|
|
| DPS holds interactive session Media dependent on politicians for front page coverage: Rajat Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 14: Asserting that the politicians were responsible for the all the mess in the country, eminent media personality, Rajat Sharma, however.....more Governor
holds Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, May 14: The Governor, Mr. G.C.Saxena and the Chief Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah today held a meeting of prominent citizens and representatives and various political......more Suicidal
attacks in JAMMU, May 14: A total of 106 people, including securitymen, were killed and 175 were injured in suicide attacks by militants in different districts of Jammu division since January last year, official sources said here. .....more Rich
tributes paid Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 14: Rich tributes were paid to Sardar Budh Singh on his 118th birth anniversary at a function organised at Abhinav Theatre, here this evening. .....more JK
Panthers Party seeks Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 14: Expressing concern over the diversion of security related funds towards renovation of the official residences of senior Government functionaries.....more |
 |
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU,May 14: Minister for Environment and Forests, Peerzada Ghulam Ahmed Shah has claimed that forest fire in several areas of Billawar in district Kathua has been contained and........more Div Com
reviewed Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, May 14: Arrangements for smooth celebration of Milad congregations and to facilitate devotees to attend Milad functions and prayers at Hazratbal shrine and other related........more Cong
activists protest, Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 14: Pradesh Youth Congress leaders today staged dharna in front of the office of Divisional commissioner Jammu and later submitted........more Sagar
takes stock Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, May 14: The Minister for Works, Mr. Ali Muhammad Sagar today visited the shrine of Khawaja Naqashband Sahib (RA) to review the arrangements of annual.......more |
DPS holds interactive session Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 14: Asserting that the politicians were responsible for the all the mess in the country, eminent media personality, Rajat Sharma, however, at the same time said that it is media that is dependent on politicians for the "front page coverage". Sharma, before whom "top class" personalities buckle during the interview in " Aap Ki Adalat", was a chief guest at a function organized by Delhi Public School here this afternoon to speak on the topic "Role of Media in Education." Maximum media personalities, who were supposed to share the dais with Sharma in the function, could not attend to it as they were pre occupied with the Kaluchak carnage that took place this morning. During the two hour long lively interactive session, Rajat Sharma candidly replied varied questions posed by the students and some guests as well. He replied every question to the best satisfaction of the audience with forthrightness and clarity. Sharma was so candid during this interactive session that while replying to a question he admitted reading of news papers from childhood was a reason of his success in the media line. He even shared the piece of information that he was a product of a Municipality School and had continued his education with the help of scholarships. He told the children that they should be grateful to their parents for sending them to such a good school and appealed them to make a motto of their life to help one poor child in getting proper education. He said when leaders in the country are not ready to learn from their own experiences, public opinion and defeat in elections how can children make any transformation in them while replying to a question from the audience. Rajat Sharma however said that he was not of the opinion that children can do nothing. "I have come here to share my experience with them and learn some thing from the children". Admitting that the human interest stories do not get due coverage in news papers in comparison to political news, he said though we oppose political leaders, we are dependent on them. He said people are also responsible for the monopoly made by the politicians. No doubt we call them names during the five years but later in elections we vote them to power and this way the fault not only lies with politicians but people as well. On jhe question regarding reviewing of Indian Constitution the proposal mooted by the NDA Government, he said the amendment to Constitution is quite different than change in the basics of Constitution. He, however, expressed the hope that there is no reason to worry about this as Prime Minister has recently said that NDA has no intention to change the basics of Constitution. To another question that what type of security he was provided by the Government, Mr Sharma said the greatest security he has is the love and affection of the people. "Hence I am not dependent on Government. On the modification of education he said the mindset of education planners in the country has to be changed as they say something and do the other. Even today millions of School children study under trees, as they have no buildings, black boards and teachers. To another question what the media men should do to achieve the heights, this renowned interviewer of Zee TV’s "Aap Ki Adalat" programme said there should be total honesty in one’s profession. As a teacher you should be honest to your job, he added. Mr Rajat Sharma