|
|
|
Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, June 25 : Governor, Mr Girish Chandra Saxena, Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah and Union Minister of State for External ....more J&K
poll will not be fair, Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 25: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) state chief and MLA today expressed apprehensions that the ensuing Assembly elections will not be free and fair in Jammu and Kashmir state.. . ...more Compensation to linemen’s family demanded Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 25: Power Workers Association (PWA) has demanded compensation to the families of the linemen who lost their lives while working on the live wires recently.....more Army fulfills dream of Sunderbani residents Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 25: The long outstanding demand of the local population of Minka and Liki blocks of Sunderbani....more 5-day training camp of Congress Seva Dal held Excelsior Correspondent HIRANAGAR, June 25: A five day training camp of Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Seva Dal workers was held at Hiranagar ,...more |
 |
Implement
HC order, Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 25: The trade union leaders of different State Government employees, teachers and workers, in an extra-ordinary meeting urged the Commissioner-cum-Secretary Works and the Chief Engineer PHE Department Jammu to implement the judgement No: LPA (SWP) 158/2002....more Army assists shrine reconstruction Excelsior Correspondent URI, June 25: In the present day of mindless religious intolerance, a heart warming sight was in full view in Shahdara village of Uri tehsil where a renovated Ziarat of Syed Rangi Imam Sahib was inaugurated by Uri Brigade Commander amid much pageantry..more Indresh
smells rat in NC’s move Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 25: Rashtriya Swyamsevak Sangh (RSS) has constituted a three member Committee on the emerging demand of restructuring ......more Class
IV employees Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 25: In a largely attended meeting of Class IV employees of Irrigation and Flood Control Department and Ravi Tawi Irrigation Complex, ..more |
|
Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, June 25 : Governor, Mr Girish Chandra Saxena, Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah and Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr Omar Abdullah today inaugurated various facilities and services in the Kashmir University campus here this afternoon. While Governor inaugurated Internet Access Centre in Alama Iqbal library, the Chief Minister inaugurated the examination block and Union Minister of State for External Affairs inaugurated the Habba Khatoon Girls Hostel. Minister for Finance, Mr Abdul Rahim Rather laid the foundation stone of distance education block, Minister for Education Mr Mohammad Shafi inaugurated social science block and the Minister for Works, Mr Ali Mohammad Sagar laid the foundation stone of Aiwani Sheikh-ul-Alam. Speaking at a function held on the occasion, the Governor described uplinking of Iqbal library with V-SAT and STPI service as a milestone which will serve as a means to facilitate the university students to have lectures and other reading material from all over the world. The facility, he said, can be beneficial for them in sending their assignments and answer sheets to their faculty for seeking instant remarks, whatsoever. He said the cult of violence badly affected education sector, besides the basic infrastructure, and it forced some to leave the valley for seeking avenues outside the State. In such a situation carrying on the academics was a real tough task that was performed by the staff successfully with fortitude. He recalled the services of the former vice chancellors, Mr Hamidi Kashmiri and Prof Qadri. The Governor, who is the chancellor of the university, expressed satisfaction over strict adherence of the academic calendar and conduct of timely examinations and declaration of results. He stressed the need for improving educational standards and hoped the student community would prepare itself to face the competitive world with much more confidence and grit. He said the service conditions of university teachers and their pay scales have been increased. Therefore, the faculty must work hard to give their best for achieving academic excellence. ‘You have to shape the destiny of the student community so that they earn laurels for the state and the university’, he asked the teachers. Mr Saxena said that with the introduction of many streams of education in the university, the students will not feel wanting for the courses they want to pursue. For frequent interaction and holding of seminars and lecturers, a conference hall is a pre-requisite for which special attention should be paid. The Governor asked the students to analyze various thoughts to which they would be exposed in the campus and choose the course they feel best for themselves. ‘Upon you lies the prosperity and future of the nation’, he added. Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah, who also spoke on the occasion, called for re-orienting the educational set up making it vocational as per the needs of the time. He said the universities and colleges of the state who hanker after jobs in government sector are producing hundreds of degree holders. This trend has to be reversed and education restructured in such a manner that the youth become self-reliant by opting other avenues of employment than being dependent on Government jobs alone. Dr Abdullah, who is also the Pro Chancellor, called for establishing entreprenual development centre, the initiative for which has been taken by Mr Omar Abdullah, to encourage entrepreneurship among youth particularly when the world is at the threshold of globalisation. He stressed the need for making drastic changes in the academic curriculum so that it meets the requirements of the changing times. ‘Providing a right educational structure in right perspective for optimum achievement of universalisation of education is imperative’, he said, adding that if this is achieved the cherished dream of Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah about the University of Kashmir will be fulfilled. He laid stress on research and hoped that realism and originality in their papers would widen the dimensions of their field of study and prove beneficial for the society. ‘We have to set goals for ourselves