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Dal Khalsa organises Dastar Sajayo contest Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 17: In connection with the Tercentenary celebrations of the Khalsa Panth, the local unit of the Dal Khalsa under the ...more Ajat inaugurates Panchayat Ghar at Chibba Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 17: The Minister for Information and Transport, Mr Ajatshatru Singh has called upon the people to make the best use......more Dogri Sanstha Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 17: As a part of the "Bhasha Jagran" (awareness about mother tongue) a team of activists of Dogri Sanstha visited......more Unexploded shells, virtual
death traps, URI, Sept 17: Bakhtiyar Ahmad, his sister Shintakhi Bibi and Naseema Bano were blown into pieces when they..more Wazir inaugurates Hepatitis-B vaccination camp Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 17: Mr T S Wazir, president Motor Transport Companies’ Association (MTCA) declared open the ......more |
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Chhanni Himmat residents meet Shah, apprise him of problems Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 17: Residents of Chhanni Himmat have demanded the repair and maintenance of roads, lanes, installation of street lights and adequate......more Lawyers’ plea to establish High Court bench in Doda Excelsior Correspondent DODA, Sept 17: The lawyers from all the tehsils of this hilly district have demanded to establish a High Court bench in.........more Girls NCC camp ends Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 17: With the singing of NCC song ‘Ham Sabh Bhartiye Hain, Apni Manzil Ek Hai’—the 12-day long NCC camp for........more Kitchloo, Peerzada Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 17: The Minister for Social Welfare, Mr BA Kitchloo and the Minister for Forests, Peerzada Ghulam Ahmed Shah this........more |
Dal Khalsa organises Dastar Sajayo contest Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 17: In connection with the Tercentenary celebrations of the Khalsa Panth, the local unit of the Dal Khalsa under the chairmanship of Mr Sarabjeet Singh organised Dastar Sajayo (turban tying) competition at Guru Harkishan Public School, Nanak Nagar. According to a press release, the participants of this competition were divided into two groups. In the first group, Satbeer Singh of 10+1 got first place while Mr Manpreet Singh 10+1 and Taveer Singh 10+2 got second and third place respectively. In the second group, Mr Jasdeep Singh of 10th C got first place while Mr Ranbir Singh of 10th B and Sukhmeet Singh of 9th B got second and third place respectively. One consolation prize went in favour of Mandeep Singh of 10th B. The Principal of the Guru Harkrishan Public School, Nanak Nagar, Mr Janak Singh while addressing the students regretted that new generation is leading towards evil practice of tying Patkas. Chief of the Dal Khalsa, Mr Sarabjeet Singh appealed to the students to make habitual of tying turban from the initial school level. Mr Parminder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Shamsher Singh, Mohinder Singh, Ranjeet Singh and other prominent members of the Dal Khalsa were present. |
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Ajat inaugurates Panchayat Ghar at Chibba Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 17: The Minister for Information and Transport, Mr Ajatshatru Singh has called upon the people to make the best use of civic facilities being provided to them by the Government for their socio-economic emanicipation. Inauguration a newly constructed building of a Panchayat Ghar at village Chibba in Dansal block of Jammu district, today, the Minister exhorted upon the people to ensure and monitor that the building is maintained properly and put to best use. He said that this is the 7th such Panchayat Ghar in Dansal block which have been inaugurated during the few months. Mr Ajatshatru asked the people to beware of some vested interests who are engaged in anti-national activities and are misguiding the people and thus trying to channelise their powers for creating disturbance and unrest in the State. He said that development process can flourish only in an atmosphare of peace and tranquility. The Minister eulogised the people for their active cooperation to the administration in execution of various development works. The Minister was apprised that sofar over Rs. 18.15 lakhs have been spent on construction of seven Panchayat Ghars in Dansal block. The Panchayat Ghar at Chibba has been completed at a cost of Rs. 3.08 lakhs. As many as 21 community works have been completed in the block at a cost of Rs. 44 lakhs so far during the current financial year. On the occasion the Minister distributed cheques worth Rs. 90 thousands to nine beneficiaries of the block under Indira Awas Yojna. The Minister advised the beneficiaries to make proper use of the incentive. He said that the next instalments would be disbursed to them after taking stock of the progress of their work. Later, the Minister also inaugurated a sewing centre for ladies at village Jagti in Dansal block. This centre has recently been shifted from Nagrota and has 30 girls of Jagti under training. |
