Time for action not
words: Mufti for result
oriented administration
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Nov 5:
Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today asked
the administration to gear up for shouldering its
pivotal responsibilities in meeting the
challenges faced by the state.
Addressing
financial commissioners, principal secretaries
and commissioner/secretaries here on the opening
day of the moving offices in the winter capital,
the Chief Minister said the people aspire for a
result-oriented administration that takes care of
their grievances. ‘Now is the time for
action, not the words alone’, he added,
hoping that the administration will rise to the
occasion, particularly in the backdrop of rising
expectations among the people, and work with a
sense of devotion and missionary spirit.
Mr Sayeed said the
sole objective of the coalition Government is to
create a conducive atmosphere for return of
complete normalcy and peace, meet the challenges
with single mindedness, ensure fair play of
justice, end red tapisim and make the
administrative set up responsive and accountable.
He urged the state
administration to adopt positive approach in
solving the problems of the people especially
those who have suffered during the disturbed
conditions and ensure effective monitoring of
various welfare schemes. A mechanism has to be
evolved to utilize the funds on bonafide schemes,
devise such projects that have optimum
feasibility and to simplify procedures so that
the benefits of development accrue to larger
chunk of population in shortest possible time, he
added.
The CM dwelt on
the background in which the present dispensation
has come to the fore and said the change of the
guard has raised many expectations that have to
be met. He said his Government is committed to
equitable development of all the three regions-
Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir- and nobody should
nurture an iota of impression of neglect. He said
Jammu region alongwith other regions too will
have pivotal role in decision-making as it had
been ignored in decision making since 1947.
Similarly, the
Chief Minister said that the problems of Leh and
Kargil districts too would have to be addressed
earnestly. He referred to the formation of Ladakh
Autonomous Hill Development Council and wondered
that so far powers have not been vested to it. He
said the coalition Government would work in
unison and take collective decisions for steering
the state to new heights of progress and
development.
Saying that he
does not believe in victimization, Mr Sayeed
emphasized the need for highest degree of
honesty, integrity and hard work by the
administration at all the levels while
appreciated it for having worked in most testing
times during the past several years. He said the
administration is the asset of the state and its
services had to be utilized optimally.
The Chief
Minister enquired about the functioning of
various sectors like tourism, education, power,
works, agriculture, forests etc and emphasized
the need for evolving viable schemes to be
incorporated for taking up with the Centre in
order to secure a short term economic package for
the state. The state, he said, needs special
dispensation, as its problems are colossal.
The Chief Minister
called for giving adequate publicity to power
curtailment schedule well in advance all over the
State. He also gave instructions for prompt
disbursement of assistance to physically
handicapped persons so that they are not made to
run helter skelter for meager benefits. He said
efforts would be initiated to promote winter
tourism and to reconstruct the remaining
militancy damaged school buildings.
Assuring fullest
cooperation of the administration, Chief
Secretary Mr I S Malhi said that it would not
shirk its responsibilities in implementing the
policies and programmes aimed at welfare of the
people.
|
Constitute Coordination Committee
to implement
CMP: Bhim Singh
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Nov 5:
Prof Bhim Singh, Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir
National Panthers Party (JKNPP) today urged the
Chief Minister to constitute Coordination
Committee of the coalition parties in the
Government in order to take necessary measures
for the implementation of the Common Minimum
Programme (CMP).
As per a release,
he said that the Coordination Committee should
act as the watch dog to ensure quick
implementation of the CMP so that the next phase
of the programme may be initiated.
Prof Singh
demanded immediate relief package for the
migrants from Doda, Udhampur, Rajouri and Poonch,
most of whom have been suffering, starving and
living in the most disgusting conditions since
1998 following the Prankot massacre without any
assistance from the Government.
The State
Government, he said, refused to implement the
orders of the Supreme Court to provide them
relief and the case is already pending in the
Supreme Court and added that relief package to
the border migrants should be given at an
earliest.
Setting aside the
rumours to wind-up Special Operation Group (SOG)
or Special Task Force (STF), Prof Singh made it
clear that there is no mention of this fact in
the Common Minimum Programme (CMP). He hoped that
all the independent MLAs will be involved in the
Government as they have won their respective
seats by their hard work and good will of their
voters.
He also demanded
immediate release of selection lists of the
candidates who have appeared for various posts in
different departments including KAS, Marketing
and Grading Officer in Horticulture for which
selection was made long back.