to achieve the pinnacles of progress and development in times to come’, he added. Dr Abdullah said that thrust is being laid on holding of refresher courses for the teaching fraternity and a scheme has been devised to broadbase the activities of teachers training colleges by making these as institutions of excellence. Referring to the improvement of the Srinagar Teaches Training College, he said that it is being expanded so that it has adequate numbers of teaching blocks, ladies hostel, computer and other labs and the block for Minister of Education. The CM favoured exchange of teachers to have best faculty for polishing the talent of students. He, however, said that this does not close the doors for promotion of local faculty. Those having merit, competence and academic excellence could be considered for top slots, he said hoping that the teachers will desist from forming lobbies and groups which is detrimental to the interests of the students. He also referred to the creation of infrastructure in various educational institutions and said that efforts would be made to raise residential accommodation at various places for teachers and provision of third teacher to each primary school. Referring to the prevailing situation, the CM said the State has undergone a period of trauma during the past few years. He wished friendship between India and Pakistan so that a new era of peace heralds in the region. ‘We have seen lot of bloodshed and now enough is enough’, he added. Dr Abdullah urged the compatriots to fulfill their responsibilities towards the nation and fellow beings. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr Omar Abdullah said that a conducive educational atmosphere is imperative for achieving academic excellence in the state. He said politics and academics are part of university culture but imbalance in the two could lead to serious repercussions. He hoped that the energies of youth are properly channelised in the universities so that they have a better role in nation building activities. Mr Omar said that the impact of militancy has been badly felt for several years and with sustained efforts, the academics in this premier institution of the valley has been brought back of rails. A duty has now cast upon the university administration to give enough attention towards professional courses, he said. The Minister referred to the proposed entreprenual development centre in the Valley and hoped that the State Government will vigorously follow it up with the concerned ministry in the Centre. Mr Omar announced Rs 10 lakh from his local area development fund for the Alamdar chair in the university and said that Alamdar-e-Kashmir has blessed the society with divine message of peace, love, secularism and tolerance. ‘This spirit has to be promoted among the youth’, he added. The Chief Minister also announced Rs 5 lakhs for the Alamdar chair. Giving the resume of the activities of the Kashmir Univeristy, its Vice Chancellor, Mr J A Khan Tareen said that at present the university is equipped with 34 teaching departments and 11 research and extension centres thereby enrolling 2574 post graduate students. Of these over 200 are research scholars pursuing their M.Phil and Ph.D degrees. The university which, has a strength of 248 teachers has produced over 4000 research papers and 182 books besides 17 research journals are also published annually. He said that during the past eight months, the university faculty also submitted 30 research projects to various agencies like UGC, Department of Science and Technology and Department of Environment. Of these 17 projects have been sanctioned for which Rs.1.3 crore have been mobilized. The Vice Chancellor said that the university has a rich library having a total collection of 3.75 lakh books and 50,000 back volumes of journals. It also subscribes to 280 national and international journals and has access to 600 on-line journals. Yet another milestone for the university is the uplinking of the university library also called Iqbal library with V-SAT and STPI, he said. Prof A.S. Bhat presented the vote of thanks. |
 |
J&K
poll will not be fair, free: BSP Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 25: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) state chief and MLA today expressed apprehensions that the ensuing Assembly elections will not be free and fair in Jammu and Kashmir state. Talking to media persons here this afternoon he alleged that total discrimination is made with his Partymen by the Government especially in security related matters. He alleged no security has been provided to his partymen in J&K due to which they can’t participate in campaigning in the sensitive and militancy infested areas of the state. this will make a mockery of electioneering in this militancy infested state, he added. Accusing Government for its biased approach he said NC workers have not only been provided the security cover but they have been provided the vehicles and accommodation in security zones while BSP leaders have been totally ignored. Even some workers of BJP, Congress and PDP too have been provided security cover in the Valley, he added. Sheikh Rehman while taking a strong dig at Vishwa Hindu parishad (VHP) for passing its two resolutions on J&K and Ayodhya said such outbursts are slated to harm the national cause and divide the country. He alleged what late Ali Mohammed Jinah could not attain by dividing the country on communal lines seems will be accomplished by such resolutions of VHP which demanded division of J&K into four parts and it also took a U turn on Ayodhya issue. He lambasted at NDA Government for what he called its dismal performance on all fronts and criticized its policies of liberalization and globalisation. Privatising the profit making Public Sector Undertakings reveals that NDA leadership is a puppet in the hands of capitalists, he added. On the recent violence in Gujarat he said it is a blot on the NDA Government. The violence has affected the Gujarat economy as no foreign investors are ready to invest in Gujarat, he added. Moreover there are many contradictions in this Government, he said adding the Prime Minister says one thing on a particular situation and the Home Minister another thing on the same situation. This shows there is no collective responsibility in NDA Governemnt. At one point the Defence Minister said that China is our number one enemy and to contradict him the Prime Minister said China is our good neighbour and we want to resolve all our disputes with her