Sainik Colony residents stage dharna at Kunjwani
Traffic on Jammu-Pathankote National Highway remained blocked for 2 hours

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 18: Traffic on ever-busy Jammu-Pathankote National Highway remained disrupted for more than two hours as enraged residents of Sainik Colony and adjoining areas today staged a dharna at Kunjwani Talab to lodge protest against, what they alleged, dictatorial attitude and misbehaviour of the Chief Engineer and SE of Public Health Engineering department.

Shops and bussiness establishments also remained closed in and around Sainik Colony and adjoining areas. The residents lifted dharna only after assurance of the higher authorities including Deputy Commissioner, Mr R K Goel that their demands would be fulfilled.

Earlier, in the morning the residents of Sainik Colony gathered at main chowk of the Colony and staged a protest dharna there. Shouting slogans against Chief Engineer, PHE for mis-behaving with delegation of the Colony, the residents started march toward Kunjwani Talab. In the way from Sainik Colony to Kunjwani Talab, a large number of people, included a good number of women, joined the procession. Local MLA of the area and BJP leader Ch Piara Singh, PDP leader, Mr Baldev Slathia and others also joined the slogan shouting processionsts before they reached Kunjwani Talab.

Demanding action against Chief Engineer PHE the residents demonstrated at Kunjwani Talab before sitting on National Highway. Airing slogans and carrying banners, the residents blocked traffic and even not allowed two wheelers pass through the area. There was virtual chaos and confusion on ever-busy Jammu-Pathankote National Highway. Vehicles were seen lined up on both sides as no vehicle was allowed to move further. Senior police officers rushed to the spot and tried to pacify the residents who were adamant that they would not lift the dharna unless authorities take action against Chief Engineer.

The dharna continued for more than two hours traffic and it was only after assurances of the Deputy Commissioner, Mr R K Goel, the residents lifted the dharna. D C Jammu held discussions with Ch. Piara Singh, Mr Jai Singh, Chairman Sainik Colony and others people and assured that the CE and SC will apologize for their misconduct and misbehaviour with the deputation. The FIR lodged against the deputation will be withdrawn immediately and no action will be initiated against any member of the deputation. It was assured that adequate steps would be taken to stream line water supply in the area.

Traffic on Jammu-Pathankote National Highway remained disrupted for three hours as traffic cops found difficult to clear the worst jam due to the dharna.

Senior advocate and resident of Sainik Colony, Mr Baldev Slathia while talking to EXCELSIOR alleged that Chief Engineer PHE has misbehaved with a delegation of Colony which called on him on Saturday to apprise him of the water scarcity in their colony. He regretted that delegation, comprised of retired senior officials of defence forces, was not allowed to express their view point properly.

It is worthwhile to mention here office of the Chief Engineer PHE was ransacked by some people after mild scuffle between Sainik Colony deputation and PHE officials. Following complain of the Chief Engineer some residents of Sainik Colony were taken into custody by the police but they were released later in the evening after intervention of Ch. Piara Singh, MLA.

Pt Prem Nath Bhat Trust organises condolence meet
Glorious tributes paid to Handoo

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 18: Glorious tributes were paid to former Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister and Senior National Conference leader Mr P L Handoo at a condolence meeting organised by Pt. Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust at Abhinav Theatre here today.

Besides people from all walks of life, the condolence meeting was also attended by ministers of Dr Farooq Abdullah’s Cabinet, Speaker Legislative Assembly, Chairman Legislative Council, MLAs and MLCs, former ministers, office bearers of Pt. Prem Nath Bhat Trust and galaxy of Kashmir Pandit leaders.

The meeting was presided over by All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) chief, Mr A N Vaishnavi and Justice A Q Parrey a sitting J&K High Court Judge was chief guest.

The meeting started with garlanding of the portrait of former Minister which was followed by two minutes silence as a mark of respect to departed leader.

Paying homage to Mr Handoo, Minister for Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Dr Mustafa Kamal said his (Handoo’s) death has created a vacuum in National Conference, politics of J&K and social life.

He said Mr Handoo was not only a good lawyer, social activist and a politician but also a great human being who never believed in discrimination on the basis of caste, region and religion.

He said the late leader was a Hindu by core who had understood his religion in real sense as he loved all people alike.

Recalling his qualities he said Handoo remained faithful to NC and its leader Dr Farooq Abdullah till his death. He said the best tributes to this great leader will be let us work for strengthening of secular forces, restoration of peace and brotherhood in trouble -torn state.

Paying tributes to late leader, Minister of Finance, Mr Abdul Rahim Rather said it is unbelievable that our well wisher is away from us.

