CIF distributes study material among students

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 8: In connection with International Literacy Day, Child and Infirm Foundation organised a function in Paradise Public School, Bantalab today.

As per a release, the Foundation distributed study material, educational charts and maps among the children of the school and adjacent areas.

A cultural programme depicting the advantages of the literacy was also organised on the occasion and stress was laid on raising the mental horizon of the students by effectively studying, adherence and following the teaching on the charts which cover environments, health, nutrition, hygienic habits, small families, sanitation and other useful informations.

Mr K N Wangu, Founder Director of the Foundation informed the meeting that his organisation’s prime aim is to spread literacy in rural, backward and neglected areas including slums by distributing study material and allied articles to the poor which according to him will boost literacy and check school drop outs. He said that during the last 18 years, the above material has been distributed to more than 75,000 children, women and infirm throughout nook and corner of the State.

The chief guest at the meeting was Mr Sartaz Alamgir, former SP and among others was attended by Messrs Rajesh Bhardwaj and O N Peer.

Body of newly born found
4 killed, 20 injured in mishaps

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 8: Two persons were killed and 20 others were injured in separate accidents while as a body of newly born baby was found and two persons committed suicides.

According to police reports, a scooterist identified as Ajay Sharma of Paloura was killed in an accident involving three vehicles. Eyewitnesses said that Ajay was coming from Akhnoor side when a speeding Tata Sumo hit his scooter bearing number JK02M-4780 from behind resulting into scooter colliding with a truck coming from opposite direction near BSF Camp, Paloura.

Some passers-by removed him to Government Medical College Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Meanwhile, a young man died when he fell from the roof top of a building in the General Bus Stand. He was immediately removed to hospital where doctors declared him as brought dead. He has been identified as Pawan Singh son of Rewal Singh of Magarkote.

In another mishap, 18 passengers were injured few of them critically when a bus carrying them collided head-on with a truck No 987-PJE at Baswal Morh near Kathua late last night. The bus bearing number 0004-RJ-26P was on its way from Katra to Rajasthan when met with accident.

Getting a report of accident, police party from Kathua immediately rushed to the spot of accident and started rescue operation. All the injured were shifted to District Hospital, Kathua where condition of few of them was critical. Driver of the truck was among the injured.

Meanwhile, a body of newly born baby was found in a nullah flowing from the back-side of the Medical College. Police said some passers-by spotted the body of newly born baby and informed the police. The body was later shifted to hospital.

A youth allegedly committed suicide by consuming some poisonous drug at his residence. Identified as Naryayan son of Ram Parshad of Bari Brahamana was removed to hospital when spotted unconscious by family members. Doctors attending him immediately provided him stomach wash treatment but he could not fight for his life and died.

The cause behind this extreme step is yet to be ascertained.

One Pawan son of Bachitra Ram of Bhalwal and an employee in the famous Halwai Shop of Jammu committed suicide at his residence by hanging himself with the ceiling.

Two persons sustained critical injuries when their scooter skidded off the road at Maheshpura Chowk. They were shifted to hospital and their condition was stated to be critical till the last reports came in. They have been identified as Romesh Kumar son of Mangal Dass of Akalpur and Ajeet Singh son of Gian Singh of Janipura.

JKNF leaders criticises Soz

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 8: Tilak Raj Sharma, Yash Bhasin, Convenor and Co-convenor of Jammu & Kashmir Nationalist Front respectively, and Prof Verinder Gupta president Jammu Mukti Morcha have condemned the statement of Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz that conducting of census in J&K is a conspiracy to change the Muslim majority character of the State.

In a joint statement they have said that by making these observations Soz has betrayed his communal mindset and has joined the bandwagon of secessionist Hurriyat and Islamic fundamentalist terrorist outfit Hizbul Mujahideen by giving a call for joint front with them to thwart conduct of census.

Ever since Prof Soz has been ousted from power and NC party he has set before him communal and separatist agenda, which only shows height of his frustration and loss of balance of mind and sense of proportion.

His fear of move afoot to change the demographic character of Jammu region in particular is a wild cry. The boot is rather in the other leg. Under a set plan of ISI a large number of Kashmiri Muslims are settling in the periphery of Jammu city and the State Government is only supplementing and abetting this design by allotting lands and even regularizing encroached lands of residents from other parts of the state in Jammu.

A move is also afoot to change the demographical character of Jammu region as a whole particularly in the Muslim majority areas of the region by killing Hindus on selective basis and scaring them away to migrate from there.

BJP challenges census in Kashmir

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Sept 8: Bharatiya Janata Party Kashmir has challenged the census operations being conducted by the State Government, ignoring the Kashmiri displaced people, who are scattered to the length and breadth of the country.

