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| One HuM terrorist killed in Gool Excelsior Correspondent RAMBAN, Dec 25: In a fierce encounter, one hardcore terrorist of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM) was eliminated by the security forces at Jabar....more Woman dies
of burn Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: A young woman allegedly died due to critical burn injuries while as seven persons were injured in three separate......more State Govt
warned Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: All Parties Statehood Movement today warned the State Government and the ruling party....more MLA
Gulabgarh visits Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: Mr Malik Abdul Ghani, MLA Gulabgarh visited the remote villages of Mahore area like Bhall......more Problems
of far-off areas Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: A meeting of Congress workers was held in Akhnoor under the leadership of Mr Dharam.....more |
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One day
Kissan Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: The office bearers of National Conference Provincial Committee headed by Mr Bodh Raj Bali addressed a one day Kissan conference at Baspur in R S Pura......more Pak
challenge to be met Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: The Minister for Power, Mr S S Slathia inaugurated memorial of Shaheed Dalip Singh at Chankanan village in Hiranagar .....more Swaran
Lata demands Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: During her visit of border villages and meetings with migrant families from Ban Glard and other villages of Samba.......more Various
functions held to Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: Various functions were held to celebrate Christmas Day today at different places and educational institutions and else-where in the region........more |
One HuM terrorist killed in Gool Excelsior Correspondent RAMBAN, Dec 25: In a fierce encounter, one hardcore terrorist of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM) was eliminated by the security forces at Jabar, about one kilometer North of Mahakund in Gool area. SP Ramban Karnail Singh told EXCELSIOR that onan information about the presence of some terrorists in forest area of Jabar, security forces launched search operation in the early morning. While the search was in progress, the security forces noticed movement of terrorists. The alert troops engaged the terrorists with effective and heavy volume of fire. In the ensuing encounter which lasted for about one hour, one terrorist was eliminated and a jawan of Special Task Force (STF) got injured. The killed terrorist was identified as Mohd Ali, code named Jamat Jul of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM) outfit. One AK-47 rifle, 2 magazine, one wireless set, one detonator, one hand grenade and 50 rounds of AK were recovered from the slain terrorist. The injured STF Constable has been identified as Bharat Bhushan and he was hospitalised. The security forces after killing the terrorist further launched search operation to locate the terrorists if any. But no other terrorist was found. |
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Woman dies of burn injuries; 7 injured in road accidents Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: A young woman allegedly died due to critical burn injuries while as seven persons were injured in three separate road accidents. According to police, a young woman identified as Anita Bali, wife of Vijay Bali of Upper Gumat died due to critical burn injuries she had sustained in an accidental fire at her residence yesterday. She was admitted to Government Medical College Hospital yesterday with critical burn injuries but she succumbed to her burn wounds today morning. The body was, later, handed over to family members. A case has been registered in this connection and further investigations were on to ascertain the real cause behind the incident. Meanwhile, four persons were injured in collision between auto-rickshaw and Maruti car at Panjthirthi. All the injured were immediately rushed to hospital by some passers-by. According to doctors, the condition of all the injured persons was critical. The injured have been identified as Hanifa, wife of Mohd Yousaf, Dukhtaran and Insha, daughters of Mukhtar Ahmed and Sakina, daughter of Abdul Majid, all the residents of Sidhra. In another road accident, two pedestrians sustained critical injuries when they were knocked down by a speeding jeep bearing registration number JK02D-9168 at Channi Himmat this morning. The injured identified as Surjeet Singh, son of Gopal Singh and Usha Devi, wife of Jeet Raj, both the residents of Darap have been hospitalised and their condition was critical till late this evening. In yet another road accident, a minor boy received grievous injuries when he was hit by a speeding scooter at Roop Nagar. He was rushed to hospital and his condition was critical. |
