|
|
| Mufti condemns Bijbehara killings ‘Innocent killings during peace moves unfortunate’ Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 10: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today visited Bijbehara and conveyed his personal condolences to the bereaved families of three...more DGP
reviews Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 10: The Director General of Police, (DGP), Mr A K Suri reviewed the security situation of Jammu zone in a meeting of officers.....more Mattoo
visits downtown, Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, May 10: The Government contemplates to formulate a comprehensive plan to improve.....more Dy CM
orders Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 10: The Government has set up commuter complaint cells at Srinagar and Jammu for.......more Academicians
convey Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 10: Post- Graduation Department of Home Science, University of Jammu, today organised an interactive session......more |
 |
ICELA
organises Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 10: On the occasion of the 14th Foundation Day of the Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action (ICELA), J&K chapter, a conference on state of environment........more 2 killed,
3 injured Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 10: Two persons were killed and three others received severe injuries in separate road accidents while as an unidentified body of a man............more Excelsior Correspondent SAMBA, May: 10: To rejuvenate the Party at grass root level and refurbish its image after the debacle in last year’s assembly elections in J&K, the State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has put some emotive issues including the implementation of Wazir Commission.........more Govt wants
to give last Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 10: Union Minister of State for Defence and senior BJP leader Prof Chaman Lal Gupta has said that Centre wants to give last chance to Pakistan........more |
Mufti condemns Bijbehara killings Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 10: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today visited Bijbehara and conveyed his personal condolences to the bereaved families of three civilians killed by militants last night in two different incidents. Accompanied by Minister of State for R&B and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. A. R. Veeri and leader of PDF legislature party and MLA, Mr. M. Y. Tarigami, the Chief Minister went to the houses of three victims and consoled the wailing family members. Mufti Sayeed visited the house of Mr. Gul Mohammad Mirab at Jablipura, Bijbehara where he was apprised about the gory incident. Mr. Mirab, a well known fruit merchant, was returning home after offering nimaz when militants pumped three bullets in his body at SICOP road at about 7.45 P.M. Militants took away Rs. 5 lakh in cash, his identity card and a wrist watch after killing him. He had collected the money in day for his business. It was a tough time for the Chief Minister and other dignitaries to control the wailing daughters and other members of the bereaved family. Later, he visited Nowbugh, an interior village on Pahalgam road and went to the house of PDP worker, Mr. Gul Mohammad Bhat who was also killed by militants along with another PDP activist, Mr. Abdul Gani Sheikh in a separate incident near a culvert. The Chief Minister also went to the house of Mr. Abdul Gani Sheikh. At both the places, he sat with the children of the killed PDP workers and consoled them. A large number of people from the nearby villages had assembled there to express their solidarity with the militancy victims. The killings have generated lot of anger among the people of the area. All these persons were highly respected in their areas. Condemning the killing of innocents by militants, the Chief Minister described these as senseless acts which need to be condemned by all the right thinking persons. He described these unfortunate as these were engineered when the State is looking forward to return of peace following initiatives taken by India and Pakistan. He hoped that in the changing scenario, the phase of bloodshed will come to an end soon. Mufti Sayeed also condemned the killing of Haji Ghulam Ahmad of Munpora, Wuyan, who was also shot dead by militants yesterday when he was returning home after offering Friday prayers. |
 |
DGP reviews security situation Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 10: The Director General of Police, (DGP), Mr A K Suri reviewed the security situation of Jammu zone in a meeting of officers at the new PHQ Complex today. The meeting was attended among others by IGP Jammu Zone, Mr P L Gupta, Range DIGs and all district SSPs. While complementing the police officer for ensuring public order effectively and containing the growth of militancy, the DGP cautioned them that there was no room for complacency and emphasized on the need of maintaining vigil especially in major population centres. He expressed the hope that with the move of Darbar to Srinagar, the district police officers will find adequate time to visit police stations and other subordinate units and attend to the basic policing