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| Sahitya Akademi Awardee Kesar’s poetry has ‘beauty & fragrance’ By O P Sharma Mr Virinder Kesar has bagged the prestigious Sahitya Akademi award for his contribution to Dogri language and literature by his book " Nighe Rang "....more His
pension was By Sanjeev Sharma JAMMU, Dec 26: Though, his battle in the court of law remained half fought and his personal decade......more Excise
contractors Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 26: Excise contractors in Jammu and Kashmir state have suffered heavy....more J&K
prepares major By Gopal Sharma JAMMU, Dec 26: While the shelling and firing with the small and medium range guns escalates......more Mini-bus
operators hold protest, block road Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 26: Following use of unparliamentary language and scuffle with the mini-bus.....more |
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Travel
through Khardungla pass From Tashi Morup Leh, Dec 25: For the commuters between Leh City and Nubra valley negotiating the high-altitude Khardongla pass has become more hideous due to alleged mismanagement......more All
districts hospitals to be Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 26: The State Government is contemplating to set up a computer linkage facilities for the district hospitals with the main Tertiary Care Hospital for.....more Anti
encroachment drive Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec. 26: In the continuing drive to vacate the footpaths from encroachments, the Jammu Municipality Khilafwarzi and Revenue staff.......more Goods
worth Rs 7.20 Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 26: The Sleuths of Sales Tax Department have seized sanitary goods worth rupees 7.20 lakhs from a vehicle at Lakhanpur.........more |
CULTURE CORNER By O P Sharma Mr Virinder Kesar has bagged the prestigious Sahitya Akademi award for his contribution to Dogri language and literature by his book " Nighe Rang " containing 111 gazals. The award, announced on Saturday last, carries a copper-plaque and a cash prize of Rs 25,000, which will be presented to him at a special function in New Delhi on February 19, 2001 . Immediately after announcement of the award, Mr Kesar in an exclusive interview told EXCELSIOR that he feels happy and humble about this honour. The covetous award has been bestowed on him for his enrichment of Dogri language and literature through his poetry. He has joined the galaxy of eminent Dogri writers and poets who are recipients of Sahitya Akademi award. 111 gazals The book: " Nighe Rang" is a collection of 111 gazals which touch a variety of social issues and deal with deep human values. This book has been published in 1999 by Neeraj Prakashan, Jammu and priced at Rs 150. There is depth in his thought and vividness in drawing a true picture of social setting. The poetry of this Sahitya Akademi awardee has depth, the flight of imagination and high human values. The poetry in the award winning book is soothing, touches the deepest emotions and human feelings. A specimen: Har
Thede Gi Kha Chayen Ne, (Accept graciously all handicaps, who knows which step may lead to goal; Relish even the poison for which one may turn out to be nector.) The language used by Mr Kesar is simple and vibrant which portray the inner emotions and present picture of richness of the Dogri. Depth & Height Again from Nighe Rang, a couplet speaks for itself: Narain
Jane Thoa, Latoa, To start with he wrote Urdu verses but shortly after self-realisation about importance of mother-tongue switched over to Dogri for best "colour and expression". He has already written Gila Ballan ( geets and gazals) in 1982, after three years came Lawa, a compilation of 111 gazals; then in 1986 Kish Kirchaan Kesh Turian (poetry), and Siraan again comprising of 111 gazals. Asked how is it that his three books contain 111 poetic compositions, Mr Kesar replied that the believes in astrology and this number is auspicious for him. Future Bright Questioned about future of Dogri, he answered this language has bright future as he pins great hopes on introduction of Dogri in schools and younger generation of poets and writers. Declining to comment on the contemporary Dogri writers and poets, Mr Kesar said " what can I say about them but I certainly feel that flowers with fragrance and beauty have still to bloom on our literary horizon." " None in particular" was his reply when asked to name some Dogri writers or poets whom he considers his model or drew inspiration. Born on December 3, 1945 in Jammu, his family belongs to Reasi. He is M A (Dogri), holds B.Ed degree and has qualified also Diploma in Arts. Presently he is Master in the Education Department. He was honoured by Vikal Literary Society, then got award from the Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and also honoured by Hindi Prachar Samiti. I would like to close this write-up with his couplet of my choice: Phellen
Gitte Kande Laa Naa, (You protect flowers by encircling with thorns, why not safeguard flowers with flowers). The recipient of this prestigious award has already made commendable contribution to Dogri for which he will be remembered but still much more is expected from this literary luminary of Dogri. |
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His
