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

Two thieves arrested, stolen goods recovered

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 16: With the arrest of two thieves, Bakshi Nagar Police today claimed to have solved a number of theft cases. From their possession, a number of electronic gadgets and a Qualis vehicle were recovered.

Both the thieves were active in the area of Sarwal, Bakshi Nagar and Rehari for the past quite sometime, said DySP Bakshi Nagar Bhupinder Singh alongwith officiating SHO DySP Probationary Khaleel Poswal while taking to media-persons here.

The arrested thieves— Rahul Kapoor of Amritsar and Suraj of Chhattisgarh have been booked under 379 and 380 RPC.

The police officers said that Rahul Kapoor had visited sometime back the residence of his relatives at Sarwal area and started stealing things from the vehicles.

"About 15 days back, a police patrol party of Sarwal PP led by Kamal Sangra noticed Rahul trying to steal Qualis bearing registration number JK02T-9181 in Sarwal area and arrested him", they said and added that about three cases stand registered against him in the Bakshi Nagar Police Station.

The modus operandi of Rahul, Police said, was to remove the rare wind screen of the vehicles by using a small knife and then either steal the articles from it or even take away the vehicle by using master key and added that three car steroes, six speakers and a number of other spare parts of the vehicles were recovered from his possession.

During interrogation the accused disclosed that he was selling the stolen goods to the local youth, who when contacted by the police said that they were not aware of the fact that the articles were stolen ones.

"We have also arrested another thief—Suraj, who had broken the shutter of a shop in Rehari Colony area sometime back and decamped with one VCR-cum-CD player, one colour television, 20 CDs, one tape recorder and an alarm clock", Mr Poswal disclosed and said that Suraj too was active in the area for the past quite sometime.

With the arrest of these two thieves, he said, a number of theft cases were solved.

National Integration camp of Bharat Scouts
& Guides from Sept 16

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Aug 16: To finalize the arrangements for convening of National Integration camp at Gulmarg from September 16 to September 20 a meeting of office bearers of J&K Bharat Scouts & Guides Association (BSGA) was held today under the chairmanship of State Chief Commissioner, Mr. N.A.Khan.

The objective of the camp, sponsored by National Headquarter of BSGA, New Delhi would be held to acquaint the youth of the country with the importance and significance of National Integration and inculcate in them the spirit of patriotism. The camp will provide a platform for interaction between the youth from different States and would educate them about the diversity of culture and customs existing in the country. 500 Scouts & Guides drawn from all the States and Union territories of the country would participate in the rally.

The J&K chapter of BS&GA, Gulmarg Development Authority, Department of Education, Tourism and Youth Services shall be organizing members of the camp.

The meeting was among others attended by Vice President, BS&GA, Mrs Roma Wani, State Secretary, Mr. G.M. Dar and representatives of local prominent schools.

More educational institutions celebrate I-Day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 16: More educational institutions celebrated Independence Day with enthusiasm and gaiety.

Bloom Public School, Gandhi Nagar, celebrated Independence Day in collaboration with Bharat Vikas Parishad. Tricolour was hoisted by chairman of the School Mr V R Goswami and children presented colourful cultural programme. Master Aditya Bhanu of 9th Class delivered speech on I Day while Miss Asma Rahim sang patriotic songs and received cash award from the viewers. The Chairman Mr Goswami threw light on war of independence while the Principal presented vote of thanks.

S D Tara Puri Public High School, Gandhi Nagar celebrated the Independence Day with great zeal and enthusiasm. The programme started with a tribute to the martyrs, who laid down their lives for the motherland during freedom struggle.

A quiz programme was also organised on the occasion. The Principal of the School Miss Neeru Puri hoisted the National Flag and said that national strength always depends upon students. The programme was chaired by the Secretary of the School Mr Ram Lal Sharma and concluded with the distribution of sweets among the students.

Government Higher Secondary School, Marh celebrated the day with great pomp and show. The National Tri-colour Flag was hoisted by the Principal Mr Gurcharan Singh in the School premises amidst reciting of National Anthem.

Independence Day was also celebrated at Government Higher Secondary School, Teryath, Rajouri. Mr A K Mazumdar, Commandant 136 Battalion CRPF was the chief guest on the occasion and unfurled the National Flag.

