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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jun 17: Union Minister for Power Mrs Jayanti Mehta has said that equipped with disaster management techniques like emergency.......more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 17: The Bharatiya Janta Yuva Morcha, East Mandal today organised an impressive function to ....more Blasts
separatist leaders Excelsior Correspondent AKHNOOR, June 17: Reaffirming the demand for re-organisation of Jammu and Kashmir State, president of Jammu Joint Students’ Federation Mr ..more Bargotra
joins Jammu Joint Students’ Federation today received a shot in the arm when president of J&K State unit of Janta....more Govt’s
rigid stand flayed Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 17: The newly constituted All Department Drivers Operators and...more |
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Komal’s
poetry Mane Excelsior Special Correspondent JAMMU, June 17: A book of poetry in Dogri entitled " Mane De Bual" written by Mr Gopal Krishan "Komal" was released at a function organised by Nami Dogri Sanstha at Press Club here this evening......more Excelsior Correspondent Doda, June 17: GOC Delta Force, Maj. General M.P.Bhagat, has stressed the need for greater coordination between public administration and security forces for ensuring congenial atmosphere in the district.......more State level N.I. camp concludes Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, June 17: A week-long National Integration Camp in which about 300 students participated concluded here at Pahalgam..........more Farooq
condolences Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, June 17: Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah has expressed grief over the sad demise of Mr. Mohammed Yunis, a close associate of late Mrs. ...more |
‘Compensate J&K for
Indus Water Treaty’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jun 17: Union Minister for Power Mrs Jayanti Mehta has said that equipped with disaster management techniques like emergency restoration systems to restore power, the Powergrid now plans to become national long distance Telecom operator with the use of optical fibre in the transmission system. Immediately after laying foundation stone for a Powergrid township complex for the families of employees of the Jammu region Corporation near Panama Chowk here today, the Union minister said that after achieving remarkable heights and earning honour during its services during Gujarat earthquake and Orissa cyclones tragedies, the Powergrid become a force to reckon with. It has the capability to restore damaged system within a weeks time against conventional requirement of few months. She said the Powergrid intends to diversify into telecom business through establishment of a national backbone telecom network of 13,800 km connecting 56 cities in a phased manner. With the adoption of new advanced technology, the Powergrid plans to carry only one line both for electricity and the telecommunication link which would save huge government money. The money thus saved may be utilised for other development projects. Referring to the present power shortage in the J&K state, the Union minister assured the State Government that Centre will try to help the state government in resolving the power shortage issue. While the power shortage at national level is 12 % , it has been found to be over 27 % in J&K which is a matter of utter surprise. Though efforts were utilised to improve power condition and to generate about one lakh megawatt power after independence but governments in the past not spent adequate funds for lying transmission system in the country. She asked the State Government to finalise the projects and forward the same to centre for clearance and necessary assistance so that power can be generated in J&K state which has got huge potential for generating electricity. Mrs Mehta complimented the Powergrid Corporation of India for selecting J&K for constructing the first even Powergrid township complex for the employees here. She said this township to be constructed with an estimated cost of over Rs 15 crores will be a modern eco-friendly complex with unique features of rain water harvesting and harnessing solar energy alongwith extensive afforestation and development of green belt. The minister said that at present about 40 per cent of country’s power is being generation is transferred through Powergrid lines. With its capabilities and the achievements every year, the Corporation is fast marching towards for formation of National Grid. A Powergrid spokesman said that Union Power Minister, Suresh Prabhu who was scheduled to reach here from Chandigarh and lay the foundation stone, could not make it as his plane could not take off due to bad weather. