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

JAMMU, Oct 19: Over sixty seven Pakistani nationals, besides a few Burmese, who have completed their jail term under various offences in Jammu region, are awaiting orders of repatriation to their country.

Well placed sources said that of the total, most of them are now lodged in variouspolice stations for the last several years and are working for the cops there. Some of them have even lost hope of their reunion with their family members as they have not received any response from the Pakistani authorities for their deportation.

Of them, the most unfortunate ones are the seven Burmese nationals, who are striving hard to go back to their country for the last long six years, while five more Burmese are still languishing in other police stations of the region.

The Border District Police chief, SP Gulzar Singh Slathia when contacted, revealed that about thirty Pak nationals are lodged in various border police stations for their repatriation to Pakistan. Most of them are border crossers and others involved in border crime. For the last four to five years, they are with the police.

He said they have become liability on the police while there is no response from the Pakistani side. " Perhaps they are not prepared to accept them. We have written to the higher authorities and the concerned External Affairs Ministry through proper channel several times but there is hardly any response," he maintained.

In response to another question, he said apart from the five Pak escapees, there are still half a dozen Pakistanis languishing in Ramgarh police station now. The highest number of them are in Khour police station followed by Kanha Chak and R S Pura. Some are also with Samba, Arnia and Akhnoor police. The figures compiled from the police sources said that about 67 such Pak nationals are awaiting orders of deportation in the region now.

A senior Border Security Force official said that most of the intruders were captured along the international border including Kathua, Hiranagar, Samba, Ramgarh, R S Pura, Kanha Chak and Akhnoor sub-sectors of Jammu. Only a few of them were apprehended in Rajouri and Poonch sectors.

Due to strict vigil and three-tier security system along the border in Jammu sector, the chances of intrusion have been minimised. He said the recent development in Ramgarh police station was most unfortunate. He said there is need for a strong thought about the disposal of such cases.

Referring to an incident of India’s goodwill gesture, the official said that 12 Pak nationals had been repatriated through Octroi post of R S Pura to Sialkot district of Pakistan, about one and half years ago. The Pak authorities had later also indicated about the release of twenty Indians held in Pak, but no positive response was received from that side.

Of the total 12 pushed back, six hailed from district Sialkot, five from district Narowal whereas, one from Lahore. While a few of them crossed the border by mistake, the others were pushed into this side for spying or smuggling.

In response to a question he, the incidence of exfiltration and infiltration by large groups of Bangla nationals has also become a matter of concern for the security agencies and there was urgent need of some strong decision at the Central level to check it. There was also need of initiation by the both Indian and Pakistani governments about the early response and disposal of repatriation cases.

Pay more respect to women: Swami Paul

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct. 19: Amid religious fervour and ritualistic enthusiasm, the Samapti Samaroha of the Maha Gayatri Navratra Havans was performed in Swami Paul's Meditation Home by Swami Paul Ji Maharaj.

The celebrations during the Navratra Samaroha included performance of Maha Gayatri Yagna every day with chanting of holy Gayatri Mantra, Gayatri Meditation observing fasts, singing glories of the deities and listening to discourses.

On concluding day the "Puranahuti'' was offered with devotional spirit by a large number of devotees including Mr S D Rohmetra, Chief Editor of Daily Excelsior and other prominent citizens from various walks of life.

On this occasion Mr Rohmetra addressed the young volunteers of Maa Shakti, social organisation working for welfare of children and youth and encouraged them to be more dedicated and render practical services to the society. The samaroha was also attended by some foreign disciples of Swami Paul Ji.

Speaking on the occasion, Swami Paul Ji described the holy Navratras as a period of purification and dispelling darkness. During Navratras the performance of religious ambience and practice of austerities enables one to achieve higher level of purified thoughts and mind paving the way for pious actions', Swami Ji said. All this goes a long way to maintain proper peace, progress and success in life, Swami Ji added.

Swami Ji also emphasised the need to take care of the religious aspect underlying every human action. Whatever faith or religion we are following, the remembrance and worship of God bestows upon us the power to overcome sin, suffering and ignorance and reveal the divinity before us. Swami Ji exhorted that every human endeavour is bound to meet its objects and win the glory and grace of God if it is started with the prayers. In this context, Swami Ji described the Bhajan and Kirtan group singing of the beauty and benevolence of God as a significant instrument for individual divinisation as well as social integration through the spiritual currents and vibrations generated by it.

