Daily Excelsior.........State

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 5: The six week long Free Artificial Leg Jaipur Foot Camp, organised by Viklang Chhatra Trust in collaboration with Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayta Samiti Jaipur Kota and Operation Sadbhawana of Army, concluded at Akhnoor today.

In the camp which was inaugurated by Lt Gen R K Nanawaty, GoC-in-C, Northern Command, 239 amputees, polio victims and other categories of handicapped were provided free artificial limbs, calipers and knee guards.

Most of the beneficiaries hailed from Poonch, Rajouri and Doda districts who were rendered limbless due to militancy, cross border firing, land mine blasts and accidents.

Some of the beneficiaries also came from neighbouring States of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.

Het Ram of Marwah Dachhan of Kishtwar tehsil of Doda who had lost both his lower limbs in a blast at Kishtwar Bus Stand five years ago was very happy after the fitment of Jaipur artificial limbs cosmetically close to natural legs giving proper support to him. He told the organizers that now he would be able to go to his work on high pastures of Paddar. Pooja, aged 7, an inmate of JRC Home for Handicapped, Udhowalla, Jammu was equally happy to receive the lower limbs. Both her legs were amputated due to medical reasons. The Jaipur Limbs have given her a new lease of life.

Twenty four polio patients were examined by Dr Kanwaljeet Singh, a senior Orthopaedic surgeon of Health Department, and referred for corrective surgery after which they will be provided calipers. Besides 37 cases of fitment of upper limbs were also registered in the camp in near future. Free lodging and boarding for the beneficiaries and their escorts was also provided.

General Nanawaty and Mrs Suniti Nanawaty, president AWWA, fitted some limbs fabricated in the camp to the amputees. Those present on the occasion included Lt Gen T P S Barar, GoC, 16 Corps, Maj Gen Sudhir Sharma, GoC 10 Div, Joginder Chhatrapal, president Viklang Chhatra Trust, Prof Jagbir Singh of Pritam Spiritual Trust Poonch, Manohar Lal Sarpanch of Ambaran Panchayat, senior Army officers and workers of various social organizations. Mr Satya Pal Saraf, organisor of the Trust presented vote of thanks.

JSM terms increased power cuts as ill-conceived

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 5: Prof Varinder Gupta, the co-chairman of the Jammu State Morcha (JSM) has taken serious note of the sudden increase in the power cuts to 8 hours a day.

In a statement issued here today, he termed this increase in cuts as an ill-conceived and anti-people act of the NC Government, especially during the forthcoming Navratra, Ramzan, Dusherera and Deepawali. Terming National Conference as anti-Jammu, Prof Gupta said that once again NC regime has exhibited its callous attitude towards the problems of the people of Jammu by imposing such long cuts which will adversely affect the studies of the students, preparing for various examinations.

Prof Gupta also said that long power cuts at night will give an opportunity to the terrorists to play havoc with the lives of innocent people lives in city where terrorists have already strike earlier at their will. Prof Gupta warned if cuts are not reduced, the JSM will launch an agitation.

Sagar makes scathing attack on Cong, PDP

Excelsior Correspondent

DODA, Oct 5: Senior National Conference (NC) leader and Minister for Works, Mr Ali Mohammed Sagar today made a scathing attack on Pradesh Congress Committee, chief, Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad while addressing election rallies here and Inderwal.

Lambasting Mr Azad he said fearing a humiliating defeat at hustings, the PCC chief choose to stay away from the Assembly elections and joined hands with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to hatch conspiracies against the NC.

"Azad and Mufti know what will be their fate if they contested the elections and this is the reason that they did not jump the fray", he said.

While taking the leaders of the two parties to task Mr Sagar said they blame NC for promoting the dynastic rule while they have themselves put up their kith and kin in the elections.

Ridiculing the statements of Mr Azad he said before raising the finger against the NC, he should know that his own survival is dependent on this Party.