also maintained that it is obligatory for the media to print a correction in the next edition if there is a mistake in any report. He maintained that there is possibility of mistake in the report as it is very tough for media to extract the information as people in offices hide information some times. On Tehlka. Com expose he said its goal was right but the means adopted by it for gathering information was not right. On the corruption in Education Department he said there is lot of awareness about it and media has exposed it to a great extent but it is not only the Education, every department is in the grip of corruption, he added. In response to another question that electronic media at Delhi often refers to Jammu if the incident has taken place even at Poonch or Rajouri he said that this will be corrected in future. He said the media has a lot of role to play in exposing the things and by and large through it the people are enlightened about the corruption. Regarding the programmes initiated by him on Zee TV, Mr Sharma said he first interviewed the RJD leader Mr Laloo Prasad Yadav on March 13, 1992 which was followed by the interview of famous journalist Khushwant Singh and super cop KPS Gill. He said the main purpose of this programme is that I wanted to ask what a common man in his house wanted to know. Mr Sharma said media in India is free and it never worked under pressure that is the reason that media never tried to hush up any thing in this country. He said the media should play a proactive role. "I don’t deny there is corruption in media". It is also a part of the society. Still there are checks and balances on media. There is Editors Guild and Press Council of India. On corrupt persons he said one thing is certain that the corrupt people are not being respected in the society while those who are honest are being trusted. Earlier, the DPS Public School Principal, Mr Ashok Pandey welcomed the chief guest. The function started with lighting of traditional lamp by the chief guest and it was followed by a Bhakti song by the students of the institute. The vote of thanks was presented by Mr Risha Aggarwal a student of the School while Mr S S Sodhi, Board member of the School presented a memento to the chief guest. |
 |
Governor holds citizens meeting and condoles killings Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, May 14: The Governor, Mr. G.C.Saxena and the Chief Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah today held a meeting of prominent citizens and representatives and various political parties to condole the gastardly killings of innocent people by militants at Kaluchack about 15 kms. from here. The Power Minister, Mr. S.S.Slathia, the Labour and Sport Minister, S.harbans Singh the Minister for Rural Development Mr. Ajay Sadhotra and MOS for Home, Mr. Khalid Najib Surwardhy were also present. The Governor apprised the prominent citizens about the sordid episode of massacre of innocent children, men and women by Pak sponsored Fidayeens and expressed his deep shock and anguish over it . Mr. Saxena praised the courage and fortitude exhibited by the army and security personnel in eliminating all the three militants. He also lauded the people of Jammu for maintaining the age old tradition of communal harmony , peaceful coexistence and amity. He said that the people Jammu have always shown preservation of mind despite grave provocation from the across the border. The Chief Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah while expressing his profound shock and despair said that the time has come when we have to untidily fight against Pak sponsored militancy. He said that such acts by the militant were mere manifestation of frustration of the mentors from across the border. He appealed the people to remain united and frustrate nefarious designs of the militants.He appealed world community to take notice of this extreme human rights violations of innocent citizens at the behest of forces across the borders. The meeting among other was attended by Sh. D.K.Kotwal, Ch. Piara Singh , Prof. Nirmal Singh, Sh. Mangat Ram Sharma, Sh. Bodh Raj Bali, S. Sudershan Singh Wazir, Sh. Ashiq Hussain, Sh. Sheikh Abdual Rehman, Sh. Ram Sahai and Sh. Rajainder Motial. Besides, senior police and civil officers were also present in the meet. |
|
Suicidal attacks in Jammu since Jan last JAMMU, May 14: A total of 106 people, including securitymen, were killed and 175 were injured in suicide attacks by militants in different districts of Jammu division since January last year, official sources said here. S.N. Date Place District Outfit Target Casualities 1. 6-3-01 Mendhar Poonch LeT Army Two ultras 2. 7-8-01 Rly St Jammu LeT Security forces/passengers Five security men, seven civilians and one militant; 34 injured 3. 24-8-01 P.Station Poonch LeT Police seven cops killed 4. 2-9-01 P.Lines Doda LeT Police one cop killed, 11 injured. 5. 24-10-01 Gool Udhampur — Police one cop killed. 6. 25-10-01 Banihal Doda — Army two armymen killed, 8 injured. 7. 18-11-01 Ramban Doda LeT Army ten armymen and three civilians killed, 29 jawans and 4 civilians injured. 8. 25-11-01 Jawahar Tunnel Doda LeT Security forces three jawans and two civilians killed, 3 cops injured. 9. 8-1-02 Poonch Poonch — Army no casualty. 10. 13-1-02 Khanetar Poonch — Army two armymen killed, 3 jawans injured. 11. 3-2-02 Surankote Poonch — Army 3 jawans injured. 12. 17-02-02 Bhambal Rajouri LeT Village Eight civilians killed, 7 injured. 13. 21-2-02 seven villages Rajouri, Poonch, Polling Stations no loss. 14. 29-3-02 Kalakote Rajouri BSF camp 2 jawans killed. 15. 30-3-02 Jammu city Jammu Rughnath temple nine civilians and two militants killed, 19 civilians injured. 16. 8-4-02 Dandli Udhampur villagers five civilians killed four injured. 17. 14-5-02 Kaluchak Jammu bus, army camp 34 killed, 47 injured. (PTI) |
