‘Indian soldiers brave enough to give befitting reply to enemy’
Attack Pak to finish things once for all,
demand kin of martyrs

Excelsior Correspondent

MAMUN CANTT, Dec 15: How long we have to sacrifice our dears in the on going war against terrorism. Country should go American way and blast the terrorist training camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). These views were expressed by kith and kin of the martyr jawans of Sikh Regiment, who had gathered in a function organised to distribute financial assistance to martyrs of the Regiment.

Though tears rolling down from her eyes while narrating story of her martyr husband, Gian Kour, a war widow, was of the view that Pakistan was solely responsible for all blood-shed in the country and hence decisive and final war was essential to bring peace in the region.

Gian Kour, whose all the three sons are serving in Indian Army said, "sons of Mother India are brave enough to give a befitting reply to the stupid mis-adventures of our neighbour, only thing we lack is guts of our leaders".

Kulwant Vir Singh had attained martyrdom in 1971 war with Pakistan. His son, who came with her mother to participate in the function to get financial assistance, said, "if the US can attack Pakistan why Indian Government has been unnecessarily maintaining restrain". He asserted that attack on terrorist camps at Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) was the only solution to wipe out terrorism from the country.

"First terrorists attacked Red Fort, which is symbol of our authority and now they have stormed our Parliament. It is high time to attack Pakistan and finish things once and for all", said Vikram Singh, son of late Sepoy Satnam Singh who attained supreme sacrifice while fighting with terrorists at Doda, shared similar views and considered attack on Parliament as attack on the heart of the Indian State. "Pro-active policy is not going to serve any purpose. Instead of ‘talking’ leaders should act promptly", he said and added that only operation against terrorists will not sufficient enough. He said that there should be a full-fledged war against enemy who has been exporting blood-shed in our country.

Ex-service man Gian Singh’s eyes became mist while narrating how his son Varinder Singh attained supreme sacrifice but he too wanted a final assault on Pakistan. "Number of martyrs have been increasing with every passing day, it high time to take revenge from those who are responsible for blood-shed", father of martyr said.

Majority of the family members of the martyrs of the Sikh Regiment shared the similar views that India should respond Pakistan’s stupid mis-adventures the way US did. Some of them even regretted that had the terrorists camp attacked decade back, situation would have been peaceful in the country. They were of the view that Pakistan has been taking our restrained as weakness and the time has ripe to give her a lesson to show our strengthen.

Being Indian Army’s one of the oldest and most decorated regiments, Sikh Regiment has a bulk of its recruitment from the Punjab and surrounding areas. Not only in war with Pakistan but large number Jawans of this regiment have attained martyrdom during anti-terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

The nation has not forgotten the defiant stand of Subedar Joginder Singh of 1 Sikh at Bum La in 1962, where he led his platoon to inflict the first defeat on the invading Chinese. In this battle, Subedar Joginder Singh made the supreme sacrifice and was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously. Sepoy Sewa Singh of 4 Sikh also displayed example of bravery in 1962 at Wologn. He too made supreme sacrifice for his heroic action and was awarded with Maha Vir Chakra.

The saga of bravery and gallantry continued in 1965 and 1971 wars. The latest feather in the cap is the action by 8 Sikh at Tiger Hill during Operation Vijay. In the true traditions of the Regiment, 38 Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and Jawans made the supreme sacrifice while battling against seemingly insurmountable odds.

Earlier, emotion gripped in the auditorium when Major General R K Mehta, General Officer Commanding 29, Infantry Division handed over cheques of Rs 50,000 each to the widows and other next of kin of the martyrs of the Sikh Regiment.

Narcotic ‘smuggler’ acquitted

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 15: Principal Sessions Judge Jammu, Subash Chander Gupta has acquitted Gurmeet Singh of Solanpir, Ludhiana, who was facing trial for his alleged involvement in the smuggling of narcotic drugs.

While acquitting the accused, the Judge observed that the report given by the Chemical Examiner doesn’t anywhere mention the percentage of morphine from the seized article and has thus ignored the basic requirement of the law. His report, therefore, cannot be accepted to be the positive report regarding the finding of the opium in the sample, the Judge said.

He said that the percentage of morphine which was most relevant to connect the accused with the commission of offence, has not been mentioned since morphine upto the limit of 0.2 percent is permissible which doesn’t fall within the definition of opium. This sole point of defective chemical report is sufficient to acquit the accused, the Judge Mr Gupta said.

