Sagar, Lone visit Hygam
‘Guilty would be punished’ victim families told

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Feb 18: Works Minister Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar and the Minister of State for Home, Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad lone today visited the families of the persons killed in a firing incident at Hygam on Thursday. They attended the "Chaharrum" of the deceased and joined people in "Fateh Khawni". The Ministers consoled the bereaved families and offered their sympathies to them on behalf of the government.

The Minister also visited residence of Jalil Ahmad Shah whose death had triggered protests at Hygam. Earlier on Saturday, the Ministers had also visited the residence of Safdar Ali, at Bulgam, who was one of the four victims of Hygam firing.

Expressing grief over the incident, Mr. Sagar said that some vested interests were bent upon vitiating the atmosphere in the State and give a bad name to the government. He said these elements thrived on the blood of innocent people and mayhem and killing suited their evil designs. He lashed out at people who were creating a wedge between masses and the Government saying the so called well wishers of people who had no footing were now forcing young children to take to streets and create disturbances.

He said the Government was alive to the problem and inconvenience faced by the people and has taken note of reports of custodial killings and disappearances. He said all law-enforcing agencies have been asked to take utmost care in ensuring that innocent people were not put to any harm. He said the Chief Minister had also told this to the concerned agencies at the Unified Headquarters meeting recently. He recalled that the Chief Minister had yesterday announced on the floor of the Assembly that the Government would not defend killers of innocent people. He appealed to the people to guard against the elements working against the return of peace and normalcy in the State and urged them to frustrate their designs.

Mr. Sagar expressed his profound grief over the killing of four civilians at Hygam and opined that the incident could have been averted if there was not delay in handing over the body of Jalil Ahmed Shah to his family. He said the Chief Minister had already announced inquiry by a High Court Judge into the Hygam firing incident. He dispelled apprehensions expressed by some people about the outcome of the inquiry and affirmed that the guilty would be dealt with according to the law. He said the Chief Minister and his colleagues in the Government shared the grief of the bereaved families and conveyed them their condolences. He asked the district administration to ensure early disbursement of ex-gratia relief to the next of kin of these killed.

The Minister of State for Home, Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad Lone said that the government was committed to the safety of the citizens. He said the people had the right to peaceful protest but at the same time they should watch against anti-people elements taking advantage of this.

On this occasion, the local people informed the Works Minister about their problems regarding road and potable water. The Minister assured them at early redressal. The local MLA, Mr. Mohammad Maqbool Lone and Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla accompanied the Ministers.

Earlier on Saturday soon after their arrival from Jammu, Mr. Sagar and Mr. Lone visited the Bone and Joint Hospital and enquired about the welfare of the patients injured in the Hygam firing. Later, they reviewed the situation at a high level meeting at Police Control Room here.

Government committed to provide quality education: Sadhotra

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Feb 18: The Minister of State for Rural Development, Mr. Ajay Sadhotra today said that 5000 appointments of teacher have been made to restore education in the same number of defunct schools state wide in the last four years.

The minister was addressing the annual day function of lord Shiva Day Boarding school Gho-Manasan .

The minister said realising the extent of damages done to the educational institutions due to militancy, government gave top priority to the restoration of dysfunctional schools in the rural areas.

He said since mass literacy is key to the socio-economic development of every society, Government is committed to take all possible measures to improve the quality of education in government run schools.

The Minister however said that the importance of private investors can not be ruled out at an hour, when parents even in rural areas are ready to spent any amount for providing their kids the opportunity to study in the schools having all latest facilities.

The minister while congratulating the chairman and owner of the school Ashok Sharma, asked the managing committee and teachers to work hard in order to impart quality education to the students.

Earlier, the tiny tots of the school regalled the audiences by presenting a colourful cultural programme depicting the cultural legacy of the country.

Solidiers - national pride: Salathia

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Feb 18: "The soldiers are the pride of the nation. They are protecting the boundaries of the country from external aggression as well internal insurgency during their service period. After retirement they serve their nation as social worker. In case of martyrdom they become the symbol of patriotism, bravery and nationalistic spirit for future generation of the country."

This was stated by the Minister for Power, Mr. S. S. Slathia at a function organised by the Sanik Welfare Board to commemorate the death anniversary of Victoria Cross - Jamadar Prakash Singh here today.

The Minister congratulated the Sanik Welfare Board for organising such function in the memory of a brave hero, who had raised high the flag of Indian Army on the foreign land while fighting against enemy in 1945 at Burma. He achieved martyrdom and was awarded the highest gallantry award - "Victoria Cross" by the Ministry - the King Emperor.

He said the Government is already aware of the problems being faced by the war widows and ex-servicemen. He assured that matter will be taken up with the Chief Minister for launching welfare schemes and enhancing quota in recruitment for the wards of the ex-servicemen.

