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| Taj Mahal Ka Tender Sting in the Tail By Ravinder Kaul Satire is a like a sugar coated pill. Sweet and goody goody from outside but bitter inside. One doesn’t feel even a trace of the bitter medicine while gulping down the pill. Yet, it.......more Cong
leaders plea to Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 26: Various senior Congress leaders of the State has sought to draw the attention of the Election Commission of India towards.....more Muslim
Federation Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 26: The executive body of Muslim Federation has condemned the callous approach of the.....more Hiranagar
Sarpanches, Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 26: The newly elected Sarpanch and Panches of block Hiranagar called on Mr Bodh.......more Car,
truck used in offence seized Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Feb 26: The police arrested the prime accused from Punjab who had escaped after committing......more |
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Three
walkouts during Question Hour Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 26: Three walkouts were staged in the State Assembly today by the Opposition members during the Question......more BJP Member
describes Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 26: Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member Ashok Khajuria today described some ruling party leaders......more Prevailing
scenario in Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Feb 26: BJP workers met today under the chairmanship of Mr Vibodh Gupta, district president and discussed the overall scenario ......more Ladakhi
students Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 26: Today’s call for Jammu bandh demanding trifurcation and reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir state was fully backed and supported.....more |
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Taj Mahal Ka Tender By Ravinder Kaul Satire is a like a sugar coated pill. Sweet and goody goody from outside but bitter inside. One doesn’t feel even a trace of the bitter medicine while gulping down the pill. Yet, it does its work and its effect on one’s system can be felt after some time. In that sense it is even more useful than the uncoated pills. One gets all the benefits of the medicine without the bitter after-taste. However, it is very difficult to handle satire. More difficult than to handle a serious, straight play. The timing has to be perfect, the actions have to be co-ordinated and the premise on which one lays the foundation of the satire has to be sound and needs to be maintained right upto the end. Taj Mahal Ka Tender, the play presented by Theatre Mitra as the last presentation of this year’s Theatre Festival organised by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages faltered on some of these basic requirements inspite of some inspired performance by a few young actors. The play, written by Ajay Shukla, is an attempt to expose the malaise of all pervading corruption that is eating into the vitals of our society. Through the effective device of juxtaposing past with the present, the play attempts to revive the process of construction of Taj Mahal. Only this time it is done through a present day government agency. The land is acquired, illegal squatters rehabilitated, objections of all related and unrelated government departments taken care of and the tender document floated for undertaking the construction. However, by this time twenty five years have elapsed and Shahjahan breathes his last on hearing the news that the tender document is finally ready to be released. The building plan of Taj Mahal is still on paper but the hotel, farm house and buildings of the officials overseeing the project are ready for occupation. The play had some good artistes who did full justice to their role. Suresh Sharma as Sudhir Singh and Rajesh Raina as the engineer Gupta Ji acted well. Vagish Sharma in the role of a worried and harassed Shahjahan also did well. Harbans Sharma was effective as the worldly wise Contractor. However, Sanjay Kapil began his role as the Neta with an Eastern UP/Bihari accent but along the way forgot to retain it and started speaking straight Hindi without an accent. While the intermingling of history with the present was an effective experiment, one fails to understand the need to dress up the courtiers of Shahjahan in suits and ties. The set was divided into three segments and looked adequate for the needs of the play. The costumes were also appropriate. The make up of Shahjahan was impressive but why was he the only person on stage who was constantly aging while all other artistes remained young as ever? The play tended to drag towards the end and the crisp timing and fast pace that is the pre-requisite of such satirical plays was lacking in this presentation. Sanjay Kapil, the director, has given some good plays to the stage of Jammu and one believes that once the repeat shows of this play are organised, these rough edges would be smoothened. With this play the Drama Festival comes to an end. While the overall standard of the plays this year has been above average, one does feel disillusioned by the fact that not even a single Dogri play was included in this year’s Festival. The audience response was also quite heartening as even on the days when the entire Jammu city observed total Bandh, a respectable number of viewers came to watch the play. With quite a good number of plays having been performed during the past few months and a National Theatre Festival scheduled to be organised next month, an atmosphere for good theatre appears to be again building up in the city. One only needs to sustain this pace and nurture this atmosphere even further. |
