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

Officers of the Telecommunication Department and members of the Telecom Advisory Committee participating in a meeting held at Jammu on Saturday. -Excelsior/Ashok

Telecom Advisory Committee holds meet
Satellite telephone facilities for militancy affected
areas soon

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 27: The Telecommunication Department has formulated a comprehensive plan to provide modern telephone equipments in the militancy plagued backward areas of the Jammu province.

Addressing meeting of the J&K Telecom Advisory Committee, acting Chief General Manager Telecommunication, Mr S M Talwar said that 300 satellite telephones have been sanctioned for the far-flung of the region. He asked the members to identify responsible persons to whom the connections would be handed over.

Responding to the questions of members, Mr Talwar candidly admitted that militancy affected areas of Udhampur district like Chenani, Sudmahadev, Lathi Dhoma, Dodu Basantgarh and some other areas of Mahore and Gool Gulab Garh not provided with VPT Telephone facilities and in such areas where this facility is made available, it has become defunct or non-functional.

He, however, made it clear that facility of VPT Telephone be provided to these militancy affected areas of the district on top priority basis to throw out nefarious designs of militants and ensure timely action by the security forces against militants.

Mr Talwar said that Jammu district in poised to grow 85,000 lines by March 31, 2000. "A 4,000 line exchange is planned for Gangyal and another 5000 lines exchange is coming up at Trikuta Nagar", he said, adding, " work of expansion of Channi Himat exchange by 2,000 lines, Jammu exchange by 1,000 lines and that of Janipur exchange by 1,00 lines has already been completed".

He also informed that ISDN, Internet Services, Intelligent Network System (IN), Point to Multipoint System (PMP), Digital Loop Carrier System (DLC), Call Line Identification, Optical Fibre Cable System (OFC) and Highbit Rate Digital Subscribers Carrier System services have been introduced in the Jammu and Srinagar respectively.

Mr Talwar further informed that telephone connection will be on demand from March, 2000.

Members of the Telecom Advisory Committee highlighted various problems being faced by the people due to the, what they alleged, inept management in the Telecommunication Department.

Mr Kashmir Singh expressed anguish over the delay in providing STD facility at Billawar and un-necessary delay in providing Fax and Telegram services at Exchange Road office and depositing the revenue bills in TDM office at Rani Talab.

Ch Piara Singh flayed the Telecom Department for not sending telephone bill in time at time get misplaced. He also regretted that services rendered by 198 are not promptly available.

Majority of the members expressed grave concern over the behaviour of the staff of the Telecom Department. One of the member narrated an incident when employees were relaxing while he had to stand for more than one hour to meet Dy General Manager Telecom (O), Mr G C Pandey.

Mr Lal Chand, Mr Shiv Charan Gupta, Abdul Aziz Katoch, Gopal Sachar, Pawan Kumar Gupta, Suresh Jamwal, Ahmadullah, Hassan Khan, A R Shaheen and others highlighted woes of the customers.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, said that Department of Telecommunication has done impressive work not only in J&K State but in other parts of the country as well but added that in J&K State a lot more remains to be done in the field on Telecom. He asked the Department to be customer friendly and redress the grievances of the customers. The Minister asked the Department to improve its communication facilities in rural areas and ensure that telephone exchanges in these areas function properly and efficiently. He suggested that the Telecom Advisory Committee meeting should be held frequently so that the communication related problems are discussed threadbare and a solution found to such problems.

Dy General Manager, GMT, Jammu, Mr G C Pandey, gave a demonstration of Vital Card Calling (VCC) to the TAC members and other distinguished guests.

Mr T K Chandershekhar, GMTD-Jammu, Thomas Philip, GMTD-Srinagar, A K Angural, Area Director Telecom Jammu, R S Katal, Area Director Telecom Leh and Mr B L Ambardar, IFA, CGMT, Jammu Circle, Parveez Akhtar, DGM (O), J&K circle and Mr S Sivaprakasan DGM (A) J&K Circle were also present in the meeting.