Government Higher Secondary School, Domana celebrated the day by organising a colourful function. Mr Kulbhushan Gupta, Principal of the School hoisted the National Flag. A variety of programme depicting the patriotic theme was presented by the students of the school.

Government High School, Hamirpur, Sidher, Akhnoor celebrated the day alongwith adjoining Schools. Mr Kehar Singh, Headmaster presided over the function and hoisted the National Flag.

Many cultural items were also displayed by the students of the school.

Army School Domana celebrated the day with lots of enthusiasm and fervour. The celebrations started with the hoisting of National Flag by the chief guest Dr Renu Gupta, Principal of the School. She took the salute and addressed the students.

A number of cultural programmes comprising patriotic songs as well as special quiz on national freedom struggle and Independence Day were organised on the occasion.

Aptech Computer Education Centre, Nagrota celebrated the day in its centre at Nagrota. The flag was hoisted by Mr Sham Lal Sharma, Zonal Education Officer of the Dansal Block.

Mr Sham said that most important thing in the life must be national integrity. Mr Vishal Gupta, Director of the Centre said that people must always remember the sacrifices of the freedom fighters and contribute for the overall development of the nation.

Mr Rameshwar Dutt Sharma, Prof Ramesh Gupta, Dr Arun, Ms Anju Khajuria and Deepika Sharma also spoke on the occasion.

Government Middle School Raipur Satwari celebrated the day with fervour and enthusiasm. The flag was hoisted by Col S P S Butta and he asked the people to learn lesson from freedom fighters.

Mrs Charanjeet Kour, Headmistress of the School welcomed the people and presented vote of thanks.

The Independence Day was celebrated in Maha Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir, Resham Ghar Colony with enthusiasm and fervour. Mr R C Vaid, Sports Assistant of Youth Services and Sports, Jammu was the chief guest on the occasion.

Principal of the School gave the back ground of the freedom struggle and importance of the day. The students presented variety of cultural items alongwith singing of national integration songs.

ASN Higher Secondary School, Gurha Morh, Bakshi Nagar celebrated the day with fervour and gaiety. Mrs P N Kapoor, Principal of the School hoisted the National Flag amidst reciting of National Anthem.

Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Mubarak Mandi celebrated the day under the leadership of Mrs Kanta Kapoor. The celebration began with the National Anthem followed by students presenting various cultural programmes.

Government Middle/Primary School, Kot Garhi, Akhnoor celebrated the day with great pomp and show. Headmaster of the School Mr Ashok Kumar Sharma hoisted the National Flag.

Independence Day was also celebrated in the Spring Field School of Education, Rehari Colony with great fervour. Dr Divander Gupta, president of the School hoisted the National Flag and impressed upon the students to work for the betterment of the country.

The Independence Day was also celebrated in Government Girls Middle School, Salehar with great pomp and show. Mr Sat Pal Bharti, ZEO Arnia hoisted the National Flag. Various cultural programmes were also presented by the students.

A colourful function was organised in Dogra Higher Secondary School, Shastri Nagar, Jammu to celebrate the Independence Day in which Mr Gulchain Singh Charak, MLC and Chairman Dogra Educational Trust was the chief guest. He unfurled the National Flag and delivered a short and impressive speech in which great sacrifices of the martyrs were highlighted.

Various items were presented by students of the school which received thunderous applause.

Army School Maralia celebrated the day with enthusiasm. Brig R S Langeh, Chairman of the School Management Committee presided over the function. The school children presented a colourful programme depicting the supreme sacrifices given by the national heroes.

Government Girls High School, Sangrampur celebrated the day by hoisting the National Flag and organising various cultural items. Mr Vidhya Sagar, Namberdar unfurled the flag amidst reciting of National Anthem by the students.

New Dream Land Public School, Nanak Nagar celebrated the day with patriotic fervour. Mr D K Choudhary was the chief guest and he hoisted the National Flag. Mr Ajit Singh, president of Workers Education Development Council was also present on the occasion.

Government High School, Jammu Cantt celebrated the day with great fervour and enthusiasm. Mrs Santosh Chouhan hoisted the National Flag and highlighted the achievements of the country after independence.

