‘Roshan Chirag’ released

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 3: A book in Urdu " Roshan Chirag" depicting the literary scenario and also giving an account of Poonch’s first Urdu weekly, was released at Press Club here this evening. It has been written by Mr Moti Lal Kapoor.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Zahur Ud Din, Registrar, University of Jammu said the Poonch has a proud literary heritage and eminent writers like Krishan Chander, Chirag Hassan Hasrat, Daya Krishan Kapoor and others who made rich contribution to Urdu literature.

The book, he said throws light on the literacy heritage and also touched some aspects of journalism in Poonch. Prabhat, an Urdu weekly was the first publication from Poonch edited by Daya Krishan Kapoor father of the author of this book. The inclusion of correspondence between few contemporary literary figures is distinct feature of the book.

Prof Zahur said that the society should take care of the literary and cultural heritage and ensure that the writers and artists are recognised and honoured in their life time instead of fondly remembering them after their death. He congratulated Mr Kapoor for writing this book. Referring to Urdu, he said the future of any language depends on the people and not the Government alone. Urdu language, he asserted , had a good past and certainly has bright future.

Mr Mir Poonchi, former Minister, Mr M D Bandey, former Minister (both from Poonch) while addressing the gathering highlighted the contribution of Poonch in literary scene of the country.

Mr Masud Choudhary, Inspector-General of Police, Railways and Crime as also Mr Prithpal Singh Betab also spoke on the occasion.

Prof K N Pandita, who presided over the function, threw light on the literary activities and achievement in Poonch.

Mr Kapoor, in his speech said that he feels proud to have written the book. He felt grate to Prof K N Pandita and Mr S Narboo for valuable assistance in completing this book. Mr Kapoor expressed concern over decline in day to day use of Urdu language in Jammu and Kashmir although it is official language of the State. Mr Ravinder Kaul ably conducted the proceedings of the function and presented vote of thanks.

BSF sets a shining example

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 3: The Border Security Force (BSF), in a gesture of goodwill and humanitarian angle, returned yesterday Pakistani national 70-year to Pak authorities setting an example in true tradition of our nation. Ms Amina Begum, was intercepted after she inadvertently strayed into indian side on the Indian border-post of Narayanpur on Jammu- Ramgarh international sub-sector on May 1.

As per release, Amina Begum wife of late Laldeen, resident of Saikpura, Lahore (Pakistan) had inadvertently crossed over into Indian territory astride Damaala nullah, which flows right on the International Border of Jammu (India)- Sialkot (Pakistan).

Unaware of being in India, she was brought to BSF post at Narayanpur made comfortable and extended befitting hospitality by the BSF border guards, which included her special care rendered to her by the local womenfolk.

Meanwhile, the BSF post Commander of Narayanpur swung into action and established contact with Pakistani post of Saidanwali, apprised them about the old lady and requested them to take over their national.

Despite repeated requests the Pak Rangers were appeared reclutant and delayed the acceptance of Pak lady under the pretext that they were verifying her bonafides from her native place.

However, according to sources, with sustained efforts of BSF in view of humanitarian angle and as goodwill gesture, Amina Begum was returned to Pak Rangers opposite Baba Chamliyal BOP in the evening yesterday. In addition, BSF gift her with sweets and clothes while bidding her farewell.

BSF troops honouring the commitment made during quarterly and bi-annual meetings with Pak Rangers have returned many other inadvertently border crossers to Pakistani Rangers in the past also.

During the month of February-March this year some old persons were returned to Pak Rangers on the border.Those who were returned by BSF to Pak Rangers included: Mohammad (70 years) s/o Amir, A S Abraham (95 years) r/o village Pirain Chak near Pindi tehsil Shakargarh; Kaki (100 years) r/o Dera in Pakistan; Net Bibi ( 70 years) wife of late Ibrahim r/o Saidanial in Sialkot district of Pakistan.

Shafi inaugurates new block at Kotwal Institute

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 3: Education Minister, Mr Mohammed Shafi Uri inaugurated the new block of the Kotwal National Institute of Teaching (KNIT) at Talab Tillo near here today. The block consisting of a multi purpose hall and eight lecture theatres has been constructed recently.

On the occasion a colourful programme was presented by the students of the Institute depicting the old heritage, culture and history of J&K State. The students made so marvelous performance that even the Minister could not remain without appreciating the Institute for propagating the real education.

