Homage paid to
Police martyrs
Terrorists will step up violence
during Darbar
move: IG Jammu
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 21:
With the opening of move offices in winter
capital of State, the Pakistan-sponsored
terrorists will try their best to raise the level
of violence by targeting civilians.
This was stated by
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu Range
Pitamber Lal Gupta while taking to reporters
after attending Police Commemoration Day Parade
at District Police Lines this morning.
Mr Gupta said that
there have been specific intelligence inputs that
terrorists have directions from their mentors
across the border to raise the level of violence
in Jammu particularly during Darbar move.
"What the inputs indicate is that
terrorists’ main target would be public
places as they want to inflict civilian
casualities as much as they can", he added.
The IG further
said that increase in level of violence can be
anticipated from the fact that during winter
season they (terrorists) can not stay for a
longer period on the upper reaches and ultimately
they have to climb down and manage to stay in
populated areas by using different means.
"You cannot say that during their stay in
populated areas they would not accomplish their
nefarious designs but we are ready to thwart all
such attempts", Mr Gupta said.
When asked whether
job of the security personnel has been reduced
after elections, the IG said "nodoubt the
tough task of conducting peaceful election is
over yet we have to be more cautious and alert
after Darbar move in Jammu".
"Alongwith
security threat, the Darbar move has also given
us enough opportunity to neutralise terrorists as
with the active cooperation of intelligence
agencies we can thrawt their all nefarious
designs", he said and added that the
de-escalation of troops from the border will not
mark any change in this part of the State as
infiltration has been going on unabated.
Saying that role
of State Police has undergone a sea change, he
said in the present scenario policeman is
expected to be high-tech to tackle militancy and
JKP has been shouldering this responsibility very
effectively which is evident from the fact that
out of 177 security personnel killed in Jammu and
Kashmir in the recent past, 125 were from State
Police.
"JKP always
remains in fore front to tackle militancy and
whatever plans terrorists might have during
Darbar move we will negate them at any
cost", he claimed.
When asked, he
said the ex-gratia relief being given to families
of deceased policemen is enough and there is no
delay in settlement of such cases. "Things
which are in my possession are being settled
without any delay but I cannot say anything about
the delay on the part of the other
agencies", he made it clear.
Earlier, Mr Gupta
and other police officers and officials paid
homage to all the police martyrs who laid down
their lives for maintaining the dignity and
honour of the motherland.
A two minute
silence was also observed on the occasion as a
mark of respect to police martyrs.
|
Gulab Singh’s J&K stands
already trifurcated, put
halt to further
division: Karan Singh
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 21:
Former Sadar-e-Riasat and Member Parliament (MP)
Dr Karan Singh has said that State of Jammu and
Kashmir whose boundaries were extended up to
Tibet and Gilgit by Maharaja Gulab Singh and Gen
Zorawar Singh is already trifurcated and there
should be no such effort to even think of such
disintegration move in future.
Dr Singh in his
presidential address at 210th birthday
celebrations of Maharaja Gulab Singh at Amar
Mahal here this evening said that the name of
Jammu and Kashmir has been widely publicised
throughout the world today in past so many years
but unfortunately a very few people know about
the history and the formation of the Dogra State.
Even no good number of people know about the
founder of this State and his sacrifices and
achievements.
Paying floral
tributes to the great Dogra General and founder
Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Singh said
Maharaja Gulab Singh did not require any
certificate from anyone but it is unfortunate
that the boundaries of the State which he
extended upto Tibet and Gilgit could not be kept
united. The State had 85,000 sq miles area and a
large number of its area has already gone into
the occupation of China and Pakistan. The State
has already been divided into three parts and
there should be no such move to further
disintegrate it.
Recalling the
great achievements of Maharaja Gulab Singh, Dr
Singh said his brave commanders, Gen Zorawar
Singh and Gen Bagh Singh conquered the snow clad
mountainous regions of Paddar (Kishtwar), Ladakh,
Tibet, Lahasa, Gilgit and Skurdu and extended
boundaries of the State by uniting all the small
states. First of all he united 22 states of Jammu
region. This led to the formation of J&K
state in 1846, with the supreme sacrifices of
Dogra soldiers.
The tough terrain
of the Tiger hills of Kargil region where Indian
soldiers made supreme sacrifices during Kargil
conflict, remind us of the supreme sacrifices of
our ancestors who gave their blood and made their
contribution in the formation of this state. A
soldier who joined the Army of Maharaja Ranjit
Singh of Punjab in the age of just 16, by the
dint of his bravery and outstanding performance
became the Gen and later Maharaja of Jammu and
then the entire state. He not only conquered the
areas but kept all the regions united and emerged
as good administrator and ruler.
Dr Singh regretted
that today the respective Governments have not
given proper place and respect to the founder of
J&K. At least, a stamp on the name of
Maharaja Gulab Singh should be issued and holiday
be declared on his birthday in J&K. The
University of Jammu be named as Maharaja Gulab
Singh University and a bridge over river Tawi be
named as Maharaja Hari Singh bridge.
