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| Arena Multi-media, Gandhi Nagar holds exhibition Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 12: The Arena Multi-media, Gandhi Nagar organised an impressive one-day exhibition of Web, Fashion designing...more Warm
farewell to Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, July 12: Lt General P Gorkarn the Signal Officer visited Headquarter Northern Command on a farewell visit today. He met with GOC-in-C Northern Command.....more Court
charge-sheets Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, July 12: The State Vigilance Organisation has produced challan in yet another case FIR No 7/2000.....more People
exhorted to work for Naya Kashmir Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, July 12: The Governor, Mr Girish Chander Sexena and Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah have paid tributes to martyrs......more Petition
challenging selection of Naib-Tehsildars Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 12: Mr Justice R C Gandhi of Jammu and Kashmir High Court Jammu wing has imposed Rs 3000 as costs on the State of Jammu.....more |
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HC admits
petition Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 12: Mr Justice R C Gandhi of Jammu and Kashmir High Court Jammu wing today admitted a writ petition challenging selection of 26 teachers belonging to RBA/SC categories of district Doda and issued notice to State of Jammu and Kashmir through Principal Secretary Education Department, Chairman J&K Service Selection Board and the Selection Committee for the posts of teachers......more 1493
unemployed Jammu Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 12: As many as 1493 unemployed youth of Jammu district have been provided loans under various self-employment schemes to the tune.....more PIPU
for transparency in Kashmir policy Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 12: Peoples Initiative on Peace and Unity an umbrella organisation of Jammu Joint Students Federation, Panun Kashmir and Ladakh.....more Bal Utsav
programme Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 12: Two day Bal Utsav-2001 programme , organised by J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages began at Abhinav theatre here today........more |
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Arena Multi-media, Gandhi Nagar holds exhibition Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 12: The Arena Multi-media, Gandhi Nagar organised an impressive one-day exhibition of Web, Fashion designing, here today. The Arena Multi-Media at Gandhi Nagar is a division of Aptech Limited, Mumbai. Ms Aparna Dewan, Manager of Arena Multi-Media Centre, said this institute has been imparting trainings under different courses for the past three years. She said the exhibits, on display, have been prepared by the students themselves who are mostly doing their work on computers under the guidance of experts. The main features of the exhibition were that the trainees displayed their talent through computers the photo shop of image editing, fashion designing, animations, movie editing, computer graphics. The students eagerly and enthusiastically showed their creations on the computers. A large number of persons including boys and girls visited the exhibition and took keen interest in it. They made inquiries also about the courses conducted at the institute. Aparna Dewan, a B.Tech, Electronics and Telecommunication Engineer, told EXCELSIOR during the training the students are provided study material but the focus is on their learning by practically doing things themselves. The courses are three years multi-media, Web, media convergence. In addition, fashion designing career courses of two years and another of one year duration are also being conducted. Ms Rajni Soni is the Director of the institute. |
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Warm farewell to Lt. Gen P Gokarn Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, July 12: Lt General P Gorkarn the Signal Officer visited Headquarter Northern Command on a farewell visit today. He met with GOC-in-C Northern Command Lt. Gen R K Nanavatty and discussed the communication set up in the theatre. He inaugurated a modern state of art telephone exchange at the Signal Centre here. This exchange installed by TATA is one of the best tele communication products available in the domestic market. He addressed the officers and the men at a special Sainik Sammelan. Speaking on the occasion, he expressed his satisfaction at the existing state of communication to Maj Gen R L Magotra, the Chief Signal Officer Northern Command. However, he implored all ranks to strive to achieve a higher standard of reliability and speed. The Signal Officer in Chief released the new telephone directory at the Signal Centre. He appreciated the efforts of Col. G K Aggarwal and his team of officers in bringing out such a fine informative and user friendly publication. The humane general also visited the Command Hospital Northern Command where he met all soldiers from his corps who were under treatment at the hospital. He had encouraging words for these brave soldiers and wished them a speedy recovery. The General visited the troops at Nagrota will go back to his headquarter at New Delhi. |
