Various social, political organisations condemn
attack on Chief Minister

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 15: Various political and social organisation have condemned the militants’ grenade attack on the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah at Habba-Kadal in Srinagar.

Senior Congress leaders in a joint statement issued here today strongly condemned the militants’ grenade attack on Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah. The leaders described this as cowardly act and said that by these acts of violence, the militant outfits are only aggravating the miseries and sufferings of the people of State and attempting to scuttle the peace process aimed at restoring normalcy in the State.

They also urged the Government to provide adequate security to Choudhary Mohd Aslam, former Congress president, who has been repeatedly attacked by the militants.

The Congress leaders who have issued the joint statement included: Messrs Mangat Ram Sharma, Amrit Malhotra, Mohd Ayub Khan, Mehmooda Ali Shah, Taj Mohiuddin, Mohd Yusaf, Diwakar Singh, Rani Baloria, Nirmal Kamal, Ashok Sharma, Balbir Singh, Y P Khajuria, Raghunath Singh, M L Kaul, Shiv Dev Singh, C L Bhat, Ram Dass Dogra, Beli Ram Kundal, Chaman Jain, Prem Aziz and Surjeet Singh.

Provincial Committee, J&K National Conference, Jammu and its units strongly condemned the dastardly attack by the militants on Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah at Habba-Kadal.

Expressing relief over the providential escape of the leader, the provincial president Mr B R Bali asserted that these cowardly designs of the vested interests will not deter National Conference from pursuing goal of peace and public well-being.

He called upon the party functionaries to stand solidly behind the leader who has taken upon himself the task of public welfare. The provincial committee also condemned the killing of National Conference worker Rayaz Ahmad Mathoo and impressed upon the Government to take stern action against the killers and provide immediate relief to the next of the killed.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry strongly condemned the attack on the Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah and said that it seems that certain elements under the directions of Pakistan are bent upon to create hurdles in the peace process initiated by Union Government.

The Chamber hoped that such attempts will not succeed and ultimately State will usher into the era of peace and prosperity. The Chamber appealed to Central and State Governments to be more vigilant to meet any eventuality.

All J&K Sikh Progressive Forum in a meeting held here today under the chairmanship of Mr Gurdip Singh Sasan, senior leader National Conference condemned the attack on Dr Farooq Abdullah.

The meeting described the act as cowardice which will not yield any result. The meeting observed that such acts clearly show signs of frustration.

Prominent among others who present in the meeting included Messrs Sulakhan Singh, Anoop Singh, Baldev Singh, A D Singh, Harpinder Kour, Sham Singh, Narinder Singh, Harbans Singh, Gurmeet SIngh, Simranjeet Kour, Narinder Kour and Simranjeet Singh.

Mr Bashir Ahmed Shadab, secretary general of J&K Awami Tehreek in a meeting held here today condemned the militants’ attack on Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah and said that such incidents need condemnation by one and all.

The meeting also condemned the firing by the militants on the residences of National Conference ministers and killing brother of Dilawar Mir, MLA. Mr Shadab appealed the militants to shun the path of violence and join the national mainstrean for the restoration of peace in the State.

Former Minister and senior National Conference leader Mr M D Bandey condemned the coward and reckless attack on Chief Minister. He said that it should be an eye-opener for those who talk for peace initiative as ultras and their mentors across the border don’t understand the language of peace and democracy.

Shiromani Akali Dal, J&K in a meeting of various Sikh organisations held under the chairmanship of Mr Gurdev Singh Isher, president SAD, condemned the militants’ attack on the life of Dr Farooq Abdullah, Chief Minister.

Mr Sudarshan Singh Wazir, president Gurudwara Parbandhak Board said that the nefarious design of militants will never succeed and added that these acts speak of the frustration among the rank and file of the militant group.

Among others who participated in the meeting were Messrs Jagdev Singh, Gurbachan Singh, Dayal Singh, Gurdip Singh, Mohinder Singh, Paramjit Singh, Kulwant Singh, Kultar Singh, Balbir Singh and Jagbir Singh.