According to the police case, Gurmeet Singh was habitual purchaser and seller of "post powder". The Police in 1999 had arrested the accused near Nagrota by-pass and seized the contraband from his possession. The sample were sent to Forensic Laboratory for the chemical examination. After receiving the report, the challan was presented. However, the Court termed the chemical report as defective, thereby acquitting the accused

Dogri adoption of Greek play staged by Samooh Theatre

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 15: The Samooh Theatre staged "Ek Aur Opedipus", a Dogri adoption of Greek tragedy, in the Abhinav Theatre, here this evening.

Directed by talented theatre figure, Mr Sudhir Mahajan, the major role of Raja and Dev Putra was also played by him. He impressed with his superb acting. The play drew repeated applaud from the audience.

The role played by Ms Chanchal Sharma as Maharani was also impressive.

Mr N D Jamwal, noted Dogri writer and playwright, has not only translated the famous Greek tragi-drama but it seems adopted and altered it to suit the local situations/ social setting. The Dogri used was quite chaste and sweet.

The play revolves round the helplessness of a human being before destiny which may hurt a man grievously even for unknown factors. The story is of a ill-starred infant who is discarded but ultimately became a Raja and marry the Maharani, who at the end turn out to be his own mother.

While the maharani commits suicide, the Raja blinds himself to atone for the gravest sin committed by him, unknowingly of course. The Greek tragedies are classic and always touch the inner human emotion.

Mr Sudhar Mahajan has given full expressions to the emotions and inner storm of moral turpitude and won appreciations.

The cast included: Manik Singh (Ram Dev), Sunil Sharma (Tehlia), Ravi Shankar ( pardesi/ Som Raj) Daya Ram Daya (Dayala), Sheikh Mohd Kalyan (Mukdam), Suresh Kumar ( Jyotshi) who performed their role well. Others actors were Ghulam Mohammad, Sandeep Singh, Vishal and two child artists Shivani and Ekta.

Music was designed by Bhupinder Singh while Yasir Nissar Khan assisted in the play direction. Varsha Dogra and Swatantra Bharat were incharge costumes, make-up by Dr Kamal Sharma, and stage managers were Dhanesh Dogra and Rajinder Kumar.

The Secretary, Academy of Art, Culture and Language, Mr Balwant Thakur, who was chief guest, lauded the effort of the artists in the presentation and called upon them to continue with theatre performances. He assured of all assistance from the Academy in promotion of arts and cultural activities.

A large number of people were present.

Sagar inaugurated park at Nowhatta

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Dec 15 : Works Minister, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar today inaugurated Naqashbandiya Park at Radhapora, Nowhatta, which has been constructed at a cost of Rs.9.50 lakh, including fencing and drainage of the area.

He also laid foundation of Reading Room cum Library complex on one side of Naqashbandiya Park, which will be constructed at a cost of Rs.10.50 lakh.

Addressing a sizeable gathering on this occasion, the Minister said that un pleasant situation has not only broken the very structure of economy in the State but it has created problems for our student community. Therefore, he said, the government is intending to provide the facilities of Reading Room and libraries in the State.

He said that our children can face any sort of competitive examinations of technical and non-technical nature but the basic facilities need to be given to them in a phased manner.

While throwing light on teachings of Islam, the Minister said that Islam teaches us the lesson of peace and brotherhood. He said that there is no place for terrorism in Islam but unfortunately certain people present Islam in a wrong way. Condemning various terrorist activities in the State, the Minister said that we must strictly act upon the teaching of Islam.

Later, the Minister visited the Project cite of construction of proposed alternate road from Jahangir Chowk to Batmaloo coming up at a cost of Rs.3.93 crore , the alignment of which passes through Exhibition grounds. The Minister interacted with the shopkeepers of Exhibition grounds who are likely to get dislocated due to construction of said road. He assured them for their rehabilitation at the same cite. He also discussed other features of the project with the concerned engineers and was convinced with alignment and other proposals of the project which involves acquisition of very less number of private structures and area of land.

The Minister was accompanied by Chief Engineer, R&B, Kashmir, Superintending Engineer, R&B Circle, Srinagar and other concerned engineers.

Vijay Diwas celebrations
Shah emphasises greater vigil against
elements inimical to peace

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Dec 15 : Complimenting armed forces for their valiant services during war and peace in defending the integrity of nation and providing much needed services to the people during natural calamities and abnormal situations, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Shah today urged the forces to exercise greater vigil against the designs of perpetrators of violence.

