Satya Grah on March 27
VHP serves ultimatum to Centre on Ram Janam Bhoomi issue

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 2: Giving an ultimatum to Central Government, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) today warned to launch the Satya Grah on March 27 in case the undisputed site at Ram Janam Bhoomi was not handed over to the Trust.

This was stated by the VHP national secretary, Mr Rajinder Singh Pankaj while talking to mediapersons here this afternoon.

He said the Supreme Court in its verdict in 1994 had made it clear that the undisputed structures be transferred to its original masters but no decision has been taken by the Central Government till date in this regard.

He said the Dharam Sansad has decided that in case the Centre fails to hand over the undisputed land to Trust by March 27 they will launch a Satyagrah at New Delhi.

Making a scathing attack on Congress he also held the Party responsible for adopting double standards on the issue. The Party should clear its stand on the issue as on one hand it says that temple should be constructed and on the other it opposes the same.

He said the Dharam Sansad has also decided to launch a nation wide awareness campaign for construction of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya and for this purpose one crore Ram Bhagats will be appointed.

He said only 80x40 feet portion of land is disputed on which the structure existed and rest area is undisputed. The Centre should have passed a legislation to settle this issue once for all.

Mr Pankaj said the Centre can transfer the land as per the SC verdict to avert any confrontation to Sadhu Samaj which is going to launch the agitation.

While hailing the Dharam Sansad move he said it has every right to take any decision on the issue and lay the foundation of Temple to fulfill the aspiration of 85 percent population of the country who are attached to Janam Bhoomi.

He said VHP agrees that Parliament is a supreme body in democracy where such typical issues can be settled. But it also could not discharge its responsibility so far in settling over 400 year old Ram Janam Bhoomi issue and instead handed over it to court.

"The courts have no jurisdiction over such emotive issues which are attached to the faith of people", he said, adding that Ram Janam Bhoomi is in Ayodhya and the Temple will be constructed there only.

He said the existence of Ram Temple is as true as rising of Sun from East and flow of Ganga from East to West. The entire Hindu Samaj believes that the Temple be constructed at that place and the Government should respect their aspirations and hand over the undisputed land to its original masters and allow the construction of Temple there.

He said the Pratima of Ram Lalla appeared at Ayodhya where the Temple existed in 1949 and the then UP Government which was run by Congress knows it fully. They appointed Pujaris (priests) for worship and to avert any clash between the two communities a Police Station was set up near the site at that time, he added.

He said later the Shila Niyas (foundation stone) was also laid during the Government of Rajiv Gandhi and the locks of Temple and disputed structure were also dismantled during Congress Government, he added.

Mr Sushil Sudan Bajrang Dal leader from Sunder Bani expressed serious concern over the statement of Minister of State for PWD, Mr Abdul Rehman Veeri that the land of Rani Sunder Asthapan (shrine) at Sunder Bani belongs to Auqaf.

Terming the statement totally misleading he said this land belongs to the Asthapan of Rani on which this township has been named as Sunderbani.

State VHP chief Dr Rama Kant Dubey said that awareness campaign for the construction of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya will be launched in entire state from March 8 to 25.

Vajpayee unwilling to endorse Hurriyat formula

By B L Kak

JAMMU, Mar 2: The much-talked-about Hurriyat Conference is beleaguered. And even as the number of the secessionist amalgam's critics or adversaries among the Kashmiri masses has increased in recent times, particularly after the formation of the PDP-led coalition Government four months ago, element or expression of obduracy and obstinacy in the Hurriyat leadership's modus operandi and modus vivendi is seemingly three—perhaps, as part of desperate plan to assert itself as the potent representative body of the people.

The Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, and his political platform in the Valley, namely, People's Democratic Party (PDP) have rattled, if not trounced, the Hurriyat leadership, with the growing public response to the policy of 'healing touch' being vigorously pursued by the Government of the day. Outwardly, the Mufti goes about as an ardent advocate of peace talks with all sections, including his Government's critics in the secessionist amalgam as well as the pro-India outfits such as National Conference and the BJP.

Even as the Mufti has, on more than one occasion justified the noise or demand for 'unconditional' talks between the Government and the Hurriyat leaders, he has limitations, which do not allow him to attach more-than-necessary importance to the beleaguered amalgam. One such limitations is the outcome of the stand-off between the Centre and the pro-Pakistan conglomerate.