Addressing office bearers Mr M L Sopori-president, questioned the fairness and the norms laid by the Government for the fair census. The members suggested that the census should be conducted separately for those people who are not within the State so as to save the demographic character of the State.

Martyrs Day is going to be observed by BJP where the Central leaders are likely to participate whereby a long term and short term policy will be putforth before the people. The members felt that the Centre should work for the interim rehabilitation of the displaced people in the Valley in a compact manner with a complete political and constitutional dispensations.

Chamber suggests measures to improve
medicare in Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 8: Mr Ram Sahai, president, Chamber of Commerce and Industry has regretted that the 24 hours emergency services at Gandhinagar and Sarwal hospitals which were launched with much fanfare, has however, failed in its purpose on account of lack of proper human resource and infrastructural infirmities.

In a letter to Mian Altaf, Minister for Health , Family Welfare and Medical Education , the copy of which was addressed to the press, Mr Sahai said that these emergency services were launched couple of months ago with a purpose to reduce the load on the services being rendered by Government Medical College Jammu and to provide better services to the people. However, this very purpose has been defeated in absence of proper infra-structure, Mr Sahai regretted.

He suggested that roaster of Post Graduate doctors be prepared for round the clock duty, besides Radiology department and Pathological laboratories should be kept functional by deputing para-medical staff on duty for 24 hours.

The Chamber chief demanded one more ambulance at these hospitals. He also demanded establishment of blood banks at these hospitals.

He regretted over mushroom growth of nursing homes and pathological laboratories in the city and suggested that Government should formulate certain regulations which should govern these nursing homes as well as pathological labs so that human lives are in the safe hands.

Rich tributes paid to Sheikh Abdullah on his
18th death anniversary

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 8: Glowing tributes were paid to former Chief Minister, Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah at his 18th death anniversary today.

A grand function was organized at Sher-e- Kashmir Bhavan here which was presided over by the provincial president of National Conference (NC) and former Minister Mr Bodh Raj Bali.

The function started with laying of wreaths on the idol of Sheikh Abdullah. Besides Mr Bali those who paid floral tributes to former Chief Minister include Minister of Health and Medical Education, Mian Altaf, Minister of State for Food and Supplies Ajay Sadhotra, Deputy Chairman Legislative Council, Harbans Singh, MLA Raipur Damana, Sat Paul Lakhotra, Janata Dal Secular chief Dhanraj Bargotra, Balraj Puri, former Minister Ch. Talib Hussain, Mrs Bimla Luthra and Begum Salaria, both MLAs, S M Gill and Depinder Kour, MLCs, R L Gupta provincial vice president of the Party, S Peter and Mohi-u-Din Bandey.

While paying tributes to late Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah whom he described a towering personality of Sub Continent, Mr Bodh Raj Bali said he (Sheikh Abdullah) has created a history himself and his name will remain alive till the end of this world.

Mr Bali who recalled the services of Sheikh Abdullah for the oppressed and suppressed people of Jammu and Kashmir State said he fought for his cherished dreams of secularism and socialism and entire country is proud of him.

The NC leader said it is time for introspection and people should now differentiate who are the real patriots and detractors of the nation.

He said NC is committed to fulfill Sheikh Abdullah’s unfinished task and after assuming power in 1996, Party patriarch Dr Farooq Abdullah’s first preference was to cement the bonds of unity among the different sections of the people.

He said Hindu, Muslim unity and brotherhood is the Party’s slogan and we are ready to give any sacrifice for this cause.

He said unfortunately when the State was on the path of progress, Pakistan who believed in two nation theory send the armed desperadoes in our state to crate death and destruction here.

But to frustrate Pak designs and to keep the banner of secularism intact hundreds of NC workers shed their blood.

By this way they showed the entire world that Gandhi’s and Azad’s India was more dearer to them than Jinah’s Pakistan.

Mr Bali said NC is the only Party which can bring the state out of present mess. He asked all partymen to take a pledge at this occasion to preserve the legacy of this great visionary.

Paying homage to late leader Mian Altaf, Minister of Health and Family Welfare said the History of Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah who was bestowed with many qualities and earned lot of respect and love from the masses.

He said it was Sheikh Abdullah’s growing popularity that over 20 lakh people participated in his funeral procession at Srinagar.

Mian Altaf said Sheikh Abdullah worked for the development of this state irrespective of religion, region, caste and creed and land reforms was his greatest contribution.

The Minister said if we follow his path we can defeat Pakistan and communal organizations like BJP and RSS.

Minister of State for Food and Supplies, Mr Ajay Sadhotra in his tributes to late leader said when entire India was in the grip of communal violence, Sheikh Abdullah took the banner of secularism in Kashmir and challenged the communal elements.

