Cong again betrayed people of Jammu: Gupta

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 27: Lambasting Congress for accepting Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supremo, Mufti Mohammed Syed as the Chief Minister of the state, the Union Minister of State for Defence Prof Chaman Lal Gupta blamed the Party for betraying the people of Jammu region once again.

During an informal chat with mediapersons after addressing the workers meeting at Jeevan Nagar near here this afternoon, he said Congress won the maximum seats from Jammu on the promise that it will project a leader from the region as the Chief Minister. But later it gave in before the PDP by compromising on the post.

Terming the alliance between the PDP and Congress an "unholy marriage", Prof Gupta said it is bereft of principles and programmes and the way the duo came on understanding indicates that it was the tussle for power and not for respecting the peoples verdict.

The BJP leader said the peoples verdict was against the National Conference (NC) and opposition was supposed to provide an alternative Government to people but the eight days tussle showed that they were more interested in portfolios than public interest.

Predicting that this arrangement will not last long, he said the alliance will fall under its own contradictions as they have no leader like Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee to keep them together.

Taking the PDP to task, he said the Party has made such promises in its poll manifesto which are inimical to the national interests. They are talking of holding negotiations with militants and disbanding the STF which has since been rejected by BJP and the nationalist forces, he added.

He, however, expressed the hope that the new State Government will try to solve the problems of the people of this strife torn state and crush the terrorism, rehabilitate the militancy affected victims and four lakh Kashmiri migrants and built the damaged infrastructure.

Expressing the hope that new State Government will strengthen the bonds between the J&K and rest of country, he maintained that the elections have sent a clear signal throughout the globe that J&K is the integral part of India. With this the controversy on so-called plebiscite has also ended, he added.

Prof Gupta demanded that the people who are involved in terrorist violence be tried in court and the law of the land should take its course.

On the future strategy of his party he said the move to rejuvenate the BJP at grass root level has begun and all efforts will be made to associate the voter with the Party.

Earlier, addressing the workers gathering Prof Gupta said the main reason for the Party’s debacle in the Assembly elections was BJP’s alliance with NC.

He said the people have lost trust in us and they voted in favour of Congress with this intention that the Party can replace the NC from power as they thought that BJP is hand in glove with it.

Terming the PDP and Congress leaders as opportunist politicians he said had the compromise formula between the two parties delayed the Congress would have joined hands with NC.

He maintained that BJP is not a political party but a movement. It is the only force which can take on with the anti national elements and terrorists while the leaders like Mufti Mohammed Syed change with tide of time.

He also paid rich tributes to Brig. Rajinder Singh who on this day in 1947 laid supreme sacrifices to rid the state from Pak invaders.

Earlier addressing the gathering BJP general secretary, Dr Nirmal Singh, urged the partymen to strengthen the organization at grass root level for defeating the agenda of NC and other parties that are going to rule the state.

Warning the Partymen he said "if we fail to work for the interests of the organization we will meet the same fate as in the recently held elections".

He alleged that the agenda of New Government is against the national interests and the Congress yielded by accepting Chief Minister from Kashmir.

While paying rich tributes to Brig Rajinder Singh he said this day has a great significance in India’s history as on this day the J&K’s accession was made with the country.

Turning tables on Congress the BJP vice president, Mr Chander Mohan Sharma said the Party sold Jammuites for petty coins. The people voted in favour of Congress on this assurance that it will project CM from Jammu but the Party deceived the voters, he added.

He said the Congress not only compromised with Mufti Mohammed Syed but remained silent on his pro militant agenda and failed to negotiate in peoples interest.

He warned that BJP will not allow any onslaught on the rights of Jammu saying the dream of people has been shattered after the Congress negotiated with PDP. Among others the gathering was also addressed by Sat Paul Grover, Banarsi Dass Gupta, Charan Jit Singh Khalsa and Jaswant Raj Gupta BJP Mandal chief Gandhi Nagar.

Plus 2 lecturers discuss problems

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 27: The House of representatives of All J&K Plus 2 Lecturer’s Forum comprising of central executive, district presidents of Jammu region, staff secretaries of Jammu district and representatives from various Higher Secondary Schools of province met at Jammu and discussed the problems of Plus 2 cadre which include decade long stagnation, deliberate delay in the promotion of lecturers, delay in the regularisation of Principals and Lecturers, especially in mathematics discipline, implementation of reservation rules and fixed tenure transfer policy.

The state chief of the Forum, Mr H D Qureshi, while presiding over the meet came down heavily on the government for its callous attitude towards the redressal of the genuine grievances of the cadre. He expressed his surprise that instead of mitigating the miseries of the Plus- 2 community the people at the helm of the affairs are playing cruel joke and further complicating the problems of the cadre. He nominated three joint secretaries namely Jagdish Sharma, Jagdeep Padha and Surinder Gupta in order to further strengthen the organisation.

