Rich tributes paid to
Indira Gandhi
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 31:
Pradesh Congress workers paid rich tributes today
to late Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi who was
assassinated on this day.
A meeting in this
connection was held here today at PCC
headquarters here today. It was chaired by Mr Om
Chopra, ex-MLA president of District Congress
Committee Jammu Urban. While paying rich tributes
Mr Chopra recalled the sacrifices and
contributions for the party and the nation.
Mrs Gandhi raised
the status of the poor and down trodden by her
slogan "Garibi Hatao". Due to his
several reforms like nationalisation of 20
commercial banks, 20 point programme and others,
she became a dominent figure in the national
scene.
Several prominent
Congress leaders Ms Mehmooda Ali Shah, Mangat Ram
Sharma, Parduman Singh, Madan Lal, Mula Ram, Lal
Muni Sharma, Yash Paul Khajuria, Hari Singh,
Gurmeet Singh, Balwinder Singh Sambyal and others
attended the meeting.
Meanwhile, the
activists of National Student Union of India
(NSUI) paid rich tributes to late Mrs Gandhi on
her death anniversary. The meeting was organised
by Mr Ashutosh, senior vice-president of J&K
NSUI while Mr Rajiv Saraf NSUI state chief was
chief guest on the occasion.
The speakers in
the meeting remembered the daring steps taken by
Mrs Gandhi during her tenure as Prime Minister of
the country. A two-minute silence was observed in
the memory of the great leader. Among others who
spoke on the occasion were Ashwani Dubey, Rajan
Sharma, seema Dogra, Shalu Sehgal, Rohit Balotra
and Archna.
Pradesh Congress
Seva Dal activists also organised a separate
function to pay floral tributes to late Mrs
Gandhi, who attained the martyrdom 18 years ago.
Chairman of the Seva Dal J&K unit Subhash
Gupta presided over the meeting. Mr Madan Lal
Sharma, MLA was the chief guest while ex-minister
Yash Paul Khajuria the guest of honour on the
occasion.
Addressing the
gathering at Party headquarters Mr Gupta recalled
the supreme sacrifices of Mrs Gandhi and
described her a strong and bold leader. She
displayed her courage and efficiency as a leader
of this great nation before the world. He
appealed the Seva Dal workers to follow the foot
prints of Mrs Gandhi and serve the country with
dedication and devotion.
The workers of
Pradesh Trade Union Congress also paid tributes
to late Mrs Gandhi in a meeting held at Shastri
Nagar here today. Ex-MP, Pt Mangat Ram Sharma was
the chief guest while unit president Sewa Ram
Sharma presided over the function.
The speakers
recalled the contributions of Mrs Indira Gandhi
and paid their homage to the departed soul. They
appealed the people for maintaining National
integration and brotherhood. Jagmohan Sadhotra,
working president, O P Khajuria, Kalyan Singh,
Vijay Kumar, R D verma, Kasturi Lal and others
addressed the gahtering.
District Youth
Congress activists from Udhampur and PCC
Teachers’ Cell in separate functions also
paid floral tributes to Mrs Gandhi, who laid down
her life for preserving the unity and integrity
of of the country. A two minute silence was also
observed by the Congress workers to pay their
respect to the departed soul.
The activists of
Block Congress Committee Marh and Raipur Domana
also held a meeting in this connection today and
paid tributes to late Mrs Gandhi. They also
condoled the untimely death of Mangat Ram Saini
father of INTUC seretary, Sat Paul Saini of
Sarora. Besides Mula Ram several other party
activists attended the meet.
The Congress
workers also paid tributes to Mrs Gandhi in a
meeting held at Rehari Colony, Ward No. 18. It
was held under the chairmanship of Ramesh Sharma,
president Jammu West W.No. 18. The contributions
of late Prime Minister were recalled by the
speakers in the meeting.