He emphasised that
any discrimination against the candidates of
Jammu province will prove counter productive.
|
Court rejects bail in mass
copying case
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Nov 5:
Chief Judicial Magistrate Jammu, Mr Suresh Sharma
has rejected the bail applications of Joseph
Khokhar, S/o Sardar Masih of Christian Colony
Jammu and Amit Sharma alias Rajesh Kumar of
Janipur Colony, who were arrested in a case of
mass copying, in the examination of Board of
Secondary School, from the Karan Nagar locality
recently.
Their bail pleas
were rejected with the observation that the
offence committed by them was against the
society. Further, the accused have played with
the future of the meritorious students and were
making a mockery of the whole examination system,
the Judge held, adding that the concession of the
bail cannot be allowed in their favour untill the
whole facts of the conspiracy was examined by the
investigating agency.
The two bail
applications of the accused persons were filed
through Advocate A K Sawhney and Advocate M R
Qureshi for Khokhar and Amit Sharma respectively.
Accused Joseph, a
teacher at St Peters School was appointed as
Deputy Superintendent for conducting the
bi-annual examination of the Board while Amit, an
unemployed youth, was a part of the conspiracy.
On October 26,
2002, the candidates had appeared in Physics-A
and Political Science examination at St peters
School, BC Road. The papers were sealed in
packets. The seals were, however, opened by
Khokhar and answer sheets were given by him to 42
candidates at 14-A Karan Nagar Jammu. It was
alleged that the accused after taking Rs 5,000
per candidate, had allowed them to indulge into
copying at a residential place.
However, Police
raided the place and managed to arrest three
persons while others had fled from the spot.
The CJM observed
that since the Police is still investigating the
matter, it appears that some officials of the
Board were also involved in this scandal. Hence
the bail cannot be granted.s
|
Rotaract president installed
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Nov 5:
Rotaract Club Akhnoor today organised
installation-cum-annual awards function wherein
SSP Jammu Mr Farooq Khan was the chief guest.
As per a release,
SSP Jammu formally installed Rotary president Ch
Deedar Hussain and Rotaract president Rahul
Langer for the year 2002-03. Programme preceded
with annual reports awards by out going President
Rotarain Mangu Ram Sharma and Rotaractor Ashish
Mahajan to recognize the services of the
individuals and institutions, who showed
examplary devotion and cooperation towards the
welfare of the society. Chief guest Mr Farooq
Khan, who was accompanied by his wife, lauded the
role of Rotary in the Society and told the
gathering that he avoids attending functions of
all kinds, but was tempted to attend this
ceremony of Rotary owing to its established
principles and true spirit of service.
Rotaract President
Rahul Langer accepting his assignment, thanked
the gathering especially his Club members for his
election as president of the Club. He offered all
cooperation to Rotary, its allies and other
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
Earlier, Rotary
Club Akhnoor donated materials for a sewing
centre in rural area and monetary help to two
orphan girls.
Proceedings of the
programme were conducted by Dr Pardeep Gupta and
participants included many prominent citizens,
members of Rotaract, Innerwheel, Rotary Club
Akhnoor including past president Jugal Mahajan,
Raj Paul Sharma, Dr Romesh Kashyap, Dr R K Gupta,
K K Khattar and Suraj Mahajan.
Function was also
attended by Rotaract district treasurer Rakesh
Gupta and Innerwheel president.s
|
37.48
lakh pilgrims visits holy cave shrine
Excelsior Correspondent
Katra,
Nov. 5: Over 37.48 lakh pilgrims from
within and outside the State have visited the
holy cave shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ji so
far since January 1st this year.
During the 2nd
fortnight of the last month about 1.88 lakh
devotees paid their obeisance in the holy cave
shrine.
Presently, 8000 to
9000 pilgrims are daily reaching at the base camp
Katra town for their onward journey to the holy
cave shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi.
Besides other
facilities, refreshments like biscuits, cold
drinks, tea, coffee, milk, mineral water etc. are
available all along the way from Banganga to
Bhawan at Refreshment units of the Shrine board,
most of which are located at selected locations
from where one can have a Panoramic view of the
Valley. They are also known as view points. All
items offered at these view points are on a no
profit basis. Thus ensuring proper quality and
quantity for the money paid by the pilgrims.
The Shrine Board
also operates full-fledged catering units known
as Bhojanalyas one each at Adh-Kunwari and Sanji
Chatt and three at Bhawan where full meals and
variety of other food items are available on a no
profit basis.
|
MIER
College of Education celebrates freshers’
day
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Nov 5:
On commencement of 20th session of B Ed classes
in the institute, Model Institute of Education
and Research (MIER) College of Education,
organised a colourful function on the college
campus.
Director MIER Dr
Arun Kumar Gupta was the chief guest while entire
teaching and non-teaching staff of the college,
including Principal Prof Abdul Aziz, were present
on the occasion.
