Well known Shaivist scholar felicitated

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 19: Dr. Balji Nath Pandit a well known scholar of Shaivism was today felicitated at a simple and impressive function here this evening.

The function was organized by Sampriti and it was presided by Mr Arjan Dev Majboor. Prof R L Shant Ex president of Sampriti read a detailed paper on the life history of Dr Balji Nath Pandit.

While paying rich tributes to this scholar of Kashmir, Prof Shant said Dr Balji Nath is a living legendary of Shaivism who has compiled the Kashmiri Ramayan of Prakash Kurigami which was later published by J&K Art and Cultural Academy.

He said besides Dr Balji Nath has written books on various aspects of Shaivist philosophy which have been widely acclaimed.

A question answer session was also held on the occasion. The function was attended by galaxy of Kashmiri scholars and writers including Mystic poetess Mrs Bimla Raina.

In his address Mr Majboor highlighted the contribution of Dr Balji Nath to Kashmiri Shaivism. He said this great scholar deserves all praises and appreciation for the services rendered by him for revival of the Kashmiri culture.

The welcome address was made by Dr R L Bhat vice president of Sampriti and the programme was compered by Dr Premi Romani, general secretary of the organization. The vote of thanks was proposed by Mr Roshan Saraf, joint secretary, Sampriti.

10 labourers injured in explosion in factory

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 19: Ten labourers were injured, six of them critically, in an explosion in Narmada Steel Factory under the jurisdiction of Bari Brahamana Police Station late last night.

According to police, all the labourers were engaged in melting iron when one of the gas pipe got blocked and suddenly explosion took place injuring 10 labourers. Most of the labourers sustained critical burn injuries.

The co-labourers immediately rushed to the spot and arranged shifting of injured colleagues to Government Medical College and Hospital where doctors referred six of them, who had sustained critical injuries, to CMC Ludhiana for specialised treatment.

Getting the report of explosion, a police party from Bari Brahamana Police Station led by SHO Kuldeep Khajuria reached the spot to take the cognizance of the incident.

A case has been registered and further investigations were on.

The injured have been identified as Mukhtyar Singh, son of Anju Ram, Dinesh Kumar, Ram Shanker, son of Sukh Dev, Hardev Parshad, son of Mandeep, Lakshman Parsad, son of Durga, Pappu Khan of Mubarak, Devi Charan, son of Ram Charan, Ram Lal, son of Sabu and Mohinder Singh.

Meanwhile, a Constable of 143rd Battalion of Border Security Force (BSF) was electrocute at Arnia. He was immediately rushed to hospital where doctors pronounced him as brought dead.

The deceased has been identified as Kashmiri Lal.

Shiv Shakti Kala Kender honours artists

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 19: Shiv Shakti Kala Kender, Bakshi Nagar on its 15th anniversary organised a simple and impressive function.

As per a release, Mr Anil Chopra, Chairman of the Club and senior Congress leader, while speaking on the occasion, said that the artists of Club have done their job very well during all these areas and it was only due to their devotion and hard-work that the Club has scaled such heights.

He further said that few clubs in Jammu city are organising Ram Leela during Navratras but Shiv Shakti Kala Kender has been continuously organising the same for the last 15 years.

Mr Ravi Chowdhary, Director of the Club, said that Mr Sanjeev Chadha, who has been playing the role of Bhagwan Shri Ram Chander for the last 15 years is a very good artist.

SSP Jammu Farooq Khan, who was the chief guest on the occasion, gave away first prize to Mr Sanjeev Chadha, second prize to Mr Raman Verma, who played the role of Ravana and third prize to Mr Rakesh Bhasin, who played the role of Bharat and Megh Nath.

The best security arrangement award was given to Mr Pamma Jolly, Congress general secretary.

Farmers allege misappropriation of
subsidised potato seed

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 19: The farmers of village Panjore in Marh block today alleged misappropriation of subsidised potato seed by the three officials of Agriculture Department.

In a letter written to Commissioner, State Vigilance Organisation, Jammu, the farmers of village Panjore said that in compliance to the notification of Agriculture Extension Officer Mishriwala Number ZOM/K/2002/84-86 dated August 27, 2002, they deposited amount in different scale amounting to Rs 75,000 on September 2 for booking of subsidised potato seed.

They further said that not only this the farmers spent a huge amount to prepare their agricultural land for plantation of potato seeds but the supply of the subsidised potato seeds were not made, rather misappropriated by three officials of the Agriculture Department.

Due to the black marketing of potato seed in open market instead of supply to those who booked the same, around 200 farmers and others were deprived of supply of subsidised potato seed. When the farmers were even denied of the money they had spent for booking, their deputation called on Director Agriculture but to no avail.

