6 lakh pilgrims join annual congregation of Baba Bhoto

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 19: Nearly six lakh pilgrims from all over the country joined the 2-day annual congregation of Baba Bhoto, a religious saint of Mahajan Baradari, at Gohmanasa here today. The annual congregation coincides with the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

The Deputy Chief Minister, Mr Mangat Ram Sharma was the chief guest at the function.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sharma threw light on the life of Baba Ji and asked the gathering to follow the path shown by the saint Baba.

Referring to the demands put forth by the Management of the All India Baba Bhoto Committee, Mr Sharma said that the road connecting Asthapan would be widened and metalled and the adjacent land measuring 2 kanals would be transferred to the Asthapan. To check the soil erosion, a bund would be constructed on the nallah in the area..

On this occasion, the management had opened free langer for the devotees. The management is also running a charitable hospital where poor and needy are provided treatment free of cost.

A large number of devotees had come from Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Meerut, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, besides Jammu and Kashmir.

Decrease in militant violence continues in Kashmir

SRINAGAR, Nov 19: Decrease in the militant violence in Jammu and Kashmir continues even as the coalition Government headed by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has released more than 15 senior separatist leaders since it assumed office on November 2.

The release of senior separatist leaders, including Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Mohammad Yaseen Malik, is being seen a step forward to normalise the situation.

The separatist alliance All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC), while welcoming the release, said permanent peace was not possible in the sub-continent till the core Kashmir issue was resolved.

50 people, including 30 militants and 13 civilians, were killed during the first fortnight of the Mufti Government a sharp decrease from 90 people, including 27 civilians, killed during the previous fortnight.

According to official figures available here, barring November 2, when Mr Sayeed took the oath of office, the Kashmir Valley witnessed a less violence in the last fortnigh compared to that during the previous period.

On the first day of the Government, militants killed three police personnel, a defeated Congress candidate and two others while security forces gunned down seven ultras across the Valley.

Militants also fired a couple of rifle grenades towards the Chief Minister’s Nowgam residence causing injuries to a guard on the same day.

However, since then the graph of militant violence came down and the next 14 days saw the killing of three security personnel. 23 militants were also killed during the same period.

In the first week of the new Government, three militant leaders including Showkat Bakshi and Nazir Ahmad Sheikh (JKLF) and Mohmmad Ayub Dar (Hizbul Mujahideen), were released after 12 years of imprisonment.

This was followed by the release of about 12 other leaders, including JKLF chief Malik, Mushtaq Ahmad Waza (Peoples League), Abdul Aziz Dar alias General Moosa of Hizbul Mujahideen and Sheikh Abdul Rashid ( Hurriyat spokesman). A spokesman of the Hurriyat Conference, expressing satisfaction over the release of detenues, described it "good for the freedom struggle".

However, he alleged that some leaders whose release was announced by the Government were still in different detention centres.

Other separatist organisations, however, said that release of detained leaders would not help to restore permanent peace in the State.

They said that for a lasting peace in the sub-continent, Kashmir the issue had to be resolved once and for all in accordance with the wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, the security forces suspended all routine cordon and search operations across the Valley in view of the holy month of Ramzan.

However, operations on specific information continued, officials told UNI.

They said the routine operations were stopped as a goodwill gesture to the people of the Valley because of Ramzan.

However, in case any specific information is recieved that militants are going to strike at a particular place, not a moment will be wasted in launching an offensive against them, they added.

"We will not compromise if the security of the people is involved," they said.

The army, on November six, had announced a relaxation on restriction of movement of the people across the Valley during Ramzan.

The spokesman said the decision has been taken in order to facilitate offering of prayers, especially at night and early morning, without any hinderance during the month.

However, one could see Border Security Force (BSF) personnel frisking pedestrians and searching passenger and other vehicles in the city, including Natipora Nowgam.

The Hurriyat spokesman, quoting deputations from different areas of the Valley, also alleged that security forces have not stopped harassing people. (UNI)

Khan inaugurates new building of Raina HSS

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 19: The new building complex of Raina Higher Secondary School, Chak Seri in Bhalwal was inaugurated by Director School Education Jammu, Mr M S Khan in an impressive function organised by the management and staff of the school today.