He said when Azad was thrown out of Delhi by Congress it was NC that elected him to Rajya Sabha and gave him a political brother. "And today that ungrateful man is leaving no stone unturned to criticize NC", he regretted.

Mr Sagar said if Mr Azad has the moral courage he should have resigned his Rajya Sabha seat soon after being elected as PCC chief. But the Congress leader fully knows the outcome of Assembly elections and hence he does not want to loose the Rajya Sabha seat, he added.Mr Sagar also wondered that how PCC chief goes before his native people as he has done nothing for them during his high profile political career in New Delhi.

The NC leader asked the masses has Mr Sagar ever come to inquire about your welfare when you have faced worst miseries in militancy.

The NC leader also wanted to know from the people that what Mr Azad has done for the development of this economically backward area. Mr Sagar reiterated it was the NC Government which despite all odds kept the pace of development going in these hilly areas during the past six years, which has faced worst kind of discrimination during the Governor’s rule.He said the people know the real intentions of these opportunist politicians and they would give them a befitting reply in the elections. He urged the people to strengthen National Conference as it is the only party representing the regional urges and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.The rallies were also addressed by party senior leaders Peerzada Ghulam Ahmed Shah and Khalid Najeeb Suhrawardy.

Gupta flays NC, Cong for current mess in Doda

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 5: Union Minister of State for Defence and BJP leader Prof Chaman Lal Gupta today said anti-National Conference wave is sweeping the entire Doda district where chances of Congress too appeared to be bleak, because of its opportunistic and cavalier role in facing the threat of terrorism.

Listing his impressions after three day hectic tour of Doda, Prof Gupta said while NC has invited the wrath of people for mis-governance and deliberate attempt to subvert the efforts to stamp out terrorism, The Congress party’s bonafides were suspect because of its joining hands with NC, too frequently and without any qualms of conscience in the past.

He said the people feel that both Congress and NC are two sides of the same coin and they would join hands once again as soon as the elections are over. Their fulminations against each other are just part of an electoral strategy top befool the voters. He said election result will be stunning for Congress and NC and that role of Doda district in formation of new Government will be vital.

The BJP leader said a message has gone home that with the voters that NC has vested interest in militancy and is therefore putting smoke in Centre’s efforts to restore peace. Holding responsible Congress and NC responsible for continuous dry spells in Doda, Prof Gupta said both the parties have destroyed the forest wealth and denudation of mountains was resulting into frequent droughts.

Criticising the Government for its callousness he said though distribution of free ration was started as relief to drought affected persons, it was stopped half way for no clear reasons. He also upbraided Congress party for doing precious little for the uplift of Doda district and said that the area never figured in their scheme of things. "Their scheming politics gave primacy to Kashmir and criminally neglected the interests of Ladakh and Jammu including Doda.

He appealed the people to vote for BJP and also ensure that nationalist vote is not divided to the benefits of votaries of autonomy or perpetrators of regional discrimination. He assured the people that BJP would stamp out militancy with firm hand and accelerate the pace of development of Doda.

ABVP to start nation- wide agitation: Ramesh Pappa

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Oct 5: Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) is going to start a nation wide agitation soon to press its demands.

This was stated by ABVP national general secretary, Mr Ramesh Pappa while addressing a press conference here today. He said in this direction a students’ rally will be held on November 26 in Delhi during the Winter Session of Parliament.

He said the main thrust of the ABVP agitation will be to project the problems of the unemployed educated youth and change in educational policy. During the rally of November 26, a charter of demands will be submitted to Prime Minister alongwith the signatures of 20 lakh students, he added.

Before it the rallies will take place throughout the country at district level, he added.

Reiterating his support to separate Jammu state and UT status to Ladakh, Mr Pappa announced ABVP’s full support to Jammu State Morcha and Ladakh Union Territory Front in their struggle.

He also appealed the students, youth and all sections of the society to join movement started by JSM.