Government High School, Sewna celebrated the day with enthusiasm. Sarpanch of the area Mr Sham Lal was the chief guest and he hoisted the flag. The students of the school presented various cultural items.

Independence Day was also celebrated in Nirmal Day Boarding School, Roop Nagar with enthusiasm. The students presented various cultural items which mostly had independence as theme. The children recited poems and spoke regarding how the country secured independence from the colonial yoke of the British.

The school management distributed prizes among the best orators and the two fancy dress participants.

Shanti Memorial Academy, Dandyal, Udhampur celebrated the day with fervour. The National Flag was hoisted by Principal Ms Vimla Gupta.

In High School Balta, Headmaster Ved Parkash Verma unfurled the National Flag to mark the celebration of I-day while in High School Dhanas, Headmaster Bhagwan Dass Khajuria hoisted the flag.

Independence Day was celebrated in the Spring Field School of Education, Rehari Colony with great fervour and gaiety. National flag was hoisted by Dr Divander Gupta president of the managing committee. The flag ceremony was followed by national anthem and varied cultural programmes. The president in his speech highlighted the importance of the day and impressed upon the students to work tirelessly for the betterment of the country and follow the path shown by the great leaders. The president gave away the certificates of excellency to the participants and gift packs were distributed among the students. The function was concluded with note of thanks by the Principal of the school.

Civil Defence volunteers hold meeting

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 16: Civil Defence volunteers held a meeting at Sarwal today under the supervision of Sarwal police post Incharge Mr Kamal Sangra. Later, the Civil Defence volunteers and police jointly organised nakas for searches of the vehicles.

Civil Defence volunteers, who participated in the search, were Parbhat Singh Jamwal, post warden, Jatinder Singh and Jaswant Singh, wardens and Ramesh Kumar Veer Karan Singh, Vinay Partap Jamwal, Sandeep Singh, Deepak Singh, Rakesh Jamwal, Gautam Singh and Puneet Singh, all wardens.

More reports of I-Day celebrations pour in

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 16: More reports of observing Independence Day celebrations and flag hoisting ceremonies have poured in here today.

Prof Bhim Singh, chairman of the JKNPP, hoisted national flag at Poonch Public Ground and Surankot Bus Stand.

While addressing the gathering after hoisting the tricolour, Prof Singh called upon people to strengthen peace and brotherhood to foil nefarious designs of enemy countries. He also praised bravery of the people living near border areas.

The Citizen’s Co-operative Bank Ltd, Jammu, organised a function to celebrate the I-Day at its Administrative office in Gandhi Nagar Jammu.

The ceremony commenced with hoisting of national flag by the Chairman Mr Onkar Seth and Director of the Bank Board Mr B S Manhas which was followed by recitation of national anthem.

Jammu and Kashmir Ex Services League celebrated the day with pump and show at Fouji Public School, Rajinder Bihar Colony Raya Morh. Flag hoisting ceremony was performed by Col J Kak while tiny tots attired in beautiful dresses, presented a colourful variety programme. Bust of Brig Rajinder Singh was garlanded while sweets were distributed among the children.

Department of Youth Services and Sports organised ‘Spirit of freedom’ on the occasion of Independence Day at D N Palace Udhampur. Director Police Training Academy Udhampur Mr S S Bijral was the chief guest on the occasion while DIG Udhampur-Doda range Mr Satvir Gupta presided over the function.

Artists of Navrang theatre Udhampur and Bhangra group from STC and 24th Battalion of BSF, thrilled the audience with their superb performance.

The Directorate of Environment and Remote Sensing, Jammu, celebrated the Independence Day with enthusiasm, fervour and gaiety in collaboration with National Eco-Development and Re-habilitation Society, Sainik Colony.

A function in this connection was organised at Vijay Chowk near Matador Stand in Sainik Colony in which the national flag was unfurled. The celebrations were combined with Van Mahotsawa function and environment awareness programme.

Tawi Welfare Society Jammu celebrated the Independence Day with great fervour at village Sure Chack in Tawi island.

