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| Residents determined to stand by Army despite Pak shelling GUREZ (KASHMIR), July 5: Residents of this sector close to the Line of Control (LoC) in North Kashmir, living under the constant threat of shelling by Pakistani troops, are determined to slug it out with Pakistani troops alongside.....more Omar
Abdullah visits Arnas Excelsior Correspondent REASI, July 5 : The Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. Omar Abdullah today said that trifurcation of the State is a prelude to hand over Kashmir to Pakistan asserting that the NC Government......more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 5: Demanding removal of Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Akhnoor and SHO Domana for resorting to lathi-charge on protesting migrants at Mishriwala.........more Labourer electrocuted, girl dies of burns Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 5: A labourer was electrocuted in a shop at Bari Brahamana while as a young girl died due to burn injuries. Besides, two persons were injured in........more RSS, VHP
trying to moot Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 5: Accusing the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS) and Vishav Hindu Parishad (VHP) of trying to moot Dixon plan by dividing the Jammu and Kashmir State on communal lines, president of Jammu and Kashmir.......more |
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VHP,
B’Dal workers protest Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 5: Activists of Bajrang Dal and Vishav Hindu Parishad accompanied by Shri Amarnath pilgrims today held a massive demonstration outside the office of Director Tourism at Residency Road here today.......more Harbans
lays foundation Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 5 : The Minister for Labour, S. Harbans Singh today said that balanced development of all the three regions of Jammu and Kashmir is a resolve of the present Government. For achieving this the Government carried out with arduous task of not only rebuilding the damaged infrastructure but turned the tide towards development despite militancy and cross border terrorism..........more Team
to discuss migrants problems with Centre Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 5: Team of Rashtra Sevika Sangh which visited various camps of border migrants and assessed situation, will soon call on Defence Minister to demand complete ban on sale of army dress in open market..............more HC stays
operation of Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 5: In a much publicized will case of Dherendra Brahamchari, the State High Court has stayed the operation of probate issued on November 2, 1994...........more |
Residents determined to stand by Army GUREZ (KASHMIR), July 5: Residents of this sector close to the Line of Control (LoC) in North Kashmir, living under the constant threat of shelling by Pakistani troops, are determined to slug it out with Pakistani troops alongside the Indian Army. Despite being fed up with the series of shelling from across the border on their villages, the residents say they will not migrate to other parts of the State. "We will fight the Pakistanis alongside the Army till the last drop of blood. They (Pakistanis) want us to leave this place, we will not let them succeed in that," says Ghulam Hassan. The villagers have sent their children to safer areas within Gurez valley so that they can attend schools, which had become impossible in view of continuous shelling by Pakistani troops, Hassan told a group of visiting mediamen here yesterday. The Sarpanch of the area, Ghulam Rasool, praised the Army’s efforts to provide them succour in view of heightened threat on their life and said, "we will not leave them in the face of adversity. We will fight alongside them". He said performing daily chores has become "hazardous as the shells fall continuously at all times of day. I think they just take a few breaks and get back to usual business." Rasool said houses have been destroyed, farms damaged and civilians targetd by the Pakistani shelling. "We are constantly on the run .... Looking for the nearest safety bunker built by army," Ghulam Rasool said. The Army has built 40 bunkers for the civilians where they take shelter during shelling by Pakistani troops. Praising the Army’s efforts, the residents are very critical of the state administration and the local MLA. "The civil administration seems to have forgotten us and if Pakistani shelling is not enough, we were also hit by floods last year," another resident Ghulam Hussain said. He said the state administration had promised them relief as houses and many crops were washed away by the floods. "But nothing has been materialised since then. Nobody has come to us," Hussain said adding a delegation had met the local mla but nothing came out of that. "The MLA said we have to vote for him first and then only will he consider our case. Is our bad luck and tremendous hardship now linked to votes?" Hussain asked with tears in his eyes and anger in the voice. "These politicians come here only during electioneering. Nobody cares for us. We don’t have a high school ... Our most qualified resident here is a 12th pass," Hussain, who lives in Chorwan village - a constant target for Pakistani shells, said. People of this Valley are definitely not happy with the State Government, which is reflected when they refer to rest of the Valley as ‘Kashir’ but they have resolved to stay put and fight the enemy. (PTI) |