He said terrorism has already disturbed the entire state and the autonomy, Resettlement Bill and Regional Autonomy slogans of National Conference (NC) Government has added fuel to fire.

Mr Pappa also expressed his deep concern over growing terrorism in the state in general and Jammu region in particular. He alleged that both Centre and State Governments have failed to come upto the expectations of people in weeding out terrorism from the state.

He urged the Centre to take offensive measures in containing terrorism in the state as people are now fed up with the oft repeated statements.

DB Directs Education Department to release salaries of teacher

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 5: The Division Bench of Jammu and Kashmir High Court, Jammu Wing comprising, Mr Justice V K Jhanji and Mr Justice B L Bhat has directed the Director School Education , Jammu, district Education Officer, Udhampur and Block Education Officer, Charamas, Mahore to release full salary in favour of teacher Shamas-ud-Din.

In its judgment the Division Bench observed that orders issued by the Headmaster Government High School Almat Kot Mahore and Block Education Officer on August 26, 1988 and October 10, 1988 respectively shows that the appellant was placed under suspension but immediately was asked to resume his duties as teacher in primary School Charamas.The Court also observed that the advocate Rajiv Sharma appearing for the Education Department has no instructions regarding the order of October 10, 1988.

As per the case Shamas-Ud-Din teacher was placed under suspension by Headmaster Government High School Almat Kot on August 26 in 1988 pending Department inquiry but Block Education Officer directed the petitioner to resume his duties in primary school Charamas and since then the petitioner has been discharging his duties till today without salaries.

The Division Bench disposed of the appeal issuing directions to respondents Education Department that in view of the October 10, order the respondents shall consider the releasing of full salary to the appellant as the earlier order dated August 26, 1988 would be deemed as has been revoked.

The Division Bench also made it clear that the order if any passed regarding the release of full salary would not come in the way of respondents to conclude inquiry and pass any order.

The Division Bench order was passed in a LPA filed by Shamas-Ud-Din teacher Government High School Balmat Kot, Tehsil Mahore District Udhampur against the judgment of Single Bench. Advocate S C Subash appeared for the appellant.

Bhalla flays Govt for increasing power cuts

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 5: Congress leader and Party candidate from Gandhi Nagar Assembly segment, Mr Raman Bhalla has expressed serious concern over the increasing the timing of power cuts in Jammu since yesterday upto eight hours daily.Lambasting the State Government for its dismal performance, he termed the decision totally illogical and anti people. With the increase in power curtailment schedule the people of the region especially students will be exposed to many hardships, he added.

Moreover, over eight hour power curtailment will also affect the industrial production and hit the trade and business community worstly, he said while demanding immediate revoking of the decision.Mr Bhalla said in view of the increasing militants strike in the Jammu region, the evening and night curtailments will be a boon for the anti social elements who in past too taking advantage of blackouts have taken a heavy toll of human lives.He said there is a brewing public resentment against the Government decision and in case the order is not revoked the people will be forced to come to streets in protest.

Army organizes Medical Camp

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Oct 5: A two day medical camp is underway at village Lam in Tehsil Nowshera from October 4. The camp will conclude tomorrow.

As per a release, the local villagers and their live stock were provided with free medical and veterinary cover by the army and civil doctors which included gynecologist, dentist, lady medical officer and pediatrician, ayurvedic doctor and a veterinary doctor.

A large number of senior army, civil officials and prominent citizens visited the camp. The patients were examined free of cost and medicines were also distributed among sick and the needy. On the first day of the camp 600 patients were treated.

Touching adieu to Dr Gupta

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 5: Dr Raj Kumar Gupta, CAHO Jammu who attained his age of superannuation recently was accorded a touching farewell by the Jammu and Kashmir Veterinary Doctors Association and staff members today.

As per a release, a grand function was organized by the Association in this connection in which the speakers wished him a happy and prosperous retired life.