Former Minister and State president, Nationalist Congress Party Thakur Randhir Singh condemned the grenade attack on Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah at Habba-Kadal. He said that this act is the frustration of the militants’ who never want peace in the State.

Communist Party of India Kashmir Council strongly condemned the brutal attack by the militants on Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah. The party appealed to the militants to abandon the path of violence and help for the restoration of peace and normalcy in the State.

Mrs Mehbooba Shadab, chairperson of Mother Teressa Society strongly condemned the terrorists’ attack at a public meeting addressed by the Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah at Habba-Kadal.

She expressed shock over the killing of MLA Dilawar Mir’s brother and attack on the residence of Ali Mohammad Sagar and Mushtaq Ahmed Lone. She described the act as most reprehensible and senseless aimed at scuttling the peace process.

Dr Mehboob Beg, former Minister and senior NC leader strongly condemned the militants’ attack on Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah. He said that certain elements under the directions of Pakistan are bent upon to create hurdles in the peace process initiated by the Central Government. He hoped that such acts will never succeed and ultimately peace will prevail in the State.

Expressing shock over the militants’ attack on Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, Mr R S Chib, former Minister and NC leader said that such act speaks of the frustration among the rank and file of the militant groups. He said that militants should realise that path of violence will lead nowhere and hence they should come forward to strengthen the peace process in the overall interest of the people of the State.

J&K State Central Labour Union condemned the attack on Dr Farooq Abdullah. Mr Masood Andrab, state president and Mr R K Sharma, senior state vice-president of the Union stated that such hindrances in the public welfare programmes would not be allowed to succeed and the present Government will continue to work for the welfare of the people.

Others who condemned the attack were Mr Ajit Singh, Mr R K Chadda, Mr Satish Raina and Mr Rattan Doshi.

All J&K Saryara Sadar Sabha in a meeting held under the chairmanship of Mr Ram Paul condemned the attack on Dr Farooq Abdullah. The meeting said that some vested interested people are not in favour of restoration of peace in the State thus are hell bent to keep the turmoil going on at the behest of their mentors across the border. It was pointed out that none of their motive will become successful as the people have realised their game plans.

Dr Kulwant Singh, convenor State Forum for Justice and Human Rights strongly condemned the grenade attack on Dr Farooq Abdullah. Congratulating the Chief Minister for his providential escape, Dr Singh questioned the functioning of security agencies. He asked said that if the life of Chief Minister is not safe who else can expect protection.

He appealed to militant outfits to shun the path of violence and adopt the path of dialogue.

Former Minister and president Pradesh Janata Dal (United), Mohd Maqbool Dar in a statement issued here today also condemned the attack on Chief Minister.

PM’s cease-fire step welcomed

Excelsior Correspondent

POONCH, Jan 15: The speakers at the meeting of the Sikh Students Federation here have welcomed the cease-fire announcement of Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee for restoration of peace in Kashmir.

According to a release of the Federation, those who spoke included: Messrs. Swarn Singh, Manjit Singh, Jagdev Singh, Narinder of AISSF, Bhai Kanya Mission, Sikh Youth Dal and some other leaders.

The meeting expressed concern over what it termed as false and baseless a news-item carried by some newspapers regarding the behaviour of armed persons with some Sikhs while travelling in a bus on January 8 at Lassana.

The release quoted the two Sikh youth travelling in the bus as stating that the behaviour of the armed persons, who were checking identity cards at Lassana was polite and respectful to everybody. It did not hurt sentiments of any community, it was added. The speakers took serious note of the version of the incidence published by some newspapers.

Alternate road on Drass-Kargil highway
under construction

Excelsior Correspondent 

JAMMU, Jan 15: Government have decided to construct 62 Km. long road from Drass to Sankoo via Umba to coup with the additional civil and army traffic as the National Highway from Drass to Kargil is prone to shelling across the border and thus remains badly affected. Over Rs. 2 crores would be expended on the Project during the current fiscal year.

