Classes boycotted
College students resume stir against power cuts

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 4: Resuming their stir against the frequent power curtailments, students of GGM Science College and SPMR Commerce College boycotted their classes, today.

Shouting slogans against the National Conference Government and Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, the agitating students also held a massive demonstration. They were demanding adequate power supply so that students could make preparations for their forthcoming examinations.

This morning, as soon as the colleges opened after winter vocations, the students announced to resume their stir against the power curtailments and boycotted the classes.

It may be recalled that before the winter vocations, the college students had been boycotting their classes continuously against the frequent power cuts.

Today, students of GGM Science College, led by their president Mr Vinay Sharma and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad activists, boycotted their classes and later marched towards SPMR College where they were joined by their counterparts.

The agitating students raised slogans against the National Conference Government and also held demonstration.

Addressing the students, ABVP state joint secretary Mr Vivek Sharma said that the students were suffering badly due to the increased power curtailment and appealed the Government to ensure adequate power supply.

Mr Vinay Sharma, president of GGM Science College announced that the students would continuously boycott their classes till the Government concede their demand. He also appealed students of all the city colleges to remain united in their ongoing stir.

Others who addressed the students included vice president of SPMR College Mr Romy, Suresh Magotra, Lucky, Gurpreet and Varinder Singh Chib.

"Hurriyat responsible for destruction"
Sagar smells rat in New Delhi’s Kashmir policy

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 4: Smelling a rat in New Delhi’s present Kashmir policy, the Works Minister and senior National Conference leader, Mr Ali Mohammed Sagar today warned the Union Government of serious consequences for giving preference to secessionist and pro Pak elements to nationalist forces.

The Minister who was addressing series of meetings of Kashmiri migrants at Chinore, Durga Nagar and Muthi Camp Phase Second during his hectic tour to the area regretted that dreaded militant Mushtaq Latram who was involved in the killing of scores of Kashmiri Pandits was given a heroes welcome by a Union Minister at New Delhi last year and taken to Khandhar in a special aircraft lateron.

Mr Sagar while warning Centre not to take NC far granted which has given many sacrifices over last 50 years for the integration of J&K with India as this will lead to serious consequences.

Making a strong dig at Centre for involving Hurriyat and other militant groups in talks, he said not Hurriyat but it is the NC which represents all the three regions of the State. It is unfortunate the Party which has over the years given the sacrifices for the people of the State and country has been ditched by the Centre at present.

He said the militants are behind us our cadres have are being eliminated and instead of any encouragement we are getting the maltreatment from the Centre as the annual plan funds have not been given yet.

Mr Sagar warned that NC is not slaves of any body as it was our Government which made the situation conducive in the State by breaking the back of militancy.

Those who say that Kashmir has been retained by security forces are mistaken, he said.

He said since 1947 the NC was never trusted by the Indian rulers and in past we were being dubbed as Muslim and Pakistan agents. He however appreciated the people of Jammu for their unflinching support to the Party in the last Assembly elections.

Lambasting the Hurriyat leadership Mr Sagar said except the Down Town in Srinagar and Sopore the conglomerate has no base any where.

Condemning strongly the statement of Hurriyat leader Syeed Ali Shah Geelani that Kashmir is a Muslim state he said Kashmir is incomplete with the Pandits who are the part and parcel of our rich culture.

He held the Hurriyat responsible for the present mess in the State saying that they are the people who have brought the J&K on the path of destruction and the yesterday’s statement of Mr Geelani should be an eye opener for Central Government, he added.

He however, regretted that today Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee and Union Home Minister, Mr L K Advani are talking of holding talks with Hurriyat and Hizbul Mujahideen by describing them our own people.

Dubbing the Hurriyat as ISI and CBI agents he said there is no unanimity among them and recently in a meeting at Srinagar they changed the tune when the militants fired four shots in the air.

He regretted the NC which advocated the national cause in every international fora is being stills suspected while the leaders who have hoisted Pak flags in past have been given the certificates of patriots.

He asserted that we are not afraid of the democratic process and peoples mandate. "If Geelani or for that matter Dr Agnishekhar of Panun Kashmir is elected as Chief Minister tomorrow, the NC will surrender before the peoples wish", he added.

He said the BJP Government is today toeing the lines of its predecessor Congress Party on Kashmir and by such policies they will ruin the entire country.

The Minister said Jammu and Kashmir is passing through a crucial phase at present and hence any hasty decision by the Centre will be detrimental to the nation’s interests.

Condemning the Mandir, Masjid politics the Minister said BJP is raking up the Ram Mandir issue for its vested political interests.

