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

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 27: In an attempt to highlight the plights of Jammuites and watch their interests, some intellectuals and prominent persons have formed a non-political....more

Spirituality, science must go hand in hand :Dalai

Excelsior Correspondent

Sakina stresses for mutual amity for faster economic development

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 27: The Minister of State for Social Welfare Ms Sakina Itoo has impressed upon the people to create awakening among themselves and ..more

Shahdara Sharief Ziyarat
earns Rs 11.70 crore

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 27: The Ziyarat Sharief of Peer Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah ...more

Imposition of "Kashir" on PGF
DADAA reiterates resolve to
fight ill-conceived move

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 27: Doordarshan Approved Drama Artists Association has described the move of the Prasar Bharti to impose "Kashir" channel on Jammuites, during the prime time slot including from .more

PK stages dharna

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 27: Braving the chilly weather the volunteers of Panun Kashmir (PK) staged a dharna at Indira Chowk here on the ...more

CPI (M) Migrant Cell condemns killings in Kashmir

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 27: The CPI (M) Migrant Cell in its meeting held under the chairmanship of Mr Makhan Lal Bhat has condemned the killings of innocent people in Kashmir Valley..more

Diabetic film ‘Ayesha’
screened in Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 27: A feature film on diabetes titled "Ayesha" first of its kind to be produced ....more

Jammu United Forum constituted
Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 27: In an attempt to highlight the plights of Jammuites and watch their interests, some intellectuals and prominent persons have formed a non-political platform, namely Jammu United Forum.

Addressing the Forum’s maiden press conference, here today, its president Mr Bansi Lal Gupta claimed that in present situation of political despair, the United Forum will perform its responsibilities and project the demands of Jammu people.

"The way Maharaja Hari Singh raised voice in the Round-Table Conference of the Commonwealth in 1931 for a dignified and equal place for India, Jammu United Forum hopes to have the same position of Jammu in the Republic of India," he emphasised.

Mr Gupta alleged that Jammu was never taken into confidence whenever there was an administrative change or begining of a political process. Demanding equal governing and administrative share at state level in the spheres of political dignity and development, he said that wrong policy of thrusting one region’s culture base on the other region should be ended.

Mr Bansi Lal presented eighteen demands- to be raised- and appealed all political parties to extend their co-operation for the cause of Jammu region. "Like minded people in all parties, who can not voice against the discrimination with Jammu because of party discipline, are welcomed in the Forum," he added.

The Forum demands included addition of 15 assembly and 2 Lok Sabha seats for Jammu province, exploration of tourist spots in Jammu region, citizenship rights to West Pakistan refugees, permanent rehabilitation of 1947, 1965 and 1971 refugees, and application of Crop Insurance Scheme in the state, etc.

On the occasion, the president announced the Forum office bearers who included Messers Udhey Chand, senior vice president, S K Sharma, spokesman, Surinder Mohan Aggarwal and Harvinder Singh, vice president, Harbans Bral, general secretary, Manohar Lal Bhagat, organiser, Ravi Khajuria, treasurer, P K Ganju, publicity secretary, R D Verma, secretary, Sushma, Saral, secretary, Din Mohd Subania, secretary, Neelam Mahajan, office secretary.

Spirituality, science must go hand in hand :Dalai
Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 27: The great spiritual leader Dalai Lama has stressed that science and technology of the West as well as spirituality of the East must go together to bring well being and happiness to the mankind. He called for a broad vision and sincere efforts especially by the youth to work for peace and happiness on the globe.

Addressing the 9th National Integration camp organised by the Foundation for Amity and National Solidarity (FANS) at Jammu University Auditorium here today, Dalai Lama stated that the students and youth carry a heavy responsibility of having vision of future with peace and happiness for mankind. There is imperative need of international brotherhood and peaceful co-existence for bringing prosperity.

The youth must inculcate self-discipline and self-confidence to work for bring through spiritual upliftment real joy at the individual, family, nation and then global levels. This is possible with firm commitment and determination to achieve the objective , he stated.

The supreme Buddhist monk, who has spent nearly 40 years in India, said that this great country which has a very proud spiritual attainments and traditions of religious harmony, can play a crucial role in the strife-torn world. The Budhism which started in India received overwhelming response in some other countries as well and flourished there. In India various religions go on in harmony, he observed adding that the ultimate aim of each faith is one and that is good of mankind.

Touching the areas of concern in the country, Dalai Lama said the rich heritage has to be preserved, the population growth kept in check and gap between the poor and rich narrowed. The entire globe is like a family ,he observed and added that all nations must strive for human brotherhood and peaceful co-existence for attaining well being of the mankind.