pension was cut-short for the wrong By Sanjeev Sharma JAMMU, Dec 26: Though, his battle in the court of law remained half fought and his personal decade long struggle against the injustice done to him yielded no results, yet he has decided to continue his fight for the hard earned money taken back from him by the Government. This is the story of Avtar Singh, whose pension was cut-short to recover the salary received by latter during his over stay of five years in the State Agriculture Department, where he served even after attaining the age of superannuation, courtesy the concerned officers of the Department. Avtar Singh, a retired Army soldier, who served the Department of Agriculture, J&K, has run from pillar to post to get his hard earned money back. Although, he had sounded his superiors well in advance about his retirement, but no heed was paid to his saying and he was instead transferred to some other department to serve for five more years. The negligence on the part of the then Assistant Soil Conservation Officer, Jammu, K L Gupta was so grievous that he instead of relieving Avtar Singh, Peon, in May 1985, ordered his transfer to the Sub-Divisional Agricultural Office, Miran Sahib, where he served for five more years. "I repeatedly asked my superiors, including the concerned clerks that I have attained the age of superannuation, but they paid little heed to my sayings and said that they will inform me when the time comes", explained Avtar Singh, who is in his eighties, while talking to EXCELSIOR. However, about five years later in January, 1990, the then District Agriculture Officer (Extension), Jammu, H S Datta formally released the retirement order of Avtar Singh. The order said, "sanction is hereby accorded to the retirement of Mr Avtar Singh, Peon, attached in the office of Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer, Miran Sahib, R/o of Village Simbal, Ward No. 4, who attained the age of superannuation on May 27, 1985 as per the service record. He is relieved today the 15th day of January, 1990". During all the five years of his excess service, all benefits, which a serving employee is entitled to, were released in favour of Avtar Singh. And at the time of his retirement, the Accountant General (A&E) Jammu and Kashmir directed the Sub-treasury, R S Pura to withhold an amount of Rs 40,000 from the pension arrears and also ordered pension after deductions. "As of now, I have been deprived of my arrears, but I have made a firm resolve to fight for the justice till my last breathe. I have committed no mistake for what happened to me, so my hard earned money should not be kept withheld and must be released forthwith", said Avtar Singh, who has developed some serious health problems due to the tensions during all these years. The poor man also approached the court of law when he came to know to get back his recovered money. In the court too his case was not properly advocated. However, as per the Supreme Court ruling, an employee, who has, inadvertently, over stayed in the department, is entitled to get all benefits. The ruling in the case Ali Mohd Versus State-Srinagar (LJ 1988 J&K 549) says, "where an employee is allowed to continue in service after his date of retirement inadvertently and also paid for such period and no notice of retirement is given to him on the due date, the emoluments which have been paid to him for the period he worked after the date of retirement cannot be recovered from him". |
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Excise contractors suffer heavy losses Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 26: Excise contractors in Jammu and Kashmir state have suffered heavy amount of losses in view of the existing policy of the Government. The sources said that the contractors may suffer losses worth several crores by the end of this financial year ( March 2002). Earlier, the contractors were making huge profits out of the sale of Excise liquor but due to the parity in the rates of J&K Excise Liquor and the Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), heavy amount of losses are being occurred. It has been learnt that there was a good marginal different in the rates of Excise liquor and IMFL in past several years but the Government this time hiked the rates and there is almost similarity in the rates of both kild the liquors. The consumers prefer IMFL due to similarity in rates. This remained the main reason due to less consumption of the Excise liquor. The sources said the other reason for the losses are said to be the impostion of Disturbed Area Act and incident on firing at Railway station. The percentage of visitors/tourists has also gone below and moreover, a large number of development works have stopped in the region and large number of workers are not coming here in the state due to increased terrorism. It may be recalled that the contract this year gone in favour of M/S Nagar Singh Jagjit Singh & Co. for a bid of Rs 46 crores for the year 2001—2002. |
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J&K
prepares major contingency plan for migrants as By Gopal Sharma JAMMU, Dec 26: While the shelling and firing with the small and medium range guns escalates all along the International Border and the Line of Control in Samba, Kathua, Jammu, R S Pura, Nowshera, Rajouri and Poonch sectors, the State Government has formulated a major contingency plan for temporary rehabilitation of thousands of families migrating from these border belts to escape the wrath of Pakistani shelling. As a part of contingency plan, all the villages situated across the defence-ditch-cum-bund along the 187 kms long international border in Jammu and Kathua districts with Pakistan, have been identified for the migration to the safer zones. Majority of these villages and hamlets fall in Samba and R S Pura sectors of Jammu district, where more than seven thousand villagers have migrated to the safer places in last 72 hours. While district Administration Poonch has requisitioned 10,000 tents in addition to the possession of some government buildings in the safer zones of the district to shift over ten to fifteen thousand families, the Administration in R S Pura is busy in identifying the trouble-prone villages. The people from dozen villages situated on that side of the Defence Ditch- cum -Bund in Kathua and Hiranagar area have been asked to shift to the safer places by the defence authorities. Principal Secretary Home, Mr C. Phunsog told Excelsior that Government as per massive contingency plan have issued instructions to the district administrations to constitute teams of officials to identify the affected villages and hamlets and make arrangements for the safer temporary rehabilitation of families migrating from the border belts. The officials from Revenue, Rural Development, Education, Health, PHE, PDD, Social Welfare, Agriculture etc. have been involved in the process of relief and rehabilitation for migrants as a part of contingency and moreover, Rs 