This was stated by the Industries and Commerce Minister, Dr. Mustafa Kamal, who is also the Chairman of the District Development Board, Kargil. He said work on the project has been taken up during the current year and priority is being given to widen this road to coup up incoming the rush of traffic. He said widening of 22 km. road length has been completed whileas 14 kms. soled and 13.5 kms. metalled.

Dr. Kamal said road communication to different villages in district Kargil has been given highest priority in a bid to boost rural economy. He said 70 per cent work on Rs.1 crore Kargil Bye Pass Project has been completed. The road will help ease traffic congestion in Kargil town when the National Highway remains open. The 5 km. Bye Pass road is being constructed from Shilikchey to Akchamal. A bridge on river Suru, which intercepts the road, is also nearing completion and is expected to be thrown open in March next. In order to keep the Kargil-Sankoo road open to vehicular traffic upto Panikhar during winter, construction of two more interior roads namely Sangra-Ashthana road via Mangdum-Gailing and Damsna-Kargee road have been taken up at an estimated cost of Rs.75 lakhs. He said 28 Kms. Khangral-Sanjak road is also being upgraded at a cost of Rs.40 lakhs to coup with the heavy vehicular traffic to Leh and Chiktan blocks. This road servers the large population of Chiktan block in addition to its strategic importance.

The Minister said that the work on 8 Kms. Budgam-Karkit road including bridge and 2.25 Kms. Airport road is also in full swing. The Budgam-Karkit road is under execution at a cost of Rs.35 lakh. The road takes off from Srinagar to Kargil from Kilometer 193th.

Dr. Kamal said that 5 major bridges costing Rs.53.34 lakhs have been completed during the current year and thrown opened to traffic. These bridges include two steel girder bridges at Isgang-Chiktan and Katyog-Shergole, three foot suspension bridges at Yakza-Umba, Parkachik and Stangzey-Zanskar.

Belicharana Farm makes headway in
upgradation of livestock

Excelsior Correspondent 

JAMMU, Jan 15: The Central Cattle Breeding and Research Farm at Belicharana has been doing pioneering service for upgradation of indigenous livestock by providing proven bulls of high genetic potential. The bull and mother farm has been instrumental in producing high pedigreed bulls for supplementing artificial breeding stations set up in various districts and other institutions established at far flung and remote areas of the State. This has tremendously helped in increasing the milk production as well as upgrade the local breed of cattle population.

The breeding farm and its subsidiaries are engaged in providing inputs to the field institutions for the overall development of livestock and poultry industry in Jammu region. The activities undertaken in the farm include development of cattle, equine and poultry, besides imparting trainings.

The breeding farm is spread over an area of 265 acres. There are 219 cows, buffaloes, bulls and calves in the farm. The Animal Husbandry Department, Jammu has introduced frozen semen technology replacing the old technology of liquid chilled semen because of its better retainability and economics in preservation, transportation and utilization. The farm is engaged in producing proven bulls for frozen processing laboratory set up at Hakkal, besides producing bulls for the institutions set up at far flung and remote areas. With the establishment of this laboratory, over 1.28 lakh straws have been produced during the two years resulting in minimizing the imports of frozen semen straws from outside the country.

For providing green fodder to the livestock, the Department has established three fodder farms at Belicharana, Hakkal and Chatta. The fodder produced at these farms has been meeting the requirement of the livestock of the Belicharana farm. Over 82,461 quintals of fodder was produced in these fodder farms during the last three years. Over 3.50 lakh litres of milk produced at the farm during the last 3 years was supplied to the consumers through the milk federation.

A 10 litre per hour capacity liquid Nitrogen plant is currently functional at the farm, while another plant with similar capacity is operational at Hakkal. In addition, two plants are also operational at Udhampur and Rajouri. The liquid nitrogen produced in these plants has been of the order of 1.36 lakh litres during the last three years. To meet the requirement of liquid nitrogen, 432 frozen centres has been established in Jammu region while another 200 are being established by the end of current five year plan. It is also envisaged to establish two more liquid nitrogen plants, one each at Doda and Kathua in a phased manner.