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Cong leaders plea to Election Commission Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 26: Various senior Congress leaders of the State has sought to draw the attention of the Election Commission of India towards the gross irregularities having been committed in the Panchayat Elections in Jammu and Kashmir. In a joint statement the senior party leaders have submitted that as per election rule, necessary intensive revision of electoral rolls are taken up in every state, but this has been kept in back burner time and again since 1988 when the original rolls were compiled in Jammu and Kashmir State. They said there seemed to be least hope that these rolls will be revised in the near future. It is on record that necessary supplementaries are prepared for additions, corrections or deletions every year and attached to the said electoral rolls 1988, each poll is this containing not less that 36 supplementaries at present. They said there were live instances where the names of the dead and those who have left the places have not been deleted and names of new voters who have attained age of 18 years not included in the electoral rolls in chunks and chunks of localities of Assembly segments and Parliamentary constituencies. The Congress leaders said this was proving a mockery of exercise of fundamental rights of the people as per the Constitution. If the record is consulted, it will be established that lakhs and lakhs of rupees have been spent to prepare photo copies of such rolls during the past elections which are neither legible nor coincide with the position on spot. The leaders alleged that this all was being eclipsed in the garb of militancy and turmoil in the State while those ast the helm of affairs have maintained silence over the vital issue of public importance by which the faith of people in democracy was on decline. The statement was signed by Peerzada Mohd Syed and Mr Yash Paul Khajuria, ex-ministers, Thakur Devakar Singh, B R Kundal Advocate, Prakash Sharma, Ram Dass Dogra and Yogesh Sawhney, president Pradesh Youth Congress. |
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Muslim Federation demands ex-gratia for fir victims Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 26: The executive body of Muslim Federation has condemned the callous approach of the Government towards migrants from border districts of Poonch and Rajouri, which led to the death of four people in Sidhra fire yesterday. As per a release it appeared that Government was least bothered about the plight of migrants from different districts of Jammu province which has led to this unfortunate incident. The members expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and demanded the payment of ex-gratia and job to the next of the deceased. The Federation further condemned the inaction on the part of the security agencies of the State police who could not warn the Government about the possible move of the migrants who are putting up in large numbers at Belicharana without the minimum facilities of life. The speakers impressed upon the Government to take immediate steps to rehabilitate these migrants and ensure that no such incident takes place in future. The meeting was presided over by Mr Abdul Majid, Federation president and attended among others by Messrs Prof Mohd Ayoub Sheikh, Ch Jamat Ali, Ch Bahar Din, Talat Niaz Quazi and Akram Ahmad. |
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Hiranagar
Sarpanches, Panchs meet NC Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 26: The newly elected Sarpanch and Panches of block Hiranagar called on Mr Bodh Raj Bali, Provincial president of National Conference and discussed the process of Panchayat Raj and the situation of post elections. As per a release Mr Bodh Raj Bali welcomed the newly elected Sarpanches and Panches and garlanded them. While addressing them Mr Bali said that the Government under the dynamic leadership of Dr Farooq Abdullah has completed first phase of Panchayati Raj election in smooth and impartial manner in Jammu province except of parts of Doda district where the process was still going on. He said the need of the hour is to work for betterment of the down trodden, poor and needy people of the State for which the National Conference was committed. He impressed upon the workers to remain vigilant and fight the nefarious designs of the militants, who were bent upon to disturb peace and brotherhood among the various communities in the State. He congratulated the sarpanches and Panches for their success in the election. Those present on the occasion included Messrs R L Gupta, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Bansi Lal Malpotra, Bharti Sharma, Dharam Paul, Jagpal Sharma, Soma Devi, Bharat Bhushan Sharma (Sarpanch), Onkar Nath Sharma (Sarpanch), Harbans Lal (Sarpanch), Prem Rattan, Naresh Singh, Ram Pal Sharma, Bishav Jeet Singh, Shashi Devi, Sat Pal, Ajit Kumar, Ganesh Dass, Bodh Raj, Thoru Ram, Harlok Singh, Pawan Kumar, Mulakh Raj, Dev Raj, Ravi Kumar (All Panches), Vinod Kumar, Krishan Lal, Nanak Chand, Ashok Kumar and Madan Lal (All NC workers). |
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Car, truck used in