According to a release, the Director while congratulating the management of the school also appreciated the performance of the students. He said that a good building has been raised by the management in this rural block of Bhalwal and the people should take benefit of it. Mr Khan also had word of appreciation for the performance of the children who participated in various cultural items.

Mr Khan advised the teachers to work hard and give students better education with love and affection. He exhorted the parents of the rural area to send their children to school and do justice with Nation and the children as education is the fundamental right of a child.

The function was followed by the prize distribution function. Earlier, the function started with the welcome address by Mr B D Raina, Managing Director of the school. Mr V K Nanda CEO was the guest of honour. He also congratulated staff, management and residents of the area for the inauguration of new school building.

The children presented a colourful cultural programme which included Saraswati Vandana, patriotic song, group dance in Dogri, Kashmiri, Harayanavi, Rajasthani, Bojpuri, Qawali, Rasleela and solo items.

Avon India launches beauty products line in Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 19: Avon India today launched its beauty product in Jammu. While talking to reporters, Mr Harmeet Singh, Managing Director of the Avon India said that its product included products and brands selected from Avon’s extensive global portfolio and tailored to meet the needs of the Indian market.

He further said that Avon was committed to provide a compelling earning opportunity for women in India. "We believe that there exists a very strong desire amongst women to attain self fulfillment and independence. Avon provides the opportunity by allowing the women to decide how much and when they want to work. There is total flexibility to choose the working hours thereby allowing women to balance their responsibilities of home and work", he said, adding, "Avon has many technical breakthrough products including cellulite cream etc".

He further disclosed that Avon India began operations in September 1996 and is a 100 percent subsidiary of Avon Products Inc—the world’s largest direct selling company of beauty and related products.

Avon was founded in 1886 and was represented in 143 countries through over 3.6 million representatives with sales exceeding $ 6 billion.

Avon India follows a long heritage of Avon principles and values emphasising trust and respect for each person, belief in empowerment and personal responsibility, humanity and high standards. Its stated vision is to be : the Company that best understands and satisfies the product, service and self fulfillment needs of Indian women.

Hiranagar MLA gets degree college for constituency

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 19: Veteran Congress (I) leader and MLA from Hiranagar Mr Girdhari Lal said today that the much pending demand of Hiranagar people for a degree college has been conceded by the State Government.

Mr Girdhari Lal told EXCELSIOR that he raised the demand for degree college in the District Development Board (DDB) meeting of Kathua and it was principally agreed by the Government. Besides, he said, the Government has also agreed to open ten plus two schools at Koota and Chandma and upgradation of girls high school Hiranagar to higher secondary level. A high school for boys between Mawa and Sarthian and another high school at Jatwal were also okayed by the Government.

The MLA said he sought four tube wells for his constituency. The Government has immediately sanctioned one tube well at Suba Chak and promised others shortly at Phalapur, Arjun Thuthe, Tandwal and Budhu Chak. The Government has also ensured that problems in Ravi Tawi lift irrigation scheme will be solved immediately so that kandi area get sufficient water for irrigation and other purposes. Three tributaries have also been sanctioned from Ravi canal for Chan Khatrean, Kattal and Rasaath.

Mr Girdhari Lal said the Government has also decided to repair old Ujh canal at war footing. Eighty hand pumps have also been approved for Hiranagar, he added. He said the Government has assured that the relief for the border migrants, which was due to end by November end, will continue. He said the Congress (I) was committed to its election manifesto of providing 10 marlas plot each to the border migrants in the safer areas.

The Hiranagar legislator demanded that a Radiologist should be posted immediately in the sub district hospital in Hiranagar so that the patients are benefitted from X-Ray and Ultra Sound facilities. He also demanded residential quarters for the doctors. He said the Ayurvedic dispensary at Saisma should be converted into Allopathic. He also sought health sub centres for Chan Roarian and Gurha Mundia.