through dialogue, he said. He also opposed the Center’s proposed move to hold the dialogue with Hurriyat leadership to solve the Kashmir issue saying the conglomerate is not the sole representative of the people of J&K. Hurriyat is a platform but its leaders have no unanimity, he said and added while some get funds from Pakistan others get money from different nations. Hence the Centre should also hold dialogue with other organizations in Kashmir. He said though in a democracy the Governments are elected by the people but in J&K case every thing is manipulated by New Delhi. IT is the Centre which decides who will be the next Chief Minister of J&K, Sheikh added. On recent outbursts of Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah who made the autonomy as the main issue during the ‘coronation’ of Omer Abdullah, he said former NC patriarch had set his eyes on New Delhi either to be appointed President of India or Vice President but he feels disappointed now. However, he maintained that every party supports the decentralization of power while responding to a question on autonomy. NC is not basically interested in autonomy but the Party wants to make it a poll issue. By raising the bogey of autonomy in the elections both NC and BJP want to seek electoral dividends in the two regions of the state. Sheikh maintained that his Party will not go for alliance in the ensuing Assembly poll with any political outfit in J&K but will certainly think of seat adjustment with some like minded parties. Highlighting the border migrants issue he demanded that compensation be given to all 71,000 hectares of land including 13,000 hectares situated across the ditch. The Party also demanded constitution of Committee to assess the loss causes due to border tension and border migrants be paid relief at par with Kashmiri migrants. He also demanded the relief for the people of Allah and Arnia villages on International border where from people did not migrate despite facing a heavy loss from across the border shelling. Party general secretary, Roop Lal and youth leader Amit Manhas were also present. |
|
Compensation to linemen’s family demanded Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 25: Power Workers Association (PWA) has demanded compensation to the families of the linemen who lost their lives while working on the live wires recently. President of PWA, Mr Ashok Kumar said that the two incidents occurred on June 20 and June 16 in which two linemen lost their lives due to the negligence on part on AEEs and JEs in M&RE Sub Division Bishnah and Miran Sahaib. The PWA statement demanded that one family member be provided with the job in PDD under SRO 43 and proper inquiry be got conducted by the Crime Branch. Mr Ashok Kumar demanded
family pension, safety tools to every linemen,
implementation of all safety rules and all stations and
lines be inspected by Inspection agency division to avoid
future accidents. VHP’s proposal is a blow on secular nature: Yadav BHOPAL, June 25: Union Labour Minister Sharad Yadav today described Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s proposal to make Jammu a separate state as a big blow to the secular fabric of the nation. Talking to UNI here, the Janata Dal(U) president said the proposal had further complicated the Kashmir problem. On the automony issue raked by Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, he said talks within the ambit of the constitution could be held in this regard. Replying to a query he said the demand of the Akalis for autonomy during Punjab crisis and autonomy for Kashmir were two divergent issues. (UNI) |
|
Army fulfills dream of Sunderbani residents Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 25: The long outstanding demand of the local population of Minka and Liki blocks of Sunderbani tehsil was fulfilled by the Army when Major General Sudhir Sharma, VSM, GoC, Akhnoor division inaugurated the Beripatten-Madhav Temple link road. The ceremony was witnessed by a gathering of senior military officers, civil dignitaries of the Sunderbani tehsil and a large number of local population. The project was taken up by the Army as part of Operation Sadbhavana. Speaking on the occasion, the Sarpanches of Minka, Liki and Kangri conveyed their gratitude to the army undertaking this arduous task to alleviate to the problems of the local population despite the tense situation on the Line of Control. This seven kilometers road was completed in record time with cooperation of the locals and hard work of the Army. The general in his speech, exhorted the local to remain vigilant and extend the same cooperation to the army to eliminate the scourge of terrorism from this sector. He assured the people of continued humanitarian assistance by the Army. |
|
5-day training camp of Congress Seva Dal held Excelsior Correspondent HIRANAGAR, June 25: A five day training camp of Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Seva Dal workers was held at Hiranagar and was presided over by Chairman of Dal Mr Subash Gupta. Mr Mangat Ram Sharma, senior vice-president of Pradesh Congress Committee was the chief guest and Mr Rajinder Raina, organising secretary All India Congress Committee (AICC) Seva Dal Incharge, J&K was the guest of honour. Mr C P Joshi, organising secretary AICC Seva Dal, Prem Yadav, Mool Chand Yadav were the instructors of the camp while Mrs Piyari Jan was the camp commandant. Addressing the trainees of Seva Dal Camp, Mr Mangat Ram Sharma said that Seva Dal is the vanguard of the All India Congress which has always played a significant role in the modern society and it is important enough for J&K which is passing through turmoil at present. He stressed upon the trainees to dedicate and devote themselves for betterment of the Congress so that it becomes mass based organisation. Senior Congress leader Mr Moti Lal Koul also addressed the trainees. Others who addressed the trainees included Messrs Rattan Chand, Tara Chand Bhagat, K L Bakshi, Yashpal, Hakikat Singh, Kamal Gupta, Drub Singh, Ch Garu Ram, Madan Lal and G L Chalotra. Meanwhile, Mr Subash Gupta disclosed that a similar Seva Dal training camp has started at Roop Nagar, Jammu and was inaugurated by Thakur Shiv Dev Singh, former MLA. |
|
