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Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Nov 18: The Corps of Engineers celebrated its 221st Corps day today. The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lt Gen R K Nanavatty has complimented all ranks...more New medical aid centre constructed at Siachen Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Nov 18: A new medical aid centre has been constructed for the troops at Siachen and.....more NC’s
autonomy will Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: Former Member Parliament and senior Congress leader Pt. Mangat Ram Sharma has said that autonomy propagated by.....more Seasonal
politicians Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: Youth are future of the nation and they have to play a pivotal role in building a strong, prospers nation and to shoulder future challenges facing the country.....more BJP flays GREF for poor work on Poonch road Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, Nov 18: Senior BJP leaders from border districts of Rajouri and Poonch have strongly criticised the GREF authorities for its very poor performance on widening of this border/ defence road from Jammu to Poonch.......more |
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Vir
Chand visits Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: Vir Chand Mahasha, MLC visited several areas of Purmandal block and took stock of certain development works. As per a release, the residents of Karandi, Sangar, Mandal and Lovely villages expressed satisfaction over various works executed in the area. At.....more Uninterrupted
water, Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: Mahatma Gandhi Forum has demanded uninterrupted supply of water and power to the people of far flung Kandi areas. In a statement issued here today, Ch. Ghulam Hussain vice-president of the Forum has alleged that people of this Kand....more Announces
development package AMRITSAR, Nov 18: Virtually kicking off the Akali Dal-BJP poll campaign in Punjab, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today announced a Rs 812 crore development package for the State .......more One
killed, 13 injured Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: One person was killed and 13 others were injured in two separate road accidents on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and Jammu-Poonch road today...........more |
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Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Nov 18: The Corps of Engineers celebrated its 221st Corps day today. The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lt Gen R K Nanavatty has complimented all ranks of the Corps of Engineers for doing excellent work in the Northern Command Theatre. The day signifies the amalgamation of the three Engineer Group—Madras, Bengal and Bombay Sappers into the Corps of Engineers. The linkage of the Engineers dates back to the Ramayan era when the "Mahasetu" was constructed for Lord Rama to reach Lanka. But the form of these technical people kept on changing to meet the changing requirements. Every army had their fairly good representation in one or the other form. Later construction of "Laksh Griha" for the Pandavas in the Mahabharat. Which also had an escape tunnel is yet another example of the innovative high skill performance of Engineers of yesteryears. The year 2000-01 provided the Sappers of Northern Command yet another opportunity to add a glorious chapter to their rich heritage. The Sappers were at the forefront of all activities and have created an indelible impact in the Valley and elsewhere in J&K due to their competence and professional skill. The IED menace is being tackled effectively with a strict vigil over activities of anti-national elements and also by innovative techniques and skills adopted by the Army Engineers with the help of the latest modern gadgetry and technology. The Border Roads Organisation has also had an equally rewarding year professionally. The BRO personnel worked with grit and determination to keep the roads open through snow bound passes and other difficult mountainous terrain in J&K and HP against heavy odds. The BRO has strived hard over the years and has been instrumental in keeping the people of J&K and Leh/Ladakh in touch with rest of the country for longer duration by clearing snow much ahead of schedule. The Military Engineering Service has also kept the Corps Colours flying high and kept the tempo of construction activity. In spite of militancy, adverse security conditions, high altitude areas and restricted working season, MES in Northern Command has continued to function in an effective and efficient manner. MES detachments spread all over the Command theatre along the LoC have been providing engineer support notwithstanding the frequent shelling from across the Line of Control. These 221 years have been unending years of action both during peace and war. The indomitable spirit of the Sappers has given an apt motto of Sarvatra to the Corps implying that the Sapper is available for any task, anywhere, anytime, during peace or war. |
