Lakhs of devotees take Parikarama amidst
recitation of Mantras

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 3: Ati Maha Vishnu Yagna witnessed heavy rush like yesterday as lakhs of devotees today visited the Tawi island to attended various religious functions in what is described as Jammuites as ‘Mini-Maha Kumb’.

Religious fervour virtually gripped the City of Temples as the on-going Yagna entered ninth day today. Roads connecting, venue of the Yagna were seen flooded with devotees.

Jai Jai Shree Radhey, Sita Sita Ram Bolo-Radhey Radhey Sham Bolo, Jai Shree Ram and Har Har Mahadev echoing in the mountains of Circular Road which was flooded with devotees who were seen trudging down the road with offerings in their hands.

The number of devotees and Sadhus from the State and outside have been increasing with every passing day as there is heavy rush of people, irrespective of their caste, creed, colour or age, to visit the Yagna site to pay their obeisance.

Maha Mandleshwar Swami Mohandassji Maharaj and Swami Ganga Dassji Maharaj today reached City of Temples to participate in the on-going Yagna

Amidst recitation of Vedic Mantras and chanting of hymns, lakhs of devotees today took Parikarama of the Yagyashalla. It is worthwhile to mention here that about four lakh devotees attended Ati Maha Vishnu Yagna on Sunday. Similar was the strengthen today.

Despite being bandh today, devotees, not only from Jammu city but from rural areas also , were seen trudging down the roads to reach the Tawi island which was today also flooded with people. So gripped with religious fervor that some devotees had covered a distance of 30 kilometers on foot to reach Tawi island

Strength of the devotees can be gauged from the fact that they were taking 30 minutes to cover a distance of just 750 square feet. There was a virtual competition among devotees to take much as Parikaramas before Puranahuti which will be held on November 5.

With ‘Malas’ in their hands, devotees were chanting Om Nama Shree Bhagwat Vasudavay, Hare Krishana Krishana Krishana Hare Hare Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram’.

On the otherhand, large number of devotees were today also seen lined up outside Kutia of Balak Yogeshwar Maharaj to have glimpses of the saint who is the main source behind organising this historical Yagna in the City of Temples.

Jai Jai Radhey, Har Har Radhey repeatedly rented the air when Yogeshwar Maharaj interacted with devotees and accepted flowers and other offerings. Apart from performing Parikaramas, devotees also participated in religious functions including recitation of Ramayana Paath, Shrimadh Bhagwat Path, Kirtan, Gyatri Mantra Jaap and Hanuman Chalisa.

The recitation of Paaths and staging of Raas Leela were also going at the venue of the Yagna.

Meanwhile Mahamandleshwar Mohan Dassji Maharaj while addressing the devotees appreciated people of Jammu for organising such a big religious congregation here. He said that Balak Yogeshwar has pleaded to complete Yagna of 1296 Kundas so cooperation of people of must to accomplish this task. He showered his blessing and assured every possible help in this regard.

Meanwhile Power Minister Mohammed Sharief Niaz today also visited the Yagna site to review the arrangements. As the number of devotees has been increased manifold, Power Minister inspected security arrangements besides ration in Langer. He assured the management of every possible help.

Public Opinion
Is bandh call on opening day of Civil Sectt justified?

By Gopal Sharma

JAMMU, Oct 3: Mixed response has been observed from the representatives of various Jammu organisations and intellectuals over the bandh call given by some Jammu organisations on the opening day of the Civil Secretariat after shifting of the capital to Jammu.

Former Vice-Chancellor of Jammu University Prof M R Puri expressed that the people of Jammu who are dissatisfied with the past and the present Government have the only democratic way to express their resentment by giving bandh call on this day. The people feel that by lodging their protest they can raise their problems in a big way before the Government.

But the problems can also be raised at some other occasion. Shifting of State capital to Jammu for winters is really a welcome occasion. A large number of people from Jammu region are benefitted with the shifting of Capital to Jammu. Otherwise they have to move to Srinagar for any work in the Secretariat. Earlier, some city organisations gave bandh call for certain years and it has now become symbolic. The Kashmiris should not feel it that they are not welcomed here and a wrong signal should not go from here. The people are infact against the system.