While recalling his services to the Department, they said Dr Gupta was more dedicated and devoted to his job. He was a man with head and heart qualities and an inspiration for youngsters in the Department.

2 trucks with smuggled willow clefts seized

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 5: The alert staff of Excise and Sales Tax at Lakhanpur seized two trucks carrying smuggled willow clefts and booked the operators of the vehicles on late Friday evening.

A senior official of the Excise Department disclosed that at around 10.30 pm last night, two trucks bearing registration No. JK01A-4580 and JK09-0483 were put to physical check.

During the physical search of the vehicles conducted by the Excise guards namely—B P Singh and Shah Nawaz 3700 clefts hidden beneath the boxes of rotten fruits were detected from truck No. JK01A-4580 and 3800 clefts were detected from the other truck

Driver of the truck 4580/ 01A namely Feroz Ahmed Malik, cleaner of the other truck namely—Imtiaz Ahmed and owner/ supplier Asif Amin Guru, all hailing from Sopore were detained. These consignment was being carried from Awantipur to Jallandhar.

The driver, cleaner and supplier alongwith above mentioned vehicles and goods were handed over to Forest Range Officer Lakhanpur for initiating legal action.

The Excise Commissioner J&K Government and Dy Excise Commissioner Lakhanpur has appreciated the efforts of staff.

Repoll in Ramnagar constituency demanded

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Oct 5: The contesting candidates of Ramnagar constituency from different political parties namely-BSP, National Conference, Congress, BJP and NCP have demanded re-polling in Ramnagar.

In a joint communication to the District Election Officer, Udhampur these candidates—Bhupinder Singh—INC, Subhash Kudyar-NC, Gopal Dass—BJP, Khalil A. Qazi—BSP and Mohinder Singh-NCP have urged upon the Election authorities to order re-poll in Ramnagar constituency. Citing reason for the same, these candidates have alleged that most of the officers appointed in the segment for polling were drawn from PHE, PWD, RDD, IWDP and some other departments which were under the direct influence of local MLA and they were hand picked to be appointed in far-flung polling stations, where they were free to have their way without any check or resistance by the polling agents and illiterate voters.

They alleged that such polling officers were guests of men closed to the local MLA and they are said to be have been given extra special treatment by their hosts. Majority of such presiding officers had either not allowed the other party polling agents to enter their polling stations or had not taken into account their protests and objections with regards to serious irregularities committed by the polling staff in league with Panther Party agents.

It was further alleged that electronic voting machines in number of polling stations unfavourable to the Panther party MLA were kept in reverse position to dupe and deceive the simple illiterate voters. Some politically motivated Government servants were found interferring and influencing the voters inside the polling booths at Jindrari, Thaplal, Sunetar and Garh Damana.

In light of the above facts, these candidates demanded repoll in the entire constituency to restore confidence among the people in the process.

Mother of six elopes with paramour

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Oct 5: A mother of six children eloped with her paramour, seven years younger to her, from village Dharaj in Budhal tehsil.

According to police, mother of six children Taro Devi (32), wife of an ex-servicemen Rikhi Ram of Budhal eloped with her paramour (25) Mohd Shabir, son of Mohd Bashir of Daraj on October 2 alongwith all the children.

Coming to know that his wife had eloped with one Mohd Shabir of his village, Rikhi Ram went to police on the evening of Octocber 2 to lodge complaint but police asked him to come on the next day.

On the very next day, Rikhi Ram contacted Mr Ashok Sharma of Sanatan Dharam Sabha and BJP candidate from Rajouri Mr Yogesh Sharma and narrated the whole incident. With their help, Rikhi Ram met DIG Rajouri Poonch Range Mr S S Bijral and SSP, who flashed messages in all the districts.

The woman alongwith her children was noticed by police at village Kalal in Mahore tehsil of Doda district. All were passing through the forest areas of the village to prevent themselves from being noticed by anyone.