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29th session of NTTC inaugurated
at MIER
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 31: The
29th session of NTTC was formally inaugurated at
Model Institute of Education and Research (MIER),
by its Director, Dr Arun K Gupta, who was the
chief guest, by lighting the traditional lamp of
learning.
As per a release
in his presidential address Dr Arun K Gupta
welcomed the students on joining the MIER family
for getting value based education and to achieve
supremacy and professional excellence. He advised
the students to make best use of modern training
facilities provided by the institute.
He observed that
28 batches have received training where the
trainees had laid importance in universalization
of education in different states and encouraged
vocational rehabilitation among young women. He
assured the students that MIER management will
take their full care during training period.
The cultural
programme presented by the students included
Himachali and Dogri dances and group songs
befitting the occasion.
Other dignitaries
who graced the occasion included Dr (Mrs) Renu
Arun, Joint Director, Prof Abdul Aziz, Principal
MIER College of Education, Prof M L Vakil,
Registrar, Mrs Kanchan Tandon, HoD NTTC, Mr Adit
Gupta HoD CCETS, Mrs Indu Gandotra, Dr (Mrs)
Poonam Jamwal HoD HRD and Mrs Iqbal Bano Malik.
Ms Alka Gupta
presented vote of thanks, while Ms Shilpa, a
student of NTTC compered.
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The GLOBE-2002 programme at SP
College
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar,
Oct. 31:
Chairman, J&K Board of School Education
(BOSE), Mr. M. A. Charoo inaugurated a three days
Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the
Environment (GLOBE) 2002 training programme for
the teachers of Secondary and Higher Secondary
Schools of the State at S. P. College, Srinagar
today. Principal, S. P. College, Dr. S. D.
Sarwar, Director, Academics, J&K BOSE, Mr. B.
A. Dar, Secretary and other officers of BOSE were
present on the occasion.
About 100 schools
of the State have been selected under this
project in the first phase which in turn will
function as GLOBE schools of their catchment
areas. 50 teachers from various Government and
private schools attended the today’s
programme.
The programme is
aimed at implementing the Environmental Education
in School System (EESS) and the purpose of
implementing EESS project is to strengthen
infusion of Environmental Education (EE) at all
levels of school education, create a separate
space and time for EE in the curriculum, use
non-formal methods in EE through the involvement
of NGO’s and train teachers for the
meaningful transaction of EE in schools.
A kit containing
teachers guide, teachers manual, equipment, video
casettes and observation sheets was provided to
each participating school for imparting
environment education to the students of the
State.
GLOBE is an
international environmental science and education
programme. It links students, teachers and
scientific research community in an effort to
learn more about environment through student data
collection and observation. The goals of GLOBE
include enhancing environmental awareness of
individuals throughout the world, contribute to
scientific understanding of the earth and to
support improved student achievement in science
and mathematics, also to help students place
their measurements in a broader context and
relate their own local observations to global
environmental issues.
Coordinator and
Nodal Officer of the programme, Mr. B. A. Dar,
Joint Secretary, BOSE, Dr. G. N. Shah, Principal,
DIET, Beru, Mr. G. R. Wani and Mr. H. K. Kapoor
are the resource persons of the GLOBE training
programme.
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Non-Camp Kashmiri migrants hold
meet
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR,
Oct 31:
A meeting of Non Camp Kashmiri Migrants
Organization was held under the chairmanship of
Mr Makhan Lal Magami, general secretary to
discuss the problems faced by them.
As per a release
the pinned fresh hopes at the new coalition
Government in a realistic manner without any
further delay. Their demands included
rehabilitation of Pandit community again in the
Valley besides other measures like security,
special employment package with the condition
that such selected candidates shall have to serve
and remain in Valley, monthly rent to over 5000
migrants living in rental accommodation as also
solving the basic problems of those living in
different migrant camps. They also demanded
enhancement in the relief as was promised by the
Prime Minister Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee at Jammu.
Other demands discussed in the meeting pertained
to removal of unauthorized and illegal occupation
on the lands, orchards and houses left behind by
migrants in Valley and payment of rent to some of
the accommodations occupied by the forces. They
also called for preparing and displaying the
correct inventory of left over property in the
Valley by Kashmiri migrants.