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Dogri Sanstha launches campaign Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 17: As a part of the "Bhasha Jagran" (awareness about mother tongue) a team of activists of Dogri Sanstha visited Miran Sahib, R S Pura, and Bishnah areas of Jammu district and held meeting with cross sections of people to sensitize them about the registration of Dogri as mother tongue during on going census operation. At Miran Sahib a meeting of the prominent citizens and writers was held which was addressed by Mr H C Jalmeria, Dr Veena Gupta and Chhatrapal, both vice presidents and Pradhuman Singh Jindrahia, treasurer of Dogri Sanstha. They impressed upon the people to struggle for the constitutional recognition of Dogri as it represents the sentiments of about one crore Dogras residing in J&K, some districts of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and parts of Pakistan. In previous Census reports the number of Dogri speaking populace is shown much less than their actual number, they deplored. While criticizing the attitude of State and Union Governments towards Dogri, Mr Jalmeria said that Manipuri, a language of minor group of about two lakhs, had been included in the 8th schedule of Indian Constitutions but ten million Dogras who have made remarkable contribution in the history and geography of India were being ignored. Addressing the meeting of the youth at R S Pura, Dr Veena Gupta said that in the changing scenario language symbolizes the identity of a community and it is the foremost duty of every Dogra to promote Dogri language to save and maintain their identity. By ensuring the registration of Dogri as their mother tongue every Dogra could contribute to the cause of Dogri. Besides this will strengthen the case of the inclusion of Dogri in the 8th schedule and broadbase the struggle, she said. Mr Kishore Kumar a youth leader and social worker asked the Dogri youth to struggle unitedly for the restortion of respectable palce for Dogri and Dogras. Activists of Youth Federation took active participation in the campaign and assured the visiting team to take the message to every nook and corner of area. Posters and hand bills were distributed in large number to aware the people about the significance of mother tongue. |
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Unexploded shells, virtual death traps, claim villagers URI, Sept 17: Bakhtiyar Ahmad, his sister Shintakhi Bibi and Naseema Bano were blown into pieces when they picked up an unexploded shell and started playing with it at Kachrali in Garkote near here last week. This was not an isolated case witnessed in the town, which faces heavy shelling from across the border. Earlier, many people, mostly children, fell victims to such unexploded devices and officials put their toll to over a dozen. Besides, a huge number of casualties, the devices also left over two dozen children without their limbs, the officials said. A virtual death trap in the shape of unexploded shells following continued indiscriminate shelling by Pakistani troops has compounded the problems of the terror-stricken villagers of Uri township and villages across the Line of Control. The residents claim the presence of the shells had badly affected their movement and cultivation of land. Muskhtiyar Ahmad, a village numberdar said people are so scared that they have restricted the movement of the children and advised them not to venture into play grounds or fields fearing for their lives. An elder on noticing such a shell can inform the police or Army, but the innocent children out of curifiddle with it, he said. He suggested that the police should be asked to fan out in different directions to locate and destroy such shells which otherwise have become a nuisance to the people. The unexploded shells in their fields, pastures and in the periphery of their villages had the people squarely blaming the Government and security agencies for their failure to get rid of these deadly devices. However, the officials claim that the unexploded shells when ever detected were being immediately defused by the Army. Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Rafiq Ahmad Vakil posted at Uri said police are acting swiftly on receiving information from the locals about such shells and sought the Army’s help in destroying the same. Army troops also destroy such shells whenever and wherever they find during sanitizing operation, he said adding we generally come to know of unexploded shells from the villagers. (PTI) |
