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intrusion Police, BSF review border situation in Samba sector Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 19: In view of the threat perception on the eve of coming Diwali and opening of civil secretariat....more Tributes
paid to Sir Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 19: Sir Syed Ahmed Khan not only envisioned progressive India with both Hindu and Muslim communities .....more Musical
night organized Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 19: A Musical night was held at Hari Niwas Palace Hotel by Touchwood Entertainments....more Amarnath
Shrine Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 19: Chief Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah said that Shri Amarnath Shrine .......more Corporations
for Jammu, Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 19: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today unanimously passed.....more |
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Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 19: The Deputy Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Malik Ghulam Hyder today adjourned the House sine die.......more Legislative
Council Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 19: The Chairman, Legislative Council, Mr Abdul Rashid Dar today adjourned the House sine-die........more Comprehensive
project Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 19: A comprehensive project is being formulated under Technology Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture in Jammu and Kashmir. The......more Farooq
assures jobs Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 19: Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah today assured legislative assembly that over 400 employees of Jammu division, terminated recently, would be absorbed...........more |
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of History organises intro-cum-farewell party.... Students
pledge to maintain communal harmony Mediamen
manhandled by agitators Tripartite
talks on Kashmir demanded |
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Joint strategy evolved to
contain intrusion Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 19: In view of the threat perception on the eve of coming Diwali and opening of civil secretariat in the winter capital, the Inspector General of Police Jammu Zone Mr R V Raju, DIG—Jammu-Kathua Range Dr S P Vaid and DIG Border Security Force, Jammu sector Mr Ashok Sethi visited several border posts in Samba and Ramgarh area today and reviewed border situation. An official spokesman said that in order to evolve joint strategy to contain infiltration of Pak militants alongwith arms and explosives into this side of the border, the top security officials today discussed certain important gradients and also devices various measures to plug the infiltration routes of the Pak saboteurs along river beds of Basantar, Devak and other vulnerable areas of Ramgarh, R S Pura and Samba. Newly appointed SP Jammu Border District, Mr M K Sinha and Commandant of 39 Battalion BSF apprised the senior officers about the security measures taken by them in their respective areas of operation. The locals field commanders also briefed the seniors about the situation prevailing in the border sector. Mr Sethi sought the cooperation of border police in manning some areas and it was decided to work jointly and intensify patrolling and seek public cooperation to develop intelligence about the movements and activities of the Pak agents, saboteurs and other bad charactered elements. The police may launch drive against suspects and other persons with criminal background. The spokesman said that the officials also visited some forward areas of Samba and Ramgarh including S M Pur, Slampur and Chabliyal. The ways were discussed with the field commanders of BSF and local police officers to evolve system to react jointly in case of any strike or movement of the militants. The intelligence inputs have indicated that militants were planning to strike in the sector in the coming days and some explosive material was likely to be pushed into this side through riverine areas. Additional nakkas are being laid and general alert has been already been sounded. SSP Border, Mr Sinha and Mr Ashok Sethi, Sector Commander BSF when contacted said that peace was prevailing in the area and the public was coordinating fully with the security agencies. He said that in view of the threat perception, elaborate security arrangements have been made to thwart the intrusion attempts of the saboteurs and the militants through Samba sector. |
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Tributes paid to Sir Syed Ahmed Khan Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 19: Sir Syed Ahmed Khan not only envisioned progressive India with both Hindu and Muslim communities marching forward hand in hand but also made a concrete beginning by establishing Aligarh Muslim University to realize his dream. These views were shared by the eminent speakers in a function organised by Rasa Javedani Memorial Literary Society to pay glowing tributes to Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, a social reformer, educationist and founder of Aligarh Muslim University on his 184th birth anniversary here today. The function was presided over by society president Dr Shoaib Inayat Malik. Mr Aseer Kishtwari, general secretary and Mrs Iqbal Malik also shared the presidium. While paying tributes to Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Mr Aseer Kishtwari said Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was the first person to bring a renaissance in the out look of Indian