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JKFM for tripartite Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 13: The recently constituted Jammu and Kashmir Freedom Movement (JKFM) has called for tripartite......more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 13: To co-ordinate services of the intelligentsia in support of the movement for statehood to....more Panchayats to be empowered after election process: Sadhotra Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, May 13: Notification for empowering Panchayats will be issued soon after the completion of election process.......more Brig Ghansara School holds function Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 13: In connection with distribution of scholarships among the students a function was held .....more Sarv Shakti Sewak Sanstha reconstituted Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 13: Mr P K Kaushik has been elected as zonal president of Sarv Shakti Sewak Sanstha,.....more |
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day long NSS Camp underway at Khalsa Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 13: N S S Wing of M C Khalsa College of Education, Jammu organised a 10 day long camp here for the child welfare from today.....more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 13: A meeting of New Indian Youth Front (NIYF) Jammu Province was held here today in which the problems created due to environmental pollution were discussed..........more Two day AIDS/HIV awareness Camp held at Women College Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 13: Two day AIDS and HIV awareness camp and educators workshop was conducted by NSS units of Government Women Degree College Udhampur on May 11 and 12..........more Action Please! The people of village Saaj and Hasyote (Thanna Mandi) want to draw the kind attention of General Manager Telecom (BSNL) that we applied for telephone connections in 1995 and onwards. Inspite of such a long time.....more |
JKFM for tripartite talks on Kashmir Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 13: The recently constituted Jammu and Kashmir Freedom Movement (JKFM) has called for tripartite talks among India, Pakistan and representatives of people from state for peaceful settlement of Kashmir issue. Talking to media persons here today, the Movement chairman, Mr Saifullah Tantry said his organisation extends full support to All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) which he claimed is the sole representative of the people of the State. He demanded that the representatives of APHC be included in the tripartite talks to find an everlasting and amicable solution of the issue. He said any agreement reached in the tripartite talks will be acceptable to the people of the State. He however warned that his organisation will oppose the division of the J&K on the basis of communal and regional lines. He while claiming that the Kashmir issue is at the verge of solution now said tremendous international pressure was increasing on India in this regard. The JKFM chief however, said that the main hurdle in this way that has caused a hurdle is that all the parties are Headquartered at Srinagar and the claims are being made that there was no support from Jammu region to the ongoing struggle. He said though Jammu region has fully supported the 12 year long struggle, but to make the people of the region more associated with present movement and oppose the division of the state this Forum has been constituted. He said besides peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue, his organisation also stands for maintenance of unity and integrity of the state, return and rehabilitation of migrants from both the regions of J&K with honour and dignity to their homes and hearths , release of all detenues lying in jails and providing of financial assistance to the affected people. Rejecting that the Kashmir is the internal problems of India, he said no solution to this issue can be found within the parametres of Indian Constitution. Mr Sultan further maintained that his organisation will work shoulder to shoulder with APHC for the resolution of Kashmir problem while demanding implementation of all the UNO resolutions on the issue. He said New Delhi is considering Kashmir a law and order problem only while the facts are contrary to it as Kashmir is a political issue. Mr Sultan also maintained that his organisation will meet Mr K C Pant the emissary of Central Government to hold negotiations with different groups in J&K provided the Centre accepts holding of tripartite talks on Kashmir. |
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‘Movement