He also announced
three projects on behalf of Maharaja Gulab Singh
Memorial Trust which included- establishment of a
Maharaja Gulab Singh chair in the History
Department of the University, Maharaja Gulab
Singh award (Rs one Lakh cash and certificate)
and Maharaja Ranbir Singh Scholarships for
doctoral studies. The ‘chair’ will pay
special attention towards the rich historical
background of the founding and administration of
the composite State of Jammu and Kashmir. The
award will carry a citation and a sum of Rs one
lakh and will be open to scholars in any
discipline, as well as writers, artists,
journalists and civil servants for study in depth
for current problems relevant to J&K. There
will be two scholarships open to the Indian
citizens to pursue research leading to doctoral
degrees in areas of study covered by the aims and
objects of the Trust. Two scholarships will be
awarded every year.
Besides Dr Singh,
Maj Gen (Retd) G S Jamwal, Mr Gulchain Singh
Charak, S Parduman Singh, Prof Zahur-ud-Din and
Prof Ved Kumari Ghai also spoke on the life,
achievements and supreme sacrifices of Maharaj
Gulab Singh and other Dogra soldiers in the
formation of J&K state. The speakers
regretted that a very less has been written on
the contributions of Maharaj Gulab Singh and the
great General deserves a right place in the
history of India.
Maharani Yasho
Rajya Lakshmi, who is also president of the Trust
donated blankets and sewing machines to the poor
on the occasion.
Earlier, in the
morning Dr Karan Singh and his wife performed
special Puja at Shri Raghunath temple at the
Samadh of Maharaja Gulab Singh. Havan/ yagna was
also performed amidst chanting of mantras by the
Pandits on this occasion.
Meanwhile, Dogra
Liberation Front organised a function in
connection with the birthday celebration of
Maharaja Gulab Singh at Municipal Park, Talab
Tillo here today.
A large number of
people from all walks of life participated in the
programme. Mr Ram Pal Sharma, organiser of the
Front in his address appealed to the
administration that there should be a Gazetted
holiday on this day in honour of the founder of
J&K state. He also appealed all the political
parties and the social organisations to celebrate
various functions on the birth anniversary of the
founder of J&K state. Mr Rajinder Anand,
Vikram Seth, Dr Varinder Gupta and Surinder Kumar
also spoke on the occasion.
|
ITBP for a "road
network" on Indian side along LAC
NEW
DELHI, Oct 21: The Indo-Tibetan Border Police
(ITBP) today stressed the need for a "road
network’ on Indian side along the Line of
Actual Control (LAC) with China and Air wing for
more effective surveillance even as there have
been cases of "perceived violation of
LAC" from Chinese side.
"We have sent
a very ambitious plan to the Government about the
required road network on our side for better
movement of forces as Chinese already have such a
network in place," ITBP Director General S C
Chaube told reporters here.
When asked if the
movement along the border was faster from the
Chinese side due to their road network as
compared to ours, the ITBP chief said "we
are seized of the problem and some concrete steps
will be taken regarding this."
Admitting that
Tibet being a plateau, the movement from the
Chinese side was much faster, he, however, said
the "perceived violation", which never
exceeds beyond a few metres, was not something
"out of the ordinary" and never led to
any clash or conflict between the two sides.
Pengong, the
highest lake, was one of the locations where the
"perceived violation take place more
frequently, he said.
Chaube was
speaking at the flag-in ceremony of the inter
sector relay long range petrol, covering the
entire area of responsibility of ITBP on the
Indo-China border of 2115 km from Karakoram pass
in Ladakh to Lipulekh pass, the tri-junction of
India, Nepal and China border, in Kumaon region.
The perceived
violation incidents were normally sorted out in
flag meetings, Chaube said, adding, however, all
these incidents, even if insignificant, were
reported to the Government.
Stating that ITBP
have also asked for its own "air wing",
he said presently it has not been possible for
the force to have one.
But, he said
the force have always been getting "full
support" in its operations both from Indian
Air Force and Air wing of Home Ministry.
Asked about the
Government’s proposal of "one border,
one force", he said "we are waiting for
the Government’s decision."
Giving details of
the task of the long range petrol, Chaube said
the force keeps on deputing around 300 personnel
for such activities every year in four sectors of
Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Gharwal and Kumaon.
Among other tasks,
the force updates information across lac and
international border, likely route of enemy
egress and ingress, critical appreciation of gaps
and terrain analysis, he said.
During such
expedition, the petrol parties also undertake
various programmes for social and ecological
benefits such as adult education, repair and
construction of roads, area cleaning and medical
camps, he said adding at present the force have
adopted four villages in ladakh region and will
spend Rs 15 lakh for its development. (PTI)
|
DB sets aside orders of Single
Judge
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 21:
The Division Bench comprising Mr Justice V K
Jhanji and Mr Justice B L Bhat of the State High
Court, Jammu wing has set aside the orders of the
Single Judge passed on April 19, 2002 to the
extent whereby status quo has been ordered to be
maintained in regard to the disputed land at
Channi Himmat Housing Colony. Division Bench has
also passed some directions in this regard.
These directions
were passed in an Letters Patent Appeal (LPA)
filed by Managing Director, J&K Housing
Board, Jammu through advocate N A Choudhary
against the order of Single Judge and submitted
that the petitioners are in unauthorised
occupation of the State land measuring 4 kanals
and 10 marlas in Channi Himmat since 1987. On the
other hand advocate Anil Sethi, appearing for
Ravinder Sawhney and other submitted that
respondents/petitioners are entitled for
proprietary rights on the land because they are
the owners of the said land. The counsel for the
appellant submitted that the land in question is
earmarked for Greenbelt in the Master Plan and
also said that the land belongs of Housing Board
and therefore, the Act namely J&K State Land
Act 2001 does not apply to the land in question.