Mr Shafi was also all praise for the dedication shown by the founders of the Institution. He impressed upon the teachers to work for unification of the culture, state and curbing the divisive forces.

He urged Director KNIT, Prof J L Kotwal to set up a private science College in Jammu for facilitating the society saying the latter has the knowledge, experience, and capability of running colleges as per the need of the hour.

On the occasion prizes were also given to meritorious students of the Institute.

Prof. J L Kotwal presented a bank draft of Rs 21,000 as contribution for the quake hit victims of Gujarat. Later the Minister was felicitated by the Institute by presenting a memento . The vote of thanks was presented by the Director.

New screening machine worth Rs 30 lakh being installed
2000 guards deployed for security of 84 km Rly track
*Track lighting, Rly station fencing proposal facing rough weather

By Gopal Sharma

JAMMU, May 3: Over 2000 security personnel including exservicemen, Home Guards and SPOs are deployed to guard 84 km long Jammu—Lakhanpur Railway track which is considered as most vulnerable in the country.

Though the proposal sent to the Central Government regarding fencing of Jammu Railway station and lighting of Jammu-Pathankot Railway track is facing rough weather at the hands of Central Government, the Crime and Railway wing of J&K Police said to have increased force four times in last two years after several incidents of sabotage on this section of the Northern Railway.

At present, seven companies of the security personnel including Central Reserve Police Force are deployed for the security of the thousands of passengers travelling on this section and the Railways property as well. It is unfortunate that proposal sent by the State Government for lighting of track and fencing of Jammu station is pending before the Union Railway Ministry for its final nod. Ignoring the security threat, it has even failed to respond to the proposal.

It will not be out of place to mention here that due to frequent explosions, the trains were derailed thrice in just one year and more than a dozen live bombs were recovered fitted on the track in last three years. Several tragedies have been averted by the alert security personnel so far on this track.

Inspector General, Crime and Railway Mr Masud Choudhary said that Jammu-Pathankot Railway section is considered as most sensitive in view of threat perception posed from across the border. At some places like Vijaypur, Badian, Sapwal, Hiranagar, Dayala Chak, Tarnah bridge and Chadwal, the Railway line is hardly 14 to 20 kms from international border. Pak saboteurs taking advantage of broken land and riverine belts, some times manage to cross over to this side for triggering blasts or carrying on their anti-national activities.

In response to a question, the IG disclosed that from Sapwal near Samba via Basanter river, it takes hardly 30 to 40 minutes on foot to reach up to border. Due to this reason, most of the incidents of sabotage occurred only in this section, spread over to Devak, Raya Suchanni area in Vijaypur and Suankha.

Elaborating in details about the extra security measures taken by the Crime & Railways wing, Mr Choudhary said the entire area up to Lakhanpur has been divided into seven sectors. Each sector Commander (DSP) has been given area of responsibility ranging from 10 to 12 kms. Separate zones have been created and an officer of the rank of SP has entrusted with the task of manning security in his area of responsibility. Well equipped mobile petrols have given a limited area for keeping a strict vigil.

All the bridges and culverts have been covered and surveillance along the track has been further strengthened. During peak hours the extra vigil is maintained and over 100 local SPOs, have been involved in this activity. Besides them, Home Guards and Ex-service have also been deployed alongwith the GRP men. Not only this the mobile patrols have also been pressed into service and armed guards move with every train on this route.

In response to another question, the IG said that increasing concentration of ISI agents in pushing armed ultras through Samba and Hiranagar area is matter of concern. It’s also disturbing for the security environment in this sector. He however, maintained that security has been intensified in view of the threat perception and boy’s were maintaining strict vigil. Mini-control rooms have been set up and surprise nakkas have been increased. There has been proposal to construct jeapable/ motorable road along the track for mobile patrolling purpose, he maintained.

He further disclosed that a very sensitive and effective screening machine worth Rs 30 lakhs is being installed at Jammu Railway station and two more such machines will be installed soon in phased manner. With this more effective luggage screening process would be introduced besides better frisking of the incoming and outgoing passengers to contain the activities of saboteurs. Regular security related meetings are held with SSP in the chair to regulate and intensify the security measures along this route.

