Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu Oct 6: Saying that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are paying the price for the wrongs committed by the leaders of pre-independence.....more

Suicide note recovered from purse
Teen-aged girl, youth
found unconscious in
Bajalta forest

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 6: A teen-aged girl and a youth were found unconscious in the forest area at Bajalta Morh under the jurisdiction of Sidhra........more

Mir for universalization
of computer education

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, OCT 6: For achieving the objective of universalization of computer education, the Minister for Housing.......more

Clash over cutting of
grass leaves 6 injured

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 6: Six persons were injured when two groups clashed over cutting of grass.......more

One killed, 6 injured
in road accidents

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 6: One person was killed and six others received severe injuries in separate road accidents while.........more

Cathlab to be functional in 3 months, MRI facility next year
Mufti orders facility for
by-pass surgery at SKIMS

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, OCT 6: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that Cathlab at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) would be made operational within next three months and all the existing diagnostic........more

3320 vehicles
challaned at NH

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 6: Traffic Police, National Highway has challaned 3320 vehicles during the month of September and realised Rs 4.60 lakh compound money............more

Population stabilisation
indispensable for
socio-economic
transformation: CS

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 6: Saying that check on population explosion is imperative for speedy socio-economic transformation, Chief Secretary Dr. Sudhir S. Bloeria today emphasized the need........more

Crackers worth lakhs of
rupees seized; 3 held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 6: Police today seized crackers worth lakhs of rupees and arrested three persons by conducting raids at different places..........more

PDFs first ever convention at Kathua
Kashmir issue result of wrongs of
pre-independence leaders: Sofi

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu Oct 6:Saying that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are paying the price for the wrongs committed by the leaders of pre-independence India, the Chairman of Peoples Democratic Forum (PDF) Ghulam Mohi-ud-Sofi has maintained that the Kashmir issue was the creation of leaders from Pakistan and India who first of all created such a situation that led to the tragic partition and later blew up the issue merely to run their political shops in their respective countries.

Mr. Sofi was addressing PDF’s first ever district convention at Kathua, 90 Hundreds of PDF workers participated in the convention. The convention was also attended by the Revenue Minister and PDF spokesman Hakim Mohammad Yasin, vice Chairmen Molvi Abdul Rashid and Babu Singh, Chief Whip Dr. Manohar Lal and Executive members, Raman Mattoo, Th. Puran Singh and other senior members of the party.

Mr. Sofi said that three wars have been fought on Kashmir bearing big scare on the people on J&K, as it is they who have bore the burnt of these wars. He said Kashmir issue is among one of a greatest tragedies of 20th century and it needs a solution based on justice, humanity and fair play. He stressed upon the leaders of the sub-continent to work for peace and added that there is a great change in the international scenario. He said efforts have been made in the past to ensure that consensus does not evolve among people of the three regions for peace and prosperity of the state. He clarified that PDF will work for equitable and balanced development of all the regions of the state.

Referring to the grave problem of unemployment, Mr Sofi said that the coalition Government of whom PDF is a partner has not been able to provide jobs to thousands of unemployed youth of the state due to certain constraints. He, however, said that it is our moral duty to provide job opportunities to youth in private sector or through self-employment scheme.

Highlighting the agenda of the party, Revenue Minister and PDF spokesman Hakim Mohammad Yasin said the party is for open interaction with the masses to evolve a dynamic democratic process for attaining lasting peace in the state. He said PDF is not a stereotype political party, who keep on changing their strategies according to their convenience.

Making a dig on various parties active in J&K State, he said these resort to cheap gimmicks to get political mileage unmindful of the fact that this will only result in chaos and confusion.

Giving a resume of the programme initiated by the coalition government for dealing with unemployment problem, Minister of State for Industries and Commerce and PDF leader, Raman Mattoo called upon the youth to participate in cooperative movement launched under DRIP scheme in Kathua district.

Others who spoke at the convention include Mr. Babu Singh, Molvi Abdul Rashid, Dr. Manohar Lal, Th. Puran Singh and other senior workers of PDF.

Earlier, prominent political persons of District Kathua joined PDF. These include Ch. Karan Singh, District President Nationalist Congres Party also Sarpanch of Khokkyal and Ch. Balbir Singh Gandotra.