for separate Jammu state in not communal’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 13: To co-ordinate services of the intelligentsia in support of the movement for statehood to Jammu, the Jammu Mukti Morcha (JMM) today organised one day conference of the writers, media persons, and artists. A resolution was passed in the conference in which intelligentsia urged upon the Central Government to take early effective steps for reorganisation of J&K State with creating of separate states of Jammu and Kashmir and Union territory for Ladakh. Speakers were of the view that re-organisation was the alone solution to the present impasse in J&K and will go a long way to contain militancy in the state and remove alienation of all sections of the people in the State. Conference refuted what it called canard spread and mis-information campaign launched by certain elements that movement for separate state of Jammu is communal in any way. "We demand Jammu state including Poonch, Rajouri and Doda and any mischief by the Kashmiri ruling class to dismember Jammu and divide it on communal lines will be resisted with all force at our command. It is unfortunate that some vested interests have been spreading the canard and defaming the movement for Jammu statehood as communal and misrepresenting it as division of the state on Hindu-Muslim basis between India and Pakistan, where as we or striving for all the proposed three new states to be parts of India and to be governed under Indian constitution", the resolution reads as. Shifting all blames on Kashmiri rulers for the miseries of the Jammuites, conference observed that Hindu, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians of Jammu have been striving to get rid of the hegemony of Kashmiri leadership. "Jammu itself has a compact culture comprising Dogras, Gujjars, Pathwaris, Mirpuries, Punjabis and others. It is a multi socil religion community". Earlier in his key note address, Mr Yash Bhasin convenor of the Conference said that Kashmiri ruling elites have been treating Jammu as their colony and they want their hegemony on Jammu and Ladakh regions to be perpetuated . "As far as Muslims of Doda, Rajouri and Poonch districts are concerned we should set at rest their fears of being dominated by Hindu majority in the event of a separate state of Jammu being carved", he said and assured that distinct entity of every ethnic group including Gujjars will be preserved and they will get the safeguards and protection in preserving their distinct culture heritage and entity. Stressing on the need of involving people of Jammu and Ladakh in the on-going peace process, Mr Bhasin said that no lasting solution of the problem can be found without accommodating the view point and aspirations and urges of the people of Jammu including those living in Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur, Doda, Poonch, Rajouri. Prominent Jammu University leader and writer, Mr Gopal P Sharma while speaking in the conference stressed on the need of involving youth in the movement for Jammu statehood. He, however, asked the leadership to set a time frame for the separate state for Jammu. Highlighting step-motherly treatment meted out to the people of Jammu region by the Kashmiri leadership, Mr Sharma said that reorganisation of the State was the only solution to get rid from the yoke of Kashmiri rulers. Prof Varinder Gupta, president of the Jammu Mukti Morcha in his presidential address exhorted the people to boycott all functioning of the Kashmiri leaders in the State. He asked the Jammuites to shun sycophancy culture of Kashmiri leaders and joined hands with JMM to get rid from the yoke of Kashmiri rulers. Highlighting discrimination with Jammu and Ladakh regions, Prof Gupta said that people of Jammu and Ladakh have realised that there was no scope for an honourable place for them within the frame work of the State as one State nor there was any room for their growth and prosperity in the existing setup. He was of the view that trifurcation will allow Jammu and Ladakh regions to be free from the political supremacy of Kashmiri region and the secessionist tendencies which have started surfacing in Jammu region with the patronage of Kashmiri masters can also be curbed. Large number writers, media men and artists have attended the conference. |
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Panchayats to be empowered after election process: Sadhotra Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, May 13: Notification for empowering Panchayats will be issued soon after the completion of election process in remaining parts of the State. This was disclosed by the Minister of State for Rural Development, Mr. Ajay Sadhotra while addressing a public meeting at Puro Bhana of Panchayat Agrachak in RS Pura tehsil today. He said that Government headed by the Dr. Farooq Abdullah has fulfilled promise by holding Panchayat elections. Congratulating the newly elected Surpanchs and Panches, the Minister asked them to come forward and help the people in solving their problems. He also asked them to extend their cooperation to the administration so that the development process in their areas would be speeded up. Mr Sadhotra called upon the Sarpanches and panches to come to the expectations of the people and announced that the panchayat which have good results in their work would be provided Chief Minister’s Award. He appealed the people to help the Government in bringing peace in the State and asked them to be vigilant from the agents of the Pak so that they could not succeed in their nefarious designs. In reference to the demand for construction of pond in Puro Bhan village, the Minister instructed the concerned authorities for its construction on priority basis. The Minister was informed that Rs.60,000 have been spent so far in the Panchayat on construction of lanes and drains under EAS while Rs.25,000 incurred under Jawahar Gram Samridhi Yojna. Besides two persons ere benefitted under Indra Awas yojna in the Agra Chak panchauyat. The Minister was apprised that drought plan is under execution. The Minister was accompanied by Assistant Commissioner, Development, BDO, RS Pura and other officers. |
