Renowned educationist Prof G P Singh passes away

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 19: Renowned educationist Prof G P Singh passed away in Chandigarh today. He was 70.

Prof Singh had been ailing for sometime and been shifted to PGI in Chandigarh last month. He had undergone a kidney replacement two years ago. His condition took a turn for the worse last night and he breathed his last today morning.

Survived by his wife, two sons and four daughters, he was born in Mainpuri in Uttar Pradesh. He did his LLB and M.Com from Allahabad University and started his career as teacher from B R College in Agra.

According to family sources, Prof Singh came to Jammu at the behest of Dr Karan Singh in 1959 and joined the SPM Rajput College of Commerce in Jammu. He later went on to become the Principal of the College.

Prof Singh was then shifted to Government Degree College, Udhampur in 1976 where he remained as Principal from 1976 to 1980 after which he took over as Principal of Government Gandhi Memorial Science College in Jammu.

After completing his tenure, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir appointed him as Director School Education, Jammu and later Special Secretary, Higher Education Department, before he retired in 1989.

The cremation will be held at Shastri Nagar cremation ground at 12 noon tomorrow.

Delina people call the militants bluff
Militant attacks not to deter Govt from reaching
out to masses :Sagar

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Oct 19: The Minister for Works, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar has said the cowardly militant attacks on public rallies of Ministers would not deter the Government from reaching out to the masses to mitigate their sufferings.

The Minister was addressing public meeting at Delina in District Baramulla yesterday, after the militants made unsuccessful bid on his life and to disrupt the meeting. The militants fired two rifle grenades towards the venue of the well attended meeting held after the Minister dedicated a water supply scheme to the people there. The people called the bluff of the militants and returned to the meeting to hear the Minister and disapproved the militant attack.

Restoring order in the meeting which suffered commotion in the wake of the attack and continuing his speech, the Minister asked the people to see through the objective of such desperate acts of militants depicting their frustration, obstructionist attitude and disrespect for human lives. He said these acts of frustration are aimed at creating a fear psychosis among the people and prevent the Government functionaries from carrying forward the mission of reconstruction and development in the State. Such acts he said would only lead to innocent blood-letting and more miseries for the people who have been worst sufferers of the ongoing turmoil. He called upon the people to remain cautious and foil the nefarious designs of the militants aimed at destruction and destabilization in the State.

Mr. Sagar said despite killings of Ministers, Legislators and political activists, the Government functionaries continue to reach out to the masses in every nook and corner of the State to provide them a helping hand. He said this is not being liked by the enemies of peace and they resort to desperate acts to break our will. Mr. Sagar called upon the militants to shun the path of violence and join the forces of peace to bring back joys to the people of the State.

The Minister lashed out at the separatist leaders and accused them of trading violence." They have build palatial houses over the blood of Kashmiris and are enjoying five star life styles while the common Kashmiri is facing the brunt", he said and added that crores of rupees collected for the construction of Char-e-Sharief Shrine have been embezzled by these so-called leaders. He said a realisation has now dawned on the people of the State and they know who are there enemies and who their friends are.

The Minister said the achievements recorded by the present Government during the past five years have also made such elements jittery and they are making every effort to create hurdles in the progress and development of the State. Mr. Sagar said the Government would not be deterred by such acts and would continue its untiring efforts to provide a helping hand to the people and fulfill their aspirations.

Mr. Sagar said the present Government have not only filled the political vacuum in the State but has brought a revolution in the infrastructure and basic amenities despite pacing a war like situation." Despite facing bombs, bullets and threats, the Chief Minister and his colleagues have been continuously touring the remotes corners of the State to assess the people’s problems and fulfill their developmental needs, " he said and added that the Government’s performance during the past five years is an index of its commitment towards the people and ability to deliver.

The Minister also addressed another public meeting at Ranji in Sangrama constituency of district Baramulla. He arrived to a rousing reception at the venue of the meeting.