Muslims. He was the first one to realize that there was no way out to become progressive other than to seize the weapons of scientific education and technology to counter the threat posed by Britishers to the existence of various religions, particularly Islam, Mr Aseer added. Mrs Iqbal Malik said many aspects of the multi-dimensional personality of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan still need to be explored. Sir Syed talked of hard realities and this made him a great visionary. In his presidential address Dr Shoaib Malik said both Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Iqbal contributed to the community and the nation in their own way. Sir Syed Ahmed was practical in his approach. He always maintained that Muslims should have their distinct identity and this could be achieved only by adopting a progressive out look in religion as well as in education, Dr Malik said adding that Sir Syed was secular to the core of his heart as he not only imagined modern India marching ahead in all sectors but also strived hard to make it a reality. Earlier in his welcome address Mr Javed Rahi described Sir Syed Ahmed Khan a great educationist, a politician and a revolutionary. Others who spoke on the occasion included Messrs Nadeem Kishtwari, Karnail Singh, Chaman Lal and Liyaquat Ali Shah. Vote of thanks was presented by cultural secretary of the Society Mr Ravi Thakur. |
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Musical night organized at Hari Niwas Palace Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 19: A Musical night was held at Hari Niwas Palace Hotel by Touchwood Entertainments and Kavach Entertainments on Wednesday. The artists of reputed fame like Gursewak Mann, Sukha, Dynamites, Joshilay Mukesh performed the heart throbbing sequences of dance and song. They enthralled the audience through their melodious voice. The show was sponsored by Panama, Golden Tobacco Co, Jay Pee Share, Shoppe, Pepsi Car World, Dowell’s, IFB, Document 2000, STG, Royal Chefs on Wheels, Sony Polyplast Pvt Ltd (distributors for Laopala). The audience appreciated the musical night as there was a complete family like atmosphere, thanks to the cooperation extended by J&K Police. Regional Manager of Golden Tobacco Co, Mr Arun Sharma, Jay Pee Share Shoppe’s Director Mr Ajay Kapoor and Director Kavach Entertainments Mr N S Pachnanda welcomed the artists and wished a good luck in future for organizing such a musical night in a congenial atmosphere. The stay of artists was sponsored by K C Residency. |
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Amarnath Shrine Board Bill passed Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 19: Chief Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah said that Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, proposed to be set up under an Act aimed at providing much better facilities to the pilgrims. Allaying the apprehensions of Mr G S Jamwal that under the given security scenario, the Board may not be able to manage the Yatra more effectively and that the Government is shirking from its responsibilities. The Chief Minister said the Government will provide all necessary support and help to the Board to discharge its responsibilities. He said the Government’s role would continue as in the case of Mata Shri Vaishnov Devi Shrine Board adding that besides providing security cover, a Government officer would be there to look into its proper management. There will be financial input of Rs.5 crore to Rs. 6 crores from government side, he added.. Dr. Abdullah said that the Board could help in creating better road, civic and other facilities besides constructing permanent structures, which could withstand heavy snow and other vagaries of weather all along the mountainous path. He said we are also keen to see the development of the shrine cave and hoped the Board will take steps to ensure existence of Shivlingam in the cave during whole Yatra period. Even, it would take up work for the construction of rope ways for the old and sick pilgrims. Replying to a point raised by S. Harbans Singh, the Chief Minister said whatever money pilgrims donate and offer that was being shared by Pandits and Maliks alone and no one else knows about its utilisation for the yatra. The Board, would go a long way in the better management of the Yatra and creating permanent facilities on the track for the pilgrims. The Bill for the Constitution of a Board was moved by the Minister for Tourism, Mr S. S. Salathia in the House and was later passed with voice vote. The Bill has already been passed by the Legislative Assembly. |
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Corporations for Jammu,
Srinagar, Municipalities/ Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 19: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today unanimously passed J&K Municipal Bill and J&K Municipal Corporation Bill. The Bills were moved in the House by the Housing and Urban Development Minister, Mr Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Shah, for which the extended sitting of the session was held today. Replying to the debate on these Bills, the Minister said that Corporation Bill provides for Municipal Corporation for to cities having population of more than 4 lakhs. The Capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar will now have Corporations replacing Municipal Councils. The Corporation have counsellors not exceeding 75 each representing a ward having population more than 7500. Some seats shall be reserved for SCs, STs and Women. The Corporation shall be headed by Mayor and Deputy Mayor whose term shall be for one year. The Government shall appoint Municipal Commissioner and Joint Commissioner to