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

International Children's Day of Broadcasting
Mufti answers volley of questions from students

Excelsior Correspondet

JAMMU, Dec 14 : It was an interview with difference; different at least for a Chief Minister.

Without camera click and flash, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had an audience of youngsters drawn from various schools to commemorate the international children’s day of broadcasting, the day being observed on second Sunday of December. Theme selected by UNICEF for this year is ‘Are you a role model?

A group of 16 students made posers with that divine innocence . They asked a volley of questions: personal, political, national, bureaucracy, corruption, women empowerment, etc.

Listening with rapt attention to their queries, the Chief Minister not only tried to answer, but prompted them to raise related questions to the subjects they discussed. Within minutes, the atmosphere was so relaxed that children felt quite at ease, talking to an elderly member of the family.

The recording of the conversation broadcast on Radio Kashmir Jammu earlier in the day today made an interesting listening.

‘Chief Minister? Never ‘. Mufti Sayeed replied when asked whether he had ever thought of becoming Chief Minister during his childhood. He said he wanted to be a doctor but could not as his school lacked science faculty those days. Feeling nostalgic about the Bijbehara school, he said he has adopted it for making the institution a model school. He had an advice to the audience and listeners too: ‘When you become something; do something for your alma mater’.

When asked what was he missing after becoming CM. The reply came: ‘I feel cut off from my close friends. He said if at all he has some spare time, he plays bridge, a pastime for 25 years, and goes for a jog. He said the chiefministership is bed of roses but ‘I am satisfied for doing something for the people’.

In reply to a question about lesser number of dedicated and highly educated youth joining politics, the Chief Minister said that during freedom struggle of the country we had towering leaders who rendered selfless service for the nation. ‘I want highly educated youth to come to politics. Today in Jammu and Kashmir, we have atleast 25 legislators who are very young and highly educated’. He said when he became member of the legislative assembly in 1962, he was MA LLB.

The Chief Minister in reply to a question by another student said that it is difficult to provide Government jobs to every educated unemployed in the State. However, effort is being made to tackle unemployment by launching various schemes. He said over 26,000 teachers are being appointed while selection for the posts of doctors and other jobs is also in the pipeline.

On efforts to raise literacy level in the State, Mufti Sayeed said that this sector has been accorded highest priority by the coalition Government and a major headway has already been made.

When asked about inadequate power supply, the Chief Minister said that difficult days on this front would be over soon as 450 MW Baglihar hydel project is to be commissioned by 2006.

When a child observed that ‘since no major scam has come to fore in Jammu and Kashmir does it mean we have no corruption in the State’, Mufti Sayeed replied in negative. He said that the State an exception may be it is not as high as in come other States. He said ‘we are resolutely pursuing the agenda of cleansing the administration from corrupt elements to provide good governance to the people’. He said a major offensive has been initiated against corruption and 15 tainted officials were retired from the Government service in the first instance.

Replying about the role of money power in politics, Mufti Sayeed said that money might be a temptation but the biggest treasure of a politician is his integrity and honesty.

‘Are you sure that the people will vote you to power in the next elections’, was a pointed question by another child. He smiled and said cautiously that the biggest challenge before him is how to sustain the people’s goodwill and come upto their expectations. ‘The question of winning next election is premature’. He, however, said that the coalition Government is functioning in a cohesive manner and would fulfill its commitments made to the people.

A little girl quipped that standard of debates in the legislative bodies in the country has of late gone down, that is affecting even the children. Aren’t you worried about it? Mufti Sayeed said, ‘the role of the opposition is to oppose and expose the Government and always to keep it on toes, but certainly criticism should be healthy and not only for the sake of opposition’.

On his opinion about reservation for women in parliament and State legislatures, Mufti Sayeed said that the country has now five women Chief Ministers that would persuade other women to join politics.

‘Who was your role model when you were a child?’, was a straight question of a student. Mufti Sayeed paused and thought for a while. ‘I don’t remember exactly. There was not such a greater level of awakening among the students in those days. However, given the dedication and sincerity, there could be none else than Mahatma Gandhi’.

When enquired about his views on how to become a good person, Mufti Sayeed said that hard work dedication and proper planning are the key to success. He said ones motto should be to serve your parents, family and the people. He had a word of advice to the students that they should not confine their ambitions just to become doctors and engineers, as there are several other promising professions available to them.