measures to improve the efficiency and quality of service rendered by the quality disposal of cases by ensuring higher percentage of detection especially in militancy related incidents and relentless perusal of the cases in the courts. The DGP was briefed by the District SSP about the progress achieved in effective disposal of cases as also welfare measures initiated in respect of the families of the deceased police personnel, civil action programme and police public relationship exercise. Assessment about the strength and striking capability of various terrorist outfits operating in different districts of Jammu Zone was also given by the district SSP. He also referred to several constraints faced by them. The DGP while assuring to look into the problems projected by the District SSP expressed the hope that within the resources,an attempt will be made to ensure optimum utilization for better results. In this context he referred to the need of due recognition of the role played by the Policemen at different levels in the context of the distribution of rewards and necessity of ensuring discipline for the better image of police organization. |
|
Mattoo visits downtown, urges for hygienic condition Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, May 10: The Government contemplates to formulate a comprehensive plan to improve civic and hygienic condition in the habitations situated along embankment of River Jehlum in Srinagar. The plan envisages restoring glory of the river, which has all along been lifeline of the valley. This was Stated by the Minister of State for Industries and Commerce, Mr. Raman Mattoo during his extensive tour to downtown Srinagar which include 3 km walk by foot in Habakadal, Kral Khud, Ganpatyar, Chinkral Mohalla, Fatehkadal and Tankipora areas. He also inspected the spaces for construction of public parks and parking slots in the city and also sought feed back about development process for the people besides seeking their suggestions. Later the Minister also took stock of migrant houses along-with Member Apex Committee on Migrants rehabilitation in Habakadal area. |
|
Dy CM orders enforcement of minibus tariff Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 10: The Government has set up commuter complaint cells at Srinagar and Jammu for redressal of complaints of the commuters regarding overcharging by the minibuses and other passenger transport operators. These cells have been located in the offices of Regional Transport Officers and SSPs of Traffic. This was Stated by Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Mangat Ram Sharma at a high level meeting held here today. He said the travelling public can also lodge their complaints for overcharging by the transport operators in police stations. He said the police authorities have been directed to take immediate follow action on the complaints against the defaulters. Mr. Sharma advised the people to pay the fare on the rates as notified by the Government vide notification No. 25-MVD of 2003 of 16-04-2003. Under this notification, the minimum slab of fare has been fixed as Rs. 1.50 for a distance of 2 kilometers which is already in force. He said only half of the passenger fare shall be charged both by the SRTC and the private operators from physically handicapped and disabled persons, deaf, dumb, blind or any person suffering from cancer, students, war widows and children of not more than 12 years of age. However, no fare shall be charged for a child up to 3 years of age. The Deputy Chief Minister said that the SRTC buses would continue to ply for the time being on the main routes in the capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu for the convenience of the people. |
|
Academicians convey opinions on
schooling Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 10: Post-Graduation Department of Home Science, University of Jammu, today organised an interactive session on ‘Schooling in Early Years of Life’ wherein the academicians conveyed their opinions on the topic. Prof Kanti Bajpai from Jawahar Lal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi and Headmaster designate, Doon School, who was the chief resource person of the discussion, listed several contextual factors which play important role during schooling in early years of life. He said that day-to-day developments in our surroundings and around the world greatly influence children in their early years of schooling. He listed globalisation, urban landscape, changing family structure, importance of television, computers and culture relevance as most contextual factors which influence the development of children in school years. Prof Bajpai claimed that increased influence of television and computer has degraded interactive skills among children as well as put enormous pressure even in family engagements. Giving the example of prestigious Doon School, he recommended an atmosphere free from urban life style and television for better grooming of a school going child. The JU Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo, who presided over the session, laid stress on the need to develop a better communication network among the University academicians, school authorities and parents. As an outcome of the interaction, he