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DEA
elects body for Kathua
Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA,
Oct 31: All J&K Diploma Engineers
Association elected office bearers for Kathua
district in a meeting under the chairmanship of
state president Mr R S Jasrotia.
As per a release
the outgoing team headed by Mr Pawan Gupta was
replaced by fresh body led by Mr Dev Paul Soodan
(R&B). The team formally announced by Mr
Jasrotia also nominated the other functionaries
of the unit viz Pawan Gupta as chairman, Mr Ravi
Singh of PHE as vice president, Vijay Singh of
R&B as vice president, Kuldeep Sharma of REW
as general secretary, Kripal Singh of PHE Mech as
secretary, Ram Prasad of RTIC as chief organisor,
V P Basotra as organisor, Sudershan Mahajan of
Irrigation as treasurer, R K Mahajan of PDD as
joint secretary and Vijay Sumbria of R&B as
publicity secretary.
Messrs R K Kohli,
vice president, Mr Jugal Kishore, general
secretary, Messrs V P Sharma, Sunil Sharma, M K
Bazaz, Deepak Sharma, Dheeraj Khajuria, Tara
Chand Gupta, Beant Singh, Kuldeep Singh, Dewakar
Sharma, Kulbir Singh and other prominent
functionaries also spoke on the occasion.
The meeting also
wished a warm send off to the retiring colleague
Mr Jaswant Singh Jamwal, who attained age of
superannuation today.
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Over
200 disabled treated at free medical camp
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR,
Oct 31: A four day free medical camp for
physically handicapped persons organized by
J&K Bank in collaboration with Bhagwan
Mahavir Viklang Sahayata Samiti Jaipur
(Rajasthan) at Hotel Chinar here concluded today.
As per a release,
over 200 disabled persons have been provided with
artificial limbs, hands, calipers and auxiliary
crutches free of cost. Further more than hundred
patients have been provided free occupation
therapy consultation at the camp.
The Bank will be
organizing one more camp here next month to cover
a large number of disabled.
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Impressive
cultural bonanza presented by
Doordarshan Kendra
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 31:
An impressive cultural show was organised by the
Doordarshan Kendra at Abhinav Theatre here this
evening.
This programme was
held in connection with Deepawali, the festival
of light. It was for the first time that the
Doordarshan Kendra arranged such a hi-tech and
colourful programme.
It started with
Lakshmi Vandana by the artists and with
tastefully decorated set depicting the Deepawali
scene.
The Dogri folk
song with artists attired in typical dress won
repeated applaud from the jam-packed audience.
Another item which
created an impact was a Punjabi Pop song and
superb dance performance by young male and female
artists.
The presentation
of jubilation on Deepawali when Lord Rama
returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. The
people offer prayers for peace and prosperity on
this auspicious day.
Humourous skits
touching social themes as sanitation, evil of
smoking, problem of power shutdowns also formed
the part of the programme.
The programme has
been directed by Mr Sudhir Jamwal, music provided
by Mr Arvind Kumar and produced by Dr Sohan Lal
Kaul.
Speaking on the
occasion, Mr Fayaz Shehrreyar, Director,
Doordarshan Kendra, Jammu said that the
Doordarshan Kendra, Jammu, though still in its
infancy, is making steady progress in projecting
rich cultural heritage, provide entertainment and
deploy latest Information technology. A plan to
upgrade the transmission and production is being
taken up in a phased manner, he added.
Giving credit to
the local artists and technicians, the Station
Director praised their talent. He had special
good word for Mr Sudhir Jamwal’s creative
faculties. The performance of Mr Narayan Prasad,
dance instructor, Mr Udham Singh, Dogri Pop
singer and Mr Shashi were lauded.