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Prof Chaman Lal Gupta in his address lambasted state government for its poor performance in terms of power generation. He said during past four years of popular government, not even a single Megawatt power has been added to its existing capacity. He said because of power shortage the economy of the state is suffering badly. Referring to the rich power potential in J&K, Prof Gupta pointed out that river Chenab alone has the hydro power potential of about 15,000 MWs but its potential is not being tapped properly. He expressed his dismay over slow pace of progress on Dul Hasti power project and said had this project been completed in time the people of state would not have to face acute power crisis. Commenting on the forthcoming visit of Pak army ruler Gen Parvez Musharaff to India and his reported statement that Kashmir is the core issue, Prof Gupta said that Parliament resolution on Kashmir can not be nullified and said that External Affair Minister Jaswant Singh’s stand on Kashmir was not his personal view but was reiteration of the provisions of constitution of India. He said there is not change in India’s stand on Kashmir." J&K is the integral part of India and no power can separate it from the country", he maintained. J&K Minister for Power Mr Surjit Singh Slathia in his address urged upon the Union Minister of State for Power to help the state in tiding over the power crisis. He said J&K state had to suffer on account of Indus Water Treaty and asked the Centre to compensate the state adequately in this regard. Mr Slathia who was also present on the occasion further said that state government has reduced the power curtailment to five and half hours but it plans to give more relief to the people in J&K. He said J&K’s power requirement is 1350 MW and shortfall is still to the tune of 750 MW. He urged upon the Centre to provide power to J&K from unallocated quota. Earlier welcoming the chief guest and other special invitees, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of the Powergrid Mr R P Singh said that Powergrid, which is world’s one of the largest transmission utility is operating about 40,000 Ckt Kms of transmission lines through 66 sub-stations having transformation capacity of over 33,000 MVA. It recorded the turnover of Rs 2695 cr in the year 2000-2001 with an asset base of Rs 13,350 crore and it earned net profit of 692 crore during the same period. He claimed that organisation has shown tremendous performance by consistently achieving excellent rating against MOU with Government of India since 1993-94. The Powergrid has been conferred with special Prime Minister’s special award for being ranked amongst top ten Public Sector Undertakings for the year 1997-98. The organisation has ventured with telecom area to maximise the returns and generate resources for expeditious implementation of National grid and long distance telecom operation. Five employees of the Powergrid were also honoured on the occasion by the Minister who had performed excellently by risking their life to restore power supply to Kashmir Valley when militants blasted a Transmission Tower on Pir Panjal mountain near Banihal recently. They are—Nidiya Ram, Bhagwan Dass, Chhaju Ram, Anchal Singh and Rattan Lal. Executive Director Jammu region, Mr K. Satyam proposed the vote of thanks. Earlier, it was disclosed that in Ist phase, 42 B- type quarters, 20 C -type quarters and 12 D-type quarters wil be constructed besides a single one for the regional head. A transit camp and a Community Centre will also be developed. Only two stored buildings are proposed to be built on this 2.78 acre land. Among others present on the occasion included Vaid Vishnu Dutt, Mirza Abdul Rashid (both MPs), BJP MLAs- Ch Piara Singh, Ashok Khajuria and Hans Raj. Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Mr Anil Goswami. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 17: The Bharatiya Janta Yuva Morcha, East Mandal today organised an impressive function to felicitate Mr Satish Sharma, state president of the Bharatiya Janta Yuva Morcha (BJYM). Addressing the function, Vaid Vaishno Dutt, Member Parliament (MP) from Jammu-Poonch constituency, exhorted the youth to shoulder their responsibilities. "The State has been passing through various crucial juncture and it is duty of younger generation to intensify their efforts to strengthen unity and integration of the country", he said and asked the BJYM workers to unitedly fight anti-national forces. Cautioning youth against nefarious designs of some forces, who according to him, hell bent to disintegrate the nation, Vaid exhorted the youth to take on these forces. Pointing towards proposed dialogue between Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee and Pakistani military ruler General Parveez Musharraf, BJP MP said that Central Government was sincere in bringing peace in the sub-continent. He, however, said that what so ever may be the out-come of the dialogue one thing is clear that ‘Kashmir is integral part of India and it will remain the crown of India’. In his address, BJP state president, Mr Daya Krishan Kotwal criticised