Co-operative movement must be revitalised

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 27: The co-operative movement is not playing its pivotal role in the socio-economic transformation at the grassroots level because these have been abused by political interference, bureaucratic control and some unscrupulous elements.

This was gist of the viewpoints presented by various speakers in the debate organised at the Auditorium of Jammu University here today. Organised by the Jammu University, the inter-collegiate and varsity debating contest was sponsored by National Council for Co-operative Training, New Delhi.

The topic was " The Co-operative Movement has failed in Achieving Targeted Community Development at the Rural Level". Fifteen girls and boy students from post-graduate department of the Jammu varsity and various colleges participated in the debate.

Ms Sonu Bakshi of Degree College Udhampur secured the first position while Ms Mohita Bhatia of Govt College for Women, Gandhi Nagar was adjudged second and Ms Aswathi of Govt Degree College, Udhampur got third position.

In addition, Ms Arati Sharma of Degree College, Udhampur and Mr Bikram Singh Jamwal of Law Department, JU were declared topper in the Hindi debate.

It was stated that the top two of English debators and two Hindi participants would take part in the national-level debating contest to be held on December 29-31 at the Institute of Co-operative Management at Hyderabad.

The panel of judges for the debate comprised of Prof R D Sharma, Dean, Faculty of Commerce, JU, Mr M N Sehgal and Mr Parvez Malik, Joint Director, Handicrafts, Jammu.

Prof Lalit Mangotra, chairman, Campus Cultural Committee, who presided, stated that the co-operative movement must be strengthened so that it acts as potent instrument of socio-economic transformation. The movement can benefit the common people, he added.

He appreciated the high quality of participation by the students who displayed intimate knowledge of co-operative movement and also the maladies which have crept in it.

Mr Ayub Khan, chairman, J&K Co-operative Union stressed that the co-operatives must be re-vamped and re-vitalised. Mr Jatindra Dev also spoke.

While Ms Tabasum Mughal conducted the proceeding, Mr Vijay Atri presented the vote of thanks.

Co-operative movement must be revitalised

Excelsior Correspondent

In addition, Ms Arati Sharma of Degree College, Udhampur and Mr Bikram Singh Jamwal of Law Department, JU were declared topper in the Hindi debate.

The panel of judges for the debate comprised of Prof R D Sharma, Dean, Faculty of Commerce, JU, Mr M N Sehgal and Mr Parvez Malik, Joint Director, Handicrafts, Jammu.

He appreciated the high quality of participation by the students who displayed intimate knowledge of co-operative movement and also the maladies which have crept in it.

Mr Ayub Khan, chairman, J&K Co-operative Union stressed that the co-operatives must be re-vamped and re-vitalised. Mr Jatindra Dev also spoke.

While Ms Tabasum Mughal conducted the proceeding, Mr Vijay Atri presented the vote of thanks.

Sculpture, painting exhibition inaugurated

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 27: A 2-day Sculpture and Painting Exhibition was inaugurated by the Minister for Industries and Commerce, Mr Bodh Raj Bali at Viraj Art Gallery, Gandhinagar in Jammu last evening.

The Exhibition has been organised by Viraj Kala Kendra, a local Fine Art organisation. The Sculpture and the Paintings based on modern and exquisit art have been worked outby Mrs Meeru Suri.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Bali lauded the creative work done by the Viraj Kala Kendra which is actively involve in promotion of artistics talent among the house wives. He said that the women folk constitute an important section of our society and are bestowed with talent in them.

The Minister said to encourage the talent of local artists especially the house wives, the Government will make necessary arrangements to organise special exhibition in other states of the country Mr Bali also donated Rs 3000 to the Viraj Kala Kendra.

The president of the Kendra, Prof Reeta Jatinder while speaking on the occasion highlighted the activities of Viraj Kala Kendra, and said that organisation is working for the upliftment of socially and economi-caly weaker women of the society. She also apprised that 6-day exhibition is also being organised from Ist December, 1999. The artists from Rajistan and Gujrat have been invited to take part in this exhibition.