The Minister earlier inaugurated water supply schemes at Delina and Ranji constructed at a cost of Rs 1.17 crore. The water supply scheme Delina, completed at a cost of Rs 81 lakh has been designed for a population of around 10,000 souls. The scheme has a capacity to provide 65,000 of potable water per day.

The water supply scheme Ranji in Sangrama constituency has been completed at a cost of Rs 36 lakh and is designed for a population of 5228 souls. The scheme has a capacity of 30,000 gallons per day and would benefit four villages in the area.

The Minister was accompanied by Legislators, Mohammad Abdullah Mujahid and Haji Mohammad Maqbool besides heads of various engineering departments and other senior State Government officials.

Now Shiv Sena (Bal Thackrey) stakes claim
on Hindu votes

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 19: After Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP), now Shiv Sena (Bala Sahib Thackrey) has staked its claim to be the sole representative of Hindus of the Jammu and Kashmir and decided to contest forthcoming Assembly elections in the State.

Claiming that only Shiv Sena (Thackrey) is the sole representative of Hindus of the State and can fully protect the interests of the community, Mr Ajay Shrivastav, central leader of Shiv Sena (Bala Sahib Thackrey) said that on the instruction of Bala Sahib Thackrey Shiv Sena will contest forthcoming coming elections to give representation to Hindus in Assembly.

"He (Thackrey) has been continuously eyeing the changing scenario in this troubled torn State and recently he gave green signal for contesting forthcoming Assembly elections in State", Mr Shrivastav disclosed and said that Shiv Sena feels that only it can protect and raise the voice of Hindu community in an appropriate manner.

Addressing a hurriedly called press conference, he said, earlier, Shiv Sena was working for other parties during elections in State but in the forthcoming elections Sena will field five candidates as BJP claiming to be party of Hindus has failed to raise voice of community which is a dejected lot in the State. "We feel that only Sena has right over the Hindu votes", he claimed and said that after garning Hindu votes in the State BJP MLAs and MPs totally neglected the community and never raised its voice either in Assembly or the Parliament.

Speaking on the occasion, Kalki Ji Maharaj, State president of Shiv Sena (Thackrey) disclosed that the modalities for election were being worked out and formal announcement regarding names of the five candidates going to contest election would be made shortly.

"Instead of fielding more candidates we will field only five and make all possible efforts to ensure their victory with thumping majority", he said, adding around 5000 workers from outside the State will campaign for the candidates. "A number of Hindu bodies have expressed their support to us and consultation with others is going on", Swami Kalki further said and made it clear that there would be no tie-up with any party in elections.

Mr Ajay Shrivastav, who is heading the central delegation in State to participate in the Charri Yatra, said that on the instructions of Thackrey he came here to see that from where Shiv Sena could contest election. He also disclosed that membership drive would soon start as Thackrey wants 10 lakh membership in the State so that sentiments and culture of the Hindus could be protected.

When asked about how Shiv Sena can unite Hindus and protect their rights when it has various splinter groups in the State, Swami Kalki said that there is only one Shiv Sena that is Shiv Sena (Bala Sahib Thackrey). "The way some elements are using name and symbol of Shiv Sena is being seriously viewed by Mr Thackrey", he said, adding "Ek Ko To Sabak Sikha Diya Hai, Baki Ko Jaldi Se Sikha Denge (We have taught lesson to one and will teach others also)".

Messrs Rakesh Gupta, Yash Gupta, Kuldeep Luthra and Vikrant Sharma were also present on the occasion.

Fundamentalism on retreat, people’s will dominant
in Kashmir: Governor
Farooq announces Rs 1 cr for temples, other measures

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct. 19: Saying that fundamentalism is on retreat in Kashmir, Governor Mr Girish Chandra Saxena today hailed people’s firm resolve against terrorism and refusal to give any heed to militant diktats.

After laying the foundation stone of a Yatri Niwas at historic Durga Nag temple in the heart of the city here this evening, the Governor said ultimately the will of the people have dominated who yearn for revival of cherished values in the valley.