Appreciating the position and status of women in religion, Swami Ji explained that no religious activity is complete without the participation by women in it. Swami ji praised the role of women in shaping and strengthening the society and termed the 'women' as symbolic of the power of 'Durga'. For making the nation stronger, Swami ji emphasised that there should be more respect for the women which is the real message of holy Navratras.

Highlighting the significance of meditation, Swami ji called upon the devotees especially the children and youth to make meditation a habit in their life so as to reap the divine blessings of Goddess Gayatri and make their living free from wordly worries, problems and failures.

Swami ji also expressed his pleasure on wholehearted and overwhelming cooperation from the devotees and disciples for making good arrangements for the Navratra celebrations. The Samapti Samaroha was concluded with the distribution of Maha Prasad and 'Langer'-the sacred food for the devotees.

Manokamna Yatri Niwas inaugurated at Bhawan

Excelsior Correspondent

KATRA, Oct. 19: Manokamna Yatri Niwas at Vaishnodevi Bhavan was today inaugurated by Mr D V Batra, Member Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Mr H.L. Maini Technical Consultant, Chief Executive Officer, Addl. Chief Executive Officer and other Officers/Staff of the Shrine Board were present.

Constructed at a cost of about Rs. 1.80 crores, Manokamna Bhavan has 21 dormitories which will accommodate about 500 persons a day. Moreover the building has a Bhojnalaya offering Puri Channa, Rice Rajmash, Snacks and hot/cold beverages.

Ideally located near shopping complex/pony stand this building will add to the accommodational facilities already provided by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and much need to be expanded at Durbar Mata Vaishno Devi Ji.

Chhat Chandi Path concludes

Excelsior Correspondent

KATRA, Oct. 19: A 9 day's Chhat Chandit Path organised at Bhawan during the festive period of Holy Navratras from 10th Oct. was today concluded at Durbar Mata Vaishno Devi Ji. The Yaghya was performed under the guidance of Dr. (Pt.) Vishawmurti Shastri Ji of Jammu. A number of learned Pandits of Jammu region participated in the Yaghya which is performed for promoting peace in the world and victory good over evil.

Mr H.L. Maini, Technical Consultant, the Chief Executive Officer, the Addl. Chief Executive Officer, Sub Divisional, Bhawan and other functionaries of the Shrine Board participated in the Puran Ahuti.

In the meantime, Katra has witnessed un-abated rush during these Navratras. A record number of 1,80,432 yatris had Darshans of the Holy Goddess during this festive period.

2 killed in accidents
Housewife dies under mysterius circumstances

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 19: Two persons including a woman were killed and two others were seriously injured in separate road accidents. Besides, a teen-aged boy made an abortive attempt to end his life. However, a housewife died under mysterious circumstances.

According to police reports, a middle aged woman was killed when she was hit by speeding truck bearing number JK02-6697 at Baba-de-Talab this morning. Some passers-by immediately rushed to the spot and shifted the injured to Government Medical College Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. The deceased has been identified as Vidya Devi wife of Ram Lal of Kanachak.

Police have registered a case in this connection and held the driver on charge of rash and negligent driving.

Meanwhile, a middle aged man was killed when he was hit by fast-moving non-civilian vehicle at Bagh-e-Bahu late last night. He was immediately removed to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The body of the deceased, identified as Om Parkash son of Ram Saran of Narwal, handed over to family members after post-mortem.

Bagh-e-Bahu police have registered a case in this connection and held the driver. The vehicle was also seized.

Two persons were injured in separate road accidents reported from various parts of city. They were shifted to hospital and admitted. Doctors attending them stated their condition as normal. They have been identified as Sanjay son of Mala Ram of Pallanwala and Sumit son of Girdhari Lal of Swankha Morh.

In a bid to end life, a teen-aged boy consumed some poisonous drug at his residence. Identified as Ram Singh son of Mohan Singh of Sidhra was shifted to hospital when spotted unconscious by family members. Doctors attending him immediately washed his stomach and provided him superficial treatment. His condition was stated to be improving. The cause behind this extreme step is yet to be ascertained.

However, a young house-wife died under mysterious circumstances while ‘cooking’ at her home at village Deoli, near Bishnah.

Identified as Vijay Kumari, 30 wife of Tilak Raj of village Deoli, deceased got 100 serious burn injuries on October 17 night. Though she had received 100 percent burn injuries but she was not shifted to the hospital for treatment by her-in-laws.

According to the police, in-laws of the deceased informed the police about the incident after she succumbed to her injuries. As she died on the spot, they (her in-laws) did not see any reason to shifted her to hospital for treatment, the police said.