recommended the formation of four working groups of academicians to look into various aspects of early schooling. These four different groups of experts will examine petagogy, curriculum, parents’ expectations and organisation and management of schools for a detailed report on the topic and suggested holding of more such interactive sessions. Earlier, Prof Rajni Dhingra, Head of the Department of Home Science and co-ordinator of the programme, outlined the objectives of interactive session. She also highlighted the activities and role of JU Department of Home Science for schooling in early years of life. On the occasion, several other academicians also put their suggestions on the topic. Even as they opined that early schooling has become most difficult than ever it was, they were unanimous over the point that children should be allowed to grow like children only. "Let a child remain a child," they stressed. A few among them favoured grouping of children as per their inclinations and suggested a shift from traditionality to modernity. The session, attended by Principals and teachers from 20 schools dealing with primary education, was organised with a view to develop relationship between the University, colleges and schools so as to discuss issues relevant to schooling of young children. Registrar JU, Dr J S Dev, Dean Academic Affairs Prof O P Sharma and Director Colleges Development Dr O S Soodan were also present in the programme. |
|
ICELA organises conference on environment Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 10: On the occasion of the 14th Foundation Day of the Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action (ICELA), J&K chapter, a conference on state of environment in J&K was organised by ICELA at Jammu. Retired Judge of Supreme Court, Justice R P Sethi was chief guest of the function whereas Thakur Puran Singh, Minister of Forest presided over the function. Mr Ashwani Sharma, MLA Bishnah and Mr S M Dullu, regional director Central Pollution Control Board, Himachal Pradesh and J&K were the guests of honour. Large number of legal illumanaries, social activists, ICELA volunteers and intellectuals participated in the conference. Speaking on the occasion, Justice Sethi said that a small sapling named ICELA was planted up during 1989 in his presence and he was happy that this sapling has grown into a mighty and full-fledged tree over the years. Coming down heavily on the forest encroachers, he said that time has come that these offenders should be identified and be punished severely for doing away the forest and playing with the lives of the innocent citizens by polluting the healthy environment. He invited the attention of the Government to give top priority to the protection of natural resources of the state and should stop its plunder and mis-sue by any person. Th Puran Singh, MoS Forest while speaking on the occasion loaded the role of ICELA and assured that Government will support all efforts, policies and programmes of ICELA for ameliorating of healthy environment in the State. He stressed upon people to give whole hearted support for all the programmes related with protection of forests. MLA Bishnah, Mr Ashwani Sharma in his address called for participation of one and all for the protection of environment as it was related with every existence of mankind. Mr Ashok Sharma, convenor ICELA J&K gave a detail account of the activities of ICELA and said that organisation will continue its struggle for clean and pollution free environment. Mr Puran Singh, father of ICELA martyr Mr Sham Singh, who laid down his life for forest protection in village Mangloor district Kathua and Mr Nanak Singh, founder member of ICELA were honoured by the chief guest with Dhati Gaurav Awards. |
|
2 killed, 3 injured in road accidents Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 10: Two persons were killed and three others received severe injuries in separate road accidents while as an unidentified body of a man was recovered from railway track. According to police, one Sunita Devi, wife of Dev Raj of Batera was killed after she was knocked down by a speeding scooter at Bathera under the jurisdiction of Kanachak Police Station. She was immediately rushed to Government Medical College Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. The body was, later, handed over to family members for last rites after post-mortem. A case has been registered against the scooterist and further investigations were on. In another road accident, a scooterist—Mohinder Pal Singh of Poonch was killed when he was hit by a fast moving truck bearing registration number JK02D-5133 at Vikas Lane, Canal Road. He was rushed to hospital by some padestrians but he was declared brought dead soon after his admission in hospital. In yet another road accident, three persons received severe injuries after a mini-bus hit them at Kothey Sarian area under the jurisdiction of Bishnah Police Station. The injured have been identified as Kailasho Devi, wife of Chatter Singh, Dev Raj, son of Chatter Singh and Santosh Kumar, wife of Dev Raj. Their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in. Meanwhile, an unidentified body of a man was recovered from Railway track near Govindsar in Kathua district. From the condition of the body, it could easily be persumed that he might have fallen from the moving train. The body was shifted to District Hospital Kathua for identification. |