The Mufti and likeminded politicians on the J&K scene cannot afford to pursue pro-Hurriyat line at a time like this when, in the first place, the Hurriyat leadership has avoided seeing the writing on the wall following the outright rejection of their anti-election diktat by large sections of Kashmir's electorate and, secondly, the rift between the Government of India and the Hurriyat leadership appears to have further widened after when New Delhi proceeded against a couple of trouble-makers operating from the Pakistan chancery in the Indian capital.

If the Hurriyat's former chairman, Maulvi Umar Farooq, was till recently, considered by many as a 'moderate' somewhat interested in facilitating New Delhi's peace initiatives in Kashmir, he appeared on the scene as a 'rebel, after two significant developments - first, the withdrawal of his passport and, second, blacklisting of his 'socio-economic' organisation, known as Anjuman Nasrutal Islam.

Obviously, he was anxiously awaiting an opportunity to come down heavily on the powers that be in Delhi, after his passport was suspended by the Government for four weeks. He got the opportunity following the Government's decree to blacklist the organisation. Blacklisting the organisation came after the official allegations in relations to the flow of foreign funds to it (Nasratul Islam).

Maulvi Umar Farooq ran fast and furious, appealing to the heads of religious organisations in Kashmir to close ranks and to work unitedly to abort the BJP's plan, which he alleged, was to unleash a cultural invasions of Kashmir similar to their Gujarat experiment. The Maulvi sought to sensationalise and communalise the issue by publicly stating in Srinagar the other day that the confiscation of his passport and closure of Hurriyat's Delhi office, in addition to blacklisting of Anjuman Nasratul Islam (ANI), "are act to browbeat us into submission."

The Maulvi's sympathisers in the Hurriyat's executive council were found adding fuel to the fire as they came out against the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, for his remarks on Kashmir. What hurt the 'Pak patriots' within the Hurriyat was Mr Vajpayee's pronouncement at the just-concluded conference of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) at Kuala Lumpur. Kashmir is an integral part of India.

This pronouncement was termed by the Hurriyat as 'unrealistic'. Realistic it is and will be for New Delhi. Hurriyat leaders will be storing water in a basket if they sought to make the Prime Minister accept their agenda on Kashmir – that is, Kashmir's accession to India isn't full and final. Thus, the continuance of the rift between the two sides.

And at a time when many eyes seemed focused on how and when the Centre's new representative, Mr N N Vohra, will start Kashmir peace offensive, some senior leaders of the National Conference (which continues to be pro-NDA Government at the Centre) chose to send out signals to suggest their indifferent, if not hostile, attitude towards the Vajpayee Government's new methology.

Debating contest held under 'Display Your Talent"

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 2: If no political party gains majority in an election, should the elections be conducted again? Here comes the coalition Government. Coalition is a blend of mixed ideology. In a coalition Government different political parties for a Government and work on a common agenda.

These views were discussed in an inter-collegiate, Inter departmental Debating Contest organized by Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu under ‘Display Your Talent-2003’. The topic of the debate was "Only a coalition Government can provide good governance in the present scenario".

The students from various PG Departments of Jammu University and affiliated colleges expressed their views for and against the motion. The participants included Samriti Samyal, Neeru, Arun Kumar, Jaipleen Kour, Priyanka, Divya Kapoor, Sheetal Sharma, Kusum Sharma, Isha Thukral, Anuradha, Kishore Kumar, Kiran, Manu Sharma, Vivek Sharma, Rajneesh Sharma, Ashwani Kumar, Suchi Gupta, Pooja Sharma, Devinder Kumar, Atul Hans, Subash Brahmanu, Vineet Thaploo, Sandeep Sharma, Sonia Bhatia, Dheeraj Singh, Gurbhaj Singh, Anupriya Sharma, Manisha Koul, Prerna Khajuria, Shweta, Raju Moza, Shilpi Walia, Sakesh Kumar Sharma, Sonia Kapoor, Digvasanam Sharma, Nidhi Sharma and Pallvi Sachdeva.

Prof Rajive Gupta, chairman Campus Cultural Committee was the chief guest whereas Prof R D Sharma, Dean Students Welfare, presided over.