The Government should also realise its responsibility and should try to remove discrimination and resolve the general problems of the people here. Only then it can be welcomed here. This time several organisations rendered support for this cause and it shows that people are not happy with the present system.

Dr Rama Kant Dubey, state unit president of Vishav Hindu Parishad expressed that in a democratic country the people have right to give bandh call and hold demonstration to raise their issues in peaceful manner. The intension behind giving bandh call on the opening day of Civil Secretariat here is to draw attention of the Government towards the basic problems of the people here and not to create violence or to hishonour the Kashmiri employees or officials in Jammu.

It is not customery but issue based protest by the Jammu organisations against the past and the present Governments which have always caused discrimination with the people of Jammu. The people here strongly express resentment against the Government attitude and warn it to treat Jammu of people equally and ensure fair justice with them. There is no change in the attitude of the Mufti Government also and therefore, people of Jammu against went for protest demonstration on the very first day of the functioning of Darbar Move offices. The problems of Jammu can only be resolved with the creation of separate state and even Centre has always given preference to Kashmiris whether Hurriyat people of others. He confessed that protest can also be held on any other day but the organisers referred this day and it was their decision, we have nothing to say about it. Moreover, they garnered massive support this time.

President Muslim Federation Jammu, Mr Abdul Majid Khan said that bandh call on the opening day of the Civil Secretariat is not justified as with the Move of the offices, Jammu’s people are benefitted. The trade and industry grows well and moreover, people feel convenience to get their works disposed off in the Secretariat when it is here in Jammu for six months. It is politically motivated as only one group of the city for some vested interests and also to display its power holds protest and gives bandh call and it has now become the routine practice.

There are other means to convey public resentment against the Government moreover, such bandh calls will send wrong signals to other quarters. At least Jammu organisations behind this bandh should take all the communities into confidence becuase their interests are also common. It can be held on any other day. " We should welcome the opening of Darbar Move offices in Jammu", he maintained.

Veteran jouranlist Mr Balraj Puri, however, expressed that people have the right to lodge their protest against the Government in support of their issues but a wrong signal should not go to the public. There is no doubt that shifting of capital to Jammu for six months is a welcome occasion for the people of this region as they can move to Move offices freely for different works of their interest. They can discover other ways to lodge their protest and raise issues. They should also take various people into confidence and the they should be very clear on the issues.

It is also true that sense of deprivation is prevailing among the people here and they do not have other option show expressed their resentment. The people should not be given an impression that they are against the people of Kashmir. They should send clear signals that people are against the Administrative system and Government and were never against Darbar move.

Mr Ram Sahai, president Jammu Chamber of Commerce & Industry when contacted said that sentiments of the people of Jammu are involved because they are being discrminared. But we hardly find any effect on the Government of this bandh on the very first day of the functioning of Move offices in Jammu winter capital. He admitted that there were other ways to lodge protest and raise issues. A table talk can be held with the Government on the basic issues. But this bandh is not against the Move or show disrespect towards people of Kashmir. This has been against the Government and its attitude towards the people of Jammu. The question of going wrong signals to other side does not arise because protest is always against the Government and its policies and not against the Darbar Move or the people of Kashmir, he maintained.

J&K gets Rs 1700 cr investment proposals: Mangat

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Nov 3: Several proposals with investment of over Rs 1700 crore for setting up medium and small scale industries in Jammu and Kashmir have been received for investment in Jammu and Kashmir. The projects, which are in the pipeline envisaged to generate employment for over 15000 educated youth of the State.

This was disclosed by Deputy Chief Minister, Mangat Ram Sharma at a meeting of the officers held here today to review the functioning of the industries and allied departments.

Mr Sharma said that over 144 proposals with an investment of Rs 990 crores for setting up units like food processing and polyester yarn are currently under examination with the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industries. Of these, nearly 50 per cent proposals have been finalized and are likely to come up shortly. These projects are envisaging employment for about 10,000 educated unemployed youth. In addition, the state has also received many offers of investment, which include investment of Rs 400 crore from several national level companies, he said.