The Single Judge
had ordered status quo in regard to this land
only on the basis of certificate of February 6,
2002 from the Collector, Housing Board Jammu in
which it was stated that Ravinder Kumar Sawhney
is in illegal possession of the state land.
|
International
year of Mountains, 2002
Tourism Department launches
mountain
cleaning campaign
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR,
Oct 21:
The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department has
launched a comprehensive mountain-cleaning
programme in different parts of the State in
connection with celebrating the International
Year of Mountains.
As a part of this
campaign, 300 school children from various
schools in the vicinity of Gulmarg cleaned up the
entire Gulmarg, Kangdori, Khilanmarg area on
October 19,2002. Garbage in the farm of plastic
bags, tins, plastic bottles etc. were removed
from different areas and collected near club for
scientific disposal. Student group of 35 each
accompanied by teachers and members of Tourism
staff from Gulmarg Tourist Office and J&K
Tourism Development Corporation spread out to
different areas and collected the garbage left
over by tourists and other visitors during the
current summer season. So far two truckloads have
been collected. Shortly some more student groups
will have second round to clear the garbage stuck
in mountain streams in the area. Funds for
undertaking such programme are being provided by
the Indian Mountaineering Foundation.
Another operation
is being conducted on similar lines by Jammu and
Kashmir Mountaineering and Hiking Club and State
Tourism Department jointly to clean famous
Amarnath Track.
A joint team of
Indian Mountaineering Foundation and National
Geographic Magazine is cleaning Stock Kangri
track and mountain base camp in Leh-Ladakh from
today.
The aim of the
these programmes is to create awareness among the
youth of the country regarding the necessity of
keeping the mountains clean as well as to take
practical steps for cleaning these areas. Two
such programmes have already been undertaken in
Patnitop area of Jammu and Suru Valley of Kargil
during the summer.
|
FORCE
alleges discrimination by JU
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 21:
Forum of Recognised Colleges (FORCE) today
alleged widespread discrimination by University
authorities with regard to allotment of seats to
various colleges for the session 2002-03 and has
demanded probe into the process.
As per a release,
members of the Forum alleged that great
discrimination has been shown in the allotment of
seats in the current session.
For instance
colleges which had been established long back
have been virtually ignored and not provided
sufficient additional intake of seats, while in
the case of several other colleges which are said
to be favourites of some University authorities,
disproportionate increase has been sanctioned.
In some cases, the
additional approved intake has been of the order
of over 120 seats within the first year of their
establishment. They expressed their anguish over
the arbitrary allocation of seats on pick and
choose basis, the aim of which could not be other
than to subject these colleges to the divide and
rule policy.
They further said
that the statutes are being openly violated in
many matters including inspection of the
colleges. Only two BEd colleges have so far been
granted permanent affiliation while all other
colleges, even of four to five years standing
have been kept temporary.
They disclosed
that in the recent meeting held with University
authorities, FORCE members were assured of
transparency and friendly attitude in solving
their day to day problems but in reality the
situation is just the opposite.
They took strong
exception to the fact that University authorities
are basing their judgement on particular proforma
without taking into confidence the managements of
these colleges. It was pointed out as to how a
proforma which was not previously circulated and
discussed could be utilized for assessing the
facts and figures of the colleges as the said
proforma is totally silent about the academic
components which are of primary importance for
deciding the degree of excellence of a college.
They resolved to
approach the authorities for sanctioning
grant-in-aid in their favour to enable the
managements to develop the colleges further and
also take college managements into confidence
before taking up policy issues, as these were
very important for the maintenance of cordial
college-university relations.
|
ASSI
flays power curtailment
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 21:
A meeting of the Association of Small Scale
Industries (ASSI) was held today under
chairmanship of Mr Rattan Dogra, president of
take stock of the situation arisen after the
curtailment of power for one more hour to the
industrial sector.
The members
condemned the attitude of the people sitting at
the helm of affairs in the Power Development
Department (PDD) towards the industry of Jammu
region. Whenever there is any problem with the
PDD, the axe falls on industry. "These
people forget that the power consumed by the
industry is the only one which is productive.
This consumption of power gives employment and
and bread and butter to thousands of families.
The more curtailment shall lead to the closure of
industry causing unemployment in the
region", the members said.
The ASSI have
always appealed to the PDD to reduce the power
curtailment while the PDD has increased the
curtailment for one more hour.
ASSI appealed to
the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to kindly
intervene in the matter and issue necessary
instructions to the concerned authorities to
remove the power curtailment of morning and
evening curtailment be also removed immediately,
failing which the losses incurred shall not be
bearable by the entrepreneurs thus resulting in
unemployment to the thousands of workers and
entrepreneurs.
Messrs Virendra
Jain, general secretary, Rajesh Jain, senior
vice-president, Parveen Pargal, treasurer, R P
Sethi, Satinder Gupta, R P Shastri, Jugal Mengi,
Romesh Sethi, Kuldeep Gupta and others attended
the meeting.
|
CPC
awards Rs 50,000 compensation
for mental
harassment
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR,
Oct 21: The President J&K State
Consumer Protection Commission, Justice M.Y.