Eminent educationists Prof Champa Sharma, Prof M M Bhardwaj and Prof Jagdish Chander were among the adjudicators.

Miss Shweta of GGM Science College bagged first position, Ms Anuradha of MC Khalsa College of Education bagged second position while Ms Sheetal Sharma of Atman School of Education bagged third prize. Certificates of merit were given to Anupriya Sharma of GCW Gandhinagar and Ms Shilpi Walia of Shivalik College of Education.

Earlier Dr Renu Nanda, Teacher incharge Debating Contest welcomed the guests and briefed about the rules and regulations of the contest. Mr Zulfkar Ahmed conducted the proceedings whereas Mr Yudhvinder Singh acted as time keeper.

Small screen: Challenges & opportunities

By O P Sharma

The electronic media has thrown up many new challenges. It has, certainly, offered vast opportunities as well. With the ushering in power full television medium in Jammu and Kashmir, it opened windows of opportunities of varied jobs for the talented youth in this part of the country.

The setting up of Doordarshan Kendra at Srinagar and a PGF centre at Jammu has provided window of opportunity of jobs for preparation and presentation of suitable programmes tailored to the needs and inspirations as also distinct and rich cultural heritage, historical background, aspirations for socio-economic development and promotion of democratic system in Jammu and Kashmir.

The TV stations of Srinagar and Jammu as also host of other channels have unique but challenging variety of jobs for creative and enterprising persons. Many of the youth both boys and girls of Jammu and Kashmir have made bold entered the portals of exciting TV domain and showing results. Many more are waiting in wining to exhibit their talents.

Some of the pioneers, working for small screen since its launching in this State, have made significant contribution in socio-cultural sphere and earned fame as also fortune. Many of them have each exciting success stories behind.

Kick-start

In a short span of time, young Devender Kohli has earned a niche in production and direction of TV serials under the banner: DK Films.

Talking to EXCELSIOR, Mr Kohli claimed that he has produced nearly 300 episodes for Doordarshan Kendras of Srinagar and Jammu as also other national channels.

He said that he is at advanced stage of production of documentary on "Healing Touch" for Doordarshan Kendra, Srinagar. He has at hand Sahitya Akademi Awardee Narinder Khajuria’s story " Neela Ambar Kalay Badal", a Dogri serial of five-episodes for Kashir channel. Mr Shiv Mehta has written TV script for this serial.

No Looking Back

" Saheed Kaun ?" is another serial under production of the D K Films, Mr Kohli informed.

Since his first entry of tele-serial: "Kaku" in Dogri of 10 episodes for DDK, Jammu on October 12, 1998, Mr Kohli has come a long way in this specialised field. It was followed by 20-episode " Sur Bahar", " J&K Police" and 13-episode "Musical Programme" telecasted by DDK, Srinagar and Jammu.

His other productions include: " Balle -Da- Bagh" and " Baid Devta", " Border Areas- highlighting special plans and problems of such areas, musical programmes like Geet Mala, Shama-e-Ghazals as also Patriotic Songs, Panchayati Raj, Four years of J&K Government, Tourist Spots. Most of these depict one or the other aspects of social, cultural aspects and other information or entertainment themes.

Productions

The 50-episode documentary " Virasat" portray our rich cultural heritage depicting shrines and monuments. The documentaries: " Secularism in J&K ", " Women education during militancy" , " Kya Yehi Jehad Hai", Election-2002 and it evoked good public response. It is a matter of pride that a Jammu youth has made it in the field of production and direction of TV serials and documentaries.

He has at hand the serial on short stories of Sahitya Akademi awardee Narinder Khajuria’s " Neela Ambar Kale Badal ". Mr Kohli claimed that he complete set up for shooting.

The 35-year Mr Kohli should be proud of his tract record of having produced and directed a sizeable number of serials and documentaries. He has acquired essential technical back-up and other necessary in-puts. " I stand for strict quality production", he emphasised

There is urgent need for upgradation of PGF centre at Jammu to a full-fledged TV Station at Jammu, winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir State. Only then it can project the distinct Dogra cultural heritage, meet challenge of anti-India tirade from Pakistan side and go in for production of various programmes.