offence seized Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Feb 26: The police arrested the prime accused from Punjab who had escaped after committing murderous attack on another youth from Lachhipur village. The accused assisted by 3 others had also chopped off the right hand of their victim—Kamaljit Singh. Giving details, the SP Kathua Mr Manohar Singh said that acting on a definite information, a Kathua police party raided a hideout of the accused in Gurdaspur and arrested him from there today. He has been identified as Nirmal Singh alias Kalu, son of Amrik Singh of Lachhipur. Another accused Raja, son of Prem of Sawan Chak has already been arrested by police. Two more associates of Kalu—namely, Baljit Singh alias Lilli and Manjit Singh, son of Jaswant Singh of Kathua were still evading arrest. The police was conducting series of raids on their suspected hideouts. A car and two trucks used by the accused for committing crime have also been seized. Mr Singh further disclosed that a manhunt has also been launched for four more accused persons indirectly involved in this case. They are—Master Rangil Singh, Gurnam Singh, Mohinder Singh and Bhopinder- all hailing from Lachhipur. He said both the families have old enemity over property. As per police record seven criminal cases have been registered by the either side over old dispute and three of them were challaned recently. But the cause behind this fresh provocation was the winning of Panchayat election by a member of the rival party. This annoyed the other group and they planned to eliminate Kamaljit. While victim, with chopped off hand and multiple stab wounds is struggling for life in hospital, the remaining accused are absconding. |
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Three walkouts during
Question Hour Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 26: Three walkouts were staged in the State Assembly today by the Opposition members during the Question Hour, who from the beginning of the day’s business, were in mood to corner the Government on each and every issue. The first walkout of the day was staged by the lone PDP member Abdul Rehman Veeri who alleged that despite the militants threat, the Government has removed security cover to his party leaders in the State. Alleging discrimination with his partymen by the ruling National Conference (NC), he said some senior PDP leaders like Qazi Afzal of Lar, Gandherbal and Ved Mahajan have been deprived of security by the Government. He said even the former Home Minister, Mufti Mohammed Syeed during his recent visit to Doda district, was provided a defective vehicle which developed a snag in the mid-way putting Mr Syeed and other members of his entourage in great trouble. Another walk out was stated by Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) members in protest against the Government’s failure in not implementing the reservation rules in letter and spirit in various State Government departments. The agitated BSP members who were joined by their colleagues in BJP also shouted slogans by going near the Well of the House. Mr Prithvi Chand even went into the Well and made some arguments with the Speaker, Mr Abdul Ahad Vakil. However nothing was audible in the din. The drama continued for five minutes and despite repeated pleas of the Chair the protesting opposition members did not take their seats and staged a walk out from the House. The BSP MLA Sagar Chand also shouted slogans "reservations Ko Lagoo Karo". Implement the reservations in State Government departments. Earlier denying the allegations leveled by the opposition members, Mr Ghulam Mohi-u-Din Shah Acting, Chief Minister said his Government was trying hard to protect the rights of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the State and a SRO has been issued last month to guarantee the rights of SCs and STs. Mr Shah said the laws will be made more stringent now in this regard. He also ruled out that there was a proposed move to decrease the promotion quota for the SC and ST categories by 50 per cent. He said that in all departments selection agencies have been directed to take steps to ensure that due quota is given to each category. But Mr Som Nath alleged that some departments were not implementing the Supreme Court judgment of 50 per cent reservations and pointed out that in Gardens and Parks Department there is no such reservation. He also alleged that the reservation rules are not being implemented by the State Government. He was supported by BJP members also who later staged walkout in protest. This was preceded by a walkout by CPI (M) member M Y Tarigami who was also joined by BJP members and lone JD Legislator Dr Jagdish Raj Dubey when a question of Ch. Piara Singh regarding the sanction of loans to a private sector undertaking became a topic of hot discussion in the House. The trouble started when M Y Tarigami of CPI (M) demanded that a House Committee be constituted for looking into sanctioning of loan by the various Government agencies and financial institutions to the private Sector unit holders, while raising a supplementary on the question. The member was annoyed after the Government showed its reluctance in constituting a House Committee for the purpose and he staged a walk out. All the BJP members Ch. Piara Singh, Ashok Khajuria, Prithvi Chand, Bali Bhagat, Hans Raj Dogra, Prem Lal while Dr Jagdish Raj Dubey of JD followed suit. Earlier, raising a question, Ch Piara Singh wanted to know whether the State Government has advanced loan worth Rs 14 crore to M/S ESS EMM Sheets, Khonmoh during 1985. However, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Dr Mustafa Kamal outrightly denied this. He said as no loan was given to the concerned firm by the Government and therefore question of mortgage does not arise. The question became a topic for