Kawoosa in a significant judgement has awarded Rs
15,21,343 with 14 percent interest w.e.f
1.11.1996 in favour of M/S Pacewall Industries
insured with National Insurance Company Limited
against losses suffered due to devastating fire
on 10-3-1991.
While delivering
his judgement, Justice Kawoosa said that the
complainant had raised the claim for Rs 38,02,112
which was not paid by the Insurance Company. The
complainant (M/s Pacewall Industries) then
consented to take Rs 23,61,913 in full and final
settlement of the claim. The company agreed to
give the consented amount and paid Rs 8,40,620
and for the remaining amount, two cheques for Rs
11,85,581 and Rs 3,20,550 were issued by the
Insurance Company in the name of J&K Bank
Branch Zainakadal through Branch Incharge namely
Z.A. Farooqi.
It was held that
Z.A. Farooqi had retained the cheques and had not
sent these to the financers. Bargaining was
alleged to have been made by the Branch Incharge
of the said company. So the commission awarded Rs
15,21,343 with 14 percent interest from 1.11.1996
to the complainant and ordered the Insurance
Company to pay Rs 50,000 as compensation for
mental harassment to be recovered from the salary
of Z.A. Farooqi.
The Commission has
also directed the National Insurance Company
Limited to improve its functioning so that the
people do not suffer at the hands of their
employees.
|
Police
Memorial being raised at Jammu
We are committed to fight
terrorism to finish: DGP
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR,
Oct 21:
The Director General of Police, Mr A K Suri today
said that despite losses in fight against
cross-border terrorism, the state police remains
committed to fight this menace to the finish.
Paying tributes to
the martyrs on the occasion of Police
Commemoration Day at Zewan near Srinagar, the DGP
said that sacrifices of martyrs have infused in
police force a renewed commitment to fight and
eliminate the menace of Pak- sponsored terrorism
for good and restore complete peace and
tranquility in the state.
Enumerating the
losses suffered in anti-militancy fight, Mr Suri
said that since the start of terrorism 636 police
personnel, 266 SPOs and 85 VDC members have lost
their lives. This year alone so far, he said 68
police personnel, 58 SPOs and 19 VDC members have
sacrificed their lives for the defence/integrity
of the state and country, clearly indicating that
per capita loss of state police has been the
highest as compared to other forces in the
country.
‘But these
losses have not dampened our fighting spirit
anyway. On the contrary, we are on the forefront
in counter-insurgency operations’, the DGP
said, adding police and security forces have so
far eliminated 15750 terrorists and continued
pressure has made 3335 terrorists to surrender to
the authorities.
The DGP said that
a grateful nation never forgets its martyrs. It
is in line with this maxim that a befitting
Police Memorial is being raised at Jammu, which
will be completed very soon. Moreover, Government
has also instituted an award for martyrdom called
‘Tamga-e-Shahadat’ from this year. It
will be conferred on those who have attained
martyrdom or those who will attain martyrdom in
future while fighting cross-border terrorism, he
said. 34 families of martyrs today were presented
Tamga-e-Shahadat by Governor J&K, Mr G C
Saxena who was the chief guest at Police
Commemoration Day function.
Extending his
welfare concern and sympathies, the DGP said that
families of martyrs are an inseparable part of
the vast family of police force. Besides giving
ex-gratia relief to the families, the department
also provides scholarships to the children of
martyrs. He said 50 such children have been
adopted by different schools in the state.
Mr Suri on the
occasion read out the names of all police
personnel who sacrificed their lives with effect
from 1st September, 2001 to 31st August, 2002 for
the unity and integrity of the country. During
this period besides 125 officers and jawans of
state police, 26 BSF, 11 CRPF, 6 ITBP and 3 SSB
personnel lost their lives in J&K State while
fighting proxy-war.
Earlier, floral
wreaths were laid at the Police Memorial and a
2-minute silence was observed as a mark of
respect to the martyrs.
The DGP at a
separate meeting afterwards interacted with the
families of martyrs at Zewan to ascertain their
problems and difficulties. He assured them that
one member each of their family would be
recruited in police department subject to the
fulfillment of eligibility criteria viz height,
chest and educational qualification by the
candidate.
|
3
years' achievements of NDA regime highlighted
Vajpayee Govt committed to wipe
out terrorism: Gupta
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 21:
Senior BJP leader and Union Minister of State for
Defence, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta today said that
National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government
headed by Atal Behari Vajpayee was committed to
eradicate menace of terrorism from Indian soil.
Addressing a press
conference in connection with highlighting three
years achievements of the Vajpayee Government,
Prof Gupta said, "terrorism has become a
world wide phenomena. After September 11
terrorist attack on World Trade Centre and attack
on Indian Parliament, tough stand has been taken
to end cross-border terrorism aided and abetted
by Pakistan. Firm stand also been taken that no
talks with Pakistan till cross-border terrorism
ends".
"Our efforts
to strengthen India’s national security are
illustrated by our courageous initiative to make
India nuclear weapon state, our uncompromising
handling of the post-Pokharan fallout,
India’s victory in Kargil War, and our
success in isolating Pakistan in the
international community on its sponsorship of
cross-border terrorism", he stated adding,
"following up on the recommendations of the
Kargil Review Committee, the Government has
carried out a comprehensive review of the
National Security System. Major initiatives have
been taken by the Government to improve the
defence preparedness.