Over 300 students from various universities in the country are participating in the 5-day national integration camp at Jammu University. It has been arranged by Foundation for Amity and National Solidarity in collaboration with the Jammu University.

The Industries Minister, Mr Bodh Raj Bali who thanked the Budhist Spiritual leader for his visit to the city of temples said that Jammu was a living example of secularism, democracy and socialisms. He said that it was fortunate for the people of Jammu to have the spiritual personality amongst them here today.

Describing the J&K State as a Mini India, Mr Bali said that its geography limit touches Punjab and Tibet and is privileged to have people from all the regions and communities living here peacefully. Mr Bali while referring to organising of Inter Universities Youth Camp said that such camps help in further integrating the country and also strengthening mutual understanding, team spirit and self confidence among the participants. He also lauded the States from where different students had come at the camp and hoped that the participants will carry sweet memories of the camp through their respectives states. Mr Bali presented a ‘Shawal’ to Mr Dalai Lama on behalf of people of State.

The Vice Chancellor of the Jammu University, Prof R L Sharma in his welcome address eulogised the foundation for amity and national solidarity for organising the NSS Camp in which about 400 students from 33 Universities of India participating for six days. He said that the students will get a chance to know the culture of each other which will strengthened solidarity, integration and mutual understanding.

Earlier, Mr Dalai Lama lit the traditional lamp of Sarasvati the goddess of learning.

The function was attended by Minister of Medical Education, Dr Mustafa Kamal, Education Minister, Mr Abdul Qayoom, a glaxy of Universities scholars, prominent citizens and the students of the universities.

The students on the occasion presented a cultural programme and presented dances representing three regions of the State.

The vice president, FANS Mr V K Trehan appreciated the role of Jammu University by providing all kind of facilities in organising the camp. Mr Trehan presented mementos to Mr Dalai Lama, Mr Bodh Raj Bali, Mr Abdul Qayoom, Mr R R Sharma.

Mr S P Nijwan presented vote of thanks.

Sakina stresses for mutual amity for
faster economic development
Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 27: The Minister of State for Social Welfare Ms Sakina Itoo has impressed upon the people to create awakening among themselves and foster unity and mutual brotherhood for faster socio-economic development of the State.

Addressing at a function organised by the Scheduled Caste and backward classes community in Bishnah block yesterday in connection with the celebration of the 93rd birth anniversary of Late Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the Minister said the Government led by Dr Farooq Abdullah fully understands the problems and difficulties of the people, particulary those living in the border belt of the State like Bishnah and is adopting innovative approach to bring revolutionary change and prosperity in their living standard.

Ms Itoo felicitated the people of Jammu stating that they gave shelter to Kashmiris who migrated from Kashmir due to militancy. She said the Jammu people have strengthen secularism in the State and adopted the slogan of late Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah viz Hindu Muslim Sikh Itehad (Unity of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians). She highlighted the role of the people of Jammu in extending the cooperation to the Government for speedy development of the State.

The Minister said that women should come out and take active part in the development process. She said, ten sewing machines would be provided to destitute women and old persons in Bishnah block will be brought under old age pension scheme. For this purpose, MLA of the area will identify ten destitute women for providing sewing machines and old persons for old age pension.

The Parliamentary Secretary and MoS for PHE Flood Control and Irrigation Mr Ghulam Hassan Bhat while speaking on the occasion, cautioned the people against anti-national elements. He urged upon the National Conferene activists to strengthen the organisation and fight unitedly against the disruptive forces. He appealed the people to be united and extend their cooperation in implementing development works launched by the Government for the welfare of the people. He said the demand of the locals for construction of streets, roads and khuls etc and providing of drinking water and irrigation facilities would be considered sympathetically.

Parliamentary Secretary and MoS for Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ram Paul lauded the role of late Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and described him as a legend whose life was dedicated to the service of poor and down trodden masses.

Describing him as a great statement, he said that Sher-i-Kashmir was the first man to initiate land reforms in the country. He said that the present Government headed by Dr Farooq Abdullah is committed for upliftment of the Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes in the State. The Government is aware of the problems and the difficulties of the people, particularly those living in the backward and border areas and adopting innovative approach to bring change in their living standard, he added.

Referring to the un-employment problem he said various job oriented trainings are being provided to the youth so that they may lead on honourable life. He said opportunities are also being created to set up self-employment ventures by them. Referring the demands of the people, he said these will be referred to the concerned departments for consideration and early acceptance.