The House discussed in length the promotion orders of Principals and expressed its satisfaction over the implementation of reservation rules. Besides, it underlined its concerns over some of the transfers made by violating the existing transfer norms and stressed for immediate review of such cases with transfer of all Principals who are working in far flung areas and have completed their tenure.

Mr Nirmal Choudhary, vice president of the Forum, Mr Deedar Singh, Gurcharan Singh, Ram Parkash Sharma, Satish Verma, Budhi Singh, Ajit Kumar, M M Khajuria, Bansi Lal, Roshan Lal, Rajinder Singh, Mohan Chopra, Kiranjeet Kour and others addressed the meeting.

Dr Gupta attends conference in Singapore

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 27: Dr Rajesh Gupta, a young Orthopaedic Surgeon of Jammu returned from Singapore after attending Asia-Pacific Orthopaedic Conference.

According to a press release, he was invited for the conference by the organisers as an ex-fellow of the Singapore General Hospital to present a scientific paper. Over 1000 doctors from over 30 countries participated in the conference. Dr Gupta had good interactions with the overseas doctors especially in the field of sports medicine Arthroscopy and joint replacement surgery.

Sanskrit Bharti for J&K constituted

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 27: Jammu and Kashmir Sanskrit Bharti an organization for popularising and propagation of Sanskrit language in the country was constituted in a meeting held at Sanskrit Department of Jammu University today under the chairmanship of Dr Vishwa Murti Shastri.

The meeting elected Dr Ramnika Jalali and Dr Satya Pal Vatsa as patrons of the organization while Dr Vishwa Murti Shastri was elected as president.

Dr Bharat Bhushan Sharma was elected as general secretary and Pardeep Kaul as convenor. Rajinder Raina was elected as treasurer and Vivek Ganjoo as organizing secretary.

Dr Subash Sharma, Dr R L Bhat, Raj Khajuria, Jawala Kishore Mishra and Nand Lal were elected to Working Committee.

During the meeting the speakers threw light on the importance of Sanskrit in the cultural traditions as well as philosophical and dramatic literature.

The meeting was informed that Sanskrit Bharti has trained thousands of students, teachers and professionals including doctors and lawyers in speaking Sanskrit.

During the current year alone two dozen special Sanskrit speaking crash courses of one month’s duration have been held at Jammu University’s Sanskrit Department, Womens College Parade, State Institute of Education, Canal and Sanjeevani Sharda Kendra in which 200 people from different walks of life have been trained in speaking Sanskrit.

The meeting also chalked out the broad outlines for popularising Sanskrit and it was pointed out by the speakers that though learning Sanskrit appears to be difficult, it really is very easy because 70 to 80 percent of vocabulary in all the modern Indian languages is exactly and closely derived from Sanskrit.

Prem’s Mein Simran released

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 27: Prem Nath Prem’s "Mein Simran" a book of devotional songs in Kashmiri was released at a simple and impressive function organized by Nagrad Adabi Sangam here this evening.

The book was released by Mr Jagar Nath Sapru, vice president All India Kashmiri Pandit Conference (AIKPC) who was the chief guest on the occasion. The function was presided over by Dr B L Kaul a well known Kashmiri writer and scholar.

In his address Dr Kaul highlighted the contribution of displaced writers towards the Kashmiri culture. Despite working under tiring circumstances, the Kashmiri writers have done a yeoman’s service to the community cause. He also highly acclaimed ‘Main Simran’ and appreciated the writer.

Earlier, Mr Mohan Lal Aash, president Nagrad Adbi Sangam in his welcome address threw light on the book. He also spoke at length on the importance of Leela (a particular type of Kashmiri Bhakti song).

A descriptive paper on the book was read by Mr Makhan Lal Kanwal who lauded the book and its author.

Among others who spoke on the occasion included Mr Hasrat Gadha, president Fankar Cultural Organization Kashmir and Mr M L Kemo, president, Samprati.

The function started with Sarswati Vandhna and devotional songs of Ravi Bhan, a young Kashmiri singer.

On the occasion, Mrs Bimla Raina, a mystic poetess of Kashmir recited some Valkhs while Dr Roshan Lal Roshan read a poem in praise of the poet.

The foreword of the book has been written by Mr Aash while its title cover has been designed by Mr Piyaray Lal Sudeshi, a renowned artist.

The Programme was compered by Mr J N Sagar secretary Nagrad Adbi Sangam.