Notwithstanding blood shed, the people never allowed themselves to lie down on the face of terror of gun and resumed visiting tourist places, reviving cultural activities and ensuring safe pilgrimages to shrines and highly esteemed religious places, the Governor said.

Mr Saxena referred to the horrendous 11th September terror attacks in America and Ist October carnage in the legislative complex in Srinagar and hoped the people will draw their own conclusions about the continuation of terrorism and decide what is right or wrong for them. ‘Enough is enough’, he said, adding that politicians and people have to carry on their fight against the menace of violence and to fight it to finish.

The Governor said that militancy has inflicted a blot on the way of life in Kashmir as a large chunk of people, Pandits, Sikhs and even Muslims, had to leave their homes and hearths and hoped that the day is not far when they will again rehabilitate their dwelling places. He said life in Kashmir is incomplete without KPs and others and there is a need for creating a conducive atmosphere for their return. The migrants will have to make their own decision about return. On this vital issue, he said, the Chief Minister’s intentions are candid, as he wants KPs back in the valley.

The Governor complimented the Durga Nag Trust for taking up Yatri Niwas and said this will be a symbol of Kashmir’s secular traditions and values. Kashmir has a great ethos of amity and brotherhood that had made Mahatma Gandhi to appreciate the ray of hope during dark days of 1947.

He also referred to pilgrim tourism in the state and said that with the construction of the Yatri Niwas, a facility will be created for the visitors. He said tourism is the mainstay of the state’s economy.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah said that Vanvaas (exile) of Pandits would end soon and they will again rehabilitate their homes in the valley.

‘Situation will certainly change for good. We don’t lack will and are sure to overcome all our difficulties. Terrorism will definitely end’, he said, adding that after campaign against terrorism in Afghanistan, terror in Kashmir will be taken care of.

Dr Abdullah said that he was overwhelmed to see Kashmiri Pandits again rehabilitating their temples that were hard to anticipate in 1992 or 1993. He also referred to desecration of shrines like Hazratbal and Chrar-e-Sharief by militants inimical to shrines and said they failed before the reverence and esteem of people for these places. He said the state has undergone an acid test during these years but the day is not far when all its problems would be over.

The Chief Minister announced an initial grant of Rs one crore for the newly constituted Mandir Pranbandhak Committee, hoping that renovation of temples would be taken up in phased manner. He expressed his desire to see the lost glory of temples back. He also assured the Durganagh Trust that a piece of land for similar Yatri Niwas at Jammu would be considered.

About Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, the Chief Minister said that with its inception an ambitious programme would be launched to create facilities for the pilgrims on the pattern of Mata Vaishno Devi, which he described, were best in the country as per pilgrims. He said the Government is contemplating to establish a cable car project between Baltal and the cave shrine. In near future, he said, the government would consider extending the yatra duration from the opening and closure of the track on the mountainous shrine.

Referring to the machinations of religious zealots that are out to create wedge between various communities, the Chief Minister said the vote politics has created havoc in the society. The Allah and Lord Rama do not belong to a particular section, but they belonged to the entire humanity. He regretted that misdoing of a few Muslims had portrayed the entire community in a very bad light. There are good and bad people in all communities, he said, hoping that the saner sections will not allow vested interests to play with the sentiments of the people.

Dr Abdullah was nostalgic about the good old days and recalled his deep association with Kashmiri Pandits.

The President of the Durga Nagh Shrine Trust, Mr Pran Nath Taku gave the resume of activities of the trust that included renovation of this historic temple and said that a similar Yatri Niwas is contemplated to be constructed at Jammu also.

Mr Amar Nath Vaishnawi said that a duty has cast upon the intellectuals to interpret religion in right perspective while yet another Pandit leader, Mr T N Khosa asked the majority community in Kashmir to give a call for return of KPs, saying that the Government endeavors alone would not be enough.

