Gupta flays State Govt

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, May 5: Leader of the Bharatiya Janta Party and MLA, Udhampur, Shiv Charan Gupta has expressed his deep concern and anguish over sudden spurt of Pakistani firing and killing of innocent civilians which has become a regular feature.

In a press statement issued here today, he criticised the State Government for sanctioning relief in favour of those killed in Kashmir Valley in such firing but in case of Jammu it is quite averse.

Mr Gupta accused the State Government of meting out step motherly treatment to the people of Jammu region who have fallen prey of bullets of militants from across the border.

He pleaded the Central Government to come to the rescue of Jammu people particularly those who were displaced from border areas after Pakistani firing. He also stressed to provide right to citizenship to the people who were migrated from Pakistan in 1947.

5-day free computer course concludes

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 5: The 5-day free computer literacy programme organised by Samooh Computer Centre, affiliated with National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language, concluded here today.

At the valedictory function, Prof Jagan Nath Azad, a renowned writer, poet and expert on Iqbaliat, stressed importance of raising the computer literacy among the people as the computers are assuming pivotal role.

In the past, he said whenever I went abroad I found that the computers are find wide applications but India lagged behind. But now the position is changed. India is forging ahead at a faster pace in computerization and has emerged as one of the leading countries in the software technology. Prof Azad said it would open new channels and opportunities for the unemployed educated youth.

Mr Amin Banjara, member, Managing Committee of Samooh Computer Centre, in his keynote address highlighted the urgency of adopting computers in the 21st century, which he opined was a computer century.

Mr Banjara appreciated the efforts of Samooh Computer centre for promoting computer applications for the Urdu knowing persons. He had a word of praise for Mr Parshotam Bhardwaj, Director of Samooh Computer Centre, Mr Sudhir Mahajan and NCPUL Dr Hamidullah Bhat for promoting computer education among the people.

Earlier, Mr Sudhir Mahajan said for the benefit of persons of Urdu as also and other languages the Samooh Computer Centre would carry forward the mission of promoting computer education and applications.

Mr Parshotam Bhardwaj underlined the need for imparting computer education to young boys and girls as otherwise they would lag behind. He announced that the Samooh Computer centre would organise free courses and programmes in future as well.

APHC leaders responsible for destruction in Valley
Muslim migrants oppose dialogue with Hurriyat

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 5: Blaming All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) for the prevailing blood-shed in the Valley, J&K Awami Tehreek-an organisation of the Muslim migrants, has stoutly opposed any dialogue with former as, according to the later, the Hurriyat has lost its representative character and was responsible for destruction of Kashmir.

Addressing a press conference, secretary general of the Tehreek, Mr Bashir Ahmed Shadbad did not see any reason to hold talk with Hurriyat only. "How many Kashmiris are with Hurriyat and how can they (Hurriyat leaders) control activities of foreign mercenaries", he asked and added that Hurriyat leaders have lost representative character.

Though we whole-heartily welcome release of the Hurriyat leaders but dialogue should not be held exclusively with them, he said and stressed on the need of involving every section of the Kashmiri society to solve the vexed problems. Tehreek leaders were of the view that conducive atmosphere, with active participation of all sections of the society, should be created before initiating any dialogue.

"It is difficult for displaced people to digest Centre holding negotiation with those who are responsible for their miseries", he said and expressed surprise that on the one hand Hurriyat leaders have agreed to negotiate with Centre while on the other hand their agents have been killing innocent people every day.

Coming down heavily on Government for providing security to Hurriyat leaders, Tehreek leader regretted that those who are getting funds from Pakistan and propagating secession have been provided security on government expenditure while patriotic forces have been denied even their legitimate rights. He blamed Hurriyat leaders for miseries of all Kashmiri people including Pandits, Muslims or Sikhs.

Highlighting role of the J&K Awami Tehreek in bring peace in "Janat-e-Benazir", Mr Shadab recounted that when militancy was on its peak, Muslim migrants constituted Tehreek and convened anti-terrorists meetings in different parts of the Valley, braving militants threats.

"During the Lok Sabha elections of 1996 when no body dared to take part in it, Awami Tehreek candidates filed their nomination papers to take part in the elections to frustrate militants designs", he said and informed that many Tehreek activists have lost their relatives in their fight against terrorism.

Expressing concern over prevailing financial condition in the State, Tehreek leader appealed to the Central Government to provide sufficient funds for the development of the State. "We also appeal to the State Government to provide jobs to the unemployed youth because only unemployment is the basic cause of the militancy", he stated and impressed upon militants, locals as well as foreign mercenaries to shun down their guns for the betterment of the State and also to save their lives.