The function
commenced with a group song ‘Swagatam’,
which was followed by other cultural items
including dance items, short skits, folk songs
and display of Karate skills. All the items were
innovative, educative and full of enthusiasm
which won the repeated applause from the
audience.
The chief guest
lauded the dedication of entire staff of the MIER
wished good for the freshers. He assured that the
MIER management would extend its full cooperation
to give quality education to the college students
and solve their all problems.
Prof Amit Koul
presented vote of thanks while Priyanka Gupta and
Kiran (both the students) compared the programme.
Later the MIER
Director introduced the college staff to the
fresher students and advised them to work in
cooperation with each other.
|
Vishav
Karma Day Celebrated
Labour Laws be modified for
welfare of
toiling community-Sharma
Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu,
Nov. 5: The Deputy Chief Minister, Mr.
Mangat Ram Sharma has today said that the new
Government’s first priority will be to
redress the grievances of the people of Jammu and
Ladakh regions who feel discriminated in various
socio-economic spheres for last many years.
Speaking at the
Vishav Karma Day at Gandhinagar in Jammu today,
Mr. Sharma said that the Government has taken a
serious view of the labour laws which are still
lying incomplete in the State. The formation of a
new Delimitation Commission for carving out more
districts in Jammu division is also in the
offing, he added.
The Dy. Chief
Minister complemented the people especially of
Jammu region for their victory in the Assembly
elections and asked them to fully cooperate the
alliance Government for speedy development of the
State. Referring to the formation of the
coalition government, Mr. Sharma said that there
was no way out except the coalition in the
general interest of the nation. He said that the
Government will act upon the minimum common
programme in order to provide equal opportunities
of development in all the three regions of the
State.
Referring to the
priority of the coalition Government to provide
basic amenities of life at the grass root level
to each citizen of the State, Mr. Sharma said
that in the first instance the reduction in the
power supply is being implemented from 8 hours to
4.30 hours. While paying tributes to Bhagwan
Vishav Karma, Mr. Sharma said that the credit of
multi-dimential construction goes to the labour
and craft’s community.
MLA Gandhinagar,
Mr. Raman Bhalla and Ex-MLA Mr. Ashok Sharma also
spoke on the occasion.
The function was
also attended by members of Vishve Karma Society,
prominent citizens, tradesmen and labourers.
|
| Excise Inspector’s son among
4 purse snatchers arrested Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Nov 5:
Police has busted a gang of purse snatchers
active in posh Trikuta Nagar locality for the
last one month and arrested its all the four
members including son of an Excise Inspector.
During the past
one month the gang had committed several cases of
purse snatching and had virtually created panic
among women folk in the posh Trikuta Nagar
locality.
After receiving a
number of purse snatching complaints, a team of
Trikuta Nagar Police was constituted under the
supervision of Sub-Divisional Police Officer
(SDPO) Trikuta Nagar Sanjay Sharma and SHO
Kamaljeet Singh.
On November 2, two
members of the gang—Simran Thapper, son of
Anand Kumar of Sector-6 Nanak Nagar and Davinder
Singh alias Vicky, son of Prithipal Singh of
Sector Number 7, Nanak Nagar, who were running
away after snatching purse from a woman Sapna
Verma, wife of R D Verma of Trikuta Nagar
Extension, were arrested by the police personnel
deployed in the area in plain clothes.
The arrested
youths, on interrogation, informed the police
about the other two members of the gang, who were
also arrested by the police from their
residences. They have been identified as Rinku
Singh Manhas, son of Thoru Singh of Gorkha Nagar,
Bagh-e-Bahu and Maneesh Sharma, son of an Excise
Inspector Sanji Ram of Sector 6 Nanak Nagar.
Two scooters
bearing registration number JK02P-5626 and
JKR-9421 used by the snatchers were also
recovered and seized.
Giving details,
SDPO Trikuta Nagar Sanjay Sharma and SHO
Kamaljeet Singh told reporters that the first
victim of the gang was the wife of MAM College
Principal and in other three cases the gang had
snatched around Rs 10000 from the women folk,
which used to be their only targets.
"They were
making use of the snatched money for spending
luxurious lives like playing pool and consuming
liquor in standard bars", they said and
added that the parents of the youths, all the
students of Secondary and Higher Secondary
classes, were not aware of the reality as the
snatchers used to change their time of operation
frequently.
Cases under
Section 382, 186, 382, 199, 382 and 207 RPC have
been registered against them and further
investigations were on.
|
DGP
inspects Police Headquarters, interacts with
staff
Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu,
Nov. 5 :
The Director General of Police, Mr.A.K.Suri
inspected Police Headquarters ( PHQ ) and other
darbar move offices of Police Department on their
re-opening in the winter capital, Jammu, to-day
after they were closed a week back at Srinagar.