50 lakhs initially has been kept at the disposal of Divisional Administration Jammu to coup up with the situation. Accordingly, the funds have also been made available to the respective district administrations for the further disbursement as per requirement. Responding to a question, Mr Phunsog said as per information available with the Government about six thousand families have migrated so far in district Jammu alone including those in Akhnoor sector. The Government has fixed the relief package as 9 kg ration per soul and ten litres kerosene oil per month for a family besides some cash as being provided to Pallanwalla border migrants. This specific contingency plan was already there. Replying to another question, he said from Samba sector which is most affected due to Pakistani shelling, people from five villages have migrated to Samba town and they have been rehabilitated in schools but we have no information of migration along the LOC in Rajouri and Poonch sector even though several areas have been affected due to continuous shelling from Pakistani side. Elaborate measures are being taken to tackle the problem of migration of border people, he maintained. Deputy Commissioner, Poonch Mr Ejaz Iqbal said following instructions from the Government, we have identified 45 villages situated along the LOC in Mandi, Poonch-Haveli, Mendhar and Balakot blocks of Poonch district for the migration of people to the safer locations. The special contingency teams have been constituted and Tehsildars/ Block Development Officers have been made the nodal officers of these teams. Besides Naib Tehsildars, Patwaris, senior teachers/ Headmasters etc. officials from other agencies like Food & Supplies, PHE, PDD, PWD, Forest have also been involved in the process of rehabilitation. Mr Iqbal further said about 3658 families from at least 45 villages will be shifted if the situation worsens along the LOC in Poonch. In past five days, one civilian has been killed and three others injured in Pakistan shelling on Degwar, Khari Karmara, Sokar and Mildana villages. From Poonch town, there was not much migration in 1971 and 1965 but if the situation warrants this time, the sites have been identified for their migration and the teams of officers are on the job. According to Deputy Commissioner Jammu Mr Rohit Kansal, about 400 families from Chak Faqira, Ben, Galad, Sordi, Suchetgarh, Kangwala and some adjoining hamlets comprising of about 2500 souls have migrated to Samba town and they have been rehabilitated in SIDCO complex, Schools and ITI complex in Samba town. As emergency relief measures, some relief as free ration is being provided to them and if the situation arises, they may be rehabilitated in the tented accommodation and for this a massive contingency plan has been prepared. The Jammu district administration reported to have identified about 60 villages along the IB on that side of the Defence Ditch- cum- Bund (DDB) for the shifting to the safer places in view of further escalation. Information received from Tehsildar R S Pura revealed that 29 villages including Abdullian, Suchetgarh, Chandu Chak, Begga, Bera, Baspur and Barsalpur, Sai Khurd, Korotana and Gharana have been included in the list prepared by the contingency team. Tehsildar R S Pura Mr S S Abrol is the Nodal officer of the team while officials from Police, Health, PHE, Education etc. are also assisting the team in relief and rehabilitation job. Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Mr B D Sharma disclosed that eleven villages in Kathua have been identified for the migration to safer places. He said shelling was reported from several Pakistani posts in Hiranagar sector since last night and the teams headed by Tehsildars have been asked to take all measures for the rehabilitation of these families. The villages like—Regal, Chilyari, Muthi Zaroo, Chilyari Khurd, Chilyari Kallan, Chachwal, Khawada, Musay Chak, Chak Dulma and Sada Chak which fall across defence ditch-cum bund have been issued instructions. They are being shifted to school and other Government buildings for temporary rehabilitation. Only women and children from some of these villages have migrated and most of them have reportedly staying with their relatives in safer places. Mr K A Khan, DC Rajouri however, said that there was no migration from the villages situated along LOC. The instructions have been issued to the concerned tehsildars and the officials are on the job to identify the vulnerable villages. SP Border District Jammu, Mr Gulzar Singh Slathia however, said there was not much shelling in Ramgarh area and Arnia today but firing from several areas of Samba and R S Pura has continued. The Police is cooperating with the civil administration for contingency measures and people of the forward areas are being instructed to stay at safer places to avoid the wrath of Pakistani firing/ shelling. The Army and BSF authorities are already on the high alert and carrying on their activities in view of the mounting tension, he added. |
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Mini-bus operators
hold protest, block road Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 26: Following use of unparliamentary language and scuffle with the mini-bus operators by Assistant Sub-Inspector, the SP Traffic Mr Nisar Ahmed today relieved cop from the Traffic Department and directed him to report to Police Lines. The ASI today used unparliamentary language against the two mini-bus operators and gave them severe thrashing after both the drivers parked the vehicle at no-parking stand at Jewel Chowk. The mini-bus operators later blocked the road for about two hours to protest against the cop. The SP Traffic said that the said ASI has been relieved of Traffic Department keeping in view this incident and a number of previous complaints against him and he was ordered to report to Police Lines. "During the preliminary investigation it has been established that the said ASI had used unparliamentary language against the drivers and manhandled them", the SP said, adding the matter has been completely sorted out by punishing the ASI. He further said that the drivers of the mini-bus