Following the state’s persuation, the Berger Paints have come up with a unit involving Rs. 25 crore. The foundation stone of the project, laid at Samba Industrial Complex in September would be completed in next six months with an annual turn over of Rs. 100 crore.

Mr Sharma said that Jammu and Kashmir Government has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai for promotion of Leather industry in the State.

To ensure timely clearance of the proposals, the Government has introduced a single window system and the Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce has been designated and the sole authority for clearance of the projects, he said. The SIDCO has been made the nodal agency for providing term loans, working capital and the infrastructural facilities for which it has been provided sufficient funds for disbursement to entrepreneurs under the incentives announced by the government for promotion of industries in the state, Mr. Sharma added.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister’s special package of Rs. 42.20 crore announced recently would give boost to the handicraft sector in the State. He said under the package, the State plans setting up of a satellite centre of Indian Institute of Carpet Technology as well as a Craft Development Institute in Srinagar.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that the notable achievements made in the industry sector include commissioning of Software Technology Park at Rengrath in Kashmir, launching of State Awards of Rs. 15000, Rs. 10000 and Rs. 5000 to Master Craftsmen, provision of financial assistance of Rs. 20000 in rural areas and Rs. 22000 in urban areas to artisans for construction of workshop sheds.

For the development of handloom sector in Jammu and Kashmir, an ambitious Rs. 15 crore project for integrated development of designs of Wool and Woolen Fabrics especially Kani-Jamawar shawls has been launched with central assistance, Mr Sharma said.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that proper accountability, better management and improvement in work culture has helped the J&K Cements to enhance the utilization capacity of its cement plant at Khrew, resulting in substantial increase in cement and clinker production and the sales. He said the company has liquidated all its loans and is debt free and has for the second consecutive year paid Rs. 45 lakh as dividend to the government. To reduce the production cost, the company has, for the first time, manufactured large quantities of blended cement using fly ash, Mr Sharma added.

He said the Government has laid emphasis on revival of sick units, as according to the survey nearly 50 per cent of the 36000 SSI units operational in the state prior to militancy, has gone either sick or defunct. He said an attractive package is being offered to these unit holders for reviving these units.

To ensure quality and uninterrupted power, the Government is planning to segregate and provide dedicated power supply for industries, he said and added that entrepreneurs would be welcome to set up hydro power projects to generate more power. The Government also plans to rationalize the items on the negative list. He laid stress on creating awareness among the prospective entrepreneurs about the incentives being provided by the Government under the industrial packages for promoting industrial investment in the state. He asked the officers to provide required infrastructural facilities to the entrepreneurs and help in establishing such units in the state for which the state has raw material available locally. He asked the Principal Secretary Industries to immediately clear all the pending proposals and also monitor the progress on the cases referred to the Centre for clearance.

Mankotia flays elements misguiding people

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Nov 3: Saying that some vested interests have been trying to malign his image and misguiding the people for petty interests, Mr Balwant Singh Mankotia, MLA Udhampur today said that he was committed to provide all facilities to the people of his constituency.

Talking to media-persons, Mr Mankotia said that he has got initiated several projects started in the districts, on whose completion Udhampur will become model town and which were not touched by the previous MLA. He added that besides working for the people of Udhampur district he has always raised issues of great significance in the Legislative Assembly.

"It is only due to my hardwork that Municipal status to Udhampur Town Area Committee was granted, PG courses in Degree College (Boys) Udhampur, several new courses in ITI College introduced, 12 electricity transformers of 63 KV installed, 28 in the district upgraded and bus for Degree College was sanctioned", he said.

He further said that the projects which he got sanctioned from the Government for the district included construction of new ITI building complex, auditorium on the pattern of Abhinav Theatre estimated at the cost of Rs one crore and additional community hall. "I have also provided funds for the improvement of Dabbar, Chabutra parks, indoor stadium for Udhampur and repair of lanes and drains of the town", he claimed.

Moreover it was due to the efforts of Udhampur MLA that Rs 60 lakh project for keeping Devika river pollution free, new water supply project for Udhampur town in Dibber and construction of Women’s Degree College building and Jaganoo bridge are on full swing.