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State Govt warned to desist from nefarious designs Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: All Parties Statehood Movement today warned the State Government and the ruling party to desist from nefarious designs to dismember Jammu region or divide it on communal lines through machinations of so called regional autonomy agenda as recommended by the Regional Autonomy Committee comprising only NC members. Meeting of the presidium and secretariat of Movement which held here today took serious note of the move at the behest of National Conference to bring forth private members resolution in the forthcoming session of State Assembly to create separate Chenab Valley province, comprising Muslim majority Doda district and some parts of Udhampur district. The meeting said that this move will be opposed tooth and nail by all sections of the people of Jammu region who are determined to get rid of the hegemony of Kashmir leadership by carving out a secular State of Jammu where Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians, all will be equal partners in building their future and will live in peace and harmony. The meeting was presided over by Mr K S Jamwal and attended by Messrs Dhan Raj Bargotra, D K Khajuria, Prof Verinder Gupta, Yash Bhasin Uday Chand, Inderjeet Khajuria, Aruna Bhakhria, H B Khajuria, Rameshwar Singh Jamwal and Sat Pal Sharma. It was resolved that if the bill is introduced in the forthcoming session of State Legislature and efforts made to implement the Resettlement Act in any form, a powerful agitation would be launched in Jammu region. The Movement appealed the Central Government to nip the NC sponsored evil in the bud and see that the State Government abandons these conspiracies against Jammu region. The Movement decided to hold dharna and other agitational programmes to awaken Jammuities and mobilize them for creation of Jammu State. |
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MLA Gulabgarh visits far-off areas of Mahore Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: Mr Malik Abdul Ghani, MLA Gulabgarh visited the remote villages of Mahore area like Bhall, Angralla, Sarh, Phari Kansoli and Mahore. As per a release, during his visit to Angrala, Mr Malik laid foundation stone of Panchayat Ghar being constructed under the 11th Financial Commission funds. He also inspected the various developmental works like construction of Bagga-Gulabgarh road, community facility centre at Bagga, water supply schemes being taken up under Pilot Project, construction of Mahore-Sikdhar road, construction of Panchayat Ghar building at Mahore, construction of community facility centre at Mahore and other improvement works on Arnas-Mahore road and numerous other works. He also addressed a number of public meetings and highlighted the achievements of present State Government. He said that staff facility has been improved in educational institutions under Rehbar-e-Talem scheme and in Health institutions by making appointments on contract basis and consolidated basis. He added that PHC Mahore has been upgraded to the level of Sub-District Hospital and new building is being constructed for it. He further said that a large number of buildings are being constructed for primary, middle and high schools and added that Rs 20 lakh have been sanctioned for construction of additional rooms for Higher Secondary School Mahore. Messrs Mohd Amin, Harbans Lal Sharma, Abdul Hamid, Krishan Lal, Suram Chand, Abdul Rashid, Kartar Singh, Choudhary Wali, Ch Javed, Mohd Shafi, Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Malik, Abdul Din Dar, Mohd Ashraf, Wamar Din, Des Raj, Abdul Aziz, Mohd Farooq, Zakir Hussain and Choudhary Talib Hussain also addressed the meetings. |
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Problems of far-off areas of Akhnoor tehsil listed Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: A meeting of Congress workers was held in Akhnoor under the leadership of Mr Dharam Pal Sharma, former MP and general secretary (PCC) wherein people from Kathad, Chowki-Chaura, Gurha Jagir, Jad, Snail and other Kandi areas highlighted their problems. As per a release, the people mainly complained about the shortage of drinking water and said that they have to remain without water for days together. They also alleged that hefty amount is being charged from them for the electricity supply but the voltage of the electricity remains low and serves no purpose. They further said that electricity transformers remain damaged and burnt for days together but none from the concerned department is coming forward to look into the problem. The villagers informed the Congress leader that road from Akhnoor to Sungal is in dilapidated condition besides other roads in rural areas. They alleged that Watershed Department has not paid the labour charges to the people even after months of execution of work. They further alleged mis-utilisation of funds by the Department. The villagers expressed anguish over the non-payment of drought relief and said that only tall promises were made with them. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Dharam Pal Sharma said that both National Conference and NDA Governments have failed to mitigate the sufferings of the people and added that security of the nation is in dangerous hands. He said that it was all due to the leniency on the part of NDA Government that terrorists succeeded in attacking Parliament and added that India should learn lesson from America and Israel. He also expressed concern over the increase in firing from the across the border and demanded that migrants from border areas be provided accommodation at safer places. Messrs Rattan Chand, Gasha Ram, Tota Ram, Kuldeep Raj, Munshi Ram, Laxman Dass, Karam Chand, Daya Ram, Gian Chand, Hans Raj, Rakesh and Pritam Lal also spoke on the occasion. |