Recalling his last 30 year long association with Mr Handoo, Mr Rather said, he was an intelligent, honest, sympathetic and trusted man. He had such great qualities that every individual in J&K thought him his own.

Though Mr Handoo led a simple life but the marks laid by his intelligence and honesty can not be omitted, he said, adding he did not shine in a particular field but is remembered as a great teacher, educationist, lawyer, scholar, parliamentarian and political leader.

He said it was due to his great qualities that late Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah and Mirza Mohammed Afzal Beg were his admirers. He said we feel now that a vacuum has been created after his death which will never be fulfilled.

The Minister said during his short stint of over a year in Parliament Handoo left an indelible mark on every body in the House and earned a lot of respect from the members.

Paying rich tributes to departed leader former Minister and NC leader Dr Mehboob Beg said Mr Handoo was a front ranking leader of National Conference who worked shoulder to shoulder with late Mirza Mohammed Afzal Beg.

He said the Anantnag district has become more poorer with his demise and added the courts in Anantnag do exist but there is no charm which used to be during the times of Mr Handoo and late Pt. Prem Nath Bhat.

He said Mr Handoo was an embodiment of many qualities, a man of principles and this is the reason that Muslims say that he was working for Hindus while Hindus think him loyal to Muslims.

Such qualities can not be possessed by common man but great people like Handoo, he said, adding to become real educationist you have to become Handoo as some one has said that you are not still educated if you have read whole Library of London.

Handoo was a true human being who was alike to his friends as well as adversaries, Dr Beg said, adding he loved his mother land very much and this was the reason that one moth prior to his demise he visited Baramulla not as a Minister but a son of Kashmir to embrace that land last time.

In an emotional voice Dr Beg said being a member of majority community my head is down that we could not cremate this great leader in his home town.

He maintained that Kashmir is incomplete with out Pandits and we all have to work for the restoration of peace and normalcy. He said the unfortunate happenings in the Valley separated the two communities but we have to fight it out.

Speaker Legislative Assembly, Mr Abdul Ahad Vakil while paying homage to Mr Handoo recalled his close association with him. He said his advice was sought by one and all who besides a politician was having many other qualities also.

He said real tribute to Mr Handoo will be to follow the his mission of love to mankind.

Justice Parrey recalled his association with P L Handoo from his childhood since both belonged to Anantnag town. He recalled his qualities as a lawyer of eminence and later on as Minister in State Cabinet. He said the late leader was a true and complete man who was respected by one and all.

Rich tributes were also paid to Mr Handoo by Chairman Legislative Council, Mr A R Dar. Recalling his qualities, he said the late leader would come all the way to help needy and poor.

It was due to his qualities that Mr Handoo was known by the people from far off places. In his death the people of Anantnag have lost a dear one, said Mr Dar in an emotion choked voice. He expressed the hope that his son will carry forward his mission.

Paying rich tributes to his father, Mr Rejinder Handoo eldest son of Mr P L Handoo said the State has been deprived of a multifaceted personality.

He said Mr Handoo was a selflessman in all walks of life and secularism was the most dearest principle of his life on which he never compromised.

He said Mr Handoo was feeling a spiritual satisfaction in serving poor, deserving and needy. The principles and memories left by him will be guiding force for his admirers.

Paying rich tributes to Mr Handoo K P Sabha chief Mr T N Khosa said Handoo was well wisher of his community who always advocated for its honourable return to their homes and hearths in Kashmir valley.

He said though due to the unfavorable situation prevailing in Kashmir he had come to understand that return will take some time yet he never gave up the hope. He described Mr Handoo a corridor of the community through which we could put our case before the Government.

Recalling the qualities of this great leader, he said Handoo was a brilliant lawyer who despite being a Cabinet Minister was always down to earth. He had tremendous respect for women folk.

He said late leader was working to bring a legislation for creating the Governing Board for the religious places and temples of minorities in Kashmir on the pattern of Gurudwara Parbhandak Board. He said the best tribute to Handoo will be if his wishes are fulfilled.

Paying tributes to Mr Handoo, ASKPC chief Mr A N Vaishnavi said he was always cooperative and helpful.

Earlier Mr Yash Bhasin, Trustee Pt. Prem Nath Bhat Trust recalled the services of the departed leader as its one of the founding trustees.

He said Mr Handoo was of the firm belief that the day will surely come when the Trust will celebrate the Pt. Prem Nath Bhat Martyr’s Day at Anantnag.

He said Handoo’s love was not confined to Anantnag and KP community but to entire J&K who was always saying that I am not the representative of KP community in NC Government but the people of entire State.

Among others who paid tributes to late leader include Prof T N Shalla and N C MLC Mr Bhushan Lal Bhat.