the State Government for its failure to mitigate woes of the masses. Mr Kotwal regretted that militants’ activities have been increased during the regime of Farooq Abdullah Government. "Some militants groups have again strengthen their positions in some areas of Doda district", he said and asked the State Government to equip Village Defence Committees (VDCs) with sophisticated weapons. He made it clear that as a opposition party BJP will oppose tooth and nail anti-people policies of the National Conference. Mr Ashok Khajuria, BJP MLA from Jammu-East constituency, shifted blame on National Conference and Congress for the prevailing situation in the State. He said that successive Congress Governments at Centre and National Conference Governments in State have always adopted wrong policies. Recounting some incidents, Mr Khajuria said that Congress Governments have committed repeated blunders. He charged the successive Congress Governments of blindly supporting policies of late Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah. Highlighting discrimination meted out to the Jammu region, Mr Khajuria said that National Conference has always treated Jammuites as second class citizens and they have been ignored at every sphere of life. Mr Satish Sharma, in his address recalled supreme sacrifices of the leaders of BJP and assured the gathering that he will follow path shown by these leaders. "We have been taking inspiration from Sher-e-Duggar Pandit Prem Nath Dogra, Dr Shyama Parshad Mukherjee and Pandit Deen Dayal Updhaya", he said and asserted that every policy and programme of the BJYM will be guided by the interests of people of Jammu region. |
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Blasts
separatist leaders from Valley Excelsior Correspondent AKHNOOR, June 17: Reaffirming the demand for re-organisation of Jammu and Kashmir State, president of Jammu Joint Students’ Federation Mr Rajinder Jamwal today warned the separatist leaders from Valley to desist from their ‘dis-information’ campaign against the trifurcation. Addressing a public meeting at Akhnoor town on the culmination of fifteen-day long ‘Jammu Chetna Yatra’ by JJSF to garner mass support for separate Statehood to Jammu, the firebrand young leader also threatened that their ongoing movement may become violent if the aspirations of Jammu people were suppressed for any more time. Without naming Shabir Ahmed Shah, the JJSF chief said those who have yet to prove their representative character in the Valley, were camping in Jammu and ‘misleading’ people by drawing a parallel between re-organisation of J&K State and partition of the country in 1947. Dubbing the supporters of Shabir Shah in Jammu as opportunists, he threatened ‘direct action’ against these ‘political opportunists’ and asked Jammu people to teach a lesson to these leaders and disrupt their public functions. "A section of power hungry opportunists want to draw political mileage from the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir and are projecting these anti-national elements as future leaders of the State," he lamented. The JJSF leader threatened that the ongoing movement for separate Statehood to Jammu may turn violent if the aspirations of Jammu people for a separate political and cultural identity were continuously suppressed. "We are peacefully demanding our rights but there is a limit of our patience and if our aspirations are ignored any longer, we will not hesistate to go violent," he said. Asserting that re-organisation of Jammu and Kashmir State and separate Statehood to Jammu province was the only solution to end the discrimination with Jammuites, Mr Jamwal called upon people to forget their political differences and be united for the cause of Jammu. He expressed his satisfaction over the response and co-operation of people in Kandi belt during the fifteen-day long first phase of ‘Jammu Chetna Yatra’ and announced that second phase of the Yatra would be announced soon during the executive body meeting of JJSF. Speaking on the occasion, vice-chairman of JJSF Mr Ghulam Ali stressed that the ongoing movement for separate Statehood to Jammu was not against any region or community but the system. "Our population is more than that of Kashmir, our area is bigger than the Valley but despite all this, the balance of power has been shifted towards the Kashmir," he lamented and alleged that recently held census in the State was also manipulated. Charging New Delhi’s chief negotiator on Kashmir Mr K C Pant with playing with the sentiments of Jammu people, the JJSF leader exhorted the people to seek a lesson from Ladakhis who clearly told Pant that they would not accept anything less than Union territory status to the Himalyan region."We are not beggars and are not begging anything but demanding our genuine rights under a democratic system," he stressed. JJSF general secretary Mr Rakesh Chargotra, while addressing the gathering alleged that Jammu province has been neglected in every field and people of this region treated as slaves of Kashmiri elite for the last 54 years. He stressed that discrimination with Jammu would never end till separate Statehood to the region was granted. Expressing his concern over the lack of basic amenities in rural and Kandi belt of Jammu province, Mr Chargotra alleged elected representatives from Jammu were more responsible for the miseries of Jammuites rather than Kashmir and New Delhi leadership. Others who addressed on the occasion included Mr Jeevanand Khajuria, Prithpal Singh, Raghunath Lakhanpal and Ishwar Sharma Advocate. |
