principal Secretary, Planning and Development, Mr Jalil Ahmed Khan, Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Mr Mohammad Shafi Pandit and Principal Secretary, Finance, Mr Ajit Kumar were also present on the occasion. |
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Sadhotra inaugurates awareness camp Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar 1: The Minister of State for Food and Supplies, Mr Ajay Sadhotra has called upon the women folk to comeforward and avail the opportunities extended by the Government to improve their socio-economic conditions. The Minister was inaugurating the 5-day awareness generation camp organised by J&K Zari Art Society Jammu in collaboration with Council for Advancement of People's Action and Rural Technology (CAPART), Chandigarh at village March about 18 kms from here today. The Minister said that women constituted about 50 per cent of the total population of the State and was imperative that efforts should be redoubled for their socio-economic amelioration. The Minister was apprised that at present as many as 3000 NGOs were actively functioning in different parts of the State. He was also apprised that Zari society has imparted training to 60 destitute women during the last financial year. Each trainee is being provided a scholarship of Rs 250 per month during six month training period. The Minister distributed two cheques of Rs 10,000 each as a first installment to two persons living below poverty line for construction of their houses under Indira Awas Yojana. The Minister was also presented a shawl by the J&K Zari Art Society as a mark of respect. The Block Development Officer, Marh, Project Officer, ICDS, National Secretary, Bharti Rachnatamak Samaj, Jammu, Mr S P Verma, a social worker, Master Paras Ram and Mohd Amin Das Monitor, CAPART also spoke on the occasion. Earlier, the Minister went round the craft exhibition set up by the society. The function was attended by a large number of women and prominent citizens. |
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Tiger Satellite Money Order Station inaugurated Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar 1: As part of the modernisation drive by the Army, the Tiger Satellite Money Order Station was inaugurated at the Army Post Office here at the Tiger Division. In an austere ceremony at 0915 hours today, Maj Gen Bhopinder Singh, General Officer Commanding, Tiger Division inaugurated the Station. Mr Amitabh Kharakwal, Director, Postal Services Jammu Region was also present during the function. Since a large section of the Indian Army hails from rural areas, money orders are a primary means of monetary transactions. However, the present system is slow. To improve the same, the Tiger Division APO has linked on to the V-SAT Network. The network spans across 77 main stations at important cities and a large number of sub stations under them. The Tiger Money Order Station is the first of its kind in the entire Northern Command and second in the entire Indian Army. The Station will cater for Army personel deployed in the entire Jammu Region including Poonch, Rajouri, Akhnoor and Doda. Apart from provisions of individual money orders, the Station also has facilities for corporate money orders and Satellite Mail. Speaking on the occasion, Maj Gen Bhopinder Singh, GOC Tiger Division complemented the Postal Staff for their endeavour and highlighted the dedication of the Army to improve the service conditions of its brave soldiers. |
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Kot-Bhalwal jail break issue raised Excelsior Correspondent JAMMMU, March 1: Mr Ashok Khajuria of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today lambasted the State Government for promoted the tainted officials responsible for the escape of three dreaded militants form the fortified Kot Bhalwal Jail. Raising this issue during Zero Hour, Mr Khajuria said that the Government should make public, if any of the findings of Inquiry Committee formulated for investigation of the entire affair. While quoting the report of DAILY EXCELSIOR, he added that several senior officers were involved in managing the escape of the militants. "The Government should stop shielding such militants and come forth with the facts", said Mr Khajuria |
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