One day convention of panches, sarpanches held
Uncertain political situation delayed Panchayat poll: Nazir

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 18: National Conference (NC), general secretary, Sheikh Nazir Ahmed said that the uncertain political situation in the State during last over one decade delayed the constitution of Panchayats.

Addressing a one day convention of Sarpanches and Panches of Jammu District here today, he took the political adversaries of his Party to task for dissolving the elected Panchayats in 1984 after overthrowing the duly elected Government of Dr Farooq Abdullah.

Sheikh Nazir while lambasting the opposition political parties for accusing his Party for not conducting the Panchayat election for a pretty long time said, soon we were voted to power in 1987 elections the first and foremost task we under took is that we started ground work in this regard.

But after the imposition of Governor’s rule in 1989 for seven long years this process was delayed, he said adding later assuming power in 1996 we again started ground work for holding the Panchayat elections in the State to strengthen democracy and take it to grass root level.

But to fulfill certain obligations we had to go for the delimitation of constituencies in the state and frame the Panchayat Raj Act which was a lengthy procedure and a cumbersome process.

However, the Government was determined to strengthen the democracy and despite many odds we worked hard and what could not be done in seven year’s of President’s rule was done in seven days by our Government, he added.

He said in the fresh delimitation many more Panchayats were created in the state.

He said besides the delimitation the voter lists were framed as the previous voter lists possessed fake names which were framed during the Congress Government before conducting the elections.

He said braving the militants threat our Government took the bold initiative of conducting the elections for Panchayats last year and with the dedication of party men we succeeded in our mission.

He said previously twice we had to postpone the elections due to the Parliament polls which were to be held in the country due to the uncertain political situation.

He said last time when we again gave a positive signal of conducting the Panchayat elections in the state, the Centre okayed it but showed inability to send more security forces due to Kumb Mela where excessive security forces were to be deployed.

He said we issued notification and conducted the elections and at many places the 90 per cent people participated in the elections. He said though these elections were held on non party basis but our main intention was that the good people should come forward.

He said the first phase of electioneering is near completion and now second phase will begin with the constitution of Block Development councils.

He said after the constitution of block development councils the District Development Boards will be constituted to give proper representation to the people in democratic institutions.

The Block Development councils and District development boards will however have the control of Party Mr Nazir said.

He said while the Minister will head the district Development Board the members will elect its vice chairman.

He said the Panchayats and Block Development councils will have the budgets at their disposal and all this will be done under democratic set up.

He also congratulated the 1500 Panches and Sarpanches of district Jammu who had gathered on the occasion on behalf of Chief Minister,Dr Farooq Abdullah.

He said the Panchayat adalts are also to be created for settlement of small disputes among the people and assured that representation will be given to women, SCs and STs in these democratic institutions also.

Addressing the gathering the Minister of Finance, Mr Abdul Rahim Rather said revival of panchayats is the part of history of National Conference.

He without naming the former Chief Minister and Awami National Conference (ANC) chief, Mr G M Shah said after over throwing our Government in 1984 the first work they did is that all the duly elected Panchayats were dissolved in the State and next day we started struggle for their revival.

He while making a dig at Congress said they today complain that we have not conducted the Panchayat elections for long time saying that they were the people who supported Mr Shah in dissolving the elected Panchayats.

He said for taking the democracy to the door steps of people by constituting the Panchayats our Party has given a lot of sacrifice as many workers have lost their lives. But still we are determined to complete the process and our main aim is that people should not be deprived of basic rights.

He said after assuming power in 1996 the first policy statement from our leader was the constitution of Panchayats in the state.

He said we took over the reorganization of Panchayat Halqas and the number of Panchayats rose to 2700 from 1468.

He said the panches and Sarpanches have now great responsibility on their shoulders as you have to make the plans for development and put them into practice.

He warned the Sarpanches and Panches that in case you will not spent the funds properly the whole thing will go against you.

He said the members have to make the budget for their Panchayats and seek peoples consent in it on a democratic pattern. The Act is for your guidance and you can impose taxes on people for running the Panchayats.

He also maintained that Government is thinking to give more powers to Panchayats than what is in the Act. He while underlining the role of Panchayats in the country said no Government succeeds where people do not participate in development.

Among others who addressed the meeting include Minister for Power Messrs S S Salathia, Agriculture Minister, Ch. Mohammed Ramzan, Minister for Rural Development, Ajay Sadhotra,and provincial president NC Bodh Raj Bali.

State unit of JD(S) demands resignation of NDA Govt

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 18: The state president of Janta Dal (Secular) Mr Dhanraj Bargotra today demanded resignation of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government at Centre owing to moral responsibility regarding defence deal exposure by tehelka.Com.

