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

JAMMU, May 2: Lions Club Jammu, Region 10, District 321-D, organised regional conference "Pratibimb-99" under the chairmanship of Mr Mahesh Gupta, Region Chairman, Region-10, here today.

The District Governor of District 321-D, Mr Savtantar Sabherwal was the chief guest while Mr Lal Chand Sharma, District Governor Elect 1999-2000 and Mr Surinder Mahajan, Past Council Chairman and Mr Prabodh Jamwal were the guests of honour.

Speaking on the occasion the District Governor Mr Savtantar Sabherwal stressed on the members of the Lions Club of different areas to strive for the well being of the needy and deserving poor people through their selfless service. He exhorted upon the Lion Members to plant more and more trees along the National Highway in their respective areas from Kathua to Jammu, which would go a long way in the service of the mankind.

Mr Surinder Mahajan, Past Council Chairman in his address stressed on the need of collective efforts to serve the mankind.

Mr L C Sharma, District Governor elect gave a slogan of "service with smile" while speaking in the conference.

Mr Kuldeep Singh District Vice Governor elect, District 321-D also addressed.

The Lion members from all the clubs from Kathua to Udhampur participated in the conference, of which Mr Mahesh Gupta, Region Chairman served as anchor.

Earlier Mr Sabherwal honoured Mr Mahesh Gupta for successfully organising the conference. Mementos were presented to all the distinguished guests and clubs for excelling in different activities during the past year.

Mr Jaspal Singh formally welcomed the guests and members while Mr Kamal presented vote of thanks.

The conference was sponsored by Messrs Angad Associates, Hotel City Top, National Motors, New Kashmir Boot House and Lions Club Jammu Royal.

Ban on transport of bovines

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2: The District Magistrate, Jammu, Mr PK Tripathi in exercise of the power vested in him under Section 144 CrPC has imposed restrictions that no bovine animals such as cow, oxen, bulls, calves etc be transported from Jammu to other district except with written permission from the competent authority and under certain conditions imposed by his office from time to time.

This order shall come into force with immediate effect and shall remain inforce for a period of two months from May 1, 1999 or if the order is rescinded whichever be earlier.

DB grants bail to accused involved in Pappi case

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2: In a much publicised Pappi Financier murder case, in which First Additional Sessions Judge, Jammu convicted three accused to undergo life imprisonment and acquitted six other accused for want of evidence, the State has filed an appeal in the case against the acquittal, which is pending in the State High Court.

The convict accused have also filed an appeal in the High Court against the sentence, which was admitted.

Yesterday, the Division Bench of the State High Court comprising Mr Justice Arun Kumar Goel and Mr Justice GD Sharma granted interim bail to one of the convict Ravinder Kumar on the medicalgrounds.

In the bail-order, the Division Bench held that after having considered the non-availability of the medical facilities available for undergoing surgery, we consider it proper to admit the petitioner to interim bail on his furnishing personal bonds in the sum of Rs 50000/- with two sureties in the like-amount to be furnished by him to the satisfaction of Dy Registrar, Judicial of the High Court, undertaking to surrender before Supdt Jail (Central(, Jammu within a period of three weeks after his being released on bail.

So far the plea of the sickness of the petitioner being a risk or danger to his life is concerned, suffice it say that vis-a-vis Article 21 of the Constitution of India, this fact is not taken note of by the Learned Judge while considering the matter and making that observation.

In the fact of material on record, this application is allowed in the aforesaid terms. At this stage, Advocate General Mr MA Goni pointed out that with a view to ensure that the petitioner does not flee from the judicial process, two security personnel should be put on check on the petitioner during the time he is on interim bail.

The Division Bench observed that to this suggestion, the counsel appearing for the petitioner Mr JP Singh does not object.

Accordingly, it was further ordered that during the period, the petitioner will remain on interim bail, two security personnel will always keep watch and ward on him to ensure that he does not flee. Convict Ravinder Kumar has filed a bail application on the ground that he is suffering from kidney-stone, which needs to be operated upon. It has mentioned in the out-patient card issued by the Govt Medical College, Jammu that the patient is advised surgery, which facility is not available at GMC Jammu.

30 blankets distributed

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2: The Minister of State for Transport, Mr BA Nengroo today distributed 30 blankets among the poor and destitutes at Sarwal chowk, here today. The blankets were made available by a non-Government social organisation.