The flag was hoisted by Mr O P Sharma, veteran social worker, and the function was presided over by Mr Sukhdev Gorkha, ZEO Satwari Zone. A number of people and school children participated in the programme wherein several cultural items were also presented.

Gujjar Bakerwal Cell of Bhartiya Janta Party observed the day by hoisting national tricolour at Sidhra. The Cell president Haji Sardar Mohd Khatana unfurled the national flag and took salute. Sweets were distributed and speeches delivered on the occasion.

Mohalla Shahi Masjid Welfare Committee celebrated the Independence Day by organising a simple and impressive function under the chairmanship of Mr Ghulam Mustafa Wani.

Speakers, on the occasion, stressed for the need to strengthen brotherhood and secularism in the country and urged the political leaders to work for peace and progress.

Bharat Vikas Parishad, Trikuta Nagar branch, observed the day by hoisting national tricolour at a simple but impressive function. Prof S C Anand unfurled the national flag while school children presented colourful cultural items on the occasion.

A function in connection with I-Day celebrations, was organised by Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh Foundation at Ahata Rani Mandir. Children from different areas of the city participated in the programme and recited poems, patriotic songs. The participants were also given away prizes.

The Independence Day was observed by Vinayak Vihar Mohalla Khajuria Welfare Committee and Civil Defence by organising a function at Paloura. SHO Janipur Mr Bishnesh Kumar hoisted the national flag while a large number of people from the adjoining areas participated in the programme.

All Panjtirthi Welfare Association Ward number 1, celebrated the day by hoisting national flag at Radio Station Chowk. President of Yuva Kalyan Samiti and All Panjtirthi Welfare Association Mr Sanjay Rakwal unfurled the tricolour.

Mohalla Welfare Committee, Lower Shiv Nagar, Jammu, observed the day by organising a function in the locality. Mr Gautam Sharma, JKNPP district president (Urban) hoisted the national flag and addressed the gathering.

SAWERA, an NGO, observed the Independence Day in a school premises at Balla Enclave, Channi Himmat, Jammu. Col T M Sharma, chairman of the school management committee unfurled the national flag. A cultural programme was presented on the occasion in which the school children performed.

At village Nardhani, Jammu, the Independence Day was celebrated with gaiety and enthusiasm.

Ex Commissioner Mr Beli Ram Kundal hoisted the national flag while school children sung patriotic songs on the occasion.

In Udhampur, People’s Democratic Party district president Mr Surinder Singh hoisted the national flag at the party headquarters in Barian.

A large number of people, including women and children, participated in the function. Sweets were distributed among children while Mr Surinder Singh gave away a cash prize of Rs 1000 to wrestler Tirth Ram.

District Congress Committee, Udhampur, celebrated the I-Day by organising a function at Shahid Bhagat Singh Park. Dhabbar. DCC president Mr Balak Ram hoisted the national tricolour and appealed people strengthen nationalist forces.

To mark the day, Youth Congress, Udhampur, hoisted national flag at Shiv Nagar. Advocate Surinder Khajuria unfurled the tricolour while a large number of party activists participated in the programme.

In a separate function, Jammu State Morcha president Mr Shri Kumar hoisted the national flag at Dabbar Chowk and delivered a speech. He asked people to strengthen the nationalist forces and fight unitedly against the elements working on the instance of enemy country.

Bhartiya Vidya Mandir, Udhampur, also observed the Independence Day by hoisting national flag at the school premises. Principal S K Saproo hoisted the flag. All staff members and students of the school were present on the occasion.

National tricolour were hoisted at PHC Garhi and Panchayat Ghar Garhi on the occasion of 57th Independence Day. A large number of people of the area participated in the functions during which sweets were distributed and patriotic songs presented.

Industrial Association IID Centre, Battal Ballian, celebrated the day by hoisting national flag in the Industrial Area. A number of prominent personalities of the town were present on the occasion.

To observe the Independence Day, an impressive function was held at the Independence Day was celebrated with great pomp and show at Ramlila ground, Jyotipuram in which all employees of Salal Power Station and their family members participated.

General Manager of Salal Power Station Mr S K Aggarwal, hoisted the national flag and inspected the march past, presented by CISF contingents and school children.