|
Rich tributes paid to Budh Singh Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 14: Rich tributes were paid to Sardar Budh Singh on his 118th birth anniversary at a function organised at Abhinav Theatre, here this evening. Various speakers highlighted the role played by Sardar Budh Singh during the freedom movement in Jammu and Kashmir, as a Minister in the Sheikh Abdullah’s first Cabinet after Independence and a noted social worker. His contribution in the political sphere after he left the lucrative post of Deputy Commissioner (Wazir Wazarat) in 1925 and starting political movement. He was one of those who were instrumental in converting Muslim Conference into National Conference to give Sheikh Abdullah’s party its due secular credentials. He was a clean political, a selfless social worker and was devoted to the cause of down-trodden, most of the speakers stated. He was a marked out as a man with sincerity, simplicity and secular outlook, The function was organised by Dr Kulwant Singh, Chief Organiser of the Mahatma Budh Singh Foundation in collaboration with State Forum for Justice and Human Rights. Mr Balraj Puri, veteran political activist and intellectual stated that due to qualities of head and heart Mahatma Budh Singh earned the goodwill of all sections of the society , regions and religions. The Sikh community selected him as one of Panjpiaras( the holy five) to lay foundation stone of Panja Sahib, he was elected thrice as president of Dogra Saddar Sabha and twice president of NC. Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah called him as his " spiritual father". Recalling his long association with him, Mr Puri forcefully pleaded for installation of a statue of this great leader and also naming a main road in Jammu after Budh Singh. Dr Daleep Singh, president of Sardar Budh Singh Memorial Committee deplored that despite promised the present NC Government headed by Dr Farooq Abdullah has not done anything to commemorate the memory of this secular, democratic and social leader. Dr Kulwant Singh spoke at length about the life and achievements of Budh Singh. Mr Mangat Ram Sharma, senior Congress leader also paid tributes. Mr Sant Singh Tegh, a senior political leader spoke about Budh Singh’s qualities of leadership, courage of conviction and honesty of purpose. Mr D S Trehan, secretary, Budh Singh Memorial Committee, presented five resolutions demanding erecting of a statue, naming a thoroughfare after Budh Singh and creation of chair in the Varsity to promote study and research on life and achievements of this great son of the State. One resolution condemned the barbaric attack by terrorists killing innocent people including women and children at Kaluchak, Jammu this morning and called for complete end to cross border terrorism. Prof Jagan Nath Azad, a renowned Urdu poet and an authority on Dr Iqbal seconded the resolutions and stressed that ideals of such selfless leaders should be popularised. A documentary on the life and works of Sardar Budh Singh produced by Doordarshan Kendra was also screened at the venue of the function. Its script has been written by Mr Balraj Puri and direction is by Mr Ved Rahi. The documentary depicts Budh Singh’s life and focussed on his main contributions in various spheres of activity. Dr Sukh Dev Singh presented vote of thanks. The function was attended by a number of leaders of political parties, social organisations, intellectuals and prominent citizens. |
|
JK Panthers Party seeks FIR
against CM, Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 14: Expressing concern over the diversion of security related funds towards renovation of the official residences of senior Government functionaries, as reported by the CAG, the Jammu and Kashmir Panthers Party has sought registration of an FIR under Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance (POTO) against the Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah and his Cabinet colleagues. The Panthers Party has also approached the Crime Branch of J&K Police in this connection and sought registration of an FIR under 3(3) of POTO, sections 120-B, 121, 406, 409 and 420 of RPC against the Chief Minister, his Cabinet colleagues, ex-Chief Secretary, senior Government officials, ex MLAs, MLCs and other beneficiaries on whose demand security related expenditures were diverted and spent on renovation of their official residents. This was disclosed by the Panthers chief Mr Uday Chand, while addressing a press conference, here today. "By diverting the security related expenditures, the Chief Minister, ex-Chief Secretary, then DGP and other beneficiaries have wilfully indulged in facilitating the terrorists acts which is punishable under section 3 (3) of POTO as well as various sections of RPC," he explained. Terming the diversion of funds as ‘Mall-e-Ganeemat’ Mr Uday Chand stressed that the act of diverting security related funds is a very serious offense and the culprits be given exemplary punishment. However, at the same time, the Panthers’ president admitted that the Crime Branch of J&K Police may not initiate action against the Chief Minister and other Government functionaries on their complaint and said in that case his party would be constrained to seek justice from the court of law. " Our party will file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the State High Court seeking action against the culprits if the Crime Branch does not register an FIR in this connection within fifteen days,"he said. Mr Dev Raj Baru, Sat Pal Saini, Inder Paul Singh and Mohd Ayub Khan were also present in the press conference. |