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Bargotra joins struggle for trifurcation Jammu Joint Students’ Federation today received a shot in the arm when president of J&K State unit of Janta Dal (United) and a senior leader in the State politics, Mr Dhanraj Bargotra publically joined the ongoing movement for separate Statehood to Jammu. Speaking in the JJSF’s public meeting at Akhnoor on the culmination of ‘Jammu Chetna Yatra’, Mr Bargotra claimed that people of Jammu province have realised that separate Statehood to Jammu was the only solution to all their problems. He lauded JJSF’s role in highlighting the demand for re-organisation and stressed that the organisation has adopted right approach to get all problems of Jammuites solved. |
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Govt’s rigid stand
flayed Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 17: The newly constituted All Department Drivers Operators and Cleaners Federation today took the Government to task for what it alleged its apathetic attitude towards the burning problems of the employees belonging to these cadres. Talking to reporters here today, soon after his election as new president of the Federation, Mr Anoop Singh made a fervent appeal to the Government to redress genuine demands of these employees which have been brought in the notice of the authorities from time to time. He while highlighting the problems demanded two and half days additional pay for drivers, operators and cleaners working in different State Government departments on the pattern of police. Besides he demanded the quota of chauffeurs and head chauffeurs and head chauffeurs under provisions of SRO 28 of January 1, 1996 be created in all the departments, placement of operators in the technical cadre by granting them the grade of 1700-60-3200 and regularisation of services of daily wage drivers, operators and cleaners who have completed seven years of service. He also demanded that newly appointed drivers be placed in 4000-6000 grade as was a precedence before. Mr Singh also demanded regularisation of adhoc employees who have been performing the duties in similar capacity for a pretty long time and allotment of accommodation to the employees belonging to these three cadres who are working at district and block headquarters. Claiming the support of all departments, he said the Federation will fight for redressal of the demands in a peaceful way and warned that in case the authorities continue their rigid stand then it will not hesitate in launching a decisive struggle. He said there is a lot of resentment among the employees against the delaying tactics adopted by the Government in settling the promotion cases, release of TA in time and issuance of uniforms. Mr Singh also nominated Messrs Anoop Sharma of UEED and George Burret as vice presidents. He said the other office bearers will be nominated after a fortnight. He said Messrs Budhi Singh, Saroop Singh and Romal Singh have been nominated as presidents of the Federation for Kathua, Udhampur and Doda districts while the nomination for the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch will be made soon. Earlier the election of president was conducted under the supervision of Messrs Kuldeep Raj Sharma, president State Motor Garages Union and V P Singh its chairman. Soon after his elections president Mr Anoop Singh sought the cooperation of the employees for redressal of their demands. He assured them that the Federation will leave no stone unturned in solving the genuine demands provided the employees cooperate with them. |
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Komal’s poetry Mane De Bual released Excelsior Special Correspondent JAMMU, June 17: A book of poetry in Dogri entitled " Mane De Bual" written by Mr Gopal Krishan "Komal" was released at a function organised by Nami Dogri Sanstha at Press Club here this evening. This is Gopal Krishan Komal’s first publication and the book contains his 63 choicest poems in Dogri language. The poet has included in it bhajans, geets, gazals touching variety of themes. Hailing from Aghar Jittoo, on the foot-hills of Trikuta, Mr Komal is influenced by natural surroundings, reflects on social setting and expressed against prevailing ills in the society. There is literary merit in his poetry. The Minister of State for Rural Development, Mr Ajay Sadhotra, who was chief guest said that "rich treasure of untapped literary talent" present in our society must be fully utilised and encouraged. He praised the literary merit of this poetry in Dogri and congratulated the Nami Dogri Sanstha's Gahar village near Katra Vaishno Devi for publishing the work. Dr S P Srivats spoke at length about the " Mane de bual" which is expression of emotions on different topics like patriotism, romanticism, spiritualism, social reforms. In his literary criticism, Dr Srivats evaluated highly some of the poems as contribution to Dogri language and literature. He read out few stanzas from this Dogri poetry which rank high in Dogri literary field. Mr Komal’s poetry is marked for simplicity of language, flight of imagination, relevance of the social themes and realistic approach, he added. Mr Sohail Kazmi, editor of a local Urdu daily, who presided over the function said all the languages should be provided opportunities to flourish and Dogri should also be given its due status. Some of the poems and bhajans were sung by reputed singers were quite sweet, melodious and meaningful. Baba Swaran Jeet Singh, Mukh Sevadar, Gurdwara Manji Sahib, Unna(HP) also spoke on the occasion and gave a message of peace, compassion and human brotherhood. He said poetry of high order is needed to preach moral and spiritual values for peace and prosperity in the strife-torn world. Dr Jatendra Udhampuri appreciated the work done by Mr Komal and said his book is a welcome addition to the Dogri literature. Mr Bishen Dass Agharia also spoke and recited his humourous poem regaling the audience. Dr Harish Kaila, president, Nami Dogri Sanstha, said that this organisation is actively engaged in promoting literary and cultural activities. Dr N S Manhas conducted the proceeding and also presented vote of thanks. |
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Excelsior Correspondent Doda, June 17: GOC Delta Force, Maj. General M.P.Bhagat, has stressed the need for greater coordination between public administration and security forces for ensuring congenial atmosphere in the district. Addressing a first meeting of officers and public representatives here, he said that strengthening of congenial atmosphere was pre-requisite for socio-economic upliftment of masses living in the far-flung areas of the State. He said to bring the misguided youth back into the main-stream they needed persuation by their parents and local elders so that they also live as respectable citizens.This, he said, would help in the early return of peace and prosperity in this economically backward district. He further said that security forces have been asked to exercise extra restraint during the anti-militancy operations so that no innocent was armed. The DDC Doda, Mr.Shalinder Kumar expressed his thanks to the GOC for holding such type of interaction with civilian representatives and said that these measures will help in restoring peace and normalcy in the area speedily. |
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State level N.I. camp concludes Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, June 17: A week-long National Integration Camp in which about 300 students participated concluded here at Pahalgam yesterday. The Minister for Sports and Youth Services, S. Harbans Singh was the chief guest at concluding function. Students from all the districts of the State and a contingent from Madhya Pradesh took part in the camp. The Camp aimed at strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and promoting unity among youth of different areas. Cultural programmes, skits, symposia, debates were highlights of the camp, which aimed at promoting spirit of patriotism and nationalism among the students. Speaking on the occasion, Minister said that such camps should be organized regularly especially during the vacations as they help in spreading the message of unity and integrity. He referred to the summit talk between Mr. Vajpayee and Gen. Musharaf and expressed his optimism over good results in improving bilateral ties between both the countries. The Minister lauded Mr. Vajpayee for his bold initiative and hoped that if the atmosphere becomes conducive, such camps would also be organized at South Asia level and students from Pakistan should also be invited. Mr. Singh asked the campers to spread the message of peace in the Valley no other fellowmen in the country, as this was the best way to boost tourism in the State. Deliberating on the relevance of organizing such camps, he said that youth gets valuable experience from the camps besides understanding each others culture, values, traditions and religion. Organising such camps help promoting virtues like religious tolerance, patience, social service, respect for each others culture, which are need of the hour. |