Police immediately arrested them and informed Rajouri Police about the same. They were yesterday handed over to Rikhi Ram.

Though the paramour of the woman was not arrested so far yet his father and brother have been held in police custody. Police in all the districts have been alerted to nab Mohd Shabir.

A case has also been registered against him at Budhal Police Station.

Employees deployed for election stage dharna

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Oct 5: Government employees of Doda and Udhampur districts deployed for election duties in Kishtwar, staged a dharna in the premises of ITI Kishtwar to express anguish over the step-motherly treatment of the Government with the employees of the State in general and employees of Doda in particular.

The employees said that the employees brought from other parts of the country were given the incentive of rupees 10,000 in cash and all other facilities while’s employees brought from Udhampur have too been given rupees 5,000 as advance and assured by DDC Udhampur that the rest of the money will be paid to them in Doda district by concerned Returning Officers. But they were not paid any promised amount at Kishtwar, it was pointed.

The employee leaders have urged upon the Government to grant incentive in question in favour of the employees working in election cells/EVM Master trainers/others engaged in election related work since August 2002.

The gathering of employees was addressed among others by Syed Ahmad Shah, president LPEF unit Kishtwar and Rehmatullah Malik, district president Joint Employees Front Doda.

Khasa Distillery launches 5 new brands in Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 5: Khasa Distillery has launched five new brands in Jammu market through Indian Wine Traders at a function here today.

After launching the brands, Mr S K Bhagat, representative of Khasa Distillery said that the liquor is being manufactured at Amritsar and company with its previous products has earned good name in the market.

The new brands which were launched today are—Denis Special Whisky, Pan Elaichie Liquor, Black Horse Whisky, 5 Start Rum and Dry Gin. The Pan Elaichie Liquor has already been made available in the market but was formally launched today alongwith other brands.

"These products were being sold in the market since four years back but after that the sale of all these products was stopped at once", Mr Bhagat said and added that this time Khasa Distillery launched these brands by laying main thrust on the purification.

Mr Digvijay Singh of Retail Wine Shop Traders Association while speaking on the occasion said that wine trade is second major trade after auto-mobiles and hoped that newly launched products of Khasa Distillery will receive good response in this State.

"Small retailers should also be given adequate benefits by the company so that both whole-sellers and retailers can work like a family", he said and asked the representatives of the company to provide newly launched products even in rural and far-off areas.

Mr M S Saini of Khasa Distillery Company, Mr M R Saini, Udhayvir Singh and Ram Pal also spoke on the occasion.

A large number of retailers and wholesellers took part in the function.

Plan to kill poll contestants foiled, 7 Hizbul ultras nabbed

SRINAGAR, Oct 5: The BSF has foiled a militant plan to target those contesting the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls with the arrest of seven Hizbul Mujahideen ultras who were responsible for violence during electioneering in Srinagar.

Acting on a specific information, the BSF raided a house here last evening and arrested them while they were chalking out a plan to target would be people’s representatives, DIG BSF Desh Raj told reporters here.

The militants also planned to disrupt the darbar move, six-monthly shifting of seat of Government from summer capital Srinagar to winter capital Jammu at the end of this month, he said.

The DIG said the arrested militants were self-styled battalion commander Irshad Ahmed Ahangar alias Shahid, "deputy battalion commander" Imtiaz Ahmed Gujri alias Khalid, Shoukat Ahmed Gujri alias Umar, Umar Tariq Malik alias Riyaz, Arshad Ahmed Bhat alias Altaf and Farooq Ahmed Bhat alias Tariq.

One more militant Mohd Shafi Dar was arrested later from Batmaloo area, he said.

The militants, all locals, had admitted that they had indulged in violence to disrupt electioneering in Srinagar by launching grenade attacks including at Congress headquarters on September 17, Des Raj said.

They also admitted to killing several security personnel, he said.