He amidst cheers declared that Kashmir is today part of India after the rejection of two nation theory by Sheikh Abdullah.

He said the NC continued on its stand since then and today the Party headed by Dr Farooq Abdullah has again pledged to defeat the Pak designs.

Mr Sadhotra said this is the main reason that Pakistan considers Dr Abdullah her number one enemy.

He strongly criticized the political parties and vested interests for spreading canards. He alleged that Congress and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which have no definite programme for people are only opposing the NC Government.

Mr Sadhotra asserted that it is only Dr Farooq Abdullah who can crush terrorism in the State.

He also made a strong dig at those parties who allege that Dr Abdullah is an impediment in peace process saying that it was Dr Farooq who declared to hold fresh elections if militants leave guns and enter the main stream.

Rich tributes were paid to Sheikh Abdullah by Mr H S Bali, Deputy Chairman Legislative Council who asked people to follow the path shown by late leader.

Terming the Late leader a great visionary and thinker ahead of his time, former Minister and N C leader Mr M S Tariq said history can never forget Sheikh who like a rock stood against the Pak invaders in 1947 and challenged them with full might.

He said though Sheikh made the accession with India after rejecting the two nation theory and gave a serious jolt to Pak plans but it is unfortunate that we have turned our borders weak at present.

He said N C believes in unity of J&K and if any attempt is made to divide the state the separatist slogans will be echoed in Jammu also.

He while making a strong dig on those elements who demand division of J&K State said it is not in the interests of the people of the State. He urged the people to work for the unity instead of division, saying that let us find a solution to present crisis.

He while opposing strongly holding of parlays with Geelani and Yasin Malik termed them the agents of Pak and warned that holding of dialogue with them means the fragmentation of the country.

Former Minister Ch. Talib Hussain said Sheikh Abdullah’s opponents to day believe that Kashmir would never have been part of India had Sheikh Abdullah not been there.

He said it is true because it was with the efforts of late leader that Kashmiris decided to remain as a part of India and rejected the two nation theory of Jinah.

Mr Sat Paul Lakhotra MLA while paying tributes to Late Sheikh Abdullah said he was the messiah of poor and down trodden people.

Mr Dhan Raj Bargotra, JD Secular chief who also paid rich tributes to late Chief Minister however, asked the NC to give up its stand on autonomy as it is totally against the desire of late leader.

He said such a demand will pose serious challenge to unity of J&K as certain groups have State demanding the trifurcation of the state. He said autonomy will further divide the people of Jammu and Ladakh regions on communal lines which is inimical to interests of the State.

Former Minister R S Chib while paying tributes to Sheikh Abdullah said he sacrificed his life for poor and down trodden.

He said the relevance of Sheikh’s life is more at present when State is in the grip of militancy. He said the roots of secularism were strengthened in the State in 1947 under his leadership.

Glowing tributes were also paid to late leader by Mohammed-u-Din Bandey, S M Gill, S Peter, and Jugal Mahajan.

NC Womens’ Wing held a massive rally under the chairmanship of Mrs Bimla Luthra MLA from Vivekananda Chowk to Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan to observe the 18th death anniversary of Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah.

Addressing the rally Mrs Luthra recalled the sacrifices of Sheikh Abdullah, the founder of Naya Kashmir. She said his slogan Hindu, Muslim , Sikh "Eitihad" (unity) is still relevant today.

She said the land to tiller transformation act is his greatest contribution to the poor people of the State.

She said Sheikh Abdullah as was called "Lion of Kashmir" was a great parliamentarian, statesman and social worker who struggled for the welfare of the masses.

Youth National Conference celebrated the day by organizing a Sadbhavna rally under the leadership of district president Mr Chander Mohan Sharma.

The rally started from Indira Chowk and after passing through various markets it culminated into a public meeting at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan.

The rally was flagged of by Minister of State for Food and Supplies Mr Ajay Sadhotra.

Paying tributes to late Sheikh Abdullah Mr Sharma urged the youth to strengthen the hands of Dr Farooq Abdullah and Umer Abdullah to bring State out of present crisis.

J & K National Muslim United Front leader Sheikh Abdul Rashid also paid rich tributes to late Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah on his 18th death anniversary today.

He while recalling the services of Sheikh Abdullah said under his leadership the autocratic rule of the last Maharaja Hari Singh was brought to an end "Jagirdari" (feudalism) was completely wiped out.

N C Minority Cell rich tributes were paid to former Chief Minister Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah by the leaders of N C Minority Cell also.

A function was organized at Subash Nagar in this connection which was chaired by Mr R L Pandita, district president of the Cell.

All the presidents of camps and non camps of the Cell participated in the function.