operators are virtually angry over the intensification of checking by the Traffic Police and added that at every cost Traffic Police has to implement the directions of the High Court. "I have conveyed to my staff to handle the entire things in professional way and directed them not to take law into their hands", the SP disclosed and made it clear that he would not tolerate any Traffic cop indulging into any unlawful activity and manhandle people. He said that the drivers had parked the vehicle at no parking stand and objection by the cop followed by unparliamentary language against driver made the situation grave. Earlier, the driver of a mini-bus bearing registration number JK02N-6378 had halted the vehicle at Jewel Chowk. The traffic ASI Amarkeet Singh who was on duty at chowk objected the halting of vehicle and asked the driver to move the vehicle. It took driver few minutes to move the vehicle as some passengers were boarding the same. "As soon as the cop saw a vehicle with red light on its top he became more alert and active and pounced on the driver", the eyewitnesses said, adding the ASI started using unparliamentary language against the driver and gave him severe thrashing. Both the driver and his conductor and ASI entered into scuffle and in the meantime few more vehicle lined up behind the said vehicle. Somehow, few passengers of the vehicle, intervened in the matter and got both the parties separated. The visibly angry ASI again used abusive language against the drivers of other vehicles. The ASI also severely thrashed another driver Kartar Singh of vehicle number JK02Q-3079. To lodge their protest against the said ASI, the drivers of the Bishnah and Bari-Brahamana route halted their vehicles at Jewel Chowk and disrupted the vehicular traffic for more than two hour. "This is the sheer misuse of the uniform by ASI who is finding himself above all", the protesting mini-bus operators told EXCELSIOR correspondent and added that this cop had also indulged into such activities earlier. "We had ignored the unparliamentary language being used by cop a number of time but today we lost patience", they further said, adding "it has become very difficult for us to move on the road due to the "Gunda Gardi by ASI". "This cop had also indulged into scuffle with a number of drivers during his posting at Vikram Chowk and Kachi Chawani about one year back", the mini-bus operators recalled and added that one year back some people also tried to assault the said cop for his indifferent behaviour. Due to blocking of road by the mini-bus operators, the senior Traffic Police officers rushed to the spot and pacified the situation. The protesting operators were demanding strict action against the said cop. |
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Travel through
Khardungla pass From Tashi Morup Leh, Dec 25: For the commuters between Leh City and Nubra valley negotiating the high-altitude Khardongla pass has become more hideous due to alleged mismanagement by Army in regulating the convoy movements on this highest vehicular pass in the world. Often traffic including buses are halted at Check-posts for hours to clear the route for cavalcade of army trucks. This causes lot of inconvenience to other commuters especially civilians. A situation like this arises when convoy movement happens against the designated day allegedly without any prior notice. To cite an incident told by some of the commuters including doctors and other Government employees: Early morning on December 12 two buses and about six small vehicles were stopped at Army Check post at Khalsar in Nubra. The reason told was ‘convoy coming from Leh’. That meant another hard journey ahead for the disappointed passengers. Many of them had already traveled four to five hours to reach at Khalsar at about 7 a.m. Thus waiting for the convoy to come was the option they could think of. But till noon there was no sign of any army truck coming. After lot of pleading at about 1.30 p.m. the army men at the check post agreed to let the waiting buses and others to go until North Pulu Check Post (before Khardongla). After over an hour journey at North Pulu they came to know that the convoy had still not crossed Khardongla. Finally after spending hours at this biting-cold height of about 14000 feet the droning of 110 army trucks mostly ‘Stallions’ progressing was some relief to the distressed passengers including children and aged. But not before 9.30 p.m. only a few small vehicles were let off. But nearing the top they found some 17 army trucks stranded blocking the road. Each of the 17 trucks with men sitting in helplessly had to be helped by the civilian drivers in mending the problematic trucks and towing them to clear the road. By the last truck it was 4.30 a.m. and reaching home in the morning completing almost 24 hours for a four-hour journey. One of the drivers had already gone through even worse a few days back. Several were stuck for hours in a blizzard late evening. Meanwhile they came to know that the convoy actually started only at 10 a.m. from Kharu, which is 45 kilometers away from Leh City. In fact at the North Pulu office they had repeatedly requested to let the civil vehicles cross over first, which was not heeded as the person on duty had orders from ‘Higher Ups’. They even tried to contact the officer in-charge, who was allegedly not available. Efforts to contact the concern official failed. A senior resident said, a simple prior notice through the district administration can avoid the agony passengers have to go through in such situations. 0ne would least expect such insensitiveness on the part of Army especially when Operation Sadbhavna is making its impact, he added. |
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All districts hospitals to be