J&K Awami Tehreek leader said that foreign militants, who came here on the wrong information that Islam was in danger in Kashmir, have now realised that it was false propaganda to exploit innocent youth in the name of religion. "Foreign mercenaries are now every well aware of the fact that there is nothing adverse done to the Muslims of the Kashmir", he said.

Accusing authorities of adopting discriminatory policy towards displaced Muslims, Tehreek leader demanded that relief should be given to Muslim migrants as par with the Kashmiri Pandits.

Haji Abdul Ahad Wani, president and Mr Nissar Ahmed Bukhari, senior vice-president of the Tehreek also addressed the press conference.

IGNOU opens admission for BEd, Management

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 5: IGNOU Regional Centre, Jammu has started the process of admission for BEd and Management programmes for the academic year 2001.

As per a release, application forms for these two programmes are available at IGNOU’s Study Centre, University of Jammu and Government Degree College, Kathua, Rajouri and Poonch.

The University will hold an entrance test on August 6 for admission. Students who qualify entrance tests will be able to pursue their course from January 2001.

Changing of Lala Hansraj park into parking place opposed

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 5: All Jammu and Kashmir Social Sudhar Sabha has urged upon the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah to stop authorities to turn Lala Hansraj Municipal Park in Dennis Gate near Raghunath Bazar into a parking place and respect the sentiment of Jammuities involved in the memory of the great social reformer and humanist who has been the symbol of secularism and self-less service to mankind in the City.

According to a press release, a meeting of the Sabha was held under the chairmanship of Mr Jaswant Singh, president and senior Congress leader. Senior citizens criticised the concerned officials for issuance of clearance certificate to the executive agency to carry on the demolition of two status—one of Lala Hansraj Mahajan a great revolutionary and the other of late Dr L C Gupta in the said park, beside making it as parking place for vehicles. They accused the Municipal authorities for succumbing to the pressure of influential hotel owners and some business establishments to allow the desecration of Dogra hero. The Sabha also appealed the original residents of Jammu to stand unitedly to thwart machinations of ‘out-side’ elements.

Sabha also said that for the last 50 years there has been continuous process in J&K to relegate aborigines of the state of the wall, destroy local culture, remove all symbols of art, architecture, magnificent building complexes like Sher-Gari, palaces, museums, oldest records depicting actual political upheavels, both in Srinagar and Jammu cities.

Members of the Sabha expressed their resentment over ostrich like behaviour of heirs of Dogra rulers who almost connived with the successive governments over distortion of past history replete with heroic deeds of their fore-fathers.

Sadhotra for special concession to State in civil supplies

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 5: Minister of State for Food & Supplies Mr Ajay Sadhotra has said that National Conference Government has sought special concession for the Jammu and Kashmir state in Civil Supplies from the Centre as this State is passing through a crucial stage.

Addressing the gathering at a felicitation function organised by the Federation of Retailers Associations in the honour of Mr Sadhotra here today, the Minister said that the State has very poor purchasing capacity and it’s facing several crisis in the past ten years of militancy. Several areas are remote and remain snow bound for the months together. Under such circumstances the Food and Supplies authorities have to generate winter stocks every year.

" The Government level talks were held recently over this issue in New Delhi and we hope the Centre would accept our request,’’ Mr Sadhotra said adding that J&K Government is providing the ration (rice/atta) at the uniform rate throughout the State including remote Leh-Ladhakh, Marwah- Dakshin or Gurez-Tangdhar.

Referring to the complaints of adulteration and price difference, the Minister said that concerned agencies have been directed to keep a check on such activity to protect the rights of consumers. At the same time, the government would also watch the interests of the traders/ retailers, he maintained.

He sought the cooperation of the Federation members to identify the dishonest traders and assist the law enforcement agencies. The Government would always try to redress the demands and review their problems as mentioned by the president of the Federation Mr Yash Paul Gupta including single consolidated license issue.

Justifying the hike announced by the NC Government in various traders’ licensing fees, the Minister said it was essential because earlier the annual fee was very nominal. In these days, the hike announced is not sufficient. There has been severe criticism of the price hike announced by the Centre in the food items recently and the NDA Government should review it giving relaxation to J&K. The State, which is far below in self-sufficiency is procuring about 6000 mt. tonns food-grains annually.

Commenting on the situation here he said Pakistan is hell bent to create lawlessness and communal tension in the region. But NC Government has faced the Pak challenged boldly despite the killings of a large number of Party workers by militants. Even by indulging in selective killings, the Pak agents tried their hard to cause communal tension in Jammu and other parts. During Chattisinghpura killings incident, the people of Jammu maintained communal harmony and thwarted all the ill-conceived designs of Pakistan. He appreciated the people of the minority communities here for this gesture.