During the course
of inspection Mr .Suri went from room to room at
PHQ and enquired from officials about their
residential accommodation and other attendant
problems, if any, following darbar move. He had
man to man inter-action with the officials
working in different sections about the matters
they deal with.
Earlier, on his
arrival at Police Headquarters, Mr. Suri was
received by Additional DG Security, Mr. M.K.
Mohanty, Addl. DGP ( Hqrs ), Mr. Rajan Bakshi,
Addl. DG Armed Police, Mr.Gopal Sharma, Addl. DG
Law and Order, Mr. P.S.Gill, Addl. DG CID, Mr.
Kuldeep Khoda, Addl. DG Police Housing
Corporation, Mr. Madan Lal, IGP Crime and
Railways, Mr. Masud Choudhary, IGP Jammu Zone,
Mr. P.L.Gupta and other senior police officers.
The DGP was also presented a guard of honour on
the occasion .
|
150
Morcha volunteers court arrest, released
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Nov. 5:
About 150 volunteers of Jammu State Morcha (JSM),
the protagonist of separate statehood to Jammu,
courted arrest on the opening day of move offices
here today after the police did not allow them to
proceed towards Civil Secretriat. However, they
were later released in the afternoon.
The protestants
with black flags and placards in their hands were
shouting slogans against what they termed the
"anti Jammu and pro militancy stand" of
the new coalition Government led by Chief
Minister, Mufti Mohd Sayeed.
Earlier, the JSM
volunteers assembled near Aggarwal Sabha
(Vivekanand Chowk) and took out the procession
carrying banners and black flags in their hands.
Led by Mr Shree
Kumar, chairman JSM and Ashwani Kumar, MLA, the
protestants blamed Congress and NPP for betraying
the people of Jammu.
The demonstrators
marched via Raghunath Mandir Chowk, Raghunath
Bazar and City Chowk. However, they courted
arrest at Shalimar Chowk when police foiled their
attempt to proceed towards Civil Secretariat and
were packed in three police buses and taken to
Gandhi Nagar Police Lines.
The other
prominent leaders of the Morcha who addressed the
demonstrators included Prof Virender Gupta,
co-chairman, Tilak Raj Sharma, general secretary,
Amar Nath Gupta, Ramesh Sabharwal, Krishan Khosa,
Omkar Seth, Abdul Rouf, Thakur Kashmira Singh,
Som Sharma, Jatinder Bhagat, Jag Mohan Khanna and
Bishan Bharti.
Lambasting new
Government Mr Shree Kumar alleged its assurances
that no discrimination will be meted out to Jammu
and Ladakh regions and justice will done to all
three parts can not be relied upon. He warned
that the Morcha will accelerate its agitational
programme.
In his address Mr
Ashwani Kumar MLA said stand taken by the
Kashmiri leaders on the Chief Ministership issue
has vindicated the stand of Morcha on separate
statehood demand. He appealed the people to
strengthen the Morcha and join the movement
launched by it so that Jammu will get rid from
the dominance of Kashmiris.
|
‘Sound
of Silence’ show by Kerala artists impresses
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Nov 5:
The Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi in
collaboration with the J&K Academy of Art,
Culture and Languages organised an innovative and
impressive programme: " The Sound of
Silence" at Abhinav Theatre, here this
evening.
Conducted by the
Samudra Centre for Indian Contemporary Performing
Arts, Trivandrum, this creative programme of
dance performance, was highly appreciated by the
large audience present in the auditorium. The
dancers performed at the instrumental music only
and captivated with their superb expertise.
It was for the
first time that this type of impressive show was
arranged at Jammu, the winter capital of Jammu
and Kashmir State.
conducted for the
first time in Jammu. They dance troupe had come
all the way from Kerala state and shall be
performing a show at Delhi on November 8.
The programme
started with creative composition "
Jalam" depicting earth, water, air, light
and ether. It revolves round reality and myth.
The Samudra
artists made their presentation in a distinct
style and got loud cheers.
The Sound of
Silence is a dialogue between sound and movement.
It seems the artists have good training and
experience in dance performance.
"The Sound of
Silence" has been staged in a number of
countries including Germany, France, Scotland,
Itlay, London and also in Dubai, Hongkong.
Speaking on the
occasion, Secretary, Academy of Art, Culture and
Languages, Mr Balwant Thakur appreciated the art
form of the Samudra dancers and musicians. He
expressed thanks to the Sangeet Natak Akademi for
deputing the troupe to Jammu for the performance.