Prof Gupta further
stated that new organisations namely Integrated
Defence Staff,
Defence Intelligence Agency and Tri-Service Joint
Andaman and Nicobar Command were created in this
regard. MoS Defence further said,
"modernisation of armed forces to arrest the
degradation of our offensive capabilities during
last decade and a half, mainly due to resource
constraints has been attended and systematic
efforts in this direction have been made with the
induction of new weapons, platforms and
system".
Highlighting other
achievements of the Government, he said that NDA
Government has also approved a number of welfare
measures for the service personnel, the
ex-servicemen and other dependents. He pointed
towards approval of Comprehensive Health Coverage
Scheme for the ex-servicemen at a capital cost of
Rs 240 crores and recurring cost of Rs 504 crores
in 348 stations. This scheme will provide
comprehensive health coverage to about 90 percent
of ex-servicemen in the country.
"The NDA
Government has increased the focus on
India’s internal security in an
unprecedented manner. This is demonstrated by the
enactment of the Prevention of Terrorism Act
(POTA), Rupees 1000 crore annual police
modernisation fund, modernisation of central
para-military forces, the peace process in the
North-East and the soon-to-be launched
Multipurpose National Identity Cards System-
first on a pilot basis and later
University", he claimed.
Pointing towards
successful completion of elections in Jammu and
Kashmir, he said, "irrespective of the gains
and losses of the individual political parties, I
would like to emphasis that the real winner in
this election has been India and its democracy
and the actual loser has been the ISI and the
terrorist forces it has nurtured".
Besides other
achievements of the BJP Government, he
highlighted National Highways Development Project
(NHDP). "The project involves construction
and development of 14,846 km of world class
national highway at a cost of Rs 54,000 crores.
The unique feature of NHDP is that, while
launching this project, due care has been taken
to ensure that no time and cost over-runs take
place. The Government has promised that this
project would be completed within the specified
time-December 2004 for phase I and December 2009
for phase-II", he said.
|
Funny
development on LoC
Pak wants cake and eat it, too
By B L Kak
JAMMU,
Oct 21:
Serpentine-like Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir
is a different world altogether. In recent times,
strange things have happened.
Strange things
have, in fact, been happening since the standoff
between India and Pakistan became an open secret
soon after the terrorist attack on Parliament
House on December 13 last.
Troops of the two
countries positioned on either side of the LoC
have clashed even when they share the only source
of potable water. This source, the nature’s
gift, one can say, is in the Uri sector of
Kashmir.
Many civilians in
the Uri tehsil are aware of the fact that Indian
soldiers and Pak troops have, over the years,
shared the available source of potable water.
Indians fetch
water from the particular source in the afternoon
and the Pakistanis used to avail of the facility
till 1 pm till recently. The facility became a
thing of the past for the Pakistanis after the
latter suddenly opened fire on three mules
carrying containers filled with drinking water to
one of the Indian posts.
Before the
suspension of the facility, Pakistani troops had
the taste of "Indian cake", namely,
drinking water from the upland pond on the Indian
side of the LoC. In the specific sector, there
were, in the past, a series of firing
incidents—all, according to Indians,
provoked by Pakistanis.
Every time, the
Pakistanis had to beat a quick retreat in the
face of tougher Indian troops. This, however,
hasn’t led the other side to abandon its
sinister plan to have the cake and eat
it,too—if not now, at a later stage.
The message from
this side: The ‘cake’—that is, the
source of the potable water in Uri sector—is
of and for India. Outsiders won’t be
permitted to have it and eat it ,too.
In another sector,
where a few Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)
villages came under Indian control at the
conclusion of the 1971 war, the villagers
complained to the Army that their appricot
orchards had been occupied by Pak troops, not
long ago, and they were unable to undertake
routine picking up of fruit.
Pleas to clear out
fell on deaf ears. The response was by way of
opening fire, which, however, was effectively
answered to the delight of appricot growers.
|
13
areas identified for first phase
BSNL to provide WLL connections
from Dec
By Mohinder Verma
JAMMU,
Oct 21:
The much-awaited desire of the people about
Wireless Local Loop (WLL) is going to be
fulfilled very soon as Bharat Sanchar Nigam
Limited (BSNL), Jammu and Kashmir Circle has
received nod from its headquarters to start
providing WLL connections from the month of
December.
Sources in Nigam
told EXCELSIOR that Union Ministry of Home
Affairs through a letter has directed the Bharat
Sanchar Nigam Limited to start WLL services in
Assam, North-East and Jammu and Kashmir
simultaneously in the month of December.
"The Nigam
has been on the track for the last three months
but it was waiting for the final whistle from its
central authorities to start this facility",
they said and added that Nigam could have
provided this facility to the people of this
State much earlier but it has been clearly
mentioned in the letter not to provide
connections till November end reason behind which
is not known even to authorities of BSNL at
Jammu.
The whole system
required to start WLL has already been
established and facility will be made available
in phased manners, the sources informed and said
that in first phase, which will start with the
begining of month of December, facility will be
made available in 13 places—seven in Jammu
and six in Kashmir provinces.