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Omar
Abdullah visits Arnas Excelsior Correspondent REASI, July 5 : The Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. Omar Abdullah today said that trifurcation of the State is a prelude to hand over Kashmir to Pakistan asserting that the NC Government is strictly against further division of the State at any cost. Addressing a mammoth public meeting at Arnas in Reasi tehsil of Udhampur district today, Omar Abdullah said that only National Conference Government has a perfect agenda and inhibition to strengthen democratic and secular set up in the State. He said that J&K State is a mini India where people belonging to different faiths and cultures have been living together from centuries. Referring to the forthcoming Assembly Elections Mr. Omar said that people from different political parties will reach far-flung areas to mobilize the voters to practice their franchise in their favour. But it is the duty of the people to vote only for most deserving candidate. He said that these political parties have no future vision and their interests are self centered. He said that the basic and foremost aim of NC party is to strengthen Panchyati Raj System. The Minister said that both Union and the State Government are well aware of the problems being faced by the people living in far-flung and hilly terrains of the State. He said the State Government under the stewardship of Dr. Farooq Abdullah is well prepared to transfer the fate lines of these areas by executing a number of socio-economic programme for the development of all the three regions of the State. Mr. Abdullah eulogized the people of the area for their socialistic and patriotic spirit. He said Kashmir is the crown of India and the question of snatching it can never arise. He asked the people to strengthen the hands of the Government in order to give a Phillip to the process of perennial development. The Minister of State for Home, Mr. Najib Sohrawardy, the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Mr. Ajay Sadhotra, State Vice Chairman Gujjar and Bakerwal, Haji Buland Khan, MLA Gool Arnas Abdul Wahid Shan, the DDC, Udhampur, Mr. Shailendra Kumar and other party leaders of the area were present. Mr. Omar was accorded a warm reception on his maiden visit to Arnas. Earlier, the Incharge Minister Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Mr. Ajay Sadhotra also addressed the public meeting. He said that Mr. Omar Abdullah has established his credential not only in India but also in the foreign affairs by his stewardship. He is dynamic, visionary and out spoken. Mr. Sadhotra said that the Government is going to provide funds to the panchayats for executing Government works this year while other powers like monitoring of the functioning of government offices and development works have already been granted. The Minister of State for Home also addressed the public and asked the people to strengthen the hands of Mr. Omar Abdullah in serving the people of the State. He said that despite militancy, the State Government under the leadership of Dr. Farooq Abdullah has been steering ahead on the developmental path. |
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Power
supply restored, shops remain closed Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 5: Demanding removal of Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Akhnoor and SHO Domana for resorting to lathi-charge on protesting migrants at Mishriwala Camp, the Camp Development Committee, Mishriwala Camp today threatened to approach National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) if they were not removed at an earliest. A delegation of migrants called on Deputy Commissioner Jammu Mr Rohit Kansal and submitted him a memorandum of their demands which included immediate removal of SDPO Akhnoor, SHO Domana, beefing up of security in and around camp, installation of barbed wires around the camp and immediate arrest of goons, who assisted police in beating migrants. The president of Camp Development Committee Mr S L Dhar also warned that in case their demands are not conceded at an earliest they will approach National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) as lathi-charge on peaceful protestants is sheer violation of fundamental and human rights. "Everyone can lodge protest in this democratic set-up and Mishriwala migrants have done nothing extra-ordinary", he told visiting EXCELSIOR Correspondent and questioned "if we cannot raise our voice for denial of basic amenities then where will we go"? He termed the action on the part of police as `brutal’ and said that goons in the police uniform should not go unpunished. Meanwhile, all the shops remained closed in the locality in protest against police action. No untoward incident took place and day passed off peacefully but there was heavy deployment of police in the area. The power supply in the area was completely restored by around 