|
Jammu continues to face
discrimination: Nirmal Excelsior Correspondent SAMBA, May: 10: To rejuvenate the Party at grass root level and refurbish its image after the debacle in last year’s assembly elections in J&K, the State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has put some emotive issues including the implementation of Wazir Commission report on the top of its agenda. The Party has decided to put forcefully its demand for grant of district status to Samba, Reasi and Kishtwar a long pending demand of the people of the Jammu region as claimed by Party state chief, Dr Nirmal Singh while addressing a protest rally here, today in support of this demand He said, the Party will accelerate struggle by launching dharnas and protest marches which will be followed by Jail Baro Andolan. The BJP leaders, while justifying their demand for granting of district status to Samba, Reasi and Kishtwar tehsils, on the basis of Wazir Commission and Sicari Commission recommendations, alleged that the Jammu region has been totally neglected by the Kashmiri rulers since independence. They alleged, that though three more districts were recommended for the Jammu by the Wazir Commission, constituted by then Government in 1953 to look into the problems of Jammu people, three more districts were created in Kashmir Valley by neglecting the Jammu. The Party, gave the sacrifices for the supreme cause of Jammu in the shape of Late Shama Prashad Mukherjee and 18 youth leaders in 1953, they said. Dr Nirmal Singh, warned that his Party will continue its struggle for granting district status to these three districts and it will not budge form the present stand. Lashing out at Congress and Panthers Party, he alleged that its leaders exploited sentiments of the people during last year’s Assembly poll. He said, the healing touch policy of coalition Government led by Mr Mufti Mohammad Sayeed to which Congress and PP are the partners, is pro militant. He warned, the PDP Government to desist from such policies which are inimical to national interests. The BJP, will chalk out future strategy, to fight it out, he added. He also made a dig at State Government, for its failure in giving the state subject rights to the Pak and POK refugees who came here after the partition of the country. These people who embraced this soil are still deprived of rights, he added. He alleged the Jammu faces discrimination in every sphere and "our intelligent and meritorious youth were deprived from admission in professional colleges, while preference is being given to Kashmiris". He demanded implementation of Singal Commission report in this regard. Accusing the Congress and PDP of backtracting from its poll promises he asked, what happened to the slogan of separate state given by Panthers Party and creation of Regional Board by Congress. The people of Jammu region will never forgive these two parties as they betrayed the Jammuites, he added. Dr Singh, said the days of Mufti Government are numbered and it will crumble under its own contradictions. Addressing the rally, former BJP chief, Mr Daya Krishan Kotwal said, though India gained independence in 1947 but the J&K became the slave of Kashmiri rulers since that day. He held the NC and Congress responsible for not granting the district status to Samba as the two parties were ruling the state since 1947. Lambasting the PDP led Government he said, the Chief Minister has given a free deal to militants while the SOG and STF personnel who have done a commendable job in containing terrorism were being harassed. He regretted, that the people of Jammu who have valiantly fought the wars against the China and Pakistan in past are not fighting for their rights. Others who addressed the rally include BJYM state chief Satish Sharma, Party leaders Chander Parkash Ganga, Party president S C Morcha, Bansi Lal Bharti, Subash Bhagat, Varinder Mohan Mangotra, Charan Jit Singh Khalsa, Jyoti Parkash, Party state secretary and Col (retd) B S Choudhary. |
|
Govt wants to give last chance to Pakistan: Gupta Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 10: Union Minister of State for Defence and senior BJP leader Prof Chaman Lal Gupta has said that Centre wants to give last chance to Pakistan for the revival of peace initiative and it should not be taken as any weakness of India by that nation. While paying tributes to the activists and leaders of Praja Parishad at a function organised by PRAYAS ( Praja Parishad Andolan Yadgar Samiti) at Parade Ground here today, Prof Gupta said that Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has taken another initiative of peace in the region and his efforts should not be taken as otherwise. He is sincere and very serious in resolving the issue for ever and his efforts should not be treated as any weakness or any compulsion. " We want to give a last chance to Pakistan in the restoration of peace in this part of the world. We have not forgotten Lahore bus yatra initiative, Kargil and Agra Summit. It is very unfortunate that our neighbour did not show the response and if the efforts fail, the doors for