PHE employees stage demonstration

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 24: A massive rally was held by the employees of Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department in front of Chief Engineer’s Office here today in support of their long pending demands.

The demonstrators who have come from different parts of Jammu region shouted slogans demanding immediate redressal of their grievances and genuine demands.

The employees later took out a procession through the main bazars of the City. The procession was led by Mr Bakshi Singh, provincial president PHE Workers Welfare Association. The procession later dispersed peacefully at Shalamar Chowk.

Addressing the demonstrators Mr Bakshi Singh said the employees demands are totally genuine.

He blamed the Government for maintaining a criminal silence on the genuine demands of the PHE employees who have made number of representations to Government till date.

He alleged that not a single daily wager was regularised after the popular Government assumed office in 1996.

While addressing the demonstrators provincial general secretary of the Association Mr Subash Chander alleged that the PHE employees were facing total discrimination as the benefit of two and half days extra pay has been extended to other departments like PDD and Health while PHE is being ignored.

He said the Government has forced the employees for agitation. He warned the next phase of agitation will be announced soon in case the Government failed to redress the demands of the employees.

The employees are demanding the regularisation of daily wagers who have completed seven year service upto March 2000, modification of SRO 380 and upgradation of Class Fourth employees to the post of helpers.

The other demands highlighted by the employees include two and half days extra pay, change in designation of Khalasies and helpers as per their present assignment, the employees be given the benefit under SRO 59 and 149, promotions to field staff against the available vacancies, all daily wagers be paid at the rate of Rs 45 and enhancement of daily wagers rate from Rs 45 to 100.

‘Eak Aur Eak Gyarha’ staged at Abhinav

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 24: "Ek Aur Ek Gyarha"a Hindi play was staged by Theatre Mitra at Abhinav Theatre here today.

The play revolves round an honest man who is trying to keep his all sons together but fails due to the hurdles of dowry system, corruption, unemployment etc and ultimately one day his sons realise that they should unite to reform the society and fight against the evil collectively. Hence they write a poem to strengthen their mutal bonds.

The writer has conceived the play on this poem "Haradan Key Dus Ladkey" and highlight the ill designs of society. The play depicts the problems faced by the unemployed youth who fall a prey in the hands of selfish politicians.

The play has been directed by Sanjay Kapil. He has given appropriate treatment to the play by making good use of artists. Kapil who has also got an award of fellowship from Government of India is an upcoming Director and has a number of good productions to his credit.

On the occasion, Mr Jagmit Namgyal Chief Engineer PDD was the guest of honour and Mr Balwant Thakur Secretary J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages was the chief guest.

In his address Mr Thakur appreciated the efforts of Theatre Mitra in staging such a play.

The other artists who justified their characters were Rajesh Raina, Vandhana Sharma, Suresh Sharma, Ajay Sharma and Rajinder Narang.

Rich tributes paid to Mirpur martyrs

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 24: Rich tributes were paid to martyrs of Mirpur who laid down their lives during the capture of the Mirpur by Pakistani invaders on this day in 1947 at a special function held at Gurdwara Bakshi Nagar here today.

The speakers while paying their homage to these martyrs said that they fought with valour till their last breath for the protection of their honour and motherland.

In his introductory speech Dr Gurmeet Sing, general secretary of the Mirpur Sikh Foundation of India while highlighting the sacrifices of the brave people of Mirpur regretted that Government has not so far given recognition to these martyrs.

Dr Kulwant Singh retd, Director Animal Husbandry while narrating the woeful tale of the fall of Mirpur said hundreds of people including women and children were killed by invaders.

He said though 1947 came with a message of freedom for others but destruction for Mirpuris. The terror stricken people were forced to leave every thing at Mirpur and run for safety, he added.

He alleged that it is a pity that Mirpur refugees have till date been deprived of the compensation of the land and property left by them in PoK.

He demanded that a resolution be adopted by the Foundation to demand freedom fighters status for Mirpuris who should be given reservation in professional institutions and Government jobs.

He also urged the Foundation members to take the cause forward by launching a peaceful agitation.

The speakers also expressed grave concern over the stepmotherly treatment of successive Central and State Governments who have failed to redress the miseries of refugees of 1947 from POK. They demanded immediate release of meager relief package announced by the Central Government.

On the occasion a Bog and Akhand Path Sahib was conducted in the Gurdwara in memory of these martyrs.

