RR celebrates Raising Day in Kishtwar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 1: 9 Sector Rashtriya Rifles celebrated its fifth raising day with enthusiasm and a pledge to restore normalcy and bring happiness to the people of general area Kishtwar, Bhaderwah of district Doda (J&K).

Raised at Ahmednagar on October 1, 1994, it has been operating in Doda district since January 19, 1995.

Besides undertaking vigorous operations in the area it has conducted an excursion trip for the young children of Kishtwar to expose them to the rich cultural heritage of the country called "Mountains to Sea".

About 22 boys and girls from Kishtwar, Gundoh and Thatri tehsils of Doda district from all communities visited a variety of places in Pune, Bombay, Delhi, Agra, Nagrota and Udhampur. Another excursion trip of 25 young students to Agra and Delhi to visit historical places was also organised.

The Sector has since its raising, killed/apprehended 124 militants and recovered about 200 weapons including one rocket and eight light/universal machine guns.

With Brig Satish Bahl, who has been part of the elite group like NSS, as the Commander, the results have been remarkable.

Following the principle of "Bullet for a Militant and Heart for Innocent" in the year gone by the Sector has killed/apprehended 90 militants and captured 46 Rif AK-47/self loading rifles and large quantity of ammunition, grenades and radio sets.

Goodwill camps and medical camps at all important places have been conducted by the formation in conjunction with civil administration and SSP Doda.

An endeavour has been made to bring succour to thelong suffering citizens of the area and develop a bond of faith and friendship with the people by undertaking projects catering to the requirement of the people.

Operation Sadhbhavana was undertaken by the Sector this year in Chhatru, a remote village in Kishtwar tehsil of Doda district.

To eradicate the fear of gun and to enable people to defend themselves, village defence committees have been organised and trained by this Sector. More than 400 special police officers have been trained so that the threatened themselves defend their own people and property and pose a threat to the miltiants who dare to threaten them.

On this occasion, the Commander, Brig Satish Bahl, exhorted his men to go all out to defeat the designs of enemies and maintain vigil so that the citizens of the area can live in peace and harmony and go about their chore without fear.

Gupta condemns attack on Secretariat

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 1: The BJP leader and the party nominee in the Udhampur Parliamentary constituency, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, has condemned the attack on the Civil Secretariat at Srinagar and killing of innocent persons at the hands of Pak-sponsored terrorists.

He held the Congress and its fellow travellers responsible for this increased violence and terrorist activities.

In a statement here today, Prof Gupta pointed out that before the one vote defeat of the Vajpayee Government at the Centre in March last, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir had marked considerable improvement and the militancy was at the lowest ebb. But, after the fall of the Government at the Centre an air of uncertainty in the country was created and the forces enmical to India in and across the borders were emboldened.

Taking advantage of this uncertainty, Pakistan resorted to intrusion in Kargil and simultaneously indulged in pushing more and more highly trained and motivated infiltrators to this side of the border and Line of Control, he asserted.

He further said that as the security forces especially the Army was withdrawn from the interior areas to meet the situation created in Kargil and also elsewhere along the LoC/IB, the terrorists and subversives found the opportunity to entrench themselves and create new hideouts.

CM pays tributes to Mahatma Gandhi

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 1: The Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah has paid glowing tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation on his 130th birth anniversary being observed tomorrow.

In his message, the Chief Minister has made a fervent appeal for strengthening the Gandhian spirit which would help to overcome most of the problems in the country is facing today. He said that Gandhian philosophy of non-violence is more relevent today than even before. He said the spirit of sacrifices penence, purity of thoughts, righteousness which the father of the nation symbolised is unfortunately winning in our society today. He said the Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy based on the ideals of truth and non-violence has made him the tallest of the leaders that the country has proved. He said that the great leader during his life time worked tirelessly for upliftment of the down-trodden and the eradication of untouchability and other social evils.

Dr Abdullah said that Bapu was so impressed with the unflinching faith of the people of the State of J&K in secularism which stood the test of time that he had confessed that if ever he saw a ray of hope in and communal frenzy of partition that was only from J&K. He said Gandhiji’s ideology and teachings are a major source of inspiration and strength for the people of the State was boldly joining the challenges and threat of fundamentalists and cross border terrorism. He expressed his firm belief that the people of the State would continue to uphold the traditions of secularism and communal amity aloft despite provocations from the nefarious elements.

CEO turns down Soz’s allegations

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 1: The Chief Electoral Officer, J&K, Mr SV Bhave has described the allegation of Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz that SPOs had been working as polling agents of the ruling party at large number of polling stations in Kupwara district as unsubstatiated.

Reacting to a news report appearing in a section of press today the CEO said that the allegations of Prof Soz, contesting candidate from Baramulla Parliamentary constituency, has been enquired into and after checking of the polling agents of the National Conference candidate from Form-10 specifically in respect of polling stations in Lolab and Handwara Assembly segments, mentioned by Mr Soz in his written complaint to the CEO, and after checking with the SSPs of the district, it was found that none of the polling agents was employed as SPO by the State Government. The complaint of Mr Soz, therefore, is not substantiated. Mr Bhave said and added, "there is no question of vitiating of the election process in those polling stations."