carry out the administration of the Corporation and they will have three years term. The councillors will have five years tenure. The Corporation shall have greater powers of levies and taxes. Allaying apprehensions of the members on the provision for nomination for three councillors, Mr Shah said the these nominated person will have no voting rights. The nomination shall be made amongst persons having special knowledge of municipal administration to each Corporation and five members from Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Other Backward Classes (SC/ST & OBC) to each Municipal Council if any section of population remains un-represented. But they will have no voting rights. There is no intention of making the back door entry into the Corporation. Such provisions are kept in the Act to meet any eventuality. Mr Shah said that the elections to the Municipal Corporations, Municipalities and Councils would be held soon under the State Election machinery to make these bodies fully representative. He said with the passage of these two Bills the long standing commitment of the Government has been fulfilled. The underline spirit of these upgraded bodies is to make them financially more viable as well as accountable to the people. The Municipal Corporation Act provides for setting up of a Municipal Finance Commission which will suggest measure for mopping up resources. The Housing and Urban Development Minister said that the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Bill - 2000 provides for formation of Municipal Committees for small towns and Municipal Councils for medium towns in the State. He said all Town Area Committees shall be converted into Municipal Councils and all Notified Area Committees into Municipal Committees. Regarding the composition of Municipalities, the Minister said that each Municipality shall consist of not less than seven Members as per the population ratio specified in the Act. The towns having population not exceeding 20,000 will have a Municipal Committee with 13 members while the towns with a population of 50,000 shall have 17 members. Towns with one lakh population shall have 21 members and cities having population of 2 lakhs shall have 25 members. Towns with a population between two and five lakhs shall have 27 members and those having population exceeding 5 lakhs shall have 30 members. He said the term of office of members of the Municipalities and Municipality Councils shall also be 5 years. The President and Vice-President shall also have a 5 year’s tenure. Regarding financial position of the Municipalities, he said, a Finance Commission will be set up to review and recommend the distribution of proceeds of taxes, duties, tolls and fee between Government and Municipalities. The Commission would also recommend assignation and appropriation of taxes to Municipalities and suggest measures to improve financial position of Municipalities and grant-in-aid. Later briefing the media persons about the Bills, Mr Shah said that it has also been enshrined in the Bills that Government may nominate and reserve seats of chairpersons belonging to SC/ST & OBC on Municipal Councils and Municipal Committees in rotation. The twin Bills are a sequel to the 74th amendment to the Indian Constitution and the Godbole Report recommending upgradation of the Municipal Committees to Municipal Corporation. He said the Chief Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah was very serious to have these Bills passed during the current session of the Legislator as the Government in a true democratic spirit wants devolution of authority. Regarding the status of the Mayor, Mr Shah said he will be head of the city and would be receiving all dignitaries. His status vis-a-vis Cabinet Minister will be determinant while formulating rules under act. Replying questions on elections to the Corporations, the Minister said that the Act makes it mandatory on the Government to hold elections within six month of the Act coming into force. As regards Municipality and Councils same is the provision. It has been provided that elections must be held within six months of the dissolution or before end of the duration. The State has at present five TACs and 62 NACs. The TACs will have municipalities while NACs will have municipal committees. Poonch which was already a municipality, will continue to be so raising the number of municipalities to six. About 21 Members participated in the discussion on the Bills and congratulated Dr. Farooq Abdullah and his Government for bringing these legislations in the House which aim at strengthening and improving the functioning of civic bodies in the State. The Members who took part in the lively discussion on the Bill include Mr Shiv Charan Gupta, Mr Safdar Ali Beig, Mr Ashok Sharma, Mr G. M. Bhawan, Ch. Lal Singh, Mujahid Mohammad Abdullah, Mr Jagjivan Lal, Ch. Piara Singh, Qazi Jalal-ud-Din, Mir Saifullah, Mr Mushtaq Ahmad Bukhari, Mr Mohammad Syed Akhoon, Mr Ashok Khajuria, Mr Prithvi Chand, Mr Abdul Gani Naseem, Mr G. M Jan and Mrs Zubida Salaria. |