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Court charge-sheets SE, Xen PDD in corruption case Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, July 12: The State Vigilance Organisation has produced challan in yet another case FIR No 7/2000, Police Station, Vigilance Organisation Kashmir against Mr Nazir Ahmed Hamdani, Principal and Bashir Ahmed Parray, cashier of Higher Secondary School Bijbehgara in the court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption Srinagar whileas the Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption Srinagar has charge sheeted Gh. Hassan Rather, Superintending Engineer, PDD and Gh. Ali Dar, Executive Engineer, PDD in cases FIR No 21/97 and 101/97, Police Station Vigilance Organisation Kashmir respectively for acquiring disproportionate assets and Jeet Singh, Mohrir Mal, Tehsil Tral in case FIR No. 17/2000, Police Station, Vigilance Organisation Kashmir for commission of offenses punishable U/S 5(2), PC Act, 2006 read with Section 161 RPC. According to a press release, the facts of case FIR No 17/2000 Police Station Vigilance Organisation Kashmir are that the Vigilance Organisation had received a complaint alleging that Mohrir Mal of tehsil office Tral was demanding bribe of Rs 10,000 from the complaint in connection with the issuance of a social caste certificate. The complainant further alleged that after persuasion, the officer agreed for payment of Rs 1900 as bribe. On receipt of this information, instant case was registered during the investigation of which Mr Jeet Singh Mohrir Mal was apprehend din the demand and acceptance of bribe of Rs 1,900 in presence of the independence witness. The case was accordingly closed as proved against him and after receipt of prosecution sanction from the government, challan was presented in the Court of Law on May 24, 2001. The court charge sheeted the accused for commission of offense. The Vigilance Organisation had registered FIR No 21/97 and 101/97 against Gh. Hassan Rather, Superintending Engineer, PDD and Gh. Ali Dar, Executive Engineer, PDD on receipt of complaints alleging that the officers had accumulated huge assets by indulging in corrupt practices. It may be recalled that Vigilance Organisation had raided the houses of many officers including the houses of two officers. Cases have been established against them for acquiring assets disproportionate to their known sources of income. The State Vigilance Organisation has, in the meantime, presented challan in yet another case viz FIR No 7/2000 Police Station, Vigilance Organisation Kashmir in the court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption Srinagar. |
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People
exhorted to work for Naya Kashmir Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, July 12: The Governor, Mr Girish Chander Sexena and Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah have paid tributes to martyrs of 1931 and called upon the people to work for Naya Kashmir. In a statement issued here today, Governor, Mr Girish Chander Sexena has called upon the people of the state to emulate the spirit of sacrifice and work for strengthening the values and ideas of the founding fathers of our freedom struggle to fulfill their dream of Naya Kashmir. Paying tributes to the martyr’s of 1931, the Governor said that the day commemorates the struggle of the people of the state for upholding the values of democracy, secularism and social justice which ultimately fructified and helped the people to find their due place of dignity and honour in the country. The movement, which was spearheaded by Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah, eventually led to the emergence of people’s government which ensured ‘land to the tillers’ and launched extensive programme for all round socio-economic development putting the people on the path of progress. Mr Saxena asked the people to rededicate themselves to the ideals of these great martyrs and continue the efforts towards peace, progress and prosperity. Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah, in his statement, called upon the people to launch a crusade for restoration of peace in Jammu and Kashmir and fulfill their commitment towards the martyrs of 1931 about building of prosperous and peaceful state devoid of inequality, hatred, violence and intolerance. "We owe our martyrs a Naya Kashmir which they had envisioned while successfully fighting tyranny and autocracy, the Chief Minister said in a message on the Martyrs Day. He said the martyrs did not lay their lives to see their dreamland in flames of destruction and devastation. They fought for human dignity and honour and set a path for the prosperity to carry on the glorious traditions of love, compassion and universal brotherhood-the hallmark of the land of Sufis and Saints. He asked the people to pounder as to where we have gone astray and landed the state into a situation that is alien to our ethos and values. Dr Abdullah said that dark clouds have hovered the blue skies for a long and the state has undergone a most turbulent phase of its history. The silver lining, however, in the dark alley is the unflinched resolve of people to fight enemies of peace with their full might. "Let us resolve to weed out the cult of violence from the society unitedly", he said, adding, "Inshallah, we will overcome all our problems soon". He exhorted the people to come forward and help building Naya Kashmir, the cherished dream of the founding fathers of the freedom movement. |
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Petition challenging
selection of Naib-Tehsildars Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 12: Mr Justice R C Gandhi of Jammu and Kashmir High Court Jammu wing has imposed Rs 3000 as costs on the State of Jammu and Kashmir, Chairman J&K Service Selection Board and others for not filling counter affidavit despite imposing cost of Rs 2000 on the previous date of hearing. While imposing additional cost of Rs 1000, Mr Justice R C Gandhi observed that respondents have not filed counter affidavit. The counsel for the respondents Mr Minu Koul sought further time which is granted for filing counter affidavit subject to payment of additional costs of Rs 1000. The respondents shall deposit Rs 3000 as costs within a week, court ordered. These costs have been imposed in a writ petition filed by Parvash Parihar through advocate D S Chouhan challenging the selection of 48 Naib-Tehsildars, who were selected by the J&K Service Selection Board in pursuant to advertisement notice No 02/93 dated 21 June, 1993. The State Service Selection Board invited applications from the permanent residents of the State for the posts of Naib-Tehsildars (State Cadre) wherein the minimum eligibility qualification was prescribed as Graduation from the recognised University. The result of the written test was declared by the Board vide its notification dated 16 June, 1997 and the petitioner who had applied under open category declared successful having secured more than 70 marks, which was the cut off criteria fixed by the Board. In the writ petition, it has been alleged that finally the State Service Selection Board published a selection list of the candidates for the posts of Naib-Tehsildar (State Cadre) in the newspaper dated 18 December, 1999 in which as many as 67 candidates were recommended for the appointment against clear vacancies and 14 candidates have been recommended as wait listed. It has further been alleged that even after making selection the Board has issued notice calling three candidates Roll No 13370, 7098 and 13326 to furnish their original qualification certificates, date of birth and permanent residence certificates. Today when the case was taken up, Mr D S Chouhan pointed out that despite the imposition of Rs 2000 as cost on the respondents on the previous date they have not cared to file the counter affidavit and upon this the court ordered additional cost of Rs 1000 to be paid within a weeks time. |
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HC admits petition challenging selection of 26 teachers Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 12: Mr Justice R C Gandhi of Jammu and Kashmir High Court Jammu wing today admitted a writ petition challenging selection of 26 teachers belonging to RBA/SC categories of district Doda and issued notice to State of Jammu and Kashmir through Principal Secretary Education Department, Chairman J&K Service Selection Board and the Selection Committee for the posts of teachers. This writ petition has been filed by Altaf Hussain Mir, Ganesh Kumar Satishy, Jagdish Kumar, Karan Singh and Suresh Kumar of Doda district through advocate Sheikh Shakeel Ahmed with advocates Sanjay Sharma, Sheikh Altaf Hussain and Mohammad Ashfaq Khanji challenging the selection of 26 candidates for the post of teachers of Doda district who were selected under the categories of Resident of Backward Area and Scheduled Caste in pursuance of advertisement notice No 3 of 1996 dated 24 December, 1996 on the ground that the petitioners too belongs to RBA/SC categories and having superior qualification/merits then selected 26 candidates. During the course of arguments, advocate Sheikh Ahakeel Ahmed appearing for the petitioners referred a case as example that candidate figuring at serial No 53 of the selection list namely Mohammad Parvez Bhatt has got total points for educational qualification 29 whereas the petitioners possess 36,.66, 39.3, 40.7, 40.75 and 42 and having qualification BSc, BeD, BSc, MSc Zoology