The function was organised by Mr Suresh Gupta and Darshan Mehra, social and philanthropist youth of Sarwal Colony. A large number of women and senior citizens of the area participated.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister eulogised the efforts of the organisation for rendering help to the poor and destitutes. He said "ours is a secular and democratic State and the present Government headed by Dr Farooq Abdullah is vowed to help the poor and down-trodden people." He said Sher-e-Kashmir, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah who was a great visionary, has implemented a pilot programme Agrarian Reforms Act in the State for the poor landless peasantry in the State.

Referring to the bonds of unity and integration with the rest of the country, the Minister said late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah had totally rejected the two nations theory and wooed the democratic and republican set up of India. He said Pakistan has sponsored militancy and the present Government under the dynamic leadership of Dr Farooq Abdullah is hell-bend to thward the nefarious designs of the neighbouring country. He said some forces within the country are active to divide the nation on the name of caste, creed and religion but the people should stand like a rock to see India strong and vibrant. He said we have inherited the proud tradition and culture of Nund Rishi and Raja Jambu Lochan in whose time brotherhood had gained deep roots in the State.

The Minister said that the demands of the public regarding Matador service from Paloura to Parade via Sarwal chowk will be sorted out shortly. Matter concerning to improvement of drainages, lanes and culverts will be referred to the concerned department for action.

The Minister was accompanied by the Administrator, Jammu Municipality, Mr KB Jandial, Executive Engineer, Municipality and Regional Transport Officer, Jammu, Mr DK Vaid.

More tube wells being constructed

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2: Various ways and means were sorted out to augment drinking water supply for the people during summer in urban and sub-urban areas of Jammu district at a meeting of engineers held under the chairmanship of the PHE Minister, Mr Ali Mohammad Sagar here today. The Minister stressed the need for speeding up the works of ongoing schemes of tube wells and dug wells for early perculation of the benefits to the people.

The Minister was apprised that some more tubewells/dug wells were being constructed in and around Jammu city to enhance the water supply for the people. A new filtration plant of 5.4 MGD capacity will be made functional to cope with the water requirement, besides more tankers will be pressed into service to provide immediate water supply in water shortage areas.

Control rooms have been set up to monitor the complaints of public with regard to water supply on phones or personal in the city. The Minister asked the people to lodge the complaints with the concerned control rooms. The engineers of the area should make it their mandatory to attend the complaints forthwith and redress the grievances of the public. He said the public should not suffer on account of the water scarcity.

Besides prominent citizens, the meeting was attended by the senior officers of the PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Departments besides MLA, Mrs Vimla Luthra and MLC, Haji Ghulam Hassan.

100-years old Buddhist settlement discovered

SRINAGAR, May 2: An ancient Buddhist settlement belonging to second and third century AD has been discovered in the forest range of Gurwait-Yarikhan, situated on left bank of Shali Ganga Nallah, in Badgam district of Central Kashmir, an official said today.

The trial digging by Directorate of Archieves, Archaeology and Museums (AAM) has led to discovery of the settlement spread to several terraces and consisting of baked terracotta tiles pavements, Deputy Director of AAM, M K Makhdoomi, said here.

The discovery has added a glorious chapter in archaeological history of Kashmir. "Further excavations will be taken up in the current month and it is expected it will expose a major settlement", he said.

The tiles unearthed from the site area in various shapes. They bear Swastika Motifs (associated with Buddhism) and Kharoshti script. The Kharoshti script was popular in Kashmir in the early centuries of Christian era and ceased its popularity in circa fourth century, Makhdoomi said. Adding the presence of Kharoshti numerals and Swastika Motif provided date of the site between second and third century AD.

Measuring 36 cm x 40 cm, they also bear Kharoshti numericals, which according to him, have been stamped to maintain the order of tiles in the layout.

Besides, there are impressions of other Motifs including floral and geometrical. The Swastika Motif had earlier been identified on various pre-historic archaeological materials of South Asia and on a few tribal coinages, he said.

Another important feature of the site is earthern water pipes which were used to "supply water to the settlement." besides, specimens of grey were pottery have also been unearthed, Makhdoomi he said.

The first Buddhist site with baked terracotta tiles of the type found in Taxila were discovered in 1934 at Harwan on the outskirts of Srinagar. "This had led to the belief that their manufacturing was confined to Harwan alone", he said.

But there has been a continuous chain of discoveries in last few years starting from Hoinar (Liddru), Dardkote (Hutmura), Doni-Pather (Pahalgam) and now Yarikot in Gurwair, Badgam, he said.

He said it indicates that manufacturing of terracotta tiles had been an established industry in Kashmir with high degree of craftsmanship during ancient times.