Mr Sagar also warned the Government officers for dereliction of their duties saying stern action will be taken against those who will be found neglecting their duty.

He alleged that some officers are working to defame the Government which will will not be tolerated, saying that in Kashmir valley he has got reports that some officers are in league with militants and ISI who are trying to sabotage the Government policies.

Taking the authorities to task he asked them to take immediate steps in redressing the problems of camp inmates.

He wanted to know why the Jammu Municipality is not working systematically and asked authorities to solve the public grievances instead of saying that ifs and buts come in the way.

He assured the camp inmates that a separate tube well will be built for the camp immediately. Likewise he gave instructions to JDA and PDD authorities to redress the genuine grievances of camp inmates on war footing.

Mr Sagar also did not spare the Kashmiri Pandit leaders and accused them of betraying their community.

He said those talking of separate "Homeland" should first look into the problems of the camp inmates.

The meeting was organised by the Minority Cell of National Conference led by president Ashok Raina and Sham Lal, general secretary and Camp president Mr Piyaray Lal.

The meeting among others was addressed by NC MLC and general secretary Mr B L Bhat and MLA Mushtaq Ahmed Kuchay.

At Chinore the Minister gave on spot instructions for construction of link road to PWD officers accompanying him.

He also assured the people that the problems of drinking water and electricity will also be solved on priority basis.

Earlier addressing the meeting Mr S N Saproo president Milchar Front and Arun Moza highlighted the problems of the people in the area.

At Durga Nagar the Minister held meeting with cross section of people and listened their problems. The president All India Kashmiri Hindu, Mr R L Bhan apprised him of the various local problems.

NDS holds Sahitya Sammalan at village Bhadrote

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 4: Nami Dogri Sanstha, Gho-Manasa branch organised impressive Dogri Sahitya Sammalan at village Bhadrote prominent Dogri poet of the area.

According to a press release, Mr Shamsher Singh was conferred with ‘Sahitya Shree’ title by Nami Dogri Sanstha for his literary work in the field of Dogri language. Composite culture programme comprising of Nukkad Natak, Geet Sangat and Kabhi Sabha was organised on the occasion. Mr Prem Singh, a prominent personality of the area was chief guest while Mr Lok Raj Sharma was guest of honour. Artists of the NDS, Gho Manhasa branch headed by Karan Singh staged street play ‘Fasalee Batere’ based on political satire which was highily appreciated by the people. Mr Surinder Singh Manhas, Mohan Lal, Komal, Nasib Singh Manhas, Ram Lal, Capt Lalit Sharma, Ahydhya Rani Gamkhar, M L Komal, Harish Kaila, Satpal and Shamsher Singh presented their items in the fuction.

While addressing the function, Dr Harish Kaila, president of the NDS congratulated the president of Gho-Manhasa branch of the NDS and his team for presenting quality programme. He announced that during the new year NDA is starting its fortnightly News Letter ‘Duggar Darpan’ which will serve as mouth piece of the NDS.

J&K Ex-Policemen League holds convention

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 4: First ever one day convention of J&K Ex Policemen League was held here today in which 60 representatives from different districts of the Jammu Province participated.

The convention started with the welcome address of Mr S L Suri (rtd) DIG.

Except the Doda district, the Conference was attended by the office bearers of all the districts of Jammu Province.

In his inaugural address Mr M N Khajuria former Director General of Police and chairman of the Ex-Policemen League gave a detailed account of its (League’s) functioning to the members.

He said the Government has framed a revolutionary scheme in 1999 for the welfare of the policemen and their families.

Under the scheme the widows of the policemen will be given the benefit of the self employment schemes other than the Government job. Besides, the children of the policemen will also be provided the Government job and other grievances of the ex-policemen will be redressed under the scheme.

He said the Government has constituted a board for this purpose which is headed by Chief Minister as its chairman while I am its vice chairman. The Chief Secretary, Secretary to Home Department, DG Police, two League members Messrs Kirti Singh and A M Watali both ex DIGs are its members, he added.

Mr Khajuria while hailing the appointment of Mr A K Suri as DG Police, said it is a good beginning as the new incumbent has shown the keen interest that the welfare programme should accelerate during his tenure.

He said the League is not offering alms and we are fighting for our rights.

He while listing the demands said the ex-policemen be given the facilities like the serving policemen as is the case in army, 15 percent reservation for recruitment in police for our wards be restored, the amount of Rs 5000 given to any policemen who dies in harness for performance of last rites be extended, separate cell be crated at Police Headquarters to deal with pension cases besides the pass books for Provident Fund be issued and free medical treatment be given to ex-policemen on the pattern of serving cops.