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One day Kissan conference held Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: The office bearers of National Conference Provincial Committee headed by Mr Bodh Raj Bali addressed a one day Kissan conference at Baspur in R S Pura. As per a release, the Conference was organised by the Block Committees of R S Pura, Dablarh and Miransahib to discuss various organisational and local problems being faced by farmers in their respective areas. In the deliberations, the farmers of the area apprised Provincial Committee office bearers about the problems being faced by them in their respective areas with regard to shortage of irrigation facilities, shortage of drinking water and indiscriminate firing from across the border. Addressing the gathering Mr Bodh Raj Bali assured the farmers that the issues raised by them in the Conference would be discussed with the concerned authorities and redressed at an earliest. Referring to the firing from across the border, Mr Bali said that situation at the border is tense and Government is aware of the problems of the farmers and assured that the concerned officers would visit the area and this issue will be taken up with them. Messrs Rattan Lal, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Jugal Mahajan, D S Trehan, Begum Zubaida Salaria, Bimla Luthra, Depinder Kour, Ram Chand Bhagat, Balvinder Singh, Sangat Singh, Daljit Sharma, Prem Nath, Satvinder Singh, Shakti Kumar, Satnam Singh, Veena Choudhary, Veena Oberai, Shyam Mehra, Satwant Kour and Johar Singh also addressed the meeting. |
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Pak challenge to be met with full might : Slathia Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: The Minister for Power, Mr S S Slathia inaugurated memorial of Shaheed Dalip Singh at Chankanan village in Hiranagar tehsil of Kathua district today. Paying floral tributes to the martyr on Shaheedi Divas of grenadier Dalip Singh , the Minister said that by laying down his life for the defence of the country he did proud not only to his parents but to the counry as a whole. He warned Pakistan of indulging in any sort of mis-adventure, for which it will receive befitting reply. He said having faced crushing defeats in three wars and in the latest Kargil conflict, Pakistan has been again indulging in provocative activities on the border thereby hindering the peace process. The people living on the border are facing Pakistani onslaught with courage and determination which inspires our youth towards sheer nationalism. Pakistan, he said, has already tasted the courage and bravery of our valiant soldiers who have laid down their precious lives so that the nation lives in lasting peace and harmony. The Minister assured the dependents of martyr Dalip Singh of all possible help from the government and announced government job to one member of his family. He also announced black topping of road from memorial to Chankanan. In addition, a hand pump would also be installed near the memorial gate , he added. A variety programme comprising patriotic songs and skits was also presented by the students of Government High School, Naran, Narsingh Vidya Peeth and Higher Seconadary School Gagbal and other local institutions on the occasion. Mr Slathia gave a cash award of Rs 1000 to each participating school and Rs 500 each to those who presented patriotic songs and skits. Special prize of Rs 500 was given to Ms Usha Sharma by the Minister for her scintillating presentation in the cultural show which stole the hearts of audience. Later, the Minister inaugurated a link road at Christian colony, Bari-Brahamana constructed at a cost of Rs. 3 lakh. Greeting the people on the occasion of Christmas, he said that like any other community the role of Christian community ion nation building cannot be undermined Mr Slathia instructed for the construction of drain along the road besides, assuring foodgrains to the people living below poverty line under the BPL scheme. The Minister also addressed public meeting at Jakh Channi and participated in a religious congregation organized by the Nirankari Mission at Gagor. At Jakh Channi, he announced Rs 6.25 lakh for improving power infrastructure in the village and adjoining areas besides construction of link road and Mandir Gali of the village. A hand pump would also be installed in the local school for the benefit of students. |