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New medical aid centre constructed at Siachen Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Nov 18: A new medical aid centre has been constructed for the troops at Siachen and also for the civilians in that area. As per a release, the new construction was inaugurated by the Defence Minister George Fernandes. This has been made possible due to the magnanimity and benevolence of the Kolhapur based Pudhari group which donated Rs 2.05 crore for the purpose. In the forefront for raising these funds is the leading Marathi newspaper "Daily Pudhari". Lt General Arjun Ray and Mr Pratapsingh alias Balasahed Jadhav, Chairman Pudhari Group also spoke on the occasion. This new centre will have modern facilities like central heating, a large operation theatre, wards for housing civilians and an advanced medical ward. The construction which was completed in a record timing of four months, will be of immense benefit to the troops and civilians in this area. In addition to the military troops this will benefit 2500 civilians in the immediate vicinity. Located at an altitude of 10000 ft this will be a long awaited addition to the medical facilities in this remote frontier of the country. The Army authorities also expressed their gratitude to the Defence Minister for visionary outlook for creating this infrastructure. |
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NC’s autonomy will never be acceptable: Congress Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: Former Member Parliament and senior Congress leader Pt. Mangat Ram Sharma has said that autonomy propagated by National Conference will never be acceptable to the Congressmen and the Party will oppose it tooth and nail. Addressing a massive public rally at Karan Bagh in Gandhinagar Assembly constituency, the Ex-MP said that autonomy propagated by Dr Farooq Abdullah will not remove the basic problems and it will not improve the living standard of the people here. The National Conference Government has failed on all the fronts and problems of the people have multiplied under its reign. The Congress leader alleged that present ruling government in the state had been installed by illegal means and the elections were manipulated by mass rigging in 1996 with the help of Deve Gowda ministry. He urged upon the people to bring back the Congress Party to power in J&K state through democratic process so that the miseries of the people could be mitigated. Speaking on the occasion senior Congress leader Raman Bhalla who organised the rally, alleged that Dr Farooq Abdullah and his ministers have accumulated disproportionate assets by illegal means and demanded setting up of high power commission to inquire income and properties of NC leaders and its legislators. There was mad race among these leaders to loot the public exchequer. Several cases under JRY and Indira Awas Yojna are being rejected and the people connected with NC are benefitted through these schemes. Mr Bhalla said that state government is adopting delaying tactics in giving ex-gratia/ relief to militancy affected families of police and security personnel. The CM is busy in foreign trips and in the construction of platial house at Bhathindi and a few hotels abroad. He also advised BJP leaders not to befool the public as they have been totally exposed now for being hand in gloves with the NC. Prominent among those who addressed the gathering included—MLA Kalakot, Ashok Sharma, Dr I S Bakshi, Capt Jagan Nath, Karanjit Singh, Amrik Singh, Malkeet Singh, Gurdev Singh, Parveen Singh, Roop Singh, Hardit Singh, Dr Avtar Singh and others. |
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Seasonal politicians has no footing: Slathia Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: Youth are future of the nation and they have to play a pivotal role in building a strong, prospers nation and to shoulder future challenges facing the country. This was stated by the Minister for Power, Mr. S.S.Slathia while addressing a public meeting at village Trore near Vijaypur today. Lauding the efforts of the youth association in bringing the people on single plateform and educating them about programmes and policies of the Government, he said. The Minister said that government was committed for equal development of all areas irrespective of caste, creed and political affiliation. Lashing out the so called seasonal politicians, Mr. Slathia said that these politicians has no footing among public anywhere and they are only criticize the Government policies for mearly exploiting the innocent people and to grind their own axes. He said the progress achieved by the present Government during the last five years can be seen in every nook and corner of the State. Referring to the demands of the people the Minister assured that the village dispensary will be upgraded to Primary Health Centre level. He announced that village street from main road to village will be constructed soon and funds for this purpose would be made available from his Constituency Development Fund. He said that High School building would be shifted subject to provision of sufficient land at proper site. He also instructed the Chief Engineer, Ravi Tawi Irrigation for early completion of culvert over the village distributory. Regarding shifting of old electric poles, wires and installation of upgraded transformers, the concerned PDD functionaries were also directed to attend these expeditiously. Earlier, the Minister addressed public meetings at Gilad De Kullian and Madoon. Addressing at both the places the Minister assured the people that their genuine demands which include construction of culvert and road from National Highway village Madoon would be taken up soon. Among others the Assistant Commissioner Development, (CAD) Samba, BDO, Vijaypur and other senior officers of Power Development Department accompanied the Minister. |