Speaking on the occasion Mr Pandita said that late leader showed the path of brotherhood, peace and prosperity. He said Sheikh was the firm believer of secularism, socialism and Hindu, Muslims, Sikh unity was his cherished slogan.

Others who spoke on the occasion include Messrs M K Talashi, Ashok Hangloo, Ashok Raina, Badri Nath and Moti Lal.

Our Poonch Correspondent adds that 18th death anniversary of Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah was also observed in the town today.

A function was held in this connection at Dak Bungalow Poonch under the chairmanship of Qazi Mohammed Syeed Beg, district president of the Party.

People from all walks of life participated in the function and paid their homage to late leader.

Speaking on the occasion Mr G M Jan MLA said Sheikh Abdullah was the towering personality of the Sub Content.

People in large numbers offered Fateha at the mausoleum
Sher-e-Kashmir’s 18th death anniversary
observed thoughout State

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Sept 8: The 18th death anniversary of the former Chief Minister, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was observed today thoughout the state. The day was marked with several functions in which rich tributes were paid to the late leader. His contribution, particularly in releasing the people of the State from the shackles of autocracy and leading them to development and prosperity, was specially recalled.

In the morning a large number of people visited the mausoleum of Sheikh Sahib at Naseem Bagh on the banks of the Dal Lake and offered Fateha. Recitation of Holy Quran was also held at the gravesite.

Among those who attended Fatehakhwani were the Acting Chief Minister, Mr Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Shah, Industries and Commerce Minister, Dr Mustafa Kamal, Finance Minister, Mr Abdul Rahim Rather, Agriculture Minister, Ch Mohammad Ramzan, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Mr P L Handoo, Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Mr Abdul Ahad Vakil, Revenue Minister, Mr Abdul Qayoom, Minister for Works, Mr Ali Mohammad Sagar and Minister of State for Works, Miss Sakeena Itoo.

The general secretary, National Conference, Sheikh Nazir Ahmad, Member Parliament Sharief Ud-din Shariq and several legislators were also present.

Later, a public meeting was held at the Nawa-i-Subh complex in memory of the late Sher-e-Kashmir. The speakers highlighted his role and achievements. Besides ministers and party workers, people in large numbers participated.

As part of observance of the day, the State Information Department organised a Photo Exhibition of rare pictures of Sheikh Sahib from the Tribal raid in 1947 to his last journey in 1982. The Acting Chief Minister, Mr. Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Shah inaugurated the exhibition, held at the mausoleum of Sheikh Sahib. People showed great interest in the photographs that vividly capture the history of the State since independence with the towering leader at the centrestage of the important developments.

Literacy rate among ST communities still low

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 8: In all the 12 Tribal communities of the State the literary rate among the Gujjar, Bakerwal Tribe is the lowest.

This starling revaluation is contained in the report of a survey conducted by the Tribal Research and Foundation. Mr Javaid Rahi, secretary of the Foundation on the eve of International Literacy Day expressed this bitter fact that the nomad, Gujjar and Bakerwal communities are undergoing thorough exploitations and because of limited sources of income, they are not in a position to get proper education.

He said that Government launched the National Literacy Mission in 1988 but the fate of Gujjar tribe is still dark due to illiteracy. According to survey conducted by the Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, even today when some sections have attained 100 percent literacy this ratio is only 7 percent in Gujjar and Bakerwal tribe and among women this ratio is only 2 percent.

According to survey, the central sponsored "Balika Simridhi Yojna", "Sawastiki" and "Indra Mahila Yojna" do not apply over Gujjar women folk at all which has resulted into more and more backwardness among them. Mr Rahi told that "United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), National Literacy Mission and Rotary International will not achieve any success till they consider geographical, social and economic reasons for this illiteracy and work into the roots of tribe.

He appealed to the State and Central Government and other international agencies to provide legal safe guard to Gujjar Tribe and initially start some special schemes for their educational change which is their basic and constitutional right.

Telecom employees’ strike enters 3rd day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 8: The indefinite strike of J&K Telecom Employees continued for the 3rd day today in protest against the anti-employees policies of the Central Government.

As per a release, there was not any impact on the strike inspite of withdrawal call given by BTEP. The employees in large number gathered in front of Exchange and GMT’s Office, Rani Park and shouted slogans against the Central Government for its anti-employees policies towards the Telecom Department.

A big rally was also organised by the circle heads of the Federations—NFTE and FNTO. Shouting slogans against Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, the rally after passing through main bazars of city culminated at Rani Park where leaders addressed the employees.

Among others who addressed the employees included Messrs R C Makhanotra, Simar Dass, Parveen Dutt, Om Parkash, Vaishno Devi, B L Bhat, G Singh and V K Mahaldar.

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