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Swaran Lata demands better facilities for border people Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: During her visit of border villages and meetings with migrant families from Ban Glard and other villages of Samba sector, Mrs Swaran Lata expressed deep shock and surprise over inaction of the State Government regarding sufferings of the migrant people due to continuous heavy intensive shelling and firing with heavy weapons from across the border. In a press note she said there was every apprehension of some mishap with them, but the Government has not taken any preventive measure to save those people from sufferings because of heavy firing. Mrs Lata said the Government should have prepared the contingency plan to save these people from difficulties and sufferings in case of migration. She said the Government should have provided atleast tents for accommodation and free ration immediately. The former MLA said the people are living in open without any provision for winters and there is no arrangement for rations. The Government has left these people at the mercy of God as a result of which there was great anger and anguish amongst the people against the Government, she said. While addressing Mrs Swaran Lata demanded that these people should be provided with all the facilities on the pattern of Kashmiri migrants and the Government should establish camps with provision of tented accommodation, free ration, drinking water, kerosene oil and schooling facility for students, but so far nothing has been done. She said the Government should have foreseen the difficulties of the people to be caused of heavy firing from across the border and taken steps before hand to ameliorate the sufferings of dislocating people. She alleged that Government has totally failed on all accounts and demanded that atleast tents should be provided to the displaced people presently putting up in schools alongwith free ration and cash relief because they have nothing to sustain upon. She also demanded that they should be provided residential plots at safer place. Mrs Swaran Lata was accompanied by Master Gouri Shanker, president BCC Samba, Thakur Kauveer Singh Sarpanch, Prem Lal and others during her tour. |
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Various functions held to celebrate Christmas Day Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: Various functions were held to celebrate Christmas Day today at different places and educational institutions and else-where in the region. It was a treat to the eyes at Hotel Asia in the morning where the hotel management in collaboration with Camlin India (Art Material Division) organised a painting competition in which nearly 350 students drawn from various educational institutions, were seen portraying the imaginative skills and adding colours to their ideas through their fingers, enthralling a large number of people present on the occasion. Various other co-sponsors had also erected their stalls to give the function a real festive look. Santa Clause was there to greet the students who distributed Goodies to all In the painting contest in the age group of 6 to 10 years the first prize was bagged by Shipra Abrol of Presentation Convent while second prize went to Sachita of magic High School Jammu and Damini Wali of Shangrila High School and Mohilo Lamba of DBN Vidya Mandir Jammu bagged third and consolation prizes respectively. In the Art group from 10 to 14 years group Chandandeep Kour of GGHSS Mubarak Mandi, Priyanka Sawhney of Presentation Convcent Jammu and Akshay Bhat of DBN bagged first, second and third prizes respectively while consolation prizes were bagged by Kritika Khanna of GGHSS Mubarak Mandi and Purnima Gupta of Tarapuri School. The theme of the painting contest was militancy, scene at Railway Station and waterfall in a mountain. Mrs Bindu Gandotra, Mrs Rama Gupta and Mrs Ritu Bhasin were the judges. Later in the afternoon various programmes including the fancy dress competitions were held to add glitters to the celebrations. The entire show was organised by Hotel Asia. |
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Christmas mid-night mass celebrated Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: Christmas mid-night mass was celebrated in the Catholic Parish Churches of New Plot, Akalpur, Vijaypur, Bishnah and Bakshinagar in Jammu. As per a release, the largest congregation was witnessed at St Merry’s Cathedral Church Gandhinagar where people from all faiths joined their Christian brothren in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. The mid- night mass was conducted by Rt Rev Dr Peter Celestine, Bishop Jammu -Srinagar and was assisted by Rev Father Sabastian and Rev Father Anthony. Meanwhile, All J&K Christian Welfare Association Jammu celebrated Christmas at Shanti Bhawan Mother Tresa Home today. Mr S M Gill president of the Association presided over the function and distributed sweets and fruits among the children and people on this occasion. |