Earlier, Mr Sadhotra was honoured by offering a shawl and a memento by the president and former president of the Federation. The seating president in his welcome address highlighted several problems of the traders/ retailers and welcomed the chief guest. Vote of Thanks was presented by Mr K. C Jain.

Jammu Cooperative Union defers May 14 elections

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 5: The Jammu and Kashmir Cooperative Union has decided to defer the elections of the Union scheduled to be held on 14th of this month.

As per a release the decision to this effect was taken in the Executive Body meeting of the Union which met here today. The decision to defer the elections was taken in view of the ambiguity in the application of Cooperative Societies Act 1989 for which the relevant rules have not been yet made.

In earlier meeting of the Executive Committee held on March 11 it was decided to hold the elections of the Union in accordance with the

Cooperative Societies Act 1989.

Accordingly the Registrar Cooperative Societies was informed of this decision who in turn requested the Deputy Commissioner Jammu to hold the elections on the scheduled date.

The schedule of elections was drawn in the Union meeting on April 20 and the same was sent to Deputy Commissioner Jammu for information.

The handout said since the Registrar Cooperative Societies has taken recourse to Cooperative Societies Act 1960, which stood repealed in December 5 last year an impasse has been created on the validity of Act of 1960.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 5: Mr Justice O P Sharma of the State High Court Jammu wing has dismissed a petition filed by Small Contractors Association and others against State Forest Corporation (SFC) with the observation that in case any particular office or officials have violated the order, he should have been made a party in the absence of this which no relief can be granted.

Regarding appointment of enquiry commission, while it is always public interest that a Commission of enquiry is appointed by the Government, the Government can interfere where the action of the executive in refusing to appoint or appointing enquiry commission is arbitrary or malafied.

"No such action is challanged by the petitioners. Moreover, the facts disclosed in the petition do not justify exercise of this extra ordinary power. So far as production of record in concerned, which record is required by the petitioners and for what purposes has not be disclosed," the court observed.

The general allegations levelled against as many as 14 officials of State Forest Corporation without naming them, are not enough to admit the petition. The General nature of allegation smack of nothing but malice on the part of the petitioners. The petition is accordingly dismissed being without any merit, it was observed.

These observations were passed in a writ petition filed by Small Contractor Association and others, who were once working for the State Forest Corporation in the exploitation of forests. Their main grievances was that they are being un-necessarily harassed by delaying the payment for the work carried out by them and victimise also because the Corporation preference certain persons whom it wants to give benefit.

They prayed that respondents be directed to allot the compartments for extracting luuber in State Forest Corporation Divisions, Bhaderwah, Ramban, Kishtwar east, Kishtwar west and Udhampur prohibiting the respondents from executing the work in the compartment, which have been illegally and without inviting tenders allotted to the blue eyed boys of the corporation.

Ila, Divya wins Cookery, Salad contests
Grand procession receives ‘Brahma Jyoti’ at Indira Chowk

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 5: A grand procession amidst chanting of hymens and devotional verses received the sacred ‘Brahma Jyoti’ which returned after completing the ‘Parikrama’ touching the districts of Kathua, Udhampur and Rajouri, here this afternoon.

Thereafter, the Jyoti was taken to the Sabha Headquarters. The contingent accompanying the ‘Brahma Jyoti’ expressed satisfaction over the response they got from the people en-route their Parikrama. They were given a touching reception at every point, especially where they had a night stay.

Earlier, in the morning a big contingent took part in the Prabhat Pheri which begin from the Sabha premises and travelled through the old city lanes.

Later, in the afternoon, Cookery and Salad contests were held in the Parshuram Bhawan. In the Cookery, Ila Sharma emerged winners, while Shagun Raina and Ridhi Jain shared the second and third positions. In Salad contest, Divya Khajuria, Pallavi Gupta and Roopali Chopra were adjudged as first second and third respectively.

Meanwhile, all the preparations for the great Shobha Yatra of the Bhagwan Parshuram are in final stage. The Yatra will start from the Sabha Headquarters, Parade tomorrow at 3 pm and pass through various lanes and bazaars of the city.

The cavalcade shall consists of various ‘Jankis’ (tableaux), folk artists and renowned singers from within and other parts of the country. Besides, the locals, the devotees from other parts of Jammu, like Samba, Kathua, Akhnoor, R S Pura, Purkhoo, Bishnah and Vijaypur shall participate in the grand Shobha Yatra.

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