8.15 am after the 11 KV line feeding the locality was repaired. When contated Mr K B Sharma, Superintending Engineer disclosed that the power supply was restored at 8.15 am. Giving details of reasons behind snapping of power supply, Mr Sharma said that suddenly a fault had erupted in 33 KV line and all the stations being supplied by this line were shut-down. "After we repaired the said 33 KV line, some fault was erupted in 11 KV which is feeding the Mishriwala Migrant Camp", he said and added that an employee of Power Development Department (PDD), who had to repair the line, went missing and has not been traced till today which caused delay in restoration of power supply. Inspector General of Police, Jammu Range, Mr P L Gupta when contacted said that he has ordered SSP Jammu Mr Farooq Khan to immediately conduct inquiry into the incident and allegations against SHO and SDPO by people and submit a report to him. He assured that any of the police officer if found guilty will be punished severely. Meanwhile, Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party’s president Daya Krishan Kotwal demanded judicial probe into the incident and said that he alongwith general secretary Om Parkash Gupta today visited the camp to assess the situation there. The said that the brutal lathicharge speaks about the volume of police dealing with the people and demanded that erring police personnel should be dealt with severely. Senior Congress leader and Chairman and Vice-Chairman of PCC Migrant Cell Mr Moti Lal Koul and C L Bhat today condemned the brutal action against the peaceful migrants protesting the failure of power supply. They said that the action of the police was unwarranted and simply meant to harass the displaced persons who are already suffering for want of basic facilities. Meanwhile various Kashmiri Pandit organizations have strongly condemned the yesterday’s Police lathicharge on Kashmiri migrants at Mishriwala Camp. In a joint statement All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) chief Amarnath Vaishnavi and Panun Kashmir, convenor, Dr Aghishekhar while taking the strong exception of arbitrary action of Police Officer have demanded action against him. The two KP leaders who visited the Camp today to assess the situation there created due to unprovoked police action alleged that police has perpetuated a reign of terror in the area by intimidating the innocent camp inmates. Strongly condemning the unlawful and blatant use of force against the beleaguered camp inmates, both the leaders took strong exception against the involvement of goons for harassing the migrants. They alleged that these goons acted on the behest of the concerned Dy SP to harass the displaced people. "If such will be the treatment of a Police Officer holding a responsible post then what will be the fate of common man asked, Dr Aghishekhar." He alleged the women were molested by the goons on the insanitation of this particular police officer and even the old and infirm people were not spared but dragged out of their quarters and beaten up ruthlessly. The KP leaders said 60 people were injured and the camp inmates have apprehensions of being subjected to continued harassment. As such the camp inmates were feeling insecure as well as destablised mentally and physically. The KP leaders demanded an inquiry into the whole inhuman episode. They in an appeal to DGP and IG Police Jammu sought their immediate intervention to save the situation. BJP district Akhnoor secretary, Omi Khajuria and VHP J&K general secretary Surinder Khajuria have also strongly condemned the police lathicharge on Mishriwala people and camp inmates. In a statement they demanded stern action against the police officer responsible for this episode. The two leaders also took strong exception of the way the Police was trying to use one community against another. They said this way the Police was itself trying to create a worst situation than Kashmir in Jammu which will have the serious consequences. Kashmiri Pandit Sabha Executive Committee has also expressed its shock over the Mishriwala episode and use of brutal force by police on camp inmates. The Sabha in a handout said the militants are given the red carpet treatment and people demanding water and electricity have to face bullets. The use of goons by SDPO Akhnoor against the migrants to give a secretarian turn to situation deserves all condemnation, it added. The Sabha chief T N Khosa has demanded immediate attachment of the erring police Officer and inquiry into the matter . He also demanded immediate restoration of water and power supply to the camp. |