Earlier, a scintillating variety programme was presented on the occasion and a rousing reception was given to the Ministers by the people of Bishnah.

Shahdara Sharief Ziyarat earns Rs 11.70 crore
Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 27: The Ziyarat Sharief of Peer Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah (RA) of Shahdara Sharief in Rajouri district has received an income of about Rs 11.70 crore so far. Of this, Rs 7.02 crore have been deposited in banks as fixed deposits. During the first eight months of the current financial year, the Ziyarat earned an income of Rs 88.72 lakhs. Meanwhile, 8.58 lakh devotees visited the Ziyarat Sharief during the last eight years.

This information was given at a joint meeting of legislators and district administration held at Rajouri to take stock of the Wakaf Property under the chairmanship of the Minister for Haj and Auqaf, Peerzada Ghulam Ahmed Shah. The Minister for Agriculture, Mr Nisar Ahmed Khan and MLA Hazratbal, Mr Mohammad Sayeed Akhoon were also present.

The meeting was apprised that Wakaf land in Rajouri district is 10,558 kanals and 11 marlas. Of which, only 335 kanals and 17 marlas have been notified. The meeting decided to notify un-notified land of 10,222 kanals and 14 marlas shortly to save it from encroachments. After notifying the Wakaf land, the same would be demarcated and recorded in the Revenue records.

It was also decided that the Ziyarats and other religious grave yards in twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri would be preserved and maintained properly. It was also decided in the meeting that a survey would be conducted for identification of Ziyarat, Graveyards, Mosques and Idd Gahs for generating resources for renovation of Auqaf buildings. The encroachments of Wakaf properties would be constituted at tehsil levels to save the Wakaf property worth crores of rupees in the State. The MLAs have been asked to nominate 8-member panels at tehsil level at the earliest for constitution of tehsil level Wakaf committees.

The Administrator Auqaf, Rajouri stated that the Army had sanctioned a compensation of Rs 5 crore in 1980 for the land occupied by them at Lodi Maidan in Rajouri, which is still pending for re-inbursement. It was decided in the meeting that the DDC, Rajouri will take up the matter with defence authorities for early settlement of this case.

Among others, the meeting was attended by the legislators of Rajouri district, DDC Rajouri, Additional Secretary, Revenue, SSP, Rajouri, Special Officer, Auqaf J&K, and other district officers, besides, Sardar Rafiq Hussain Khan, ex-Minister and prominent citizens.

Imposition of "Kashir" on PGF
DADAA reiterates resolve to fight ill-conceived move

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 27: Doordarshan Approved Drama Artists Association has described the move of the Prasar Bharti to impose "Kashir" channel on Jammuites, during the prime time slot including from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm on Doordarshan Channel as politically motivated and reiterated its resolve to fight for getting due share for the people of Jammu region.

Talking to newspersons here today, the presidium of DADAA headed by Mr Raj Singh Jamwal, expressed its resolve to extend all out support and join any struggle launched against the ill-conceived move of the Prasar Bharti by any organisation including the Jammu Artists Action Committee as also the Dogri Sanstha.

Mr B M Dubey, general secretary of DADAA said the PGF Jammu was created to counter the Pakistani propaganda when the militancy was at its peak and no activity could be carried out from the Srinagar Doordarshan Kendra. Even Dogri and Urdu News was started from a rented room of Hotel Ashok with the help of a O B Van by News-casters of Jammu at the risk of their lives, to keep alive the name of that Kendra and finally Doordarshan PGF Kendra came into being on September 4, 1993, which was inaugurated by Mr K P Singh Deo, the then Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting.

All the office bearers of Association discounted the reply of the Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting in the Lok Sabha that Dogri news bulletin cannot be started from Jammu PGF due to lack of manpower and infrastructural facilities and declared that they themselves can start Dogri News Bulletin from PGF Jammu within 24 hours. They added that the staff from Srinagar Doordarshan Kendra, who were manning the affairs of telecast of Dogri news from PGF Jammu, were still stationed at PGF and sitting idle. Their services can be utilized for the purpose.

The DADAA leaders reiterated their demands of making PGF as full fledged Doordarshan Kendra Jammu, installing High Power Transmitter to enhance the frequency and range of the Jammu Kendra and telecast of Dogri News Bulettin. Somuchso an editor for Dogri News was also appointed at the PGF last year, who was not provided even a suitable room at the PGF on one pretext or the other and ultimately he went on "protest leave" and did not turn up in the PGF again.

They said they were not against any language or the region but at the same time will not tolerate discrimination with them any longer with Jammu region.