Apprehending that the said three officials had even greased the palms of senior authorities, the farmers questioned what was the harm in conducting enquiry by the Director Agriculture when around 200 farmers were complaining about the misappropriation.

They further said that the same officials in connivance with the senior authorities have looted farmers in some other villages also and demanded immediate enquiry into the case.

US says Pak indeed supplied nuke technology to N Korea

WASHINGTON, Oct 19: Despite Islamabad’s assertion that it has no role in North Korea’s clandestine nuclear programme, a senior Bush administration official has said that Pakistan, along with some other countries, indeed supplied nuclear-weapon related equipment and technology to Pyongyang.

The senior official re-confirmed Pakistan’s involvement after President Pervez Musharraf, in a joint press conference with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Muhammad in Islamabad last night, rejected as "baseless" reports that Pakistan supported North Korea’s nuclear programme, the Washington Post said today.

The paper quoted the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, as saying that Pakistan did so "in return" for North Korea’s missiles and missile technology.

US officials said that other countries, including Russia, were also involved though they did not say what they could get in return from North Korea.

What these countries provided, according to US oficials, was material that included precursor chemicals and metal suitable for building centrifuges.

The post said the US received evidence of uranium enrichment efforts in North Korea as early as two yers ago but only recently decided to confront the North Korean Government about it, according to "sources in the United States and Asia."

The secrecy of the Bush administration in revealing to lawmakers about what it knew about the North Korean missile programme and those who were helping Pyongyang has "strained" President George W Bush’s relations in Congress, the paper said.

The post said the evidence at first was "faint and circumstantial" and it was only by August of this year the administration officials felt the case was compelling and was grounds for cutting off talks with North Korea.

However, the paper said, the US told the Governments of South Korea and Japan about the nuclear programmes much earlier than previously disclosed. When Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi went to Pyongyang on September 17, he knew of the uranium enrichment suspicions in detail but failed to press the issue firmly in Pyongyang, it said.

The acknowledgment of long US awareness of the problem, said the post, contrasts with official expressions of surprise from Asian capitals after the Bush administration disclosed the North Korean programme this week.

According to sources in US and Asian Governments, said the post, the only surprise was the North Korean confession.

It said according to several senators’ aides, Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld did not mention North Korea’s covert nuclear programme in a classified briefing held in a secure chamber less than three hours before two senior administration officials revealed the news in a press conference.

Senate majority leader Thomas Daschle said he learned about the weapons programme from newspaper articles the next morning. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Joseph Biden said he was told about it two hours ahead of the press. At least 2 Republican Senators said they had earlier received briefings from Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly.

Democrats on capitol hill were critical yesterday of the 12-day gap between the admission by North Korea and the administration’s disclosure. During that time, Congress passed the Iraq resolution authorising Bush to go to war if necessary to disarm Iraq. (PTI)

PDP responsible for political crisis:DSS

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 19: Dogra Saddar Sabha in an emergency meeting held here today reviewed the present political situation and held PDP responsible for the present crisis.

According to a release, the meeting was held under the chairmanship of Mr Gulchain Singh Charak, president of the Dogra Sabha. The whole issue of the current political impasse in the formation of Government in the State was discussed.

The speakers were of the view that as per prevalent political norms, the political party holding more numerical strength of its elected MLAs being considered the largest party holds preferential claim to form the Government in collaboration with other minor parties and follow the minimum common agenda in agreement with other constituting parties.

Moreover, the major party can as well garner support from its Central party and the Party MPs as well while the others have no such avenues. But it is unfortunate that here a small Party from Valley stands adamant to lead coalition Government on its own agenda which is altogether unjustified and even unacceptable in the larger interests of the public of the State and the Country.

This depicts the vindicative attitude of this Party of ‘Muftis’ , while the small party need to take rationale view of the whole situation and work as collaborator in the larger interest of the country and the nation.

LIC employees hold meet

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 19: The employees of Life Insurance Corporation of India serving in DO Cell and Branch unit III Jammu held a joint general body meeting which was attended by a large number of employees.

As per a release the meeting took stock of the situation and listened to their leaders who shared their experiences gathered during the 26th Bi-ennial General Conference of Northern Zone Insurance Employees Association which was held at Jodhpur from October 3 to 5 in which over 500 delegates from Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan participated.

Addressing the audience Comrade Jitender Bhat dealt at length the issues relating to the demands of the insurance employees which have been presented to the LIC management by All India Insurance Employees Association through a charter of demands. He also apprised the gathering of the deliberations of the general conference of NZIEA.

Comrade Romesh Chand while addressing warned the divisive forces under the garb of religious fundamentalism and casteism, nevertheless regionalism, which were bent upon dividing the Indian nation. He asked the employees to remain vigilant and never get swayed by the emotive issues of parochial nature.