Suicide note recovered from purse
Teen-aged girl, youth found unconscious in Bajalta forest

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 6: A teen-aged girl and a youth were found unconscious in the forest area at Bajalta Morh under the jurisdiction of Sidhra Police Station this afternoon.

The condition of youth was stated to be critical while the girl was responding to the treatment being given to her at Government Medical College Hospital when reports last came in.

They have been identified as Bishan Singh alias Bittu, son of Ram Singh of Gole Panj Pir and Jyoti, daughter of Ramesh Chander of Vijay Nagar Tallab Tillo.

Police spokesman said that a police patrolling party of Sidhra Police Post led by SI Khajan Singh Jasrotia noticed a Maruti van bearing registration number JK02D-1724 parked in suspicious circumstances near Bajalta Morh at around 1330 hours.

On reaching near the car, police found none in the vehicle but a ladies purse on the rear seat of the van created suspicion and police personnel immediately moved towards forest area. Just a few meters from the road, a teen-aged girl and a youth were found lying in unconscious condition.

Both were immediately rushed to hospital and their parents were called to attend to them. Neither the girl nor the boy were in a condition to give any statement and their parents were also not disclosing anything which could make it clear that as to what prompted the girl and youth to take extreme step of committing suicide.

Two bottles of pesticides were recovered from the area where both were lying in unconscious condition. "A diary which was recovered from the purse of the girl reads `we are going to commit suicide’. Moreover, Rs 640, a packet of Sindhoor and a small mirror were also recovered from the purse", police spokesman said.

While the mother of girl refused to say anything, the brother of the youth told police that Bittu had left the home about two days back to visit Katra and since then his whereabouts were not known to the family.

The preliminary investigation revealed that both were class fellows at some stage of schooling. The recovery of Sindhoor and consuming poison together has also been pointing towards possible love affair between them.

A case under Section 309 RPC has been registered in this regard and further investigations were on to ascertain the reasons which prompted them to take this extreme step.

Mir for universalization of computer education

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, OCT 6: For achieving the objective of universalization of computer education, the Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Tourism Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir today inaugurated Computer Training programme for the students living below the poverty line. The 5-months long training course is sponsored by Urban Development Agency under Swarn Jayanti Shahri Rozgar Yojana and would be imparted by the Centre for Electronic Design and Technology of India (CEDTI) through DOEACC, Srinagar branch.

The objective of the programme, he said is to enable the trainees to set up their own venture after completing training.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said, 2000 youth are being made computer literate at first instance and subsequently the number of trainees would be doubled. The entire training expense is to be borne by Government, he added. He said pass-out computer trainees would be awarded certificates and the interested candidates would be given Rs. 50000 each alongwith 15 per cent subsidy and 5 per cent margin money for setting up individual computer centre or Rs. 5 lakh on farming cooperative society comprising atleast 10 trainees.

Urging the youth to learn computers as integral part of the education curriculum, Mr. Mir said that without computer education, the youth could not face the challenges of modern life.

Speaking at the occasion the Minister of State for Education, Abdul Rehman Veeri said that the coalition Government has already decided to introduce computer education in schools and added that to achieve this objective, 600 teachers have been made computer literate and the training process continues till date. Mr. Veeri said that the Government has already introduced to introduce English as a subject at primary level in order to bring the public institutions at par with private ones. Besides, he added that 40,000 teachers would be appointed to improve and extend the education facilities in every nook and corner of the state.

Commissioner Secretary Housing and Urban Development P. G. Dhar Chakarborti also highlighted the role of computer education and its indispensability in employment sector.

Clash over cutting of grass leaves 6 injured

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 6: Six persons were injured when two groups clashed over cutting of grass at village Bahadurpur under the jurisdiction of Bishnah Police Station.

Police spokesman said that both the parties had lodged complaints against each other. A total of 16 persons of both the parties have been arrested by the police.

Yesterday, Ashwani Kumar, son of Satpaul objected to the cutting of grass in a particular field by Des Raj and party which created trouble with both the parties entering into verbal dual and attacking each other. However, the situation was brought under control with the intervention of some villagers.