The students who participated in the programme included from institutions like Army Schools of Jammu Cantt, Kendriya Vidyalaya Bantalab, MHAC Nagbani and Presentation Convent School Gandhinagar.

Shastri Nagar road renamed as Vijay Marg
Balanced development of all areas top agenda of coalition Govt : Dy CM

Excelsior Corospondent

JAMMU, Dec 14: Reiterating coalition Government’s firm commitment of equitable and balanced development of all the three regions of the State, Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma today said that the promises made in the Common Minimum Programme would be implemented in letter and spirit.

Addressing a largely attended public meeting at Chak Jaralan near Bishnah, the Deputy Chief Minister that most of the promises made by the coalition Government in its common minimum programme have already be fulfilled. He said the first priority of the Government was restoration of peace in the trouble torn State and bringing transparency in the working of the administration. He said the process of removing deadwood from administration has been set into motion vowing to provide a clean and accountable governance to the people of the militancy ravaged State. ‘We will not hesitate to take hard Decemberisions for reviving work culture in the administration’, Mr,Sharma said adding that the peace initiatives of the coalition Government have brought a turn around in the situation creating a congenial atmosphere for revival of development and prosperity. In connection he referred to the record influx of tourists and pilgrims in the State this year.

Expressing the resolve of the Government to decentralise the powers for ensuing participation of grass roots in the process of planning and development, Sharma said that Panchayati Raj system would be further strengthen with a focus to confer judiciary powers to these basic institutions of democracy besides giving due representation to the women in these bodies.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that recommendations of Wazir Commission with regard to carving out more districts in Jammu region would be implemented at any cost. He said the Government is also committed to constitute Delimitation Commission in the State for earmarking new assembly constituencies besides setting up Finance Commission.

Referring to the ceasefire, Sharma said that it has brought cheers for those living on borders adding that it would be meaningful and purposeful only when Pakistan stops sending infiltrators from across the border. He said that coalition Government is seized of the problems of the border migrants and referred the measures taken for their redressal. He said the Government is in the process of identifying safer zones for affected border dwellers.

Sharma also dwelt at length about the achievements made in different sectors during the past one year and said that various road projects aiming at linking each village with a net work of roads have taken under Prime Minister’s Sadak Rozgar Yojna Scheme .For providing better education facility, the Government has opened hundreds of new schools besides upgrading the existing ones, he added.

Referring to the demand for upgradation of existing Boys Middle School and Girls Primary school at Chak, Mr Sharma said the matter would receive sympathetic consideration. As regards upgradation of village road, he said that necessary estimates would be got prepared by the concerned agency at the earliest and efforts would also made for leveling the playing ground. He said 5,000 additional anganwari centres are being opened in the State shortly that would provide employment opportunities to 10,000 females. In addition, third teacher is being provided to each primary school.

Minister of State for Rural Development, Ch. Gharu Ram gave a detailed account of the measures taken for improving the socio economic condition of the people especially those living below poverty line. He said Panchayats have been asked to take minor development works including construction of school buildings, inner village roads and drains. Rupees 2 lac has been provided to each panchayat for undertaking works of important nature within the panchayat halqa, he added.

On this occasion, the students of the school presented a variety cultural programme enthralling the audience.

Earlier, the Deputy Chief Minister renamed road adjacent to Shastri Nagar cremation grounds to Sanjay Chowk as Vijay Marg, on the name of late Vijay Sharma, a social activist.

Speaking at a function organized by the Welfare and Development Action Committee Shastri Nagar in memory of late Vijay Sharma, the Deputy Chief Minister recalled his services and paid tributes to the departed soul.

Minister of State for Rural Development, Ch. Gharu Ram and Raman Bhalla who were also present paid homage to late Vijay Sharma.

The Deputy Chief Minister also paid obeisance at the newly coming up Jai Shri Krishen temple at Trikuta Nagar

Addressing a religious congregation on the occasion, Sharma reminded the people about the teachings of Lord Krishna and said that no religion preaches violence.