whereas the respondents whose name figured at Serial No 53 of the selection list is only graduate in second division. It was also argued that the Chairman Service Selection Board and the Selection Committee constituted for the selection of teachers of Doda district has failed to honour the law laid down by the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir in LPA No 364/99 titled Balwinder Kour vs State of Jammu and Kashmir and others in which the division bench comprising Mr Justice T S Doabia and Mr Justice R C Gandhi observed that adequate weightage be given to the candidates holding Graduate and Post-Graduate qualification in the discipline of education. It was further submitted that all the petitioners possess higher qualification in education and are trained teachers and for no vaild reasons their names were excluded from the selection list. In the petition, it has been prayed that the selection of 26 private respondents selected under RBA/SC categories in Doda district be quashed and the petitioners be selected in view of their superior merit. It has also been prayed that Chairman Service Selection Board be directed to produce the entire record of selection of teachers for judicial scrutiny by the High Court. |
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1493 unemployed Jammu youth advanced loans Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 12: As many as 1493 unemployed youth of Jammu district have been provided loans under various self-employment schemes to the tune of Rs 7.25 crore during the last fiscal year. This was disclosed at the District Level Review Committee meeting convened by the Lead Bank office, held under the chairmanship of Mr R K Goel, District Development Commissioner, Jammu, here yesterday. The Lead District Manager, Mr H S Ghuman informed the meeting that priority sector lending during the year was a total of Rs 106 crore under various schemes, a release issued here today said. It was stressed that the priority should be accorded to grant of loans in the core sectors and in favour of educated un-employed youth. The Deputy Commissioner, who chaired the meeting asked for speeding up the pending cases so that the benefit of various schemes reaches the people. The Lead Bank Manager also disclosed that the aggregate deposits of all commercial Banks including RRBs and Co-operative Banks in Jammu district which stood at Rs 3268 crore as at the end of March, 2000, has increased to Rs 3722202 crores as at the end of March, 2001. The aggregate advances which stood at Rs 787 crores ending March, 2000 rose to Rs 925 crore by the end of March, 2001. The Credit Deposit Ratio has risen from 24.09 per cent ending March, 2000 to 24.88 per cent as at the end of March, 2001. |
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PIPU for transparency
in Kashmir policy Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 12: Peoples Initiative on Peace and Unity an umbrella organisation of Jammu Joint Students Federation, Panun Kashmir and Ladakh Buddhists Association has said that Central Government should maintain total transparency in Kashmir policy. Addressing a press conference here today, chairman of the Panun Kashmir— Dr Ajay Charangoo said that accession of the State of Jammu and Kashmir is unimpeachable and non-negotiable. Any move to reopen the issue through talk of autonomy or porous borders will have serious consequences for the security of India. The porous borders is also a first step in the dilution of Indian sovereignty over Jammu and Kashmir. Commenting on the suggestions from certain quarters regarding de-militarisation and reduction of troops from the AGCL and LOC, the Kashmiri leader said that reduction in number of troops in the state will only lead to a situation where people of the state will be left to the mercy of armed fundamentalists. He said there should be an end to the external interference in India’s internal matters. Mr Ravinder Jamwal, president JJSF said that before initiatiting talks with the Pakistani President Gen Parvez Musharraf, the Indian Prime Minister has not taken into confidence the people of J&K, which he is going to discuss the fate of the people here. In order to show strong resentment, the PIPU has given a call for bandh on July 14, when Pak President would set his feet on the Indian soil. PIPU also condemns the decision of Central Government to accord unprecedented reception to Gen Musharraf and considers the same as an affront to the nation and the martyrs of Kargil. It calls upon all people of Jammu including the displaced population of Kashmiris to observe bandh on July 14 to convey their strong reservations to the ongoing negotiations on J&K and also to demonstrate their support to the reorganisation of the State. Mr Jamwal pointed out that NDA Government has given a long rope to the America and the US think tanks are engaged in a cartographic proxy war over Kashmir. |
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Sheikh for re-union