Today, someone rang up Bishnah Police Station and informed that a group clash took place in the village resulting into wounding of several persons. A police team led by SHO Bishnah (DySP Probationer) Manjeet Kour immediately swung into action and brought the situation under control.

A total of 16 persons of both the families have been arrested while five have been hospitalised. Ashwani Kumar and his party in their complaint to the police said that Ashwani Kumar was passing outside the residence of Des Raj when he was dragged inside and when his (Ashwani’s) sympathisers came to get him freed from the clutches of Des Raj, they were also severely assaulted by Des Raj and party.

On the other hand, Des Raj in his complaint said that Ashwani Kumar and his party forcible entered into his house to eliminate him and Ashwani and his party received injuries in retaliatory action by Des Raj and party.

According to police, most of the injured belonged to Ashwani Kumar’s party. Police has constituted a team to thoroughly investigate the matter.

One killed, 6 injured in road accidents

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 6: One person was killed and six others received severe injuries in separate road accidents while as a woman committed suicide by consuming poisonous substance.

Police spokesman said that one person was killed and another received severe injuries in collision between truck bearing registration number JK02T-4087 and Tata Sumo number JK03-3491 at Jalabi Morh.

The deceased has been identified as Dr Gohar Masood while injured is Mohd Sahfi.

In another road accident, two persons—Ravinder Kumar, son of Thoru Kumar of village Chowala in R S Pura tehsil and his wife Beena Kumari received injuries after their motorcycle was hit by a bus number JK02M-3487 at Tikri.

Both have been hospitalised and their condition was stated to be critical when reports last came in.

In yet another accident, three persons received injuries at separate road accidents at Seri Nowshera, Satwari and Bakshi Nagar.

All the injured—Nikhil Kapur, son of Sham Lal of Kangol, Kali Dass, son of Babu Ram of Khandwal and Shubam Dhar, son of M N Dhar of Tallab Tillo have been hospitalised.

Meanwhile, a woman—Jagbir Kour, wife of Nirmal Jeet Singh of Nadriwal in Akhnoor tehsil committed suicide by consuming some poisonous substance at her residence.

She was rushed to hospital when spotted unconscious by family members and doctors attending on her immediately provided her stomac wash treatment followed by other medicare.

But she could not fight for her life and died.

‘No change in load agreement for BPL consumers’
Mufti orders relief to power consumers

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 6: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today ordered the Power Development Department to review the revision of power load agreement system presently in progress and give relief to the people especially to the lower strata of society and those who consume less power.

Taking note of appeals received by him from coalition partners and people in general, the Chief Minister convened a meeting here this morning and assessed possibilities of giving relief to the consumers.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma, Minister for Finance and Planning Muzaffar Hussain Baig, Minister of State for Power Javid Mustafa Mir, Chief Secretary Dr. Sudhir S. Bloeria, Development Commissioner Power and Chief Engineer, Electricity, Kashmir.

The Chief Minister was told that the target of collection of power tariff for current year was fixed at Rs 800 crore against Rs 1600 crore spent on purchase of power. This revenue has also been reflected in the annual budget proposals.

While the downward revision of the proposed load agreement slabs would adversely affect the revenue collection and consequently the development and employment schemes, the Chief Minister said that new slabs for increase of load agreements should be prepared that shall remain in vogue till March next. The situation will be reviewed after the close of the financial year. The Finance Department has been asked to take some remedial measures to minimize the adverse affect on account of giving relief to the consumers.

The Chief Minister, however, ordered that there would be no change in respect of below poverty line consumers.

The Chief Minister directed the Power Development Department to detect illegal connections and regularize those so that the revenue base of the department is expanded. A special drive needs to be launched for the purpose, he added.

Create resource base for improving amenities:
Mir to civic bodies

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 6 : The Housing, Urban Development and Tourism Minister Gh. Hasssn Mir has called for creating sound resource base by raising income generating assets and by introducing tax collections reforms to make Municipal Corporations and other Urban Development Agencies self sustainable. This, he said, would go a long way in providing much needed advanced civic amenities in the urban areas of state.

The Minister was speaking at a high level meeting held to review the working of Srinagar Municipal Corporation. The meeting also took stock of the measures being taken to improve and beautify of Srinagar city.