Free eye treatment camp organised

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 14: A free eye operation cum treatment camp was organised at Kot Bhalwal by Viklang Chhatra Trust in collaboration with District Blindness Control Society and Eye Department, Government Medical College Jammu.

During the camp, more than 300 eye patients, also from far flung areas, were checked up and treated. 51 patients were registered for cataract surgery during the camp days. 25 operations were conducted in the camp while rest of the registered patients were referred to Government Medical College Hospital Jammu for the surgery. 21 Intra-ocular Lens (IOL) were implemented in the eyes of cataract patients by the doctors of Medical College Jammu, Dr Dinesh Gupta, Dr Suresh Sharma and Dr Ghanishaym.

Block Medical Officer, Ophthalmic Assistant and staff of PHC Kot Bhalwal rendered all possible help to make the camp a success. Free lodging, boarding, nursing pre and post operation medicines as well as spectacles were provided to all the indoor patients. Free langar for the attendants was also arranged.

JNM demands employment package for women folk

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 14: Jammu Nari Manch (JNM) today asked the State Government to formulate a comprehensive plan to provide employment to women folk.

Addressing a press conference, Aruna Bakhri, president of the Manch expressed grave concern over increasing unemployment among women. She regretted that State Government does not has clear cut policy to provide job opportunities to women.

Nari Manch chief demanded that a comprehensive policy should be formulated by the State Government to remove unemployment among women folk.

Ms Bakhri hailed decision of the State Cabinet to provide 33 percent reservation to women in the Panchayat. She demanded that in the local bodies as well women should be given 33 percent reservation and for this local bodies act should be amended. She also demanded similar reservation for women in the State Assembly. Instead of nominating two women members 33 percent reservation for women be provided in the Assembly, she said.

Nari Manch president further said, since Jammu and Kashmir has its own constitution, it should take the lead in providing 33 percent reservation to women in the State Assembly. "A bill should be moved by the Government in the next assembly session in this regard, which should be supported by legislatures of all the parties and the same be passed unanimously", she stated.

Earlier a resolution was passed in the one day conference of the Jammu Nari Manch in which Manch advised the State Government to honour the letter and spirit of the judgement of the J&K High Court that permanent State residents girls even after their marriage to non-State residents boys are entitled to retain their permanent State resident status. The Government should issue directions to all its departments to implement the High Court verdict in letter and spirit and not harass the women in this regard in any way and the State subject issuing authorities in the Revenue Department should be categorically directed to delete the clause ‘Valid Till Marriage’ in the certificates of permanent State residents before issuing to the girls, the resolution stated.

Seminar on Dec 22 to bring different sections on one platform
PDD to accommodate people’s views before formulating policies

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 14: As opposition has been politicising the issue of hike in power tariff to corner the State Government, the Power Development Department (PDD) has decided to involve general public in the aggressive campaign to create among masses awareness for the judicious use of power.

Instead of imposing any decision on the people, especially hiking the power tariff or revising loads, PDD will take people into confidence so as to remove any mis-understanding or communication gap.

Not only people, employees of the PDD will also be involved in decision making process and employees-people interaction will be repeatedly held to develop cordial relations between field staff and common masses.

On the directions of the Power Minister, Mohammed Sharief Niaz a committee under the banner of ‘Awareness Committee for the Conservation of Energy in J&K State’ has been constituted to involve all sections of the society in creating awareness for judicious use of power.

M M Gupta, engineer of the PDD has been nominated as chairman of this Committee by the Power Minister. Mr Gupta will involve power employees’ leaders and people’s representatives in the campaign against mis-use of power.

Talking to EXCELSIOR, Mr Gupta said that main aim of the Committee was to remove mis-understanding and communication gaps between different sections of the society and create awareness among masses how to judiciously use power. "Every nook and corner of the State will be covered during the campaign", he said, adding, "campaign will not be confined for a period but will be rather a continuous process to create create awareness amongst all the sections of the society".

Mr Gupta said that rallies of the school children will be organised at district headquarters while as hand-bills and posters will be distributed in all every Panchayats of the State. He further stated that audio cassettes-comprise jingles in Dogri, Hindi-Urdu mix and Kashmiri, has been prepared by the professionals of All India Radio-Jammu and this cassettes will be played through public transport as well as in public functions.