Notwithstanding the statement of police, some villagers on the condition of anonymity said that police got the information only in the morning. And after getting the information, a police party rushed to the spot and took the body under its possession before cremation. The body was sent to the Primary Health Centre Bishnah for post-mortem which was later handed over the family after autopsy for last rites.

Though the police has been waiting for the post-mortem report, a case under section 174-RPC has been registered and investigation started in the matter.

However, police said that both parent and in-laws of the deceased were agreed that it was an accident case and both parties were not interested in further investigation of the case.

9-day prog on devotional songs, Bhaints conclude

Excelsior Correspondent

KATRA, Oct 19: The 9-day programme of presentation of Bhaints and devotional songs on the eve of Navratra Festival came to a conclusion with distribution of prizes among the best adjudged teams and individuals at Katra last evening.

The four-member team of judges from Bombay declared Ghulam Mohammad and Party as the best Bhaint singer, while Jyotsna Rana of New Delhi and Neeta Sharma and Party of Jammu were declared 2nd and 3rd respectively. The Director Tourism, Jammu, Mr S S Bhalla presented cash awards of Rs 20,000, Rs 16,000 and Rs 12,000 to the best adjudged three Bhaint singers respectively. Jammu Travel Agent Association also awarded three trophies to the best adjudged Bhaint singers.

Trophies were also awarded to Hotel Asia, Jammu and Hotel Mount View, Katra for their best adjudged decorations during Navratra days. the president of the Association, Capt Gohar said that during next Navratras, more trophies would be distributed among the Bhaint singers and best decorated hotels in Jammu division.

Earlier, a colourful and enthusiastic procession was taken out in Katra town in which thousands of devotees and pilgrims from different parts of the country participated. Entire Katra town surrounding by ridges of Shivalik peninsula reverberated with slogans of "Jai Mata Di" when tableaus of Aghar Jittoo, Sita Haran, Rama's exile, Kargil skirmishes and Sarswati Goddess passed before the eyes of the devotees.

The Bhaint singing competitions at Jammu was held at Bahu Fort from October 10 to 13 and at Katra from October 14 to 18, 1999.

On the occasion, Deputy Director Tourism, Mr Rana presented vote of thanks.

The Cultural Wing of the State Information Department, Jammu also presented an impressive variety programme at Bahu Fort complex during Navratra days. The programme which received overwhelming response from the people was focused on devotional songs, Bhaints, skits and humour. Thousands of pilgrims on their way to Kali Mata Temple in historic Bahu Fort were attracted by the open theatre performance of the artists of the department.

Pure your mind through meditation: Aloo Bhaba

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 19: Mahatma Aloo Bhaba jee Maharaj has said to his disciples that "Meditation" is just like having bath, just by having bath you clean your body, same way by meditation, the inner soul gets cleaned.

He said to his disciples that the way of living is more than dharma and your cast of birth. "It is better to follow your daily routine but during this you must do meditation." He said adding that you may be in any profession, but you must do meditation while doing your day to day work.

By following this routine you will see changes going around you will have mental satisfaction, in doing your day to day work also, he said.

Shri Aloo Bhaba Jee Maharaj said that in Vedas, we have got various easy ways to achieve goal which all of us can follow. Maharaj said that when you go some where, what ever, you see think that you have seen God. Also when you take food take it as God's prased. Even during your sleep think that you are sleeping in the laps of God. When you wake up think that you are up to do Gods work. When all the works you do as God's work, your false ego will ultimately go out and you will be under direct control of God.

During travelling when you can not do any other work except sitting it is better to reacte God's name. During sleep, remember God, you won't need medicine for sleeping and have good sleep. When your will remember Gods name, everytime without doing anything you will get in touch of God, and worries will get reduced and will get ultimate place in paramdam of God and get freedom from day to day work when ever you will have illness reate God's name.

The Swami Ji and as you call any body by name, he replies out, same way by remembering God's name, he will give reply to you. As child has got right on his mother, same way you have got right on God.

Govt flayed for power cuts

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 19: Mr Harsh Dev Singh, Panthers party MLA from Ramnagar has flayed the Government for the scheduled and unscheduled power cuts being effected by it which has greatly paralysed the normal life.

In a statement here, he, regretted that despite abnormal hike having been effected in the power tariff, the Government has miserably failed to ensure un-interrupted supply of power to consumers.

He further expressed his dismay over the continued harping of the State Government about the shortage of power although the Union Power Minister in his recent statement had asserted that there as no shortage of power and that the nation had surplus power.