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Brig Ghansara School holds function Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 13: In connection with distribution of scholarships among the students a function was held in the premises of Brig Ghansara Singh Public School Barnai today. As per a release, the function was presided over by by Thakur Surinder Singh the patron of the School. A colorful cultural programme was presented by the students of the Institute on the occasion. The students who were presented the scholarships include Namirita Warikoo, Rockey Koul, Vinny Raina, Rahul Koul, Suchitra, Sheetal, Rahul, Meghna and Vishal Handoo. Besides the first prize in fency dress competition was presented to Urika Raina and Tarun Sayal bagged the first prize for best acting. |
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Sarv Shakti Sewak Sanstha reconstituted Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 13: Mr P K Kaushik has been elected as zonal president of Sarv Shakti Sewak Sanstha, Jammu Zone in a meeting today. As per a release, the meeting was chaired by Mr P K Koushak at Maha Laxmi Mandir Pacca Danga here. It elected Dr M B Wadhwa, R K Kohli, Mangat Ram Gupta and Th. Suraj Singh Jamwal as advisors. Later the president nominated Messrs Shamboo Nath Khanna , Sian Dass, Behari Lal Sharma, D S Jamwal, R K Dubey, Jugal Kishore, Swami Raj, Jia Lal Sharma, Kamal Sharma, Hari Singh, Jagdish Chander, Om Parkash Salotra, Ashwani Singh, Pawan Sharma, J K Sharma, Devinder Singh, Jai Onkar Singh, Rajinder Singh Nariana, Gopal Dass, Kundal and K K Sharma as vice presidents. |
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10 day long NSS Camp underway at Khalsa College Jammu Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 13: N S S Wing of M C Khalsa College of Education, Jammu organised a 10 day long camp here for the child welfare from today. As per a release, the camp was inaugurated by Mr Harbans Singh, Minister for Labour Employment and Youth Services and Sports and the function was presided over by Dr V K Kapoor, NSS programme Coordinator, Jammu University. The inaugural function started with NSS prayer sung by NSS volunteers. Highlighting the aims of the camp Dr Madhu Singh , Principal M C Khalsa College said the activities in the camp will be taken up in phased manner under three phases. She said in first phase children welfare will be taken up which will be followed by women welfare and the welfare of old aged people. She said the children welfare is taken up by NSS Programme Officer, Miss Alka Sharma and she will conduct different exercises with the help of volunteers. The activities will include educating the child, teaching of grammar both english and Hindi, utilisation of leisure time by preparing invitation cards, candle making artificial flower making, preparing charts, models and making decorative items out of waste material. She said an exhibition on pollution hazards and maintaining hygienic conditions will also be organised. Besides, special lectures on anti Tobacco campaign, awareness about AIDS, child entertainment sources, polio drops and their importance for children and importance of CCA will also be delivered. Mr Harbans Singh appreciated the project taken up by the NSS Wing of the College. He said the dignity of the labour among children is to be emphasised and they must learn those things in the camp which can be of some utilisation to them in their later life. He also stressed on vocationalisation of education. Prof V K Kapoor stressed on the formation of children clubs so that their energy can be utilised in NSS activities and they can become the useful citizens of the country. The welcome address was read by Miss Alka Sharma. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 13: A meeting of New Indian Youth Front (NIYF) Jammu Province was held here today in which the problems created due to environmental pollution were discussed. As per a release, the meeting was held under the supervision of Mr Rohit Badyal, president of New Indian Youth Club (NIYC) and New Indian Youth Front (NIYF). Speaking on the occasion, Mr Rohit Badyal emphasised upon the need of finding concrete solution to control the increasing pollution especially the air pollution. |