Mr Girdhari Lal demanded upgradation of Hiranagar Notified Area Committee (NAC) to Town Area Committee (TAC) and upgradation of Rajbagh and Bhagwal to NAC. He said the inter-state buses should stop at Hiranagar Morh.

The MLA Hiranagar said water, power and road in the entire Hiranagar constituency would be his main focus. Each house would be connected with roads and each and every village would be electrified. Capacity of the transformers will also be increased, he added. He said he would strive for handing over Sanji Morh-Kot Punnu road and Old Samba-Kathua road to GREF. He also demanded construction of bund over Ujh and the bridges over Bhag-Kot and Madoon nullah.

In reply to a question, Mr Girdhari Lal hoped that the Congress (I) will keep in view that he represented the Chamaar biradri among the Scheduled Castes. The party high command, he hoped, would keep this in view during the Ministry formation. The lone SC Minister in the present cabinet Mr Mula Ram belonged to Megh biradri.

It may be recalled that Mr Girdhari Lal had won Hiranagar seat with second highest margin of 18,472 votes in the State. He was only 200 votes short from the highest margin of 18,600 votes, recorded by his party colleague Ghulam Mohd Saroori in Inderwal. Mr Lal won Hiranagar seat for the Congress after two decades. In between, the seat had been represented by the BJP.

Panthers Party to move SC if State Subject
Commission not wound up

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 19: Terming State Subject Enquiry Commission a constitutional mechanism to create political conflict and communal hatred in the State, Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) Prof Bhim Singh has threatened to move Supreme Court if the Commission was not wound up without any delay.

The Commission has no legal locus standi to challenge the citizenship status of the permanent residents of the State by making the mockery of rule of law, said Prof Singh while addressing media conference here today.

"After the introduction of the democratic Constitution in 1957 and with no state subject law in the State the very creation of Commission is illegal and unconstitutional", Chairman of JKNPP said. He argued that since the Commission was unconstitutional and had no legality, it cannot decide on the citizenship of the bonafide residents of the J&K State.

He regretted that the Commission had been allowed to challenge the dignity and identity of the most respected citizens on the non-existent complaints having no names or identity of the complainants.

This is the climax of Commission’s performance, Prof Singh remarked, saying that it has not spared even a sitting Governor Babu Parmanand and a Union Minister Prof Chaman Lal Gupta. He added that dashing off a notice to them ‘is absolutely a reckless, unacceptable and malafide act’ of the Commission.

"Taking cognizance without a valid evidence or even a name of the complainant is itself a criminal act and if the Commission is not disbanded with a heavy penalty on its members for deliberately damaging the credibility of the men in the highest office in utter violation of law, the authorities concerned will have to face music in the Supreme Court", he warned.

He also criticised the appointment of new Vice-Chancellor of Jammu University.

5 arrested for looting vehiclists

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Nov 19: Police today arrested five persons for forcibly taking money from the vehiclists by lying naka near Kishenpur Manwal.

The Maruti van bearing registration number JK14-3893 which was being used by them in the purpose was also seized by the police. When the raid was conducted by the police the said five persons were taking money from a car driver. An amount to the tune of Rs 5000 was recovered from their possession.

The arrested persons have been identified as Susheel Khajuria, son of Fakir Chand of Shastri Nagar, Udhampur, Rakesh Kumar, son of Sansar Chand, Gautam, son of Surya Parkash, Vijay Jamwal, son of Prem Singh and Sunil Sharma, son of Ishwar Dass, all the residents of Udhampur.

The sixth accused Arjun Singh was absconding when reports last came in.

World heritage week celebrated at Manwal

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 19: The world heritage week was organised by Archaeological survey of India (ASI) at Manwal in district Udhampur today.

According to a release, the programme was organised in the premises of Devi Bhagwati temple Manwal. A well organised colourful cultural programme was presented by the school children of Dream India Public Higher Secondary School Manwal and Brahamrishi Vidhyapeeth.

On this occasion besides cultural items, a drawing competition was also held. Mr A N Badyal, Ist Class Magistrate Majalta while Mr PBS Senger, Superintending Archaeologist (ASI) presided over the function.