The statement flayed the contradictory statements made by the two ministers of NC Government regarding the revenue collections from power sector. He said that whereas the Minister of State for Power, Syed Rashid announced in his meeting yesterday at Gladni that the Power Development Department has realised Rs 36 crores from Jammu Division during the first six months of the current financial year, the acting Chief Minister Mr Mohi-ud-Din Shah and his colleague Mr Mohd Shafi announced in yesterday's divisional level officers meet that the revenue collection was of the order of Rs 25 crores for the aforesaid period. He said that the insincerity of the NC Government towards the people of Jammu region is evident from the fact that they do not even want to disclose the actual figures of revenue collection from Jammu region and want to conceal the same with ulterior designs.

He said that if the Government sincerely effects recoveries from Kashmir region as well, the power crisis could be resolved to a great extent.

GEWF endorses EJAC dharna

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 19: Provincial committee of Government Employees and Workers Federation in a meeting under the presidentship of Mr Lekh Raj Khajuria took stock of the situation arisen out of non-implementation of agreement reached between the Employees Joint Action Committee and the Government in January this year.

As per a release the speakers flayed the Government for back tracking from its commitment to concede the genuine demands of the employees which included release of DA instalments of January and July this year in cash, second instalment of 5th Pay Commission arrears, regularisation of daily wagers with seven years service and their wage enhancement, declaring GPF pass books as valid documents, benefit of earned leave and leave encashment to teachers, removal of pay anomalies of 4th and 5th Pay Commissions, constitution of JCM in the State on Central pattern and eradication of corruption from top to bottom in Government offices.

The meeting endorsed the call for one day mass dharna on October 23 by EJAC and decided to participate in a big way. The Federation issued a call to its rank and file to ensure their participation in the said dharna.

The leaders various affiliation association and unions of the Federation who attended the meeting included Messrs Bharat Kumar (STA), Sushil Sudan and Kulbhushan Chouhan (MEF), Gurcharan Singh and Vinod Kumar (BHWA), Didar Singh (GEWF), Prem Paul Singh (JKAEA), Shahid Hussain (LEA), Raghubir Singh (AHEA), Mrs Shashi Bala (MSEA), Mrs Santosh Khajuria (STA Kathua), Aslam Khan (STA Jammu), Nazir Hussain Qilla, Afzal Lone, Karan Singh, Ragubir Singh, Dushant Puri, Karam Hussain Shah, Tilak Raj Sharma, Shashi Paul, Kavi Raj, Raj Kumar, Om Parkash Sharma and Kulwant Singh.

Jaagran to be telecast live

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 19: A Jaagran of Maa Bhagwati is being organised at JDA Complex, Janipura on Wednesday by Shiva Cable Communications.

The Jaagran will be telecast live on cable from New Plot to Ban Talab area. The Jaagran will be performed by a Punjab party.

Employees’ protest in Kishtwar

Excelsior Correspondent

KISHTWAR, Oct 19— The low paid employees of teshil Kishtwar held a protest rally in the town here today under the chairmanship of Mr Mohd Sharief Bhutt today.

The employees were expressing strong resentment against the GP Fund authorities at Doda. They alleged that the annual GP Fund statements of the employees were lying pending for the last several months.

The employees of various departments gathered at a central place and then took out a protest march which finally culminated outside Tehsildar’s office. A similar protest was held at Thathri. The employees expressed that they were facing lot of problems due to non-clearance of their GP Fund bills.

Cultural function held at Nagrota Camp to
celebrate Vijay Dashmi

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 19: In connection with celebrations of Vijaydashmi, a colourful cultural programme was organised by Sarswati Pustakalya at Migrant Camp Nagrota today.

Besides the students from various camp schools of Jammu, budding artists from some local private institutes and KV Nagrota also participated in the function to entertain the audience in the jam-packed Community Hall.

The function started with a quiz programme which was followed by the variety of cultural items presented by the students of different schools.

As this was a maiden experience of the organisers to arrange such a function, yet the every item which was presented by them got a thunderous applause from the public.

Though the presentation of some items was so fabulous that the audience danced to the tone of artists and singers, yet the five hour long show was dominated by the budding artists of Government Higher Secondary School Camp Nagrota and students of Camp School Shastri Nagar who presented a folk Kashmiri song and "rouh" respectively.

The Shiv "Nartyi"(dance) performed by Robel Langer of K V Nagrota was the master piece and his performance was acclaimed by one and all. Robel was also later presented award for his best performance.