linked with Tertiary Care Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 26: The State Government is contemplating to set up a computer linkage facilities for the district hospitals with the main Tertiary Care Hospital for benefiting patients who require specilised treatment in the far-flung district hospitals of the State. In the first phase, District Hospital Kargil and Poonch shall be linked with SKIMS and Medical Colleges. This was stated by the Minister for Health and Medical Education, Mian Altaf Ahmad during his visit to care hospital Hyderabad, which is the first Tele-Medicine Centre in the country. The Minister who is on an official visit to Hyderabad also had a detailed discussion with officials of administrative college of India Hyderabad. The State Government has sought the help of the said college for preparing a project report to improve the Primary Health System in the State. The project is mainly for improvement of infrastructure and providing essential equipments and ambulances for Primary Health Centres. The project implementation plan of Rs. 165 crore already stands approved by Planning Commission. After holding detailed discussion, the Minister requested the officials of the administrative college of India to prepare the project implementation plan within a period of one month so that the same is submitted to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India for funding from world bank as an externally aided project. The Minister also discussed the issues of trainings in respect of management training and especially trainings in Hospital Waste Management and preparedness for crisis management with the officials of administrative staff college of India. He also called on the Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Government of India presently in Hyderabad and discussed various issues of Tribal development with him. He also discussed in length the various problems of the Tribal areas and also requested for the clearance of the project earmarked for the Tribal areas. Mr. Altaf also met the Health Minister of Andhra Pradesh and informed about various projects which are being undertaken in the State of the Andhra Pradesh as an externally aided project and other national programme of Andhra Pradesh. |
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Anti encroachment drive extended to canal road Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec. 26: In the continuing drive to vacate the footpaths from encroachments, the Jammu Municipality Khilafwarzi and Revenue staff today cleared encroachments on canal road. They advised shopkeepers not to keep their goods on foot-paths and keep these within their shop line or at least not beyond tharas. This drive is continuing for the last eight days and areas like Parade Chowk, Raj Tilak Road, Purani Mandi, Old Hospital Road, Kanak Mandi, Rajinder Bazar, Residency Road, Raghunath Bazar, Shalimar and Vinayak Bazar have been covered. There has been perceptible change without using police force by the Municipality, mainly because of the cooperation extended by their Bazar Associations and individual shopkeepers who have promised the Administrator Municipality, Mr. K. B. Jandial to cooperate with them in maintaining cleanliness of the area and not encroaching footpaths. However, some individual shopkeepers were seen to be violating their promise and on complaint basis today the Khilafwarzi staff impounded their goods in the drive during their visit this evening. They include one shopkeeper of Raj Tilak Road M/S Asia Sky Shop and one shopkeeper of Vinayak Bazar. Goods were also lifted from canal road of M/S Mahajan Sweet Shop which always encroached upon the footpath. About a dozen Rehris were also removed from the main road and goods of cronical violators were seized. Banners and unauthorised hoardings were also removed from Raghunath Bazar area and three FIRs have been lodged against the offenders. The Municipality is planning to auction the seized goods as it has decided not to return such confiscated items to the shopkeepers as was the practice in the past. |
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Goods worth Rs 7.20 lakhs seized at Lakhanpur Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 26: The Sleuths of Sales Tax Department have seized sanitary goods worth rupees 7.20 lakhs from a vehicle at Lakhanpur. According to a press release, vehicle bearing registration number 3833-JK01A of Super Green Road Lines carrying old used cloth as per challan was put to routine physical check. During the checking sanitary goods worth Rs 66.734 were detected instead of old used cloth as declared by the dealer. On becoming suspicious the vehicle number 2373-JK01A of the same transport company which was cleared from the check post was later intercepted and brought back from Samba by the special checking squad deputed by Deputy Commissioner put to physical checking. Sanitary goods worth Rs 3,75,000 were detected from the said truck and finally other trucks of the said transport company bearing registration numbers 3501-JK13 and 2579-JK13 were also physically checked and electric and decoration goods worth Rs 40,645.00 and Rs 1,80, 171.00 respectively were detected and whole goods worth Rs 7,090036.00 were seized under various sections of GST Act 1962 and off loaded at the Sales Tax check post Lakhanpur. The said cases will be disposed off after the parties remit penalty/security approximately amounting to Rs 3,28,767.00 on physical appearance of dealers. Further more a van bearing number 9070-DL8CA was also intercepted near Kathua which escaped from check post and motor parts worth Rs 20,000 were found belonging to M/s Evergreen Automobiles Jammu and a penalty/security of Rs 10,080.00 was recovered on spot from the owner of the van. |