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Wazir inaugurates Hepatitis-B vaccination camp Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 17: Mr T S Wazir, president Motor Transport Companies’ Association (MTCA) declared open the one-day Hepatitis-B vaccination camp at Gurdwara Kalgidhar, Rehari, here this morning. The camp which was organised by the Forum of Repressed and Unrepresented Minorities, vaccinated near 1500 people from all age groups. Similar camp was organised by the Forum at Gurdwara Tali Sahib, wherein, near 950 people were vaccinated. Earlier, Mr Wazir was welcomed by the Forum president Mr Mithbain Singh and garlanded by the other members of the society. He assured the Forum of all possible support in conducting such camps. Mr Paramjit Singh, general manager, MTCA and Mr Harmanan Singh were also present at the time of inaugural of the camp. According to the president of the Forum, Mr Mithbain Singh, this was the third camp at Gurdwara Kalgidhar. Besides this, the Forum has already organised so many camps for the welfare of the society at different places in and around Jammu, he added. He further said that the Forum will continue to serve the people and also arranging a workshop for general awareness about the Hepatitis-B. He made an appeal to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to avail the opportunity and get themselves vaccinated by the expert team of doctors from Delhi. The Forum is going to hold these camps at Jama Masjid by the next Friday, followed by the camps at Kathua, R S Pura and Poonch. |
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Chhanni Himmat residents
meet Shah, Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 17: Residents of Chhanni Himmat have demanded the repair and maintenance of roads, lanes, installation of street lights and adequate supply of potable water to the locality. A deputation of Chhanni Himmat Housing Welfare Association called upon the acting Chief Minister, G M Shah who is also looking after the Housing and Urban Development department here the other day and apprised him of the problems being faced by the people of the area. Mr Parveen Gupta led the deputation comprising Dr M L Dhar, vice-president, Mr Prem Singh- general secretary, Mr Jatinder Paul, Dr S K Gupta, Mr J L Koul and others. In a memorandum submitted to Mr Shah, the residents demanded that roads and lanes of the area which were lying unattended for the years, should be repaired at the earliest.The main road is in highly dilapidated condition and overflowing drains have further made the road more unsafe for traffic. The repair works of broken culverts and drains should also be taken up on priority, they demanded. Mr Gupta disclosed that though colony came into existence about a decade ago, yet no provision has ever been made for lighting to the streets. The street lights be installed for the convenience of the residents. There is no adequate supply of water and during hot summer days the things become more tough in the area. Frequent power cuts and low voltage has further aggravated the problem. The quality of water supplied do not meet the prescribed hygienic requirements.The leakage in pipes again leads to tremendous waste of water and fall in the water pressure. They requested to ensure safe and adequate supply of water to the entire area. The members regretted that water from the tube wells constructed in Sector 7 of the colony is not being provided to the residents even though the funds were provided by the J&K State Housing Board. With the considerable constructional activities a large number of skilled and unskilled labourers/ workers have come and set up jhuggies all over the vacant lands in the colony. These people do not have civic facilities and are creating hygienic problems in the area. The y further demanded relocation of jhuggies at some identified places. The safaikaramcharis be appointed in the area for looking after cleanliness and sanitation work. The Association members also demanded better transport facilities, with allotment of sites for taxi/auto-rikshaw/ mini-bus stands. They requested out that mini-bus service from Chhanni Himmat to Gandhinagar, Kunjwani, Bakshi Nagar hospital and Railway Station be made functional. The Matadors from Chhanni Himmat to Panjtirthi via Trikuta Nagar, Railway Station, Gandhinagar, Women College Gandhinagar and Chhanni Himmat to Janipur via Sainik Colony, Kunjwani, Satwari, Bus Stand and B C Road be introduced. Their other demands include widening of small bridge spanning the canal separating Trikuta Nagar from Chhanni Himmat, eradication of Congress grass, provision of hospital, construction of community hall, development of parks and allotment of land for Association office. |
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Lawyers’ plea to establish High Court bench in Doda Excelsior Correspondent DODA, Sept 17: The lawyers from all the tehsils of this hilly district have demanded to establish a High Court bench in the district in order to fulfill its commitment of providing justice at the doorsteps to the people. This resolution was adopted in a first ever conference of the lawyers held under the banner of Lawyers Welfare Trust at Doda on Saturday. It was presided over by senior advocate, Mr K L Goja while a large number of lawyers from Ramban, Bhaderwah, Batote, Thathri, Gandoh, Kishtwar and Doda participated. It was also resolved that judicial powers which otherwise fall within the ambit of subordinate judiciary and have been centralised at the provincial headquarters such as cases under Prevention of Corruption Act and Consumer Protection Act be decentralised and all the Sessions judges at the district headquarters be vested with the powers under these Acts for providing speedy and less costlier justice to the people. Again , for the welfare of the workmen and the labour class the courts of Commissioner Workman Compensation Act and authority under Wages Act be established at Ramban and Bhaderwah. A Deputy Labour Commissioner be posted at the district headquarters. All powers of Divisional Commissioner under various Revenue Laws be conferred on the Deputy Commissioner to make the forum of justice much cheaper and accessible to the litigants. It was also demanded that the young lawyers be given stipend by the Government. |