A large number of prominent citizens, and art lovers were present on the occasion.

Mosque inaugurated at Miran Sahib

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 27: Jamia Masjid at Mian Fateh Kotli (Miran Sahib), R S Pura constructed on a voluntary basis by Mr Abdul Majid Shah, resident of the village was inaugurated by the Minister for Haj and Auqaf, Peerzada Ghulam Ahmad Shah yesterday. First Friday prayer were offered by the people who had come in thousands to participate in the inaugural ceremony.

The Union Minister of State for Industries and Commerce, Mr Omar Abdullah who was on a visit to the city of temples also joined the function and prayed for the Welfare and Prosperity of the State.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Haj and Auqaf called upon the people especially the majority community to come forward in making the State self-department in all spheres. He said our State and its people irrespective of their religion, creed, colour and caste are firm believer in secularism. He further said that all religions in the world teach tolerance and mutual brotherood.

The Minister appreciated the role of people assembled on the occasion irrespective of their religious affiliations which amply demonstrate our tolerance and respect for each others religion. The Minister appreciated the efforts made by Mr Abdul Majid Shah in the construction of the mosque.

The Minister also assured the gathering that Auqaf Committee of nine members will be notified for tehsil R S Pura which will identified the mosque which are in delipated condition besides they will also identify the Auqaf land in the tehsil. He said that the local MLA will make the selection of members from the Muslim Committee who will do the job.

Mr Omar Abdullah congratulated the people included Hindus and Sikhs for their support in building the Masjid. He said J&K State is proud of its rich culture heritage and maintain age old traditions of mutual amity and religious tolerance.

Those who spoken on the occasion were MLA, Mrs Zubeda Salaria, MLA Mohd Syed Akhoon, vice president, Youth National Conference, Dr Mohammad Shafi, General Secretary, YNC, Mr Abdul Karim Wani and several other office bearers of National Conference.

Private schools hold annual convention

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 27: United Front Associations of Private Schools Jammu organised an Annual Convention here Mr M.S. Tariq, the Education Minister was the chief guest on the function.

The function started with a set programme of welcome address by the chairman of the United Front Mr A K Kapoor. He projected the need for formation of the united front and expressed his gratitude to Mr M Y Mir, general secretary of Kashmir Private School Association Srinagar who joined the front and decided to cooperate for fighting the cause of private schools under one umbrella.

Mr Kapoor chairman of the front highlighted the problems including recognition, pending cases, managing committee Non involvement grant-in-aid, Board Exam under DIET 8th classes.

While addressing the gathering called for unity and cooperation of all private schools and demanded revocation of orders regarding five subjects pass system for 10th class candidates.

Mr Yovraj Singh, general secretary also listed the problems of private schools. He criticised the official done prevailing in J&K Board of School Education and in Directorate of School Education, Jammu to hinder the smooth functioning of the schools. He demanded pensionary benefits for private school teachers.

Prominent who spoke on the occasion included Mr Kamal Gupta, president of the front and Mr Qayoom Naik, president of Private School Association, Rajouri. Dr R R Dubey Joint Director School Education Jammu was also present in the function.

The Minister assured in the convention that all problems of Private School shall be solved amicably. He declared that 8th class students shall be exempted from DIET examinations-forthwith.

Mock CAT conducted at SPMR college

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 27: The "Tejpunj" - An NGO working towards the education and employment related causes of Youth, sponsored another Mock CAT at SPMR College of commerce yesterday.

It may be recalled that TEJPUNJ had conducted another seminar at GCET, Jammu earlier in the month. The Mock CAT was conducted by Leadership Foundation, a private institute working in the areas of MBA, MCA, GRE, GMAT coaching and Personality Development.

Foundation draws its expertise from Excel Management Foundation based at Ahmedabad and is their first center in North India.