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Anjuman Tarraqi-e-Urdu organises mushaira Excelsior Correspondent KISHTWAR, Dec 26: Anjuman-E-Tarraqi-E-Urdu Hind organised a mushaira at district level in the memory of late Ishrat Kashmiri in the premises of the Kandriya Vidyalaya auditorium DHP Kishtwar. According to a press release, the meet was held in two sessions. In the first session, the programmes was conducted by Mr Tariq Tamkeen, a research scholar of Jammu University and presided over by Mr S Gupta, the general manager of DHP Kishtwar. Kh K A Bhatt, KAS, Sub-Divisional Magistrate was the chief guest and Mr S C Gupta, Col Sayed Yaqoob Commandant CISF, Mr G H Arman, ex MLA and G R Hamal, K R Sen, ex-Principal, Mahesh Dass Sharma, S K Sharma, Principal K V Kishtwar were the guests of honours. The guests were received by G H Arman, ex-MLA, Ushaq Kishtwari, Madan Lal Sen, Administrative Officer DHP and Mr Raj Singh Rana, AEE DHP township Kishtwar. In the first session, after the Harfa-e-Agaz by Mr Ushaq Kishtwari, Maqalia was read by Mr Mohammed Aslam, Agoo, Director GMA Kishtwar, in which he threw a detailed light on the Ishrat Kashmiri’s literary activities rendered by him in the field of development of the Urdu in the region and other performed activities by him during his period of services as a BDO, School teacher and a MLA of the tehsil. Mr Nissar Ahmed Doolwal and party recited Kalam-e-Shayar presented some items. Mr Om Ji Masoom presented vote of thanks at the end of the programme. |
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Administration put on high
alert: Shah Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, Dec. 26- Acting Chief Minister Mr Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Shah today warned Pakistan to desist from arms build up on borders, saying that any misadventures will cost them heavily. Addressing prominent citizens, district officers and a large number of people in the border towns of Poonch and Rajouri this morning, the Acting Chief Minister expressed the hope that there will be no war but asked people to be in full preparedness to meet any eventuality. He said the administration has been placed on high alert to provide respite to suffering people wherever necessary. He ridiculed Pakistan for making claim over Kashmir and said that country has no history of its own while India has an ancient history and culture. He said the Pakistan came into existence only after the partition and though it tried to annex Kashmir through force a number of times but the people of the state frustrated her designs. Since then enemy’s designs were aimed at to disturb the peace and amity in the state and in this regard she exploited the religious sentiments of both the communities through sacrilegious acts to foment a communal tension. But still she failed in her gameplan, he added. He said Pakistan who is calling herself the champion of Muslims should see the condition of the Taliban now who were created and destroyed by her only. He maintained that people of J&K have since rejected partition. He cautioned the people against the dirty game played by ISI and warned that we are prepared to give a befitting reply to enemy if she thrusts war on us. Mr Shah said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have valiantly fought the proxy war unleashed from across the border during past 12 years and vow to foil the enemy’s nefarious designs in future as well. Urging border dwellers not to get panicky by shelling from across the border, he said the armed forces are well poised to meet any challenge. He said war against terrorism will continue and this cannot be won unless the people, especially those living in border belts, co-operate the armed forces, security personnel and the police. He, however, assured that in the eventuality of continued shelling, the affected people would be provided similar facilities as those made available to the dwellers of Samba and other sectors. The Acting CM assured that all possible steps would be taken to further beef up the security in the border belts and elsewhere. He appealed the people to maintain communal harmony at all costs. He emphasized the need for reactivating and rejuvenating civil defence organisation in order to create awareness among people and fulfill the responsibilities it is charged with. He said a greater role has cast upon wardens to ensure implementation of self-defence measures. He said funds would not be allowed to come in the way of strengthening the civil defence. Mr Shah urged voluntary organisations to come forward and help in mitigating the problems of suffering people. He said a contingency plan has been formulated for rehabilitating the displaced people in the wake of shelling, hoping that the people will face the situation unitedly with courage and fortitude that they have demonstrated from time to time. Referring to local problems, the Minister assured that these would be examined at appropriate levels for earnest redressal. Mr Shah was accompanied by Minister of State for Home, Mr Khalid Najeeb Suharwardy, Minter of State for Revenue, Choudhry Mohammad Hussain, Minister of State for Social Welfare, Mr Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari, Chief Secretary, Mr Ashok Jaitly and Director General of Police, Mr A K Suri. They also took stock of the overall situation prevailing in the border districts in the wake of border shelling and assured that all possible help will be extended to the people. The mood among the people was upbeat who assured the administration of their full cooperation in meeting the enemy’s challenge. The border dwellers, they said, have a track record of patriotism that has withstood the test of times. They, the representatives of the people said, will continue their fight against the reign of terror unleashed from elements inimical to peace and tranquility as has been their proud heritage. The Chief Secretary Mr Ashok Jaitly dwelt on the measures taken for providing respite to border dwellers who migrate to safer places and said that in the first instance Rs 50 lakhs have been placed at the disposal of the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu. Necessary instructions have also been given to the district administration for taking care of the people in distress. At Poonch, the District Development Commissioner apprised the Ministers about the latest situation arisen after the border shelling. He said that 49 villages are situated on the line of control with a population of 10, 000 families. Similarly, at Rajouri the administration gave stock of the situation and apprised about measures to meet any eventuality. The Ministers also held a meeting at Rajouri and interacted with the officers and local people. Mr Mohammad Sharief Tariq and Mr Nazir Ahmed Mir, legislators, were also present on the occasion. |
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Return