Special teams of the PDD employees have been constituted to visit different schools to educate students about mis-use of power. "These teams will address students after morning prayers and ask them to educate their parents also", he said. Services of professional artists will also be taken for staging street plays and while as some traditional folk methods will be adopted to spread this message in rural areas. Panchayats will also be taken into confidence for aggressive campaign, he said.

As part of first step to bring Government, power employees and public representatives on one plat-form, the Power Development Department (PDD) under the banner of All J&K Coordination Committee of Power Engineers and Electrical Employees will organise a seminar on December 22. In this seminar representatives of all sections of the society will be given the opportunity to express their view-points.

Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed, Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma, Finance Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig and Power Minister Mohammed Sharief Niaz are likely to put government’s view point in this seminar while as employees’ views will be expressed by associations of the employees.

Besides peoples’ view point will be presented by the prominent citizens and representatives of various social organisations.

"We will also invite Vice-Chancellor of Jammu University Prof Amitabh Mattoo, professors from Jammu University, Principals of different colleges and higher secondary schools to express their view points", Mr Gupta said, adding, "view points of all sections of the society will be accommodated before formulating any policy".

Workshop on value based education concludes at Mishriwala camp

Excelsior Corospondent

JAMMU, Dec 14: The inclement weather failed to dampen the spirits of migrant children at the Mishriwala camp who were eagerly looking forward to participate in the cultural function which marked the conclusion of 30 day workshop on ‘Strengthening Culture and Values in Education’ on Dec 13.

Held at Govt. school for migrant children, Mishriwala Camp, the workshop was a unique opportunity for these children who having born and brought up in the camp are living a life of scio-cultural disadvantage. Organised by Socio-Service Art Group, a cultural society, in collaboration with Ministry of Human Resource Development, New Delhi, such workshops are held to inculcate Value Education in school children. Using non-formal techniques of communication, methods employed in the workshop included theatrical elements, spontaneous playfulness, therapeutic techniques, and imaginative playful activities which were aimed at enhancing and widening in children the thinking prowess and their handling and understanding of the given situation.

Helping children to understand the value of unity and sense of sharing, the group analytic drama techniques, mental exercises were applied in the workshop. The students were also made to interact with specialists from the fields of drama, musicians, child behaviour experts, painters, sculptors, experts in ancient art. This exposure considerably helped to liberate and de-condition these children from their inhibitions, depressions and complexes.

The concluding function in fact showed quality change in the behaviour of migrant children who enthusiastically gave expression to their expressions, thoughts, talent and inherent creative instincts. They presented Saraswati Vandana, a composition in Raag Bhopali, folk dance, and two plays namely Sanskar and Hamari Aawaz.

State Minister for Industries and Commerce, Raman Mattoo, was the chief guest of the function. Speaking on the occasion, he said that cultural heritage is the backbone of our society and we must make all efforts to upheld our cultural and moral values by encouraging younger generation. He lauded the workshop in imparting value based education to school children, He also distributed certificates among the migrant children.

The workshop was conducted by experts namely Prashant Gautam, Anil K. Razdan, Pradeep Pandita, Roshi Samnotra, Promod Razdan and Sandeep Kaw.

Tarigami asks people to join hands in preserving culture

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 14: Communist Party of India , (Marxist), state secretary, and MLA Mohammed Yousf Tarigami has sought the cooperation of all sections of society in restoration of peace in Kashmir.

Speaking at a function in connection with release of Bimla Raina’s book Veth maa chi shangith at Abhinav Theatre here today, he said "we all have to try that Veth (River Jehlum) should not remain in deep slumber for long".

The function was jointly organized by Fankar Cultural Organization, Kashmir and Rasa Jawdani Memorial Literary Society, Jammu.

He said the people of the state have to join hands at this critical juncture to preserve our age old rich culture and traditions.

Referring to recent change of guard in Cultural Academy, he said this institution has also to play a valuable and important role in this regard and this is the reason that he took the initaitive that reins of this organization be given to people who really belong to culture.

He said people of the state in general and Kashmiris in particular have lost a lot so far as their cultural heritage is concerned during the last over 14 years of turmoil. "We lost our identity as Kashmiris"the heirs of rich cultural heritage. And whatever we lost over these years no body will help us in restoring that, he added.