This programme was
a blend of traditional art form with modern
concepts and innovations. Such programme will be
arranged in future as well, he added.
|
Centre
should initiate dialogue to restore
peace in J&K:
Tarigami
SRINAGAR,
Nov 5:
Centre should initiate a sustained and sincere
dialogue with all sections of people in order to
restore lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir,
senior CPM leader Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami has
said.
Addressing a
massive gathering at Handwara in frontier
district of Kupwara last evening, Tarigami
appealed to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee
to adhere to the opportunity provided by the
historic elections and initiate a dialogue with
cross section of people to ensure peace in the
militancy-ridden State.
He said the Centre
should also initiate a composite dialogue with
Pakistan in ending the violence in the State.
Tarigami, who was
accompanied by the local MLA Ghulam Mohiuddin
Sofi and Hakeen Mohammed Yaseen, was greeted by
thousands of people and accorded a warm reception
at Handwara.
Giving a veiled
call to separatists in the State, the leader of
Democratic Peoples’ Forum said the elections
had provided an opportunity not only to those who
had been elected to the State legislature but
also to those who remained out of the democratic
process.
"Opportunity
comes seldom and I appeal to those who remained
out of the political process to join the carvan
of the people of the State who have been yearning
for peace now," Tarigami said.
The Central
Government, State Government and other groups
including separatists should act and act fast so
that the process of dialogue with seriousness
could be initiated quickly, he said.
Tarigami said the
de-escalatory measures taken by India and
Pakistan were only half-hearted and needed to be
further cemented by initiation of serious
dialogue between the two countries.
A serious effort
for holding parleys will pave way for restoring
peace in the State, he said.
Commenting on the
forthcoming SAARC summit, Tarigami said ‘Dua
Karo Ki Dono Log Aaps Mein Baat Kare (pray that
leaders of both sides talk with each
other)’.
About the
decision of DPF to stay away from the ministry of
the state, Tarigami said "it is a new
experience. We will continue to support the
coalition Government as long as it sticks to the
common minimum programme."
Sofi, rebel
Peoples’ Conference candidate, said his
forum was not power hungry and would continue to
support the Mufti Sayeed led Government till it
was loyal to the problems of the people.
He also appealed
to the State Government to initiate a time-bound
inquiry into the killings of prominent leaders
like Mirwaiz Farooq, Abdul Gani Lone, Qazi Nissar
and others.
People should know
the real face of killers and also whether there
were any lapses on part of the previous National
Conference Government, Sofi said.
Addressing the
gathering, Hakim Mohammed Yaseen, an independent
MLA from Khan Sahib, said the proposed
"Ethisab (accountability) Bureau"
should be started soon and should also cover the
alleged corruption of the previous Government.
(PTI)
|
 |
Workshop
on cleanliness of Dal
Soaring public awareness on
environ issues
a welcome sign
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR,
Nov. 5: Public awareness for preservation
of the Dal is increasing with people concerned
about the present plight of the lake coming
forward and suggesting measures to restore it to
its past glory. Besides the Dal dwellers who are
directly affected by the deterioration in its
water quality, environment conscious citizens,
particularly the youth have started actively
involving themselves in mobilizing public support
for preservation of the lake.
The Enforcement
Wing of the state Tourism Department today
provided an open forum for discussion and
suggesting solution to the serious environment
problem that has been attracting attention of
Kashmir lovers. The Wing organized a workshop on
Tourist Trade Act and Cleanliness of the Dal Lake
at the Nehru Park here this afternoon. A large
number of tourist traders and prominent citizens
were present, many of whom expressed their views
on the subject.
The function was
presided over by Professor Peerzada Manzoor Ahmad
of Institute of Management, Public Administration
and Rural Development. The Deputy Director
Tourism (Enforcement), Mr. Abdul Hamid was the
main speaker.
Mr. Hamid
underlined the importance of a clean Dal for the
environment and tourism and called upon people in
general and the lake dwellers in particular to
play their role in saving the water body from
total degradation. He said if efforts were not
made in the right earnest the day was not far
away when the Dal, profusely eulogized in
travelogues and history books, would be a thing
of the past. He said the measures taken by the
Government need active participation by common
people to materialize into reality. "Unless
people understand their responsibility towards
the environment and come out to preserve it, no
effort would be meaningful", he said
Mr. Hamid said the
lake area was about 22 sq kms a hundred years ago
that has now shrunk to only 11 sq kms. This, he
said, was an alarm for all nature lovers to wake
up and do their duty towards their environment.