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Labourer electrocuted, girl dies of burns Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 5: A labourer was electrocuted in a shop at Bari Brahamana while as a young girl died due to burn injuries. Besides, two persons were injured in a road accident and a youth made an attempt to end his life. According to police, a labourer identified as Janak Raj, son of Kirpal of Nepal was electrocuted when he came in contact with a live wire at a shop in Bari Brahamana where he was working. He was immediately rushed to Government Medical College and Hospital by fellow labourers, but was declared brought dead by doctors. The body was handed over to his family members for last rites after post-mortem. Meanwhile, a young girl died due to critical burn injuries at her residence. Identified as Seema Devi, daughter of Seva Ram of Pargwal, she was rushed to hospital but doctors couldnot save her life. It has been said that she sustained burn injuries when her clothes accidentally caught fire while cooking at home. Two persons were injured when their scooter was hit by a speeding bus at Purkhoo. They were immediately rushed to hospital and their condition was stated to be critical. They have been identified as Atam Singh, son of Durga Singh and Vikey Singh, son of Pawan Singh, both the residents of Purkhoo. A case has been registered against the bus driver at Domana Police Station, for rash driving . One Pardeep, son of Paras Ram of Sarwal allegedly consumed some poisonous drug at his residence. He was admitted to hospital when spotted unconscious by family members and doctors attending on him immediately provided him stomach wash treatment followed by other medicare. His condition was stated to be out of danger. It could not be ascertained whether he knowingly or unknowingly swallowed the poison . |
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RSS, VHP trying to moot Dixon plan: Prof Singh Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 5: Accusing the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS) and Vishav Hindu Parishad (VHP) of trying to moot Dixon plan by dividing the Jammu and Kashmir State on communal lines, president of Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) Prof Bhim Singh said that RSS resolution demanding trifurcation was complementary to autonomy proposal of ruling National Conference (NC). "The executive committee of JKNPP which met today to review the situation arising out of resolutions of RSS and VHP, has observed that the said proposals could threaten the unity and integrity of the country", Prof Singh said while addressing a press-conference. He alleged that RSS and VHP were playing mischief with the people of Jammu by giving a communal twist to their popular, secular and democratic aspirations to seek liberation from NC rule and said that both RSS and VHP have proved an asset to NC’s draconian autonomy proposals. He appealed the people of State to defeat all communal forces whether it be the RSS or Jamaat-i-Islami. Reiterating party’s stand, Prof Singh said that JKNPP wants reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir on the basis of cultural, linguistic and geographical identity as it existed on October 27, 1947, the day Maharaja Hari Singh acceded his State with Union of India. "Gilgit-Baltistan forms cultural and geographical identity of Ladakh region whereas Pak-occupied Kashmir forms part of Jammu region, he said and added thus there shall be three Indian states namely Gilgit-Ladakh, Kashmir valley and Jammu Himalaya. Demanding imposition of Governor’s rule in the State, Prof Singh said that dismissal of NC Government is the need of the hour and free and fair polls can only be held under Governor rule after updating the electoral rolls and providing Identity Cards to the voters. He also demanded release of all political detenues of J&K so that JKNPP can defeat them politically through the people in the coming elections. About the participating in forthcoming elections, Prof Singh said JKNPP will try to contest from maximum number of seats including from Kashmir valley and party will apprise the people of Kashmir valley about the need of re-organisation of State. |
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VHP, B’Dal workers protest against registration fees Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 5: Activists of Bajrang Dal and Vishav Hindu Parishad accompanied by Shri Amarnath pilgrims today held a massive demonstration outside the office of Director Tourism at Residency Road here today. They were protesting against the registration charges at the rate of Rs 30 per person, being recovered by the Jammu and Kashmir Government from Shri Amarnath pilgrims. The demonstrators were demanding that Rs 30 being charged from the pilgrims and especially from the Sadhus be stopped immediately. Earlier, the activists of Vishav Hindu Parishad headed by its president Dr Rama Kant Dubey and general secretary, Surinder Sharma and Bajrang Dal chief Mr Sushil Sudan assembled at Shalamar Chowk and from there they launched protest march. After passing through Old Hospital Road, Indira Chowk, Hari Market, Raghunath Temple and Residency Road they reached at the main gate of Tourist Reception Centre where office of the Director Tourism is situated. A strong contingency of Police led by Mr Rupender Chalotra, DySP City intercepted the demonstrators and did not allow them to move inside the office complex. Mr Surinder Sharma and Sushil Sudan while addressed the gathering strongly condemned the State Government and alleged that NC Government has imposed a sort of ‘Jazia’ on the Hindu pilgrims visiting Holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnathji. These leaders denounced the levy of Yatra tax and stressed upon the Government to start current registration of Yatris at Jammu/ Srinagar on the pattern of Mata Vaishnodevi yatra. They further alleged that the Government is discouraging the pilgrims who intended to visit Holy cave shrine. The leaders of these organisations also condemned the Central Government for its silence over the issue and maintained that discrimination with Hindus is being committed in J&K while Government spends huge amount and provide concessions to the Haj pilgrims every year. They said if decision was not reviewed they will be forced to start nation wide agitation. |