While the break dance by Ravi Raina, organisers of the function added a colour to the programme, a Kashmiri folk song presented by students of Shanti Niketan School made the function more lively.

The other highlights of the programme were the Rajasthani dance by students of K V Nagrota, Kashmiri translation of "Saray Jhan Say Acha" by students of Shanti Niketan Nagrota, skit by Mata Sarswati Pustakalya and Purkhoo Camp School students, Dogri song by Durga Academy, Panj Garhi, Nagrota and Punjabi Dance by the students of Shastri Memorial School.

However, every one danced to the tone in the audience when the "Jawab Nahi Gori Uska" was presented by the artists of Royal Institute Nagrota.

Mr Prithpal Singh Betab, Relief Commissioner, Migrants who was the chief guest on the occasion presented prizes to winners and certificates to participants which were sponsored by Youngs India, a UNICEF aided NGO.

The first prize in the quiz was bagged by students of Science College Camp, Jammu while the students of Camp Higher Secondary School Nagrota got the second prize and third prize was shared by Camp School Muthi and Bakshi Nagar.

In cultural programme first prize was bagged by Government Higher Secondary School Shastri Nagar and second prize by Shanti Niketan School Nagrota. The best organisers award was given to Mr Ravi Raina.

A sports kit was also presented to B N Cricket Club Nagrota by Mr Vivek Raina, Director Youngs India on the recommendations of Relief Commissioner, Mr P S Betab.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Betab highly appreciated the talent shown by the budding artists and assured every help and support to them for their encouragement in future.

Director SOS Mr K K Mam who was a special guest on the occasion presented books for the library of Sarswati Pustakalya.

Among the others who spoke on the occasion include Brig (retd) Koul, Lt Col (retd) G K Raina, Director Youngs India, Mr Vivek Raina, its general secretary Nikhil Braroo and Pardeep Dhar, chief publicity Relation Officer Youngs India.

The music of the programme was given by Raj Nargis Musical Group headed by Manoji Mastana and S K Bhat while Sunil Pandita alias Master Vicky played the Kango.

Dhansali bags first place in all India Bhaint
Singing contest

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 19: Ghulam Mohammad Dhansali of Dhansal in Jammu bagged best position in All India Bhaint Singing competition sponsored by the Travel Agents Association of Jammu.

First three position holders in the final round of the competition which held during the Navaratra festival at Katra were given the trophies by the representatives of Taaj group of hotels.

The first prize trophy was given by Taaj president, Capt. Anil Gour, while the second prize trophy was handed over to Ms Joytsna Rana of Delhi by Taaj vice-president, Mr Rajender Kotwal. The third prize trophy was given away to Ms Anita Sharma and party of Jammu by Taaj general secretary, Mr D N Fotedar. The function was attended by all the active members of Taaj,

The trophy awards were in addition to the cash prizes given by the Tourism Department for encouragement to the participants.

ASKPC flays statement of MOS Home, HN MLA

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 19: The Executive Body of All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) in a meeting here today chaired by Mr R K Raina has taken strong exception of the statement of Minister of State for Home and NC MLA given at floor of the Assembly that security forces are committing excesses on people.

In a statement issued here today, it said while the Chief Minister is determined to crush the militancy with iron hands which has spread its tentacles again in the Valley, the statement of Minister and his Party colleague has sent confusing signals among the masses.

The meeting while criticising the State Government alleged that it has miserably failed to protect the migrant houses from illegal occupation and encroachment of migrant land. It also alleged that the houses of many Kashmiri Pandits have been damaged.

The meeting urged the State Government to take immediate steps in restoring the property of the KPs.

It strongly advocated for an economic package for the rehabilitation of the community.

The meeting was also highly critical of the discriminatory attitude adopted by relief agency while making registrations. It said that the people who are still in Valley but have some links and influence in the agency get easily registered while the deserving people are ignored.

It while citing an example alleged that one Mohan Lal Langer has been forced to beg by the agency though his case has been recommended by the Minister.

Those who addressed the meeting include Messrs M L Malla, general secretary ASKPC, H L Chatta, its vice president and R K Bhat.

Durga Puja held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 19: In connection with Navratra celebrations, Durga Pujan was performed on October 10 at Home for Aged and Infirm Ambphalla.

As per a release, a Havan was also performed in the Home today. All the inmates of Vridh Ashram and the members of Managing Committee participated in the function. On the occasion prayers were held for peace and prosperity.