The Poultry Project at Belicharana farm is also playing a significant role in the overall development of poultry sector in Jammu region. The Project is engaged in production of day old chicks, besides providing necessary inputs to poultry farmers for setting up poultry units. The project has a rearing space of 35,736 sq. feet having poultry sheds of egg type under cage system and broiler. The quail-breeding programme for rearing parent stock quails for production of day old quails is another activity in the project. These day old quails are being distributed among the poultry farmers for commercial purposes. About 2 lakh old chicks and 4 lakh eggs are produced annually at the farm.

To provide nutritious and quality feed to the poultry birds, a nutritious laboratory with the facility of conducting analytical tests has been set up at the farm. Over 600 quintals of compound feed of different category is manufacture by the plant every month.

The farm has been providing quality chicken meat and table eggs to the consumers at reasonable rates. The marketing wing at the farm has been providing marketing support to the private poultry breeders by procuring table eggs and broilers from the private farms. About 20 lakh eggs and 30 metric tons of chicken meat is annually handled by the marketing section.

Over 11.26 lakh eggs and 5.39 lakh chicks were produced at the farm during the last three years alone. In addition, 612 quintals of poultry meat and 9000 breeding birds produced at the farm were also distributed to the farmers for rearing purposes.

The farm has also a training institute where entrepreneurs interested in setting up of livestock/poultry units are imparted necessary training. On an average 200 entrepreneurs are trained in various aspects of livestock/poultry rearing and management annually. Feed and medicines to the commercial poultry holders on no profit no loss basis is also being made available by the research wing of the farm. The incentives made available by the government has encouraged the people to take up this income generating venture in a big way

Governor, CM for introducing IT in academic
curriculum in a big way

Excelsior Correspondent 

JAMMU, Jan 15: Governor Mr. Girish Chandra Saxena today called for introducing capsule courses in Information Technology and other computer related programmes in colleges for sharpening technological temper of students to face challenges of the millennium.

Chairing the University Council meeting of the Jammu University here this morning, the Governor said special attention must be given for initiating various programmes under the University Grants Commission guidelines, which would be best for the health of the University. He also emphasised for filling up the vacant posts as and when the vacancies occur.

Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Education Minister Mr. Mohammad Shafi were present in the meeting.

Mr. Saxena expressed satisfaction over the conduct of various workshops, seminars and symposia on the State as well as national level by the University. The recent Millennium Conference of Indian Economic Association, Sociological and Political Conferences besides other seminars and workshops conducted by the University have remained successful and encouraging, he added.

Referring to the role of private sector in education, the Governor felt that the management and working of the private colleges and institutions affiliated to the University should be closely monitored to ensure that faculty and infrastructural standards were maintained.

Earlier, the Governor congratulated the Chief Minister for his providential escape from a bomb attack over his life in Srinagar yesterday.

Chief Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, who is the Pro Chancellor of the University, emphasised for introduction of latest technology programmes in educational institutions to provide latest and best technology to the students of the State.

The Vice Chancellor University of Jammu, Prof. R.R.Sharma said that various courses are being introduced in the University that include a degree in composite languages. He said that part-time MBA course has already been introduced in the University and E Commerce and Refresher course in Russian languages are also being introduced shortly.

Among others, the meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Finance, Mr. Jalil Ahmad Khan, Principal Secretary, Education, Miss Sushma Chaudhary, Vice-Chancellor Kashmir University, Prof. M.Y.Qadri, Principal Secretary to Governor, Dr. S.S.Bloeria, Registrar, Jammu University, Prof. Zahur-ud-Din and members of the University Council.