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Two day AIDS/HIV awareness Camp held at Women College Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 13: Two day AIDS and HIV awareness camp and educators workshop was conducted by NSS units of Government Women Degree College Udhampur on May 11 and 12. As per a release, the valedictory function on May 12 was presided over by Prof Vijay Lakshmi, Principal of the College while Prof. V K Kapoor N S S Coordinator Jammu University was the chief guest . In his lecture he highlighted socio-physico-legal effects of AIDS and HIV by demonstration various mysterious factors connected with this deadly disease. He considered this disease as an outcome of Risky behaviour and said the control can only be attained by adopting positive and preventive behaviour. He said that sex is some thing pious which is directly associated with the personality of a human being. The efficiency of HIV and AIDS due to sex is only one percent . However, the percentage of HIV/ AIDS due to sex is part and parcel of human behaviour but deviation or unnatural and unethical exhibition of sexual behaviour becomes main factor of HIV/AIDS. Hence it is not sex but its misuse by adopting heterosexual behaviour that one becomes vulnerable to this deadly disease. He laid stress on the revival of cultural value and self control in life. Dr S C Gupta, CMO District Hospital Udhampur also delivered lecture. Dr Bharat Bhushan N S S Programme Officer of the College and Dr Anand Lecturer Political Science also interacted with participants. |
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Action Please! The people of village Saaj and Hasyote (Thanna Mandi) want to draw the kind attention of General Manager Telecom (BSNL) that we applied for telephone connections in 1995 and onwards. Inspite of such a long time we are still deprived of this facility. Cable has not been laid down from Saaj Exchange to Leeraw Wali Bawli which is main Junction for both the villages. Poles have not been installed in the village Saaj. However, in some places people installed the poles and laid the cable at their own expenditure because the Telecom Official (BSNL) refused to bear the expenditure. But it is worthy of consideration that these people are also deprived of this facility till now. Anyhow, some back door connections have been given to some influential people who applied recently. So, seniority is completely ignored by the Telecom Deptt. Repeated requests have been made to TDE and SDO Rajouri. They either paid no heed or procrastinated by making irrelevant pretexts. The General Manager Telecom (BSNL) is requested to direct Telecom Distt. Engineer (TDE) Rajouri to look in the grievances of people and provide Telephone connections without any further delay so that the problems of the people are mitigated. Mohd
Aslam Bhatti Widening at Gole Puli The Roads & Building Department has undertaken the widening of road from Jewel Chowk to Bohri (falling under Marh Sub Division) for smoothening the to and fro traffic movement which otherwise had become very congesting one. The above referred road widening from Jewel Chowk to Borhi has almost been completed except place opposite Gole Puli where traffic blockade always remains as the road at this place is very narrow and the movement of traffic is from four sides forming a small chowk. Accidents do occur at this place and also create a lot of inconvenience to the public caused by frequent blockade of traffic at Gole Puli on Talab Tillo Bohri Road. We have heard high of PWD and Minister Incharge Mr Ali Mohd Sagar who believes in deeds and not in words. We the residents of the area look for completing the incomplete task left over on that small portion at Gole Puli at Talab Tillo on Jewel Bohri Road on which the Government may not be incurring much expenditure in widening this portion of road as the buildings raised over the land are actually on Government land. Resident of Talab Tillo. Provide Water Please It may be recalled that National Highway at Kunjwani Bye-Pass was blocked by the residents of Sainik Colony on March 18 in protest against acute short supply of drinking water in Sainik Colony. The dharna was lifted on the assurance given by the Deputy Commissioner Jammu Mr R K Goel that adequate potable water will be provide to the residents of Sainik Colony on regular basis. But inspite of assurance given by the DC Jammu, the water problem still persists. No drinking water has been provided to the residents of this colony for last one week. Even the much promised water tankers have not been seen anywhere in the colony so far. Instead of five promised water tankers, only one tanker is being used by the PHE Department and that too on extreme compassionate cases after prolonged requests to the PHE staff. When contacted on telephone, the PHE staff working at Narwal water point always make lame excuses and do not respond positively. In view of the above Deputy Commissioner Jammu and the Chief Engineer PHE are once again reminded to get regular water suply restored as promised at the earliest to avoid law and order problem as a very serious resentment is brewing up in the minds of neglected residents of Sainik Colony. Kindly treat the matter as most urgent and handle the situation taking pro-active measures at the earliest. Secretary Transfer of Teachers Govt is well aware that majority of teachers of District Kathua have read Hindi only. It is not possible for Hindi teacher to teach Urdu in Schools, even then the Teachers (Hindi) of this area are being transferred to district Doda where children are reading Urdu. This is wrong policy adopted by the department. The school going children are badly suffering due to this policy. In view of this I suggest the concerned deptt that the teachers who can read, write or teach Urdu may please be transferred to Distt Doda to save the future of the children. Capt N R