"The areas
selected for first phase of providing WLL
connections are—Akhnoor, Kathua, R S Pura,
Basohli, Billawar, Narota and Sanjichhat in Jammu
and Srinagar, Baramulla, Sopore, Anantnag, Kulgam
and Pulwama in Kashmir", they disclosed and
said that in all these areas the equipments have
been tested OK.
Moreover, the
sources said, BSNL’s engineers are on job to
provide this facility in much more areas but it
is difficult to say which areas other than the
said 13 will get this facility simultaneously as
still there is time of one month to go ahead.
"During this period more and more areas will
be included in WLL facility and before the start
of facility majority of the portions of this
State will be covered", they added.
Since WLL is meant
specifically for rural areas, the range of WLL
will be much more in rural areas than urban areas
as the main aim behind starting this facility is
rural connectivity. "The WLL in rural areas
will have range of 20 to 25 kilometre aerial
radius while the same in urban areas will be 4 to
5 kilometres aerial radius", the sources
informed.
"It is
difficult to instal antenna in each and every
village that is why BSNL has chalked out a plan
to provide maximum range in the rural areas for
connecting the same with urban areas", they
said and added that through each antenna around
500 connections will be provided. But if in
particular area there will be low calling
percentage the connections will be enhanced by
the authorities of the Nigam to provide benefit
to large section of people.
The range of the
WLL cannot be enhanced as this will render mobile
phones of no utility, the sources said and added
that the range which has been fixed by BSNL is
sufficient.
About the
tariff and equipment charges fixed by Telecom
Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the sources
said in urban areas handset will cost Rs 5000
with Rs 250 as installation charges one time and
there will be no registration charges.
"Call/caution deposit in case of connections
with STD/ISD will cost Rs 5000 to
customers", they said and added that unit
call charge will be Rs 1.20 and there will be no
free call as is being provided on normal
telephone. The Nigam will provide some relaxation
to rural area customers with regard to
installation of the equipment through insurance
cover.
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Police
Commemoration, Family Welfare Day observed
Always work for dignity, honour
of motherland:
ADIG to CRPF men
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 21:
Police Commemoration Day was observed in Central
Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Group Centre Bantalab
to pay tributes to 10 brave CRPF personnel who
laid down their lives fighting Chinese aggression
on this day in the year 1959 at Hot Spring in
Ladakh.
All the officers
and officials of Group Centre Bantalab and office
of DIG Jammu Range, Composite Hospital Bantalab,
136 Battalion CRPF gathered in the premises of
Group Centre Bantalab and paid homage to all CRPF
personnel who sacrificed their lives while
discharging their duties towards motherland.
Additional Director Inspector General of Police
(ADIG) Mr O D Mathur alongwith other officers
laid wreaths on the memorial of martyrs.
Two minutes
silence was observed by all those present on the
occasion in the memory of the martyrs.
Addressing the
gathering, Mr O D Mathur, Additional DIG
delivered a brief speech about the signifance of
the day and mentioned the valour of 10 CRPF men,
who fought against the Chinese aggression on this
day in the year 1959 Hot Spring in Ladakh.
Saying that it is
a pride for the CRPF that sacrifices of these
valliant CRPF men have been adopted by police
forces of the entire country as "Police
Commemoration Day", the ADIG asked the CRPF
personnel to follow the path shown by the great
martyrs and always work for maintaining the
dignity and honour of the motherland.
Meanwhile, Group
Centre, CRPF Bantalab, Jammu observed
"Family Welfare Day" in which next of
kin and nearest relatives of CRPF personnel, who
were killed in Jammu and Kashmir during
militancy, were invited. Around 28 families were
invited out of which 20 families attended the
function.
Speaking on the
occasion, Mr Mathur said that the aim and
objective behind organising this function every
year was to interact with the kith and kin of
deceased CRPF personnel and to know about their
problems about non-receipt of various pensionary
benefits.
"These sorts
of functions provide a common platform for the
next of kin as well as the organisation for
sorting out the personal grievences if any",
he said and added that after coming to know about
the problems of the kith and kin of deceased CRPF
men the higher authorities used to sort out their
problems at an earliest within existing
Government instructions.
A team of officers
and staff under the leadership of Mr O D Mathur,
Additional ADIG interacted with the widows and
their problems were given patient hearing and
action for redresal of the same was taken on the
spot.
Mr Mathur also
requested the invitees to come out with their
grievences about non-receipt of any outstanding
dues and ensured them that action will be taken
immediately for settlement.
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Commission
awards compensation of over
9 lakh to brick kiln
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR,
Oct 21:
The J&K State Consumers Protection Commission
headed by Justice M Y Kawoosa has awarded
compensation of Rs 9,10,316 with 9 percent
interest per annum to M/s Chinar Brick Kiln
Lasjan through J&K Bank Branch Lasjan Budgam
in connection with his insurance claim with the
Oriental Insurance Company Limited.
The Commission has
ordered the company to pay compensation to the
complainant within a period of six weeks failing
which 12 percent per annum interest will be
charged from the respondent (Oriental Insurance
Company Limited.)