Inaugurating Vijay Diwas celebrations here this afternoon, the Minister referred to the overall security scenario prevailing in the region in general and Jammu and Kashmir in particular and said this calls for greater grit and determination to face the challenges posed by the enemy.

The Vijay Diwas, celebrated in the memory of the soldiers and officers who sacrificed their lives in defending territorial sovereignty of the country in the Indo-Pak war 1971, was celebrated with enthusiasm in Jammu as elsewhere in the country.

He felicitated all ranks of the army and said that the compatriots are proud of their valiant jawans and officers for their contributions and such occasions provide an opportunity to acknowledge nation’s indebtedness towards them. He said the Indian army has not only proved its mettle in times of war but have rendered yeoman services to the nation in times of natural calamities like tackling flood situations and earthquakes etc. In Jammu and Kashmir, the armed forces provided medical facilities, constructed bridges, roads and other infrastructure besides ensuring civic facilities to the people living in the border and far-flung areas. The army also helped in re-constructing several bridges and school buildings destroyed during militancy in the State, the Minister added.

Mr. Shah eulogized Indian army’s commendable services as UN peace keeping force that earned them admiration and honor of the countries where they were deployed. It is because of their valour and sincerity of purpose that they became the most sought after army by the UNO.

Referring to the schemes drafted by the State Government for the benefit of the servicemen and ex-servicemen, Mr. Shah said that several measures were underway to better the lot of ex-servicemen, war-widows and disabled soldiers. These include financial assistance, reservations of jobs in the Government service etc. ‘While remembering the brave soldiers, our heads bow in respect for those who sacrificed their present for our future".

The highlight of the Vijay Diwas celebrations, held in Zorawar stadium here, were the presentation of cultural programmes by school children and the army jawans. These included Horse Show, Leziun Dance, Para Sailing, Gujjar Dance, Bhangra Dance, D. R. Display and Band Display.

Among others present at the occasion included Minister for Revenue, Mr. Abdul Qayoom, GoC, Mj. Gen. Yadev, senior civil and army officer and large number of people.

Netaji’s old driver bursts into tears when
honoured by Army

Excelsior Correspondent

DODA, Dec 15: Forgotten, neglected and allowed to live in the isolation in remote village of tehsil Kishtwar in district Doda, an octogenarian personal driver of Netaji Subhash Chander Bose, burst into tears when he was specially invited and honoured by the local Garrison Commander at Kishtwar.

It was indeed a touching moment, for the officers, jawans and other prominent locals present at the felicitation function held by the Army Commander at the Garrison recently. The proud old soldier of the Azad Hind Fauj—Tej Singh of Thakurai village has lost his two sons serving in Indian Army in two different actions. His youngest son—Sewa Singh -a school teacher and a son-in-law, fell victims to the militants’ bullets.

The people asked Teja to flee the village but the veteran Freedom fighter refused adamantly to be cowed down by the terrorists. Sometimes, he weeps like a child and recounts the death of his young sons and loved ones. His love for the motherland still holds him and he lives in the isolation working in his fields.

The INA soldier fondly recounts his days spent with Netaji and recited the marching songs of Azad Hind Fauj. Teja reminds us of a distinct past of patriotic fervour and intense nationalism. Netaji was a legendary leader of the Indian freedom movement. His life was saga of intense sacrifice and dedication. Tej Singh, one of the last soldiers of the INA who was personally attached to his entourage, is a living reminder of the past of struggle and sacrifice. Even as memories fade, it would be essential to record the reminiscences of this old soldier of INA before his witness to history ‘fades away’ into the sunset.

Born in 1925 at Thakurai in Kishtwar tehsil of Doda, Mr Tej Singh a veteran of INA was infact personal driver of his its famous Commander Subhash Chander Bose and has rare privilege of sharing close relationship with his Supreme Commander and other top ranking commanders of INA.

Tej Singh was enrolled in 3 Dogra Regiment. In those days, a soldier who was fifth standard pass was rare as the British had a policy of enrolling the rural educated peasants who in their wisdom could be molded better to serve the Raj. His service with the British Govt was short lived as he was taken as prisoner of war during World War -II. Teja later joined the INA to free his country from the British. He was sent to Nagasaki, Japan where he came to the notice of Gen Tojo of the Imperial Japanese Army. He was imparted training in driving, a skill those days not often extended to the Indian soldiers.