Panchayat Ghar Dhan in block Dansal wherein Mr Narain Singh hoisted the national tricolour.

On the occasion, a Dangal (wrestling competition) was organised. The first three winners of the Dangal were given the cash prizes of Rs 300, Rs 200 and Rs 100, respectively.

At Dharmund, Doda, the I-Day was jointly celebrated by local population and Army. A peace march was organised by students and teachers of the Government Primary School Dharmund.

Flag hoisting ceremony was presided over by the Commanding Officer of Army unit while national anthem was sung by school children. A drawing competition was also held on the occasion.

To celebrate the Independence Day, a colourful function was organised at Bhadrore Panchayat Ghar, Bhalwal. Mr Talwinder Singh, president of block Congress Committee, Bhalwal, unfurled the national flag and addressed the gathering.

Mohalla Committee, Ambedkar Nagar, Old Janipur, held a function at High Court Road to celebrate the 57th Independence Day. On the occasion the National Flag was hoisted by Mr Chaman Lal Sangotra, a Trade Union leader.

Paloura Welfare Association organized a colourful function to celebrate the Independence Day. Mr Balbir Singh Manhas, Sarpanch unfurled the National Tricolour.

Agriculture Graduates Forum also celebrated the 57 th Independence Day in Udhampur yesterday and Dr Jagdish Raj Prasher, president Dogra Brahman Sabha hoisted the Tricolour.

Jammu and Kashmir Christian Association organized Flag hoisting ceremony at Residency Road , Jammu and Mr Waris Gill advocate unfurled the National Flag.

Public Welfare Committee, Rajpora Mangotrian organized a colourful function at Rajpora Park in connection with the Independence Day celebrations yesterday. Mr Keshwanand Sharma, president of the Committee hoisted the National Flag on the occasion.

Arorbans Sabha, Kachi Chawni, Jammu held an impressive function to celebrate the 57th Independence Day in which 300 people of the locality participated. The National Tricolour was unfurled by Mr Ramesh Arora, president of the Sabha.

Kul Hind Nove Soan Kashmir Front also celebrated the 57th Independence Day yesterday at its Head Office. On the occasion the Front chief, Mr Shadi Lal Pandita hoisted the National Flag.

At Samba Congress leader Ravi Kumar Sharma hoisted the National Flag. Another function was held at Sainik Colony in which Congress leader Mr Rajiv Sharma hoisted the Tricolour.

Congress-I Seva Dal held a function at Mohalla Prem Nagar, Jogi Gate, Jammu in connection with celebration of 57th Independence Day and Mr Sardari Lal Mehra, district chief of the organization hoisted the National Flag.

Worker Education Development Council distributed books and nore books among the students on the independence day. President of the organisation, Ajit Singh Adyal who was chief guest at a function organised in Popular Model Academy Nanak Nagar congratulated the gathering on this occasion. The function was held in the school premises under the chairmanship of Dr A K Aora.

Satkar Helpline Nanak Nagar —a social organisation celebrated the 57 th Independence day in the locality with national fervour. Local MLA Raman Bhalla was the chief guest on the occasion, who unfurled the national flag.

Blood Bank Complex at Gandhi Nagar inaugurated

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 16 : To bring health institutions of Jammu and Kashmir at par with premier institutions of country, every district hospital will house most modernized blood bank to save precious lives. This was disclosed by Health Minister Ch. Lal Singh after inaugurating state-of-art blood bank complex at Government Hospital Gandhinagar, here this afternoon. Besides, an exclusive Eye ward with most advanced and sophisticated technology was also proposed to be constructed at Gandhi nagar hospital .

Addressing a large gathering on the occasion, the Minister said that the present government contemplates to house each Sub-district hospital of the State with blood bank facility in a phased manner after equipping every district hospital with this vital department.

He said the opening of blood bank in each district would not only save precious lives but also help in collection of correct empirical data about various diseases especially, the AIDS. He said these blood banks are being equipped with most modern and sophisticated machines for compulsory testing and identification of various contagious diseases. Special facility and advanced technology for treatment of deadly disease like Thalesmenia is also being provided in these blood banks, he said.