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Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 19: The Deputy Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Malik Ghulam Hyder today adjourned the House sine die. Earlier, the Deputy Speaker while giving a brief resume of the proceedings of the Session said that the House received a total number of 14 Bills of which, 13 Bills were passed while one Bill was referred to Select Committee. He said out of 30 Calling Attention Notices, 8 were taken up while 3 notices were disallowed. The reply to remaining Call Attention Notices is awaited. The Deputy Speaker informed that the House received 804 questions of which 327 starred, 239 un-starred, 92 question were disallowed whereas 67 questions were answered. He said the House also received 37 resolutions and admitted, 6 resolutions disallowed, 7 balloted, two taken up in the House, two resolutions withdrawn and 5 elapsed. In addition, one short duration discussion was also received which was admitted and taken up for discussion in the House. Mr Hyder said that the papers laid on the table of the House include Appropriation accounts and Finance accounts for the year 1999-2000, Action Taken Report of the House Committee to look into the default in the advancement and recovery of loans by the J&K State Financial Corporation, 37th Annual Report of Public Service Commission for the year 1993-94, 38th Annual Report of Public Service Commission for the year 1994-95 and the Kashmir and Jammu Universities (amendment) Ordinance, 2000. |
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Legislative Council adjourns sine die Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 19: The Chairman, Legislative Council, Mr Abdul Rashid Dar today adjourned the House sine-die. Earlier, giving a resume of the business transacted by the Council, the Chairman said during eleven days of the autumn session, 225 starred and 21 un-starred questions were received. Out of these, 204 starred and 20 un-starred questions were admitted. He said four half an hour discussions and an equal number of resolutions were also received in the House. Of these, two half an hour discussions and two resolutions were admitted. One calling attention notice was also received, admitted and discussed. The House also received eleven Bills from the Assembly, which were passed and returned during the session. The Chairman thanked the members of the Council and Ministers for extending their all cooperation in the smooth conducting the proceedings of House. He also thanked the officers and staff of the Legislative Council for attending to their duties dedicatedly. The Chairman also thanked the media including Doordarshan, Radio, Information Department and the Press for giving wide publicity to the proceedings of the House. The Deputy Chairman, Legislative Council, Mr Harbans Singh also thanked the media for providing best coverage to the day to day proceedings of the House. |
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Comprehensive project for
horticulture Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 19: A comprehensive project is being formulated under Technology Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture in Jammu and Kashmir. The project will be sent to the Centre for funding shortly. This was stated by the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Ch. Mohammad Ramzan at a joint meeting of fruit growers of Kashmir valley and senior officers of Horticulture Department held at SKICC today to discuss problems facing fruit growers in the State. The Minister said the proposed project aims at to improve productivity and quality of horticulture produce by adopting latest farming technologies besides, reducing post harvest losses and enhance marketability. In addition, the project will also help to promote better utilization and increase consumption of the produce resulting in high return to the growers. It will also increase export of state’s horticulture produce thereby creating a strong base for transfer of technology from those countries, which have acquired expertise in the field. The Minister said that Government is making all out efforts to tap international market for export of Kashmiri fruit to help growers to sell their produce at remunerative prices. He said that a team of horticulture officers and fruit growers is shortly being sent to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh for the purpose. The Minister said that Government is also contemplating construction of cold storages in the State to save the growers from going in for distress sale, which result in low price of their produce. He said the State has a vast potential for development of horticulture and stressed the need for cultivation of walnuts in a big way, as walnut is a major source of earning revenue in foreign exchange. Ch Ramzan has said that 16 satellite markets and two terminal mandis are being set up in the State with financial assistance from NABARD. He said that possession of the land in most of the cases have been taken while in some cases the process of acquisition is at final stage. Referring to the demand of declaring fruit trade as an industry in the State, the Minister said that the State Government was actively persuing the matter with the Centre and the Reserve Bank of India. He said the horticulture is an important sector, which sustained the economy during the decade long turmoil in the State. He said the matter regarding waiving off loans and remission of bank interests is being persued with the concerned agencies vigorously. He said the market investment scheme for C and D grade apple is also under consideration of the Government. He said an apple concentrate plant has already been set up in the private sector while a food park is being set up at Khnonmoh shortly for this purpose. The Minister asked the growers to take full advantage of the schemes launched by the Centre for development of infrastructure like construction of grading sheds and cold storages on which 50 per cent subsidy is being provided to the fruit growers. He said for ensuring availability of quality fungicides and pesticides, a separate Enforcement Directorate is being established in the State shortly. The Financial Commissioner, Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr I S Malhi, Registrar Cooperatives, Managing Director, Horticulture Marketing and Planning, Managing Director, JKHPMC and Special Secretary, Agriculture were among others present. |