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NC’s new moves creating wedge among people: JKNF Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: Convenor Jammu Kashmir Nationalist Front Mr Tilak Raj Sharma has said that greater Autonomy demand, Re-settlement Act and now Autonomous Hill Development Council for Doda are the moves aimed at creating communal wedge between Hindus and Muslims to ensure that Muslims of Doda district are left with no choice but to lick the feet of Kashmiri rulers. Addressing a press conference here today, Mr Sharma said that with the same move the Government now intends to scuttle the demand of district status for Reasi and Kishtwar as it will annex tehsil Mahore from Udhampur. Thirdly, it aims at sabotaging the move for a separate Jammu State. Then this bill, if it gets nod of the two houses, then Governor shall pave way for another separate Hill Development Council for Poonch and Rajouri. Fourthly, the Kashmiri rulers are out to carry away all income from Doda district, be it power production, forests, minerals or the tourism potential. He pointed out that people in Doda and in Jammu region in general have seen through the nefarious designs of the Kashmiri rulers and are out to give a befitting reply, if Government dares to get the bill through. The JKNF warned the Kashmiri rulers to desist from fragmenting Jammu region besides using Resettlement Act to change the demographic status of Jammu, as this act will affect only Jammu region refugees, depriving them of their hearths and homes. If the Government does not see the light at the end of the tunnel due to its blindness, JKNF is bound to take appropriate steps to ensure that not only these moves of the government die a violent death but the Government also have the taste of the bitter fruits, seeds of which it is sowing now. Mr Sharma claimed that Government will be taking these matters in the streets and homes of the people to build a mass movement against the moves of the Government. Responding to a question on dis-unity among the two groups spearheading the demand of statehood for Jammu, Mr Sharma said," They have artificial majority with them while a large number of people are with the JKNF, however,the aim of both the groups is common," he maintained. Another member of the Front Mr Abdul Rouf advocate alleged that it was unfortunate to note that several people in the ruling NC were supporting the anti-national moves. They are out to destroy the State’s fabrics of communal harmony. He said the rightly intended and justified movement for a separate Jammu State has all the good reasons and the top most being the intentional subjugation / slaving of people of Jammu region, perpetrating gross discrimination in all spheres including jobs, professional institutions, promotions, development works etc. The people of the region are now well aware of these facts and have vowed to get the statehood dream fulfilled in the near future, he added. |
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LIC
agents hold 15th annual convention Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: Association of the Life Insurance Corporation Agents Jammu province organised 15th annual convention today in which more than 400 LIC agents from Jammu province participated. Mr H M Jain, All India president of the Association of LIC Agents was chief guest in the function. Association of LIC Agents Jammu province is affiliated with the Life Insurance Agents Federation of India. While addressing the function, speakers demanded professionalism of systems in the Corporation. They demanded that suggestions given by the Insurance Regularity Development Authority (IRDA) of India should be implemented. Speakers were of the view that to streamline functioning of the Corporation it was necessary to bring professionalism in the Corporation. Regarding allotment of the agencies, speakers said that agencies should not be allotted to any person. They demanded that system suggested by the IRDA should be implemented while allotting agencies. They were of the view that first training should be given to the agents which should be followed by the test and then agency should be allotted. Highlighting other demands of the agents, speakers said that group insurance schemes of agents should be regularised. They further stressed on the need of holding regular meetings of agents at branch level to streamline functioning of the Corporation. They also demanded mediclaim. Speakers regretted that despite being back-bone of the Corporation, there was no security of the agents. They demanded pension benefit for the agents. Speakers said that Rs 200 crores, as their commission always remain pending with the Corporation so pension was their legitimate right. Association of LIC Agents usually organise their convention on 31st August on the eve of the nationalisation of the Life Insurance Corporation of India. But this time the convention was postponed due to the national convention of the Life Insurance Agents Federation of India in the month of September. Mr Mohan Lal Nahata, North Zone general secretary, Divisional Manager of the LIC Kashmir, Mr Dinesh Panthe, Sales Manager Kuldeep Tikku, Divisional president, Mr Harbajan Singh also spoke on the occasion. Mr B L Dubey, general secretary of the Association presented annual report at the outset of the function while spokesperson of the Association, Mr Prem Sagar Sharma presented vote of thanks. Union Minister of State for Finance (Expenditure, Banking and Insurance), Mr Bala Sahib Vikhe Patil who had to the inaugurate and function and Union Minister of State for Food Procession, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, could not attend the function due to their pre-occupation at New Delhi. |