The latest site, according to Makhdoomi, is better than Harwan. The exhumed materials are under study besides efforts are being taken to conduct trial excavation at the site as it is expected that it would expose a major settlement and rich archaeological materials. (PTI)

Sadhotra's call for strengthening NC

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2: The Minister of State for Food and Supplies, Mr Ajay Sadhotra has called upon the youth to contribute their mite for strengthening National Conference forces in the forthcoming Panchayat elections in the State.

Addressing public meetings at Mandal Phalian and Ladore in Marh block today, the Minister said that the Government headed by NC chief, Dr Farooq Abdullah is grappled with Pakistan's sponsored militancy and gearing up the tempo of all round socio-economic development in the State. He said when the Union Government is still pondering over to reserve 30 per cent seats for women in the formulation of the panchayats in the country but the State Government have gone a step ahead to keep 33 per cent seats for women.

Referring to the mid-term Parliament polls, Mr Sadhotra said these have been enthrusted upon the poor people of the country. He said "the country has to bear the additional burden of Rs 1000 crore, which infact is the hard earned blood of the poor masses". He said these elections could have not been held if the political parties in the Centre would have been sincere towards the country. He said Congress has been harping the hollow support of 272 MPs mear to mislead the nation. He said many people might become so called their leaders and sympathisers and could come to them with their masked faces to seek votes in favour of their party but the people should analyse the situation and make distinction between the friends and foes.

The Minister said, the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah has set out on the mission of exposing Pakistan's sponsored militancy in Jammu and Kashmir State and winning goodwill of the world for the nation. He said the approach of Dr Abdullah is doubtlessly sincere and patriotic and all of us have to strengthen his hands for speedy restoration of normalcy and progress of the State.

Referring to employment sector, the Minister said nearly 46,000 educated youth have been provided Government jobs through the Service Selection Board. He advised the youth not to hanker after the Government service but to set up their own small income generating units. He said the State Government with the help of Central Government is implementing a number of self employment schemes for them and they should avail of the facilities. He said trainings and entrepreneurship guidance are also being arranged for the intending youth.

Mr Sadhotra said more than 6,000 senior citizens and destitute women of Marh block have been provided pension and more cases for deserving people are being prepared for the purpose. He said Rs 16 lakh have also been provided to houseless poor families for construction of houses under Indira Awas Yojana during last year. To bring total transperancy and removal of apprehensions of misappropriations in the system of distribution of this help, cheques for the amount were now being made available to the people at their door steps. "That is why, people have now unflinching faith in the National Conference and its run Government".

Earlier, three youth of the block namely Pt Krishan Chand, Subash Chander Sharma and Mr Girdhari Lal joined the National Conference and the people welcomed their entery in the party by garlanding and raising slogans in their favour.

Among others, the public meetings was addressed by Pt Bal Krishan, Rashpal Singh, Mr Ranbir Singh Manhas, Mr Tripta Sangra, Mr Bishan Dass, Mr Major Singh, Mr Amarti Dev, Mr Bhagat Ram, Ch Nazir Ahmred and several other speakers.

The Minister was accorded rousing reception at both the public meetings.

Doda works reviewed

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2: About Rs 39.12 crore were spent on various development works in Doda district during the last financial year. Additionally Rs 9.07 crore were spent under the various Centrally sponsored schemes like Jawahar Rozgar Yojana, Employment Assurance Scheme, IRDP and DPAP.

This was disclosed at a meeting of the district officers held at Bhaderwah under the chairmanship of Transport Minister, Mr B A Kitchloo yesterday. The Minister of State for Food and Supplies, Mr Ajay Sadhotra was also present. The meeting was convened to take stock of the development works currently under execution in the district.

It was disclosed that the highest expenditure of Rs 20.35 crore were made on Social and General Service Schemes followed by Rs 11.33 crore on rural development, Rs 8.11 crore on agriculture and allied sectors while Rs 1.13 crore were spent on industries sector. Nearly 62,000 hectares of agriculture land was brought under high yielding varieties of crafts for which 2170 quintals quality seeds and 2093 quintals of chemical fertilizers were distributed among the farmers. About 400 hectares of area was also brought under the plantation of fresh and dry fruit varieties plants. About 840 income generating units were set up under IRDP and 15 DWCRA groups were formed with a membership of 225 women. About 16 lakh mandays were generated by completing 1491 assets under JRY and 3291 assets under EAS.

It was also informed that 333 household latrines and five cattle ponds were constructed under Rural Sanitation Programme. Over 20,000 children and 6305 women were benefitted under Nutrition Programme. Under R&B Sector, 29-52 kms of surfaced and un-surfaced roads were constructed whileas irrigation potential was created for 10 acres. Ten hamlets were provided with drinking water facilities. Under education sector, 38568 students were provided pre uniform while equal number of students were brought under the ambit of free supply of text books. In industries sector, 37 formal and 93 provisional registrations were made.