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BJP flays GREF for poor work on Poonch road Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, Nov 18: Senior BJP leaders from border districts of Rajouri and Poonch have strongly criticised the GREF authorities for its very poor performance on widening of this border/ defence road from Jammu to Poonch. According to a release, Choudhary B A Naaz, former member assembly and All India secretary- Kissan Morcha (BJP) presided over the meeting. Mr Naaz pointed out that work of widening of road was started in 1996 but the progress of work remained very poor even though this road is very vital for the defence point of view and lies along the Line of Control. Due to bad condition of the road, the transporters are also facing lot of loss as their vehicles develop unwanted problems. They have also raised concern over the problem but GREF authorities seems to be unconcerned over the delay. Ch Naaz urged upon the Union Minister for Defence and the Union Surface Transport Minister to review the work on the road and issue fresh instructions to the concerned authorities and also hold inquiry into the lapses and the alleged misuse of funds. He said the work should be initiated on the war footing as this road has great significance. He said the roads from Chandak to Mandi and Krishna Ghati- Mankot should also be improved and handed over to GREF. He expressed concern over the insanitary condition in Surankot town and sought immediate attention of the concerned district Administration. |
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Vir Chand visits Purmandal area Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: Vir Chand Mahasha, MLC visited several areas of Purmandal block and took stock of certain development works. As per a release, the residents of Karandi, Sangar, Mandal and Lovely villages expressed satisfaction over various works executed in the area. At Karandi village, the MLC sanctioned Rs 2 lakh for black topping of the road. He also assured to provide funds for fencing of Primary school building at Lovely. At Sangar, the MLC sanctioned Rs 1.30 lakh for the link road from Mandal to Sangar. |
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Uninterrupted water, power supply demanded Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: Mahatma Gandhi Forum has demanded uninterrupted supply of water and power to the people of far flung Kandi areas. In a statement issued here today, Ch. Ghulam Hussain vice-president of the Forum has alleged that people of this Kandi belt are passing through hardships due to the apathy on the part of State Government. After visit of Purmandal area recently, he pointed out that people have suffered due to total neglect. The people are bound to drink water from dirty ponds and other natural sources as there is no regular supply of tap water. Worst is the condition of electricity supply. Damaged transformers remain unrepaired for weeks together and nobody bothers. He sought the attention of the concerned authorities towards the problem. |
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Announces development
package AMRITSAR, Nov 18: Virtually kicking off the Akali Dal-BJP poll campaign in Punjab, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today announced a Rs 812 crore development package for the State besides a plan to set up a software technology park in Jalandhar. Addressing the valedictory function of the bi-centenary celebrations of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s coronation here, Vajpayee said the Centre would build a four-lane highway between Jalandhar and Amritsar, going up to Wagah at the Indo-Pak border. The highway, to be built at a cost of Rs 450 crore, would be among the best in the world, he said adding it would be named after Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The public meeting, a show of strength of the Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP combine ahead of State Assembly polls, was addressed by key NDA allies including Chief Ministers of Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. Union Ministers Anant Kumar, S S Dhindsa, Jagmohan, Suhkbir Singh Badal and Vijay Goel were present while State Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal could not attend due to an injury suffered earlier in the day. Vajpayee said Rs 201 crore would be spent on allround development of water supply and sewage of various towns in the State. The PM, who earlier laid the foundation stone of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama, said Rs 40 crore would be exclusively spent on solving the water shortage in the holy city of Amritsar. He said Rs 122 crore would be utilised in the State under the Rs 10,000 crore Balmiki Ambedkar Malin Basti Awas Yojna announced by him on Independence Day. The PM asked the State Government to send a proposal for setting up a software technology park in Jalandhar. He said there was a need to properly assess the contributions of Maharaja Ranjit Singh to make the future generations aware of it. (PTI) |