Implement HC order, say PHE employees Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 25: The trade union leaders of different State Government employees, teachers and workers, in an extra-ordinary meeting urged the Commissioner-cum-Secretary Works and the Chief Engineer PHE Department Jammu to implement the judgement No: LPA (SWP) 158/2002 of the Division Bench of the State High Court in favour of entire PHE Ministerial Staff of Jammu province in letter and spirits. In a joint statement issued after the meeting the senior trade union leaders of the State urged the Commissioner for Works and the Chief Engineer PHE Department Jammu to implement the judgement of the double bench of the State High Court in respect of PHE employees especially in the case of posting of Store-keepers. The Trade Union leaders namely Sampat Parkash, state president of Low Paid Employees Federation, Mr Shiv Kumar Sharma, president, Water Works (PHE) Employees Association, Jammu province, Mr Bakshi Singh, provincial president PHE Workers Welfare Association Jammu, Mr Shakti Gupta, president Provincial Power Employees Union, Mr Mukand Lal Sharma, general secretary Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh Teachers Federation, Mr Saroop Singh president Class IV Employees Union, Mr Nisar Ali Mir, general secretary State Employees Conference Kashmir, Mr Bashir Ganai and Shafi Lone, president and general secretary of Health and Medical Employees Union Kashmir, Bashir Ahmed Khan, president J&K Public Sector Employees Union and Mr Mohd Aliyas, president PHE Employees Union, Kashmir called for implementation of the High Court order in letter and spirit and warned the Government to concede the demands without any further delay. The leaders said strong resentment was brewing amongst Ministerial Staff of the PHE Department, who have been agitating for quite sometime. They warned that if their demands were not conceded as promised by the Chief Engineer Mr Shamiri to a large delegation of PHE employees by June 28, the agitation would be unhesitatingly converted into a war of attrition. The leading representatives of leading trade unions warned the authorities not to force entire Government employees to start a forceful agitation and get exposed their vested interests for which unions have gathered concrete evidences. The unions and associations has appealed to all the employees to come out in open and support Ministerial Staff in case they are forced to resort to strike in case the High Court Judgement was not honoured. The trade unionists demanded from the Chief Engineer PHE Department to exercise his wisdom and experience as an upright officer and not to force a situation for show down of confrontation. The final decision of the future programme will be chalked out on June 29. AIBCU holds meet at Rajouri Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, June 25: Rajouri unit of All India Backward Classes Union today held a meeting under the chairmanship of Haji Abdul Khalid and in the meeting OBC people from villages like Rehar, Tarata, Sadgala, Kot Tara and Palma took part. As per a release, participants discussed the main agenda of 27 percent reservation granted by the Apex Court and lambasted the State Government which didn’t implement the Apex Court judgement of 27 percent reservation for the State Socially and educationally Backward classes. Commenting on the new president of National Conference, he said that there is only a change in the leadership but no change in the policies of the State Government for OBCs. He termed the non-implementation of Mandal Report in the State as violation of country’s constitution, apex court’s direction and violations of teachings of Islam. The participants took the issue of autonomy seriously and questioned what would happen if the proposed autonomy does not have the provision of OBCs reservation. |
|
Army assists shrine reconstruction Excelsior Correspondent URI, June 25: In the present day of mindless religious intolerance, a heart warming sight was in full view in Shahdara village of Uri tehsil where a renovated Ziarat of Syed Rangi Imam Sahib was inaugurated by Uri Brigade Commander amid much pageantry. Commanding Officer of local Army Unit, 15 Maratha Light Infantry under whose aegis the renovation took place and prominent members of public were also present on the occasion. The speakers thanked the Army for their vision and help in constructing the shrine and the chief guest appreciated the cooperation and goodwill that exists between the public and army. The Shahdara Ziarat is a part of the rich cultural heritage of Uri tehsil. One of the venerated saint of Islam—Baba Syed Rangi Imam is closely associated with it. However, the reverence in the hearts of the locals didn’t match the poor state of the antiquated shrine. Realising this, 15 Maratha Light Infantry undertook to renovate the shrine and restore it. This initiative enthused the locals of the region. In the absence of road, they bent backwards often carrying heavy stores on their backs to the site over long distances through treacherous mountain tracks. 15 Maratha Light Infantry played catalyst and gave this effort the required thrust. The magnificent shrine now bears testimony of the hardwork. The marble flooring, tiled walls, dazzling chandeliers and the beautiful compound have altogether increased the beauty of the shrine. |
|
Indresh smells rat in
NC’s move Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 25: Rashtriya Swyamsevak Sangh (RSS) has constituted a three member Committee on the emerging demand of restructuring of J&K State and after the submission of the report, it will be discussed in the Working Committee of the Sangh. This was stated by Akhil Bharatiya Seh Prachar Parmukh, Indresh Kumar while participating in an RSS function here today. He said the three member committee comprises Prof Bajrang Lal Gupta, Prof Balape and Justice (rtd) Gupta. The committee members after interacting with cross section of people in J&K has submitted its report. Branding aside that the demand for the creation of separate state for Jammu or Union Territory status for Ladakh as anti national, he said instead it will help in more integration of J&K with India. The RSS leader who was on two days visit of Jammu said the integration movement launched by the nationalist forces in the J&K is the by product of the separatist movement launched by secessionist elements. Smelling a rat in the National Conference leaders’ stand on autonomy he said this slogan can not be equated with the independence movement of India. This way NC was challenging the national integration as the statement has made its role doubtful, he added. The RSS leader while ridiculing the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah’s double speak, said in one breath he (Farooq) talks of