He said the writers have a great role to perform and they are the only people who can inspire us. He said Bimla Raina’s book is right step in this direction.

The Secretary Cultural Academy, Ramesh Mehta who was the chief guest said the Fankar Cultural Organization and Rasa Jawdani Society have contributed a lot in enriching the culture of the two regions of the state.

He also sought the cooperation of all in making the functioning of the Academy more result oriented and asked them to pull up us for our laxities.

He regretted that the new generation of Kashmiris was distancing themselves from the their language. This is a dangerous trend as language is the only link to ones culture, he added.

General secretary, Fankar Cultural Organization, G R Hasrat Gadda, while highly acclaiming the book said Bimla Raina’s verses have a philosophical touch.

He said Bimla Raina is an inspiration for all of us and expressed the hope that her Vakh will bridge the gap between the two communities who are the products of a common culture.

Dr B L Koul a renowned scholar and Mohan Lal Aash, president Nagrad Adbi Sangam read their papers on the book.

Describing Bimla Raina a mystic poetess of modern times, Mr Aash highly acclaimed her Vakh poetry which he said will enlighten the soul.

Terming Bimla Raina a great mystic poetess of Kashmir, Dr Koul, said her verses based on day to day experience have been influenced by transcendental meditation.

He said Veth maa chi shangith is a call of a daughter from Kashmir to the people of the Valley that is Veth (River Jehlum) in deep slumber. The book is based on logic and Shastra and possess a smell of Kashmiri soil, he added.

Senior Congress leader and ML, Rafiq Sadiq was special guest on the occasion.

Dr Shohab Anayat Malik, president Rasa Jawdani Memorial Society, compered the programme while Ravi Thakur enthralled the audience by singing the songs of Rasa Jawdani. Members of Pir Panchal were also present.

Indo-Asian Fuse Gear distributes prizes among winners

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 14: Coupon and lucky draw scheme of Indo-Asian Fuse Gear Limited was today announced closed as the company distributed prizes among winners.

Total eighty prizes, including Refrigerator, washing machine, Video CD and wrist watches, were distributed among electricians during an impressive function, here today.

Mr Yuvraj Sharma of M/s Standard Electric Corporation, local distributor of Indo-Asian Fuse Gear Ltd, gave away prizes to the winners. Area Manager of Indo-Asian Fuse Gear Ltd Mr Amit Sharma and Sales Officer Harminder Pal Singh were also present on the occasion The lucky draw coupon scheme was launched by the company on July 1 in Jammu.

While addressing the electricians, Area Manager Amit Sharma expressed his satisfaction over the co-operation of former in popularising Indo-Asian Fuse Gear Ltd products which included MCB, Distribution Boards and Energy Saving Lamps. He disclosed that another new scheme for electricians is likely to be announced by the company very soon.

The company official claimed that Indo-Asian Fuse Gear Ltd products were best and far better than its competitors in the market. The Delhi based company, is in business of MCB and Distribution Boards for the last several years and has an annual turnover of Rs 150 crores, he said.

Mr Yuvraj Sharma of M/s Standard Electric Company, Jammu, also addressed the gathering and said that new schemes of the company would benefit the electricians as well as increase sale of Indo-Asian Fuse Gear products.

He also hoped that the electricians would continue to extend their co-operation to the company in popularising its products.

The company also distributed gift items to all the participating electricians.

Jammu Junior doctors support demand of Valley counterparts

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 14: Junior Doctors Association, Government Medical College, Jammu, has announced its support to the demand of Junior Doctors of Government Medical College Srinagar who are on strike.

A meeting of the Junior Doctors was held at GMC premises wherein the decision to support their counterparts in Srinagar was taken. The Association took a strong notice of callous attitude of the State Government towards most genuine demands of doctors.

The members observed that despite an assurance by the Finance Minister himself to increase salary of PG doctors, the Government rejected the demand. The meet warned an indefinite strike in GMC Jammu also if a favourable decision is not taken by the Government over the issue.

Environment Focus
Fuel adulteration trade thriving to raise emission level, damage engines of vehicles

By Gopal Sharma

Fuel adulteration is considered as one of the oldest illegal professions. It could survive without much customer protests so far as dinosaur carburetor engines continued to dominate streets and roads. Public reaction to poisonous air is mute so far. Today, the people are angry. Vehicle technology is forced to improve to clean up air but the more sophisticated engines and emissions control system will simply collapse if made to run on contaminated fuel.