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One killed, 13 injured in road accidents Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: One person was killed and 13 others were injured in two separate road accidents on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and Jammu-Poonch road today. According to police, one person was killed and two others were injured when a Maruti car in which they were travelling skidded off the road and rolled down near Nagrota. The driver of the vehicle bearing registration number JK02B-1500 lost control over the vehicle resulting into vehicle rolling down. All the injured were immediately rushed to Government Medical College Hospital where doctors pronounced one of them as brought dead. The condition of two others was critical when reports last came in. The deceased has been identified as Abdul Majid, son of Ghulam Mohd of Banihal. In another road accident, 11 persons were injured in collision between two buses bearing registration numbers JK02D-4071 and JK02-8233 at Purkhoo on Jammu-Poonch road. All the injured were rushed to hospital and their condition was stated to be out of danger. The injured have been identified as Subash Chander, son of Faquir Chand of Pargwal, Chaman Lal, son of Judu Ram, Hamzad Iqbal, son of Mohd Jamwal of Rajouri, Girdhari Lal, son of Shrikant of Gadi Garh, Vaishno Devi, wife of Purshotam Lal of Ghou Manhasan, Kulwant Singh, son of Rakesh Singh of Simbal, Pran Ram, son of Jalla Ram of Akhnoor, Johny, son of Devi Lal, Mohd Ashfaq, son of Mohd Sadiq of Rajouri, Krishan Chander, son of Shanker Raj and Ashu. Meanwhile, two other accused involved in the murderous attack on five members of a family in village Brambhli under the jurisdiction of Satwari Police Station were arrested by a police team under the supervision of SP South Jagdish Lal Sharma and SHO Satwari from Tawian area. The arrested accused namely Karan Singh, son of Kaka Ram and Veer Singh alias Veera, son of Sansar Chand, both the residents of Brambhli. |
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Spiritual Awareness Society of India celebrates annual day Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: The Spiritual Awareness Society of India today celebrated its 20th annual day wherein Dr K Krishna Ji Maharaj was the chief guest. As per a release, Dr K Krishna Ji Maharaj, a most enlightened saint, was given warm reception on his arrival. Mr Ajay Sadhotra, Minister for Rural Development, who is the Secretary General International of the Society and Mr Prithvi Chand, MLA and vice-president SAS of India were among those present on the occasion. Dr K Krishna Ji Maharaj, while blessing the people, said that the entire world is torn with strife, turmoil, hatred and discrimination on the basis of religion, caste, creed, colour, casteism and religionalism and this has become the cult of the day and the common-man being the worst sufferer has lost all hope for peaceful and dignified co existence. He emphasised that only spirituality can fill this void and make the world a prosperous and pleasant place to live where Manav Dharam and not the barbarity will prevail. He urged the leaders and politicians to serve the masses with sincerity and demonstrated a unique scientific method of chanting Aum which leads to integrated development. This technique, he said, if adopted in routine, cures a man of his blood pressure problems and strengthen respiratory system besides relieving him of all depressions and tensions. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Ajay Sadhotra highlighted the role played by SAS of India in educating the masses against fighting ignorance in the name of religion and spirituality and creating an atmosphere of love, tolerance and mutual respect in the society. He lauded the contribution of Dr K Krishna Ji Maharaj in serving the mankind. Mrs Radhi Ji, Mrs Shobha Singh, Jagdev Singh, Prithvi Chand, Dr Satiesh, Vir Arjun and Ram Kishore also spoke on the occasion. |
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JK Bank employees flay management, demand DAA Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: The employees of Jammu and Kashmir Bank at a general body meeting held here, strongly condemned the use of force against the trade union leaders of Kashmir valley when they were peacefully leading delegation. The meeting also demanded Disturbed Area Allowance (DAA) to the employees of Jammu division as is being provided to their counter-parts in Kashmir. The meeting was held under the presidentship of Chander Mohan Jamwal and attended by many employees hailing from all districts of Jammu province. Suresh Gupta and Sanjay Kapil, President and secretary respectively of All India Trade Federation were the special invitees at the meeting. The meeting expressed anguish and resentment over the violation of the agreements by the JK Bank management and thrusting upon its employees the unilateral decisions which were termed as anti-employees and anti-institutional. The meeting further assailed the management for not extending the benefit of the Disturbed Area Act to the employees of Jammu province which their counter-parts were already drawing in Kashmir valley. The Association further resented the management’s frequent harassment, victimization and dictatorial policies. The general body later unanimously approved the induction of Anil Sharma as vice president and Naresh Singh Sambyal as secretary of the JK Bank Employees Association. Suresh Gupta, president All India J&K Bank Employees Federation while addressing the meeting appealed the gathering to prepare themselves for the agitational programme to be launched by the Federation for the resolution of long outstanding and legitimate demands. |