He also demanded amendment of the J&K Retired Welfare rules by deleting the word in distress therefrom and formation of cooperative societies so as to generate income and employment avenues for the retired police personnels and their wards. He said Samelans will be held twice a year at Jammu and Srinagar.

Mr Khajuria said the main purpose of holding such a convention was to help the Government in creating a congenial atmosphere in the State by spreading message of peace amity and brotherhood, make people aware against the terrorism and the detractors of nation.

Among the prominent speakers include Messrs O N Koul and M N Khan both retired DIGs.

The convention was organised by Programme Committee Ex-Policemen League headed by its chairman and former DIG Mr S L Suri. Its members were Parkash Sharma, (rtd) SP, Virendar Bhasin, (rtd) Dy SP and district chief Jammu, S Anoop Singh secretary Central Committee.

Year 2001 will be the year of Police-Public Relations: Suri

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu Jan 4: With a view to further strengthen its ties with general masses, the J&K Police has declared the year 2001 as the year of Police-Public relations.

The Police Chief, Mr A K Suri, who has already started such an exercise by visiting and meeting people at Kunzer ( Baramulla ), R S Pura (Jammu), Kathua and Kotranka (Rajouri ) has called upon his officers down below to launch Police-Public Mass Contact Programme in the State on a large scale encompassing the remote areas in particular.

The police-public meets will be held from zonal level to sub-divisional level. According to format each SDPO will select a minimum of five places in his jurisdiction and the District SP will hold such meetings at one place in the jurisdiction of every Police Station but not at the places covered by SDPO.

Each Range DIG, as per schedule, will select one place in each sub-division but not the place where meetings have been convened by SDPO/District SP. The zonal police chiefs will cover at least two rural/remote places in each district.

During the course of meetings , problems of the people will be heard and efforts made to solve them. In case the solution does not lie in the hands of concerned police officer, he/she will forward the same to the competent authority for solution and follow-up the results. Complaints and problems pertaining to civil departments would be consolidated and forwarded to the concerned District Development Commissioner with a copy to Police Hqrs.

People at these meets will also be told about the devastating effects of Pak sponsored militancy and the sacrifices made by local police and other security forces in fighting it besides exhorting them to uphold the age old tradition of communal harmony and brotherhood. They will also be cautioned about the wicked machinations of enemy with an appeal to thwart enemy’s wicked designs and never fall prey to false propaganda and rumours of anti-national elements. People will also be informed about the location of DGP’s complaint boxes and told about the significance of reaching DGP through such boxes. All genuine complaints so received will properly be scrutinized whereas anonymous or frivolous complaints will not be entertained.

Mr Suri has also asked District SsP, Range DIsG and Zonal Police Chiefs to institutionalize meetings of retired police officers and jawans through Retired Policemen Welfare Scheme. In the meantime to make meeting of Central Retired Welfare Fund Committee a regular feature on the pattern of Central Welfare Fund Committee meeting is also being contemplated.

The DGP has also directed the police officers to involve media persons in police-public meetss.

Shah for early implementation of Srinagar Master Plan

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu Jan 4: The Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Shah has called for early implementation of Srinagar Master Plan. Mr Shah who is also the chairman of Srinagar Development Authority while inaugurating a two day session on Srinagar Master Plan 2000-2021 at here today said that the present master plan is being implemented after a long plan holiday.

Mr Shah asked the members of the Sub-Committee on Srinagar Master Plan to have a thorough to review of the various aspects of the Plan to make it foolproof. He said that while finalising the plan document the past experiences should be put into practice so that they have a positive projection afterwards.

Mr Shah said that the Srinagar Development Authority is now having its own land bank which can be properly utilized for development of housing colonies and other commercial assets on modern lines.

Mr Shah said that the mass migration from rural areas to our cities should be discouraged at all levels and said that it is only possible by improving and enhancing the basic facilities and infrastructure in our villages and ameliorating the economic condition of rural masses.

Mr Shah asked the members to look into the objections and suggestions putforth by the citizens and make necessary incorporation of valuable opinion in the plan document. Mr Shah said that the active participation of the people and a better co-ordination among the various implementing agencies are the pre-requisites for making the Master Plan successful.

Mr Shah said that there is need to inculcate a good civic sense among the people so that the developmental plans prove successful and the dream of a welfare State comes true Mr Shah said that our policy makers and planners should specifically anticipate the far-reaching implications in the Plans made for the betterment of the people.