attacking Pakistan and in the second he advocates for autonomy of state. Hitting out at NC leadership he said the NC has come with the Resettlement Bill but it has not taken any step for the settlement of Pakistani refugees in J&K. Strongly advocating for the cause of people of Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmiri Pandits, he said they continue to face the discrimination through the hands of the State Government which is the cause of brewing resentment among the masses. He while making a scathing attack on NC criticized it for singing the separate National Anthem in its delegate meet at Srinagar recently. Does this not lead to disintegration of State, the RSS leader asked? No state has separate Constitution and Separate Flag why Jammu and Kashmir should have it, he said. He said the NC Government has added to the alienation of people in the state and nothing was done by the Government for the resettlement of displaced people. He said no body in the state will be swayed by the catchy slogans of Dr Abdullah as the people have seen through his gameplan. Now the masses do not trust him, he claimed. Indresh Kumar said it is the duty of both Central and State Government to ensure free and fair elections in the state. Moreover, it will be also in the best interests of NC if Dr Abdullah ensures free and fair poll in the state as his over reaction on the Prime Minister’s August 15 announcement last year in this regard has made his intentions doubtful. On the reported Centre’s move to hold dialogue with Hurriyat, Indresh Kumar said more and more people can participate in democracy to make it broad based. |
|
Class IV employees of I&FC frame adhoc body Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 25: In a largely attended meeting of Class IV employees of Irrigation and Flood Control Department and Ravi Tawi Irrigation Complex, here, an adhoc body was constituted with Ashok Kumar as president, Jai Krishan as secretary and Krishan Chand, Kewal Kishore and Madan Lal as organisors. As per a release Mr Abdul Majid Khan, state president of Low Paid Employees Federation while addressing, assured whole hearted cooperation and support of the Federation, describing their grievances as genuine. Mr Jagdish Raj Sharma and Mr Krishan Singh provincial president and general secretary respectively of the Federation and Mr Baldev Raj Sharma, president Class IV, Jammu province, Madan Gopal, Bahadur Singh, Madan Lal, Ashok Kumar, Kewal Kishore and Jai Krishan and others addressed the meeting. The speakers expressed concern that DPC meetings are not held regularly as such those who are due for promotion are deprived of due benefits. The speakers demanded that DPC meeting should be held after every three months and in the meanwhile it should be held soon to clear the back-log of pending promotion cases pertaining to clerical, Matriculate Class IV employees and all other categories of employees of Irrigation and Flood Control as also Ravi Tawi Irrigation Complex. They further demanded that Class-IV employees should be deputed for ITI training in the trade of Building Construction, Typing, Electrician and Plumber etc. GIC Employees Union holds annual general meet Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 25: The annual general body meeting of National Insurance Companies Ltd employees affiliated to All India Insurance Employees Association was held under the chairmanship of Mr K K Bakshi, president of Jammu region, here today. As per a release, Mr Anil Chopra, vice-president, Chandigarh Region, General Insurance Employees Union in his address apprised the gathering of the struggle launched by the Association and its achievements to uplift the working condition and financial status of GIC employees. Mr Sudershan Sharma, general secretary of CRGEEU, Chandigarh, who was the chief guest, briefed the employees of the inherent dangers confronting the employees due to anti-employees policies being adopted by the Central Government. He said that opening up of insurance industry to the private sector will be harmful to the insuring public and drain out the funds contributed by the public which are invested in development plans. Mr Dalip Kaul, secretary of the Jammu region placed before the house the report of the activities of the Union during the year which was unanimously adopted. The meeting concluded with the elections of office bearers which included Dalip Kaul, president, T K Pandita, vice-president, R K Uppal, secretary, Harish Raina, organising secretary, M K Raina, joint secretary and Vikram Sehgal, cashier. The executive members included L M Saraf, T K Saraf, Vishnu Pran Sharma, Vinod Kumar, B L Raina and Pradeep Mengi. |
|
Gurupurab of 6th Guru celebrated with zeal Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 25: Gurupurab of the 6th Guru, Guru Hargobind Maharaj was celebrated with great zeal and fervor in Digiana Ashram. Thousands of the members of Sikh community from rural as well as urban areas came to the Ashram to invoke the blessings of Guru. Shabad Kirtan were recited throughout the day. Various Raghi Jathas recited the Gurbani and various Parcharaks highlighted the achievements and teachings of Guru Hargobind. Prominent political and religious leaders of the community threw light on the life of Guru Hargobind and stressed upon the people to follow the path shown by Guru of brotherhood and communal harmony. It was disclosed that District Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee Jammu had closed the Ardas in middle of Shri Akhand Path Sahib which was objected by the State Gurudwara Prabandhak Board as well as other Sikh organisations. The matter was referred to Shri Akal Takhat Sahib, Amritsar where Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti and Panj Jathedar listed the verdicts of both the parties and decided to open the Ardas of Karha Prashad in the middle of Shri Akhand Path Sahib and will remain as usual as per Guru Maryada. It was directed to the Sikh Sangat of the State to follow the directions in this regard. The leaders said that Shri Mahant Manjit Singh of Shiromandi Dera Nangali Sahib Poonch is also following the path shown by Gurus and preaching the Sikhism in and outside the State. They urged the newly elected president of National Conference (NC) to allot tickets to only those candidates who are not corrupt. The speakers
included Jagdev Singh, Lakhbir Singh, Mohinder Singh,
Kulwant Singh, Narbir Singh, Rajinder Singh, Amar Singh,
Gajan Singh, Kanchan Singh, Gurdev Singh and Hardev
Singh.