|
Fire spreads to
Trikuta, Ramnagar hills Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU,May 14: Minister for Environment and Forests, Peerzada Ghulam Ahmed Shah has claimed that forest fire in several areas of Billawar in district Kathua has been contained and no much damage has been caused to the forest property in last one week. The Forest Minister, who arrived here late last night after visiting Ramkote, Billawar, Basohli and Kathua areas alongwith a team of senior Forest officials told Excelsior that after conducting on the spot survey and reviewing ground situation, it has been learnt that not much loss has been suffered by the Billawar Division Forests in these fire incidents. He admitted that about forty incidents of fire have been reported in this Billawar Forest division alone in last 8-10 days but most of the fires as reported by the senior Forest officers have been controlled. The Forest Protection Force men and Village Forest Development Committees are working unitedly with the villagers to contain the fire. He further claimed that in most of incidents, the fires have been caused due to the negligence of villagers and there is urgent need to create awareness among them. The dry leaves and small bushes reported to have been burnt in the fire. Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu Mr R D Tiwari who also accompanied the Minister said that there is no need to be panicky. Necessary instructions have already been given to field staff and they are on the job to extinguish the fire. The assistance of the villagers, Panchayat members, VFCs, NGOs and Revenue officials is being sought to contain fire. He further said that appeals have been issued to the people to remain careful and cooperate with the Forest officials in preventing such ugly incidents in future. Mr Tiwari however, claimed that due to rain in some areas this afternoon, the fire has extinguished. Meanwhile, Deputy Director Forest Protection force Kathua unit has claimed that fire in Galak, Ramkot, Nagrota forests has been controlled. However, due to lack of requisition / infrastructure the Forest fire fighting operation was delayed. Local NGO Lok Jagriti Manch of Billawar and few more also assisted the FPF men in the operations. He said the people have been requested to intimate immediately when the fire brokes out in particular area. The FPF staff also assisted Territorial staff in fire control at Budhi, Southal and Kharot. However, it was learnt that forests of Purnala, Mahanpur and some areas in Ramkot were still under fire. Reports from Udhampur said that Fire has also spread in Trikuta hills of Katra Vaishnodevi, Penthal and upper Tikri area of Udhampur. The reports of forest fires in Patni Top, Basht, Sudmahadev forests have also received. In higher reaches of Ramnagar and Dudu, Forest range compartments were also under fire. However, the fires in Majalta area and Mansar have been contained. The fire in Akhnoor, Chowkichora and Sunderbani ranges of Kalidhar has also been contained at several places. Deputy Director FPF Udhampur, Mr Singh when contacted claimed that they were hapless to contain fire. He said most of the boys of FPF have fallen sick due to continuous operation and moreover, there is no sufficient infrastructure with the Force men to deal with such situation. No sufficient funds are provided for purchasing infrastructure by Government, he maintained. |
|
Div Com reviewed
arrangements for smooth Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, May 14: Arrangements for smooth celebration of Milad congregations and to facilitate devotees to attend Milad functions and prayers at Hazratbal shrine and other related shrines in Srinagar city and elsewhere in the Valley were finalized at a high level meeting here today. The meeting convened by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Mr. Parvez Dewan was attended by MLA, Hazratbal, Mr. Muhammad Syed Akhoon, IGP, Kashmir, Mr. Rajindera, Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Abdul Hamid, Director Food and Supplies, Mr. Asghar Samoon, SSP Srinagar, SSP Traffic, Chief engineer, PHE, Divisional officers of Information, Transport, Power, R&B departments, Municipality, SRTC, representatives of various transport associations, besides representatives of Muslim Auqaf Trust and Kashmir University. After threadbare discussion, several decisions were taken to improve arrangements aimed at facilitating the devotees to attend Milad congregation at Hazratbal shrine and all other shrines elsewhere in the Valley where Milad congregations are being held. These include adequate availability of transport services, regulation of traffic, un-interrupted water and power supply, setting up of medical camps at various points besides cleanliness arrangements in and surrounding shrine locations. It was informed in the meeting that one Kg of sugar per ration card is being provided to the rationees across Valley on this auspicious occasion. The Divisional Commissioner urged upon all concerned officers to ensure arrangements not only at Hazratbal shrine but at all the shrine places in Srinagar city and elsewhere in the Valley. He directed the concerned agencies to supervise all such arrangements especially on May, 23, 24, 25, 31 and June 1, 2002. He also underscored need for maintaining close liaison of all concerned agencies with the Central Urs Officer. The Electric department authorities were asked to ensure timely installation of lights wherever necessary. Similar request was registered with BSNL authorities for installation of telephone facilities temporarily at Hazratbal Urs Control Room to monitor the arrangements. |