heated exchanges and even Speaker one time had to intervene asking the Government to inform the House whether the Government was also party to all such transactions or not. But the Minister categorically refused that Government was any way involved in these transactions and maintained that only financial institutions sanction these loans. However, this did not satisfy the members and even the ruling Party member Sadiq Ali wanted to know from the Government that who is sanctioning the loans and who is the guarantor. Seeing his Ministerial colleague has been cornered by the members, the Finance Minister, Mr Abdul Rahim Rather tried to satisfy the members by saying that Government has no role to play in sanctioning the loan as banks have their own Board of Management and they decide it themselves. But it was an embarrassing situation for the treasury benches when Dilawar Mir of ruling party said how can Government absolve itself from the responsibility when SIDCO, a Government undertaking is also involved in sanctioning some of the loans. |
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BJP Member describes some NC leaders as Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 26: Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member Ashok Khajuria today described some ruling party leaders as "Jai Chands" (traitors) of Jammu who are working against the cause of the people of the region. The member made these remarks when his Party colleague Ch. Piara Singh said that one NC Minister who has huge arrears of rent against his name has opened five wine counters. The House witnessed noisy scenes as BJP and BSP members while protested against the functioning of the Government. They said it is totally anarchy as one NC leader who has grabbed Government land has been left scot free. He was supported by his party colleagues Ashok Khajuria and Bali Bhagat also. Earlier the BJP MLA Hans Raj Dogra expressed concern over the increasing liquor trade in Jammu and blamed Government that by issuing licenses to people it is trying to make it a free for all trade. The BJP member Ashok Khajuria alleged that the licenses are given to NC workers. Dogra said this will affect the public morality as the policies of Government are aimed at making Jammu people drunkards. There were heated exchanges between the BJP, BSP and some opposition members when Minister of Finance said that the licenses are given to any body who applies for it. The Minister while giving other details said Rs 123.62 crore revenue was collected from Jammu as Excise duty during year 1999-2000 while 99.16 crore were realized during 1998-99. He said Rs 86.13 crore were realized during 1997-98 and Rs 64.25 crore during 1996-97 in the region as Excise duty. In comparison to that the Minister said in Kashmir Division Rs 26.28 crore were realized as excise duty in 1999-2000, 24.11 in 1998-99, 18.58 crore in 1997-98 and 16.43 in 1996-97. The Minister also admitted that some distilleries are located in populated areas causing great nuisance and health hazards to the inhabitants of the area. In reply to another question of Mr Sat Paul Lakhotra of NC, the Minister of Power, Mr S S Salathia today informed the House that 33/11 KV, 3.15 MVA Receiving Station at Gho Manhasan is proposed to be completed by 2001-02 subject to release of the balance amount of loan by the Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) which has sponsored the scheme. He said that Rs 36 lakh are to be spent on the scheme and poles will be laid by 2002. |
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Ladakhi students support Bandh Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 26: Today’s call for Jammu bandh demanding trifurcation and reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir state was fully backed and supported by All Ladakhi Students Union Jammu through its president mr Sonam Lotus. As per a release Mr Sonam said that unless the wishes and equality of people of all the three regions are fulfilled in a balanced manner, which at present are not fulfilled, disturbance and turmoil in the State will continue to be as such. Even if the volley of guns stops in valley, it will come or arise from Jammu and Ladakh if the present state of governance continued. They held that only lasting solution for peace and happiness in the State is trifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir State. they said Ladakh having its distinct ethnic and cultural heritage deserves the Union territory status while Jammu as a separate state. |
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Ajat felicitates newly elected panchayat members of Bhalwal block Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 25: The Minister for Information and Transport, Mr Ajatshatru Singh said that despite threats from militants in Rajouri and Poonch districts, the people of the area have fearlessly participated in Panchayat elections and polled about 90 to cent per cent votes in these twin border districts. He said this shows their faith in Panchayati Raj system. Mr Singh was speaking at a function organised to felicitate newly elected 26 Sarpanchs and Panchs including one female Panch in recently concluded Panchayat elections in Bhalwal block of Jammu district this afternoon. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that by conducting peaceful panchayat elections on non-party basis after a long gap of 23 years, the present Government have fulfilled its resolve for decentralization of administrative and economic powers at the gross roots level. He said the formation of elected panchayats will ensure better planning, effective implementation of rural development schemes and balanced development of far flung rural areas of the State. Mr Singh called upon the newly elected representatives of the rural masses to dedicate themselves for the upliftment of poor and down trodden sections of the society and work with sincerity for the betterment of their respective panchayat halqas. The "people have reposed their confidence and faith in you and now it becomes your moral responsibility to fulfill the aspirations and wishes of the rural masses", the Minister added. The Minister said that the newly elected panchayats, while fixing the priorities for the development works of the halqas, should accord top priority to the works of general public utility. He advised the Surpanchs and Panchs to prepare consolidated ist of demands of general public and bring to my notice so that problems of the rural people are mitigated early. Those who spoke on the occasion include Ch Barkat Ali, Mr Behari Singh, Ch Mohammad Sadiq, Mr Mohammad Anwar, Ch Sian Khan, Ch Abdul Aziz and Mr Brahamanand. Earlier, the Minister was given a rousing reception by the local people of Bhalwal block on his arrival directly from New Delhi to the venue of the function. |
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HC issues arrest warrants against SKIMS director Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 26: Mr Justice Arun Kumar Goel of Jammu and Kashmir High Court Jammu wing has issued bailable warrants against Dr Mehraj-ud-Din, director Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Soura, Srinagar. The court sent the warrants to SSP senior with the direction that he will insure the execution before the next date. The warrants have been issued in a contempt petition filed by Bhopinder Kumar Shaila, Jatinder Dhar, Hira Lal Dhar and J L Raina, employees of the said institute through advocate Mrs Surinder Kour, with the prayer that despite the order of the High Court, the respondents have not complied with the court orders as such they have committed contempt of court. While issuing warrants Justice Goel observed that the contempt petition which has disposed of with the direction that the respondents undertake to now comply with the order within four week. |
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Poll schedule announced for 7 blocks of Kargil District Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 26: The Chief Electoral Officer who is also the Election Authority for Panchayat elections papers in the State has announced the poll schedule for seven blocks of Kargil district. As per the notification the nomination papers can be filed for Kargil and Drass blocks (excluding Mattayan Panchayat of Drass block) on February 27,28 and March 1st. Date of scrutiny is March 3 while the last date of withdrawal of candidature is March 5. The polling will be held on March 19, 2001. For Shaker, Chiktan and Shargola blocks nomination papers can be filed on February 28, March 1st and 3rd while the scrutiny will be held on March 5. Last date for withdrawal of candidature will be March 8th and polling will be held on March 23. For Taisura and Sanko blocks nomination papers can be filed on March 1st, 3rd and 5th. The scrutiny of papers will be held on March 8. Last date for withdrawal of candidature has been fixed March 10 while polling will be held on March 25 in these blocks. Similarly, the nomination papers for blocks of Zanskar and Mattayan Panchayat of Drass block can be filed on April 19, 20 and 21. Date of scrutiny is held on April 23 while last date for withdrawal of candidature will be April 25. The polling will be held on May 10, 2001. |
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Comprehensive
Plan for forest conservation Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 26: A comprehensive action plan is being formulated for rehabilitation, conservation and protection of forest areas. This was stated by the Forests and Environment Minister, Peerzada Ghulam Ahmad yesterday while addressing the valedictory function of three day Residential Workshop of senior forest officers of the State held at Soil Conservation Training School, Miran Sahib, Jammu. He said the environmental conservation and restoration of ecological balance are the two most important challenges being faced by the mankind and stressed the need for rehabilitation of degraded areas, restoration of encroachment of forest lands, maintenance of proper land records and prevention of forest offences within and outside forest areas. The Minister said that a new forest policy is being finalized which will include all aspects of forest management in the State. He stressed the need for involvement of local people and NGOs in the implementation of various projects and schemes launched by the Department. He also impressed upon the forest officers to work with earnest zeal and dedication for preserving environment in the State which is under tremendous threat due to population explosion, industrialization and rapid urbanization. Appreciating the efforts of the department for organizing the long awaited workshop, the Minister hoped that this would provide opportunities to the participants to deliberate on vital issues like environmental degradation, protection of forests, identifying settlements and suggest measures to combat present challenges. He impressed upon the officers of the department for holding such workshops periodically and said that it will to go a long way in improving the management and functioning of the department. He also announced for organizing similar workshop at Srinagar during this year. He also assured