Katru Vivek Vihar woes We the residents of Lane No. one connected with Lane No. 3, Mohalla Vivek Vihar, Opposite Soap Factory, Paloura, Jammu want to highlight the pathetic State of affairs regarding our by-lanes. The Colony has been established since 1985 but not much care has been shown with regards its development. After a lot of efforts and coersion we got our lanes and by-lanes made. Still a few were left as such our lanes were constructed in the year 1989-99 but to our great dismay these were again dismantled and there is no early sign of repairing them. This makes it very difficult to move about not to speak of keeping our vehicles at proper places. We appeal to the Municipal authorities to look into the matter and got our grievance resolved. All
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Communal harmony meet held Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, May 13: Brig K S Kotwal, Deputy GoC, Romeo Force today stressed on imbibing the spirit of brotherhood, fellow feeling, patriotism and secularism among the children. Addressing the concluding function of a five day long communal harmony meet of national integration camp organised by Modern Cultural Club Rajouri in collaboration with Ministry of Youth Affairs, he said the children should be guided from schooling days to differentiate between right and wrong. He assured the people that their demand regarding creation of a local battalion for the recruitment of the people from this border district in army will be put before the higher authorities. He said there is a better coordination between army and civilians and to promote it further the meetings are held from time to time at different places. He said number of such meetings have been held in the villages of Darhal and Thanamandi and assured in future such meeting will be organised with the people of Rajouri town. In his address DIG Rajouri and Poonch Range, Mr S S Bijral said the camp has high purpose. He said in the given situations we need to organise such camps to educate the children and imbibe in them the spirits of nationality and brotherhood. He said the children are the future pillars of the nation hence they should be made fully aware of their culture. He said this way we can frustrate the designs of our enemy and promote the unity. Mr Bijral hailed the Modern Cultural Club and stressed on holding of such camps in other places also. He also laid emphasis on Police , people cooperation. About 75 students participated in the camp. In his address Dr Handoo CMO, Rajouri delivered lectures on first aid, while Lt Ravat gave speech on how to join army. Prof Sahkeel Raina, Prof Shabir Shah and Shakur Malik delivered speech on morality. The function was presided by Brig K K Kotwal while DIG Bijral was the chief guest on the occasion. ADC Rajouri S P Bharadwaj was the guest of honour. Among the other political leaders and senior citizens who addressed the gathering include Ch. Talib Hussain, former Minister, Kuldeep Raj Gupta, BJP vice president,Ashok Sharma Sanatan Dahram Sabha chief, Abdul Rashid Bhat, president Muslim Welfare Federation and Koshal Kumar. In their address they stressed on army-civilians liaison and demanded creation of peoples battalion for combating militancy in the State. A community dinner was also hosted yesterday evening. Besides it the camp fire was also organised in which DIG, Commander I R Battalion, Additional DC, Army officers participated. The function started with Sarav Dharam Prarthana and was followed by a cultural programme. Mrs Brijal was the chief guest on the occasion. The vote of thanks was presented by Mr Rajiv Khajuria, general secretary, Modern Cultural Club. Among other participants include S P Rajouri, Mr Rajesh Gupta and Col Romeo Force, Mr H R Manjit Singh. |
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Army inaugurates new poly clinic Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 13: Brig R S Sidhu, Commander of a Brigade, dedicated a newly constructed building, to house poly clinic, for the welfare of the jawans and their families, as well as ex-servicemen and civilians at Bari Brahamana, near here today. The jawans and their families and ex-servicemen had to go to different Army Medical Aid Posts, will now be obtaining all medical facilities at this centrally located poly clinic. Large number of people and jawans were present on the inaugural occasion. Speaking on the occasion , Brig Sidhu said that the poly clinic will be equipped with latest medical equipment. He appreciated the efforts of the MES authorities and other allied agencies in completing the task in the shortest possible time. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 13: Educational Environmental Social Sports and Cultural Society has collected a sum of rupees 3000 from the public of the Gandoh Bhallesa tehsil of district Doda for Gujarat earth quake victims. According to a press release, the amount was collected by Mr Mohammed Ayub Zargar chairman of the Society. Mr Zargar handed over the same amount to Sheikh Abdul Rehman, MLA. |