The Commissioner Secretary Housing and Urban Development P. G. Dhar Chakarborti, Municipal Commissioner SMC, Mohammad Shaf Rather, Chief Engineer Public Works Department and Superintendent Engineer F.A.Bakshi and other senior officers attended.

Reiterating the collation Government’s resolve to upgrade the civic amenities in the state the, Minister said that Rs. 6.25 cores are being expended on the beautification and construction of lanes and drains in 300 localities of Srinagar city under Capital City Development Programme (CCDP) and National Slum Development Programme (NSDP) during current fiscal.He said that rupees 1.22 crore would be spent on the dispodal of solid waste management, rupees 15 lakhs on the improvement of grave yards and rupees 25 lakh on state lights which would be helpful in upgrading the civic in Srinagar city.

The Minister also released Rs. 90 lakhs as additionality under NSDP for improving the civic facilities in 9 Assembly segments of Srinagar city and asked the officers to prospective short terms plans for upgrading civic amenities. He exhorted upon the officers to spend the money judiciously and not deviate the funds from one sector to other.

The Minister also reviewed the beautification and improvement of Ali Jan road, Circular road, Zadibal, Khanyar, Pandach and Eidgah roads and stressed upon the engineers to speed up the improvement considering the vital importance of these roads. He said the Chief Minister has already visited these areas and has desired the immediate beautification and improvement of these roads being the important nerve centre of the valley.

10-day craft bazaar inaugurated

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 6 : Saying that handicraft sector has sustained the economy of the state during the turbulent period of militancy, Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma has asserted that the sector would be further promoted and new designs introduced to make it world competitive.

Addressing a large gathering after inaugurating 10-day craft bazaar, first of its kind in the state the Deputy Chief Minister impressed upon the industrialists for integrating high technology with traditional craftsmanship of Kashmir to manufacture products of international standards to compete well in the world market. He laid emphasis on using new techniques for producing quality products to make these market and price competitive.

The craft bazaar has been organized by J&K Handicrafts (Sales and Export Corporation) with the assistance of J&K Handicrafts Department. The bazaar sponsored by Development Commissioner Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles is being attended by the artisans and self-help groups of almost all the states of the country. The items displayed at the bazaar include woolen fabrics, pottery, Zari shawls, flowers, hand woven carpets, joinery items, embroidery, garments, papier machie.

To ensure proper marketing facilities to the artisans of the state, Mr. Sharma said a market-cum-institutional mechanism is being evolved and various exhibitions are being organized both at national and international levels.

Referring to the holding of craft bazaar, the Deputy Chief Minister said that it would provide an opportunity to the craftsmen all over the country to showcase their products and help supplement marketability of their products directly. He said such bazaars would also help the local artisans to know about the latest designs prevalent in other parts of the state. These craft bazaars besides providing opportunity to the craftsmen to sell their products also help in strengthening the national integration. He said to provide better marketing facilities to the local craftsmen, the Congress ruled states have been asked to allot sufficient accommodation in their respective states.

Principal Secretary Industries and Commerce Sahasranaman dwelt at length on the measures taken for the promotion of handicraft sector in the state. He said various projects have been taken up under the Prime Minister’s package to rejuvenate this vital sector of economy. For promotion of world famous Kashmir carpet industry, a Satellite Centre is being set up in the state for which the Centre has sanctioned Rs. 5 crore and Craft Development Institute involving a cost of Rs. 9 crore is being made functional at Srinagar by middle of next month.

Mr. Sahasranaman said the 20 common facility centres are also being set up in the state and of these five centres are being established before March next. The artisans would have an added opportunity to make use of these centres. He said at the International Expo Centre being developed at Noida, the state has been allotted 40 stalls and the traders will have enough space to participate in the expos and exhibit their products.

Meet held for creation of new district

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 6: In the on-going movement for creation of new district for areas of Billawar, Basohli, Bani and Majalta, the District Action Committee held a public meeting at Gurah Kalyal in Billawar tehsil which was presided over by Bishan Dass Thakur, retired Sessions Judge and Hari Chand Jalmeria Advocate, president Kissan Sabha the chief guest.