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Farooq condolences on Yunis death Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, June 17: Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah has expressed grief over the sad demise of Mr. Mohammed Yunis, a close associate of late Mrs. Indira Gandhi, freedom fighter and former MP, who passed away at New Delhi this morning. In a message from London, Dr. Abdullah recalled his laudable services to the country in different capacities and said that he had played an important role in country's freedom struggle especially during the quit India movement. Nephew of Frontier Gandhi, Mr. Yunis had a close association with Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and had always evinced keen interest in the welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Dr. Abdullah said his administrative and diplomatic acumen were always acknowledged for his apt handling of affairs during his long stint as Indian envoy in several countries and Chairman, Trade Fair Authority of India. The Chief Minister said that in his death the country has lost yet another freedom fighter, a parliamentarian and a diplomat. He conveyed his personal condolences to the bereaved family. |
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Janipur, Bantalab exchanges non functional Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 17: For the third time in the month both Janipur and Bantalab telephone exchanges went out of order today. While the Janipur Exchange was restored after four hours, the Bantalab Exchange was not set right till late tonight. The repeated faults in the two exchanges has caused a lot of resentment among the consumers in this entire area. They while taking the Tele Communication authorities to task allege that despite the repeated pleas authorities have failed to take pre-emptive measures. It is being alleged that the two exchanges often develop snag during the hailstorm and lightening and the authorities though fully aware of this problem are not taking the steps to set the defect right once for all. Being Sunday there was no official representative available for comment. Meanwhile, the Bantalab is also facing erratic power supply for last two days. The people of the locality have warned agitation in case the Department fails to restore the power supply in the area. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 17: Confidence and intelligence beat physique and styles as Shakti was adjudged ‘Mr Jammu’ after the final question-answer round of the glittering contest, held in the city of temples, here last evening. Bhanu Pratap and Rakesh Trishal were numbered as first and second runner-up. Total 37 contestants participated in the show which was organised by ‘Shivani Films’ at the J K Public school. Though considered as a dark horse, Shakti outclassed Rakesh and Bhanu with his confidence, intelligence and a quick reply to the question asked by the panel of judges. Adding to the fashion show was the presentation of various colourful items performed by some artists. DIG Jammu Range Mr S P Vaid was chief guest on the occasion while the panel of Judges included Mr Rakesh Wazir, Aman Wazir, Lt Col Seema Chim, Ram Sahai and Raj Daluja. The show was organised by Geeta Thakur and choreographed by Miss Ritu Sharma, student from National Institute of Fashion Designing (NIFD), Delhi. Coca Cola, Hal Special Basmati Rice, Siti Cable, Attraction Dancing Institute, Bombay Studio, Garland, Jewel Fast-food, The Vaishno Devi Hotel, MSS Gun Factory, Shoe Corp Raghunath Bazar, New Style Fabricators, Bodh Raj Saraf and Sons, Monica Supermarket, State Times and Bismillah Garments were the sponsors and co-sponsors of the mega show. |
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NC holds conference of Dansal block at Jhajjar Kotli Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 17: One day political conference of National Conference delegates and block office bearers of block Dansal was held at Jhajjar Kotli, which was organised by Block NC and attended by office bearers of Provincial committee of the National Conference. Mr Ajay Sadhotra, MoS Rural Development and Panchayats also addressed. As per a release provincial president NC, Mr Bodh Raj Bali asserted that NC is a premier political party in the State which has fulfilled the promises made to the people from time to time. Elaborating he said the NC Government which organised Panchayat elections after 23 years in the State is all set to establish the Panchayati Raj in the State as dreamt by Sher-i-Kashmir Late Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah and implemented by Dr Farooq Abdullah. He impressed upon the party workers to build a close rapport with the people right now and efforts should be made contact people in far flung areas and ensure that their day to day needs and requirements are met with without any hindrance. Addressing the gathering Mr Ajay Sadhotra said opposition groups have neither any base among the people, nor that have any programme for them. They oppose the Government for the sake of opposition, said Mr Sadhotra adding the need of the hour is to further strengthen the age old traditions of communal