He said the Enforcement Wing of the Tourism
Department was actively engaged in creating
awareness about preservation of environment and
recalled holding of a similar workshop at Gulmarg
recently. He appreciated the enthusiasm shown by
people towards the issues concerning environment
and ecology and in particular emphasized the role
of media to create awareness on such issues.
Mr. Hamid asked
the tourist traders to ensure that tourists were
not inconvenienced and cautioned them against
violating the Tourist Trade Act. He said the Act
provides for penalizing the erring traders. He
said the Tourism department recovered Rs. 1.20
lakhs from traders as overcharge besides a fine
of Rs. 14, 900 involving 30 cases.
Noted
mountaineer and houseboat owner, Mr. Mohammad
Yusuf Chapri also spoke on the occasion and
fervently appealed for preservation of the lake.
He said the Dal dwellers were as concerned about
the Lake as any body else. He identified various
factors affecting the health of the Dal and
stressed on a collective effort by the government
and the people to save the lake from extinction.
In his
presidential address, Prof Manzoor exuded
confidence that the increasing awareness among
general public on environmental issues like the
present status of the Dal Lake, made one to
believe that the situation could be redeemed. He
said holding of workshops like the present one
provide a forum to discuss burning issues and
come up with solutions. Any decisions taken about
these issues must be in keeping with the
suggestions that are offered at such for a, he
added.
|
Clash
over piece of land renders five injured
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Nov 5:
The clash between two families in village Gho
Manhasan under the jurisdiction of Domana Police
Station left five persons injured, two of them
critically.
According to
police, the clash between the families of Narayan
Singh and Shiv Ram took place over a piece of
land this afternoon and after verbal dual the
members of both the families brought out rods,
lathis and sharp-edged weapons.
Two sons and a
grandson of Shiv Ram had gone to the fields to
get grass for their cattle when they had a tiff
over the land dispute with sons of Narayan Singh,
who were already present in the fields. Both had
tried to stop each-other from cutting grass from
a piece of land, which was the bone of contention
between them.
After heated
exchanges, the members of both the families
brought out lathis and sharp-edged weapons and
attacked each other. Two members of the either
family sustained critical wound injuries in the
attack.
Some villagers
immediately intervened in the matter and got both
the families separated. Police was also informed
which rushed the spot to take cognizance of the
incident.
All the five
members of both the families, who were injured in
the clash, were rushed to Government Medical
College and Hospital and condition of two of them
was stated to be critical as they had sustained
some deep wounds.
The injured have
been identified as Lehar Singh and Karan Singh,
sons of Shiv Ram and Prem Singh, son of Karan
Singh, Madan Singh and Raghubir Singh, sons of
Narayan Singh.
A case has been
registered at Domana Police Station in this
connection and further investigations were on.
|
|
Low paid
employees from Poonch meet Shamiri
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Nov 5:
A deputation of Low Paid Government Employees
Federation and PHE Employees Association from
Poonch headed by Abdul Majid Khan met the Chief
Engineer PHE, I A Shamiri and apprised him of the
problems being faced by the employees.
As per a release,
Asgar Hussain Shah from PHE employees expressed
his displeasure over turning a deaf ear towards
the genuine problems of the employees by the
higher authorities. He pointed out that for the
last one year, the field staff have not been
provided fitting material, tools and plants which
has adversely affected their smooth working.
Mr Khan further
disclosed that the Community workers have not
been paid their wages for the last one and half
year which they are greeting at a meagre rate of
Rs 400 per month and seasonal uniforms have also
not been issued to the staff for about two years.
The deputationists
also sought speedy regularisation of daily wagers
and grant of ITI grade to the ITI trained staff
under SRO 149 of 1973 as has been done in respect
of their counter parts working in PWD, PDD and
Irrigation departments.
Mr Shamiri
listened to the problems of the employees and
gave assurance to resolve them at the earliest.
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J&K
Bank officers flay management
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Nov 5:
The Central Committee meeting of the All India
J&K Bank Officers Federation in its emergent
meeting at Jammu took strong exception of the
management’s adamant and dictatorial
attitude, sticking to the unilateralism and
nepotism and for ignoring the Union Government
guidelines to involve officers federation as and
when making/proposing changes in the promotion
policy.
According to a
press release, Mr Z K Maqdoomi and Mr B K Sharma,
president and general secretary while addressing
the members made scathing attack on the
management of the Bank for not honouring the High
Court direction to make the promotions in
accordance with the policy prevailing in the Bank
which is strictly on seniority.
It was resolved in
the meeting that the Federation will approach
different quarters to get all its genuine and
legitimate demands settled in a peaceful manner
without affecting the development of the Bank.