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Centre’s peace process on; contacts with Shabir continue NEW DELHI, Nov 18: Centre’s interlocutor on Jammu and Kashmir K C Pant today said "contacts" with senior separatist leader Shabir Shah were continuing even as he maintained that the onus for allowing holding of free and fair elections lay with the militants operating in the State. "We are in constant touch with Shah and I have personally held discussions with him directly as well as indirectly," Pant told PTI here. Stating that there was no setback to the centre’s peace initiative, Pant said the accusations against New Delhi that it was not serious about talks were totally baseless. Referring to Hurriyat Conference’s proposal for a ceasefire, Pant said "any suggestion or proposal, which can bring down the level of violence in the state is welcome provided it is sincere". Indicating that the 23-party conglomerate was playing a game of one-up manship by announcing the ceasefire, Pant said "it is necessary to recognise that as long as cross border terrorism continues, the security forces are duty bound to protect the citizens. It is time for all right thinking persons to raise their voice against supporters of terrorism, who use this menace only to meet their political ends". Asked about his comments on holding informal parleys with the Hurriyat Conference, the Centre’s interlocutor said, "it is a fact. We were having discussions with them". However, he said "the Hurriyat Conference was trying to bargain for their going to Islamabad and had made it a prestige issue. They can play with the lives of Kashmiris but we cannot afford that as our main concern is to safeguard the people and not to score debating points". To a question whether the centre planned to send another invitation to the Hurriyat leaders, Pant said "this is not a game going on. We have already issued them an invitation and my doors are always open for them". Asked about the discussions on proposal for granting more autonomy with the National Conference, Pant, who also holds the post of Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission, said "I have had some interaction with the Chief Minister (Farooq Abdullah) and other state representatives. "These discussions are continuing but so far they have mainly been at an informal level. However, the process is on," Pant replied. To a question about continued militancy in the state, he said, "the people of the state have suffered enough. In the present changed climate, in which the whole world has joined together in fight against terrorism, every effort should be made to restore peace and normalcy in the state". About Hurriyat’s decision of not participating in elections, he said, "there are many groups which claim to represent the wishes of the people. Such claims can only be substantiated by expression of the choice of people through polls". (PTI) |
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BJP MLA assails Lone on Resettlement issue Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: East MLA and vice president of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Ashok Khajuria has assailed State Law Minister, M A Lone’s resent remarks on Resettlement Act wherein he had mentioned of "setting up of competent authority under the Act that will take up claims of PoK residents on their property and right to live in their native place." In a statement here, Mr Khajuria called the Act as the " most dangerous" proportion because it will allow Pakistani nationals after 55 years to return to J&K to create confusion and chaos in the political and social fabric of the State. The BJP MLA while disapproving the National Conference tactics, said that the same are being designed for the coming elections. The NC intentions, the BJP Vice president observed, were to spread insecurity in Jammu region as this Act has hidden intention to damage the Hindu majority in Jammu province by inviting and settling the Pakistani nationals in Jammu region since those who migrated were not Kashmiris. Mr Khajuria pointed the duplicity on part of the NC regime for not giving property rights to Hindus displaced and settled in Jammu in 1947. " The NC is playing a communal card to win the coming elections in J&K by damaging the nation", he alleged. |
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Dogra Sadar Sabha activists construct Birpur-Purmandal road Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: The inauguration ceremony of Narsingh Dev Marg connecting village Birpur to main Purmandal road, constructed on the voluntary basis by Dogra Sadar Sabha workers of Birpur, was performed by Gulchain Singh Charak, president of the Sabha. Former Vice Chancellor of Jammu University, Prof M R Puri, Lal Singh, MLA and many prominent personalities were present at the function. Shamsher Singh Jamwal, chairman, Dogra Sadar Sabha Birpur besides scores of youth leaders of the Sabha were also present on the occasion. In his speech, Prof Puri lauded the role of Dogra Sadar Sabha and its youth wing for their selfless and stupendous task of road construction for the welfare of the public. Mr Charak, while commending the voluntary mission of the locals, congratulated the workers for their dedication and hoped that such more steps would also be taken in other areas. He appealed to all Sarpanchs and Panchs present on the occasion and others to participate in the Maha Panchayat being organised by Dogra Sadar Sabha at Jammu on November 29, 2001. Mr Charak stressed upon the authorities that wrong delimitations of the territories of the Panchayat be rectified. Instead of making amendments in the old voters list, revised voters list be prepared for the coming Assembly elections he demanded. At the end of the function, blankets were distributed amongst the poor people of the area. |
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