harmony and amity in the State which is conducive to socio-economic development. Mr Rattan Lal Gupta, vice president, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, provincial secretary, Mrs Bimla Luthra and Shakti Ram Sharma, Jammu district president of the NC also addressed the political conference. The workers and block Dansal office bearers demanded upgradation of High Schools Jhajjar Kotli, Jandrah and Surinsar to the level of Higher Secondary Schools. They also hailed the relief package announced by the State Government for the people of drought hit areas of Jammu division. Those present in the conference included Messrs Barkat Ali, Bodh Raj, Capt Behari Singh, Karam Singh, Rehmat Ali, Barmanand, Teena Oberoi, Pt Rameshwar Dutt, block president, Sarpanch and Panches of the block Dansal. Some newly elected Sarpanch and Panches joined National Conference on the occasion. |
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Dissidents boycott
political convention Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 17: The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has revoked controversial order of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief, Mr Mohammed Shafi Qureshi to suspend some Congressmen from the primary membership of the party for three years. This was disclosed by general secretary of the AICC and incharge J&K affairs, Mrs Mohsina Kidwai while talking to reporters during one day political convention of the party. "No Congress member has been suspended from the party", she said while expressing ignorance over decision of the PCC chief but admitted that ‘Show-Cause’ notices were served to three leaders. The Show-Cause notices were later withdrawn to keep the party united, AICC general secretary said. When her attention was drawn towards suspension order issued by PCC chief, Mrs Kidwai said that it was all creation of media. "All Congress members are united and there is no question of suspending any member at this crucial time", she said and admitted that only notices were served to three members. While admitting that high command has no knowledge about the decision of PCC chief to suspend some members including a former Minister, AICC general secretary made it clear that PCC chief has power to serve show-cause to any member to maintain discipline. Mrs Kidwai expressed her concern over decision of some senior Congress leaders to boycott today’s function. Terming decision of dissidents to boycott convention as ‘very-unfortunate’, she declined to comment whether action will be taken against dissidents or not. In her apparent attempt to pacify both the erring factions, Mrs Kidwai said that AICC chief Mrs Sonia Gandhi has appointed Mr Qureshi as PCC chief. "I donot think any decision will be taken under pressure from any group", she said. Earlier addressing one day political convention of PCC, Mrs Kidwai declared that discipline will be maintained in the Congress at any cost. She exhorted Congress workers to iron out their differences to provide alternative to National Conference. "As people of the State have been looking towards to Congress to get them rid from the yoke of National Conference it is duty of the Congressmen to come to expectations of the people"she said, adding, "revival of Congress is must for containing ever increasing influence of the communal and fundamentalists forces". Launching a scathing attack on National Conference for its ‘unholy nexus’ with communal Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP), Mrs Kidwai said that it was very unfortunate for the country that new breed of leadership of some so-called secular parties have forged alliance with communal BJP. "Congress had provided chief ministership to late Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah when NC did not have even a single member in the House", she recalled and regretted that it was very unfortunate that same National Conference was today sharing power with BJP. "Construction of Ram temple at disputed site, abolition of Article 370 and Common Civil Code are some the issues of the hidden agenda of BJP", Mrs Kidwai said and expressed her anguish that some parties have been hesitating to cooperate with Congress to keep a check on the activities of communal BJP. "BJP has been implementing its hidden agenda but secular parties, directly or indirectly, have been supporting BJP", she said while taking a dig at Samajwadi Party (SP) for vehemently opposing Congress. AICC general secretary declared that Congress will support any move of the Centre to bring peace and tranquillity in the State. "We welcome decision of the NDA Government to invite Pakistani military ruler General Parveez Musharraf to hold dialogue’’, she said. Mrs Kidwai, however, said that Congress do not have any hope on BJP as this party always adopt double standard. AICC general secretary lambasted ruling National Conference for its failure to mitigate miseries of the masses. "National Conference Government has not only failed to