The centre is promoted by Mr Vivek Sharma speaking on the occasion, he expressed his full conviction in the students of Jammu and said that, "We have, in very first year of operations helped students get across to institutes like IIM Calcutta, Jamnalal Bajaj, Mumbai, IMT Ghaziabad".

He lauded Tejpunj for its support in the process of locating and grooming of Talent, by way of sponsoring such seminars and by providing scholarship for deserving students.

The Mock CAT was preceded by an interactive counselling session in which he discussed time optimisation tactics for the test. He stressed on formulation of individual strategies based on individual strengths and weaknesses.

The CAT (Common Admission Test) for admission to IIMs and other allied institutes is scheduled for December 12, 1999 for admission to academic year 2000-2002.

Millennium Meet to discuss Diabetes among
Kashmiri migrants

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov. 27: The three day Millennium Meet on Diabetes to be held at Bhubaneswar in February, 2000, has decided to include in its agenda a discussion on the noted Diabetologist and author-academician Dr. Jitendra Singh's widely accepted postulations regarding the unprecedented upsurge of Stress related Diabetes among the migrant Kashmiri community. According to a communique received here, the scheduled Meet will be addressed by leading Diabetologists from India and abroad.

It may be recalled that Dr Jitendra Singh was the country's first Diabetologist who sought to draw the world attention to an unprecedented rise in the prevalence of diabetes among the Kashmiri community ever since this community was displaced from the Kashmir Valley following the onset of militancy ten years ago. Last year, Dr Singh had presented a Pilot Study on the same subject at the prestigious "Indian Institute of Management (IIM)" at Ahmedabad and the findings of the Study were published in the "International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries."

Dr. Jitendra Singh has now extended his research to describe the diabetic tendencies arising due to "ethnic" dilution among the younger generation of Kashmiri Pandits who are consciously or unconsciously adopting the ethnic culture, life-style and eating habits of the non-Kashmiri communities.

A distinguished Alumnus of the prestigious Stanley Medical College, Chennai, Dr. Jitendra Singh is the first ever medical professional who is a recepient of the coveted Jamna Devi Gian Devi award for journalism. Author of more than two thousand published articles, the first print of Dr Jitendra Singh's recent best-seller book "Insight into Diabetes" was sold out throughout India within first three months. Dr. Singh is also one of the Coordinators for the World Bank sponsored Diabetes research in India.

Destruction of ecosphere - a threat to humanity
Shivalik hills crying for protection

By Gopal Sharma

It’s well said by a great environmentalist-Mr Toynbee that concept of a designed Earth for the use of man only is responsible for the present ecological crisis and exploitation of nature. Of course, this is not the only cause, our greed, lust and immoral behaviour, our selfish desire, have also contributed to the devastation of nature.

Not only the Science but our old Granthas and Puranas- tell the humanity that trees are the most prominent objects in our environment and forests are the basis of natural environment, which protect our hills, mountains, roads and highways from soil erosion and land slides and give the natural beauty to the countryside.

Forests and trees prevent advances of desert and give great support to agriculture. Its cover keeps the earth moist and cool, maintain climate equilibrium and prevent from the extreme temperature, create wilderness, the most prized property of environment.

When forests disappear, our water sources disappear and shortage and famine of water prevail. It also affects the production of our hydro-electric projects. Forest bring about the local rains and protect us against drought. Infact, oxygen is our first demand and water is the second.

According to Mr S C Gupta, an expert on the subject, an average size tree produces 3.5 kg of oxygen daily. A human being requires 16 trees for daily oxygen to meet about 23,000 breaths daily per capita. As compared to rural, urban trees are more important for us as they produce oxygen which sustains us in the heavily polluted urban air. Forest air is fresh being rich in oxygen whereas, urban air is foul being poor in oxygen.

Due to only above mentioned reason, the children of the rural areas are generally healthy and bright because of fresh air and good environmental surroundings while those from urban areas are pale and sickly. He said our air is becoming more and more polluted and smoke of fossil fuels are filling air with deadly gasses. But what we are doing for creating mass awareness among the people to save the environment from the jaws of destruction is not sufficient. It needs assistance from various Government and private agencies, social organisations and the students as well, Mr Gupta maintained.