Fresh vegetables in Leh

Excelsior Correspondent

Leh, May 3: Though buyers thronged the Leh Sabzi Mandi even on the second day today after the arrival of long awaited trucks-load of vegetables that brought some respite to the residents the vendors from Kashmir have suffered heavy loss due to 12-day hauled up at Sonamarg army post on Srinagar-Leh highway that spoiled vegetables and eggs in large quantity.

Not only this, two of the 150 trucks loaded with fresh vegetables and other items to sell in Kargil, Drass and Srinagar met through a serial accidents with one occurring at Zojila pass and another one at Lamayuru. According to Ghulam Nabi, a chicken seller, the first accident took place at a place called Ranga, about two kilometers before Zojilla where a truck (JK 1C 3710) fell down about 100-feet below the road killing two persons including the driver Ali Mohammad and the owner of the load Shah while his son escaped unhurt and cleaner received some injuries. Police sent the corpses back to Srinagar, he added.

Nabi said, on hearing the announcement on Television that the highway would be open for civilian load-carriers on May 27 they were ready with the trucks at Sonamarg two days before. However, they had to wait for 12 days for their turn, which caused heavy damage worth lakhs of rupees. Meanwhile, Ghulam Nabi and his associates are also facing some alleged local hindrances in selling their chickens brought all the way from Srinagar.

Cong holds massive rally at Kalakot

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, May 3: Signature Campaign for dismissal of NDA Government at the Centre by J&K Pradesh Congress Committee led by former MP Pt Mangat Ram Sharma was launched today at a massive rally held at Kalakot in district Rajouri in its second phase of agitation.

Addressing the rally the former MP spoke about the impact of corrupt practices being encouraged by the NDA Govt in defence deals and alleged that it was very dangerous for the security of the nation. He said that Tehlka.Com reporters have totally exposed the Bangaru Laxman, Jaya Jaitely, several top defence personnel/ secretaries as evident from the cassettes. He also impressed upon the need of resting power to the Panchayati Raj at par with other states of the country. Mr Ashok Sharma MLA and member AICC expressed serious concern over the scarcity of water, food grains and fodder in the area. He said that Government should immediately make arrangements for the same. The MLA also demanded restoration of about 100 security post pickets withdrawn by NC government and alleged that people have been left on the mercy of militants by doing so.

Mr Kuldip Sharma, Ex-serviceman Congress president also spoke on the occasion and demanded reservation in jobs for the wards of ex-servicemen.

Samba Bar, public hold massive demonstration

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 3: A mass gathering of public representatives, prominent citizens, Panches and Sarpanches under the banner of Bar Association staged a massive demonstration at Samba in favour of "new courts" recently inaugurated by the J&K High Court Chief Justice Dr B P Saraf and against the indefinite strike by Jammu lawyers to prevent functioning of such courts.

As per a release speaking on the occasion Mr Sukhdev Singh Sambyal, Bar Association Samba president warned the Jammu lawyers not to undermine the strength of Muffasil Bars which have a strong support of rural masses for whose benefits this scheme has been launched. Mr Singh strongly condemned the attitude of vested interests in Jammu Bar against the common public interest and stressed that anti-people strike of Jammu Bar can never succeed. He said even the Jammu Bar Association president had, at the time of launching of the scheme by the Chief Justice, appreciated the scheme but now the Bar led by him has resorted to strike. Mr Singh said it was none of the business of the Jammu lawyers to scrutinize the technicalities in the establishment of fast track courts, the prime and foremost purpose of which is to dispense cheap, speedy and at the door step justice to common people of rural areas.

The speakers from different walks of the life were of the view that Jammu lawyers were confined to Mubarik Mandi and not aware of difficulties of rural litigants in getting justice. Public representatives declared that people were ready to make all sacrifices to safeguard their interests and appealed the Jammu city lawyers to withdraw their strike failing which rural masses will come on roads to get justice.

The representatives hailed the decision of Kashmir Bar appreciating the inauguration of Fast Track Courts, which would go a long way in restoring the confidence of the people in judicial system., which was fast eroding.

Prior to demonstration the Bar Association Samba met the Chief Justice Dr B P Saraf and urged him to provide District and Sessions Court at Samba at an earliest and to totally delink the Muffasil area from Jammu city. The Bar members offered to provide free legal service for the cases of rural area during the jammu Bar strike and the intervening period of compilation of cases for transfer to the concerned area. The Chief Justice gave patient hearing to the Bar members and assured to make the new courts functional at an earliest.