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Wearing
Army dress has been his passion,
say Gen Vij’s
parents
By Mohinder Verma
JAMMU,
Oct 31:
Our child has saved his motherland—Jammu and
Kashmir—from the enemies three times and if
the need arises, he will prove that he is
competent enough to save even his country from
the enemies. But we are not in favour of war and
want everone to live in peace.
These feelings
were expressed by the parents of Gen N C Vij,
whose appointment as next Chief of Army Staff has
been confirmed, while talking to EXCELSIOR at
their residence.
"In 1965 and
1971 wars, our child held the fort from Jammu
sector and defeated the enemies. In 1962 he
thwarted the Chinese aggression", mother of
the Vij, Kamla Vij said, adding that though they
were not in favour of war, yet they feel that
their son is able enough to defend country.
Saying that he
since his childhood wants to serve the motherland
and used to talk about the Army and battlefield,
she said that such was the height of his devotion
towards motherland that during 1971 war with
Pakistan when he was posted at Chambh sector, he
never talked about his wife, who was about to
deliver his son, whenever he rang up at home.
"Without
caring for his own happiness, he continued to
serve the motherland for five days and it was
only after the war was over that he came to know
about the birth of his son", mother of Vij
disclosed.
Moreover, before
leaving for battle, he wrote a number of letters
and handed over the same to his subordinates with
the direction to post one by one every day so
that his parents would not worry about him.
"But his subordinates posted all the letters
together from which we came to know about his
love for the motherland", brother of Vij
said.
Recalling the
childhood of the would be army chief, his mother
said that his elder son, who becomes the first
person to attain the highest post of the Indian
Army from Jammu and Kashmir, has all along, since
his childhood, been fond of wearing army uniforms
and posing himself as the true solder of
motherland.
While his younger
brother Mohit Vij, who is Chief Manager in Jammu
and Kashmir Bank, and sister, were fond of
wearing colourful dresses and playing with toys,
Lt Gen Vij’s inclination was always towards
Khakhi and Army uniform. "He was always
forcing us to get Khakhi and Army colour clothes
stitched for him and during our visit to market,
we were being forced by him to purchase clothes
of particular colour", she disclosed.
"Since his
childhood, he was fond of flying kites that too
very high and whenever we asked him as to why he
was flying kites so high, his reply used to be
"Maa I will hold the top post one day",
she further said while feeling proud that her son
having achieved his life-time dream.
According to his
brother Mohit Vij, the family at any stage of
life did not oppose their son joining Army but
they are opposed to joining Infantry Division.
But their brave son chose to be the member of
Infantry Division of the Indian Army.
The father of the
great son of the soil, Dr Balraj Vij, who is
suffering from the paralysis, could not say
anything about his son becoming Chief of Army
Staff, but he appeared to be the most happiest
person.
"He is bold
enough to face any challenge and whenver he came
here he used to visit the streets and markets
like an ordinary person", the family members
of the Vij said. A staunch believer of Universal
Mother, the family members said that he is
visiting Jammu shortly to have the darshan of
Mata Vaishno Devi.
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Polytechnic
students seek Div Comm’s intervention
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 31:
Aggrieved students of various Polytechnics in
Jammu today approached Divisional Commissioner
Jammu and sought his intervention to get their
demands formally conceded by the J&K
Technical Education Board.
The students
submitted a memorandum to Divisional Commissioner
Jammu Mr Anil Goswami in which they listed their
grievances and explained how they were befooled
by the Technical Board authorities.
It may be recalled
that aggrieved Polytechnic students, who were
protesting against alleged abnormalities in the
final examination results, had suspended their 20
day long agitation after an assurance by the
Technical Board authorities to concede their
demands which included permission to all students
to appear in next class exams and re-evaluation
of the answer sheets. However, till date, no
formal notification in this regard, was issued by
the Board which prompted aggrieved students to
resume their agitation.
The Divisional
Commissioner gave a patience hearing to
students’ appeal and assured that he would
ask the Technical Board authorities to explain
the matter to him.