Mr Bargotra said that entire NDA Government from top to bottom are guilty and involved in the corruption. "Even the defence forces are not free from the corruption which has caused a great security risk", the state president of Janata Dal (Secular) further said. Announcing the enquiry into tehelka.Com exposures by the judge of Supreme Court as merely a tactics, he said that there is no need to initiate enquiry as there were enough proofs in video tapes.

He expressed concern over prevailing drought like situation in the State and demanded to assess the damages and pay 100 percent compensation of the crops to the farmers immediately. "If compensation is not given by the Government by the end of this month, JD(S) will organise massive "Kissan March" on April 4 in front of Legislative Assembly to press the demand of compensation to the farmers.

JD(S) also condemned the retrenchment of thousand of daily wagers who have been working in the Government Departments for the last six years and demanded their reinstatement.

The state president of JD(S) also demanded relief to migrants from Rajouri, Poonch and Doda, who are living in Belicharana on the bank of River Tawi, at par with Kashmiri migrants. He also extended full support to the Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) employees in their struggle.

He welcomed the formation of Third Front—Lok Morcha—under the presidentship of Mr Jyoti Basu, former Chief Minister of West Bengal and convenorship of Mr Mulayam Singh Yadav, MP, a release issued here today said.

NC Women wing holds meet at Maggowal

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 18: A meeting of J&K National Conference (Women wing) Jammu was organised by Mrs Lalita Sharma, president Jammu wing at village Maggowal in RS Pura under the chairperson of Mrs Zubaida Salaria, MLA, provincial president of Mahila Wing of NC.

As per a release while addressing Begum Salaria stressed the need to promote handicrafts, which have a great potential to generate income, being our traditional and ancestral trade. She said handicrafts are a guarantee for our living. The NC MLA also inaugurated a 32 member Mahila Kalyan Self Help Group and stresed on the need of forming more such groups in each and every village for upliftment and development of rural masses. The participants demanded that loans be provided to women folk for establishing their own business. She also called for financial assistance under Indira Awas Yojna and grant of widow pension to the deserving. Begum Salaria assured to take up the matter with concerned higher authorities. The meeting among others was attended by Mrs Chanchala Devi and Mrs Manju Sharma, president and secretary respectively.

Priya Dancing, Modelling Institute Inaugurated

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 18 : To cater to the needs of young girls and boys interested in adopting dancing and modelling as a career, Priya Dancing & Modelling Institute - the first of its kind in Jammu - opens at 24 A/D Gandhi Nagar. The Institute was inaugurated today by Sh. V.N. Sharma, former Chief Engineer and Administrator, Jammu Municipality. The inaugural function was attended by a large gathering.

Talking to media persons, Priya, a leading model of Jammu, who has lot of experience in the field of modelling and dancing and also has lots of awards to her credit, disclosed that qualified choreographers shall take dancing classes. Besides, the Institute shall also impart coaching to those who want to pursue modelling as their profession. The module for modelling shall include walk, body language, expressions, preparation for the stage shows etc. The models trained here by experts shall have the opportunity to take part in various advertisements for television and newspapers. Special facilities have been provided for younger children to learn dancing during summer vacation. Proper security has been provided by engaging security guards.

Subedar J N Singh honoured for selfless services

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Mar 18: Keeping the tradition of honouring people for their exemplary services towards humanity, Gurudwara Committee of Gurudwara Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib, Udhampur today presented Saroopa to Subedar Jai Nirankar Singh of 5071 ASC Battalion.

As per a release, the Saropa was presented by Gurudwara Pradhan Mr Jaswant Singh for the selfless service of Subedar towards the people of all caste, creed and religions.

Subedar is retiring from service on March 31.

DGPC condemns killing of 2 Sikh youths

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 18: District Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee, Jammu in a meeting held here today strongly condemned the brutal massacre of two innocent Sikh youths in Surankote area.

As per a release, Committee expressed its grave concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Rajouri and Poonch districts and said that State Government has totally failed to protect the life and property of the people.

The meeting said that administration should tighten the security on the national highways so that innocent people may not become the target of militants’ activities. The meeting appealed the State Government to provide adequate compensation to kith and kin of deceased persons.

PDP concern over prolonged Kishtwar Bar strike

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 18: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Kishtwar has expressed its concern over the prolonged strike of Kishtwar Bar Association which started from December 11, 2000.

A Party release issued here said that with the continued strike, the normal strike of the Bar has come to the virtual halt.

The release while terming the demands of the Bar as genuine, appealed to the Chief Justice of J&K to immediately issue orders of resting of special powers under RPC and creation creation of consumer forum at Kishtwar in the larger interest of providing justice to the people of this remote are of the state.

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