for India, Pak, B’Desh Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 11: Describing the proposed Indo-Pak summit as a step in the right direction, Bahujan Samaj Party state unit president Mr Sheikh Abdul Rehman (MLA) has said that in the very first stage there is need to initiate confidence building measures by both the nations. Addressing a press conference here today he said both the countries required to take some hard decisions like deduction in defence expenditure, withdrawal of troops from areas likes Siachen where crores of rupees are being spent per day by the armed forces. The money being spent there can be utilised for the development of the people. Besides this, there should be relaxation in travelling and Visas for the nationals of both the countries to either side. There is no possibility of miracles or immediate results out of the talks between Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Gen Parvez Musharraf of Pakistan. There is need to make a platform and a congenial atmosphere for this process in the beginning. The people of both the countries want to live in peace. Referring to unification of Germany and Korea and efforts going on in some European countries, Mr Rehman said that he advocates the reunion of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. In the long terms, efforts should be made sincerely in this direction. Moreover, the permanent residents status be given to the refugees of west Pakistan. The BSP leader regretted the discrimination being meted out to the members of SC/ST/ OBC communities in the Jammu and Kashmir and maintained that they are not being given the share being given in other states. While as per Mandal Commission reports, Centre accords 27 % reservation to the OBCs but in J&K they are getting only 8 per cent or even less. The Scheduled Tribes are also facing the same problem in the State. He further demanded withdrawal of SRO 390 wherein the post graduate courses in MD/MS/M. Tech and others, the reservation has been reduced from 8 to 4 per cent by the J&K Government. The Government should implement Mandal Commission Report in Toto and provide political reservation to the members of these communities in the state, he maintained. Mr Rehman claimed that BSP will launch a massive struggle in support of its demands and discrimination being metted out to its members in J&K state. The party is never in favour of trifurcation as it is not in the interest of the state. Though regional tensions are there but some other ways should be devised to overcome these problems, he added. Meanwhile, two senior PDP leaders—S. Harmeet Singh and Ch. Abdul Majid today joined BSP, showing no-confidence in the leadership of PDP supremo Mufti Mohammed Syed. |
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JPVM demands registration of pilgrims on Baltal route Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 12: A deputation of Jammu Paryatan Vikas Mandal comprising Messrs Kuldip Wahi, Ravi Mahajan, Baldev Khullar, Capt Anil Gour and Inderjeet Khajuria met the Divisional Commissioner Jammu and Deputy Commissioner Jammu and demanded opening up of Tatkal Registration of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra via Baltal to avoid unnecessary confusion in the minds of Yatris. As per a release the Mandal also submitted memoranda to both the officers. The Vikas Mandal which is premier organisation of over 20 associations of Tourists, Traders have strongly condemned the atrocious behaviour of lathicharge by police on Shree Amar Nath Ji Yatris in Jammu who are seeking current registration. The Mandal said there has been a total failure in handling and organising this aspect of the yatra as there has been no proper dissemination of guidelines and information to the Yatris showing a total lack of coordination between the various Government bodies handling the Yatra. What has been most surprising was the administration showing a fascist attitude on one hand and the militant organisations operating in the state without any fear of attack on them. The Mandal said on the one hand the Government claims to be a state whose economy depends on tourists and on the other hand it stops these pilgrim tourists from proceeding beyond Lakhanpur and even showers them with Lathies, which is a blot on the hospitality of the State and the people of Jammu. The efforts of the Tourism Department in distribution of posters and handbills to Yatris to visit nearby pilgrim spots associated with Lord Shiva viz Budha Amar Nath, Sudh Mahadev, Shiv Khori and Purmandal stand defeated in the light of lathi-charge and country wide appeals by the State Government asking un-registered pilgrims not to come to Jammu. To enforce this ban, pilgrims are being stopped and sent back at Lakhanpur and other points on the National Highway by police authorities. The Mandal executive has condemned the unjust behaviour of lathi charge on pilgrims and appealed the State Administration and Shri Amarnath Shrine Board to reopen the current registration immediately. The Mandal hoped that necessary instructions for recommencing the current registration would be issued immediately, thereby preventing the situation from taking any ugly turn. |