|
Cong activists protest, stage dharna in Jammu Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 14: Pradesh Youth Congress leaders today staged dharna in front of the office of Divisional commissioner Jammu and later submitted a memorandum to the Governor. The congress activists were protesting against the discriminatory attitude of the NC Government and highlighting the problems being faced by the people of Jammu region. Narinder Sharma, general secretary PYC strongly condemned the growing corruption culture in NC regime which has increased the miseries of the masses. Mr Sharma demanded a thorough probe into into the security related funds on the basis of CAG report. Mr Sharma also highlighted water/ electricity scarcity, unwarranted power cuts and demanded improvement in the essential supplies. He also appealed the Government to derive a special package for the employment of youth who are facing mental agony due to non availability of proper employment opportunities. Senior Congress leader and member AICC , Thakur Hari Singh was critical about hollow claims of NDA Govt for good Governance for which the state has rated high in percentage. Senior leaders, Vinod Sharma, Jugal Kishore also addressed the gathering. Several Congress activists joined dharna. They demanded probe into SRE funds diverted to other sectors by NC Government, dismissal of Farooq Government, proper security to all the citizens and holding of District Dev Board meeting for Jammu. |
|
Sagar takes stock of arrangements for Urs Khawaj Sahib Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, May 14: The Minister for Works, Mr. Ali Muhammad Sagar today visited the shrine of Khawaja Naqashband Sahib (RA) to review the arrangements of annual Urs ( Khawaja Diggar) being observed on 3rd Rabi-ul-Aawal. The Minister asked the concerning departments to make adequate arrangements to ensure un-interrupted power and water supply during the Urs. He asked the transport authorities to ensure adequate transport facility for carrying the devotees. The Minister asked the Municipality authorities to maintain cleanliness in and around the shrine. He also reviewed the security arrangements at the shrine. The Minister also visited the Ziarat at Kalashpora to review the Milad arrangements at the shrine. Senior officers of Health, PHE, R&B, Food and Supplies and Police departments accompanied the Minister. |
|
Attack on innocent civilians condemned Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 14: Terror strike by Fidayeen at Kaluchak, first on passengers of a Himachal Roadways Bus and then on the families quarters of Army personnel, which left over 30 persons killed and many more injured, has been widely condemned by people of all shades and hues. Dr Karan Singh, Member Rajya Sabha, has stated that the cruel and barbaric suicide attack on bus passengers and the families of our Jawans in Jammu is another sharp reminder that Pakistan seems to have to intention of stopping or reducing the incidence of cross border terrorism. "I strongly condemn this attack and convey my sympathy to the bereaved families as well as to those who have been injured. The United States will have to take urgent and effective steps to rein in Pakistan, otherwise the prospects of escalating conflict are increasing with each terrorist attack", said Dr Singh. Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh in a condolence meeting under the chairmanship of Mr Shri Kumar and attended by various organisations like VHP, Vidyarthi Parishad, Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh, Trikuta Samvad Nyas and leaders of RSS including Messrs Sat Pal, Banarsi Das Jandial and Jagdish Dogra, general secretary Sanatan Dharam Sabha, expressed great anguish at the dastardly attack by terrorists. The meeting deeply mourned the loss of most precious lives. An appeal was made to the people to remain calm but at the same time the Government of India was requested to teach Pakistan a lesson for its continued belligerent behaviour. Pradesh Congress Committee president Mr G N Azad has expressed great anguish and sorrow over massacre of 32 innocent civilians including family members of Army Jawans and demanded a statement from Union Minister for Homer Mr L K Advani. He expressed his deep sympathies with the bereaved families and wished an early recovery of those injured in the incident. Pradesh Congress Committee spokesman today expressed serious concern and condemned the barbaric massacre of innocent civilians at Kalu Chak today. He said the Congress Party has time and again been raising an alarm that Centre and State Governments have miserably failed to protect the life and property of citizens in the State as well as other parts of the country. The Congress announced Bandh Call for tomorrow in protest against these untoward happenings. The party appealed to the general masses to maintain communal harmony and brotherhood at all costs. The State Government was also appealed to provide adequate compensation to the families of the victims. Pradesh BJP president Mr Daya Krishan Kotwal has expressed deep sense of anguish and sorrow over the killings of innocent persons including women and children in a Fidayeen attack at Kaluchak today. A BJP team visited Government Medical College Hospital as also the site of the incident. The BJP leaders met the local people who were eye witnesses and the State authorities including Director General of Police who happened to be on the spot. Messrs Ramesh Arora Advocate, Kavinder Gupta, Upinder Bhat, Ram Parkash Sharma and Jyoti Prakash also accompanied Mr Kotwal. Messrs Bansi Lal Bharti, Surinder Bhagat and Gautam Sharma, leaders of different cells of BJP also condemned the incident. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the terrorist attack at Kaluchak. The PDP termed this incident as an eye opener for those who still term violence as freedom struggle. The PDP said the gory incident has exposed the hollowness of the so-called Pak sponsored ‘Jehad’ through which Pakistan has been trying to foment communal passions so that people get divided on communal lines. Those who attended the meeting included Messrs Ved Mahajan, Tarlok Singh, Daman Bhasin, Ashiq Hussain Khan, Murtaza Khan, Baldev Slathia, Bhushan Lal Gupta, Gur Parsad Verma, Dev Dutt Sharma, Ashok Sharma, T R Dogra, Ved Gandotra, Jarnail Singh, R K Chadha, Tulsi Dass Langeh, S Amarjit Singh, Bal Krishan, Ch Chuni Lal, S Sukhvinder Singh, Balwan Singh, Devinder Sharma, Surjit Kour, Harinder Sahi, Harmeet Singh, Baldev Singh Pappa, Sohit Sharma, Ashok Chib, Chaman Lal Angral, S Manjit Singh, Tarsem Saini, Th Dewan Singh, R R Sharma and Bhushan Khajuria. Sheikh Abdul Rehman, state president of Bahujan Samaj Party has while strongly condemning the attack by terrorists at Kaluchak, expressed that Islam does not allow such type of killings. Others in the meeting who condemned the massacre included Messrs Amit Manhas, Shafi Sheikh, Ghulam Hassan, Ms Preeto Devi Bhagat and Garo Ram Malhotra. Sheikh Abdul Rehman said if Jammu-Pathankot which is called the national highway is not secure, its repercussions shall be far reaching because no visitor will even think of visiting Jammu and Kashmir. Nationalist Congress Party, state president Thakur Randhir Singh after visiting the Military Hospital and Government Medical College Hospital has strongly condemned the barbaric incident. Those who accompanied Mr Singh were Messrs Amrit Sagar, Paras Ram Poonchi, S Basawa Singh, Bansi lal Sodhi, B L Suri, Choudhary Hussain Ali, Molvi Mohd Younis, Lal Gill, Jarnail Khokhar, Joginder paul, Inder Mohan Bakshi, Gulab Chand George Burret and Gulzar Singh. Citizens Awareness Forum president Mr Sanjeev Sarin while condemning the incident has appealed the general public to maintain peace and communal harmony and cooperate with the security forces to ward off any such incident in future. Mr M Y Tarigami, State Secretary, CPI (M) has expressed deep shock over killings of scores of people including women and children by extremists at Kaluchak and held that such acts deserve to be condemned by one and all. Such activities only reflect the desperation and frustration of extremists, he maintained. Former Minister Mr R S Chib, a senior National Conference leader has expressed grief and anguish over terrorists attack in a passenger bus and Army Camp in which dozens of innocent people including women and children got killed. Akhil Bhartiya Shiva Sena president Mr Yogesh Gupta has strongly condemned the attack of terrorists killing scores of innocent people and rendering various others today. He demanded that compensation of Rs 1 lakh be paid to each bereaved family and Rs 50,000 to those injured in the incident. Dogra Sadar Sabha president Thakur Gulchain Singh Charak expressed great shock and grief on the gruesome killings of innocent civilians by Pak sponsored terrorists. He stressed upon the authorities to pay adequate relief to the next of kin of deceased and complete medicare to those injured. He stressed the need for round the clock vigil on National Highway and elsewhere to ward off such mishaps. Internationalist Democratic Party has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the Passenger Bus at Kaluchak as also the Army Camp. State secretary of IDP Mr Hoshiar Singh has expressed heart-felt condolences and sympathies with the bereaved families of the deceased. He said killing of innocent persons was a crime against humanity. Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party in a meeting under the presidentship of Mr Mushtaq Khan discussed the situation arisen due to terrorists attack and described it as total collapse of law and order machinery in curbing the menace of terrorism from the State. Others who attended the meeting included Messrs Harshdev Singh MLA, Faquir Chand, S Bhupinder Singh, Naveen Bakshi, Bansi Lal Sharma, Jagdev Singh, Anita Thakur, Mrignaini, Shanker Singh, Thoru Ram, Kamal Goria, Varinder Salathia, Bahadur Singh, Ganga Dhar, S Amrik Singh Tara and Rakesh Gupta. Swami Hari Chaitanya Puri Ji Maharaj has condemned the inhuman incident occurred at Kaluchak and expressed all sympathies with the bereaved families. He has also wished an early recovery of the injured. BJP MLA from Hiranagar Mr Prem Lal has strongly condemned the suicide attack at Kaluchak Army Camp and strongly criticised the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. He requested the Government of India to take action as soon as possible so the life and property of innocent people could be saved. Bar Association Jammu in a meeting under the chairmanship of its president condemned the killing of innocent people including women and children. All members demanded strengthening of security set up in whole of Jammu region, especially at public places. Those who attended the meeting were e Messrs V R Wazir, V K Chopra, C M Gupta, R K Kotwal and Ajay Kotwal. Vishav Hindu Parishad state president Dr Rama Kant Dubey and other VHP leaders have also condemned the strike by suicide squad of enemy country at Kaluchak today and termed it as a shameful act of those who have been acting at the behest of anti-national elements. Lok Jan Shakti Party leaders Peerzada Abdul Hamid, Kamal Suri, Sanjeev Manmotra, Ravi Rohmetra, Ankush Sharma, Neeraj Gupta, Romesh Kumar, Radhey Shyam, Mrs Sita Devi, Vinod