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Farooq assures jobs for sacked employees Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 19: Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah today assured legislative assembly that over 400 employees of Jammu division, terminated recently, would be absorbed in Government service soon. The Chief Minister was responding to demand by some BJP members in the last sitting of autumn session of the assembly this morning. Replying to a query by Mr Prem Lal about problems of people living in border areas in the wake of Pak shelling, Dr Abdullah said the legislators of border areas would be given opportunity to air their views before the union home minister and the union defence minister during their visit to Srinagar on Sunday. Their visit will provide an occasion to seek redress of long pending grievances especially of border areas, he added. |
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PG Deptt of History organises intro-cum-farewell party Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 19: Post Graduation Department of History, Jammu University today organised intro-cum-farewell party in the Campus auditorium to get freshers introduced with their seniors officially. Group songs, Bhangra, Punjabi pop, and modeling session were the main attractions of the colourful function which was highly appreciated by the jam packed audience. Unique sequence dance on different hit numbers like "Main Jat Yamla Pagla Deewana", " Khai Ke Pan Banaras Wala", I Am A Disco Dancer" and "Kisi Disco Mein Jayen, Kisi Hotel Mein Khaen", enthralled the crowd. Freshers were summoned on the dice and asked to give their introduction. Outgoing seniors were also called on the stage and requested to share their experience with the juniors. Both freshers and outgoing seniors were presented roses as token of love and affection. The programme commenced with lighting of traditional lamp by the chief guest Prof Jigar Mohammed, Head of History Department after which Saraswati Vandhna was performed. It was followed by various colourful items presented by the freshers as well as seniors. On repeated demand of the crowd, all time favourite Manveer Singh Lali and Narinder Wazir were specially invited to perform on the stage who mesmerized audience with their melodious voice. Tanveer Ahmed Mugal entertained with his mimicry of prominent Bollywood personalities. He also sang " Hum Bewafa Hargiz Na The, Par Hum Wafa Kar Na Sake" and got a lot of applause from the audience. Sangeeta and Ravi performed dance on the number " Main Teri Dushman Dusham Tu Mera Main Nagin Tu Sapera" while a group dance on " Churi Jo Khanki Hathon Mein Yaad Piya Ki Aane Lagi Bhigi Bhigi Raton Mein" captivated jam packed crowd. Fresher "doll" Anjala Qureshi hypnotized listeners with her " Eak Ho Gaye Hum Aur Tum, To Ur Gae Neende Re, Aur Khanki Payan Masti Mein To Kangan Khanke Re". Bold and beautiful Miss Aarti, another fresher, aroused patriotic feelings by reciting a poem in the memory of Kargil war heroes. Neha presented dance on hit song " Nimora Nimora" of film `Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ while Aatiya recited a beautiful Gazal" Jab Bhi Pi Kar Maikhane Se Hum Chale, Saath Le Kar Sainkron Aalam Chale". A modeling session was also held in which students attired in beautiful dresses made a walk on the dice. The function concluded with a group song " Chalte Chalte Mere Ye Geet Yaad Rakhna, Kabhi Alvida Na Kahna". The colourful function, which started two hours late than the scheduled time, was very much interesting otherwise. Light system was well arranged and the comperers Anu and Anjum Bhola managed the staged properly. Dr Nirmal Singh and Anita Billowria were in the panel of judges. |
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Students pledge to
maintain communal harmony Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Oct 19: Over 2000 students from eight schools of Tehsil Budhal participated in a rally yesterday to maintain communal harmony in this remote and sensitive area. The rally was organized by Modern Cultural Club in collaboration with Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Government of India. It was flagged off by M S Karki, Officiating Deputy Commandant Army Budhal Brigade. This was the first occasion in last 11 year long militancy in this remote area that locals participated in such a big rally. The rally started from Jama Masjid Budhal and after passing through different parts of this tiny township it culminated in front of Girls High School Budhal. As the rally was flagged off by the Mr Karki, the slogans like "Azad Hindustan Zindabad", "Hindu, Muslim Bhai, Bhai"and "Desh Ki Raksha Kon Karey Ga, Ham Karain Gai, Ham Karain Gai’’ rent the air. After the culmination of the rally a cultural programme was held on national integration. Mr Shakoor Ahmed Maliq a senior citizen and Rajiv Khajuria Programme co-ordinator Cultural Club delivered speeches on national integration. In their address they said people of the country irrespective of their religion, caste and creed have to join hands in strengthening the national unity and integrity as was done in freedom struggle. They said the militancy gave a severe jolt to the development of the state and people in remote areas suffered a lot. Earlier in his address Mr M S Karki highly appreciated the spirit of the school children and youth who took part in the rally. He thanked the Modern Cultural Club and Youth Affairs Department for organizing such a function on national integration in this remote and backward area. He expressed the hope that such functions will also be held in future. He while assuring full support to people in mitigating their sufferings asked them to remain vigilant against the enemy who is bent upon to disturb peace in the state. The Army officer distributed cash prizes among the students who participated in cultural function. This function was preceded by a workshop on communal harmony which was held in Girls High School Budhal yesterday. |