The process of felling of trees and destruction of vegetation in Jammu and Kathua districts is a matter of great concern. The pace with which the middle and lower Shivalik hills in the north of Akhnoor, Jammu, Samba and Kathua belt of Jammu region are turning barren, it is believed that by the end of next decade, the generation of Kandi belt will lead to starvation, famine of water and come in the fold of drought.

The land mafia- in connivance with the key persons in the Forest and Social Forestry department are operating around Jammu and going ahead with the operation clearance of forests and grabbing of land in a slow strategy. It has been observed that about 300 to 400 kanals of forest land right from north of Roop Nagar to Janipur Housing Colony, Lakkarmandi, Indira Colony, High Court area, New Plots and also up to Ramnagar Wild Life Park, has been grabbed and sold to the people for making easy money in just last three-four years. Some unauthorised and unplanned localities are coming into existence which are again becoming headache for the Administration.

With an organised plan, the wood-cutters of some areas have been engaged for felling of green trees illegally. Similarly, the forests on the Eastern bank of river Tawi known as Bahu Forests, Sidhra, Sunjwan, Bhathindi, Chatta and lower Shivaliks in the north of Sainik Colony and Rattanu Chak are being cleared with the connivance of the so called " colonisers" with the active support of some key persons in the concerned department. Some top officials in the Revenue department are also playing the key role in this destruction of ecology around the city of temples.

Though there are scores of NGOs registered with the government agencies but only a few of them are rendering their services in this field. Some NGOs functioning in parts of Samba, Kathua and Kalakot area of Rajouri have played a great role in creating awareness and launching plantation drives. The department of Forests and the Social Forestry no doubt are contributing to enrich the forests and the waste land with plantations by involving students and NGOs but a vigorous movement is required in this field.

Director Environment and Remote Sensing, Mr Vinod Ranjan (IFS) said that due to ongoing financial crisis in the Jammu and Kashmir state, the department is not getting enough funds for the promotion and protection of environment. Several environment related programmes could not be carried during this financial year and even during last year too, several programmes could not be initiated.

Replying to a question he said, despite fundscrunch the state government was kind enough to provide Rs 12 lakh for some projects and Rs 2 lakhs for training and awareness, especially among the school children and other students. There are fourteen schemes under this Department and only eleven schemes are functional . Earlier, about Rs 2 crores used to be kept for the environment protection out of the annual budget but we hope to get only up to the limit of Rs 50 lakhs.

He further said that training/ education is basic component of students. Moreover, the school children can play a vital role to promote environment related education and awareness. " We are organising various seminars, discussions, rural meets etc. independently as well as with the assistance of NGOs and other social organisation. The urban and rural areas are being given equal importance and even some projects with the help of NGOs have also been taken up in Ladakh region," he added.

In response to another question Mr Ranjan said for conservation of forests and land there are other departments and moreover, Environment and Remote Sensing has the Advisory role. The World agencies like World Bank and the Global Environment Facility, are funding various countries and the states for environment protection but in J&K no such funding has been observed so far.

Poonch NC depu meets CM

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 27: A deputation of National Conference (NC) members from Poonch called on Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah here today and apprised him of the various problems of the people of this border district.

As per a release, the delegation was led by chief organisor NC district Poonch, Mr Mohammed Sadeeq Khan.

The deputationists complained that the developmental works in the district are at stand still. They also diverted his attention towards the growing unemployment problem.

Dr Abdullah assured the delegation that his Government was committed to redress the grievances and problems being faced by people of the Poonch.

He also issued directives to Minister of State for Home to visit Poonch and have at and on spot study of peoples problems there.