Prominent among others who addressed the gathering include Ms Krishna Gupta, Mr Ramesh Chunni, S Mohan Singh, ex Municipal Councilor, C D Gupta, S H S Bahri, (rtd) District Session Judge and president MSFI, and P S Bindra, secretary MSFI.

Balwant Thakur selected for Sangeet Natak
Akademi Award

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 24: Renowned theatrist, Mr Balwant Thakur has been selected for this year’s Sangeet Natak Akademi Award -highest Indian honour in performing arts. He is the first theatre director of Jammu who is being conferred this prestigious honour for his significant and highly innovative contribution in the field of contemporary Indian theatre.

Mr Balwant Thakur is the second Jammuite after Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma (Santoor player) to receive this high profile distinction for Duggarland. The artistic and cultural community of the State is jubilant about this achievement and consider it as another feather to the Country’s Crown.

Born in 1960 in Reasi, Mr Thakur has broken all time records to be the youngest Indian theatre director to receive this honour. He also has the credit of being the youngest among other Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee this year.

He started theatre during his school days in Reasi in the year 1975 and has the credit of having participated in 70 National Theatre Festivals which is the highest record in the country. A product of Jammu University, he took up theatre as full-time profession and became the first theatre professional of the State by directing over 100 plays and has the credit of being the first man from Jammu and Kashmir who received the ‘Sanskrit Award’ in the year 1992. In the year 1986, he created history by being the first theatre director of Jammu who took the Dogri theatre with the play Bawa-Jitto to the national level and also broken all time records being the youngest theatre director in India to reach the National festival.

A recipient of National Senior Fellowship of Government of India was also awarded the Ford Foundation, USA, fellowship in the year 1992 for his innovative experiments in theatre. Earlier he won the best director awards for the years 1985, 1986 and 1987 in all India Cultural competitions. His productions also received State Academy Awards for the years 1983, 1984, 1985 and 1986.

For his outstanding contribution in theatre in particular and for the development of culture of J&K State as a whole, he was conferred ‘Guru Shree Samman’, All India Citizens Award, Dogri Sanstha Samman etc. Mr Thakur will receive the Sangat Natak Akademi Award at Rashtrapati Bhawan from the President of India.

Function held at S K Police Academy to
accord farewell to DGP

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov. 24: A farewell function was organised in Sher-I-Kashmir Police Academy Udhampur, today on the eve of transfer of Mr Gurbachan Jagat DGP J&K.

An impressive farewell parade comprising contingents of all trainee courses including Prob. Sub Inspectors, Commandos, Un-armed Combat was held. Mr Gurbachan Jagat DGP J&K took the salute.

Mr Gurbachan Jagat DGP in his farewell address highlighted the sacrifices made by the force, its dedication, loyalty and high traditions. He said that his stint in J&K was the best period of his career and he will cherish found memories and experiences of the force. He said that men and officers of J&K Police were second to none in the country and ready to make any sacrifices in the line of duty. He appreciated the stellar role played by the Academy to bring J&K Police to this level and prepare it for future challenges of the country. He made special mention of various innovations and achievements by the Academy in academics, professionalism and computers.

Earlier Mr Masud Choudhary Director S K Police Academy recounted the achievements of J&K Police in fight against militancy, professionalism and steps taken for welfare of the force during the tenure of Mr Gurbachan Jagat lasting about 4 years. On behalf of the staff of the Academy he wished him success in his new and important assignment of DGP BSF. A memento was presented to Mr Gurbachan Jagat DGP J&K by Director S K Police Academy as a token of love and affection from the State police and Academy.

All the officers from Academy and Senior officers from Jammu, Udhampur and Doda including Mr R V Raju IGP Jammu Zone, Mr S K Mishra DIG Doda Udhampur Range, Mr Naresh Gour, DIG BSF, Udhampur, Mr Farooq Ahmad AIG (P) PHQ, Mr Mohd Syed Khan Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, Mr Satvir Gupta SSP Udhampur, Mr Ashkoor Wani SSP Doda, Mr A K Choudhary Comdt. IRP IV Btn. Reasi, Mr Satish Khandare SP Reasi/Mohre, Mr Saji Mohan S P Ramban, Mr Surinder Gupta Addl. SP Udhampur etc. attended the function. Besides this, Army and para-military force officers graced the function.