It was also
decided that the Disturbed Area Allowance, which
is not being paid in the Jammu region despite
repeated representations made by the Jammu unit
of the Federation, will be taken up with AIBOA to
further initiate with IBA for early release of
the same with representative effect.
Grave concern and
shock was expressed by the meeting on
Chairman’s attempt to create dissension in
the ranks and file of the officer class by asking
them during official meetings to dissociate from
the Federation. Members cautioned to guard
themselves against such malicious designs.
The meeting was
unanimous to express sympathy towards the workmen
brethren of the Bank who were languishing in
clerical cadre for the last 16 years and extended
its moral support in their struggle to get their
justified demands fulfilled.
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Gupta welcomes reduction of
power cut to 4 hrs
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Nov 5: Union
Minister of State for Defence and senior BJP leader Prof
Chaman Lal Gupta has welcomed the decision of the new
Government to reduce the power curtailment from eight to
four hours a day.
In a press statement
issued here today, Prof Gupta said that the decision was
good but expressed doubt that improvement would be
durable unless local generation is increased. He said
during the past years the demand of electricity increased
considerably but there had been little increase in the
generation as no project has been completed by the State
Government during past years.
The BJP leader said that
except Chenani no major project has come up in the State
in the Jammu region for a long time inspite huge spending
in the execution of Hydel and other power projects.
Referring to the
statements of new Government leaders that there would be
no discrimination against Jammu and Ladakh regions, Prof
Gupta said that only practical steps will prove the
seniority of their pronouncements. He admitted that the
Industrial sector can not grow without power and for it
some policy decisions from the Government side are also
imperative.
Regarding the problems of
Sales Tax and other matters, the BJp leader said that
most of these pertains to State Government. He further
said that the problem of unemployment can not be resolved
unless industrial sector and other employment generating
sources are developed.
ASKPC holds general meet
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Nov 5: All
State Kashmiri Pandit Conference held its general body
meeting under the chairmanship of Mr A N Vaishnavi which
was attended by migrants residing in camps, non-camp,
employees, traders and unemployed youth leaders.
As per a release the
meeting expressed anguish over issuance of recent
Government order No Rev/MR/21 of 2002 dated 17-10-2002 by
the Revenue Department, Civil Secretariat Srinagar, which
is unfortunately inherited by the present Government
regarding enhancement of cash relief to Kashmiri
migrants.
The speakers said the
enhancement seems to be an eye wash as the existing
relief of Rs 600 per member has remained the same. They
said the Prime Minister had assured the ASKPC delegation
that relief will be increased per person, but it has
become clear from the Government order that Prime
Minister had been kept in dark and defamed by the said
order.
A resolution was moved by
general secretary Mr H L Chatta and passed in the meeting
urging upon the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister to
look into the matter and sort out manipulations of the
said order without any further delay. Mr Chatta hoped
that the present Government would come upto the
expectations of the Kashmiri migrants and also will be an
acid test for the present Government.
Conference secretary Mr
Ramesh Hakim stressed the need for unity for revocation
of the said order and appealed the community members to
be at beck and call of the leadership.
Two sub-committees were
formed, one for camp dwellers and one for non-camp to
sort out strategy for further programme.
Others who spoke included
Messrs Roshan Lal Raina, Bhushan Lal, J K Hakim, Pran
Nath Koul, Dr Indra Zadoo, Hira Lal Raina, Vijay Bindroo,
Bansi Lal Pandita, Bal Krishan Dhar and Vijay Koul, all
Members of Development Committee.
PYDC holds convention
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Nov 5: One day
convention of Public Youth Development Club was held at
Jammu in which various problems faced by the Youth were
deliberated and it was resolved that an organised
struggle was required to get removed the evils from the
society in which youth could play an important role.
The meeting held that no
nation can develop till its youth are developed and
organised. A state level body of the Club was framed with
Mr Imtiaz-ul-Abrar, Mr Irfan Goni and Mr Gohar Hafeez
Fani as its chairman, vice chairman and general secretary
respectively was constituted.
Mr Sanjiv Khajuria was
nominated as secretary, Ms Bhawna Jamwal and Shakeel
Ahmed as joint secretaries, Chingari Sahib as chief
advisor, Tanvir-ul-Abrar as chief organisor, Vikram
Kotwal and Irfan-ul-Haq as organisor, Ms Malvinder Kour
as state coordinator, Nazrana and Asma Bhat as provincial
incharge as district coordinators of Rajouri, Kathua,
Udhampur, Poonch, Doda and Jammu University.