In drawing contest, the first prize went to Bhajan Lal, a student of 9th class of Dream India Public High School, second position went to Anil Bhardwaj of class 6th of the same school while prize was jointly shared by Sapna Jagotra of 6th class and Lakhan Singh of 3rd class.

In fency dress competition Ist prize went to the students of Dream India school. The participants included—Tarun, Renu, Rubi, Pooja, Shamli, Jugal, Parveen, Kamlesh, Arun, Meena, Veena and Nisha.

The ASI official while addressing the children on the occasion, spoke on the importance of World Heritage Week. He also briefed the students about the functioning of department of ASI. He asked the people to cooperate with the department for the better preservation and maintenance of the monuments. Ms Raj Rani functioned as stage secretary. Mr K K Razdan proposed vote of thanks.

Tributes paid to Mrs Indira Gandhi on
her 85th birth anniversary

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 19: Glowing tributes were paid to Late Mrs Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India on her 85th birth anniversary in a meeting of Congress leaders, office bearers of Pradesh Congress Committee, DCC, Seva Dal, Mahila Congress and Youth Congress held today. Mr Om Chopra, president DCC Jammu (Urban) presided over.

As per a release vice president PCC and Deputy Chief Minister Mr Mangat Ram Sharma, speaking on the occasion recalled her achievements during her premiership and said she will be remembered for her firm determination and decisions.

"Her slogan of "Garibi Hatao", solution of Bangladesh refugees and liberation of Bangladesh, nationalization of commercial banks and love for down trodden and poor people, stoppage of privy purses, 20 Point Programme, nuclear peaceful blast at Pukhran, Shimla Peace Pact, brought home to her all praises from world statesmen" said Mr Mangat Ram Sharma.

Mr Om Chopra named Indira Ji a powerful Prime Minister which she inherited from her father Jawahar Lal Nehru.

Prominent among those who paid tributes were Messrs S Praduman Singh Azad, Dharam Pal Sharma, Baldev Sharma, Shiv Dev Singh, Yash Pal Khajuria, Yogesh Sawhney, Maheshwar Singh, S Gurmeet Singh, Mirza Muzaffar Beg, Anil Chopra, Mrs Farida Mir, D S Langeh and scores of other leaders.

Rich tributes to Mrs Indira Gandhi were paid by Congress Seva Dal at a function here. Speaking on the occasion Mr Subash Gupta, chairman, said Indira Gandhi was a global leader, who really had made a mark in the political history of the world. He said, "we should tread the path of secularism and maintain integrity of the country so that peaceful political environment could be created for the peace and prosperity of India.

Prominent among those who paid tributes were Messrs Sat Pal Shastri, Haqeeqat Singh, Shashi Kant Dhiman, Vijay Sharma, Madan Lal Malagar, Mrs Sheetal, Mrs Gurdeep Kour, Miss Seema and others.

Jammu and Kashmir Trade Union Congress organised a function at Shastri Nagar to pay homage to Mrs Indira Gandhi. Mr Mangat Ram Sharma, Deputy Chief Minister was the chief guest. While addressing Mr Mangat Ram Sharma said that Mrs Indira Gandhi strengthened the democratic structure and tradition of India.

Messrs Sewa Ram Sharma, president, O P Khajuria, general secretary and Jagmohan Sadhotra, working president of JKTUC who spoke said that birth anniversary of Mrs Indira Gandhi is being observed as "National Integration Day". A large number of workers participated in the function and paid rich tributes to Mrs Gandhi.

Other prominent persons who attended the function included Ch Mohd Iqbal, Rattan Lal Manhas, Vinay Gupta, Mrs Lalita Sharma, Shivdev Singh, Sardari Lal Dubey, Deepak Sharma, Vijay Sharma, R D Verma, Tara Chand Bhagat, Kasturi Lal Gupta and Ram Swaroop Sharma, Bimal Khajuria. J&K PCC workers Union also attended the function, notable among them being Puran Chand, Ravinder Gandotra, Rattan Lal, Sat Paul Gandhotra and others.