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 25: A meeting of Mini-Bus Workers Union was held under the chairmanship of Ch Ram Saroop, chief organisor of the Union, wherein the decision of Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah and Transport Minister Mr Ajat Shatru Singh for extending period of entry fees for seven days was hailed. As per a release, Mr Anil Chopra, Chairman of the Union, appealed the State Government to take up this matter with Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Government for relaxation in taxes for J&K pilgrims as a large number of people from J&K are visiting these states for religious purposes at Harmandir Sahib, Haridwar, Ajmer Sahib, Chint Purni and Jawala Ji. He said that paying of taxes by pilgrims in these states is totally unjustified. He welcomed the deicison of Transport Minister for giving time relaxation to outside yatries who are visiting Mata Vaishno Devi and Amar Nath shrine. Speaking on the ocasion, Ch Ram Saroop said that day by day corruption in Traffic Department is increasing and every officer of Traffic Department is indulged into malpractices which is shameful. He warned to openly come against the Traffic Police if the latter did not stop unnecessarily harassing the operators. Messrs Ch Raj Kumar, Ravi Sharma, Vijay Singh, Niranjan Singh and Karan Singh also spoke on the occasion and appealed the Govt to exempt passenger and token tax. |
|
Mahant Virender installed at Gaddi of Devi Pindi, Panthal Excelsior Correspondent KATRA, Jun 25: Raj Tilak of Shri Virender Dass Ji, Mahant on the Gaddi of ~Devi Pindi’, Panthal, as successor of Mahant Shri Shri 108 Tulsi Dass Ji Maharaj took place at Panthal by Mahamandleshwar Mahant Shri Sita Ram Dass on June 23 at 10 am. Meanwhile working committee of Sthan Shri Devi Pindi, Panthal, was constituted with Shri Virender Dass Ji Maharaj, Mahant Sthan Devi Pindi as chairman. Other office bearers included Messrs Rajesh Sharma as president, Madan Lal as vice president, Hardyal Verma as general secretary, Padam Sharma as secretary-cum-store incharge, Satish Sharma, secretary-cum-cashier and Vijay Gupta secretary/cashier. The working committee members included Messrs Jyoti Singh, Vinay Gupta, Sumeer Sharma (Sunny), Minta Gupta, Bobby Manchanda, Nasib Singh, Renu Sharma, Surindewr Sharma, Arun Malhotra, Tilak Raj Sharma, Veena Sharma, Shanti Devi, Krishan Dutt and Tara Dass. |
|
30,000
devotees participated Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, June 25 : Over 30,000 devotees attended the 3-day Sudhmahadev Mela held in Chenani, Udhampur, from June 23,2002. The devotees took holy bath at Gouri Kund, Paat Nashni Bouli, Mantalai and paid obeisance before Lord Shiva by pouring water on Shiva Lingum at the famous Shiv-Parvati Temple, Sudhmahadev, on the eve of Jayeshta Purnima. People throng at Gauri Kund on Shukla Choudash and take holy dip at Gauri Kund where Devi Uma worshiped Lord Shiva for a pretty long time to attain Lord Shiva’s blessings. It is a common belief in Hindus that Sudhmahadev yatra is incomplete if a person donot take holy dip at Gauri Kund, one day before Jayasheth Purmina. The Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Shailendra Kumar, said that adequate arrangements of security, transport, parking of vehicles, sanitation, drinking water and electricity were made during the Mela. Due to the concerted efforts of the administration and the cooperation of the devotees, the mela culminated today successfully and peacefully. Besides various stalls were established by the different departments of the district for exhibition-cum-sale purpose. The Tehsildar Chenani was appointed as the Mela Officer for the supervision of the Mela. The SSP, Udhampur and Assistant Commissioner(Revenue) Udhampur also visited the spot to ensure better security and other arrangements for the smooth conduct of the Mela. Free langers were also organized for the devotees by various social organizations. |
|
Akhoon inaugurates Kargil House at Bemina Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, June 25 : The Minister of State for Works and Power, Mr Qamar Ali Akhoon inaugurated Kargil House at Bemina here today. The construction work of this house was taken up during the year 1984 by the Srinagar Development Authority but during the year 1989 the building though completed was gutted due to fire and it was later on occupied by traffic police to save the rest of the remaining structure from unscrupulous elements. During the year 2001 it was taken back from traffic police and keeping in view its deteriorating condition the Public Works Department, Kargil started the renovation of the same on war footing basis. The structure is nearly 90 per cent completed and the work is in progress. The total cost for the said renovation work including furnishing has been worked out to Rs. 30 lacs. The structure consists of 16 rooms with dinning hall, kitchen block, lavatory block and is spread on 4 kanals of land. Speaking on the occasion the Minister said the people of Kargil and its surrounding areas have been facing many problems due to lack of proper accommodation at Srinagar. He said that it had been the long pending demand of the people particularly boys and girls studying in colleges and universities for having accommodation facilities here. With the construction of this complex their demand has been fulfilled. He said the people of far flung areas of Kargil and those living below poverty line had to occupy private accommodation at high rates which they could not afford particularly when they had to bring patients for treatment to Srinagar. The Minister said that it was due to the persistent efforts of the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah that the work on the Kargil House has been completed. He said that at Jammu also the similar house has been constructed where the students and needy people from Kargil avail opportunity of living in this house. He said that the temporary arrangements for occupying a house at New Dehli are also being made so that the people of Kargil and school going children do not face any sort of inconvenience. Among others present on the occasion were Haji Abbas, MLA, Kargil, Panchs and Sarpanchs of Kargil district, prominent citizens and NC workers |
|
Amendments in Gurudwara