A large quantity of arms and ammunition, including four China-made pistols, three grenade launchers, 15 rifle grenades, 10 grenades, four ieds, four kgs of explosives, four remote-controlled devices and seven detonators were recovered from the house.

The DIG BSF said the module was active in entire Srinagar and their arrest would bring down militancy-related incidents.

Ahangar confessed before mediapersons that his group had indulged in grenade throwing and killing of police and BSF personnel.

Imtiaz said they had got orders from their commanders to launch grenade attacks to disrupt the poll process.

He admitted they were holding the meeting to plan attack on those contesting the elections.

Imtiaz said the plan was to target would be MLAs irrespective of party affiliations.

Des Raj apprehended militants might indulge in more violence after the poll process was over. (PTI)

MoU signed with Oil industry members Oil Tanker Association calls off strike

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 5: The Jammu and Kashmir Petrol Tank Owner Association has called off its two days long strike after signing ofMemorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Oil Industry Members and Association in the presence of Deputy Commissioner/District Magistrate Jammu, Mr Rohit Kansal.

Now the supply of petroleum products including petrol etc will be available from the retailers at the existing rates.

According to MoU, the grievances of Tank Owner Association in respect of the non-fulfillment of requisite conditions of procedural formalities in respect of transportation tender No PSO/OPS/POL/2002/J&K would be inquired into by a Committee to be appointed by the Regional Level Coordinator of Oil Industries which shall inquire into the grievances and report its findings to the Regional Level Coordinator who will take a final decision in the matter additionally in accordance with the existing/future judgment of High Court.

It was also decided that till the decision of the Regional Level Coordinator and finalisation of the tender referred to in the preceding paragraph, in the interregnum, the Oil Industry shall permit the existing transporters to continue to work at the rates applicable in the previous contract. It is expressly agreed to by all concerned, dealing in whatsoever manner with the petroleum products that the interim arrangement shall not confer any right of any type whatsoever on the existing transporters of POL in respect of the Tender No PSO/OPS/POL/2002/J&K, which shall be finalised, for allotment of contract and rates, strictly in accordance with the terms of the tender and as directed by the Court and subject to the findings of the Inquiry Committee with reference to re-tendering or continuation of the old tender.

It was also decided that the oil companies to give 10 days notice before terminating the existing contract rate which was applicable upto 30-9-2002.

The other pending issues like age of vehicle, number of tank lorries and fixing of some time limit for phasing out the extra tank lorries will be discussed between representatives of the Oil Industry and Members of the Transport. Any issue, which is not resolved or is beyond the competence of the Oil Industry Members shall be referred to the higher authorities for a sympathetic consideration.

Meeting between striking Petrol Tank Owner Association and Oil Industry Members was held following directions of the Chief Secretary and Divisional Commissioner Jammu to the Deputy Commissioner Jammu to solve the crises.

It was all due to the efforts of the Deputy Commissioner Rohit Kansal that meeting was held and Tank Owners called off their two days long strike.

HC directive to Prasar Bharati

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 5: The State High Court in a writ petition titled "Madan Lal Charak" versus Union of India and others, filed through Advocate Subash Chander Mansotra, has directed Prasar Bharati, while disposing of the petition, to give projects to the concerns operating within the State of Jammu and Kashmir.

The order has been given the reference of the similar directions already passed for the inclusion of Bhaderwahi dialect in Kashir channel. The Bench has further directed to consider the entire issue afresh within one month as the similar directions have already been passed in OWP No 319 and 334 of 2001.

I may be mentioned that the said writ petition has been filed by a person hailing from Bhaderwah who has submitted the script of the tele-serial to the respondents. The various authorities of Prasar Bharati in the writ petition have approved the proposals of concerns belonging to Delhi, who are not at all conversant with the language/dialects and cultural heritage of different regions of the State.

It was alleged that Bhaderwahi language is not being given due share in Kashir Channel started under Special Category Kashmir Package programme.