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Hurriyat does not want to become a spoiler: Mirwaiz NEW DELHI, July 12: Terming as most unfortunate the NDA’s decision to boycott the Pakistan High Commissioner’s tea party hosted in honour of President Pervez Musharraf on July 14 in case the separatist leaders were invited, the Hurriyat Conference today said it does not want to become a "spoiler" of the peace process. "We do not want to become a spoiler... Without knowing the Hurriyat, the NDA has taken the stand. It is very unfortunate," former Chairman Mirwaiz Omar Farooq told UNI here. The Mirwaiz said the conglomerate had written letters to both Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Gen Musharraf seeking an audience to help in finding a lasting solution to the vexed Kashmir issue. ‘While Gen Musharraf responded positively, Mr Vajpayee has not so far reciprocated to our good gesture," he said. The former Chairman said these opportunities have to be utilised fully as they do not come again and again. Yesterday, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in a meeting Presided by Mr Vajpayee decided to boycott the reception conveying its displeasure to Pakistan High Commissioner Ashraf Jehangir Qazi’s invitation to Hurriyat leaders despite India’s strong reservations. Speaking at a seminar on Indo-Pak summit last night, Mr Qazi had said President Musharraf’s meeting with the Hurriyat leaders was a "non-issue" which had created "a storm in a tea cup." India had abundantly made it clear that the meeting between Gen Musharraf and the Hurriyat leaders was a non-issue and the conglomerate of 23-party alliance had no role in the summit. Welcoming the summit-level talks between the two leaders, Mr Farooq said though no miracle could be expected in one meeting, it could be beginning of a process to resolve the 53-year-old issue. He expressed confidence in the capabilities and capacities of the two leaders in solving the Kashmir imbroglio and bring about peace in the strife-torn Jammu and Kashmir. "Both Mr Vajpayee and Gen Musharraf have the capacity to take bold initiatives and we will support any such move which contributes to the lasting peace in the sub-continent," the Mirwaiz said. He said the July 15 Agra summit would be successful only if some concrete and positive steps were taken, adding the effect of the talks should be felt on the ground. "There is a need to evolve a mechanism for the resolution of the basic issue, he added." The Hurriyat leader was hopeful of a one-to-one meeting with Gen Musharraf. "We have been assured of a separate meeting by the Pakistan President in his reply to our letter," he added. About the agenda of the meeting with the Pakistan President, the Mirwaiz said the Hurriyat leaders would apprise Gen Musharraf of the ground situation in the state. "We will also inform him about the human rights violations inflicted upon the people of the state, atrocities committed by the security forces and the large-scale of extra-judicial killings carried out by the troops," he said. Mr Farooq said, "we will encourage Gen Musharraf to keep the doors of talks open and urge him to continue with the dialogue process." The Mirwaiz, however, reiterated that bilateralism was no solution to the issue. "History is witness. Bilateral talks between India and Pakistan have always failed," he said adding the Kashmiris have to be included at some stage. "We have always maintanied that the Kashmir problem is a human issue and needs to be resolved in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the people," Mr Farooq said. On the Centre’s confidence building measures ahead of the summit including release of Pakistani fishermen, checkposts along the Line of Control, Mr Farooq said untill the basic issue was addressed, these steps would not yield the desired results. He said the Centre should take steps such as reigning of the security 1forces, stop extra-judicial killings and cease hostilities in the state to provide relief to the people. However, he threatened to strongly oppose any move of converting the LoC into an International Border. Last week, Mr Farooq returned here after attending the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) Foreign Ministers’ meeting at Mali. He said the OIC had promised financial assistance for relief and rehabilitation of the people of the troubled-state. "It was our long-standing demand and the OIC’s contact group will meet in September this year to finalise the quantam of assistance. This will be an open fund and can be routed through NGOs," he said. The Mirwaiz said the OIC favoured such a grant for relief and rehabilitation of the people, who have suffered during decade-long violence. The former Hurriyat Chairman said the amalgam, which enjoys an observer status at the OIC, had asked for special quota for Kashmiri students in technical colleges of the OIC member countries. He said the OIC countries appreciated the Indo-Pak summit and were supportive of the Hurriyat’s stand for right for self-determination. About his meeting with Pakistan Foreign Minister at Mali, Mr Farooq said Mr Abdul Sattar assured him of Pakistan’s continued moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiris. (UNI) |