peace will close for ever, ‘’he added. The Union Minister said that J&K is the integral part of India and the conversion of LOC into working boundary or any other theory pertaining to its violation will not be acceptable. Our efforts will be to get back the area occupied by Pakistan as every inch land of J&K is the integral of India. The preference will be to resolve the issues through dialogue. While recalling the supreme sacrifices of Dr Shayama Parsad Mukerjee, Pt Prem Nath Dogra and many others from Chhamb, Jourian, Hiranagar and Jammu, he said that their sacrifices can never be ignored. They fought for one constitution, once flag and one head of the country and opposed the Article 370. He also congratulated ex-MLA Lala Shive Charan Gupta for organising this programme to remember those forgotten martyrs. He said every year such programme should be organised. Mr Hans Raj Dogra (Ex-MLA), Mr Chander Mohan Sharma, Mr Bhagwat Swaroop, Mr Kuldip Raj Gupta, Master Sohan Lal, Mr Dewan Chand and various other veteran leaders of Praja Parishad and BJP spoke on the occasion. The rich tributes were paid to all the sixteen Praja Parishad activists sacrificed for the cause. |
|
SNEA holds meet, elects body for Udhampur SSA Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, May 10: General body meeting of the Sanchar Nigam Executives Association (India) earlier known as TEOA (I) was held here under the chairmanship of Mr S K Mahaldar, Circle secretary. Branch election for Udhampur SSA comprising of entire Udhampur and Doda districts were held under the supervision of Mr P K Bali with Opender Raina as branch president. Other office bearers of the branch are Messrs T B Gadoo as secretary, Bhavuc Anand as vice president, S K Koul as assistant secretary, Rakesh Khajuria as organizing secretary, Sanjeev Chopra as cashier and Prem Kishore, Samir Raina and R L Mattoo as executive members. The huge gathering of officers was addressed by Messrs S K Mahaldar, P K Bali, Opender Raina, S K Koul, Bhavuc Anand, S K Pandita and T B Gadoo. Burning problems were discussed in detail and it was stressed that administration should provide hassle free atmosphere to them, free from distraction and harassment so that they could concentrate on their goal and targets with undivided action. The members of the association took an oath to work harder for the betterment of BSNL and assured that they will leave no stone unturned to redress the complaints of the common consumers and make efforts for providing better services. The members praised the role of Comrade G L Jogi, who has been elected as general secretary of the association and extended him unconditional support and co-operation from the entire membership of SNEA (I) J&K Circle for actualizing the dreams and aspirations of thousands of Telecom Engineers and Executives of the country. |
|
Govt committed to protect wildlife of state: Sofi Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 10: Minister for Forests and Environment, Mr. Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Sofi today visited Animal under construction Rescue and Rehabilitation Project at Dachigam National Park to take stock of the pace of progress on the work. The first phase of the project has already been completed at a cost of Rs. 30.90 lakh. The project comprises of two enclosures namely Leopard Enclosures and Herbivore Enclosures for Hangul with a veterinary wing. The second phase will be completed within two months at a cost of Rs. 23 lakh. The Minister visited the newly constructed leopard enclosure where four leopards have been kept. According to Wildlife Department the leopards kept in the enclosure are those cubs, which are found isolated, injured at different places of the state. The leopards, which are being nourished in this enclosure has been brought from Kupwara, Baramulla, Tangmarg and Kangan areas of the state. The leopard from Baramulla is about one year old, named Dhara while leopard from Tangmarg named as Semba. Leopard from Kangan is five year old named Sherru while leopard from Kupwara is only four months old. Molvi Shafat, Chief Wildlife Warden said that these leopards would be tamed in the local habitate before setting the free. Mr Sofi also visited Brown Bear enclosure at the Dachigam National Park popularly known in Kashmir as "Kani Haput". This bear has been brought by Wildlife Department from Kishtwar in 1987 when he was only three months old. |
|
RJMS holds literary meet to pay tributes to Mohan Yawar Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 10: Rasa Javedani Memorial Society organised a literary meet in connection with 6th death anniversary of reputed short story writer and a noted journalist Late Mohan Yawar. The meeting was presided over by Dr Shohab Inayat Malik. Speakers described Mohan Yawar as an embodiment of uprightness, humanity and secular ethos, who not only made a great contribution to Urdu literature but a Urdu journalist as well. In his address Dr Shohab Inayat Malik said society has always remembered those literary personalities who had contributed in art and literature in the State. He highlighted the uncompromising traits of Yawar’s personality. The society is organizing Sham-e-Ghazal at University auditorium on May 27. Others who paid tributes to Mohan Yawar included Messrs Mohd Azeem, Liquat Ali Shah, Pyare Hatash, Mohd Naseem, Irfan Ali, Shokat Ali and Zaheer Abbas. The programme was conducted by Mrs Rabia Naseem. Liquat Jafri presented vote of thanks. |