"Besides working for the people of Udhampur constituency I also raised private bills in Assembly sessions with regard to 1/3rd share to Baridars, reservation of four Assembly seats for PoK refugees living in Jammu region, citizenship right to West Pakistan refugees and minimum qualification of matriculation for contesting the Assembly polls", he disclosed.

Rs 13 cr technology mission for development
of sheep, wool in J&K

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 3: Underlining the importance of livestock development in economic emancipation of the state, the Minister for Agriculture and Cooperative, Abdul Aziz Zargar today said that coalition government would pool its all resources to promote this sector on modern lines. He said Centre has sanctioned a special Rs. 13 crore Technology Mission for development of sheep and wool in the state with focus on genetic improvement, foddert and product development.

The Minister was speaking at one day’s sheep breeders’ meet at Zakura neat here today organized by the Sheep Husbandry department, Kashmir.

The Minister said that 40 multi-purpose sheep extension centres each costing Rs. 5 lakh would be set up in remote and hilly areas of the state to provide advanced sheep breeding facilities to the farmers under one roof. These centres shall have dipping tanks for medicinal washing of sheep and wool procurement units also. He said about 14 modern Wool Sharing Machines each costing Rs. 1.60 lakhs are being imported to provide modern facilities to the sheep breeders.

The Minister called upon the farming community and concerned officers to work with dedication for development of sheep husbandry sector and offered advanced training in sheep breeding at SKUAST for their wards free of cost. He assured that coalition government would vehemently persue the matter for granting schedule tribe status to the Chopan community.

Mr. Zargar announced to set up joint teams of scientists of the SKUAST and experts of sheep husbandry department for disease investigation in livestock. He also called for a vigorous movement for pasture development in the state to promote sheep husbandry in a big way.

The Director, Sheep Husbandry Kashmir,Dr. M. Qasim Qureshi in his welcome addressing said that district Srinagar has achieved distraction in the state to have 95 per cent sheep population converted into cross bred. The sheep population in the district at present is 1.20 lakhs. He said the department has introduced a mini sheep breeding farm scheme to help sheep breeders set up their units. Under the scheme, each unit holder would be provided 50 Rams and Ewes with a provision of Rs. 17,000 as subsidy. He said incentive for Chopans has also been increased from Rs. 150 to Rs. 500 per Chopan. About 40 Chopans in each district would be covered yearly under the scheme, he added.

The Minister also distributed prizes among the best sheep breeders.

The President, Jammu and Kashmir Chopan Association and some progressive sheep breeders also spoke on the occasion and sought redressal of their grievances.

Director, (Extension) SKUAST Kashmir, G.M.Wani and Managing Director J&K Wool Board, O.N.Mucco were also present.

Sales Tax imposes Rs 55195 penalty for tax evasion

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 3: An amount of Rs 55195 was imposed as security and penalty by the Sales Tax sleuths under various provisions of GST Act 1962 on two offenders who attempted to smuggle goods into the State, at Sales Tax Check Post Lakhanpur.

Deputy Commissioner Sales Tax, check post, Lakhanpur, Mr Ajaz A Kakroo revealed that during the routine checking of passenger vehicles, previous night, the vigilant check post staff recovered hosiery and ready-made garments worth Rs 60000 from hidden compartment of a Jammu bound video coach bearing number DL1PA-7189. A fine and security of Rs 39120 was imposed on the owner of the vehicle under sections 15A(4), 15A(8), 15A(9) and 17-1(0) of GST Act, 1962.

In another case, a security of Rs 16078 was imposed on a Tata Sumo bearing number 8065/HR55 for importing two photo-copiers into the State without valid documents.

126 encroachments removed in six months

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 3: The Srinagar Municipal Corporation has undertaken 73 demolition drives and removed 126 encroachments which include shops, temporary Khokas, sheds etc during last six months. Numberless encroachments on foot paths, roads and public places have also been removed from busy markets, Sarai Bala, Dalgate, Lal Chowk, Khanyar, Zanakadal, Meharaj Bazar, Indra Gandhi road, Lal Bazar, Soura, Batamaloo, Nowhatta .