Increasing level of emission is turning deadlier in the cities. Several agencies connected with the system to contain the menance have apparently failed in their efforts. The nexus from top to bottom involving people from supply points, enroute and at the destinations, small outlets and those at the wayside dhabas etc. are part of this profession which has emerged as lucratic job for them. In order to make the easy buck, more and more people are getting attracted towards this profession and the agencies responsible for keeping a check including police are no more interested in punishing the guilty as the law is not so strong to punish them. They too, prefer to take out their booty and wash off their hands, leaving the general public to the mercy of those playing with their lives.

Adulteration infact is nothing but state sponsored crime. Warped pricing entices greed; policy legalises it. Oil companies refuse to take ultimate responsibility for the quality of fuel they sell. The Government is adverse to design tests that effect adulteration accurately. The penalty for adulteration is weaker than ever before and moreover, the fuel quality standards remain so lax that adulterated fuels easily pass the tests.

The net result is damage to the engine of the new vehicles, increase in emission and deadly air in the cities. The oil companies do not take responsibility for the quality of fuel during transit. The officials of industry quality control of fuel hold transporters/ drivers responsible for the mal-practices enroute. According to oil industry estimates, oil companies own around 10 per cent of the tankers for fuel transportation. The rest are contracted out. On the other hand transporters and retailers point fingers at oil companies who they say supply substandard fuel. They suspect high amount of cross contamination in the fuel due to indiscipline in the supply infrastructure, connecting refineries and oil terminals.

But infact, the connivance of this level is not confined to fuel suppliers. Drivers and operators of the commercial vehicles/ tankers working on fixed rental basis, resort to this practice of adulteration to keep a margin of profit. Short term earnings is the motive, long term damage to the engine is of no concern for them. But it is tragedy that oil industry which prefer to keep mum at such a high time, is behaving as if the adulteration was merely a fantasy of the consumer and the car manufacturer—even today reports a standard failure rate of 1-2 per cent in fuel samples.

In Jammu region all the agencies whether it is Consumer Affairs & Civil Supplies Department or Police, both seems to be least bothered about the public plight. The culprits are out to cause maximum damage to the general public with their illegal act and make huge profits as an effective nexus is thriving calendestinely. The need is to set up an anti adulteration cell by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Supplies which should act on the consumer complaints and tip-offs. The cell should be authorised to check and inspect all such outlets including petrol pumps, mini-petrol pumps illegally operating on highways and the depots.

It is irony, that some illegal mini-petrol pumps in Rajouri, Poonch and Doda have again started carrying on their trade after more than 300 such pumps were sealed by the Government few months back. They sell petrol diesel at low price and have turned major adulteration centres. The oil tanker operators and several petrol pump owners too, are openly indulging in the trade in connivance with some officials. The emission level in the city is touching alarming proportions while the PCB and the Traffic Police authorities too, keep criminal silence over the matter.

Minister for Civil Supplies and Consumer affairs, Taj Mohi-ud-Din when contacted said that special team under the supervision of a Deputy Director has already been set up to keep a check on such practice. He said the department do not have a sophisticated lab for the tests of the samples taken. The samples are sent to Forensic Lab here. The Oil companies too, have their own Labs but it is interesting that till today not even a single case has been detected by them here. The Government is well aware of this menance and it is after such people. The efforts are on to modernise the lab and tighten the noose around the neck of the defaulters. The laws have also been amended now and a defaulter can be jailed for one year if found guilty under the Act.

Director F&S and Consumer Affairs, P S Betab said that adulteration is the problem all over the country. Effective measures have already been taken to curb it. Surprise raids are often conducted by the department teams and samples are sent to lab but several times, the defaulters manage to get their samples cleared. Some effective system is needed to be devised for the proper check and testing of samples, he maintained.

Dr Aniece elected ENT Society president

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 14: Dr Aniece Choudhary, Head of Department, ENT, Medical College Jammu, was today unanimously elected as president of Jammu ENT Society.