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Assure
support to wool combers, migrant students Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 19: To register its protest against the hike in prices of petroleum products and essential commodities the Congress-I today took out a rally in the City. The rally was led by Party general secretary, Mr Hari Singh and Party vice president Mr Gulchain Singh Charak. It started from PCC Headquarters at Shaheedi Chowk and after passing through Raghunath Bazar, Purani Mandi, Link Road and Jain Bazar culminated in front of Divisional Commissioner’s Office after handing over a memorandum to him. The memorandum was addressed to Governor of the State. The Congress activists with placards and banners in their hands were shouting anti BJP and anti National Conference Government slogans. As the rally left the Shaheedi Chowk slogans like, Farooq, Advani—Hai Hai and "Thakat Badaldo, Taj Badaldo Yeh Nikami Sarkar Badaldo" rent the air. Addressing the rally in front of Divisional Commissioner’s Office, Mr Hari Singh alleged that the situation in the country has turned from bad to worse since the NDA Government came to power at Centre. He warned that the country has a bleak future if BJP and its allies continue to remain in power. He said they promised rosy future, assured to control rising prices and improvement in economy but after coming to power the NDA has miserably failed to address effectively the issues facing the country on all fronts. He alleged that the gap between the rich and poor has increased during the NDA rule and its leadership has wasted the full one year by acceding to the interests of power brokers and external pressure. He said the Congress is extremely distressed over the plight of weaker sections and farming community in the country as both these important segments of the society have been crushed by exhorbitant rise in prices of essential commodities under PDS, cut in subsidies and rise in petroleum products and fertilizer prices and open door policy of imports. He said inflation rate has reached six percent and fiscal deficit is going out of control. He while lambasting at NDA Government took it to task for its much published policy of disinvestment. Among others the rally was addressed by Messrs Madan Lal Sharma former Minister, Om Chopra, district president, Janak Raj Gupta former MP, Ms Suran Lata ex Minister, Anil Chopra, Manmohan Singh, general secretary PYC, Sardari Lal Mehra, Darshhan Raina ex secretary PCC, Rajeev Saraf NSUI chief, Arvinder Singh Niki, vice president Youth Congress and Ashwani Puri, spokesman Youth Congress. Later the Congress leaders also addressed the agitating workers of Himalayan Wool Combers whose dharna entered the 65th day today and Camp College students who are sitting on chain Hunger strike in front of Divisional Commissioner’s Office. They assured full support to both agitating wool combers and migrant students in their struggle and termed their agitation genuine. They criticised the NC Government for its anti people and anti working class policies and demanded that genuine problems of wool combers employees and camp College students be immediately redressed. |
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Mediamen manhandled
by agitators Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 19: In a sharp reaction against the arrest of their leader, who was allegedly involved in an incident of group clash between rival students’ organisation, occurred on the Campus on Oct 12, hundreds of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad activists held a massive protest demonstration in the city. The agitating ABVP activists also staged a dharna in front of Police Control Room demanding immediate release of their leader Mr Vivek Sharma, ABVP city secretary and his associate Parveen Singh, who, what they claimed, were innocents and falsely implicated in the case. The ABVP activists, raised slogans against the another students’ organisation Jammu Joint Students Federation and alleged that JJSF activists were responsible for the incident of group clash. They were also demanding arrest of some JJSF activists. The agitating students, also manhandled some mediapersons who were covering the protest demonstration. The scuffle erupted near Women College Parade when lensmen of national as well as local dailies were shooting the demonstration. Siti Cable cameraman Rajinder sustained minor injuries when the agitators hurled a brick towards him which struck his body. Sensing the trouble, some senior leaders of ABVP came forward and pacified the ‘anti-media’ elements who also tried to manhandle some other mediapersons. Earlier, students of GGM Science College and MAM College, led by Vinay Sharma and Romi, presidents of these colleges, respectively, boycotted their classes and held a massive demonstration against the arrest of students leaders. Shouting slogans, these students took out a procession throughout the city and converged near Police Control Room where they staged a dharna demanding immediate release of both the student leaders. The agitators were also joined by students of SRML Higher Secondary School. Later, a delegation of executive members of ABVP state unit met SSP R R Swain and discussed with him the whole episode and demanded arrest of JJSF activists who were involved in the incident of group clash. Mr Swain assured the delegation that law will take its own course. He further assured that the case will be handled in speedy way and real culprits will be booked. |