Earlier, students
from different Polytechnics in Jammu, boycotted
their classes and assembled near the Technical
Education Board office at Bikram Chowk.
Shouting slogans
against the Board authorities, the protesting
students took out a demonstration through the
city and reached the Divisional
Commissioner’s office where they submitted a
memorandum.
Some ABVP
students, including Mr Adarsh Kumar, Ravi Badyal,
Vikas Bakshi, Sandeep and Promila, also addressed
the protesting students in front of Divisional
Commissioner’s office.
They warned to
further intensify their ongoing protest if the
Technical Education Board does not issue
notification conceding the students’
demands.
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CMP
sealed political fate of J&K people:JSM
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 31: Chairman
of the Jammu State Morcha Shri Kumar has alleged
that Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of Congress,
PDP, National Panthers Party headed by Prof Bhim
Singh and CPI (M) has sealed the political fate
of J&K people.
According to a
release, the office bearers of the Morcha held a
meeting today to review the present political
situation in the state. The JSM chairman alleged
that CMP jointly released at Delhi by these
parties has virtually sealed the political fate
of people. Its implementation in present form
will not only embolden Pakistan and the Pakistani
sponsored terrorists to achieve their nefarious
designs in Jammu and Kashmir by damaging
country’s paramount sovereign interests but
will also grievously injure the legitimate
political, economic and social rights of the
people of Jammu and Ladakh.
He alleged that
anti-Jammu and anti-Ladakh game is played by the
PDP and Congress and there is urgent need to
defeat these forces in these regions.
Prof Virender
Gupta, Co-Chairman of the Morcha opined that the
Congress and Panthers Party which won elections
in the name of Jammu people were playing with the
dangerous tools by joining hands with the
pro-separatist PDP and by drafting the CMP which
had all the potential of damaging the national
interests.
Mr Tilak Raj
Sharma, general secretary and vice-chairman of
the Morcha Mr Romesh Sabberwal and Morcha MLA
Ashwani Sharma also criticised these parties for
playing with the sentiments of Jammu people. They
were firmly of the view that the people of Jammu
and Ladakh have to come together and rise to the
occasion to avert the impending disaster.
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Harkishans
birthday celebrated
Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu,
Oct 31: The staff and students of Sant
Rocha Singh Degree College and Gurhar Kishan
Public School, Nanaknagar, Jammu district jointly
celebrated the birthday of eighth Sikh Guru, Shri
Guru Harkishan Ji with usual fervour and
devotion.
In this
connection, an impressive Diwan was organised in
the auditorium of the college in which glittering
tributes were paid to Guruji. Mahant Manjit Singh
Ji of Dehra Nangali Sahib Poonch also graced the
occasion and prayed for peace, tranquility and
welfare of the country.
The Chairman of
the institution, Mr. Sudershan Singh Wazir while
speaking on the occasion called upon the student
community to prepare themselves for the
forthcoming challenges in their lives. He said
that in order to face the bitter challenges of
the world of competitions, the students should
imbibe the spirit of discipline, dedication,
patriotism and honesty and bring laurels for
their Alma Mater.
The Principal,
Sant Rocha Singh Degree College, Prof. Anmol
Singh in his thought provoking extension lecture
gave a detailed life sketch and teachings of
Guruji. "The best tributes are to act upon
the teachings of Maharaj", he added.
The students of
M.C.Khalsa High School, Jammu, Gurmat Kanya
Pathshala, Sant Rocha Singh Degree College and
GHPS Nanaknagar recited Shabad Kirtan.
Multilingual poems and speeches by students were
also delivered.
The Principal,
GHPS, Mr. Janak Singh presented vote of thanks
and assured glorious performance of the
institution in future also.
The function was
attended by the students, Staff, parents, members
of the management committee, prominent citizens
and educationists.
Guruka Langar
served by the students was also arranged on the
occasion.