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Pattan
observes bandh Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, July 12- Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah today deplored killing of innocents in the name of Jehad, saying that the Kashmiris have become the canon fodder for enemies of peace. The cult of gun has not only consumed precious human lives but also left scars on human dignity and honour, the Chief Minister said while addressing a large number of mourners at the residence of Mr. Abdul Rasheed Shaheen, MP at Pattan this morning. Killing of Mr. Sofi has been widely condemned. Streams of mourners continue to visit his house throughout day. Pattan town observed bandh today to condemn this brutal killing by militants. Dr Abdullah visited Pattan to personally convey his condolences on the killing of Mr. Nazir Ahmed Sofi, younger brother of Mr. Shaeen. He was killed by militants yesterday. Dr Abdullah said that those holding guns would never succeed in their nefarious plan as the people have always stood against their inhuman acts. Killings would never deter them from their resolve to fight the alien gun culture. He said the poor people who move out to earn their sustenance get killed in blasts, grenade attacks and selective killing everday. A number of families have lost their bread-earners for their no faults, he said. The Chief Minister said the society has a responsibility to share the agonies of families whose nears and dears have became victims of militancy. They should never nurture impression of being left alone, he said, appealing to the people to come forward and help then in whatevert manner they can. Referring to the forthcoming Agra Summit, the Chief Minister said this has raised a hope of peace among the people of the state, who are the worst victims of militancy. The people pray for its success to get rid of the gun that has shattered their lives. He, however, felt that miracles should not be expected in the first meeting and said the continued process will certainly help solve problems. He said Kashmir is yearning for peace as it has witnessed colossal damage and loss of human lives. The economic activity got tremendous set back giving rise to unemployment. But, he expressed optimism about situation changing for better and said "Inshallah, we will overcome all our difficulties . The Chief Minister also met the wailing familiy members of the deceased and conveyed his sympathies. The Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Mr. Abdul Ahad Vakil, Deputy Speaker, Malik Ghulam Hyder, Mr. Ali Mohammad Naik, MP, several legislators and National Conference leaders visited Pattan to condole the death of Mr. Sofi. The Director General of Police, Mr. A. K. Suri accompanied the Chief Minister. |
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Survey for connecting Ladakh
region with Northern Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar July 12: Earnest efforts are being made by the power development department to connect the Ladakh region with Northern Grid power supply system. For this purpose a committee headed by Chief Engineer System Operation has already been constituted to study route feasibility of the transmission line for evacuation of power to the region. For undertaking the survey an amount of Rs 3 lakh have been earmarked in the current year’s annual plan. According to preliminary report of the committee, three routes have been identified and a detailed study is being conducted. The routes identified are 325 kms Sumbal-Sonamarg-Drass-Shanku-Kargil-Mulbak-Bodhkharbu-Sanjak-Khaslisa-Leh. The line shall pass through Zozila, Umtala, Namikala and Leh. The second route also 325 kms long pass through Kishtwar-Umaila-Padam (Zanskar)- Chadder road-Nimo-Leh. The third option is Mandi-Kulu-Manali-Rohtanz-Keylong-Baralacha-La-Sutak-Upshi-Leh. This line is approximately 450 kms long and shall pass through Himachal-Mandi town to Leh on the alignment of Manali Leh road. Under rural electrification programme the department also expediting the work on normal system improvement schemes like power generation by augmenting DG station Choglamsar and improvement of the DG station Khurbathang in Ladakh region. Besides the department also targetted to electrify 10 villages, 200 hamlets and energizing 300 pump sets for irrigation purposes during 2001-2 in the region. |
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