Sericulture Depttemployees meet Minister

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 2: A deputation of All J&K Sericulture Development Employees Coordination Committee met the Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives regarding reorganization of the Department and removal of grade anomalies of Sericulture Department vis—a-vis Agriculture and Horticulture.

The Minister gave them a patient hearing and assured that all their genuine demands would be resolved at priority and stressed the need for taking out all steps from the grass root level for further progress of the industry.

He stated that sericulture being traditional industry can play a vital role in upliftment of rural economy. The Deputation also stated that Sericulture being traditional industry can play a vital role in upliftment of rural economy.

The deputation also requested that on the pattern of Agriculture Department Rehbar-e-Abrasham scheme be implemented in Sericulture Department for regularisation of casual hands on consolidated salary who are working in the Department continuously for nine to ten years.

JD-S to fight Municipal elections

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 2: A meeting of State office bearers of Janata Dal (S) was held today under the chairmanship of Mr Dhan Raj Bargotra, state president of the party.

Janata Dal (S) has decided to contest civic elections of Municipal Corporation, Municipalities and town area committees all over the Jammu and Kashmir State.

The party decided to contest election on the issue of complete trifurcation of separate States of Jammu and Kashmir with UT status to Ladakh region, unemployment, scarcity of drinking water, development of urban areas and fight against militancy.

Party unanimously authorised Mr Dhan Raj Bargotra to forge united struggle with the like-minded parties, groups and individuals on behalf of the cause. Those who spoke in the meeting included Messrs Mast Nath Yogi, Sat Pal Sharma, Tara Chand and others.

Om Nagar plunges into darkness

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 2: The entire area of Om Nagar Udhaywala, Bohri has plunged into darkness for last three days after the local transformer developed a snag and ceased to function.

Even there was no power supply in the area on the eve of Maha Shivratri yesterday. The residents of area in an appeal to Chief Engineer PDD have sought his immediate attention towards the problem and urged him that new transformer be immediately installed in the locality keeping in view the examinations of the students which have to start from tomorrow.

Samohik Shivratri celebrated

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 2; Braving the inclement weather a large number of devout Hindus today thronged the Sanjeevani Sharda Kendra Anand Nagar Bohri near here to participate in the Samohik Shivratri celebrations.

The Kendra which was tastefully decorated gave a festive look. The function was presided over by Mr Moti Lal Kemo an eminent art and theatre personality of the state. Swami Jai Ram Dass was the chief guest on the occasion.

Among the other highlights of the function was a grand cultural programme. Famous singer Mrs Naina Saproo held the audience spell bound by reciting Shiv Bhajans in her melodious voice. She was also felicitated by the Kendra for her contributions by presenting her a shawl and memento.

On the occasion the scholarships among the Kashmiri students were distributed by the Kashmiri Vidyarthi Sangh, Pune.

Dr B L Koul a renowned scholar of Kashmiri and Hindi threw light on the philosophy of Shivratri in general and its importance for the Kashmiri Pandits in particular.

He dwelt at length on social, mythological and cultural aspects of Maha Shivratri. He said the Shiv Ratri is one of the most ancient festivals of Kashmir which has references in Neelmat Puran, the oldest extent record of socio religious life of Kashmir. He said the Afghan Governor Jabar Khan had to held his head in shame when the entire Valley was covered by a thick layer of snow in mid July after he forced the community to celebrate the festival in Summer to prove its sanctity.

Dr Koul said it is in recognition of this manifest sanctity that people are said to have bowed before the Vatak Nath the following day which continues as the tradition of Salam.

He also referred to Ali Mardhan Khan’s vision which he recorded in that famous persian Leela Shab Shahay Kiman Deedan.

Among others the function was attended by Dr Agnishekhar, Dr M K Santoshi, Pt. Rishi Dev, Dr K N Pandita, Messrs K K Khosa, V K Kashkari, Kashmiri Lal Bhat, Advocate, Dr Taimeri and Mr Hangloo, Pir Panchal chief.

The vote of thanks was presented by Dr R L Bhat and the programme was compered by Mr Radhey Sham.

It may be recalled that Kashmiri Pandits are celebrating Samohik Shivratri for over last five years now after their mass exodus from the Valley in 1990.