Among the other dignitaries, the function was attended by Messrs T N Khosa, president K P Sabha, Amar Malmohi, Dr Premi Romani, general secretary Samprati, Tej Rawal, Station Director All India Radio Kathua, Brij Lal Bharti, Dr R L Bhat, Ramesh Hangloo, president Pir Panchal, K K Raina its general secretary, Prof A N Dhar, Badri Nath Abilash, J L Saroor, P N Shad, R L Jawhar, P N Pandita and Piyaray Hatash.

"Unidentified gunmen" in J&K matter of concern for SHRC

SRINAGAR, Oct 27: As the common people of Jammu and Kashmir are caught between the guns of the militants and security forces, chairman of the State Human Rights Commission A Q Parray is "exasperated" by the phenomenon of "unidentified gunmen".

"Nearly 90 per cent of the complaints, I receive are of harassment and Human Rights violation by gunmen," Parray told PTI, adding "even militants are dressed in uniforms so it is very difficult to distinguish between the militants and securitymen".

"The complaints always mention that some gunmen, dressed in uniform, came and did this or that. But whenever I ask from the government for a report into an incident, they describe them as (an act by) unidentified gunmen," he said.

Parray said the human rights record in the state remained a "major area of concern" with nearly 100 per cent increase in the reported cases of rights violation.

"The Commission have been witnessing an increase in the cases of human rights violation every year since 1998-99. However, this year from April one to August 31, the State Human Rights Commission have received 790 cases as against 497 received during whole of 2000-01," the chairman said.

Most of the complaints received by the Commission were related to the relief matter, harassment, disappearance and custodiray said.

Out of a total of 790 cases reported in last five months, as many as 521 cases have been disposed off and 269 cases of human rights violation were pending with the commission, the chairman said.

During 2000-2001, as many as 497 cases were reported, out of which 225 cases were disposed off and 272 cases were pending, he said.

Giving the details of the constraints faced by the Commission, Parray said besides not having own investigation agency the way National Human Rights Commission has it, the State Commission was also short of staff, who could help the members in their day-to-day working.

"One has to realise that the Commission was working in a very strange situation unlike other Commissions and we need support from each quarter to meet our objectives," he said.

Admitting that there was no problem of funds, Parray, however, said instead of budgetary allocation, the funds should be in the form of grant so that if the whole amount was not spent in a given year, it could be carried forward.

Parray also expressed satisfaction over increasing awareness about the Commission among the common people of the militancy-torn state.

"The marked increase in the number of complaints filed before the Commission also shows awareness among the people about their human rights. People from all walks of life approach the Commission when their rights are violated by persons in authority like the security forces, para-military forces and SOG of state police," he said. (PTI)

SFC contractors demand probe into marking of trees

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Oct 27: State Forest Corporation (SFC) Contractors Association of Rajouri and Poonch has expressed its serious concern over the discriminatory attitude of the forest department while providing marking of dry trees in Rajouri and Poonch divisions.

As per a release the contractors alleged that Rajouri-Poonch remains ignored due to violation of Government order in which 30 lakh cft marking was ordered but Rajouri Poonch division was deliberately ignored while providing equal distribution.

They alleged further that not only contractors were effected but also hundreds of labourers were badly affected due to lack of marking of dry trees. They demanded probe into the matter.

The meeting was attended among others by Haji Rehman Lone, Mohammed Afzal and Shah Mohammed Khan.

NMC leader’s plea to PM

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 27: National Mazdoor Conference (NMC) president Mr Subash Shastri has appealed the Prime Minister to take an early decision regarding the release of DA installment due from July this year in favour of Central and State Government employees.

Addressing a one day conference of the NMC workers here today, he urged the Central Government not to take any hasty decision which will go against the interest of employees.

He warned against the proposed D A freeze move of the Central Government saying it will generate a lot of resentment from the working class throughout the country.

Mr Shastri said the price index which was 2.98 per cent in December 31, 2001 has now increased to 5.98 percent in June 2002 .

Healthcare camp inaugurated

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 27: A free healthcare camp for senior citizens (females) was inaugurated by Dr H N Patwari, Director INH in the premises of Institute of Nature Hygiene for six days from today.

In his inaugural speech Dr Patwari explained in detail the role of life style based on principles of naturopathy, Yoga and Ayurveda.

In her presidential address Dr Ved Kumari Ghai revealed that all necessary arrangements have been made for outdoor as well as in door patients. This institute is continuously serving the needy people since the year 1969. Dr Patwari, Dr Sujata, Dr T R Mahajan and Dr Raj Bala are rendering their services to the indoor and outdoor patients.

Dr Ram Partap, Prof L D Shastri, Dr Mrs V K Messon, Ms Shakuntla Seth and Dr K S Pathania participated in the discussion and gave some valuable suggestions. The valedictory function will be held on November 1, at 3 pm in the Institute at Ved Mandir, Ambphalla.