The CEO has also taken note of a wrong report appeared in a Srinagar newspaper on Tuesday suggesting that he had admitted to the use of force by security agencies for compelling the electors to cast their votes on the day of poll in Baramulla Parliamentary constituency. He categorically denied having made any such admission anywhere. He recalled that the CEO is well within his rights to correspond with the Police Department and make suggestions. However, all such correspondence is secret and cannot be made public, he added.

Mr Bhave regretted that such statement had been attributed to him without cross checking the facts. It would have been desirable if the concerned media person, as the majority of them are doing, had directly contacted the CEO or his office to accetain the fact, he said.

Meanwhile, an official spokesman today vehemently denied the allegation of Mr Soz that the SPOs and surrendered militants enjoyed support from a section of the State police for rigging the polls. He said the allegation is prepostrous and baseless as there is no specific complaint. He recalled that Director General Police had already refuted the allegations.

Navratra festival at Katra

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 1: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi JI Shrine Board, Katra will be the cosponsor of the ensuring Navratra festival being organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department at Katra commencing from October 10 to 18, 1999.

According to the Director Tourism, Mr S S Bhalla the prize money of first three prizes in daily and final All India Bhaint competition (devotional songs) has been doubled. There will be first three prizes of Rs 10,000, Rs 8,000 and Rs 6,000 respectively instead of Rs 5,000, Rs 4,000 and Rs 3,000 to be awarded to the individuals/groups whose Bhatins will be adjudged best during first 8 days of Navratras. Similarly, the winners of first three prizes on the first 8-days of Navtras will be eligible to contest the final competition at Katra on October 18. The cash prizes of Rs 20,000, Rs 16,000 and Rs 12,000 will be awarded to first three winners of final contest instead of Rs 10,000, Rs 8,000 and Rs 6000 respectively.

It may be recalled that competition from October 10 to 13 will be held at Bagh-e-Bahu, Jammu and from 14 to 17 at Katra.

Impressive religious procession taken out in
the City of Temple

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 1: Chanting bhajans in praise of Lord Rama and Krishana, a large number of devotees participated in the Shobha Yatra which was taken out in the City of Temples in connection with the Vishal Nagar Sankirtan. This yatra was taken out as mark of conclusion of the series of devotional lecturers organised in Shri Raghunath Mandir.

Hare Rama Hare Krishana Krishana Krishna Rama Rama repeatedly rented in air as the Yatra, led by Srila Bhakti Ballabh Tirtha Goswami Maharaj, entered the ever busy Raghunath Bazar from Shri Raghunath Mandir. Swami Srila Bhakti Ballabh Tirtha Goswami Ji Maharaj and with his entourage led the yatra all the way from Shri Raghunath Mandir.

The procession started Shri Raghunath Mandir and culminated at same place after passing through Raghunath Bazar, City Chowk, Arya Samaj Market, Old Hospital Road, Purani Mandi, Raj Tilak Road, Parade and other areas.Virtually gripped with religious fervor, devotees were seen dancing with the rhythm of bhajans. Marching bare-footed, the followers of Swami Ji Maharaj were beating dholaks, chimtas and other instrument beside singing bhajans all the way to the procession.

Young disciples of Swamiji have impressed the passers-by their bhajans and slogans which they were repeatedly shouting.

A rousing reception was accorded to the procession at many places. Devotees who were throng there to have a glimpse of Swami Srila Bhakti Goswami Maharaj and to seek blessing of the great saint, welcomed the procession by showering flower petals.

The programme was organised by Shree Harinam Sankirtan Sabha Jammu (GOKUL).

Beside from Jammu, the devotees from Punjab, Haryana and Delhi have participated the series of devotional lecturers.

Minister for privatising educational system

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 1: The Minister for School Education, Mr Mohammad Sharif Tariq has underscored the need for privatisation of the education sector to make it need based, result oriented and effective for transformation of the society equipped with latest scientific technology.

Addressing function organised in connection with the celebration of Teachers Day at Kothi Bagh Hr Secondary School here today, the Minister said that the competition between the Government and privately run educational institutions should be encouraged it would help improve the standard of education imperative for students to compete the challenges in the next millennium. He said the entire world has shrunken into a global village where students need to acquaint themselves with the latest innovations to make them fit for the profession they choose for their survival.

Recalling the honour and dignity of the teaching community, the Minister said that this community has respectable place in the society and status and they should strive to restore the past glory of this sacred profession. He said the educational institutions are the temples of learning and the teachers and parents together have a pivotal role in provide congenial atmosphere to the budding students who are the future of the society. He said the Government was alive to the problems of the teaching community and most of their genuine problems have been solved. The teachers too should realise the obligations towards the society and work with more vigour and dedication in imparting education to the children.

While giving account of the shattered education system in the State due to militancy, Mr Tariq said that the Government made all out efforts to rebuild the infrastructure and bring this vital sector back on rails. The menance of copying was eradicated, all the schools were made fully functional and confidence was restored among the students for conduct of fair examinations and early announcement to results.