Minister for Power, Mr S S Slathia and Advisor to Chief Minister on Minority Affairs, Prof Satish Raina besides a large number of people were present on the occasion.

Mr Bushan Lal Bhat, MLC donated Rs one lakh for the Yatri Niwas while Mr Nissar Shadab presented a cheque for Rs 5000.

Responding to the demands, the Chief Minister assured that these, including uninterrupted power supply would be earnestly looked into.

Later, the Chief Minister paid obeisance at the Ziarat Syed Sahib, adjacent to the Durga Nagh temple.

Baharen phir sey ayengi
Nostalgic Farooq on return of KPs

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct. 19: What was 14 years’ Vanwas of Lord Rama to Ayodhyaites, it is 12 years’ absence of KPs to people of Kashmir valley. It is almost the same agony and despondency for people of both areas. At least Dr. Farooq Abdullah says so representing the overwhelming sentiments of the Kashmiris while addressing the function at Durganag Temple complex here this evening.

Nostalgic about the good old days, Dr Abdullah recalled his association with Kashmiri Pandits and had an advice too for youngesters of the community who stay put here despite militancy. Governor Mr Girish Chandra Saxena was the chief guest at the foundation laying ceremony of Yatri Niwas at Durga Nag temple, in the heart of the Srinagar city.

He said he always relished KP dishes and recalled the partake at his friend, Harkar’s Ganpatyar residence in 1950 when he intruded into the kitchen much to the discomfort of his orthodox mother who thought a Muslim’s entry desecrated cooking place. ‘But the mother, as she was, not only made him to have sumptuous lunch in the Thaal but took his care more than her son, he fondly recalled.

Amid laughter, he had a dig too on Pandits on their odyssey to modernity, while saying, ‘They used to keep initial morsels of food, known as Hoonimet (share for dog) but now they have almost forgotten it.

He remembered the way of life of Kashmiri Pandits and said one can never forget the pot ‘Khos’ they used to have to sip warm kehwa or tea.

On renovation of temples in the valley, he said he was overwhelmed to see Kashmiri Pandits again rehabilitating their worship places that was hard to anticipate in 1992 or 1993, early years of militancy.

Feeling elated on the presence of youngster KPs, he said the Government is contemplating to give them jobs in the valley. This, he said, will enable healthy interaction between both the communities and in the long run strengthening the composite culture that Kashmir always boasted.

Pointing to young boys and girls, Dr Abdullah, asked them when they marry in their community in Jammu, insist on the spouse to be with him or her in the Valley only.

Showing his reverence to his teachers, the Chief Minister said what he is today is because of his teachers. He recalled the guidance of his Pandit teacher who inculcated in him the spirit of love for humanity. He also recalled his help to a Hindu friend in procuring an idol of Saraswati in Jaipur, saying that it was the master piece of a Muslim sculptor.

While narrating the pleasantries of the past, Dr Abdullah, charged with emotions, wondered where from this storm blew that razed everything that made Kashmiris proud. He said Kashmiri Pandits have not uprooted for the first time. There was a time when there were only 11 families left here. When will the old days dawn again to make reunion of brothers and sisters?

‘Toofan zaroor tham jayeega aur Baharen phir sey ayeengi’! An optimistic Farooq concluded.

Tributes paid to martyrs of 1966 Student bodies
observe Shahidi Divas

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 18: On conclusion of three-day long Shahidi Divas, in memory of student martyrs of 1966 - who sacrificed their lives for the cause of Jammu region, various student organisation today paid their tributes to the martyrs and remembered their sacrifices.

Jammu Joint Students Federation organised a cultural programme ‘Shaheed-e-Jammu’ at GGM Science College and paid tributes to the martyrs.

Participants drawn from different educational institutions in Jammu, impressed the gathering by their scintillating performance.

The thought provoking and appealing stage items on communal brotherhood kept the audience spell-bound during the programme which was highly appreciated.

An item presented by budding artists from Ladakh, depicting the discrimination with Jammu and Ladakh region by Kashmiri rulers, was the centre of attention and highly appreciated by the audience.