Speaking on the occasion, both the Ministers exhorted upon the officers to redouble their efforts for the works of the poor and down-trodden people by executing all development works with great sense of dedication and hardwork. The officers assured the Ministers that they will come upto the expectations of the people and will not give let up to any of the schemes, currently under execution in the district

JD leaders criticise Regional Autonomy Committee report

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2: Mr Mast Nath Yogi, vice president of Pradesh Janata Dal has criticised and condemned the Regional Autonomy Committee report which was presented in the State Assembly and described it as anti-Jammu, misleading and having gone beyond the given mandate.

As per a release Mr Yogi said the report has been so because all the members of the committee were from the Kashmir Valley, playing in the hands of National Conference led Government, who have intended to divide people of Jammu in particular on communal basis, to gain political mileage, as the same party has lost its grass roots and stands exposed on all fronts because of its failures.

He said due to mis-rule of Congress and National Conference in the state the people of Jammu and Ladakh regions have suffered a lot and have always been discriminated against in the matter of development and other fields.

Mr Yogi said the Janata Dal and its rank and file will not allow any dirty designs of the NC Government or for that matter any other parties, to divide the people of the State on communal basis and fight them with all its strength.

Other signatories to the statement included Messrs Swaran Dass, Kulbir Singh and Nazir Ahmed Khan.

Rich tributes paid to G N Goni

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2: A number of writers, politicians, educationists and professionals today paid rich tributes to Mr G N Goni, Advocate on his second death anniversary in a function held at Amar Singh Club auditorium, here.

On the occasion, Mr M A Goni, Advocate General and son of Mr G N Goni also announced the inception of G N Goni Foundation, which will work for the welfare of the poor and needy, besides promotion of literary activities in the state.

While paying tributes, the Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Mr P L Handoo, who presided over the function recalled when he met with the great personality for the first time at his home town in Anantnag. He also explained Mr Goni’s extra-ordinary personality and his secular credentials.

Mr Handoo said that Mr Goni was the person, who never wanted to be rewarded for his life time achievements and work done for the society as a whole.

He also highlighted the political vision of Mr Goni, who he said, "never compromised on his principles and was known for his upright and disciplined legal approach".

In his address, Mr M Y Taing, MLC and former Secretary, J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages threw light on his literary work, which Mr Goni never wanted to be published. He also recalled some of his best poetry lyrically.

Emphasising on his writing ability, Mr Taing said that he used his pen like ‘sword’ in most of his writings. He concluded saying that Goni was renowned literary personality, great poet of the modern Kashmir and a true patriot.

Advocate Sunil Sethi described Mr G N Goni as a man of commitment and dedication who believed in accomplishment of social justice through fair means.

Speaking on the occasion, Thakur Rashpal Singh, Advocate lauded the sustained struggle of Mr Goni in fighting corruption, nepotism and sycophancy prevailing in the system.

Earlier, Mr M A Goni, while making public the activities of the proposed foundation declared that charitable activities like grant of scholarship to the poor and needy students, setting-up of library, providing medical aid to the poor and needy, organisation of blood donation camps, promotion of literature and activities of social importance shall remain and constitute the prime objectives of the foundation.

Mr A G Goni, former Ambassador to Libya and elder brother of Mr Goni presented vote of thanks and described Mr Goni as a multi-dimensional personality who was an institution in himself.

A Poetic session was also held wherein, Prof Zahoor-u-Din, Registrar and Head of the Department of Urdu, University of Jammu, Arsh Sehbai, Prem Romani, Raj Kumar Chandan, Abdul Qayum Aas and Prof Mohd Assaudullah Wani recited their poems.

Others, who spoke on the occasion included Messrs Bashir Ahmad Nengroo, Minister of State for Transport, V B Gupta Advocate, M K Bhardwaj, president, Bar Association of Jammu, Syed I H Kazmi and Assadullah Wani.

PP MLA flays Govt

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2: Mr Harsh Dev Singh, Panthers Party MLA from Ramnagar has questioned the locus standi of the National Conference Govt. to suo motto appoint a committee to go into the question of Antonomy for the State of J&K. He said the State Govt. lacks the competence and jurisdiction to appoint, on its own, a commisson to determine its relationship with the Union of India.