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Harbans lays foundation of
tube well, inaugurates Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 5 : The Minister for Labour, S. Harbans Singh today said that balanced development of all the three regions of Jammu and Kashmir is a resolve of the present Government. For achieving this the Government carried out with arduous task of not only rebuilding the damaged infrastructure but turned the tide towards development despite militancy and cross border terrorism. The Minister stated this while addressing the residents and senior officials of Public Health Engineering, Rural Development and Social Welfare departments after performing the Shila Nayas Pujan for installation of tube well at Preet Nagar today. To be constructed at a estimated cost of Rs. 90 lakh the said tube well will become operative within two years, Mr. Singh said. He added that this would also provide much needed relief to the residents of Preet Nagar locality as well as of adjoining areas who are facing acute water shortage. He said that the present Government in its commitment to make these residential colonies as posh urban localities has devised a plan. This includes improving of the sanitation and drainage links and connecting the lanes through a web of mettled roads besides arranging space for gardens and parks. On the similar pattern the villages too are being reshaped and developed as model suburbs. Mr. Singh said that following these guidelines would reap twin benefit. Firstly, of preventing the cities and town from becoming over crowded and polluted. Secondly this will also help in curbing various social evils which spread due to congestion and over crowding of urban areas. Earlier, the Minister also distributed the cheques amounting to Rs. 8.12 lakh to 446 beneficiaries under Integrated Social Security scheme. Dedicating these works to the people, Mr. Singh asserted upon the people to maintain and upgrade these facilities so as to give the whole area a fresh look. This, he added will also help in promoting the hygiene among the younger lot and would prevent the spread of various diseases. At Badhu Rakh, the Minister also apprised the public about how to enroll themselves as voters and the necessary formalities for seeking a Photo identity card from the concerned authorities. Ex- Chief Engineer, S. Aya Singh and Superintendent Engineer, PHE, Mr. B. B. Gupta informed the residents of Preet Nagar about various schemes launched by the Government for water augmentation. |
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Team to discuss migrants
problems with Centre Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 5: Team of Rashtra Sevika Sangh which visited various camps of border migrants and assessed situation, will soon call on Defence Minister to demand complete ban on sale of army dress in open market. According to Prant Pracharika of Sangh, J&K, Pankaja, since most of the attacks were carried out by terrorist in army dress there is dire need of imposing ban on sale of combat dress. "The central team of Sangh has felt that the ban is necessary to prevent occurrence of Kaluchak type incidents which left women without husbands and children without fathers and mothers", she disclosed. "The Rashtra Sevika Sangh’s team will not only call on Defence Minister but also meet other central ministers to apprise them that the children of migrants are being deprived of education in absence of special schools for them", the Prant Pracharika said. After observing that students community, especially studying in higher classes have suffered a lot and they could not continue their studies after becoming migrants, the team headed by Geeta Munde, member of national council of Akhil Bharitya Parishad from Maharashtra yesterday called on Deputy Commissioner Jammu Mr Rohit Kansal and demanded adequate facilities for the students of migrants so that their studies may not suffer anymore. The team which came to Jammu on July 1 and left for Delhi today morning had also visited houses of militancy affected families at Kalakote, Rajouri and other places. "We tried our level best to meet the families affected due to Kaluchak incident but could not do so due to some certain reasons", Prant Pracharika disclosed. "The three children, who lost their all family members in terrorists attack in Mahore last month, have been adopted by Rashtra Sevika Sangh and they are being given all types of facilities including education so that they can shape their future", she said. Tomorrow, a local team of Samiti led by Dr Sharad Renu Sharma will call on Divisional Commissioner to discuss with him the problems of students of border migrants and womenfolk. "Today, Dr Sharad Renu Sharma is visiting migrant camps at R S Pura and adjoining areas to collect more information about their problems", she said and added that all the problems will be projected before Divisional Commissioner during tomorrow’s meeting. Rashtra Sevika Sangh is a parallel organisation like Sangh and is working for the cause of national interest. Geeta Munde during her press-conference yesterday had raised voice against the functioning of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Jammu and Kashmir and said that NGOs should come out for moral and monitory support for the border migrants living in camps. |