While addressing Mr Jalmeria said areas of Billawar-Basohli, Bani and Majalta are geographically contiguous, have rich tourism potential and possess moderate climate during extremities of winter and summer. He expressed anguish over neglect of the said area at the hands of successive Governments as majority areas don’t have road communication and people lacking educational facilities in the absence of colleges and higher secondary schools where-ever these are most required.

Mr Jalmeria said creation of a new district is the only solution to ameliorate the lot of the people of this very particular belt. He called upon the Government to immediately create a new district.

Retired Sessions Judge Bishan Das Thakur pointed out the problems of land-locked areas like Dhaggar-Dhamaan, Lohai-Malhar, Badnota, Sadrota, Banjal Bhatwal, Marhoon where the Government has neither constructed roads not provided complete staff in Government institutions like schools, hospitals etc.

Others who spoke and assured full support to the movement included Budhi Singh, Master Vidya Rattan, Master Hukam Singh, Satya Pal Sharma, Sher Singh, Hav Bhagat Ram, Sub Dhani Ram, Sub Dharam Singh, Naresh Khajuria, Satya Prakash, Hardev Singh, Capt Karan Singh, Master Bishan Dass Sharma, Dwarka Nath, Bishan Dass, Babu Ram, Ali Mohd Sheikh and Shafi Gujjar.

It was decided to hold hold massive rally on November 2 at Ramkot.

Sudhar Sabha seeks vote for Balbir Singh in Jammu East

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 6: J&K State Sikh Sudhar Ekta Sabha today appealed the people of their community to vote in favour of Balbir Singh for Jammu East Constituency in the ensuing Gurdwara Prabhandak Board elections.

Addressing a press conference, here, this evening the secretary of the Sabha Gurjit Singh and its vice president Harminder Singh said Balbir Singh who also heads the Sabha will work to the best interests of the Sikh Community.

Mr Balbir Singh also announced that he will strive to fulfill the aims and objectives of the Sabha with the support of like minded members and people if elected.

Releasing his poll manifesto he said I will work for creation of special cell to inform youth about the professional and non professional colleges and employment, struggle for seeking special quota for J&K Sikhs to visit the Gurdwaras of Pakistan, seek due share for Punjabi in educational policy, create special opportunities for children and youth to learn Punjabi, Kirtan and Sikh history, built orphanages for community children and take initiative for their education, use the services of retired defence officials, engineers, doctors and civil servants for the betterment of community.

He said he will also take initiative for reforming the society for the progress and prosperity of the community. Besides he will work for the implementation of Gurdwara Act in letter and spirit.

Mr Singh said the main aim of his organization is to unite the all factions of the community which is presently a divided lot and bring them under the Panthak Nishan Sahib and he will seek the support of all like-minded people in fulfilling this goal.

He said among the nine candidates in the fray for Jammu East seat only three are the local people while the rest eight are outsiders.

He said if elected I will also struggle for the implementation of National Commission of Minorities Act in true letter and spirit in J&K under which the Sikhs have been declared a minority.

ABVP constitutes its Jammu Mahanagar unit

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 6: Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad has constituted its unit for Jammu Mahanagar and appointed Adarsh Kumar as the president.

Miss Divya Gupta has been appointed as secretary while Ranjeet Sharma, Anku Jamwal and Hemant Sharma were nominated as vice-presidents. Sheetal Baru, Varun Mangotra and Mannu Gupta are the joint secretaries while Vikas Sharma and Deepika Khajuria were nominated as office secretary and cashier, respectively.

The nominations were made by ABVP all India general secretary Mr Ramesh Pappa, here today.

Executive members of the most important unit of ABVP will include all office bearers of Jammu University unit, college units and higher secondary units of Jammu city. Some of the prominent executive members included Rakesh Sangral, Sunaina, Pawan Dev, Arvind Raina, Chandan Chowhan, K D Singh, Kamal, Abhimanyu Jamwal, Mohit, Girish, Madhvi, Deepchand and Bhasker Jamwal.

Kissan Union holds meet

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 6: A meeting of All J&K Kissan Union was held at Kalas Kullian in R S Pura tehsil under the presidentship of Ashok Sharma.

Vice chairman of the Union Choudhary Vidya Sagar (Retd) District and Sessions Judge was the chief guest and Moti Lal Koul the guest of honour. The meeting was organised by Sardar Kuldeep Singh.