CM visits killed truckers families
Vested interests raising castles over innocent
blood: Farooq

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov. 24: Dr Abdullah today said that Pakistan and some vested interests and creating hurdles in the progress of peace process and want pot boiling in Jammu and Kashmir for fulfillment of their designs.

Consoling the wailing family members of S Darshan Singh, the Chief Minister announced tha the Govenrment would provide monthly cash assistance for the education of his children.

He also visited the residence of S Satwainder Singh alias Vicky at Bhore Camp and assured his widowed mother of assistance and job for the younger son.

Deputy Chairman, Legislative Council S Harbans Singh and Chairman, All Jamu and Kashmir Motor Transport Companies Association S T S Wazir accompanied the Chief Minister.

Talking to a large number of mourners at Chatta and Bhore Camp, the native place of the victims of the Tuesday carnage, Dr Abdullah said that some elements are, in fact, thriving on militancy, adding that perpetrators of violence have raised castles over the blod of innocent and poor people. "How could they like normalcy drawning the Stat,' he asked.

The Chief Minister said that a war is being foguht and in this situation it a difficult to diferentiate between friend and a foe. He asked peo-le to remain vigilant against such elements who want to divide people and create mistrust.

Dr Farooq Abdullah visited Chata and Bhore camp in the outskirts of Jammu to personally condole the brutual killing of truckers by militants on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway Tuesday night.

PDP welcomes OM's truce
Mehbooba apprehends sabotage by NC

From Ajaz Hussain

BARAMULLA, Nov. 24: Appreciating the Prime Minister of India, Atal Behari Vajpayee, for declaration of unilateral ceasefire during the Holy Month of Ramzan, president of Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Union Home Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, said that indefatigable struggle of people of the State had led the Centre to start realising ground realities here. He said that Indian Army chief Gen. Padmanaban's remarks that Kashmir was a political problem, was a beginning and PM's offer of ceasefire a ray of hope to settle the Kashmir problem once for all. "It is a good omen that ceasefire has been endorsed by Hurriyat Conference and the newspapers in Pakistan,'' Mufti said, hoping all militant organisations include the Hizbul Mujahideen would also welcome it.

Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, who seems all time busy in reaching to public to mobilise public mood for participating in Panchayat elections to be held in January next year, was addressing a public meeting at Reban in Rafiabad assembly constituency here. He said that like the last ceasefire by HM the recent offer of the centre had started infusing hope in people. "Holy month of Ramzan has given us a good chance and public opinion has to be mobilised for peace,'' he said adding PDP believes that ceasefire should subsequently culminate into unconditional and logical dialogue. He reiterated PDP's stand that politics in Kashmir had to more beyond the gun and meaningful dialogue could only resolve the Kashmir imbroglio. "Na bandooq se, na goli say, baat sirf boli say baneygi, was Mufti's slogan. Urging the people not to lose this opportunity, he said that certain vested interests in India as well as in Pakistan were at it that peace should not return to the "lost paradise.'' People of the State have great responsibility as change is in the offing and PDP is striving for changing the fate of the people of the State,'' he asserted. Mufti praised the Government of India for allowing Hurriyat Conference leader A G Lone to visit Pakistan. "Initiatives have to be taken to allow Kashmiris on either side to meet,'' he said adding that such confidence building measures would relax the atmosphere in Kashmir.

Suspecing the intentions of NC Governments holding Panchayat elections in the Winters, he warned that past prevalent practices of poll rigging and booth capturing during the elections would increase the alienation of people towards democratic system. "Panchayat elections are important. If you wouldn't participate you will continue to suffer,'' he argued. He appealed to the public to choose able, honest and dedicated persons for civic bodies. PDP firebrand and vice-president Mehbooba Mufti while welcoming the ceasefire offer, cautioned the people of some elements'' with sinister designs to sabotage peace deal in Kashmir. "Again history has been repeated. Innocent truckers were killed when ceasefire was in pipeline,'' she said asking "why at all such killings are done and who carries them at a time when vis-a-vis an initiative is taken.''

Making a strong dig at the NC Government, she said that it was never serious in talks and at many time sobotaged the process. "Last 25 years have proved that NC is a sheer failure and now it is a high time to look for an alternative,'' she lamented. Mehbooba argued that every year hafty amount was allocated to the State but Government beat drums that "State is facing financial crunch.'' "Only last year 3300 crores were released by the Centre, where we are they spent?'', she asked.