Kumar and Viney Kumar also condemned the attack by terrorists at kaluchak today. Jammu and Kashmir Nationalist Front, Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Jammu,, Travel Agents Association of Jammu, Dogra Hall Market Association, Jammu, All J&K Peoples Democratic front, Youth National Conference, Central Office, BJP Jammu (rural), Kashmiri Pandit Sabha, Ambphalla, Janata Dal Secular led by Mr Dhan Raj Bargotra, Bhai Kanahiya Nishkam Seva Society, J&K District Youth Congress Committee, J&K Mahatma Gandhi Forum, Hindu Shiv Sena, led by Mr Krishan Manhas, Haji Mohd Ayub Betab, State unit of Samata Party and others have also condemned the gory incident of Kaluchak and expressed sympathies with the bereaved families and urged the Government to pay adequate compensation and relief to the next kin of those killed in the incident and wished speedy recovery of those injured. Jammu Joint Students Federation while expressing deep sense of sorrow and anguish over the incident observed two minutes silence for peace of the departed souls and wished an early recovery of the injured people. The JJSF also demanded adequate ex-gratia relief to next of kin of deceased and speedy recovery of those injured in the incident. Mr Krishan Lal Abrol, senior Congress leader of Jammu district (urban) has condemned the incident and urged the authorities at the helm of affairs to provide adequate ex-gratia relief to the next of kin of the deceased and proper medicare at Government expense to those injured in the incident. State president of Yuva Rashtriya Janata Dal Mr Vijay Mahajan in a meeting attended among others by Messrs Sanjay Jain, Dharam Pal Kataria, R K Arora, Sumit Mahajan and Rashid Malik, strongly condemned the attack on civilians by the suicide squad of Pak sponsored terrorists and demanded adequate compensation and ex-gratia relief to the affected families. They also wished speedy recovery of the injured persons. Mr Kavinder Gupta, state secretary of BJP has strongly condemned the massacre of innocent bus passengers and the wards of Army personnel at Kaluchak. Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal),state unit in a meeting under the presidentship of Mr H S Raina, appealed the Central Government to take a decision once for all to check cross border terrorism. Jammu and Kashmir People’s United Front in a meeting under the presidentship of Mr Sukhdev Singh condemned the brutal killing of innocent people by Pak sponsored terrorists. Bar Association, Kathua in a meeting under the presidentship of Mr Rajinder Sharma condemned the brutal killings. President Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Udhampur district president Mr Sham Saroop Kalsotra condemned Fidayeen attack in which several innocent lives were lost and many more injured. Mr Suresh Gupta, joint secretary, NC District Jammu (urban), Mr Subash Sharma, who fought last elections for the Jammu-Poonch seat as an independent candidate and Mr Ashok Anand, president Rehari Shopkeepers Association and Mr Sunil Gupta have also condemned the brutal killings of innocent people by the terrorists at Kaluchak this morning. They also expressed deep sympathies with the families of the deceased. President of the J&K Helpline Society president Mrs Santosh Magotra has also condemned the killing of the innocent civilians at the hands of Pak sponsored ultras and expressed sympathies with the bereaved families. Mr Hira Lal Chatta, general secretary of All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference and Mr Parvesh Parihar and Mr Anil Paba, state vice president and secretary respectively of Social Reforms and Charitable Organisation have strongly condemned the barbaric attack on civilians by Fidayeen at Kaluchak, in which several precious human lives were lost. All urged the Government to provide adequate ex-gratia relief to compensation to the next of the kin of the deceased at an earliest. |
|
Bar suspends work against Kaluchak incident Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 14: Bar Association Jammu in a meeting held here today morning under the presidentship of OP Sharma, decided to suspend the work for May 14 and May 15 in protest against the killings of innocent people by the terrorists near Kaluchak. In the meeting, number of Advocates criticized the administration, particularly the intelligence organizations of the nation for their total and utter failure in accomplishing the assigned jobs. The Bar members observed two minutes silence as a mark of respect to the departed souls. It may be mentioned here that soon after the meeting, the Bar president, alongwith some selected members left for Srinagar to attend to the proposed oath taking ceremony of newly appointed Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir. |
|
Parshuram Shobha Yatra being taken out today Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 14: The weeklong celebrations held in connection with the Jayanti Mahotsav of Bhagwan Shri Parshuram Ji entered the sixth day today. In the evening, an emergency meeting of all the members was held to condemn the brutal attack at Kaluchack this morning. It was resolved that every anti-national and anti-human element must be punished severely. However, it was decided that the grand Shobha Yatra of Bhagwan Shri Parshuram Ji and the other programmes organized in connection with it, shall be organized tomorrow as planed. Meanwhile, the sacred Brahmajyoti - a symbol of peace and awakening reached back after traveling through different areas of Jammu region. The members of the Samaroh Samiti have requested Jammuites to attend to the grand Shobha Yatra, a symbol of cultural unity of the great Dogra soil, tomorrow. |