In his welcome address, JJSF chief Mr Rajinder Jamwal, reminded the gathering of sacrifices made by Gurcharan Singh, Gulshan Handa, Subash Chander and Brij Mohan for the cause of Jammu. He further assured that his organisation would leave no stone unturned to get separate Statehood for Jammu region.

The programme was compered by Poornima Behl and conceived by Anuj Tandon, JJSF Jammu City president. They thanked the participants and others who made their contribution for success of the programme.

Others who spoke on the occasion included Dr D N Mehta, Rajinder Sharma, Hari Dutt ‘Shishu’, Raghunandan Billawaria, Preeti Anithal, Sonia Wazir, Rajinder Kour, Sonam Gupta, Vandana, Ajay Choudhary, Mohit Sharma and Sunil Sharma.

Meanwhile, National Students Union of India (NSUI) today also paid tributes to the martyrs of 1966.

According to a press release, a meeting of NSUI was held today under the chairmanship of its president Mr Rajiv Saraf wherein a two minute silence was observed in memory of the martyrs.

Later, Mr Saraf alongwith NSUI activists visited the Shahidi Sathal and paid rich tributes to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the cause of Jammu.

Prominent among others who accompanied Mr Saraf included Ashutosh, Ashwani Dubey, Seema Dogra, Archana, Shallu Sehgal, Pritam Goswami, Rajan Sharma, Sanjeev Mangu, Sanjeev Pathania and Satish Sharma.

Activists of All J&K Veterinary Students Association SKUAST-Jammu, also visited the Shahidi Sathal at GGM Science College and paid tributes to the student martyrs who sacrificed their lives while protesting against then Government’s decision of shifting the Agriculture University from Jammu to Kashmir.

The president of the Association Mr Pritam Manhas, while speaking on the occasion, charged the State Government with meting out a step motherly treatment to Jammu region and called upon Jammuites to be conscious and aware about their rights.

He also appealed all the student organisations from Jammu to come together on a common platform for the interest of Jammu region.

According to another press release, the members of Non-Teaching Association of Degree Colleges Jammu Province also visited the Shahidi Sathal and paid tributes to the 1966 martyrs. They also observed silence in honour of the departed souls.

Those who visited the Shahidi Sathal included Ram Pal Anand, Tarsem Kumar Gupta, Rajinder Singh Jamwal, Ravial Kumar, Ali Ahmed, Subash Sharma and Ashok Gupta.

BSNL opens customer service centre at Gandhi Nagar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 19: Chief General Manager (CGM) of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), J&K Circle Mr P C Chabbra today inaugurated computerised customer service centre at Telephone Exchange, Gandhi Nagar.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr P C Chabbra said that now after the inauguration of computerised customer service centre at Telephone Exchange Gandhi Nagar customers could easily make payments of their bills on-line. "This is the second on-line cash and cheque collection counter in Jammu", he disclosed and said that one such centre has already been functioning in BSNL office, Rani Park.

He requested the customers to always tender payment of telephone bills at authorised counter only and not to any unauthorised or unscrupulous persons.

"Not only payment, the customers can even enquire about bills by dialing number 1955", the CGM of BSNL said, adding Nigam has continuously been making efforts to provide better services to the customers. He further said that customer service centre at Gandhi Nagar will go a long way in providing better services to the customers.

He disclosed that by March 31, 2002 telephone connection in SSA Jammu will be provided on-demand and said that during the next phase computerised customer service centres will be opened at Channi, Bantalab and Tallab Tillo.

Mr R K Upadhaya, General Manager BSNL said that around 19000 telephone connections have been issued during the current year till September 30 and 5000 lines have been upgraded. "Recently we have installed telephone exchange in Kathua district", he said, adding to provide better services to the people Nigam has recently started mobile van for collecting bills.

The GM further said that 6 counter of payment are presently running in GM’s office, CTO Office and DTO Office.

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