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Tripartite talks on
Kashmir demanded Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 19: In a major shift in its stand All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) an amalgam of various secessionist organizations declared Pakistan as the root cause of present trouble in Jammu and Kashmir. The Pakistan should vacate its forces from Occupied Kashmir, said Mr V P Bhagat vice president APHC at a joint press conference here today along with Messrs D R Sharma, provincial president of the organization and his general secretary Ghulam Nabi Faridabai. Maintaining equi distance from both India and Pakistan the Hurriyat leader said Kashmir is a disputed territory since 1947 and the people of the State should be allowed to decide their fate. He also demanded that China should also vacate the portion of territory belonging to undivided Kashmir which is under its forcible occupation. He said the gun is no solution to present crisis in the State and hence a tripartite dialogue among India, Pakistan and people of Jammu and Kashmir be held to find a peaceful solution to this problem. He denied that Hurriyat has ever advocated for merger of Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan saying that the conglomerate always stood for independent Kashmir as per the wishes and aspirations of the majority people of the State. Ridiculing at India’s claim that Kashmir is its integral part, Mr Ghulam Nabi Faridabadi said since 1947 four wars have been fought with Pakistan over Kashmir and several accords signed to solve this issue which clearly means that Kashmir is a dispute. He while criticising the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir State as demanded by various organizations said the Hurriyat will not allow further division of the State on communal lines. Mr D R Sharma warned that trifurcation on communal lines will create 1947 like situation in the State. He said the protagonists of trifurcation on communal lines are vitating the atmosphere in the State which Hurriyat strongly condemns. However, Mr Sharma fumbled when asked that atmosphere has already been vitiated by the militant organizations supported by Hurriyat after waging a war on communal lines against the unity and integrity of India which is not totally acceptable to people of Jammu region . He said the provincial Hurriyat Conference held a meeting yesterday to ascertain the present situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting reached at this conclusion that the Kashmir problem remains at flash point, which could trigger of a nuclear catastrophe he said adding, unfortunately the international and sub continental community does not feel the threat is real. He said in view of the discouraging sub continental response to the freedom struggle of Jammu and Kashmir, the Jammu Province APHC therefore seeks meaningful negotiated political settlement of Kashmir issue. He also demanded unconditional release of Amir Mohammed Shamsi, general secretary of APHC and condemned his continued detention. |
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Money factor, ISI
influence playing crucial role Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 19: The smuggling of gold and narcotic material including opium and heroin from across the Indo-Pak border in Jammu sector has declined in past few years because the couriers and the smugglers are now getting more money from the ISI and other agencies for carrying arms, ammunition and explosive material. Inspector General of Police, Jammu zone Mr R V Raju said that one of the reasons behind the decline in gold and narcotics smuggling was the strict vigil along the international border in Jammu sector by the Border Security Force, Army and the Border District police. But as per intelligence inputs, the couriers and smugglers earlier involved in the smuggling of gold and narcotics are operating under the influence of ISI officials from across the border and for each consignment of arms and ammunition or the explosive material to this side, they are getting huge money. Another senior official disclosed that if a courier or a guide would get three-four times more money for a deal or task then he would certainly left the earlier job. Moreover, they are forcibly being used by the ISI men for carrying their nefarious designs. The money factor has influenced these couriers much, he opined. SSP Jammu, Mr R R Swain and SP Border District, Mr Munish Kumar Sinha admitted that the infiltration along the border was going on from Samba sector despite the presence of three-tier security system. However, they maintained that due to intensified surveillance by the security forces their movement has been contained in some areas. In response to a question, Mr Sinha said that due to shortage of manpower it was not possible to cover the entire border belt for police. Still more border posts are required to be created. He disclosed that besides police about three army brigades and five BSF battalions were operating in Jammu border district. The border is open and unfenced and taking advantage of ground position, the Pak agents and militants somehow, manage to sneak into this side. From Ramgarh, Samba and Devak area the militants intruding prefer to cross over to this side without being noticed and later move to the higher reaches of Udhampur and Doda. They are not striking or causing any harm in these areas and