The Minister also distributed cash relief and sewing machines among the war widows and ex-servicemen.

Maj. Gen (Rtd) G. S. Jamwal while throwing the light on the life and heroic deeds of Jamadar Prakash Singh during World war second while Indian forces were fighting on behalf of king emperor against Japan in Burma.

Th. Raughnath Singh, Rtd. Maj. Gen. Bachan Singh, Rtd. Brig. Suchat Singh, Col. Jastoria, Col. Slaria and other functionaries of the Board were present on the occasion.

At another function, the Minister also addressed a public ralley at Rajpur Kollar in Purmandal block of Jammu district here today. He said that problems being faced by the people would be tackled in phased manner. Referring to the demand of drinking water the Minister said that a separate scheme is being introduced to provide potable water to the residents of Rajpur Kollar and its adjoining areas by laying a separate pipeline. He said that improvised transformers will also be installed for improving the power supply in the area.

On his way back the Minister also inaugurated an educational institution "Star School of Intellectual" at Maheen Charakan (Gurha) in Purmandal block. This school will cater to the need of students of Gurha More, Smailpur, Bari, Badhori and other adjoining areas.

3 killed, 11 injured in accidents

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 18: Three persons were killed and 11 others sustained injuries, five of them critically, in three separate road accidents on Jammu-Srinagar and Jammu-Pathankot National Highways today.

According to police reports, two persons were killed and five others including a minor girl sustained severe injuries when a Tata Sumo in which they were traveling skidded off the road and rolled down into a gorge near Samroli on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

The ill-fated vehicle bearing registration number JK05-4412 was on its way from Baramulla to Jammu when it turned turtle killing two persons on spot and injuring five others. Getting the report of accident, police party from Udhampur rushed to the spot and evacuated the victims with the help of locals.

All the injured were removed to District Hospital Udhampur where doctors pronounced two of them as brought dead. The deceased have been identified as Kamaljeet Singh (driver) and Titu, son of Jeet Singh.

The injured were later shifted to Government Medical College Hospital here in view of their deteriorating condition. They have been identified as S P Singh, his daughter Manjot, Tripath Kour, wife of Mohan Singh, Preetam Kour, wife of Ajit Singh, Akhter Hussain, son of Mehboob Jan, all the residents of Singhpura, Baramulla.

Meanwhile, one person was killed and four of a family were injured when a car bearing number JK02L-9711, they were traveling in, collided head-on with a speeding truck number JK02-3866 at Chapra Morh, near Jatwal on Jammu-Pathankot National Highway this evening.

The car was on its way towards Jammu when it collided with truck leaving an old woman dead on spot and all others wounded one of them seriously.

Getting the report of accident, police party from Hiranagar Police Station under whose jurisdiction the area falls, rushed to the spot of accident and started rescue operation. All the passengers of the car were rushed to the District Hospital Kathua where doctors pronounced an old woman as brought dead.

The injured have been identified as Rinku, his wife Jyoti, mother Chanchala Devi and a relative Rinki. Keeping in view her deteriorating condition, doctors at district hospital referred Chanchala Devi to Medical College, here and her condition was stated to be critical till reports last came in.

In another road accident on Jammu-Pathankot National Highway, a scooterist and pillion rider received severe injuries after being hit by a negligently drive tractor at Chann Morian under the jurisdiction of Hiranagar Police Station this afternoon. The injured were removed to local hospital and their condition was stated to be critical.

Three young girls allegedly made abortive attempts to end their lives by consuming some poisonous drug at their residence in separate incidents. Identified as Sonika, daughter of Joginder Singh of Kathua, Narinder Kour, daughter of Madan Singh of Tali Morh, Miran Sahib and Sheetal Kumari, daughter of Bodh Raj of Nai Basti, all were removed to hospital when spotted unconscious by family members.

Doctors attending on them immediately washed their stomach and their condition was stated to be out of danger. The police has taken cognizance of the offence.

People in Rajouri villages face water scarcity

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Feb 18: Over 15,000 people in different villages of this border district are facing acute shortage of drinking water from a pretty long time now with authorities at the helm of affairs taking no interest in solving this problem.

According to reports the water scarcity has gripped the villages of Karhed, Marhut, Lehran and Grigan since the PHE Pump Station at village Marut developed a snag few years back.

Since then the affected people have made umpteen rounds to the concerned PHE authorities for replacement of damaged pumps but to no avail. The villagers alleged that despite their repeated pleas to concerned authorities of PHE Department no attention was paid to replace the pumps.

As there is no source of water available near by the people of these villages are fetching water at a distance from four to five kilometers daily.

The residents in a plea to Works Minister, Mr Ali Mohammed Sagar have sought his intervention in the matter and redressal of their grievances.