He said the matter falls under the exclusive jurisdiction and competence of the President of India, who alone is competent under Art 263 of the Constitution of India to appoint a commisson to determine the relationship of a State with the Union or in the alternative, the power has also been vested in the Supreme Court of India under Art 131 of the Constitution which has the original jurisdiction to entertain and decide the disputes between the State and the Union. The formation of the Autonomy Committee by the State government on its own, without the requisite sanction and approval of the President, is ab-initio void and its recommendations are a nullity, Mr Singh said.

Mr Singh pointed out that proposed report seeks the annulment of several Articles of the Constitution and thereby seeks to change the basic structure of the Constitution and thereby seeks to change the basic structure of the Constitution. The Supreme Court has very categorically, in a landmark judgement, in Keshvananda Bharti's case, held that basic structure of the Constitution cannot be changed even by amendment by two/third majority of the Parliament. The implementation of this report, as such, is not practicable and thus cannot be implemented even by the majority of State Legislative or the Parliament.

The report as such is illegal irregular and extra constitutional. Elucidating further Mr Singh said that the terms of reference of Autonomy Committee included Instrument of Accession 1947, Constitution Application order 1950 and Delhi Agreement of 1952. He said that Instrument of Accession, 1947 is final and irrevocable and cannot be re-opened. It is beyond the scope and jurisdiction of the committee. The Constitution Application order of 1950 is already superseded by Constitution Application order of 1954 and hence is redundant and a dead issue.

He said the re-opening of Delhi Agreement would be irrelevent as it has already paved the way for "Constitution Application to J&K order 1954". Thus the re-opening of the finally resolved issue would be incompatible with the spirit of the constitution and the various agreements between the Union and the State.

Mr Harsh Dev said the reversal to pre-53 position would affect most prejudicially the growth and progress of the State. He said that there are around 350 Central Laws which have been made applicable to the State of J&K, with the concurrence of the State, and which are admittedly to the benefit of the commonman. Even a committee announced by Late Sheikh Abdullah and headed by DD Thakur had favoured the continuance of these laws for the welfare and well being of the common man. He said that the main laws extended to the State after 1954 included the following:

In 1954, the operation of customs, Central excise, civil aviation, post and telegraphs were extended to the State of J&K. In 1958, all India Services IAS, IPS, IFS and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India were extended. In 1959 the entry relating to census was applied as a result of which the census of 1961 could be held for the first time under Central Law. In 1960, the Supreme Court was given power to entertain appeal from High Court. The Election Commission of India was also empowered to supervised elections for State Legislature. In 1961, Industries Dev Act was applied to J&K. In 1964, Art 356 and 357 of the Constitution (President's rule) were applied.

In 1965 a number of laws relating to welfare of Labour, Trade Unions, social security, social insurance were applied. In 1968, entry relating to residuary power of Legislature were applied and unlawful activities Prevention Act was extended. In 1971, Art 226 which relates to issuance of writs by High Courts was applied. In 1972, Cenamatography Act was applied. In 1986, Art 249 was applied.

Restoration of Pre-53 position would be greatest set back to the people of State. It would mean negation of 40 years of efforts of the people, he said.

Slathia visits Bari Khad

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2: The Minister for Sheep/Animal Husbandry, Mr SS Slathia visited Bari Khad in Vijaypur constituency alongwith a team of officers of various departments to review the problems of the people living in remote and far flung areas and redressed the same on spot today.

Addressing a gathering, Mr Slathia disclosed that the road measuring four kilometers connecting the village of Bari Khad will be completed soon under an estimated cost of Rs 70 lac under NABARD programme. This road could not be completed after the construction of one kilometer due to financial problem last year. Now this road will be completed soon to benefit the inhabitants of the area.

The Minister instructed the concerned officers to redress the problem of the public on priority basis regarding the scarcity of water, shut down of power, installation of electric poles appointment of a B.Sc teacher in a Middle School.

He assured the people that a tubewell will be provided soon after the conduct of survey by the Central Ground Water Department. He also said that the appointment matter will be taken up with the Education Department so that the student may not suffer in their study.

Regarding scarcity of drinking water the Minister instructed the PHE Department to ensure a water tanker on alternative day's up till the normal functioning of the present tubewell.

It was also disclosed to the people that the Sheep Husbandry Centre will be opened in the village Bari Khad soon so that the people of remote areas may not suffer due to illness of their animals and having no medical facilities. The Minister also ensured that the matter taking this area under IWDP project so that the employment avenues may be available to the local youth.

Lateron the Minister distributed the cheques amounting to Rupees thirteen thousand among the sixteen beneficiaries under ISSS and NOAP schemes launched by the Government.