mostly strike in the upper reaches. The other type of ultras are those carrying RDX or other bombs on the instructions of ISI men. Their strategy is to rush back to Pakistan or other places of the country after causing blasts at crowded places, railway tracks, bus stands or in border villages. These type of subversives are much dangerous and strict vigil is needed to be maintained on such elements. The cooperation of public is an important gradient for preventing such tragedies. Mr Swain said that mobile patrols in civil have also been deployed in some areas to keep a check on the activities of strangers ISI agents. Checking of vehicles on various routes has been intensified in view of coming festival and opening of the Civil Secretariat in the winter capital on Nov 6. He said the police is providing protection to 225 persons in the district besides guarding 202 vital installations which include radio station, television station, bridges, places of worship, water works, telephone exchanges etc. The meeting with the public are being organised in mohalla and sector wise by police officers. This would certainly help in making a bridge between public and police. The police has also kept in its priority list the item of developing and building up its image of a secular and impartial police on which all communities and groups can rely upon and have faith while dispensing justice, he maintained. IGP, Mr Raju , DIG Jammu-Kathua Range, Dr S P Vaid, SSP, Jammu Mr R R Swain and SP Border Mr M K Sinha, talked to the media-persons at Meet and Press programme organised by the District Police here on late Wednesday evening. Joint Director Information—Mr Vaid, SP City (North) Mr Sheetal Singh, SP City (South) Mr Rajinder Gupta, SP-Special Task Force Jammu Mr Sheikh Mehmood, Addl SP Mr Jhony William, DSP Bakshinagar— Mr Malik, DSP City Mr Ashok Sharma, DSP Gandhinagar (South) Mr M R Lone, DSP (East) Mr Devinder Sharma, DSP Bari Brahmana, Mr Dushant Sharma, DSP Mr Gulzar Choudhary and DSP, Mr Kapahi and Station House Officer Gangyal, Mr Kuldip Khajuria were also present. |
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Amchi System of Medicine in Ladakh needs recognition From Tashi Morup Leh Oct 19 : Despite it’s prolific nature and wide practice Amchi system of medicine has never got any substantial support from the government was the reverberation on the opening day of the a weeklong workshop organised jointly by Ladakh Amchi Sabha and an International NGO called NOMAD at Women’s Alliance office at Chubhi in Leh today. Over 80 amchis from all over Ladakh and also a few from Nepal and Dharamsala besides other guests attended the first day meeting presided by the Deputy Commissioner Leh Dheeraj Gupta. During the workshop Amchis will share their knowledge and expertise while emphasizing the need to get the affiliation for this system in the Indian System of Medicine. Director Mahabodhi Society Dr. S T Phuntsog said; earlier the Amchi System of Medicine has the patronage of kings, however with the end of royal sovereignty the system steadily declined in Ladakh. Tracing the genesis, he said, Lord Buddha delivered this healing art which was later taken to Tibet in seventh century by a renowned scholar Barochana who translated the Indian text into Tibet with the help of Acharya Chandra Deva. The system later spread to other parts including Ladakh, Nepal, Burma, Thailand and so on. Speaking on the occasion Dr. Sonam Dawa Lonpo District CMO while expressing his delight to see the presence of large number of amchi announced a few activities and plans in an effort to revive the neglected system. These are the ongoing construction of an institution for the formal training in the Amchi system; plan to create three posts each for five blocks in Leh of an Amchi Physician, a Dawasa and a helper with the pay equivalent to that of an allopathic doctor, compounder and a pion on the line of Hakim system in Kashmir. Also work on allocation of a high land to grow medicinal herbs is progressing in conformity with the forest department. However Dr. Dawa appealed that the amchi physicians should work in unity with their allopathic kinsmen mainly in difficult cases they should direct the patient to consult an allopathic doctor or giving reference, which is seriously lacking. Ladakh Buddhist Association President Tsering Samphel raised the question of the decaying interests in this art even within the family lineage of this traditional system in Ladakh. He gave an instance that in Hemishukpachan village the Lharghe family, whose ancestors were amchi practitioners, has not a single descendant practicing the royally assigned family profession. This lack of interest is mainly due to the absence of income in practicing the system as the tradition of giving the treatment and medicine free of cost is more or less still in existence. Traditionally amchi physicians enjoyed a special status with royal patronage plus free help from the community in the family labors. In the remote Zanskar areas although the amchi families have kept their tradition of free treatment and medicine but they do not enjoy the status anymore. 56-years-old Tsering Ngutup one of over 20 amchi practitioners from Zanskar present in the meeting admitted that only a few old practitioners enjoy the privileges now. Chief Amchi Tsering Phunchok said, if this unique system of medicine with complete literature and living practice will revive and prosper if the government give its due recognition for which the amchi practitioners of Ladakh have been struggling ever since the Amchi Sabha was formed under the guidance of Bakula Rinpoche, the former Indian Ambassador to Mongolia. |
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