Lal Singh lays foundation stone of parking
complex at Shalamar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has launched a Rs 70-lakh project to provide 3-tier parking complex in the city at Doctors’ Lane, Shalamar Road.

Lal Singh, Minister for Health and Medical Education, formally laid foundation stone for the ambitious project at a function.

According to Jammu Development Authority (JDA), work on the parking project would start immediately. The project is estimated to cost Rs 70 lakhs.

Health and Medical Department would make their contribution to the project by donating their land at Doctors’ Lane, while the Jammu Development Authority would take up the construction work.

The press release said that the existing 15 family quarters at Doctors’ Lane would be demolished and in lieu of these the JDA will construct 30 family quarters for the medical and paramedical staff in the vicinity of existing family quarters at Government Medical College, Bakshi Nagar.

The basement of 3-tier parking lot at Doctors’ Lane would be exclusively used by the medical staff and patients coming to Shalamar Road hospital.

In his brief address on the occasion, Lal Singh appreciated the role of Naveen Kumar Choudhary, Vice Chairman of the JDA, saying that the officer "is trustworthy and honest in performing his legitimate duties".

"Therefore, we have given him a go-ahead even before completing written formalities in this regard", Lal Singh said.

Naveen Kumar Choudhary, speaking on the occasion, promised to finish up the project before March 2004.

He told the gathering that the parking project was part of the Chief Minister’s drive to beautify Jammu city by removing encroachments and building ample parking space within the city.

Hurriyat leader released after 16 months

SRINAGAR, Aug 16: Hurriyat Conference leader, Ayaz Mohammad Akbar was today released after 16 months of detention in various jails and interrogation centres in Jammu and Kashmir considered to be a close lieutenant of Jamaat-e-Islami leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Akbar was arrested near Hurriyat headquarters here under Public Safety Act on March 8, 2002 and was released from Parimpora police station this afternoon, police said

He was shifted to the police station from joint interrogation centre a few days back for his release, the police said.

Welcoming Akabr’s release, Hurriyat Conference described his detention as unlawful and said the PSA against him was quashed by a court last month.

Meanwhile, Hurriyat expressed concern over what it called deteriorating condition of Peoples’ League chairman and executive member of the conference Sheikh Abdul Aziz, undergoing detention at Jodhpur jail in Rajasthan.

Hurriyat is also concerned over the continued detention of Farooq Ahmad Tawheedi, Mushtaq-ul-Islam, Mohammad Saleem Zargar, Ashiq Hussain, Faktoo Mohammad Qasim, Shoukat Ahmad Naqash, Fayaz Ahmad Zargbar and Mohammad Kapraw as some of them are behind bars for the past 13 years.

Hurriyat appealed to international human rights organisations to take positive steps for the release of these prisoners.(PTI)

HC restrains BSNL from re-tendering of dealership

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 16: Mr Justice S K Gupta of J&K High Court, Jammu wing has restrained BSNL J&K Circle from re-tendering of dealership till the disposal of this writ petition.

In a writ petition filed by three aspirants for dealerships / distributionship for cellular Mobile service for J&K, Mr Justice S K Gupta, after hearing the advocate A V Gupta and Yaseer Ejaz Tak appearing for the petitioners and Central Government Standing counsel, S S Nanda , issued notice and asked to file objections within a week. The court also ordered to produce relevant record on the next date of hearing. The respondents shall not go for re-tendering till next date of hearing.

It has been submitted in the writ petition that BSNL J&K Circle has issued a notice inviting tenders on March 21, 2003 for appointing authorised dealers and distributors for cellular Mobile service for J&K. Mrs Santosh Gupta, wife of Mr Bansi Lal Gupta of Gandhinagar Jammu, M/S Aftab & Co Sadrubal Hazaratbal Srinagar and M/S El-Tronics Gandhinagar have submitted their tenders for distribution.

The petitioners from June 2003 were waiting for a call from BSNL J&K Circle Jammu for execution of formal agreement. After June the formal launch of the mobile service was delayed for one reason or the other. On July 23 tenders of the petitioners were cancelled without any reason and in arbitrary manner. In the petition it has been prayed for issuance of direction to the respondents BSNL to appoint petitioners as distributors for Jammu and Srinagar.