Council of Ministers condemn attack on CM

Excelsior Correspondent 

Jammu, Jan 15: The Minister for Agriculture, Ch. Mohammad Ramzan, the Minister for Health and Medical Education, Mian Altaf Ahmad, the Minister for Revenue, Mr. Abdul Qayoom, the Minister for Forests, Peerzada Ghulam Ahmad Shah , the Minister for Works, Ms. Sakina Ittoo, the Minister of State for Works and Power, Mr. Qamer Ali Akhoon, Minister of State for Agriculture, Mr. Ram Paul, Minister of State for Housing and Ladakh Affairs, Mr. Kushak Togdan Rinpoche, Minister of State for Agriculture, Mr. T. Namgial, and Minister of State for Forests, Mr. B. A. Nengroo have strongly condemned the terrorist attack by firing rifle grenades at the public meeting of the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah at Habbakadal, Srinagar yesterday.

The Ministers in their separate statements have described the attack as most senseless and cowardice act , aimed at to stall the peace process set in motion and bold step of unilateral ease-fire announced by the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Mr. Khanpo Rinpoche, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Khan, Members of Parliament and Mr. R.C. Bhagat, MLA R.S. Pura has also strongly condemned the militant attack on the Chief Minister.

Killing of innocent persons condemn

Excelsior Correspondent 

Jammu, Jan 15: The Minister for Agriculture, Ch. Mohammad Ramzan , Minister for Forests, Peerzada Ghulam Ahmad and Minister of State for Forests, Mr. B.A. Nengroo have condoled the death of Abdul Majid Mir, brother of Mr. Mohammad Dilawar Mir, MLA Rafiabad and Fayaz Ahmed son of Mr. Ghulam Rasool Bhatto, National Conference (block President), Bandipora, who were gunned down by the militants.

Describing these killings as inhuman, the Ministers in their separate condolence messages said that the such acts of militants would not deter the ruling party from its chosen path of serving the people and bringing back the normalcy and stability in the State. They expressed their heartfelt condolences and conveyed their sympathies with the bereaved families.

Citizens launch save electricity drive

Excelsior Correspondent 

JAMMU, Jan 15: While the Power, Mr S S Slathia today said that the Power Development Department would endeavour to provide power supply from 6 p.m. to midnight provided no electric gadgets are used during the period, a group of prominent citizens cutting across political affiliation, today launched a ‘save electricity’ movement.

About 50 senior citizens and Presidents of Bazar Associations today started the ‘save electricity’ drive from secretariat itself. The Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Mohi-ud-Din Shah, the senior most minister in the cabinet was first to hand-over his room heater. The gesture was emulated by atleast six other Ministers immediately including, Mr. Slathia. Ms. Sakina Itoo and Mr. Ram Paul.

The gesture has its own impact in the secretariat. The President of Civil Secretariat Employees Union, Mr. Nazir Ahmed Mir and its General Secretary, Mr. Mohd. Shafi Khan responded to the drive and announced that secretariat employees would voluntarily stop using heating gadgets in the offices till the power crisis is over. Not only this, they also assured the prominent citizens and Mr. Slathia that they would appeal to their members to desist using heaters and other high intensity electric gadgets in their flats also. For this purpose, they will pursuade the employees living in the flats from tomorrow onward. The initiators of the drive include Mr. Ashok Gupta, Shiv Sena leader Mr. Jugal Mahajan, prominent businessman, Mr. Muni Lal Sharma, congress leader, Mr. Banarsi Dass and Mr. B. L. Raina, a noted industrialist.

Meanwhile some office bearers of bazaar associations have also undertook to ensure that highly illuminated sign boards of shops in their bazaars would be switched off in the evening to reduce the power load during peak hours. This will help in improving electric supply for lighting purposes between 6 p.m. to midnight. The Associations which offered their support included Raghunath Bazaar Businessmen Association, Gumat Bazaar Association, Sarwal Shopkeepers, Parade Shopkeepers Association, etc. They have also assured that they would persuade shopkeepers to cut down their load in the evening hours.

The Chief Engineer Electrical Maintenance and Rural Electrification, Mr. H. S. Raina who was also present said that once the consumers cooperate and desist from using electric gadgets during evening hours, he would be able to supply uninterrupted power to enable the students to continue their studies in the evening. He asked people to try only for a few days and see the positive results themselves.