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Balbir Singh tours Billawar areas Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 13: Mr Balbir Singh, MLA Billawar constituency conducted a five days extensive tour of tehsil Billawar and tehsil Hiranagar to assess the ground situation of drought prone area in the district. According to a press release, during the course of his tour different public meetings were held at Aglidar, Slair, Siyalan, Bajwal, Barnota, Thanthu, Dramani, Ludera, Kishanpur, Gura Kalyal, Ramkot and Challan in tehsil Billawar and Kouli, Dayala Chak in tehsil Hiranagar. In the meetings people highlighted their problems regarding failure of the present Government to release any relief to the poor people of this remote and Kandi area of the Billawar constituency. In kandi area, people informed that residents of Dhamal, Amala Dhaloti Salan have been facing acute shortage of drinking water. Mr Balbir Singh while addressing the meetings strongly criticised the Government for not releasing any relief package for the poor farmers of this remote and backward constituency. He urged the administration to immediately come to the rescue of the people. Mr Drub Dutt, Sudesh Sapolia, Kartar Singh, Dharam Chand, Prem Kumar, Budhi Singh, Punjab Singh, Om Parkash, Uttam Chand, Jagdev Singh, Shiv Ram and all Sarpanches of the constituency spoke in the meetings. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 13: About a dozen pro-Indian groups of surrendered militants have decided to organise peace march and rallies in every nook and corner of the Valley to inculcate confidence among Kashmiri masses. Pro-Indian militants groups will also mobilise the masses to take on foreign militants active in the State. This was disclosed by National Security Organisation (NSO) chief, Mr Javed Shah in an interview with EXCELSIOR. " Anti-national forces are hell bent to disrupt the on going peace process and we have decided to frustrate their nefarious designs", Mr Shah said and disclosed that not only Pakistan but some internal forces were also active to derail peace initiatives. Militant turned politician further made a startling disclosure that some politicians, bureaucrats and police officers were hand-in-glove with some militants groups. "Militants have been executing selective killings with the help of these elements at the helm of affairs", Mr Shah said while narrating some incidents. He, however, asserted that MQM-joint front of various pro-India groups, will expose this brazen nexus. "Beside exposing militants, politicians and policemen nexus we will inculcate confidence among common masses to stand up against terrorists", he listed reasons for organising rallies in different part of the Valley. Mr Shah further said that it was high time to mobilise masses against militancy. "MQM will organise rallies at every nook and corner of the Valley to motivate common masses to take on militants", he said. "People are fed up with blood-shed and they have been eagerly waiting for the out-coming of the peace process initiated by the Union Government", he said and hailed decision of the Central Government’s negotiator Mr K C Pant to visit Kashmir Valley. "It is very positive development that Mr Pant is himself visiting the State", Mr Shah remarked but cautioned the Union Government against nefarious design of Hurriyat Conference. "They (Union Government) should not fell prey of Hurriyat’s design", he said and dubbed the Hurriyat leadership as ‘spent force’. Mr Shah further said that Hurriyat leadership has lost faith of the common Kashmiris. "Neither they are the representatives of the Kashmir nor they have any following. Hurriyat leaders are rather putty clay in the hands of Pakistan", he stated and warned that they would not hesitate to pick up guns again if any decision was made against national unity and integrity. NSO chief who is also member of the Upper House was of the view that instead of holding dialogue with Hurriyat leaders Central Government should have to hold talks with elected representatives of all the three regions of the State. "Hurriyat leaders have yet to prove their representative character and it is wrong to give much weight to them", he said. He was of the view that instead of holding talks with Hurriyat leaders Centre should have to hold Government level direct discussion with Pakistan. Mr Shah smelt a foul play in the decision of the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party chief Mr Shabbir Shah’s to hold dialogue with Mr K C Pant. "Shabbir Shah’s decision is a deep rooted conspiracy hatched by a biggest militant group", he said and termed attack on Hurriyat Conference and Shabbir Shah’s office as ‘drama’ to befool the Union Government. Airing apprehension that militant activities will increasing in the coming days, former militant disclosed that large number of foreigners have infiltrated into India side during the last four months. "Taking benefit of the on-going one-sided cease fire Pakistani agencies have been infiltrating maximum number of foreigners", he said and disclosed that militants’ strengthen in the State has increased upto 10,000 during the last four months. "Most dangerous dimensions of the on-going militancy is that majority of the militants active in the State are more committed and dedicated", he said and added that Pakistani agencies have been infiltrating criminals involved in grue-some killings to intensify militant activities. Mr Javed Shah was of the view that extension of cease-fire was wrong as it has given an opportunity to the militants to make hide-out in different parts of the State. "Cease-fire in the holy month of Ramzan was a good step but its extension was absolutely wrong", he said and aired apprehension that extension of cease-fire would prove counter productive. |