plan eye wash: Dr Choudhary Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 26: Panun Kashmir’s (PK) demand of separate Homeland for over seven lakh Kashmiri Pandits within the Valley has been recognised at international level now. This was stated by the convenor PK , Dr Agnishekhar while addressing a function at Abhinav Theatre here today in connection with commemoration of 10th anniversary of Homeland Day. He said the Homeland is the only alternative to the present problems of the displaced Kashmiri Pandits who have been forcibly evicted from there ancestral homes by the Islamic fundamentalists. "Whether war breaks or not, the community has to remain vigilant and alert so that the demand of the Panun Kashmir is not sabotaged by the vested elements," the PK convenor said. Chairman Political Affairs Committee, PK, Dr K L Choudhary while lambasting at State Government blamed it for its total failure in redressing the grievances of the exiled community. He while terming the return plan a total eye wash said the designs of the both Centre and state governments on Kashmir are totally discouraging. He said the Kaul Committee report on return of the community has not been shown the light of the day which has suggested a package of Rs 280 crore for the purpose. Later the another package of Rs 84 crore submitted by the Revenue Minister, Mr Abdul Qayoom has also been thrown in the dust bin and now the Government has prepared Rs 28 crore package for the return of some families in Budgam district. He ridiculing the Government’s stand said the moment Union Home Minister of State, Mr I D Swami made this statement in Parliament next day five members of minority community were gunned down in a village of Anantnag district. Dr Choudhary also termed the much publicised employment drive for the community a total hoax and alleged that the community’s share has been totally negligible in the employment quota during last six years of NC rule. He also blamed the Government and the leaders of NC for floating the Distress Sale Act by forcing the members of the community to sell their property. Dr Choudhary whoreiterated that Homeland is the only solution to the problems of the displaced community challenged the authenticity of the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah heading a Temple Committee in Kashmir Valley. In his address Dr K L Pandita a renowned writer and intellectual said that the KPs are committed to Homeland demand which is the outcome of grating a special Constitutional status to Kashmir under Article 370. He maintained that the demand was itself born on the date when this Article was incorporated in Indian Constitution and not in 1990 when the mass exodus of community took place. Holding the Islamic fundamentalists outrightly responsible for the exodus of the community, Mr Utpal Kaul an ideologue of Panun Kashmir said their plan was not only aimed at the forced migration of the community but its total annihilation and to change the history and culture of Kashmir. He however, warned that they (fundamentalists) will never succeed in this as entire world knows that Pandits are the aborigines of Kashmir who are linked to the Valley from thousands of years. He said in the presence of Sun Temple of Martend, scripts showing Kashmir’s contribution to Bhudism and Vaishno Temples of Kashmir in British Museum are depicting the ancient culture and history of Kashmir. But there is no proof which shows that Kashmir has ever been a place that belongs to Muslims. He said KPs have not to worry and no body can usurp their rights neither the history can be changed as in 75 universities of world 350 scholars are doing PhD on Kashmiri culture. He however urged the community to join hands and regretted the division in Panun Kashmir which he said will harm the community cause. Dr R L Bhat a renowned writer in his speech said the seeds of Islamisation in Kashmir were sown hundreds of years back by Afghan Monarch, Mohammed Gouri and the mass migration of the Pandits from the Valley in 1990 was culmination of his agenda. He said KPs problem is biggest challenge before India and if India still does not realize it this will be a great mistake on her part. The proceedings started with two minutes silence to mourn the loss of innocent lives in three barbaric acts of violence. Earlier some doctors were felicitated on the occasion for their services to community. Besides Mr Chander Mohan Bhat was also felicitated for bagging the first prize in Readers Digest world Essay Contest. The award was presented to his brother Mr Ashwani Bhat. On the occasion Vijayshwar Jyantri was also released by Dr K N Pandita and its editor Jyotshi Manmohan Shastri was felicitated. The proceedings were conducted by Mr Kamal Hak while the resolution was presented by Mr D K kaul, general secretary PK. |
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Excelsior Correspondent LEH, Dec 26: In order to discuss the draft annual plan of Leh district for the year 2002-2003 and to fix the developmental priorities in the 10th Five Year Plan (2002-2007), a three day general council meeting of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Council (LAHDC) has begun here under the chairmanship of Chief Executive Councilor, Thupstan Chhewang. Minister of State for Agriculture, Tsetan Namgyal, MLA Leh Tsreing Dorje, Executive Councilors of LAHDC Rigzin Jora, Rigzin Spalbar, Tsultim Phuntsog, the Chief Executive Officer LAHDC Dheeraj Gupta, all the Councilors and district officers were present in the meeting. In his address, Mr Thupstan said that the next annual plan of Leh will be formulated at rupees 66 crore for 60 various sectors with a capital component of rupees 48 crore and revenue component rupees 18 crore. He said that the main agenda of the three day general Council meeting was to discuss and invite the priority wise proposals. During the first day meeting, sectors like agriculture, engineering, irrigation, flood control and power were discussed. The Council highly appreciated the work done by PWD and Power department Leh for the outstanding work. It was discussed that a record revenue of rupees 55 lakh was registered by Power Department Leh since the enforcement of the power checking drive. Moreover, 1500 illegal connections have been regularized. The Councilors of the respective constituencies also listed the problems being faced by the people in their areas and it was urged that during the annual district plan meeting, their priority be kept into consideration. |