Raj Dulari’s collection of spiritual poetry

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 2: Ms Raj Dulari ‘Mastini’ Kadalbujoo has brought out yet another volume of spiritual poetry. Duly named "Mann Pamposh", it is a collection of Kashmiri spiritual poems. It is her third volume of spiritual poetry. Her earlier volumes include Pushpanjali, which is in Hindi and Atamgyan again in Kashmiri.

Ms Kadalbujoo is the saint disciple of Swami Laxman Ji Maharaj. Daughter of Pandit Gopi Nath Dhar (Santutlaya). She is married to Mr Makhan Lal Kadalbujoo. She is into her spiritual pursuit for last over 35 years.

Although settled in Australia, where she lives with one of her sons, she regularly visits her home. She is spiritually attached to the land and her Guru. "That is probably all the attachment I have", says a detached Raj Dulari.

Talking about her works, she says modestly, "I am not a poetess or a writer...I am just ‘a Mastini’ attached to my Guru". She says, even she is surprised as how she is able to conceptualise and conceive her poetry. "It is the blessing of my Guru and the Mother that comes as a revelation and I don’t hold it to myself but present it to others’, she narrates.

This is not all that she has conceived and brought in black and white. There is an enormous treasure from which I have churned a few lines and brought it before the general public for the benefit of the society.

Despite having made such contributions to the society, like a true saint she prefers to be anonymous. "I don’t know, who I am and in fact no body knows and I would like to be like that", she admits, while summing up herself is a couplet, `fakiroon ka parichay fakiri hai, peeroon ka parichay dastgiri hai’. And she places herself in the category of ‘fakirs’ only.

She also avoids to be a preacher. "Fakirs like me are not even aware of themselves, what can they do to others. They have no identity like I don’t have...probably this volume of bhajans might be my identity", she observes.

She reveals that she had an inclination towards spirituality right in her youth. She recalls, "when I was in twenties, some one told me of Bhagwan Sri Raman Maharishi. Then and there I left Kashmir and went to South India. From Madras I took another train from Tiruvannamalai. There I took a card and reach the blessed Sri Ramanasramam". And that journey in search of the eternal truth continues till now.

Last but not least, she has a word of acknowledgment for her husband, Mr ML Kadalbujoo, who has stood by her as a staunch disciple in her spiritual pursuit.

Unemployed Enggs' relay fast enters fifth day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 2: The first phase of agitation launched by All J&K Unemployed Engineers Association in support of their demands entered 5th day today.

They are demanding batchwise absorption into regular services. Those who sat on hunger strike on fifth day included Messrs Ram Parsad and Naresh Dubey, who sat on relay fast in presence of large number of the members of the Association.

Association president Rana Randip Singh warned the Government of serious consequences if their demands were not conceded at an earliest. He also threatened to intensify agitation with every passing day.

School gutted

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Mar 2: Record, furniture and library of the Government Higher Secondary School Kandi gutted in devastating fire.

Reports said that all the articles of the school were reduced into ashes before the devastating fire could be extinguished by the fire fighting squad.

LeT threatens to target Vajpayee, Advani

NEW DELHI, Mar 2: Lashkar-e-Taiba has issued a fresh threat to unleash a spate of suicide attacks in India and targets include Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee among others, reports Pakistani media.

Noted Pakistani weekly "The Friday Times" quoted LeT chief Hafeez Saeed’s taped speech, played at a mosque in Rawalpindi, as saying "listen o (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee, we are about to unleash a spate of suicide attacks. I have ordered my warriors to undertake this duty."

Lashkar also threatened Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani saying that his days were numbered, the weekly reported.

In yet another sign of continued failure of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to rein in the militants, Saeed said in his speech "listen o Musharraf! we shall not submit to you or your Government....We will not allow you to besmirch the Jihad..."

The speech, which was in clear violation of law, did not spare the US Ambassador to Pakistan Nancy Powell and said "we cannot tolerate unholy presence of Nancy Powell...Pakistan should cleanse itself from her unholy existence."

Meanwhile, a former Army General, Lt Gen Nishat Ahmed warned that chances of war with India were ripe because Islamabad was not keeping its word.

"Cross-border infiltration is on. The Government may not be supporting it but it is certainly looking the other way." (PTI)