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Scores of cattle die Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 13: A large number of families have started migrating from drought hit Rajouri district and scores of cattle died as maximum water resources, including rivers and springs have dried up in the area. This was stated by Congress MLA from Kalakote Mr Ashok Sharma, while talking to mediapersons, here today. "The severe drought in the area has forced more than 150 families to migrate from Dali Bargala in Kalakote, Gulabgarh, Chringal and Batera and claimed 109 cattle for the past few days," he claimed and feared that if no emergency steps were taken by the State Government, the human population will also start dying. "The food crop has been completely damaged and poor farmers in the area are at verge of starvation while the State Government has not yet announced any relief to the drought hit people," Mr Sharma alleged and demanded immediate drought relief package for the Kandi areas. The MLA, who is also chairman of All Jammu and Kashmir Kissan Union, a social voluntary organisation, further said that natural resources of water, including Khandli and Jhamola rivers, have dried up and people are forced to cover miles of distance to get the potable water. Mr Sharma added that ground water level in the area has further decreased from seven to ten feet while about 95 per cent water supply schemes have failed as a result the people are forced to use contaminated water which causes water born diseases among the users. The Congress leader lashed heavily on the State Government for not coming to the rescue of drought hit people who are virtually at the verge of starvation and alleged that despite the fact that even Chief Minister was well aware about the prevailing situation in Kandi areas, no relief measures have been announced. Demanding the formation of a State Drought Management Plan to tackle the situation, Mr Sharma called upon affected people to take to roads against the State Government’s attitude towards them and announced that his All J&K Kissan Union is going to organise continuous protests from May 16, in this connection. Demonstrations would be held at tehsil headquarters from May 16 to May 25 while massive dharnas would be staged at different towns from May 28, Mr Sharma said and added that on June 5 which coincides with the World Environment Day, 500 people would sit on fast for twenty four hours at the district headquarters. Vice-chairman of the Kissan Union Mr Moti Lal Koul, general secretary Mr Kuldeep Kumar and spokesman Mr Rajinder Singh were also present in the press conference. |
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Rs. 30 crore being spent
on development of Excelsior Correspondent Kathua, May 13: Under different State and Central development projects over Rs.30 crores are in the pipe line for multi-dimentional development of far-flung and inaccessible block of Kathua district during the current financial year. It was revealed by the District Development Commissioner, Kathua, Mr. Mehboob Iqbal during his 3-day extensive tour of a number of mountanious villages of Billawar and Lohi-Malhar block concluded yesterday. Mr. Iqbal with a team of district officers travelled hilly tracks covering about 50 kms in order to reach some of the remotest hamlets like Kahsheed, Snail in Billawer block Loha, Lathi, Kendli, Magani, Chamari Basti, Badnota, Kaloral and Katli in Malhar block. uring his visit the District Development Commissioner also inspected the works on 20 kms Machhedi-Badnoti link road which is being constructed with an estimated cost of Rs.17 crores. When completed this road will benefit a scattered population of about 20,000 residing in 20 villages of the mountainous unapproachable area. Under water-shed programme, a mini lake is also fastly coming up at Dal-Bajob, about 10,000 feet from sea level with an estimated cost of Rs.20 lakhs. The lake will be surrounded by Grooves of walnut trees. Almonds, apples and medicinal plants like menthol, Clovevera, Lamongrass and salvia, Tulsi etc. The inaugural work of the lake was started by Mr. Iqbal by spading out earth from the lake. Prominent scientists of RRL, Jammu including DR. S.Paul, DR. A.K.Shah and Dr. M.K.Bhan were present. It was day of festivity for the people of hitherto un-electrified villages of Lohi Malhar block when Rs.5 crore electrification project was commissioned by the DDC as the project stood approved by the Government. Mr. Iqbal disclosed that funds for the purpose have been provided to concerned department for taking up immediate electric supply work to these villages. It was also disclosed that 5-km Katli-Kloral link road