Despite ceasefire agreement firing continues on border

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 27: Despite ceasefire agreement signed between the Pak Rangers and the Border Security Force men at Jalandhar meeting a few days ago, the Pak troops resorted to firing in Kanha Chak, Chinore Farm, Hamirpur, Khour and Pallanwalla area of Jammu sector last night.

A defence spokesman said that Pakistani troops resorted to firing in Kanha Chak, Chinore, Jogwan, Hamirpur, Khour and Pallanwalla area of Akhnoor. The intensity of firing was higher in Kanha Chak and Chonoe during mid-night while the intermittent firing continued throughout the night in other adjoining areas. 0

The Indian troops effectively retaliated but no loss of life or injury to any one was reported in the exchange of fire.The spokesman said that after Border management meet between the Pak and the Indian security agencies at Jalandhar there has been considerable decrease in the firing in Samba sector.

Militants’ attack security force picket in Poonch

Excelsior Correspondent

POONCH, Nov 27: Heavily armed militants launched attack on a security force picket at Saklu in Surankote area of district Poonch last night.

Giving details a police spokesman said that unspecified number of militants launched attack on a security force post at Saklu hamlet in the higher reaches of Surankote tehsil last night. The alert Special Task Force men of Jammu and Kashmir police started the retaliatory action and a fierce gun-battle ensued.

The exchange of fire continued for about two hours. The Army also rushed for the assistance. Militants escaped after they failed to face tough retaliation from the jawans. No reports about any loss of life on the either side were received.

NC Govt has failed to contain militancy: JDU

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 27: Pradesh Janata Dal United (JDU) while blaming the State Government for its total failure in containing the militancy in Jammu and Kashmir has sought the immediate intervention from Centre. The demand was made in a resolution passed by the Party in a meeting here today which was held under the chairmanship of state president and former Union Minister of State for Home Mr Mohammed Maqbool Dar.

Through another resolution the Party urged the Government to take immediate steps in releasing the salaries of the Government employees. It also demanded settlement of their genuine demands of the working class.

The Party took the State Government to task for the slow pace of developmental works and alleged that all the developmental works taken up in hand are at stand still.

It further alleged that the people were facing problems due to the lack of basic necessities like drinking water, electricity, kerosene oil, LPG and other essential commodities.

The meeting was held to take the stock of political, economic and law and order situation in the state. It urged the Party members to gear up and mobilize public opinion against the failure of NC Government.

Those who addressed the meeting include Messrs Ved Prakash Bhagat, Sanjesh Gupta, Dr A K Khuru, S P Mangotra, Mrs Satya Gupta, Swarna Devi, Rajinder Sharma, Abdul Rashid Lone, Gh Nabi Sofi, Kamla Suri, J R Rana, Master Chaman Lal Dogra and Om Prakash.

EUF endorses EJAC strike call

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Nov 27: A meeting of the Employees United Front, district Udhampur was held at PHE Complex here under the chairmanship of Mr Ved Parkash Sharma of Industries Department.

As per a release the representatives of various employees bodies participated in the meeting to discuss the strategy to be adopted by the Employees United Front to make the call of Kaam Chhor Hartal a grand success. All the employees leaders present in the meting endorsed the strike call given by Employees Joint Action Committee and appealed all employees to observe Kaam Chhor Hartal on November 30 in their respective offices.

The leaders present in the meeting included Messrs Som Nath, president PHE and district INTUC, Yesh Paul Gupta of PDD, Ram Parshad of teachers association, Mohinder Singh Sumbria, PWD, Tej Bahadur Singh, Irrigation, Surinder Kumar, Rural Development, Mohd Shafi of TAC, Kuldeep Singh of Forest Department, Ashok Kumar and Rakesh Kumar Pargal of Food and Supplied Department.

Despite ceasefire agreement firing continues on border

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 27: Despite ceasefire agreement signed between the Pak Rangers and the Border Security Force men at Jalandhar meeting a few days ago, the Pak troops resorted to firing in Kanha Chak, Chinore Farm, Hamirpur, Khour and Pallanwalla area of Jammu sector last night.