|
9544 rural works completed in Kashmir: Peerzada Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 10: 9544 rural works involving an expenditure of Rs. 57.09 crore have been completed thereby generating 22 lakh mandays in Kashmir division during the last financial year. This was disclosed at a high level meeting of officers of Rural Development Department held here today to review functioning of the department. The Minister for Rural Development, Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed presided. The meeting was informed that under different schemes, Rs. 2.82 crore have been provided as subsidy to the beneficiaries during the period. Under Sawrozgar Yojana 8261 persons have been covered, while 628 self-help groups have been formed. The Minister asked the officers to immediately formulate current year’s works plan so that development activity is initiated at the earliest. He suggested to establish separate habitation clusters for backward and poor people at each district headquarter. Secretary Rural Development, Mr. Basharat Ahmad, Director of Rural Development, Jammu and Srinagar, Special Secretary Rural Development, Assistant Development Commissioners of all districts and Panchayat Officers of Kashmir division were present in the meeting. |
|
Slathia inaugurates sewing centre Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 10: Senior National Conference leader and ex-Minister, Mr Surjit Singh Slathia today inaugurated a sewing and embroidery centre at village Gudwal in tehsil Samba. The Centre will run under the management of Women Development Corporation, Department of Social Welfare. Besides two other centres, this the first centre opened by the Women Development Corporation teaching various courses like needle craft, sewing, cutting, tailoring etc. Addressing the gathering, Mr Slathia congratulated the Gudwal Panchayat on opening of the sewing and embroidery centre in which women of villages namely Rampur, Kirpalpur, Koulpur, Gagore, Gudwal Camp will be benefited. Mr Slathia appreciated the role of Women Development Corporation in making the poor ladies/women self dependent. People belongs of minorities will also get maximum benefit out of these sewing centres. Mr Slathia stressed on the need to start a awareness drive among the poor people and they should be made aware so that maximum number of poor and needy women should join these centres and get benefit. Mrs Bimla Luthra, ex-MLA along with Development Officer Dr Soz also spoke on the occasion and explained the functioning and programme of the sewing centres. Master Taj Ram, Capt Tirath Ram, Subash Chander, Mrs Pushpa Devi, Kewal Krishan, Mrs Veena Oberio and others present on the occasion. |
|
Harshdev pays surprise visit to exam centres Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 10: Education Minister Mr Harshdev Singh today conducted surprise visit to some examination centres in Jammu city and took stock of the arrangements. Accompanied by the Jammu University Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo and Controller Examination Dr D K Jain, the Education Minister personally visited the examination centres in MAM College and GCW Gandhi Nagar where the three year degree examinations were being held. Harshdev Singh took stock of the arrangements made for smooth conduct of examinations and asked the candidates individually to list the problems if any. Even as the Minister expressed satisfaction over the smooth conduct of examinations, he also conveyed his displeasure over the non-availability of fans at a centre in MAM college. Instructing the college authorities to immediately make arrangements in this connection, he said that efficiency of students decreases in incongenial atmosphere. |
|
Ch Nizam supports Dar’s statement Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 10: Commenting on the statement of Dr Mehboob Beg, provincial president of National Conference, Choudhary Nizam-ud-Din MLC, in a statement said that the Chairman of the Legislative Council is a constitution post and while holding this position it is very appropriate for the Chairman of the Upper House to say and do everything possible to uphold the constitution. He stated that the letter and spirit of the Constitution is that a democratic Government elected by the people should not be dislodged by seeking defections and no attempt should be made to subvert the people’s verdict. He was of the view that the Chairman of the Legislative Council, Mr Abdul Rashid Dar, while appealing to all political parties to desist from playing tricks to distort the people’s judgement, has discharged his constitutional duty. He stated that at present in this troubled State, when the situation of peace, dignity and understanding is developing, it is all the more important for those who have respect of the constitution and are concerned for the peaceful settlement of Kashmir’s political problem, to extend support to the present dispensation. He said that Chairman’s statement might not have been to the linking of professional defectors and power grabbers, there was nothing derogatory or malicious against Dr Farooq Abdullah, who the Chairman continues to hold in high esteem. |