project has been formulated and work will be taken up very soon after having detailed discussions with the forest department as some land falls under the road. He also assured the people that he will also take up the matter with the Chief Secretary to clear the project so that a distance of 25 kms from Machhedi to Badnoti could be shortened by 15 kms. With a view to provide safe drinking water facility to the people of Snail village and its surrounding areas of Billawar block a 200 feet deep dug well is being constructed by PHE department at an estimated cost of Rs.16 lakh. On its completion nearly 4700 souls of these villages would be benefitted. In block Billawar an additional gravity water supply scheme is under execution with an estimated cost of Rs.22 lakhs which on completion will provide drinking water facilities to a scattered population of 4000 residing in about one dozen surrounding villages in the block. The DDC also inspected Middle school building and ordered for the construction of two additional class rooms and also renovation of equal number of class rooms of the school. The people also demanded for upgradation of Ramkot-Mudail link road and construction of 20 feet span bridge over Pray Nallah. The people also demanded additional teaching staff in different primary and middle schools of the locality. During the tour the DDC also inspected a number of rural development works undertaken by the rural development agency Lohi-Malhar and also took stock of the other works going apace in these areas. The DDC was apprised that under JGSAWY, 51 works have been completed at a cost of Rs.6.046 lakhs which includes bridal paths, lane and drain, soil conservation, water tanks and Boulies and generated 26,000 mandays. Under EAS Rs.13.51 lakh have been expended on the earth work of three different link roads of about 3 kms length besides on the construction of seven primary and middle school buildings. Rs.4.25 lakh have also been spent on the completion of other development works thus generating 35,000 mandays on the completion of these schemes. In additional a number of rural development works have been taken under MLA, MLC, MP lad scheme and Indian Population Project. At Magani, which has a population of 600 is facing acute shortage of drinking water due to drought and asked the DDC to take effective measures for providing drinking water to the inhabitants. The DDC sanctioned Rs.50,000 for providing drinking water facilities to 17 scheduled caste families of the village. He also directed the concerned department for construction of a water tanker to meet the drinking water requirement of the people. The DDC also visited the house of Farjand Ali who was gunned down by militants on April 23 last who left behind his widow and 5 children. The DDC sanctioned ex-gratia of Rs. One lakh in favour of the widow of the deceased and also penstion of Rs.500 p.m. besides scholarship of Rs.200 p.m. each in favour of her three school going children which will be managed by the Social Welfare Department. At Badnota the DDC directed the concerned department for the reconstruction of buildings belonging to Horticulture, Agriculture, Panchayat, Health and Veterinary Centre. A number of deputations and indiduals called on the DDC and apprised him about their day to day problmes. He gave a patient hearing and assured them that their demands would be mitigated on priority basis. During the tour Mr. Iqbal was accompanied by SE, Hydrolic, Exn. PHE, CMO, Enx. R&B, District Social Welfare Officer, ACD and SDM Bani and Lohi-Malhar blocks. |
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Harbans distributes relief to migrants Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, May 13: The Minister for Labour and Employment, S. Harbans Singh distributed relief to the migrants of Rajouri and Poonch at Belicharana today. The relief comprising of clothes and ration donated and managed by Jan Seva Trust, Garah Road, Jallandhar, Baba Kashmira Singh through Mr. Vijay Kumar Chopra, Hind Samachar, Jallandhar was sent for the distribution to the migrants. Addressing the gathering, the Minister appreciated the role of Jan Seva Trust, Jalandhar for this nobel cause. While expressing sympathies with the migrants he appealed that migrants should return to their homes and assured that the Government will make arrangement for their security. He said that the anti-social elements are trying to disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the State but they will never succeed in their nefarious designs, he added. He stressed the need of remaining united and maintain the bonds of communal harmony and brotherhood. Mr. Surinder Kumar Billa, a social worker in his address strongly condemned the killings by the militnats of minority communities at Doda, Kishtwar and Chittisingh Pura. He said that Village Defence Committee members should be felicitated and encouraged adding that the Central Government should rehabilitate the migrants by providing financial assistance. Among others the function was attended by Mr. J.B.Choudhery, Mr. Suresh Bharti, S.Baldev Singh, representative of Baba Kashmira Singh, Mr. Surinder jeet Singh and Mr. Pathak. |
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