Jain reviews election preparedness in Doda

Excelsior Correspondent

DODA, Oct 5: The Chief Electoral Officer of J&K, Mr Pramod Jain expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made for the smooth conduct of fourth and final phase of election in district Doda scheduled to be held on October 8.

Mr Jain, who visited Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, Doda and Ramban to review the election preparation, held meeting with the district election machinery and Commanding Officers of para-military forces and SSP Doda. He discussed in length about the security arrangements being made for the polling booths and parties to be dispatched to 534 polling station of the district. He while issuing necessary instructions underlined the need for deployment of lady police at every polling station for proper frisking of the female folk before entering at polling booth.

The Chief Electoral Officer exhorted upon the Commanding Officers of Para Military Forces and SSP to ensure the scheduled reporting time of forces at the base camps particularly for 46 polling stations where the material and parties shall be air dropped tomorrow.

He also resolved various problems which were projected by the District Election Officer and Returning Officer of the concerned segment.

The District Election Officer, Mr Basharat Ahmed Dar also apprised the meeting that 1148 employees from outside the district have been reported to the Returning Officers of various segments for poll duty and team have been worked out for their further deployment to the polling stations.

Mr Jain said that Government is well aware of the problems of the employees yet we have to face the difficulties courageously for over coming the national challenge with success and magnanimity.

Besides other the meeting was attended by DIG, CRPF, observers A M Mujamdar, Prahlad Singh and B P Sharma.

NC, Cong responsible for mess in State: Kotwal

Excelsior Correspondent

BHADERWAH, Oct 5: Pradesh Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) president Mr Daya Krishan Kotwal has blamed the ruling National Conference and Congress for the prevailing mess in the State.

Addressing series of public meetings at Athar, Sardangal, Monda, Bhega, Katyara and Nalthi at Bhaderwah, Mr Kotwal, who is contesting from Bhaderwah seat, asked the people to give a befitting reply to those who were responsible for their woes. He cautioned the people against hatred campaign of BSP and said that this party was responsible for caste conflict in all over the country. BJP chief said that Congress was responsible for terrorism and National Conference promoted it. He said that it was high time to wipe out both NC and Congress for the welfare of the people. He said that wrong policies of successive National Conference and Congress Governments were responsible for militancy in Doda district and exhorted the people to teach a lesson to these parties in elections.

Mr Kotwal visited the far-flung and backward areas of Bhaderwah constituency and assured the people, if elected, he will make every possible effort to mitigate their woes.

Mr Kotwal assured the people that VDC will be equipped with sophisticated weapons so that war against terrorism in Doda district will be intensified and became more effective.

Mr Om Prakash Gupta, BJP state general secretary, who is also campaigning for Mr Kotwal, cautioned the workers against mechanition of anti-party activities who have since been kicked out of the party and not be misled by their false propaganda.

Dr Krishana delivers sermons

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 5: Dr K Krishana, the national president and founder of the Spiritual Awareness Society delivered his sermons here today.

He said, "people talk of worship and Sadharna but they do not allow their mind to be cleaned by numerous deceptions, conflicts and complexes that they have got imprinted on it from generation to generation by these so-called Gurus", he said and affirmed that the study of religious book cannot lead you to spiritual awareness untill a real thirst for finding out the truth makes you feel restless every moment.Dr Krishana further said that the Spiritual Awareness Society was founded to enable the aspirants to establish contact between the mind and wisdom and not keep themselves confined to any particular caste, creed, colour, sex, religion or nation. They should develop into international personality instead.

He said that it was admitted fact that every object of this Universe is subjected to change. "Even our inclinations, temperaments, knowledge and desires are also changeable. What is really unchangeable is the cosmic sound on word constituted of sound syllabus. This cosmic sound is the root cause of whole creation which according to the thinking of man was that this universe emanates from the sound on word which is called cosmic sound, enveloped and engulfed by itself. In fact it was this sound which we called Shabada Brahaman".