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Development
of Sangar as tourist resort reviewed
Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu,
Oct 31:
With a view to explore the prospects for
developing Sangar adjacent area including Mansar
and Surinsar as a tourist resort a high level
meeting was held under the Chairmanship of
Division Commissioner, Jammu, Mr. Anil Goswami
here today
A number of
measures were discussed for development of Sangar
Railway Station and its surrounding areas as well
as constructing railway stations at suitable
locations on Jammu-Udhampur and Udhampur-Katra
railway lines. The meeting apprised that existing
Suransar, Mansar, Purmandal and Katra roads
connecting Sangar would be upgraded. The work on
upgradation and improvement of Jammu-Surinsar
road is in progress and is likely to be completed
within six months. The meeting further apprised
that work on Surinsar-Sangar link road is also
going apace and likely to be completed within a
period of five months. The Chief Engineer, PWD
apprised the meeting that proposal for linking
Sangar with Kaw- Kanyala and Jindrah road is in
the pipe lineThe Division Commissioner directed
that the survey for developing of tourist places
along Jajjher Nalha and construction of Domail-
Jindhra road on the bank of nallah be conducted
and be submitted by Tourism Department for
approval. He further directed the Chief Engineer,
R&B for the construction of six lane
Surinsar-Bajalta railway station link road with
the provision of bridal path on both the sides of
the roadThe Deputy Chief Engineer, Northern
Railway, Jammu apprised that five railway
stations at Bajalta, Sangar, Manwal, Ramngar (
Roun Domail) and Udhampur on Jammu-Udhampur
Railway lines are being constructed. While as two
Railway stations at Chack Rakwala and Katra has
been proposed while as the Railway station at
Tikri has been dropped by the Railway
authorities. The Divisional Commissioner directed
the Dy.Chief Engineer to take up the matter with
the Divisional Managar, Northern Railways
Ferozpur for restoration of Railway station at
Tikri. For the purpose the Railways have already
800 kanals of land at Tikri. Among others the
meeting was attended by the Chief Engineer, PWD,
Mr. A.S.Wazir, Dy. Chief Engineer, Northern
Railways, Mr. Sandeep Gupta, Chief Town Planner,
Mr. Vinod Malhotra, Addl. Dy.Commisisoner, Jammu,
Mr. O.P.Kalandria, Addl. Dy. Commissioner,
Udhampur, Mr.Harban Lal, Joint Director of
Information, Mr. Satish Nehru, Jt. Director
Tourism, Mr. M.M. Handa, senior Town planner. And
collector, Northern Railways, Jammu.
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Display
Your Talent contest held at Atman College
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 31:
Atman College of Education, Kunjwani Bye Pass
today organized Display Your Talent contest in
its auditorium near here in which all the
students of the College took part.
As per a release,
the main purpose of organizing this programme was
to get freshers formally introduced to the
management ,staff and other students and provide
them a chance to exhibit their talent before all.
The students from
J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttranchal, Uttar
Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Chandigarh and Delhi
presented variety of programmes including skit,
songs, folk lures, dances, mime, poetry
recitation and group songs of different
languages.
The guests of
honour were presented welcome bouquet by the
students which was followed by lighting of
traditional lamp by the chief guest.
In his address the
Chairman of the School, Mr Sanjay Mahajan
appreciated the performance of the students while
I D Soni appreciated the team work and joint
efforts of the management,staff and students to
make the event a success.
Dr Urmila
Khajuria, Principal of the College lauded the
role of organizers of the function. The Principal
said I have a very important responsibility of
training the future teachers and we have to groom
them in such a way that they become perfect
teachers.
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Resolution
of Kashmir needs political will: Manekshaw
NEW
DELHI, Oct 31: The Kashmir problem could have
been resolved in 1947, at the time of partition
and later during the 1971 India Pakistan war,
opines Field Marshal S H F J Manekshaw.
"The problem
has acquired gigantic proportions and could now
be solved only by exercising political will on
both sides," he asserted.
He was speaking
yesterday on the sidelines of the release of,
"Kargil 1999, the impregnable conquered,
" scripted by Lt Gen (retd) Y M Bammi.