the officers that the recommendations made during the refresher course would be examined in detail and suitable steps would be taken in improving the working of the department. Regarding conversion of Social Forestry Project with the Rural Development Department, the Minister assured the officers that in view of tremendous achievements made during the past 10 years of the project, efforts are on to maintain the statusquo of the project. Earlier, the Chief Conservator of Forests gave the resume of the deliberations of the workshop on different topics, such as administrative and financial reforms, Amended J&K Forest Act with special emphasis on seizure and confiscation of forest produce, land record in relation to encroachment and forest conservation Act and its implecation on transfer of forest land for non-forestry purposes. Speaking on the occasion the Director Forest Protection Force apprised the Minister about the deliberations and recommendations/suggestions that have emerged during the refresher course and said that the recommendations would be submitted to the Government for more effective management and administration. The Project Director, Social Forestry while speaking on the occasion emphasised that the Forest department has to change its approach in view of the changing time. He stressed that the productivity of the forests should commensurate with the protection and time has come when the demands of the people in respect of the products of the forests should met without compromising on the quality of the existing natural resources. The Chief Conservator Forests, Jammu, Dr. M. A. Kawoosa thanked the Minister for providing an opportunity to the senior officers of the department to deliberate on the problems being faced by the department in maintaining the ecological balance of the State. He also appreciated the role of the Principal, Soil Conservation Training School, Miran Sahib for making the workshop a big success. |
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Govt initiates confidence
building measures Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 26: The Government have taken several confidence building measures to restore sense of security among the inhabitants of the village Kot Chadwal in Rajouri where militants had burnt alive 15 persons during the intervening night of 9/10 February 2001. Besides, ex-gratia relief as admissible under rules have been sanctioned by the Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri in favour of the kin of the deceased and cheques have been handed over to the Tehsildar of Koteranka for further disbursement to the beneficiaries. This statement was made by the Works Minister, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar, who is also looking after the charge of Home portfolio now-a-days, in the Legislative Assembly today in reply to a Calling Attention Notice of Ch. Mohammad Hussain tabled in the House on his behalf by Mr. Dilawar Mir. The Minister said the security measures in the village and adjacent areas have been beefed up and 50 more persons have been trained to create additional village defence committees (VDCs) in the area. He said VDC members who fought against the militants have been engaged as SPOs whileas three others were being appointed as constables. A police picket has also been established in the area, the Minister added. Mr. Sagar said that the gruesome incident sent shock waves all around. It was condemned by all and sundry. FIR No. 6/2001 U/S 302, 436, 120-B, 124-A, 122-RPC stands registered at P/S Budhal. Investigation of the case has been set into motion. Massive hunt has been launched for nabbing the terrorists involved in this macabre incident. The Governor, Mr. G.C. Saxena, the Chief Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, IGP, Jammu and SP, Rajouri visited the spot which restored the confidence of the public. |
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Zero Hour in Assembly Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 26: The Minister for Works, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar said the Government will not accept any violation of human rights and this has been made clear to everyone. Responding to a point raised by Mr. M. Y. Tarigami expressing his concern over disappearance of a number of youth in Kashmir valley, including one in Rajouri, the Minister said that in fact in certain cases the security personnel found guilty have been brought to book. He said and referred to arrest of three police personnel in this regard. He said 23 out of 76 cases on alleged excesses have been closed while investigations are in progress in the remaining cases. He asked the member to bring to the notice of the Government any specific case of Human Rights and it will be properly investigated. Mrs. Zubeda Salaria wanted pace of implementation of Haj house at Jammu to be expedited while Sheikh Abdul Rehman projected the problems of agitating Dul Hasti project workers. Mr Ashok Khajuria demanded settlement of Poonch and Rajouri migrants in their respective districts while Mr Nissar Ahmed Khan sought adequate facilities for these unfortunate people. Mr Mohammad Syed Akhoon objected to some members charging some ministers of having militant links and appealed to the opposition to restrain from making vague accusation. Mr M S Panditpuri called for releasing compensation to damaged property of Kashmiri migrants. Mr Ghulam Abbas sought helicopter service to Kargil during winter months while Mr Chering Dorjee demanded entry of Leh bound passengers to airport lounges instead of, what he said, making them to wait on roadside. Mr