Mr Zahir Choudhary, president Student Welfare Association alleged that a number of deputations of the people met concerned authorities and apprised them of the problems being faced by them due to the water scarcity but they always turned a deaf ear.

Khatri Biradri constituted

Excelsior Correspondent

SUNDERBANI, Feb 18: Khatri Biradri Sunderbani in a meeting here today held under the chairmanship of Mr Ashok Kumar Anand discussed various problems being faced by the community members.

As per a release, the elections of the Biradri were also held and Mr Pushpinder Kumar Charak was elected its president. Messrs Sham Lal Kapahi, Tilk Raj Suri, Chaman Lal Suri, Bansi Lal Abrol and Sham Lal Anand were elected vice president, general secretary, joint secretary, chief advisor and cashier respectively.

Another student outfit serves ultimatum over kidnapped girl

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 18: After JJSF, J&K Students Socialist Federation, a newly formed students’ outfit, today also served an ultimatum to the Government over the kidnapped Udhampur girl.

Talking to mediapersons, here today, JKSSF president Mr Rajinder Singh Jogi threatened administration to be ready to face serious consequences if the alleged kidnapped girl was not traced within 72 hours and restored to her family. "If the girl is not traced within stipulated time, Government will be responsible for the action of Jammu people, particularly students," he said.

Mr Jogi held the district administration of Udhampur responsible for the trouble and its failure to recover the kidnapped girl and bring the situation under control. "On behest of some politicians, black sheep in the local administration are providing shelter to the culprits while police is engaged in making only false assurances," he alleged and demanded overhauling of entire district administration.

"It is unfortunate that even after establishing that a Block Development Officer gave shelter to the main accused, no police action has been taken against the said officer," he lamented.

Mr Rajkumar Choudhary, secretary JKSSF, while expressing his concern over situation in town, said that Jammuites can not remain silent when honour of Udhampur people was being endangered by some Government touts and anti-national elements.

He announced that a delegation of JKSSF leaders led by Binder Paul Singh Romy would meet the J&K Minister of State for Home and apprise him about the sentiments of people over the girl’s kidnapping incident.

JKSSF leaders Varinder Singh Lucky, Kuljeet Singh, Munish Slathia, Anil Choudhary and Puneet Mahajan were also present in the press conference.

Low paid workers organise rallies

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Feb 18: Low Paid employees organised several rallies in the district in protest against the delay caused in release of DA and 5th pay commission arrears.

As per a release, the protest has been launched by ALL J&K Low Paid Government Employees Federation. The rallies are being held for the last three consecutive days in district Rajouri. The Federation members are also demanding enhancement in the wages of daily rated workers, village guards, part time instructors, Anganwadi workers, Numberdars.

Mr Kabla Singh while addressing the gathering called upon the state government to accept the long pending demands of the employees.

Curtain Raiser
Varasat-Return of the Titan

By Ravinder Kaul

There are plays and there are plays. You hear about them, watch them, write good, bad or indifferent reviews and forget all about them. Routine. After slogging for nearly twenty years as a drama critic, it all appears to be routine. Yet, there are plays that really shake you out of slumber and force you to sit up and take notice. Varasat, being presented by Rangyug at Abhinav Theatre on February 19 and 20 (Monday & Tuesday), is one such play.

There are a number of reasons that have combined to covert this performance into the theatrical event of the year. The first and the foremost being the return of Kavi Rattan, the doyen of Jammu theatre, from self imposed exile to direct this play. The entire credit for this must go to the dedicated and selfless team of Rangyug artistes who succeeded in persuading Kavi Rattan to once again show his prowess as the director of immense talent that he is.

Another reason is the coming together of veteran theatre artistes Susham Sharma, Pritam Katoch, Janak Khajuria and Shashi Rattan in this play. All these exciting artistes have a number of memorable performances to their credit and one really looks forward to savouring the experience of watching them on stage. In this play they are being assisted by Raj Kumar Behroopia, Anjana Mishra, Puneeta Sharma, Vijay Sharma, Kiran Jyoti and Urja, all young artistes who are quite talented in their own right.

The play itself is one of the prime attractions. Written by Mahesh Elkunchwar in Marathi, Virasat has been performed all around the country by scores of theatre groups in different languages. Yet, this is its first performance in Dogri. Deepak Kumar has adapted the play into Dogri and attempted to recreate the decaying feudal ethos of the Marathwada region depicted in the play into similar environs of the Dogra hinterland.

Last but not the least reason for this performance being an exciting event to watch is the return of good old realistic style to the Jammu stage. Although certain theatre groups like Shivani Cultural Society have kept the tradition alive, there is nothing like watching the person who really introduced this genre to the Jammu stage perform once again and relive his moments of glory.

With all these things combining together, all one has to do is to come early and take a good seat to sit back and savour the experience. One can only wish the viewers ‘Happy Viewing’.

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