Admn Act favoured Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, June 25, : The 407th birth anniversary of Shri Guru Hargobind Ji was celebrated with gaiety and religious fervour in the Kashmir valley today. People thronged various Gurdwaras from wee hours and participated in Dewans. A large number of devotees was seen at Gurudwara Shadimarg in district Pulwama, Gurudwra Parampila in Uri, Gurudwra Chatti Padshahi in Baramulla to seek the blessings and listen to the sermons of Guru Granth Sahib. The main function was held at the biggest Gurudwara of the capital city- Gurudwara Sahib Chatti Padshahi in Srinagar where the Minister for Labour and Sports, S. Harbans Singh paid his obeisance and joined the prayers. Massive prayers were organized for peace in the strife torn State. Deliberating on the philosophy of Guru Hargobind Sahib, the sixth guru of Sikhism, the Minister said that Guru Maharaj gave the concept of ‘soldier-saint’ to the world , which means that one must always be prepared to fight for the humanitarian cause and simultaneously try to elevate himself spiritually in the eyes of Almighty. This would lead one towards the path of Dharama- Justice for which Maharaj Sahib constructed the ‘Akal Thakt’ - the seat of Justice at Harmandir Sahib. Tracing the historical link of Gurudwara Sahib Chatti Padshahi at Kashmir, he said that it was here that Guru Sahib received a gift in the form of "Cholla", a traditional outfit from an old Kashmiri lady- Mata Baghpari who wished to have the Darshan of the Guru Sahib but was unable to do so owing to her being blind and old. Kashmir, he said, adding that the valley is known as the holy land as many saints and seers came to this place and preached the age old truth of universal brotherhood, communal harmony and humanity, which are much needed today. Mr. Singh appealed to the people to follow the preaching of Guru Ji in letter and spirit and pray for perpetual peace and harmony in the State. Sikhs, he said had always braved the onslaughts on them and history bears testimony to this fact that Guru Ji wanted to create courageous people who could fight against tyranny and at the same time achieve spiritual stardom. It was for this reason that Maharaj Sahib always wore two swords namely, Sword of Miri (Meaning fighting and ruling) and Sword of Piri (meaning to elevate oneself spiritually). The Minister also favoured the amendments in the Gurudwara Administration Act, provided these were done with unanimity. President Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, S. Joginder Singh presented a charter of demands to the Minister. Earlier, Prof. Manjit Singh Ji, Jathedar Takhat Kasgarh Sahib presented Shabad and Kirtan. |
|
Samba people hold demonstration for district, degree college Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 25: A demonstration was held at tehsil headquarters Samba under the banner of All Party Action Committee for district and degree college Samba under the presidentship of Mr Sukhdev Singh Sambyal. According to a press release, while addressing the gathering, Mr Sambyal said that people of Samba have been struggling since long for the creation of district headquarters Samba recommended by the Wazir Commission Report but the Government has failed to concede their genuine long pending demand. He further said that inspite of all assurances given to the people of Samba from time to time since 1984, Samba being one of the oldest tehsil and a historical town has not been accorded even post of SDM till date. He also demanded opening of degree college at Samba as already announced by the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah. He said that people of Samba are not against opening of colleges at other regions but we strongly oppose the pick and choose and discriminatory policy. Mr Sambyal warned the government that patient of the people of the tehsil has exhausted and there was no option but to launch a vigorous struggle for the realization of their genuine long pending demand. Major (Retd) Dalip Singh Sarpanch, Bishan Dass CPM leader, Gouri Shanker, Congress, Pawan Singh PDP, Ravi Khajuria, Congress leader, Manyal BJP and Vikas Sambyal ABVP addressed the gathering. |
|
BJP to observe Autonomy Virodhi Day on July 31 Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 25: The state BJP has decided to observe Autonomy Virodhi Diwas on July 31, 2002 to pay homage to late Shayama Prashad Mukherjee, who fought endlessly and made supreme sacrifice for the integration of the state with rest of the country. According to a press release, a decision on this effect was taken in the meeting of the BJP which was held under the chairmanship of Mr D K Kotwal, state president. The meeting also reviewed the on-going fortnight long birth anniversary celebrations of Dr Shayama Parashad Mukherjee. The meeting among other issues discussed at length the discrimination meted out to the people of Jammu and Ladakh by the NC Govt, headed by Dr Farooq Abdullah. It was decided in the meeting to prepare a White Paper to highlight misdeeds of the NC government. Union Minister of State for Food Processing, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, Lala Shiv Charan Gupta, Manohar Lal, O P Gupta, Hans Raj Dogra, Ashok Khajuria, Bali Bhagat, Prithvi Chand, Prem Lal, Kavinder Gupta, Kashmira Singh, Upinder, Din Mohammed Cheetha, Shamsher Singh, Mrs Suresh Jamwal, Satish Sharma, Master Sohan Lal, B L Bharti and others attended the meeting. |
|
Gupta flags off truck load relief material for border migrants Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 25: The Union Minister of State for Food Processing, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta today flagged off a truck load of relief material for border migrants of Bishnah tehsil. The relief material contained Atta, Dal, rice and mustard oil. According to a press release, the relief material was provided by the Kanak Mandi Traders Association following a call given by the Union Ministers to the traders and people to donate voluntarily for the border migrants who are putting up in various camps. While dispatching the truck, the Union Minister expressed his sincere gratitude to the Kanak Mandi traders Association for donating generously for the cause of border people. He expressed hope that Association will mobilize further relief material for the border migrants. President of the Association, Mr Arun Gupta and vice-president S P Jain assured the Union Minister that they will further mobilize relief material for the border migrants. Later the Association
members Messrs Vijay Kumar, Suresh Kumar, Vinod Kumar,
Kamlesh Kumar, Gopal, Ashok, Ravi and Avinash accompanied
the truck and distributed the relief material among
migrant families.