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HC stays operation of
probate in Dherendra Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 5: In a much publicized will case of Dherendra Brahamchari, the State High Court has stayed the operation of probate issued on November 2, 1994. Justice R C Gandhi after hearing the counsels for the appellants, admitted the appeal to hearing and also heard the counsel appearing for the Caveator and disposed the same. In the meantime, the court said that the operation of the probate issued by District Judge Jammu on November 2, 1994 shall remain stayed till the next date of hearing. The Court has also called the record of the case. The case pertained to the "will" having been fraudulently drawn on June 8, 1994, just a few hours of his unfortunate dead in a plane crash. The probate/letter of administration was got issued on November 2, 1994 in favour of Dharam Paul, S/o Balaki Ram of 7 D/C Gandhinagar Jammu and its publication was made in a lesser known newspaper. A petition was filed before the Principal District Judge seeking revocation of probate issued by the then district Judge Jammu, which was dismissed by the trial court on June 14, 2002. In the petition, it was alleged that Mr Dharam Pal never filed any objection till date. After hearing the counsels, the High Court stayed the operation. |
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R S Sharma for early
inauguration of DD, Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 5: Mr R S Sharma, MLA Nowshera Constituency, who had a detailed meeting with Mr S K Saproo, Incharge Construction and Installation of Doordarshan Kendra and Radio Station at Nowshera in recent past, stressed for early functioning of both the stations at Nowshera. As per a release, Mr Saproo apprised Mr Sharma that the entire cost of 400 KVA transformer had since been deposited with the PDD (Maintenance) but the same transformers had not been provided till date causing delay in the inauguration of both the stations. Mr Saproo urged Mr Sharma to use his good office for early supply of the transformers to the stations and Mr Sharma assured for inviting the attention of Chief Engineer concerned. Mr Sharma stressed on the Government to take stringent measures in providing schooling facilities to the students community in migrants camps. He also invited the attention of Government towards the miserable condition of the unemployed youths of Nowshera constituency, whose living condition has become worst due to turmoil. |
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Gujjar Islahi Committee hails Advani’s statement Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 5: A meeting of Gujjar Islahi Committee was held under the chairmanship of its chief organiser Ghulam Rasool Asghar wherein statement of Deputy Prime Minister Mr L K Advani regarding rejection of trifurcation demand was hailed. As per a release, it was said in the meeting that the move of trifurcation of State is basically baseless and aimed at making the Kashmir problem more complicated. It was furthre said that the majority population of State including Gujjars and Bakerwals are against this trifurcation move. Gujjar Islahi Committee appealed the people of Jammu region to come forward for a common move to remove the discrimination under the frame work of a Constitution. Messrs Akhtar Husain, Bagh Ali, Sardar Khan, Mohd Ali, Ch Ramzan, Rahim Baksh, Din Mohd, Bashir Ahmed, Sartaq Din, Ghulam Rasool and Maqsood Ahmed spoke in the meeting. |
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YNC deputation meets Director Social Welfare Excelsior Correspondent DODA, July 5: A deputation of J&K Youth National Conference, Doda Rural-B led by its president Mr Raj Kumar today called on Director Social Welfare at Patnitop. As per a release, the deputation demanded opening of new Anganwari and Social Welfare Centres, enhancement of oldage pension from Rs 75 and adjustment of fresh local candidates in centres which are non-functional particularly at present. The Director Social Welfare gave a patient hearing to the deputation and assured them that he has already written to the State Government regarding the opening of new Anganwari and Social Welfare Centres. He further told the deputation that oldage pension has been enhanced by Central Government for which orders are to be issued very soon. He directed the District Social Welfare Officer to give full report of the eligible and most deserving candidates. Others in the deputation included Messrs Mohd Arif Mir, Pervez Ahmed, Abid Magrey, Vikram Singh, Dimple and Nana. |
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Over 65,000 pilgrims