|
Teachers provide Rs 15,000
to family of Excelsior Correspondent RAMBAN, May 10: Teachers Association Ramban provided Rs 15000, collected through contributions to the widow of Late Prem Singh, teacher posted at Primary School Thalwa, zone Ramban, who got washed away in flash floods while saving his family members. He is survived by his wife and three sons. The amount of Rs 15,000 was presented to the wife of deceased teacher by Mr Kuldeep Chander, Master, president of the Association. An amount of Rs 12,500 was contributed by teachers of Ramban zone, Government High School Ramban contributed Rs 1500 and HSS Ramban donated Rs 1000. Speaking on the occasion vice president Firdous Ahmed, general secretary Th Choor Singh and executive members Yousaf Katoch, Mangal Singh, Ghulam Abbas and Sita Ram thanked the teachers for their contributions. |
|
Jammu Bar strike extended upto May 15 Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 10: Bar Association Jammu, in its general house meeting held today under the presidentship of Mr A V Gupta, decided to continue the ongoing agitation till May 15, 2003 when the general house will again meet to decide future course of action. The members assailed State Government and Law Minister over maintaining silence over the issues raised by Bar. Among others who spoke on the occasion included Messrs BB Kotwal, SK Puri, AS Manhas, Harbhajan Singh, Rajesh Thappa, Surinder Singh Bunty, Yogesh Bamba, Ashok Kumar, Pawan Mani and Rajesh Kotwal. The Bar president on the approval of the full house later constituted a five member committee for monitoring the ongoing agitation. The members include Messrs BB Kotwal, AS Manhas, Harbhajan Singh, Surinder Singh and Rajesh Thappa. Student wing of JSM to
contribute maximum Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 10: After structuring its units in all parts of the region, Jammu State Students Morcha - the students wing of the pro-trifurcation outfit Jammu State Morcha, is all set to contribute maximum for the separate State movement. This was disclosed by JSSM convenor Mr Vivek Sharma while addressing a press conference on the Jammu University Campus here today. "We have constituted JSSM units in maximum education institutions of Jammu regions and now chalked out a comprehensive programme to aware masses, particularly students, against discriminatory policies of the successive Kashmiri dominated State Government," he said. The chalked out action plan, commencing from the forthcoming academic session, included agitational programmes, rallies, dharnas and processions throughout the Jammu region, he added. Mr Vivek sought to justify a student outfit’s priority to a political issue with the claim that discriminatory policies of the successive State Governments towards Jammu region, were the root cause of all problems, including that of students. "All the student related problems, like increasing unemployment among youth, biased and discriminatory selection in Medical, Civil Secretariat and other services, will automatically be solved once the Jammu people are given their political right," he explained. Mr Deepak Gupta, president of Jammu University unit of JSSM, highlighted some burning demands of the students which included centralisation of admission process in JU and introduction of some subjects at Higher Secondary level. "We have submitted memorandum to Education authorities seeking introduction of Sociology, Statistics, Geology, Psychology and Buddhist Studies at Higher Secondary level but no response was received," said Mr Sunil Singh, JSSM vice-president. Change of stand towards Pak aimed at elections: Sena Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 10: The sudden shift in the BJP-led Central Government’s stand towards Pakistan and extending friendship hand to that country was nothing else but to eye on the forthcoming Parliamentary elections in the country. This was alleged by senior leader of Shiv Sena (Thakre) Mr Anil Hindu while addressing a press conference here today. "Earlier our Prime Minister used to say that India will not hold talks with Pakistan till that country ends cross-border terrorism but suddenly he extended hand of friendship which clearly showed that Mr Vajpayee has only parliamentary elections in the mind", he said. "The issueless BJP has now started harping on Indo-Pakistan relations to consolidate its position in the forthcoming parliamentary elections", Mr Hindu said, adding that BJP would not be able to befool the people this time as people have come to know the gameplan of that party. According to Sena leader, India should have not extended hand of friendship to Pakistan till that country winds up terrorist training camps and cross border terrorism. But for the sake of winning elections Mr Vajpayee has made the people of the country to bow before Pakistan. Moreover, he said, earlier experiences of Lahore Bus Yatra and Agra Summit should have been kept in mind by Prime Minister before extending hand of friendship to Pakistan. "If India doesn’t consider Kashmir an issue then why should we talk to Pakistan", he asked. He disclosed that Shiv Sena (Thakre) will hold mass demonstrations in Jammu and Kashmir if Mr Vajpayee initiates any more such steps. JDA Complex double murder
case Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 10: Principal Sessions Judge Jammu, Mr Subash Chander Gupta has directed Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Crime Branch Jammu to hold investigation into the forged medical certificate issued by Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital Chandigarh in JDA Complex double murder case. These directions were passed in a bail application filed by Manohar Singh, brother of accused Gandharab Singh, when the Special Public Prosecutor made a prayer and raised objection to the medical report placed on record by the petitioner. The Special Public Prosecutor termed the certificate as fake and wanted to ascertain the truth about the certificate from the concerned authority. The Court delivered a letter to the Special Public Prosecutor for handing over the same to the concerned authority to authenticate the medical report placed on the record with the bail petition by the appellant Manohar Singh. The Principal Sessions Judge observed that a confidential letter has been received which was opened in the open court and the same divulged the report to be false one, as reporting doctor, stated to have attested the certificate, had resigned in February 2003. This doctor was relieved on February 15, 2003 while the Medical Certificate was issued on April 15, 2003. This necessitated to hook the persons involved in the fabrication of medical report and its production in the court. The bail application was moved by Manohar Singh on the basis of this medical report/certificate issued by Cytologist Dr GK Shashi B Dewan of GMC Chandigarh, Department of Pathology, wherein it was mentioned that Mrs Shankuntala, W/o Gandharab Singh of Channi Himmat Jammu was admitted in Hospital’s Unit-IV and she was still unconsciousness with her condition not improving satisfactory. On this alleged fake certificate, the bail application was moved by Manohar Singh. On the prayer of Special Public Prosecutor, a letter was written to GMC Chandigarh. In response, Dr Harish Mohan, the Head of Deptt of Pathology Chandigarh clarified that the contents of the medical report/certificate were fake. It was mentioned that no patient had reported to Pathology Department for the tests. Further, about Dr Shashi’s resignation and her relieving was also mentioned in the letter written on May 2, 2003. After receiving this letter, the court directed SSP Crime Branch Jammu to register a case and hold thorough investigations. Convent School steals show in inter-school dance festival Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 10: Presentation Convent School, Gandhinagar organised an inter school dance festival in the school auditorium here this evening. Vice-chancellor of Jammu University Prof Amitabh Mattoo was the chief guest while Deputy Inspector General of Police Jammu-Kathua Range, Mr Dilbagh Singh and Additional Chief Executive Officer, Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board, Mr Rohit Kansal were the guests of honour. The programme commenced with the welcome address by Ms Lizzy Panghat. At least a dozen schools of the city participated in the dance competition. The contest was started with the performance of Punjabi dance by the students of the same school while the first item was presented by the Presentation Convent School girls and it was a Punjabi folk dance which was highly appreciated by the parents, students and teachers. The Rajasthani dance performed by Convent School girls and another item presented by students of Little Flower School were highly appreciated by the audience who were found totally influenced by the music and performance. Ms Renu Sehgal, Ms Romila Gupta and Ms Nandi Rathore were the judges appointed for the contest. The item was Army school Kalu Chak also invited applauds from the audience. Convent School girls Rajasthani dance was adjudged first, Little Flowers School stood second while the third prize was jointly bagged by Guru Harkishen Public School and DBN School, Jammu. Prof Mattoo in his address highly appreciated the performance of the students and said that cultural education was equally important. He congratulated the organisers of this event and said that such activities should be encouraged. The spiritual education was also equally important but the distinct cultures gives us the insight of the unity in diversity. It gives one the knowledge about the rich cultural heritage of our country. The Principal of the Convent School, Sr Phyllis proposed the vote of thanks and said that folk dances of different states performed at the stage reminds us about the wonderful and rich cultural heritage of this beautiful country which is different from many other nations in the world. She also extended thanks to the guests and parents of the students taking part in the contest. From Convent School, Subhash Dogra and Neelu Varinder were the music composers and Satish Chander—Choerographer. Ms Poonam Sambyal was the organising secretary of the programme which is the annual affair. |
|
| home | state | national | business| editorial | advertisement | sports | |