D-Link India organises technical seminar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 5: D-Link India Limited, a multi-national company in the field of networking and communication organised a technical seminar and dealers meet here today.

The entire programme was organised under the supervision of General Manager of the Company, Mr Yogesh Sharma while Vijayendra Prasad, the Technical head for Northern India gave technical advise and over-all view of the company products.

The Territory Manager welcomed the invitees including technicians from various organisations and Government concerns, for their participation in the programme. They were educated about the use, advancement and modifications etc. in the company products. The company with about Rs 270 crores of turnover is one of the leading manufacturers of managed switches, Leased line/ ISDN/ Dial- Up Modems,Wireless LAN products, NICs etc. in the field of Networking and Communication.

Mr Pardeep Mishra, the Territory Manager of the D-Link (India) Ltd. disclosed that company with its headquarters at Singapore have its twenty branch offices abroad. The company is well known in the manufacture of Modems. It has good business network in all the states and is expanding its business in the J&K State. It is also the supplier of various spare-parts related to communication network. The company has three manufacturing units in Goa and better market position in South-Western India.

Later, a dealers meet was held under the supervision of Mr Rajeev Majotra, the main distributor of the company products in J&K. The dealers were educated about the new company products, their use and importance in day today life. The dealers were motivated to increase the sale of the company products and multiply its users.

Aslam demands repolling in 7 polling stations

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 5: Former Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief and party candidate for Surankote constituency, Choudhary Mohammed Aslam has demanded repolling in seven polling stations of Mahrote area of Surankote.

In a representation to Chief Election Commissioner of India, the Congress candidate said that polling parties were failed to some polling stations due to militancy. He alleged that polling staff committed fraud and showed some fictitious polling at most of the stations to escape from performing their polling duties due to the fear of getting eliminated.He further said that voters of that stations kept waiting for the polling parties for the whole day who failed to reach at the place fixed for polling.

He demanded that repolling must be held at Mahrote-A, Mahrote-B, Mahrote C, Mahrote D, Mahrote E, Dodi A and Dodi B polling stations.

He reminded that voters of this remote and hilly belt culminated at Surankot town the next morning to lodge their protest over denial of right to franchise to them. Mr Aslam requested the Election Commissioner to order repoll in these polling stations.

Painting contest to celebrate Wildlife Week

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Oct.5 As a part of Wildlife Week celebration a function was organised in Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary at Mansar by the Department of Wildlife Protection.

Students from various schools and Nature Clubs participated in the Painting competition held on the occasion. Inhabitants and Village Eco Development Committee members also participated in the function and spoke about the significance and need of Wildlife conservation. Emphasis was laid on conservation of two water bodies namely Mansar and Surinsar Wildlife Sanctuary.

The locals were encouraged to come forward and participate in project launched by the Department of Wildlife Protection for conserving Lakes, Ecosystem including important flora and fauna. The lakes support a large number of migratory as well as resident water fowl species.

It was informed that a management action plan for development of Mansar and Surinsar lakes has been prepared by the Wildlife Protection Department which stands submitted to the Central Government. These lakes have also been proposed for inclusion in RAMSAR convention for more protection and rehabilitation. The important aspect of the Wildlife Week is the constitution of village eco-development committees. Many village eco- development committees have been constituted in Mansar-Surinsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary Jammu, Sudhmahadev Wildlife Reserve and other areas under National Afforestation programme for greater participation of people in conserving Wildlife eco-system and environment.

3 hide-outs busted

Excelsior Correspondent

BANIHAL, Oct 5: Army today busted three hideouts of terrorists at village Manda Gool and recovered huge quantity of arms and ammunition.

Reports said, the hide-outs were busted on the specific information. The recovery included two pistol magazines, three rounds, 28 hand-grenades, 11 blankets and two quintal of wheat and rice.