registered till July 4 Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 5: While the Jammu and Kashmir Government today extended the registration date of Shri Amarnath Yatris up to July 15, a strong resentment was brewing among the Sadhus and Hindu religious organisations over the registration fees being charged by the Government from the pilgrims. A senior Jammu and Kashmir Bank Limited functionary connected with the process of Registration of pilgrims disclosed that July 5 was the last date fixed by the Government for the registration of yatris but now the same has been extended upto July 15, 2002. He said up to July 4 about 65,000 yatris have been registered with various centres set up for the process and the number is expected to go up in next ten days. He said the response from all the 87 Registration centres including eighty outside the state, is poor so far this year. Keeping in view this fact and also due to request from various organisations, ten days extension has been granted for the registration purpose at all the centres. In Delhi Centre a good response has been recorded. While Vishav Hindu Parishad has demanded current registration for the yatris arriving here from various parts of the country, the Government has already decided to allow not more than 1.5 lakh yatris to the Holy cave shrine in view of the yatra tragedy. The Bank sources said that Registration commenced on June 22 and up to July 4, a total of 3438 pilgrims have been registered in Jammu region through its six registration centres set up in all the districts. The figures from other Centres are yet to be compiled but it is said to be at dull note till now. This time the response is very poor and in next few days, the yatra registration may pick up, the sources said. The registration is being done at Exhibition Ground from 3 to 6 pm daily. On Saturday, the timing is from 1 to 4 pm while there will be no registration on Sunday. Rupees thirty are being charged for registration including Rs 20 as insurance cover worth Rs one lakh for each pilgrim, the sources maintained. Joint Director Tourism Mr M M Honda was not available for comments when contacted this evening. Deputy Director Tourism Mr Manhas claimed that he was not connected with the Yatra arrangements. The Administration claimed that several local inns and Sabhas besides several schools have been got vacated for the comfortable stay of the pilgrims arriving here. Special instruction shave also been issued to the Jammu Municipality, PHE, PDD, Health and Transport wings of the J&K Government for the arrangements and providing allied services to the yatris visiting Shri Amarnath cave. Meanwhile, a meeting of senior officers at Pahalgam to review the arrangements made by various agencies connected with the annual yatra was today told that five permanent bridges have been constructed from Chandanwari to the holy cave track. These bridges were ready for yatra. The meeting decided to allow setting up of ‘langars’ along the path from July 10. However, no ‘langar’ would be allowed to be set up at Nunwan-Pahalgam, the sources said. It was also decided that no plastic tent would be allowed at Pahalgam, Baltal and the holy cave to avoid any fire incident. According to Tourism Commissioner-secretary Mushtaq Ahmad Ganai Rs one crore has been provided to the Shrine Board for providing various facilities to yatris. |
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Nengroo addresses IMPA trainees on PDS Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 5 : The Minister of State for Food and Supplies, Mr. B.A. Nengroo today said that Public Distribution System(PDS) has been improved in the State ensuring availability of essential commodities to the consumer at reasonable rates. The Minister was addressing the fresh batch of combined services trainees at J&K Institute of Management, Public Administration here today. Mr. Nengroo said with the growing population, the demands for essential commodities have increased considerably. For this purpose the government has taken several measures to revive and revitalize the Public Distribution System during the past five and half years of their governance. He said that 1.05 crore population is being covered under the PDS and the department has established 5047 outlets in the State. Complimenting the trainees, the Minister stressed upon them that they should practice their experience, which they have gained during the training period for mitigating the suffering of the people. He also emphasized that they should work with greater zeal and dedication to serve the society. He said that service to the humanity never goes un-rewarded and would give them the job satisfaction. Mr. Nengroo said that we should take inspiration from the great personalities who have sacrificed their whole life for the service of humanity. Referring to the consumer protection measures, he said that district wise consumer forum have been constituted to redress the grievances of the consumers. The department have also launched a special campaign to enforce the provisions of the essential commodities act with a view to make PDS more vibrant and responsive to the needs of the public at large. During the last financial year, the flying squad of the department challaned 354 traders of Jammu city alone realizing the fine of Rs.2.98 lakh. Course Director, IMPA, Dr. M. I. Parrey informed that 49 new enrollees are under going Induction Training Course as members of combined services. Among others Director Food and Supplies, Mr. Devinder Nargotra and senior officers of IMPA and Food and supplies department were present on the occasion. |