Mehbooba Mufti said that unemployment was on ever increase and youths were disillusioned due the wrong policies of the NC Government. "NC patronage is needed for Government recruitments. Leaders of the party grab money from people and round up the case with the helping hand of task force,'' she alleged.

Mehbooba lambasted at security forces and special operations group saying "they are instrumental in complicating the situation in the State.'' "Now we can see threat gender proportion is imbalancing as everyday scores of youth get killed,'' she concerned adding "even such attrocities didn't happen during the infamous period of Jagmohan.'' While repeating the PDP's stand that meaningful dialogue should be initiated between all the representative parties, she appealed to the masses to realise the essence of peace strive for it.

Other party leaders who spoke at the occasion were PDP Gen Secretary Ch. Nabi Mir Lasjan, PDP State teasurer Sheikh Ch Qadir Pardisi, and PDP District president Nazir Hussain Khan.

Benetton sponsored players selected for USA

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 24: United Colours of Benetton a fashion garment house had sponsored and given opportunity to the four member J&K team for the second national dance and fitness championship which was held at Gawalior.

It was a matter of pride for people of the J&K that all the four sports persons were selected by Mr Christofer Riles, the Director of the American Aerobics Association for the grand finale to be held at Hollywood in USA.

The prominent personalities of Jammu helped in donating the money for the players to go to USA. The team was sponsored by the Minister of State for Civil Aviation Prof Chaman Lal Gupta and Managing Director of United Colors of Benetton, Mr Prem Dewan, Ashok Bamba, Sanjay Aggarwal, Mr Goel and Mr Sethi.

However, the sports persons all over India are being demanded visa by the American Embassy. The people of the J&K have criticised the US Embassy role and they have decided to take up the mater with US Ambassador.

Parshotam re-elected president of Ranbir
Press Employees Asso

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 24: Parshotam Sharma has been re-elected as president, while Romesh Kumar Sharma has became the general secretary Ranbir Government Press Employees Association for which elections were held at the press premises, here today.

For the post of president, Parshotam had a close fight with his nearest rival Parshotam Singh Chib, whereas Romesh Sharma won with highest margin of 53 votes.

Out of the 205 valid votes polled, Parshotam Sharma got 107, while his nearest rival Parshotam Singh polled 89, thus losing his election by a margin of 18 votes. Other three candidates fighting for the post of president were unable to fetch good number of votes. Babu Ram polled 13 votes, while Anil Kumar (6) and Rattan Lal Dogra (1) failed to touch the double figure mark.

For the post of general secretary, three candidates had filed nominations. And Romesh Sharma, who made maiden entry into the Association made a clean sweep in his favour by getting highest 119 votes against his main rival Ghani Sham Sharma, who got 66 votes. Sanjay Koul Babu finished third with 31 votes in his pocket.

Whereas, for the post of publicity secretary, Ram Pal was emerged winner beating Mool Raj by 47 votes. Ram Pal polled 131 votes, while Mool Raj got 84.

Today’s election was held only for three posts out of a total of six office bearers. Three candidates were elected unopposed. They are Bal Krishan Magotra for the post of vice-president, Mrs Nirmal Sharma, joint secretary and Mrs Krishna Parmar as cashier.

The oath ceremony and taking over and handing over ceremonies will be held on November 27 at 11 am at the press premises, said the secretary to chairman of the Election Committee, Mr Ram Kumar.

Earlier, after a day long process, the polling was completed at 2.30 pm in a fool proof and conducive atmosphere at the press premises under the supervision of election committee chairman Mr Bashir Ahmed Bhatt. And out of the total 241 votes, 221 votes were polled. As many as 16 votes were declared invalid and the results were announced out of the remaining 205 valid votes by the Election Committee.

The Ranbir Government Press Employees Association which was registered in 1972, is holding its election every year in democratic manner.

Meanwhile, the General Manager, Ranbir Government Press, Jammu, Mr K K Malagar talking to EXCELSIOR has appreciated the employees for holding the elections in a democratic manner. He said that electing the persons with good reputation, character and vision is always good for the welfare of the employees in general and for the development of the organisation in particular.

Employees body in the Ranbir Government press had always assisted and cooperated the administration in achieving its goals in the difficult times. He concluded with saying that, "any way we have good relations with our employees and their leadership".

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