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Pak warned to desist from
anti India bashings Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: Urging the Indian Government to adopt a tough posture against Pakistan and give her a befitting reply for her misadventures, the State Unit chief of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Dr Rama Kant Dubey today warned the neighbouring country to desist from anti India bashings. In an exclusive interview to this reporter, Dr Dubey said India should toughen its stand against the neighbour which has been behind all the terrorist attacks in the country for over a decade now. Lambasting Pakistan he said the rulers across the border should know that Kashmir is an integral part of India and no power on earth can annex it from us with force. "Pakistan has been taught a lesson in all three wars fought on Kashmir and also she could not withstand the rhetoric of Indian forces in Kargil war two years back and beat a hasty retreat to save her from further humiliation", he added. The VHP state chief said Pakistan does not understand the language of peace and she has been behaving like a python hence deserves to be crushed once for all. Terming that snapping of ties by recalling the Indian High Commissioner from Islamabad and closure of rail and bus services as not enough, he said the Centre should take all possible steps to corner Pakistan on all diplomatic front. This includes abrogation of Indus Water Treaty and withdrawing the most favoured nation status to her. He said the Government of India should also force Pakistan to vacate its forces from occupied Kashmir and demand the portion from Pak territory in lieu of land leased out to China by her. In reply to a question whether India should attack the terrorist camps in PoK by not bowing to world pressure, he said every sovereign nation reserves the right to protect its integrity. When America can attack Afghanistan to oust Taliban from power and smash Al Qaeda network after the September 11 terrorist attacks on Pentagon and WTO why not India? He said the world can not apply two yard sticks to terrorism. If US takes the action against Al Qaeda in Afghanistan it can not maintain silence on the entry of these terrorists in India. Holding Pakistan responsible for the bloodshed in Kashmir he said the minorities have been forced to flee from there by the terrorists. The world community should see who is responsible for the mass migration of Hindus, Sikhs and the nationalist Muslims from Valley. He also did not absolve the State Government and blamed it for the misiries of the people. Instead of giving priority to restoration of peace and normalcy in the state, he said the Government has raked up controversial issues like Greater Autonomy, Resettlement Act and Chinab Valley Regional Council status to Doda district. This has resulted into a lot of public resentment in Jammu region as the people apprehend that these policies are aimed at changing the demography of the region and forcing the mass migration from Doda, Rajouri and Poonch districts. He while defending the Jammu statehood demand said it is also the result of such a biased approach of the State Government as people of the region feel that their identity with Kashmir is facing a big threat. Dr Dubey alleged that even the Government has allotted the land in the border areas to people with doubtful integrity. There is every apprehension that these people are helping the ISI in its subversive activities, he added. He said the blood of innocents is being shed in Jammu and Kashmir and no body bothers. The situation has become so grave at present that entire nation is at a volcano, he added. He said the best way to heal the wounds of the people in the state is that the NC Government should bring a bill in the legislature for abrogation of Article 370 saying that there will be no threat to Kashmiriyat after the abrogation of this Article. He while making a dig at State Government said the Custodian Department was set up for protection of properties of the people who had migrated to Pakistan and PoK in 1947 but no such step was taken to protect the left over properties of displaced people from the Valley. He also demanded that the Government funds should also be utilised for safeguarding the property of the Hindus in Kashmir as is done for the Auqaf. Dr Dubey expressed his concern over the slow pace of development works in the Jammu region and alleged that even the small works are still pending. The lights have not been installed at flyover and the progress of Tawi bridge is also slow, he added. The power crisis have started again and in certain areas the five hour long curtailment has been again increased to unscheduled cuts. |