Lamenting the
"Weak leadership", he said the decision
for solving the problem would have to be taken by
someone who has the political will, be it the
military regime in Pakistan or the political
leadership here. (UNI)
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Inter-school
contest in Eng, Hindi organised
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 31:
An inter-school comprehensive competition in
English and Hindi was conducted in Alexander
Memorial School under the banner of Youth Talent
Search, a forum of various schools here today.
According to a
release, the students from New Era Environmental
School, Lawrance Public School, R R L High
School, May Fair High School, Bikram Public
School Bishnah, Shastri Memorial School and
Alexander Memorial School participated in the
competition.
The participants
were given an unseen but thought provoking
passage for careful reading and comprehending
which was followed by a number of questions of
various types to test the comprehension capacity,
proper usage, vocabulary, syntax and other
language skills of the young participants.
Anuradha of Bikram
Memorial High School, Bishnah and Swati Mishra of
New Era Environmental School won Ist and 2nd
position in Hindi while Arsdeep Singh of RRL High
School and Manik Gupta of May Fair High School
bagged Ist and 2nd positions in English,
respectively. They were given prizes by Mrs
Esther William, Principal of Alexander Memorial
School.
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Kashmiri
migrants warn agitation, demand
revocation of order
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 31:
Kashmiri migrants have outrightly rejected the
recent Government order regarding the enhancement
of cash relief which has deprived a family upto
four members of any financial benefit.
Expressing their
anger over the Revenue Department order in this
regard, various KP organizations have also warned
to launch agitation if it was not revoked
immediately.
Expressing dismay
over the decision, a cross section of Kashmiri
migrants languishing in various camps here
alleged that they feel totally cheated by the
Government as this order has no justification.
This has not only exposed the Government but also
proved that it (Government) is not concerned
towards the welfare of the displaced community,
said Mr Hira Lal Chatta, senior ASKPC leader.
Sharing the
community’s concern over what he termed the
unjustified decision, Mr R L Bhan, president All
India Kashmiri Hindu Forum said "this way
the community feels cheated by the Government. He
warned that the Forum will join hands with ASKPC
and other like minded organizations to protest
against what they termed as "black"
order.
He said all KP
organizations will join hands to launch united
struggle against the decision and alleged that no
displaced relief holder will be benefited by this
decision.
The NC MLC, Mr
Bhushan Lal Bhat has also expressed his surprise
over the order saying what has come into black
and white is quite opposite to the Prime Minister
Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee’s announcement
during his visit to State.
He said we had
demanded enhancement of cash assistance to Rs 750
per head from Rs 600 for a family of four members
on the basis of which maximum families have been
classified. But the new order is totally a
negation of that, he added.
Mr A K Jyotshi,
PDP leader has also criticized the decision and
termed it a ploy to defame the new Government by
some vested elements in the administration.
The Kashmiri
Refugee Traders Association representatives
Messrs Shiban Hakoo and Ashok Kangan have also
expressed the dismay over the decision. They have
appealed the Revenue authorities to withdraw the
order failing which the displaced people will
take to streets.
Meanwhile Kashmiri
Hindu Youth Forum has decided to hold
demonstration in front of Relief
Commissioner’s Office tomorrow to lodge
their protest against the Government order.
It may be recalled
that Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee
during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir while
announcing the special package for the strife-
torn state had announced enhancement of cash
relief for Kashmiri migrants from Rs 24,00 to Rs
30,00 per family. But in contravention of the
norms adopted for enhancement of relief from time
to time previously a confusion has been created
in the formal orders issued by the Revenue
Department of the State Government recently. In
this order it has been categorically mentioned
that a family consisting of five members will
only be eligible to draw the cash assistance of
Rs 30,00 and no such benefit will be given to
family below five members.
The said order
also maintains that there will be no enhancement
in cash relief from Rs 600 per head upto a family
of four members who will be paid Rs 24,00 as per
the old scale.
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