keep a check on the activities of militants but also failed to even provide basic amenities to the people", she said and added that minorities have been feeling insecure in the regime of National Conference. Mrs Kidwai said that only Congress can provide alternative of the ruling National Conference in the State. PCC chief Mohammed Shafi Qureshi in his address, cautioned the people against nefarious designs of BJP which, according him, has been trying to divide people in the name of religion. AICC secretary, Mr Satya Jeet Gaikwad, Mr Dharam Pal Sharma, Madan Lal Sharma, Darshan Raina, Suman Bhagat, Balwan Singh, Swaran Lata, Tara Chand, MLA, Ch. Lal Singh MLA, Mula Ram and many Congress leaders addressed the convention which lasted for more than four hours. The function was more a strength show rather than a political convention as majority of the Congress leaders in their addresses called upon the party high command to take strict action against those who have boycotted the function. Only two Congress MLA were present in the convention as anti-Qureshi group has decided to boycott the convention to lodge protest against decision of the PCC chief to suspend eight members. Most of the dissidents boycotted the convention. Earlier a political resolution was passed in the convention in which Congress criticised both State and Central governments. Resolution also, unanimously expressed faith in the leadership of Mrs Sonia Gupta and reiterated full confidence in Mr Mohammed Shafi Qureshi. |
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Salathia reviews power position Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, June 17: During the last over four years, 477 hamlets, 74 Harijan Bastis and 28 villages were electrified. Similarly 2031 pump sets have been energised in Jammu division. On this, the Power Development Department incurred an expenditure of Rs.43 crore. This was revealed in a meeting of senior electrical engineers which was presided over by the Power Minister, Mr. S.S.Slathia here today. It was also informed that eleven 66/33/11 KV receiving stations were commissioned at Ded Peth, Jeeranwali Gali, Bhimber Gali, Badyal Brahmana, Manjakote, Sohal Bhalwal, Shama Chak, Hatli, Marh, Bani and Basantpur. With the commissioning of these receiving stations 31.20 MVA capacity power has been added. On the occasion, the Minister referring to a report in a local daily said that publication of this report, not based on facts, was to defame the government and also to demoralize the energetic and dedicated workers of the PDD. He asked the engineers that they should not pay heed to such baseless stories and continue to work with the same zeal as they are working at present. |
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3rd Bridge by June 2002 Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 17: The second bridge over River Tawi near Gujjar Nagar is being thrown open for traffic in July this year. This was stated by Minister for Works Ali Mohammed Sagar during the day long inspection of the bridge today. The 300 meter span four-lane bridge has been under the construction of JKPCC at a cost of rupees 178 crore. The bridge will connect old Jammu city via Gujjar Nagar with Narwal By-pass, Channi and Sidhra. Sagar hoped that with the completion of the work on the bridge, the traffic rush will be eased to a large extent, as major chunk of the traffic will be diverted through the new bridge. Presently, the brunt of entire traffic is on the existing bridge. The Minister also inspected the work on the widening of the approach roads to the bridge and besides ordering speedy execution of the work, he also issued on spot instructions for the removal of various encroachments on the road. The affected people will be provided some alternate land so that they can earn their "bread and butter", Sagar said. He disclosed that R&B department has already started work on the third bridge over river Tawi which is being constructed adjacent to the first bridge. He announced that the third bridge would be completed by June 2002. The Minister also inaugurated 18 kilometer long Kullian Khalsa-Korotanka Khurd Road, upgraded at a cost of rupees over one crore under NABARD programme. The road provides connectivity to round a dozen villages in the border area of R S Pura benefiting around 50,000 souls. The Minister said that the State in general and Jammu region in particular has witnessed a revolution by way of having upgraded and improved road connectivity during the past few years. He said that Jammu city is presently under the grip of tremendous population explosion. During his visit, the Minister conducted a surprise and thorough inspection of JKPCC Office at Rail Head Complex. He checked the cash books to verify day to day drawals besides attendance of the Staff. Chief Engineers R&B , PHE and Irrigation and Flood Control Departments also accompanied the Minister during his today’s visit. |
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