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Govind addresses Public at Akhnoor Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 5 : The National Conference headed by Dr. Farooq Abdullah is fully determined to gear up the pace of developments of the three regions of the State despite nefarious designs of the anti-national elements who do not want development, peace and prosperity of the State. It was stated by the Minister of State for Irrigation and Flood Control, Mr. Govind Ram Sharma while addressing a public meeting at Akhnoor, 30 kms. from here today. He said that every nook and corner especially the far-flung and remote areas of the state have been brought under the road connectivity programmes under NABARD. Referring to the demand of drinking water, the Minister said that 10 hand pumps are presently functioning in tehsil Akhnoor. The execution work on 25 is going on. Presently, the services of water tanks have also been pressed in the area. Moreover 50 new hand pumps besides 4 new tubewells will be got sanctioned soon to mitigate the problems also. Mr. Govind Ram said that the NC is a party of labourers and farmers and its leader Sher-I-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah passed Agrarian Act in the State by which so many Kissans got the right of land. He said that the dream of Panchayati Raj in the State was also visualised by Sheikh Sahib and now the Panchayat elections were hold to do the speedy justice and progress with the cooperation of local bodies with minimum time. Referring to the nomination of Presidentship of the party to Mr. Omar Abdullah, Mr. Govind Ram said that the delegates of the party have decided to give the responsibility of this to him. He said that some parties demanded trifurcation of the State which could not solve the problems of the common masses but hamper the pace of progress and peace. Before it, such parties have already cried to abolish 370 Act, Resettlement Bill and now the Bill of Autonomy passed by the State. He cautioned the people from such elements and appealed to strengthen the hands of Dr.Farooq Abdullah. |
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All yatra camps from Nunwan to
Holy Cave Excelsior Correspondent ANANTNAG, July 5: The authorities have finalized all arrangements for this year’s Amarnath Yatra which will report at Nunwan Base Camp near world famous health resort of Pahalgam on July 19. This was stated by the Deputy Commissioner Anantnag while talking to Excelsior Today. He said to ensure the fool-proof security for the pilgrims, this year all the yatri camps will be fenced and so far the fencing work has been completed at Nunwan Base Camp and Chandanwari while the work is on at the other three camps including Sheshnag, Panchtarni and near Holy Cave which will be completed by July 12. The Deputy Commissioner said as a major security measure this year the langers will be kept separate from the Yatri camps. He said besides widening the road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari, the entire track from Chandanwari to Holy Cave has been renovated. The Deputy Commissioner said 68 langers have been given the permission and force movement to the different camp sites has started. He said the telephone and electricity arrangements at Holy Cave and enroute will be completed by July 10. For lighting purpose 25 to 27 generators will be installed this year, he said, adding strong instructions have been given to security forces personnel not to use the electricity for the heating purpose as this increases load. He said two additional generators will also be provided by the Shrine Board. The Deputy Commissioner said the DIG Anantnag along with the CRPF Officers inspected the track today which is now fully ready for pilgrims. He said the track has been widened from Pahalgam to Chandanwari for the safe passage of pilgrims and the zigs on the track form Chandanwari to Holy Cave have also been widened. He said special stress has been made on total coordination between the BSF, CRPF and local police for dealing with any eventuality. The DC said the yatris coming via Jammu from other parts of Country will leave in two batches from Shaitani Nullah daily. The first batch will leave at one pm and the other at 3pm to cross Anantnag at 5pm. He said unlike the past this year the arrangements for the yatris accommodation have been made at Mir Bazar Anantnag for night haltage in case there is any delay in their arrival due to closure of National Highway on account of rough weather etc. Besides Mirbazar other places enroute Khanabal to Mirbazar have been selected for their night stay, he added. He said the first batch which leaves Jammu on July 19 will have t he darshan on the intervening night of July 21 and 22 at Holy Cave. |
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