They declared to observe December 31 as black day by switching off their television sets and scoffed at the idea of telecasting live an expensive programme from PGF Jammu, at a huge cost of production, the fact remaining that the artists who participated in the December 31 programme last year are yet to receive their payments and the writers whose tele-serials have been telecast way back are yet to get their emoluments on the pretext of paucity of funds.

They said that DADAA vice president Mr Janak Khajuria, who was given a contract to perform in the December 31 programme has withdrawn from it on the appeal of Association as a mark of protest against discrimination with Jammu region.

They said it was not known as to what were the forces behind discrimination with Jammu region because if Kashmir Valley can be provided three channels, viz, Sattelite Channel, Kashir Channel and a Local channel, what has gone wrong with the winter capital city of Jammu and the region.

They also demanded a probe in the selection of the location of present PGF, when over 200 kanal of land was selected near Bathindi village in the outer-skirts of Jammu city. They also condemned the utterances of a high engineering official of PGF Jammu, who is understood to have deposed before a delegation that he would ensure that PGF gets locked, when he moves to some other station. They said the same official has taken the PGF equipments to his residential house and established an editing desk there.

Mr Raj Singh Jamwal said that the language and culture are the basic features of a civilization and expressed his resolve to protect both at the cost of even their lives. He said DADAA would mobilize the public against all the ill-conceived moves aimed at ruining the culture and language of Jammu region.

Others in the presidium included Messrs Sandesh Veer Dogra, joint secretary, Arun Bakshi, cashier, Madan Rangeela, organisor and executive members Kulbir Singh Slathia and Sudhakar Sharma.

PK stages dharna
Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 27: Braving the chilly weather the volunteers of Panun Kashmir (PK) staged a dharna at Indira Chowk here on the seventh anniversary of "Homeland" Day today.

Besides senior members of the community and other intellectuals a large number of displaced people also participated in the dharna, a PK handout issued here today said.

The dharna was staged to express the undaunted resolve of the community to fight till last to achieve their right of honourable, dignified and permanent settlement in a separate "Homeland" carved in Kashmir Valley, in which free flow of Indian Constitution remains guaranteed in toto.

On the occasion the PK resolved to resist strongly and boldly the moves of the State and Central Government to break the will and strength of the community by subjugating their rank and file to troubles and tortures and perpetuating misries and hardships on them was reaffirmed.

The dharna was also held to warn the State and Central Government’s to desist from further testing the patience of the displaced community who were now in the tenth year of exile fighting continuously for their existence and survival.

The State Government was urged to immediately take steps and execute three tier return and rehabilitation module released by the organisation recently.

The dharna was headed by the convenor PK Dr Agnishekhar. Besides him the other leaders who participated include Dr K L Chowdhary, Pt Moti Koul and Dr M K Raina.

CPI (M) Migrant Cell condemns killings in Kashmir
Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 27: The CPI (M) Migrant Cell in its meeting held under the chairmanship of Mr Makhan Lal Bhat has condemned the killings of innocent people in Kashmir Valley.

In a statement issued here today, the Cell has appealed the misguided youth to shun the path of violence as the same is against the Kashmiri culture. It also appealed the people belonging to different ideologies to work for restoration of peace and amity in the Valley.

The meeting also urged the Relief Commissioner to solve the allotment issue of Purkhoo Phase Third by making allotments in favour of those inmates who are temporarily residing in these quarters. It demanded that people belonging to economically weaker sections, widows and handicapped should be given preference.

Diabetic film ‘Ayesha’ screened in Jammu
Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 27: A feature film on diabetes titled "Ayesha" first of its kind to be produced in India was screened here today at Auqaf Complex Gandhi Nagar under the professional supervision of noted Diabetologist Dr Jitendra Singh, Consultant GMC,Jammu.

The film was sponsored by leading multinational company "Hoecsat’, Marrion, Rousel". The company was represented on the occasion by Mr Vikram Sabarwal.

The film staring Bombay film artist Kitu Gidwani, Benjamin Gilani and others was based on the story of a promising young actress called ‘Ayesha’ who suddenly discovers that she has diabetes but through her efforts she learns the skill of living with the disease and finally her acting performance also improves for the better.

The film show today was attended by a number of diabetics from all walks of life. A diabetes related literature was also distributed at the end.

It may be recalled that the popular diabetologist Dr Jitendra Singh in the past also arranged a number of audio visual film shows for public awareness in diabetes. Dr Singh has also appeared in diabetic audio visual presentation on City Cable and Door Darshan.