Giving details of
the case, the commission in its judgement says
that the complainant (M/s Chinar Brick Kiln
Lasjan Budgam) had insured his brick kiln with
Oriental Insurance Company Limited for the period
30-6-1996 to 29-6-1998 for an amount of Rs 14.15
lakhs. The brick kiln was fully functional and
was in full swing when devastating floods
occurred on 28-8-1997 and washed off the brick
kiln and the complainant thus suffered the total
loss.
The complainant
filed his claim before the Insurance Company who
deputed several investigators and loss assessors
to assess the loss. The reports regarding loss
assessed by the assessors were submitted to the
company who did not entertain the reports of
their own surveyors and loss assessors and thus
did not settle the claim of the complainant till
now resulting in great loss and mental harassment
to the complainant due to the deficiency of
service from the Insurance Company.
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Pahari
people hold meet
Excelsior
Correspondent
RAJOURI,
Oct 20: Pahari Peoples Joint Action
Committee, Jammu University Pahari Students
Forum, Pahari Speaking Retired Government
Employees held a meeting here to congratulate
electorate of Districts Rajouri, Poonch, Uri,
Baramullah and Kupwara who voted in favour of
Pahari Speaking candidates.
As per a release
the meeting was organized by Pahari People
Movement general secretary Mr Shahbaz Khan. While
speaking Mr Khan urged on the Pahari speaking
people to unite on the joint platform and join
the struggle to take the same to its logical
conclusion.
Mr Khan and Mr
Shafqat Wani said recent election have proved
that Pahari speaking people are in majority in
Poonch and Rajouri districts and even in Mendhar
more than 10,000 people voted in favour of Mr
Javed Rana and demanded therefore that all the
seats should be reserved for Pahari speaking
people in Poonch and Rajouri districts.
Advocates Pervaiz
Ahmed , Vijay Kochhar, Haq Nawaz Mirza, Mohd
Murtaza, Babu Hussain Khan, Ram Parkash Sharma,
Shri Nagesh Sharma, Vimal Gupta, F A Muztar, Haji
Munshi Khan, Haji Riaz Malik, C P Sharma, Dr
Khursheed Manhas, Anil Chandan, Neeraj, Tanvir
Wani, Farooq Khan, Shafayat Khan, Qazi Javed
Iqbal, Basharat Khan, K A Jawam, M A Lone, Vijay
Sharma, Mohd Sabir Malik, Raja Shabir Ahmed, Mohd
Sadiq Chib, Tahir Shawl, Wasim Mirza, Majid
Mirza, Tanveer Ahmed Shawl, Javed Ahmed Shawl,
Shakeel Ahmed Mir, Tanvir Ahmed Mir, Iqbal Rana
and Thakur Netar Singh also addressed.
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Kasturba
Trust organises 2 camps for border migrants
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 21:
Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust organised
two camps for humantarian assistance to the
displaced persons of Jourian in Akhnoor sector.
As per release,
nearly 100 women attended the camp at Devipur on
Food Day. Anganwari workers also participated in
it. Mr Jagdish Prashad of Community Food and
Nutrition Extension unit, spoke about the
importance of nutrition, sanitation and safe
drinking water.
A free medical
camp was organised on October 19 with the
collaboration of Bee Enn National Trust Hosptial,
Jammu wherein free medicines were provided to the
patients.
A team of doctors
medically examined nearly 2000 migrated persons
residing in the camps and nearby areas. They were
given lectures by medical professionals about
preventive and promotive aspects of health.
The team of dotors
which examine and provided treatment to the
patients included: Dr Kushyala Sambyal, Dr Anita
Didwal, Dr Sadvinder Kour, Dr Rpinder Kour, and
Dr Chandan Tickoo. These doctors were assisted by
para-medical staff.
The Kasturba
Gandhi National Memorial Trust has been organisng
such camps for the welfare of disadvantaged
sections of the society.
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JPTA criticises transfer policy
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 21: Jammu
Provincial Teachers Association (JPTA) an affiliate wing
of All Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Teachers Federation
while strongly criticising the transfer policy of
Education Department has termed it the main cause of
shortage of teachers in schools of rural areas.
As per a release, the
meeting alleged that large scale attachments have been
made prior to elections in the Jammu City by Chief
Education Officer (CEO) that resulted in disruption in
normal functioning of schools.
Addressing the meeting Mr
Maheshwar Sharma, general secretary said that a
delegation of the Association will meet Director School
Education for redressal of genuine demands of the
teaching community.
The members also stressed
on holding of elections of different zones in Jammu
district as early as possible.
Mr Joginder Singh was
assigned the responsibility to conduct elections in
Jourian, Akhnoor and Chowk Choura zone with the help of
other members of the Association.
Mr Babu Ram Padhyar
(Election Incharge) and Mr Ramesh Prasad Sharma general
secretary were asked to conduct the elections in Bishnah,
Miran Sahib and R S Pura in close coordination with Mr
Yash Pal Sharma, Headmaster.
The elections in Dansal
Zone will be conducted by Mr Balwan Singh, Krishan Lal
Gupta and Babu Ram Padyar.
The meeting decided that
the Association members will also meet the newly elected
MLAs and apprise them of their problems. The meeting was
also attended by zonal presidents and secretaries of
Jammu district.
Yuva Sahara bags first prize in
J&K cultural competition
Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI,
Oct 21: Yuva
Sahara an NGO of Dalogra Rajouri which participated in
Kashmir Rural Youth cultural exchange programme bagged
the first prize in J&K Cultural competition held in
Rajasthan.