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DC tours Uri to review security scenario Excelsior Correspondent BARAMULLA, Dec 26: Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Navin Choudhary, alongwith a team of officers visited Uri town today to review the security and development scenario. The DC held separate meetings with all the district officers and met large number of delegations to review the problems being faced by the people. Addressing a public gathering at Higher secondary School Uri, Mr Choudhary said that the government was making all out efforts for the security and the safety of the people. He complimented the people of Uri for maintaining peace and not allowing the subversive activities during all the years of turmoil. The people in general asked for more bunkers in Uri area to protect against the shelling from Pakistan. The DC assured to take up the matter with the Government. While reviewing the developmental works, the DC ordered immediate start of the construction of the new hospital building for which rupees 43 lakh have already been sanctioned. He announced additional rupees 2.5 lakh for the construction of the laboratory block for girl’s Higher secondary school and rupees one lakh for extension of road from Uri Bazar to Jamia Masjid. The gathering was also addressed by Mohd Aslam, MLC Uri, who asked the people to remain vigilant against the nefarious designs of the enemy and give all cooperation to the Government in ensuring proper development of the area. The DC also reviewed overall security scenario in separate meeting with the Police and law and order related officials. The DC was accompanied by Showkat Malik, SSP Baramulla, CEO, CMO, ACD, X-en R&B and other district officers. |
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HC directive to subordinate
courts in Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU Dec 26: Justice T S Doabia of the State High Court has directed the Subordinate Courts not to register any document for sale of immovable property belonging to M/s Trikuta Finance Investment Company and their partners. The Court directed that the firm shall not alienate (sell) the immovable property and Registration authority of Jammu city, including Sub-Registrar Jammu would see that no registration is made with regard to the immovable property of this Finance Company. The directions were passed in two writ petitions filed by the depositors and the partners of the firm, whereby the firm challenged the order of the State Commission whereby the appeal of the Finance Company was dismissed and the award passed by the Divisional Forum was upheld and the execution order of the Divisional Form was also challenged by the Finance Company. While disposing of these petitions, with a common judgment, Justice Doabia observed that sofar the execution proceedings were concerned, it is a settled law that the liability of each of the partner is joint and several. No doubt that the case of the petitioners is that they have settled the matter with their partners, this is, however, a matter inter se between the partners. The complainants are not concerned with that and, therefore, the complainants are well within their right to get the decree executed against all partners. If they have taken steps in this regard, no fault can be found with the procedure so adopted. |
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Teen-aged girl rescued from terrorists in Doda Excelsior Correspondent DODA, Dec 26: Special Task Force (STF) Doda rescued one teen-aged girl from the clutches of terrorists, who was kidnapped on the day of Idd from her house. During preliminary enquiry, it was revealed that on December 17 a group of 16 terrorists armed with sophisticated weapons entered into the house of one Safder Hussain of Trenkal in Thathri tehsil and demanded either Rs one lakh in cash or his son or daughter. Since Safder Hussain was unable to pay Rs one lakh as such the terrorists kidnapped his daughter Shazia Banoo, a student of 7th class of Government High School Malanoo. The terrorists of HUJI, HM and LeT outfits took the girl to a nearby jungle and kept in a seasonal hut. After kidnapping, the marriage of said teen aged girl was solemnized with one terrorist namely Parvez Ahmed Bhat alias Guffa code named Abid of Kencha and the girl was raped on gun point. On the next day, she was dropped at the residence of Numbardar of Trenkal village Bilal Ahmed Wani on gun point. On December 23, the terrorists again came to the village to take away her from Numbardar. But in the meantime, a patrol party from Doda STF reached there as a result of which terrorists fled away and the girl was rescued from the clutches of terrorists. The girl was brought to Doda for medical examination and later handed over to her parents. A case has been registered in Police Station Gandoh in this connection and investigation were on. The search for the terrorists is on but security forces have not succeeded in eliminating any of the terrorists when reports last came in. The terrorists who kidnapped the girl have been identified as Parvez Ahmed alias Guffa code named Abid of Kencha tehsil, Commander of HUJI, Shad Mir of Batola, Atta Mohd of Batola, Wasim of Kencha, Shah Din code named Parvat of Trenkal, Shamsher of Pakistan, Noor Mohd alias Javed Badgi code named Usman, additional district commander of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), Ab Hamid alias Rehat code named Saheel of Chira, area commander, Parvez Ahmed code named Rizwan alias Faisal of Chira, Section Commander, Jaffar Hussain of Doda, Taskeen of Goila, Tufail of Budhi, Ramzan code named Salman of Kai, all of HM outfit, Mohd Amin alias Pinne code named Abu Khabib and Bhuttu Pakistani, both belongs to LeT outfit. |
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