Those who attended the session included Principal Secretary, Housig and Urban Development, Mr S L Sailova, Principal Secretary, Finance, Mr Jalil Ahmad Khan, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Mr K A Ganai, Administrator Srinagar Development Authority, Mr Asgar Hassan Samoon, Vice-Chairman SDA, Mr Hammidullah, Director Land Management, Mr Basharat Ahmad Koul and Chief Town Planner, SDA.

Tributes paid to Louis Braille

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu Jan 4: In connection with world-wide celebration of 193rd birth anniversary of Louis Braille, a function was organised by Social Welfare Department here today to pay homage to the noble soul. The principal Secretary, Social Welfare, Mr S D Singh presided.

Among others who spoke on the occasion were legislators Mr Ramchan Bhagat, Smt Zubeda Salaria, Smt Depinder Kour, Mr S M Gill, Mr A R Tukroo and Director Social Welfare, Mr S S Jamwal.

The Speakers paid rich tributes to Louis Braille who is known as Massiah of blinds. Dwelling upon his contribution for the betterment of blinds, the speakers said that by inventing six dots such system he enabled the blinds able to read and write.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr S D Singh revealed that the Government have constructed a building for the blinds at Roopnagar at an estimated cost of Rs 45 lakh. He said that building is nearing completion and soon the inmates of Residential School for the Blinds would be shifted to the new complex.

Mr Singh said that the Government had already enacted an Act for the disabled persons whereby three per cent reservation for the disabled has been provided. Besides, number of other rehabilitative measures have been initiated through this Act. He also said that Social Welfare department has made efforts for rehabilitation of disabled persons particularly the blinds and added that about 40 inmates of the Residential School for the Blinds have so far been employed in various departments,.

The inmates of the Residential School for the Blinds were provided uniforms, jackets, sports shoes and pocket money on the occasion valuing Rs 50,000.

Later, colourful cultural programme was presented by the inmates of the Residential School for Blinds, LBM School for the sightless girls and trainees of ladies vocational centre Jammu.

NC reiterates commitment to establish Panchayat Raj

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 4: The National Conference stands committed to the establishment of Panchayat Raj in the State and the elections are being held after 23 years in a phased manner commencing from January 15, when first phase of elections is scheduled to be held for 499 Panchayats of Kupwara, Rajouri and Poonch districts.

As per a NC release the elections are being held on non-party basis and the filing of nominations has got a good start because great enthusiasm has been found among the people. The Party field workers have fanned out in different areas where the elections are to be held.

The release added that it would be endeavour of the NC to ensure greater involvement of the people in the elections and return of the candidates to Panchayats who are honest, resourceful and dedicated to the welfare of the common masses at the grass root level.

The Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah is keen to establish the panchayat Raj in right earnest so that the necessary steps could be taken to ameliorate the lot of the population at the grass-root level, who constitute over 80 percent of the population of the State, said the release adding that seeing the over-whelming response and enthusiasm shown by the people, the opposition parties including BJP feel scared at the spontaneous response and readiness to participate in the election, shown at various public meetings organised by the National Conference by the large sections of people who are rallying round the party leadership.

The Provincial president Mr Bodh Raj Bali has also appealed National Conference workers to ensure full participation of the people in their areas and particularly the womenfolk should be involved in large numbers, concluded the release.

Nirmohi retraces rare manuscripts in Jaipur

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 4: Prof Shiv Nirmohi, a noted Research Scholar has retraced rare and invaluable manuscripts concerning Trikuta Devi in Shri Sanjay Sharma Museum and Research Institute, Chaura Rasta, Jaipur.

As per a release Prof Nirmohi had gone to Jaipur to attend a national literary function organised by Hindi Sahitya Sammelan, Allahabad in the last week of December. He met there with writers, historians and Research Scholars, who informed him about the Museum and Research Centres of the city. Knowing that more than one lakh manuscripts are protected in Shri Sanjay Sharma Museum and Research Centre, Prof Nirmohi visited the Centre and with the active help and assistance of Anand Sharma, a local journalist met the founder of the Centre Pandit Ram Kripalu Sharma who agreed to show manuscripts to Prof Nirmohi on December 27.

Prof Nirmohi traced ‘Trikuta Rahasya’, a manuscript in Sanskrit written by Janardhana Sharma of Mahepura village of Jaipur. The manuscript was written in 1849 Bikrami. This manuscript is more than 200 years old.

Apart from this manuscript, there are other two manuscripts in the museum, which contain the reference to Shri Trikuta Devi naming Tripurtaprni Upnishad and Sing Sidhant Sindhu written by Goswami Shivanand Bhat in 1856 Bikrami.

Prof Nirmohi has appealed the authorities of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to get photo copies of these manuscripts to give further inputs to research on Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, who is also known as Trikuta Devi in Dogra history.

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