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Girls NCC camp ends at Nagrota Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 17: With the singing of NCC song ‘Ham Sabh Bhartiye Hain, Apni Manzil Ek Hai’—the 12-day long NCC camp for Senior and Junior wing girls concluded today with the prize distribution function at Nagrota, near here. The camp was held under the supervision of Camp Commandant, Lt Col. JS Chaudhary, CO 2 J&K Girls Bn NCC, Jammu. Talking to EXCELSIOR on the concluding day, the Camp Commandant said that the camp was organised to provide mandatory annual training to the girl cadets to make them eligible for various NCC certificate examinations. And also to select J&K State team for All India Thal Sainik Camp which begins at Delhi from September 18 to 29. During this camp, the laid down objectives of the camp have been achieved, he further said and expressed confidence that the J&K State NCC team has been given adequate training and they will be able to do well at All India level. On the closing day today, Lt Col. Chaudhary gave away attractive prizes to cadets for excelling in various competitions such as Line Area, Flag area, cultural events and best cadets in the Senior and Junior wings. The Camp Commandant also appreciated the cooperation and assistance provided by the J&K State staff particularly by the SSP, Jammu, SHO Nagrota, Public Health Engineering Department and Director Medical Services, Jammu Division. In his closing address, he underlined the need for unity, discipline, patriotism and social service. He asked the cadets to understand the values of dignity of labour and their responsibilities as young citizens of India. They must take pride in their NCC uniforms as it makes them different from rest of the youth, he said. The cadets were fully motivated and they took pledge to do everything and to sacrifice themselves, if the need be, for the glory of the nation. At the camp side, the complete atmosphere was charged with feelings of patriotism and national integration as soon as the Cadets start singing in voice the NCC song, "Ham Sabh Bharatiya Hain, Apni Manzil Ek Hai" (We are all Indians and our sole aim is to make our motherland great". The girl cadets also adopted the battalion slogan given by the Camp Commandant, Lt Col. J S Chaudhary—"Ham Kisi Se Kam Nahin". |
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Kitchloo, Peerzada visit Haj House Complex Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 17: The Minister for Social Welfare, Mr BA Kitchloo and the Minister for Forests, Peerzada Ghulam Ahmed Shah this morning visited the Haj House Complex here. They took stock of the construction work on the complex. They asked the executing agency to speed up the work so that it is completed early. The Haj House Complex, coming up at a cost of Rs 378 crore will have 59 rooms, 20 shops and three community halls. |
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Minister reviews working of Forest, Wild Life Deptt Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 17: Minister for Forests and Environment, Peerzada Ghulam Ahmed Shah conducted a review meeting of Social Forestry, forest territorial, State Forest Corporation and the Department of Wild Life at Sidhra last evening. The Minister stressed the need for coordination among the forest and its allied departments to protect the forest wealth which has been harmed badly due to increase in population, climatic effects, land provided to the Defence and the developmental works in the past. The plantation could not be done as should have been to ensure the forest growth. The Minister desired that a Cell of officers belonging to all the units of forests may be constituted to protect the further loss. He also instructed the officers to go in the field and take measures so that the resources can be increased. The meeting was informed that the Social Forestry Project had planted over 16.5 lakh sapling over an area of 3131 hectares of land in the Jammu division till date this financial year. Peerzada Ghulam Ahmed Shah directed the corporation and Wild Life Organisation to make the compact projects so that more funds are got sanctioned from the Centre under various schemes. He also directed the officers to be more vigilant in checking the smuggling of timber. He also said that the land should be protected from the encroachers. He also directed the Project Director, Social Forestry to come up with success stories and land marking achievements of the project in the State for the last about 20 years so that these are submitted to the Centre for approval and provision of funds. Some pending issues were also decided in the meeting. The matter of the requirement of firewood in the coming winter season was also discussed. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 17: A deputation of Jammu and Kashmir Trade Union Congress (JKTUC) called on officiating Chief Minister, Mr Ghulam Mohi-u-Din Shah and Chief Secretary, Mr Ashok Jaitly here today. As per a release, the delegation was led by senior Congress leader and former M P Mr Mangat Ram Sharma. Besides the office bearers of JKTUC members of Employees Association of Himalayan Wool Combers were also in the delegation. The delegation apprised Mr Shah about the grievances of Himalayan Wool Combers who have been deprived of their salaries for last six months. It also demanded their adjustment in Government departments. Mr Shah assured the deputationists that these employees will get their salaries till final decision is taken. Later while putting the demands of the Wool Combers before the Chief Secretary, the delegation also urged him that these employees be immediately adjusted in other departments. The Chief Secretary assured the delegation that salaries of the employees will be released soon and steps for their adjustment in other departments will be taken by the Government. The other members of the delegation include Messrs Shiv Dev Singh, former MLA, Sewa Ram Sharma, Jagmohan Sadhotra, B L Kapoor, R K Koul, S L Choudhary, Vidya Sagar, P K Kachroo and Vijay Sharma. |
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Care-n-Cure organizes Hepatitis immunization camp Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 17: To protect people from deadly virus Hepatitis B, Care-n-Cure a socio cultural organization organized Hepatitis immunization camp at Gurudwara Tahli Sahib near NITCO Lane in which 1200 people were vaccinated. National Conference (NC) provincial president and MLC, Mr Bodh Raj Bali inaugurated the Camp and Mr Chander Mohan Sharma president Youth National Conference (YNC) presided over the function. Mr Surinder Singh president District Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee was also present on the occasion. Addressing the gathering Mr Bali appreciated the efforts of the organization for providing vaccines at highly subsidised rates. He urged the organizers to hold such camps in remote and border areas of the state also and assured full cooperation of Government in this regard. |
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Observance of Ex-Servicemen week begins at Kathua Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Sept 17: The celebrations of Ex-servicemen week started here yesterday and 500 participants from Jammu region were present on the inaugural function. As per a release, the programme has been organized by J&K Ex-Servicemen League and it was presided over by Maj. Gen. Goverdan Singh Jamwal, MLC and president of the League. The Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, Mr Mehboob Iqbal was the chief guest on the occasion. The opening ceremony was also attended by SSP Kathua Mr Manohar Singh. Lt. Col J S Jasrotia , general secretary of the League gave a brief account of the achievements of the League which is engaged in the welfare of ex-servicemen and war widows. He complimented the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah for granting financial relief of Rs 500 to the Second World war veterans. He termed it a major achievement of the League. He said that 80 rural women of Block Vijaypur have been trained in Sisal fibre handicraft with the help of NABARD which enabled them to earn upto Rs 900 per month. Giving other details he said the League has adopted the families of the Kargil martyrs and raised Kargil Welfare Fund for their benefit. It has also arranged the admissions of the martyrs in the KLM International Pathankot, MHAC Nagbani and Army public schools. It is also running the reproductive child health programmes in Jammu, Udhampur and Doda districts and recently it has arranged the Rural Entrepreneur Development Programme (REDP) for the training of Kargil martyrs. Capt (rtd) Sagar Singh, president of J&K Ex-Services League Kathua and other speakers highlighted the problems of the ex-servicemen which include one rank one pension, restoration of reservations in Government jobs, allotment of arms licenses to ex-servicemen and setting up of VDCs and lowering the educational criteria from 10th to 8th for recruitment in the army for the youth of Kathua district. A memorandum highlighting all these problems was submitted to Chief Minister, through district Development Commissioner. Speaking on the occasion SSP, Kathua, Mr Manohar Singh appreciated the services rendered by the armed forces and ex-servicemen to the nation. The District Development Commissioner Mr Mehboob Iqbal assured them that armed licenses will be issued to Ex-servicemen on priority basis. Maj Gen. (rtd) Goverdan Singh Jamwal urged the Government to utilize the services of Ex-servicemen in fighting the terrorism in the state. He on the occasion besides distributing relief among the ex-servicemen and widows also honoured three ex-servicemen who were responsible for capturing and killing of militants in Kathua district. |