Regarding adverse reports about the removal of pay anomalies, the Minister said that the Cabinet Sub-Committee has in principle agreed to remove pay anomalies of the teachers and its pros and cons are being worked out by the concerned authorities. There should be no reason to doubt the commitment made in this connection by the Government.

Earlier, the students of the school presented a fascinating variety cultural programme. The Minister gave a prize of Rs 500 to the best singer girl who presented a Gazal and Rs 1500 for entertainment of the students who performed on the stage.

JU declares BBA part-I result

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 1: Payal Arora topped in the Bachelor of Business of Administration (BBA) part-I, the result of which was declared by the University of Jammu, today.

The result, which was declared after a delay of more than one month gave a sigh of relief to the 22 students, who had appeared for the examinations. Out of total 22 students, 21 have been declared successful with high percentage of marks.

Payal daughter of Mr Sham Sunder Arora has got 506 marks out of 700.

The only student, who could not get through the examinations was marked absent in three of the seven papers.

When asked the University authorities that why result was late, they said in the checking of BBA papers expert teachers are required, who are less in number. As also for subject awards, JU has to send answer sheets out of station, which is a time consuming process.

Surgeons’ Conference inaugurated

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Oct 1: The Minister for Medical Education, Dr Mustafa Kamal today inaugurated the 3-day seventh All India Rural Surgeons Conference organised jointly by the Association of Rural Surgeons of India and Regional Surgeons Association of Jammu and Kashmir by lighting the traditional lamp. Dr Mustafa Kamal was the chief guest on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the Health Minister congratulated the Associations for organising the Conference and conducting heart surgery in the District Hospital, theeby bringing it on the map of heart surgery in the country. He said that the Government has been providing all the basic amenities of life including the medical aid to the people but due to militancy for the last over nine years these services have been badly affected. Although militancy has been controlled to the greater extent but traces of it are still existing. He said that the State of Jammu and Kashmir is unique one where medical network has been extensively spread out and a number of surgical operations are conducted at District and Sub District Hospitals.

Referring to lack of infrastructure including equipment, staff and accommodation etc, he said efforts are being made to update the system despite financial shortages. The Minister said that the State Government has projected a requirement of Rs 200 crores to the Central Government for updating and improving medicare facilities at district level. He said that 70 per cent of the population of each district is residing in far-flung and inaccessible areas where primary health needs of the people are required to be looked after whereas about 10 per cent patients need specialised services by surgery.

He advised to doctors to observe medical ethics while treating the patients and treat them as your family members.

Dr Mustafa Kamal criticised the emerging trend of commercialisation in medical profession which does not suit them. He urged the private practitioners also to preserve the high ethics of medical profession for the sake of humanity.

The Health Minister offered all genuine help to the Association of Rural Surgeons for extending medicare services in the State and also urged it to organise similar conferences in the Valley.

Dr Mustafa Kamal also distributed Sushmita Vigyan Anusandhan Awards to three doctors including Sujay K Guha, New Delhi, Dr Braham Dev Singh, Prof Neuro Surgery, Dr KC Sharma, Senior Surgeon, Udhampur and Rural Surgeon Awards to three doctors including Dr Tsering Narboo of Leh, Surgeon Specialist, Dr Sane Moreshwar of Mumbai and Dr Rattna Magotra, Cardiac Surgeon, Mumbai.

Organising secretary, Dr KC Sharma, while expressing aims and objectives of the Conference read out the message of Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah, expressing congratulations to the organisors for organising this event for the first time in the State.

Among others who spoke on the occasion included Dr RR Tangoankar, president and Dr RD Prabhu honary secretary of the Association.

Among others, a host of dignatories present on the occasion included chairman, Khadi and Village Industries Board, Mr CN Naik, MLC, Mr Chuni Lal Khajuria, Principal, GMC, Jammu, Dr HL Goswami, Director, Health Services, Jammu, District Development Commissioner, Udhampur, SSP, Udhampur besides doctors from across the country as well as from abroad including Germany and USA and Rural Surgeons.

Earlier, today, Mrs Anita Devi of Akhnoor was operated for Mitral Valvotomby by Dr Rattna Magotra,Mr Suraj of Ramnagar was operated for Omental Grafting in Burge’s disease by Dr JK Banerjee of New Delhi, Mrs Maya Devi of Ramnagar for Abdominal Hysterectomy by Dr KC Sharma of Udhampur, Mr Narinder Gupta of Udhampur for Bistula by Dr Balwant Singh of Jammu, Mr Balak Ram ofSunderbani for Prepucioaplasty by Dr Sanjay Shivade of Maharashtra besides examining another 91 heart patients by Dr Rattna Magotra of Mumbai hospital.

The surgery on patients was reflected by live-telecast from operation theatre to audience in the conference hall of District Hospital, Udhampur.

In the morning, the surgical workshop was inaugurated by Director, Health Services, Dr RK Goel. The workshop was attended by doctors from Maharashtra, West Bengal etc and surgeons from all remote areas of J&K.

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