|
Golden jubilee of Gandhi Memorial College, Srinagar Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 14: Gandhi Memorial College, Srinagar is celebrating its Golden Jubilee by organising sports and cultural events and declaring 2002-03 as "Year of Academic Excellence". This was decided by the Institutional Management Committee (IMC) of the college during its meeting under the chairmanship of A K Dewani, held here. As per a release, the management while appreciating their concern over academic atmosphere, have also decided to draw up purposeful plan to accomplish this objective in consultation with them, expecting full co-operation within the required disciplinary parameters. The committee, among other things, also expressed satisfaction that around 85 per cent of the accumulated balance in the CPF accounts have been properly accounted for and is in safe custody. A detailed scheme for pensionary benefits is also being drawn, it was stated in the meeting. |
|
AIBCU demands
implementation of Mandal Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, May 14: All India Backward Classes Union (AIBCU) Unit Rajouri in its meetings today at Kandi in Budhal and village Charan demanded that 27 per cent share should be given as per the Mandal Commission recommendations to OBCs as per the ruling of Apex Court. As per a release, the meeting alleged that due share of OBCs has been given to the vested interests on the name of RBA and ALC. It alleged that the Government has played a total fraud with the OBCs of the state on the Mandal Commission report. The meetings termed the functioning of the State Commission for Backward Classes totally against the OBCs. Mr Abdul Qayoom while addressing the meetings said the rejection of Private member’s resolution on OBCs has totally exposed the State Government policies. The participants appealed the OBCs to adopt a method to show their strength in the coming Assembly elections. The meetings were chaired by messrs Mohammed Shafi and Abdul Karim the newly elected presidents of these areas. Mohammed Bashir, Mohammed Rashid, Shabir Ahmed, Abdul Qayoom and Mohammed Shakoor were elected senior vice president, vice president, organizer, cashier, secretary and publicity secretary respectively of Kandi Budhal belt. |
|
National environmental
campaign launched Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU May 14: Progressive Youth Society Ramnagar organized national environmental Awareness campaign in Government High School Chanunta today. As per a release, Mr Subash Sharma , Programme Executive Akashwani Kathua was the guest of Honour while Mr Rash Paul Singh, probationary Tehsildar was the chief guest. The function was presided over by Mr Mohammed Amin Range Officer. The programme started with welcome address of Mr Om Sharma. In debate competition Miss Sharuti Sharma of 7th Class of High School Chanunta bagged first prize, Hardev Singh of GHS Barta bagged the second prize and Kartar Singh of Govt High School Chanunta bagged the third position. In painting contest Gurnam Prasad of 8th class, Miss Anju Devi of 10 th class and Miss Monika Rani of 8th class of GH S Chanunta bagged first, second and third prizes respectively. The winners were presented the mementos, certificates and note books. In the cleanliness drive, first prize went to Class 10th, second to Class 8th and third was bagged by Class 9th of the School. |
|
Al Mansoorian, Jamait -ul- Mujahideen own responsibility Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 14: Two Pakistani terrorist organizations Al Mansoorian and Jamait-ul-Mujahideen have owned responsibility of today’s Fidayeen strike at Kaluchak army area in Jammu. According to reports News and Features Alliance (NAFA) a local news agency here received a call from unidentified caller from Pakistan at 8-15 am this morning claiming himself the spokesman of Al Mansoorian and said that three terrorists of the outfit have intruded in the Army Camp Kaluchak at Jammu this morning. Later another call was made to CNN by the same outfit from Pakistan at 8-30 am saying that its terrorists have entered the military camp Kaluchak at Jammu this morning. At 10.30 am the Jammel Ahmed the spokesman of Jamait-ul- Mujahideen rang up another news paper office claiming that its men have intruded the Kaluchak army camp. However no outfit identified the terrorists. |
|
Be practical in life, says Swami Chaitanya Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 14: Sant Shri 1008 Swami Hari Chaitanya Puri Ji Maharaj of Hari Kripa Peeth today addressed a gathering of his disciples at Government Girls High School where he stressed that one should be practical in life and follow the path of straight and righteous living. To attain the real knowledge, one has to experience things in life. He maintained that the worldly pleasure is short-lived and one should aspire for the ultimate spiritual happiness. And to achieve this kind of happiness, one should follow the path of Karma and divinity, the Swami Ji said. He stressed the need to remember God every time. That will lead us from darkness to light, the Swami Ji said. " The God is not concerned with our materialistic strength, but has the concern for the love and affection we have towards Him, the Swami Ji said. The Swami Ji further asked his disciples not to follow the western civilization, but the traditional life style that is more beneficial from any standards. The Indian Culture is the true and the oldest in the world having all modalities to grow spiritually, he said, adding that it is the spiritualism that ultimately gives happiness. |
|
|
| home | state | national | business| editorial | advertisement | sports | |