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Fondation of sports stadium at Gurah Slathian paid Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept. 17: The Minister for Tourism, Parks and Gardens and Sports Mr S S Slathia laid the foundation stone of sports stadium at Gurah Slathian about 40 kms from Jammu today. The Sports stadium will be constructed over 33 kanals of land adjoining to Government Higher Secondary School, Gurah Slathian at a cost of Rs 30 lakhs. Addressing a mammoth gathering, the Minister said that the Government is exploring the possibility of boosting sports activities especially in the rural areas. He said the Government is committed to provide equal opportunity of development to all the areas. He said that inspire of financial constraints and abnormal conditions arising out of militancy the Government have come up to the expectations of the people. Referring to the demand regarding power, drinking water and employment for educated youth, the Minister said that a grid station is being installed in the area for meeting the power requirements. He said that the land for the grid station has already been identified. A comprehensive plan for water supply scheme is being prepared for providing drinking water to all the hamlets of the area, the Minister added. He asked the youth not to hanker after the Government job but to avail the opportunity of self emloyment schemes being launched by the State as well as the Central Government. The Minister provided six sports to the budding sports slubs and hoped that our children will prepare themselves for competing State as well as national games. He asked the management committee of Shri Bawa Hassal Devi Shrine to prepare estimate for repair, renovation and gate of the Shrine for which the funds will be made available by the Minister. The Minister of State for Agriculture, Mr Ram Paul also addressed the gathering and said that the present Government is fully determined for all round development in the State. He said that Government was aware of the problems being faced by the people. The Minister stressed the need for utilising funds more efficiently and asked the people to monitor that funds are utilised properly. He appealed the people to be vigiliant against the anti-national elements. Earlier, Mr Slathia was given a rousing reception on his arrival at his native village. A colourful cultural programme comprising songs, skits and dances was presented by the students of various educational institutions which was highly appreciated by the audience. About a dozen schools from adjoining areas and Jammu participated in the programme. Prizes were also distributed among the participated students by the Minister. Among others Sheikh Fazal Ahmed, secretary Sports Council, additional Dy. Commissioner, Mr B D Sharma, Senior Officers of Sports, Revenue and allied departments were present. |
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King Commission prosecutor to meet DP chief today NEW DELHI, Sept 17: South Africa’s chief prosecutor for Edwin King Commission of inquiry into corruption in cricket, Shamila Batohi, will meet Delhi Police Commissioner Ajai Raj Sharma tomorrow. She will discuss the enquiry conducted by Delhi Police crime branch in connection with match fixing scandal, police sources said. Batohi’s meeting with the Police Chief assumes significance since the Delhi Police in early April had exposed the entire scandal involving disgraced former South African skipper Hansie Cronje and four other players. Batohi, of Indian origin, accompanied by a police officer Jeff Edwards, are expected to meet people related to cricket and the match-fixing probe in India, reports from Durban said. The State Prosecutor, who articulately handled the first part of the Commission’s hearing of Cronje and other players named by the former skipper, would also attempt to talk to bookmakers who were allegedly involved with Cronje. If Batohi is unable to obtain original tape recordings, she would try to get the authenticated transcriptions of the conversation between Cronje and the bookies, reports said. (PTI) |
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All smuggling routes of Tibetan antelope wool lead to J&K By Gopal Sharma JAMMU, Sept 17 : Incredible...but true that all the smuggling routes of Chiru wool (Tibetan antelope) lead to the Jammu and Kashmir state. The simple reason is that the Kashmiris are considered as the most expert in weaving Shahtoosh products and it is the only place in the world where the trade is not declared as illegal as yet. The pressure is being mounted on the State Government from the Centre and other International environment organisations to stop this activity.The intricate art of spinning and weaving a Shahtoosh shawl is carried out only in J&K, known for its carpets and shawls apart from its picturesque terrain. Of the many handicrafts from Kashmir, Shahtoosh has pride of place. Most of the spinners and weavers are little aware about the actual source of wool they use and the fact that the Chiru is