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J&K to set up permanent
exhibition-cum-sale Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 25: J&K will set up a permanent exhibition-cum-sales complex at Pragti Maidan, Delhi to popularize its world famous handicrafts in a big way. The exhibition complex will remain functional round the year. This was announced by the J&K Industries and Commerce Minister, Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal at the inaugural function of a 10-days handicrafts exhibition-cum-sale at Gandhi Nagar, Jammu this morning. The Exhibition has been organised by the J&K Directorate of Handicrafts with an objective to give wide exposure to the handicrafts made by the artisans of Jammu province. The Financial Commissioner, Industries and Commerce, Mr. I. S. Malhi and the Director Handicrafts, Mr. G. H. Khan were also present on the occasion besides a large number of handicrafts trainees, officers and field agencies of the Handicrafts Department. Joint Director Handicrafts Mrs Neelam Sharma had made arrangements for the exhibition. Various handicrafts products from each district of the Jammu province have been kept at display in various stalls put up at the exhibition which include Basholi paintings, calico printing craft and bamboo products of Kathua, Sheesham wood products, Rajouri shawls and embroidery shawls, carpet and ready-made garments made from local raw material by the trainees through cooperative societies. |
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CS reviews security
scenario Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: In the wake of escalated shelling from across the border, Jammu and Kashmir Government today placed on alert the entire administration to tackle the problems of those migrating from border belts of Samba and other sectors. Chief Secretary Mr Ashok Jaitly reviewed the overall security scenario and situation prevailing on borders in particular and the State in general at a high level meeting here this morning. Senior civil, army, police and officers of security forces participated and discussed in details the situation. Mr Jaitly placed Rs 50 lakhs, in the first instance, at the disposal of Divisional Commissioner, Jammu for meeting immediate requirements of migrating border dwellers and gave specific instructions to leave nothing undone for want of funds. This is the priority area that has to be addressed with single mindedness, the CS added. He also issued instructions to field officers not to leave their stations and remain available at the headquarters round the clock to provide necessary assistance to the affected people. He also asked all heads of departments to maintain close rapport for solving various issues related to the migrated people expeditiously and regularly monitor functioning of their field agencies. The Divisional Commissioner shall be holding frequent meetings with them to review the measures taken by the administration from time to time, he said. Thrust of the administration, he said, would be to meet immediate needs like shelter, drinking water and other essentials to the affected people. He asked the divisional administration to identify school and other Government buildings for providing shelter in safer areas to the sufferers earnestly. He said that possibilities should be explored to arrange tents for displaced people. While reviewing the stock position of food grains, kerosene and other essentials in the State, the CS said that sufficient stocks are available to meet the requirements, both in border areas and elsewhere in the state. Principal Secretary Home, Mr C Phunsog, Director General of Police, Mr A K Suri, Additional DG, CID Mr Kuldip Khoda, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Mr Anil Goswami, IG Security, Dr Ashok Bhan, IGP Jammu Zone, Mr P L Gupta and senior army and BSF officers were present. |
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Lord Avebury denies patronising Geelani Excelsior e-mail Service JAMMU, Dec 25: Lord Eric Avebury, British Parliamentarian and Vice Chairman of Parliamentary Human Rights Group, has clarified that he doesn’t ‘patronise’ London based Nazir Geelani or his Kashmir Council for Human Rights. Reacting to an Article "Geelani had met Pant before the attack on Parliament" that appeared in this newspaper on December 22, Lord Avebury in an e-mail addressed to EXCELSIOR Editor today, said that he has no kind of relationship with Mr Geelani or his Kashmir Council except as a passive recipient of the documents they publish. In the article, it was mentioned that Nazir Geelani was "patronised" by Lord Avebury and later that he ‘gained" access to him. Mr Geelani was also said to have arranged a meeting with the Government of India’s Kashmir interlocutor, K C Pant in New Delhi, for his relative Abdur Rehman Geelani, who is accused of planning the terrorist attack on Parliament on December 13. Reacting to such reporting, Lord Avebury, a former Chairman of Kashmir Committee in Parliament, said that he doesn’t "patronise" Geelani or his Kashmir Council for Human Rights". |
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