Abdul Kabir Pathan wanted some of the villages in Pahalgam constituency to be declared as backward areas. Mr Mohammad Abdullah Mujahid pleaded for posting gynecologists to district hospital, Baramulla. Mr Abdul Wahid Shan drew the attention of the Government towards non-availability of doctors and para medical staff in his constituency. Mr Safdar Ali Beg had a grouse that despite his posting, the ARTO Anantnag has not joined his duties as yet. Mr G M Bhawan sought supply of firewood in Srinagar city on the same pattern as is being adopted in villages. Choudhry Piara Singh demanded implementation of decision regarding release of pension to the state pensioners as per Central scales from 1996. Minister for Finance Mr A R Rather said that only some pensioners were not getting pensionary benefits on Central scale from 1996 due to certain anomalies that have been taken care of. He said orders to this effect would be issued shortly and the beneficiaries would get arrears from 1996 itself. Malik Ghulam Hyder pleaded for taking care of backward and far-off places in the budget as the funds are being allocated in proportion to population ignoring the vastness of the areas. Mr Som Nath demanded launching of schemes under rural development sector in Samba and Parmandal areas while Mr Sagar Chand sought grant of citizenship rights to 1947 refugees. Mr G M Jan alleged harassment of people in Chambri Kanari village and Mr Abdul Rehman Veeri asked for relief to farmers whose crops suffered damage in Anantnag district last year. Mr R C Bhagat drew the attention of the house towards plight of scheduled caste population while at the outset Mr Jagdish Raj Dhubey raised the problems of his constituency. |
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Religious tolerance need of hour: Harbans Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 26: Minister for Labour and Sports, S. Harbans Singh today said that ‘Religious tolerance and communal harmony is the very essence of Indian composite culture. The Minister was speaking at a function organized to observe the birth anniversary of Sri Ramakrishna Parmahansa. Deliberating on the versatility of Sri Parmahansa, the Minister said, Swami Ji, stood throughout his life for Peace, universal brotherhood and tolerance. Mr. Singh said that need of the hour is that we should engross the teachings of Swami Ji in letter and spirit as this is the best way of paying our heart felt tributes. Later, Mr. Singh also met newly elected Panchs and Sarpanchs who called on him. The Minister asked the Panchs and Sarpanchs to work with dedication and zeal for the welfare of downtrodden. He also said that most of the newly elected Panchs and Sarpanchs owe their political background and allegiance to National Conference politics. All this bears testimony to the fact that National Conference as a Political party is a mass based as it has made its inroads deep into the gram and village level. Congratulating them, he said this was the real strength of National Conference. Mr. Singh said that Government has already fulfilled its promise of holding Panchayat elections after a span of 23 years and soon the government will also announce the dates for Notified Area Committee and Municipal Elections too. He asked the party workers to gear themselves for the coming elections. |
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Various deputations call on Finance Minister Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 26: A number of deputations representing various Associations, Forums and Unions today called on the Finance Minister, Mr. Abdul Rahim Rather and apprised him of their problems. The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-cum-Dealers Union, led by its Chairman, Mr. G.R. Bhat presented a memorandum about the problems of the fruit growers and dealers of the Valley. The Union stressed for taking of some urgent measures by the Government for development of the industry in the State. The Union said that because of drought conditions in the Valley this year the fruit industry has been adversely affected. The Union impressed for provision of more funds for development of this vital industry. They demanded that horticulture be declared as an industry so that it could avail of the benefits that are available to other industries in the State. They also called for speedy development of Fruit Mandi at Sopore. Establishment of Mini Juice Plants in the fruit growing areas for optimum utilization of the off grade fruit was also pleaded The Minister for Agriculture and Co-operatives, Ch. Mohammad Ramzan and senior functionaries of Horticulture and Horticulture Marketing Corporation were also present during the one hour discussions the union had with the Minister. The Finance Minister told that the deputationists that the demands presented will receive due consideration of the Government. The Government, he said is fully conscious of the importance of the industry and every endeavour will be made to promote the industry within the available resources. The deputation of Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum apprised the Finance Minister with various problems of the teachers. The Finance Minister assured the delegation that these demands will be looked into and appropriate action will be taken in the matter. The Jammu Hotel Restaurant and Bar Association also met the Minister and submitted a list of demands to him. These were discussed in the meeting. The association was representative by Mr. V.K. Garg, Mr. Ravi Mahajan, Mr. Kuldeep Whai and S. Santoksh Singh. |
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