killed for wool. It is established fact that the Chiru is the Tibetan Antelope is the only source of Shahtoosh and the animal is killed for procuring the wool. It has been listed in Schedule I of the Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act since 1972. In 1991, trade in Schedule I animals or products was banned. WWF-Traffic India investigators have done an excellent job to unearth this smuggling nexus and the routes being used by those connected with this underground trade. In the recent past, there have been many seizures within India and elsewhere involving Shahtoosh shawls and wool. Huge quantities of wool were seized ranging from 100 to 600 kgs through raids between 1993 to 1996. A good number of Shahtoosh shawls have been seized by the Wildlife authorities and Police in Delhi so far. Since 1995 more than 450 shawls have been seized in India. Many such anti-poaching efforts are also being carried out in Tibet. Only in 1999, the Chinese police seized 190 furs, 2000 rounds of ammunition, over 1600 Chiru skins, 548 heads, 18 vehicles, 14 rifles, 12000 rounds of ammunition and arrested 66 poachers in its special drive to save this endangered species, Seizures have also been reported from Hongkong but the Jammu and Kashmir Wild Life Department and the State police is least concerned about the trade and fate of Chiru which is at the verge of extinction. A WWF-India official connected with the study disclosed that a migratory population of 200 to 250 of the Tibetan Antelope comes with Indian limits from Tibetan plateau around July in small herds and remain there till September before returning to their wintering grounds in Tibet, now in China. Their population is declining rapidly in the region. So far, no evidence of collection of shed wool has been received by the investigators. Moreover, no evidence found of existence of a breeding farm of the Tibetan antelope in Ladakh region as claimed by the local traders. Ironically, Chiru is accorded the highest protection, listed as it is in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered species of wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The International ban on the Shahtoosh trade has been in force for about 26 years now. Jammu and Kashmir is the only place where its trade continues to be legal, although traders are required to obtain a license from the Competent Authority prior to carrying out business but the fact remains that no licenses have been issued, implying that it is illegal to manufacture and sell Shahtoosh in the State. The official said that despite Schedule II listing in J&K Wildlife (Protection) Act, the manufacture and trade in Shahtoosh, even within J&K is ‘ipso facto’ illegal because, transit of Shahtoosh wool from Tibet ( China) into India would require CITES permits even for non-commercial use. No such permits have been issued by the CITES Management Authority of Peoples Republic of China, for trade with India. Again, manufacture and trade in Shahtoosh shawls in J&K, require valid annual license from the competent authority under the J&K Wildlife Protection Act 1978, but no such licenses have been issued in J&K for several years now. The same has been confirmed by a senior official in the Wildlife Protection Department. A recent investigation by the WWF-Traffic official revealed that all the smuggling routes of Chiru wool lead to weavers in the J&K state. Some routes take the from the high plains of China directly over mountain passes and into Kashmir, while others cross Nepal and other Indian states before arriving in Kashmir, sometimes passing through Delhi and other north Indian states. This wool is known to travel by horse back, truck, train and airplane, often hidden in shipments or parcels of wool from domestic animals such as sheep or pashmina goat, whose fine wool is a near equivalent to Shahtoosh. The bones and other parts of this animal are used in medicines and smuggled to Hongkong, China, India and other parts of the world. The campaign, which has received considerable media attention, aims to inform and educate the public about the mindless slaughter of the Tibetan antelope. There is no other way to save the endangered species but to say "no" to Shahtoosh. |
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Arrangements for Shastri Jyanti finalised Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 17: In order to finalise the arrangements for celebration of birth anniversary of Late Pt. Prem Nath Shastri a renowned scholar and religious luminary of Kashmir a meeting was organized at Vijeshwar Jyotshi Karyalya, Gole Gujral near here today. The meeting was presided over by Jyotshi Omkar Nath Shastri, Editor in Chief Vijeshwar Panchang and it among others was attended by representatives of some social and religious organizations. Mr Shastri said on the occasion a function will be held at Abhinav Theatre here which will be presided over by Minister of State for Defence Mr Harin Pathak. He said the papers on the life and contribution of Late Shastri will be read by eminent KP scholars. On the occasion a cultural show will also be organized. |
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