The Advisory Committee
consisting of programme coordinator NSS JU, Chairman NSS
JU, Programme coordinator NYK, Udhampur, Warden Youth
Hostel Nagrota, Dr Shamas-ul-Rehman HoD Psychology JU, Dr
Gurdev Singh and others were also constituted.
Mr Imtiaz-ul-Abrar and Mr
Gohar Hafeez Fani, called upon the members to work with
dedication sincerity and determination for peace and
prosperity of the community.
GEJAC discusses demands
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Nov 5:
Central re-organising committee members of Workers of
J&K Government Employees Joint Action Committee, in a
joint meeting discussed thread-bare the utterances of the
State and Central Government to ruin the working classes
at the best of IMF, World Bank and MNCs.
As per a release the
meeting held that working classes had achieved its rights
after protracted struggle but the Central Government was
bent upon freezing DA, bonus and commutation of pension
and other monetary benefits of the employees.
Flaying the State and
Central Government for their move to lower the rate on
interest from 12 per cent to 9.50 percent on G P Fund,
the meeting decided to fight this wrong step out tooth
and nail.
The meeting urged the
State Government to immediately release DA instalment due
from July 2002 and also grant Disturbed Area Allowance in
favour of Government employees on the pattern of
North-eastern States employees. The meeting also called
for enhancement in Medical Allowance paid to the State
Government as Rs 100 per month being paid to them was not
sufficient and called for atleast doubling of the same.
The meeting expressed deep
shock over demise of Comrade Krishan Lal Sharma, trade
union leader and former member of EJAC. The meeting also
observed two minutes silence to grant peace to the
departed soul.
Those who attended the
meeting included Messrs Ram Kumar Sharma, Anwar Beig,
Shakti Gupta, Vijay Kumar, Markes Gill, Sham Lal, Ravi
Singh, R K Bali, Ganesh Khajuria, S Jaswant Singh, Vijay
Sharma, Feroz Ali Khan, Prem Singh, K C Gupta, Mulkh Raj,
Babu Ram Choudhary, Abdul Rashid, Ravi Sharma, Farooq
Kaisar, Subash Chander Dubey, Kartar Nath, C L Kachroo,
Som Nath and Puran Singh, heads of different trade union
organizations.
Talib Hussain visits Devak at
Purmandal
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Nov 5:
Parliament Member from Jammu, Poonch Lok Sabha
Constituency, Ch. Talib Hussain visited historical holy
place of Devak at Purmandal on the occasion of Shengari
Amavasya on Monday and performed pooja at the ancient
temple there.
Later the MP went around
this holy place to have the on spot assessment of the
present condition of this historical place.
While interacting with the
people of Purmandal and adjoining areas at a meeting the
MP was told that though the place has been included in
the tourism map but no due attention has been paid for
its development. The people alleged that the approach
road is in dilapidated condition.
Narrating their problems
to Ch. Talib Hussain, the people informed him that the
road from Purmandal to Mansar via Sugaon has been
sanctioned but the work has not been taken up yet. They
also told him that a bridge to be constructed at Mandal
stands sanctioned but this work has also not been
started. The people appealed the MP to take up the matter
with the concerned agencies.
A deputation of the
Scheduled Caste Mohalla, Ridya demanded that laying of
crates along the ancient temple as during the rainy
season the floods over flow their area and cause loss.
Moreover, the historical temple will also be damaged with
the soil erosion caused by floods.
The people also complained
about the non availability of telephone facility as the
cables have not been laid by the Department in the area.
They also demanded construction of bathing ghat.
The MP assured the people
that he will take up the matter with the concerned
authorities. He promised them that the bathing ghat will
be constructed from the funds available with him.
Vishav Karma Day celebrated at
Mishriwala
Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu,
Nov 5: Minister
for Social Welfare, Mr. Mula Ram has called upon the
people to adopt a methodical for further popularizing and
giving spurt to all technical work and professions.
Addressing an impressive
function organized in connection with celebration of
Bhagwan Vishav Karma Day by Vishavkarma Committee at
Mishriwala on Jammu-Akhnoor road near here today.
The Minister asked all
those connected with technical professions to attain
excellence in their field and provide job oriented
training to their wards to give befitting and glowing
tributes to Bhagwan Vishavkarma.
Mr. Mula Ram said Bhagwan
Vishavkarma with his masterly mind and hands created this
beautiful world for the living of human being. He asked
the people to dedicate themselves and pledge to work more
and more on this auspicious day to pay real tributes to
the great saint architect of the universe.
Referring to the demands
put-forth by the members of the committee regarding
construction of compound wall of the temple and declaring
gazetted holiday on the occasion of Vishavkarma Day in
Jammu division, the Minister assured them that matter
will be taken for mitigating these demands very soon.
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