JKSF’s workshop for border students concludes Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 25: The educational workshop organised by JKSF concluded on June 22 with great enthusiasm at R S Pura. The main aim behind was to cover up the studies of the migrant students who have been suffering due to Pakistani shelling and their displacement. The Jammu Kashmir Students Federation took up this initiative and organised this a function on last day of series of such camps in border belt in which stationary among the needy migrant students was distributed. On this occasion hundreds of students and their parents were present. While speaking on the occasion, a prominent social activist and president of NGO—SAHYOG ( serving all humanity yearning over globe) said that it is the responsibility of the Govt to help the migrant students but unfortunately, as it failed to render assistance to to the needy students, the JKSf has taken up this noble work in hand to mitigate the sufferings of the border migrant students. Mr Anuj Tandon of the JKSF said that BJP-NC alliance Government has failed to solve the problems of migrant students. He alleged that due to wrong policies of Government the border students are suffering. Mr Deepak Jalali and Ashok Kumar members of the Federation alleged that Government was treating Jammu and Kashmir migrant students step-motherly. There should be no discrimination at all, they maintained. |
|
Jammu Muslim worst victim of NC’s policies: JKNF Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 25: One day convention of the Muslim wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Nationalist Front was held at Jammu under the chairmanship of Mr Tilak Raj Sharma, convenor of the Front. According to a press release, a large number of Muslims leaders from different areas of Jammu region participated in the meeting. Muslim leaders while addressing the gathering expressed their anguish over discriminatory attitude of the successive state government towards the people of Jammu region irrespective of their caste, creed or religion. The Muslim population of the region was particularly hit during these years at the hands of the Kashmiri rulers. They further said that NC leaders have been trying to befool the Muslim population of Jammu region by exploiting religious sentiments of the people. Muslim leaders of the JKNF expressed strong opinion in favour of the re-organisation of the Jammu and Kashmir state and thereby create a separate state for Jammu. Muslim leaders further said that the issue of re-organisation was exclusively based on regional, political and economic but the NC has been mis-guiding the masses by branding the demand as communal. Leaders resolved that they would fight for the achievement of the statehood to its logical conclusion. Ghulam Haider Atish of
Darhal, Moulvi Mohammed Jameel of Manjakote Rajouri, Haji
Mohammed Bashir of Jinder, Haji Mohammed Sardar Khatana,
Haji Ghulam Mohammed of Kalakote, Mohammed Shafi
Choudhary of Poonch, Mohammed Rafiq of Poonch and others
addressed the meeting. SGPC opposes VHP’s demand SRINAGAR, Jun 25: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has condemned the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s demand for division of Jammu and Kashmir on communal lines and said the Sikh community will oppose any such move. In a 20-point resolution adopted at Gurdwara Chattipadshahi today, the SGPC said, "our community will oppose any such move," and added that Jammu and Kashmir will remain one. The resolution moved by Sardar Joginder Singh demanded that Kashmiri Sikhs should also be given visa to visit place of worships in Pakistan. Demanding immediate measures to end violence in Kashmir, the resolution said that bullet for bullet is no answer to any problem and all issues should be resolved through talks. But Sardar Singh said that Sikhs should also be taken into confidence before arriving at any lasting solution to the issues in the state. However, the SGPC was critical of the state Govt saying Sikhs were being ignored in the Govt jobs. "We want equal share in the jobs besides promotion for the community." The resolution also demanded that Punjabi language should be introduced from the primary level and a separate department should be opened in Kashmir. (UNI) KAS Officers Asso welcome cabinet decision Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, June 25 : The Kashmir Administrative Service Officers Association has welcomed the cabinet decision regarding enhancement in the promotion quota from time scale to selection scale upto 33 and 1/3 per cent. ‘This will go a long way in opening up of new avenues for the State cadre officers’, the spokesperson of the association, Mr Farooq Renzu said here today. The association has expressed its gratitude to the Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, Principal Advisor to Chief Minister, Mr Ashok Jaitly and Chief Secretary, Mr I S Malhi. It is because of their keenness that the long pending demand of the association has been fulfilled though much more is required to be done. A deputation of the association led by its President, Sheikh Mushtaq Ahmed had called on the Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah a few days back and requested for increase in the quota. The association had also put forth several other demands. The spokesman of the association said that a national level seminar of the State cadre officers is being organised in Srinagar soon, in which delegates of various neighbouring States are likely to participate. |
|
| home | state | national | business| editorial | advertisement | sports | |