Similar demonstrations were held at other Muffasil Tehsil headquarters of Bishnah, R S Pura, Akhnoor, Hiranagar, Billawar, Basohli and Bani and the speakers endorsed the view point of Samba Bar. The Muffasil Bars have decided to hold meeting at Samba on May 5 to decide further course of action.

Those who spoke on the occasion included Messrs Major Dalip Singh (Sarpanch), Hoshiar Singh (IDP), Chander Singh (NC), Manjit Singh Advocate (BSP), Subash Singh Advocate, Tilak Raj Gupta (Beopar Mandal), Brahm Dev Sharma (Citizens Council), Capt Parsidh Singh (Ex-Serviceman), Krishan Dev Sethi(Congress), Susheel Singh and Jitender Dogra.

Tata Infotech’s Jammu centre inaugurated
Shafi for introduction of IT upto school level

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 3: Education Minister Mohd Shafi has said that State Education department is contemplating to introduce Information Technology up to school level.

Inaugurating Krish.Com computer Centre affiliated with Tata Infotech in Gandhinagar area here today the minister said that Government plans to introduce this technology in Government schools but first emphasis would be given to have it for Higher Secondary students. There is great demand of the Information Technology and India has proved its worth in the world today in this field.

Appreciated the initiative of the Ritu Gupta (MD of the Institute) and her husband Sunil Gupta, Mr Shafi said that there are a large number of computer institutions coming up today but the urgent need is to give more attention towards a need based quality education with updated information. Especially in this field, there is much need to update the knowledge. He assured his full cooperation to the management of the Institution and stressed the need to have good teachers and better courses as compared to other institutions.

Referring to the credibility of the famous Computer Institutions, the minister said that today students of the good and reputed institutions find better job and easy entry in especially private sector. The credibility and name really matters as evident from the consumption of good product in the market.

Earlier, Ms Ritu Gupta Managing Director of the Jammu Centre, welcomed the guests and gave brief account about the aims and objectives of the institution. She disclosed that renowned Tata Infotech has authorised Krish.Com to impart training to the students of this Centre.

A representative of the company disclosed that Infotech was started in 1979 with a person name Mr Borrugh & then had a collaboration with the Borrugh in 1982 there was tie up with firm call Uniysis. In 1991, Tata Infotech started education division and being 9 year old company in the education division we are the first one to get ISO-2001 Certification in course -ware, development & course conduct. Tata Infotech has 400 centres all over India. It’s planning to open new centres in 32 countries." To become most respectful IT Company in IT World, we never want to become richest or No. 1 in IT Industry, we in Tata believe in quality and in ethics," he maintained.

Former Vice-Chancellor Jammu University Mr Y R Malhotra (MLC) also spoke on the occasion, besides NC activist—G S Sasan. Prominent among others present on the occasion included leading businessman and senior NC leader -Mr Jugal Mahajan, NC MLA Mohd Sayed Akhoon, Goverdan Singh Jamwal and Zubeda Slaria—all MLCs.

13 link roads being constructed in Ramban

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 3: Mr Bali Bhagat, MLA today said that 12 rural roads will be taken up for construction in Ramban constituency during the current financial under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna.

In a statement issued here today, he said that detailed project report for these schemes have been finalised to provide road connectivity for speeding up socio-economic development of ruralites.

Addressing a meeting of newly elected Sarpanches and Panches of Assar block, Mr Bhagat stressed that a heavy responsibility has cast on their shoulders and they must strive hard to come-upto the expectations of the people.

He said that the State and Central Government have launched several development and welfare schemes for rural areas and the Panchayat members have to play a vital role in creating awareness among people about these schemes and also monitor their execution. Development funds have to be spent judiously for maximising results to benefit people.

The MLA asked the Panchs and Sarpanchs to draw up development plans for the block forthwith keeping in view people’s requirement so that these are projected at an appropriate level for follow-up action. He stressed upon the State Government to release funds for rural works for their early completion.

Mr Bhagat pleaded that formal notification for constitution of Panchayats be issued immediately so that Panchayati Raj institutions are made functional in the State after 23 years. He said that process for setting-up of Block Development Council and District Planning and Development Boards should also be completed at an earliest through democratic way without resorting to nominations.

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