Dr Dinesh Luthra was elected as vice president while Dr Sunil Kotwal was elected as secretary. Dr K P Singh was elected as joint secretary and Dr Anil Suri as treasurer.

Six executive committee members were also elected to the Society. They are Dr Abhay Sinha, Dr Harinder Kour, Dr Des Raj Bhagat, Dr Narinder Khullar, Dr Rajesh Gupta and Dr Pankaj Gupta.

The elections were held this evening.

A seminar on ‘HIV Infections in ENT Practice’ was also organised by the Society before the election process. The seminar was held at Hari Niwas Palace and was sponsored by Alembic Laboratories.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Aniece Choudhary vowed to take the Society to new heights.

2 killed in mishaps

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 14: Two persons were killed in road accident while as a body was recovered under mysterious circumstances.

Police spokesman said that two persons—Subash Chander, son of Prem Nath of Gognoo and Raju, son of Sham sunder of Sarmoli were killed when a oil tanker bearing registration number JK02C-5524 skidded off the road and rolled down at digdol under Ramban Police Station.

The ill-fated tanker was on its way from Srinagar to Jammu when met with accident.

Meanwhile, body of one Roshan Lal, son of Diwan Chand of Rajouri, driver of truck bearing registration number JK02Y-0156 was recovered from near Marrog under Ramban Police Station under suspicious circumstances.

The body has been kept at Ramban Hospital and investionations were on to ascertain the cause of death.

Speaker pays tributes to martyr Shiv Nath

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 14: The Speaker Legislative Assembly, Tara Chand today paid floral tributes to late Shiv Nath, Selection Grade Constable of J&K Police at village Pahariwala in Akhnoor tehsil. Nath had achieved martyrdom on December 12, 1999 while fighting militants in Srinagar.

Speaking on the occasion of 4th death anniversary of martyr, the Speaker said that such sacrifices do not waste and added that attaining of martyrdom is the dream of every solder and this will inspire the general generation to serve the country selflessly.

Tara Chand announced construction of a statue of the martyr for which he announced to pay Rs.50,000 out of his constituency development fund.

He also announced Rs.25,000 for construction of a platform at Pahariwala (Panyali) from his constituency development fund.

He also issued instructions to officers for construction of road from Panyali to Viasghar.

Natrang launches new concept of theatre for morning walkers

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 14: The theatre for morning walkers, a new concept of theatre was launched here today by Natrang Jammu at Jammu University with the lighting of lamp by Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma. Natrang staged Balwant Thakur’s two plays "Suno Ek Kahani" and Eh Jammu Eh" as a part of this inaugural programme.

While welcoming the distinguished guests morning walkers of Jammu University, Mr Balwant Thakur, director Natrang, said that it is a new concept of theatre being launched for the first time in India by Natrang. The motive behind such effort is to take theatre to all cross sections of the society. The morning walkers of Jammu mostly comprise of politicians, bureaucrats, businessmen and other most busy people of Jammu. They hardly have time in the evenings to be part of the intellectual activities in Jammu and this new initiative of Natrang will certainly involve them in the on-going strongest theatre movement of Jammu.

The plays "Suno Eh Kahani" and "Eh Jammu Eh" which were witnessed by large crowd including women and children were appreciated by one and all.

While appreciating the efforts of Natrang the Deputy Chief Minister said Natrang has revolutionized the cultural movement of Jammu and brought laurels for the State at the National and International levels. He assured full support and patronage to this kind of meaningful work being done in Jammu.

Mr H S Anand, president Jammu University Morning Walkers Association while conveying his thanks to the audience and Natrang said that Association will be organising similar kind of programmes in future also. The programme was conducted by Deepak Aggarwal and Kurmesh Gupta.

Natrang artists who participated included Anil Tickoo, Neeraj Kant, Sanjeev Gupta, Pankaj Sharma, Sumeet Sharma, Vikrant Sharma, Kanhaiya Sharma, Mohit Sharma, Sonia Sharma, Pawan Verma, Rahul Chanda, Deepak Virdhi, Dimple Sharma, Ajay Malhotra, Neraja Bhat, Sanjeev Sharma, Deepak Behl, Gourav Kapoor, Parshant Sagar, Gourav Dutt and Anurag. Music was composed by Suraj Singh for both the plays.