Later, in 1943 when Netaji came to Japan from Germany he had three Japanese drivers for his vehicle fleet. However, Netaji asked for an Indian driver and that is how Tej Singh was deputed for his service. He was closely associated with Netaji and travelled with him on his exploits to Singapore, Kaula Lampur, Mandlay, Rangoon, Irrawaddy, Chittagong and Kohima. He lived with Netaji till his last days and served the INA proudly. The brave freedom fighter even in this old age still stands ramord straight and proudly signs the songs of marching and patriotism.

APJSM holds rally, submits memorandum to President

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 15: In its bid to accelerate the tempo to get separate statehood for Jammu, a car and scooter rally was organised by All Parties Jammu Statehood Movement (APJSM) here today.

The rally which was led by leaders of different political and social groups started from Kunjwani By Pass and it culminated in front of Raj Bhawan at Panjtirthi after submitting a memorandum addressed to President of India to Governor Mr G C Saxena.

Before the rallyists dispersed at Rajbhawan they held a demonstration in support of the demand for about 20 minutes and shouted slogans against the alleged discrimination with the Jammu region.

With banners atop their vehicles reading "Kashmiri rulers quit Jammu","Ban ke Rahe Ga Jammu State"and "We want separate state for Jammu", the rally after leaving the Kunjwani passed via Digiana, Shastri Nagar, Gandhinagar, Auqaf Market, Main Market, Vikram Chowk, Jewel Chowk, Vivekananda Chowk, Raghunath Bazar and Parade culminated near Raj Bhawan.

The rally besides Messrs Yash Bhasin convenor Statehood Movement was led by Dhanraj Bargotra, Uday Chand, Prof Virender Gupta and D K Khajuria.

The memorandum in which demand for granting separate statehood to Jammu region was strongly advocated was submitted to President of India through Governor at Raj Bhawan here.

It said after the independence in 1947 when the Dogra rule came to an end, the Kashmir and Ladakh were not separated from Jammu by forming three separate states. But power in the entire state was handed over to Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah who was only the popular leader of Kashmir while the other two regions obliged to play the second fiddle and became subservient to Kashmiri rulers.

It said the socio cultural identity of Jammu region is under threat of extinction as Jammuites are being treated as second class citizens by the Kashmiri rulers.

It alleged that the Jammu region is facing total discrimination at the hands of Kashmiri rulers and though the region is much larger than Kashmir in area and has the equal population that of the Valley it is allotted less seats in the state legislature and Parliament than Kashmir.

Likewise in services, allocation of funds and other fields the Jammu region is discriminated against due to which there is a strong feeling of neglect, deprivation and alienation among the people of Jammu region.

The memorandum said the people of the region are fully convinced now that the only solution to their problems lies in statehood to Jammu.

ASSI members take up problems with Mallhi

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 15: The members of Association of Small Scale Industries Gangyal took up various issues relating to their interest with the Financial Commissioner Industries and Commerce, Mr I S Mallhi during an interaction session with them at ASSI Bhawan here today.

Besides the ASSI Gangyal members, some executive members from Bari Brahmana Industrial Association also attended the programme. Several burning issues of the industrialists pertaining to power, water supply, incentives, subsidy etc. came for discussion during the session.

Mr Mallhi, addressing the members said that Government was committed to support small scale industry in the state and the five year tax rebate to the industry continued to exist. Several concessions have been offered by the Government for setting up industry and also to promote it.

He disclosed that Government has kept Rs 8 crore to develop infrastructure, roads/ lanes etc. in the Gangyal industrial area for the current year and ways are being discovered to give a boost to the industry here.

ASSI president Mr A K Wadhera and general secretary—B B Talwar while speaking on the occasion raised the issue of power crisis being faced by the Jammu industry. They demanded that instead of charging flat rates as fixed by the PDD, the Department should collect the revenue as per the metre because during most of the time in a day, the power is not made available. They demanded incentives/ subsidy and special industrial package to the J&K industry on the pattern of North East and he said that Centre has failed to make up its commitment.

They also suggested lifting of restrictions on the local produce to send outside and also give opportunity to the local producers to sell their goods to the major consumers in the state like military and para-military forces etc.

BBIA president Mr Anil Suri and former ASSI Gangyal president Kuldip Dogra also spoke on the occasion.

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