The competition was
organized by Navyug Mandal also an NGO in Basi village of
Jaipur district.
In this competition the
Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Government of
Rajasthan and Miss Madhu Sharma, Chairman Notified Area
Committee were the chief guest and guest of honour
respectively. The Minister distributed the prizes among
the winners and appreciated their tremendous performance.
The Yuva Sahara Cultural team bagged three prizes out of
six.
It may be recalled that
Yuva Sahara members were the part of a cultural exchange
programme which was organized by Nehru Yuva Kendra
Sangthan, J&K Zone from October 6 to 20. This
cultural exchange programme started from Jammu and the
group visited Delhi, Agra, Bharatpur, Jaipur and Ajmer in
Rajasthan.
The 33 members delegation
from district Rajouri took part in it. Seven among them
belong to Yuva Sahara, Dalogra Rajouri. They include
Rajesh Kumar Sharma, president of the NGO, Jeevan Sharma,
Ail Kumar, Pritam Singh, Pooja Sharma, Shashi Sharma and
Sunita Sharma.
The group was led by Sadhu
Ram Salgotra, Accountant NYK Rajouri. The members of Yuva
Sahara presented the cultural items enroute.
Provincial NC discusses post
poll scenario
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 21:
Provincial committee of National Conference met here
under the presidentship of Mr Bodh Raj Bali to discuss
post Assembly election scenario in Jammu province.
As per a release analyzing
the result of the recently concluded Mr Bodh Raj Bali
said that National Conference has secured 4,15,818 votes
in Jammu province, which has shown substantial increase
in the vote bank of NC.
He added that even in
Jammu district the party has secured 1,42,818 votes
against 90,848 votes cast in last Parliamentary
by-elections held in February last which clearly
indicates that the verdict of the people towards NC has
increased.
Mr Bali appreciated the
work done by NC rank and file and thanked them for their
efforts in mobilizing and conveying the policies and
manifesto of the party to the masses. He thanked the
voters of Jammu and Kashmir State for voting National
Conference as the single largest legislative party of the
Assembly.
The provincial NC
president asserted that both Indian National Congress and
People’s Democratic Party who have also got mandate
from the people have for the past 10 days not been able
to join together to give an alternate Government in the
State and instead have started fighting on regional
basis, their two manifesto being polls apart.
Mr Bali stated that by now
the people have clearly analyzed their intentions which
have proved beyond doubt that they are only power thirsty
and the people in general started losing faith in them.
Other provincial committee office bearers present in the
meeting included Messrs Rattan Lal Gupta, vice president,
Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, secretary, Jugal Mahajan, treasurer,
Lt Col D S Trehan, Mohinder Singh, both joint secretaries
and others.
Police Commemoration Day parade
organized
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR,
Oct 21: Police
Commemoration Day parade was held at Sher-i-Kashmir
Police Academy, Udhampur in which trainee officers from
all wings of police participated.
As per a release floral
tributes were paid at the Martyrs’ Memorial within
the campus on which the names of gallant officers and men
of Jammu and Kashmir who have sacrificed their lives
while fighting terrorism and dealing with other law and
order situations, have been inscribed.
Director of the Academy Dr
Ashok Bhan, read out the names of 975 police personnel
from throughout the country who died during the last one
year while discharging their duties. these included 126
officers and men of Jammu and Kashmir Police.
Families of of some
martyrs belonging to Udhampur district were honoured on
the occasion. Amongst the participants in the ceremonial
parade on the occasion were SI Kirti Sharma, wife of Late
DySP Kuldeep Sharma and ASI Kanchan Bala wife of late
DySP Ganshayam Sharma who are undergoing basic training
in this academy.
NDS holds special meet
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 21: On the
eve of 210th birth anniversary of Maharaja Gulab Singh, a
special "Literary Meet" was organized by Nami
Dogri Sanstha.
As per a release the
Goshthi was presided over by Prof Sat Pal Shrivatas, a
renowned writer and literary critic while Mr Sham Talib,
president Adbi Kunj was the chief guest and Mr Chaman Lal
Chaman, poet and environmentalist the guest of honour. Mr
Yash Pal Yash noted lyricist and music composer compered
the proceedings.
The poetry recital started
with "Gulab Nama" by Chaman Lal Chaman while
others who recited their poems were K L Kohali, Maharaj
Krishan, Daya Ram Daya, Dr Harish Kaila, B K Nagar,
Mangal Dass Dogra, Prof S P Shrivatas, Ritu Parivartan,
Mrs Ayodhaya Rani Ghamkhar, Sham Talib, Yash Pal Yash and
Chander Ved Parkash.
Mr Sham Talib and Prof
Shrivatas in their respective addresses spoke in detail
about the personality and works of Maharaja Gulab Singh.
They said the services of Maharaja for preservation and
enrichment of Dogra culture shall be remembered for ever.
Two minutes silence was
observed by participants to pay homage to the departed
soul of Mrs Harbans Kaur, wife of Comrade Jaswant Singh,
organisor Adbi Kunj.
Dr Harish Kaila thanked
the participants for making the meet a success. he
announced that NDS shall be organizing a special
programme during November to felicitate Mr Sham Talib for
his tireless and outstanding services in the field of
literature.
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