Responding to a suggestion of the citizens, Mr. Slathia said that PDD would organise camps in different localities where consumers would be given opportunity to voluntarily declare their illegal connections and higher load and get these regularized or upgraded on-the-spot.

The Minister referred to the students who are absenting their classes and coming on streets against power curtailment said that they should understand the factual position rather than wasting their valuable time during the day time by coming on streets. He said the PDD is making every possible effort to provide relief during the evening hours which is only possible if the people stop using electric gadgets like heaters, blowers, geysers and electric presses. He said whenever the load increases, the Northern Grid authorities snap the transmission lines because the system gets overloaded. To ensure smooth functioning of the system, it is imperative to reduce the consumption during evening hours, he appealed.

Gujjars threaten poll boycott in J&K
On spot recruitment in police a big fraud: GUF

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 15: J&K Gujjars United Front has resolved to review its support to National Conference Government and also threatened to boycott coming assembly elections in the state.

President of the Front, Anwar Choudhary addressing a press conference here today alleged that Gujjars and Bakkerwals in Jammu and Kashmir have been deprived of their constitutional rights by the ruling National Conference Government. They have been ignored on every front including politics, Govt jobs, promotions, admissions in professional colleges and other allied fields.

Coming down heavily on the Farooq Government for causing discrimination with over 20 lakh ST community members in the state, the Gujjar leader said that Front has decided keep off the coming assembly elections. The innocent Gujjars and Bakkerwals are made fools every time and now they can not disillusioned any more.

The Central Government declared Gujjar-Bakerwals of the state as STs about a decade back but the Government has not cared to give due political reservation to them. There are about twenty assembly segments in which the population of Gujjar-Bakerwal is more than 40 % but the same has not been reserved for the ST people. Instead of implementing this status the state Govt was trying to dilute or do away with ST status. Even in Autonomy report an abortive attempt was made by the Government to hurt the sentiments of Gujjars.

Mr Shah Mohammed, general secretary of the Front demanded that reservation in Parliament, Assembly segments, Panchayats and Local Bodies be given to the members of the community before the forthcoming assembly elections. The Gujjars are even prepared for the direct action if the Government provoked. He alleged that a large number of fake ST certificates are being issued and the deserving people are suffering. Even in the recent list of PG in Medical College, not even a single actual candidate from the community was benefitted. Even the promotion avenues for the ST members are being scuttled. Funds worth over Rs 6 crores meant for development of STs were diverted to other departments by NC Government in last four years.

The Gujjars leaders further alleged that on the spot recruitment in police was a big fraud and only those candidates who pay through the middlemen are allowed to cross the gate and participate in the process of physical measurements and tests. A large number of physically fit and deserving candidates were not allowed to appear before the Board in Doda, Udhampur, Kathua and other parts. The fair selection procedure was ordered by the Chief Minister, who had directed DGP to ensure selection of most deserving candidates but it still remained a dream.

The same process is being adopted in Rehbar-e-Taleem recruitment and vacancies are being filled on the instructions of MLAs and other influential ruling party leaders. All the vacant posts will be filled up this way in education department and there will be no room for the most-qualified candidates in the education department for atleast next 5-6 years. This is deliberate attempt of the NC government to make people of this region economically backward. A deep rotted conspiracy is beimg hatched against the educated people of this region.

Supporting the move of separate state for Jammu, the Gujjar leaders said that it was not bad and by this at least the discrimination against the people of this region will stop to some extent. Speaking against the power curtailment, the Gujjar leader supported students agitation and assured full cooperation.

Mr Zaffar Iqbal, general secretary alleged that no wool market has been created by the state government for Bakkerwals-Gujjars in the state. The rate has been lowered from Rs 60 per kg to Rs 25-30 per kg causing extensive loss to the local producers while Department is importing at the rate of Rs 110 per kg from other states. A conspiracy has been hatched to make them economically weak. Same is the condition on account of meat supplies. The ministry concerned despite repeated representations has not bothered to listen to the problems of Gujjars, he added.

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