With a view to make easier the procedure for issuance of building permission, the Corporation has taken various steps. As per the new procedure, the requisite applications and plans duly authenticated by the revenue authorities with regard to the title of the land, the case is registered. In case no objection certificates are received within 15 days from concerned departments the permissions are processed and issued on the responsibilities of concerned department. The Corporation has realized Rs. 36.45 lakh as construction-cum- registration fee during the same period.

The Corporation has instructed field staff to ensure that no unauthorised construction and encroachments are allowed.

Vaishno Devi university campus to have modern facilities

KATRA , Nov 3: To bring academic facilities of international standard to Jammu and Kashmir, Mata Vaishno Devi (MVD) university will be equipped with state-of-art information technology infrastructure in an eco-friendly environment with an artifical lake and open air theatres at its 400-acre premises in the foothills of Trikuta mountain range here.

"We will be equipping the univeristy with latest and high-tech state-of-art information technology, wireless connectivity, high speed internet logging, chip-based all purpose smart identity cards, besides online international study material, journals and course lessons in entire campus, including residential/hostel areas," Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof Bharat B Chattoo told PTI yesterday.

"This setup will be the first such initiative in the country. We want to do something different," Prof Chattoo said adding 2004-05 will be the ever session of the university.

In a wireless-connected campus, a student and teacher can have connectivity to study material and learning setup anywhere within campus and residential/hostel areas.

There will be high speed band connectivity of internet facilities and online national, international study material, all types of educational journals and academic course material and lessons, Chattoo added.

Internet kiosks and computer rooms will be set up not only in academic block, but also in residential areas and hostels studies, Chattoo said adding that students and teachers will be issued chip-based multi-purpose smart identity cards.

These I-cards will access performance reports, marks in previous semesters, attendence, logging in internet and viewing of study material, he said.

A check dam has been made at the campus and an artificial lake is under construction, on whose banks there will be an open air theatre and amphitheatre besides food joints.

Traffic within the academic block will also be restricted to minimise pollution, the Professor said.

Chattoo, who had taught bio-technology in several universities in the United States, said that admission for schools of information technology and management for post graduate classes will started from 2004.

It will be followed by school of bio-technology in 2005-2006, he said adding school of Indian philosphy and culture will also start from 2005-2006.

A executive council with eminent people belonging to various IITS, IIMS, and other top institutes has been set up, Chatoo said.

One teacher-one student concept will be followed and the education system would be research-based and tie-ups with industry has been mooted for use of research conducted here, he added. (PTI)

Mahant presents Saropa to newly elected DGPC members

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 3: Sikh Sangat of Jammu observed 12 anniversary of Mahant Bachitter Singh at Gurudwara Digiana Ashram here today. The newly elected DGPC members were presented Saropa on this occasion.

Former Jathedar of Akal Takhat Amritsar Bhai Ranjit Singh and former head priest Bhai Sahib Singhji were special invitees to the function organised in this connection. Jathedar Takhat Patna Sahib Singh Sahib Bhai Iqbal Singh was the guest of honour.

Various Sikh dignitaries paid tributes to Mahant Bachitter Singhji of Dera Nangali Sahib and also highlighted the achievements of the Dera on the occasion. Ragi Balwinder Singh recited recited Shabad Kirtan. Dhadi Jatha of Bhai Tarlochan Singh and Bhai Kharak Singh highlighted achievements of Dera while Mr Ranjit Singh chairman of the bi-centenary celebrations committee threw light on the life of Mahant Sahib.

Sucha Singh Chhoteput, MLA Punjab (Gurdaspur) also attended the function and praised the contribution of Dera Nangali Sahib in spreading the message of universal brotherhood and teachings of Guru Nanak.

Mahant Manjit Singh welcomed the Sangat and stressed the need for observing Sikh way of life. He gave special stress on the young generation. He also suggested them to stay away from drugs and work for removing social evils from the society. The Mahant presented Saropa to the newly elected members of the District Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. They included— Kehar Singh, Jarnail Singh, Mohinder Singh, Jagjit Singh Jagga, Satinder Paul Singh Sethi and Amrik Singh.

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