Comrade Gurdeep Singh Raina, divisional secretary of Srinagar division delivered a dynamic speech in which he exhorted the employees to remain prepared for the struggles ahead. he touched various issues regarding the organization and made an in-depth analysis of its strengths and weaknesses.

Arrangements for Diwali reviewed

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Oct 19 : Selection of sites for the sale and stock of crackers and fire works on the eve of ensuing Diwali festival were discussed in a meeting of officers and representatives of Beopar mandal, Halwai and Vegetable Unions of Udhampur, here yesterday. The District Magistrate, Udhampur, Mr. Atal Daulloo chaired the meeting.

It was decided in the meeting that 36 retail stalls will be set up at Mini-Stadium, Udhampur which would remain functional from Nov.02 to 04 till 9 p.m. on each day. In case of rise in number of applicants, sports Stadium would be the additional venue. The Assistant Commissioner(Revenue) has been appointed as Nodal officer by the Deputy Commissioner, who on the recommendations of committee constituted for the purpose, would grant permission to retailers on first come first serve basis. October 30 has been fixed as the last date for receipt of applications from retail intenders.

The issue of stocking the crackers was also discussed in detail. It was decided that the Nodal Officer after receipt of applications from intending stockist well in advance, would accord permission on the recommendations of a committee comprising of Dy.SP (HQs) and Assistant Director, Fire Services who after inspecting the dumping sites would submit a feasibility report to Asstt. Commissioner.

Likewise, Tehsildars of Ramnagar, Reasi and Chenani would allow the sale and stock of crackers in their respective areas.

The Health Department would double its staff in District Hospital while Fire Services would deploy fire tenders. The Power Development Department was directed to supply un-interrupted power on the day of festival and PHE Department to station water tankers. Administrator, Town Area Committee would ensure fool-proof lighting arrangements for 3-days. The District Police would make adequate arrangements for security cover besides ensuring that no one could take match boxes, candles, oil fuel lamps petromax and gas lamps inside the venue of stalls. Traffic regulations would be made by the Traffic Police and vehicles to be parked at the identified parking places in the town.

A committee comprising of officers of Revenue, Police, Weights and Measures, Food and Supplies and Town Area Committee would check quality and rates of eatables, sweets etc. for the convenience of customers.

Among others, Additional Superintendent of Police, Udhampur, Mr. Abdul Qayoom, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Harbans Lal and President, Beopar Mandal, Mr. Ramanand Baria also attended the meeting.

JM challans 140 shopkeepers, recovers Rs. 28,000 as fine

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 19: In two different drives, the anti-encroachment and Food Inspectors Squad today challaned 140 shopkeepers for temporary encroachments and violation of Prevention of Food Adulteration Act in Jammu city. Of this, 88 challans were registered for temporary encroachments of foot paths by the shopkeepers.

The Municipal Magistrate who was accompanying the squad fined over Rs. 15,000/- in 70 cases, which were decided on the spot under sections 206 and 207 of the J&K Municipal Act, 2008. Remaining 18 cases will be decided in the Court.

Challaning shopkeepers for keeping goods on footpaths and road berms is being resorted to by Jammu Municipality to ensure that delinquent shopkeepers are prosecuted before the court rather than lifting their goods and releasing in next few days. This is the first time that such a large number of shopkeepers have been challaned in one day during its anti encroachment drive.

The squad was headed by the Executive Officer, Dr. D. R. Kapoor, nearly 2 truck load of goods were also seized which belong to shopkeepers whose cases have not been decided on spot by the accompanying Municipal Magistrate, Mr. Vinod Chatterji Koul.

The Jammu Municipality has already stopped releasing seized goods as the habitual shopkeepers have not stopped creating obstruction for pedestrian on footpaths and road berms by keeping their goods there. The area inspected by the squad including Sunder Singh road, Raghunath Bazar, City Chowk, Old Hospital, Purani Mandi and Parade, the seized goods including reharis, benches, counters, wool, cup box, washing articles, stools and tyres.

At Purani Mandi chowk the squad demolished two structures constructed unauthorizedly. The commercial activity in and around the park has already been banned at Purani Mandi by the order of the High Court in a PIL filed by the residents of the Purani Mandi. One encroachment on the road was also removed at Talab Tillo Chowk.

Meanwhile, the Food Inspectors also challaned 50 cases and collected Rs. 13050/- by compounding 45 cases headed by Health Officer, Dr. Anwar Choudhary. The squad checked nearly 30 quintal of milk and found nearly 2 quintals as unwholesome, which was destroyed, on-the-spot. The milk vendors, provision stores, bakery products were checked in Jewel, Bikram Chowk, Gandhi Nagar and Gurdwara Sunder Singh road.