Ch Vidya Sagar while expressing concern over supply of adulterated fertilizer and defective seed varieties, motivated the farmers to approach Consumer Courts for which the Union will provide free legal assistance.

Mr M L Koul urged the Government to ensure timely irrigation facilities to the farmers and issuance of Kissan Credit Cards to all farmers y enhancing the credit limit from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000. He also urged the Central and State Governments to waive off agricultural loans upto Rs 50,000 on Punjab pattern.

Earlier Union president Ashok Sharma called for crop and cattle insurance to farmers on Government expense. Union secretary and spokesman S Rajinder Singh reiterated his demand of allotment of 5 marla of land to border farmers of R S Pura at safer places and free supply of irrigation water and power.

Others who addressed included S Hakumat Singh, Kuldeep Singh, Sobha Singh, Bahadur Lal Panch, Daya Kour, Rattan Lal, Darshan Lal, Dr Susheel Kumar, Kailash Nath.

Deputation of Sangram Sena calls on SE PWD

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 6: A deputation of Sangram Sena headed by Ram Rattan Raina met the Superintending Engineer, PWD (R&B) Jammu and apprised him about deteriorating condition of link road between Pacca Danga and Kachhi Chowni via Dewan Mandir.

The SE was apprised of the fact that the said road link remains congested at all times of the day due to traffic and rush of school going young children and others as this road link is one of the shortest link between Kachhi Chowni and Pacca Danga.

Deputation further told the SE that atleast two schools of young children are functioning along the said lane and while the road is dilapidated there are no speed brakers at all. Deputation called for metalling of the said road stretch and also urged the other concerned agencies to de-congest the road by removing projections by the shopkeepers, which hinder otherwise the smooth flow of traffic and passers bye.

The SE PWD gave them a patient hearing and assured to do the needful at an earliest.

Samprati holds deliberations on literature in exile

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 6: A cultural meeting of literates, poets, and authors was organized by Samprati at K P Sabha today in which the deliberations were held on literature in exile.

The meeting was chaired by Samprati chief, M L Kemoo. He emphasized on involving the younger generation of society to carry the cultural torch of Kashmiri Pandit Society forward to keep the culture and ethos alive.

A book in english compiled and translated by Dr R L Bhat on Arjan Dev Majboor was released by Dr B L Koul, a renowned scholar. The function was attended by M L Aash, Dr S N Koul, Prof Omkar Chrangoo, Dr M K Raina and others.

Later in the Samprati General Council meeting some amendments were made in the Constitution. The annual income and expenditure report was presented by Dr Premi Romani,secretary Samprati.

A poetic symposium was also held on the occasion under the chairmanship of Prof A N Dhar. The programme was conducted by Dr Roshan Saraf. The poets who participated include P N Shad, P L Bhan, J N Sagar, R L Jawahar, N N Yarbash, M K Santoshi, Prof Raina, Dr Khema Koul, Dr Premi Romani, Dr A N Dhar, Sham Behari, S N Veer and Dr Roshan Saraf.

4 labourers arrested, 1178 ancient coins recovered
GRP prevents smuggling of 150 year old antiques

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 6: Attempts of four labourers to escape with ancient coins were foiled by GRP wing of the Crime and Railways Jammu. The labourers have been arrested and a total of 1178 such coins were recovered from their possession.

Police spokesman said the GRP personnel deployed at Jammu Railway Station under the supervision of SSP Crime and Railways H L Fotedar noticed a labourer moving in suspicious circumstances on the platform and subjected him to checking and frisking.

The baggege of the labourer—Santosh Kumar, son of Gopi Ram of Chhatisgarh was scanned through the baggage scanning machine installed at the entrance of the platform and a number of ancient coins were recovered from his baggage which he had hidden in the pockets of his clothes.

He was immediately shifted to Police Station and during sustained interrogation he revealed that he alongwith three other labourers was working in the Jung Barri area under the jurisdiction of Domana Police Station and while digging the land they recovered large quantity of silver coins of 150 years old.

"The labourers immediately equally distributed the coins amongst themselves with the intention to take the coins to their native places and sell them there", official spokesman said and added that they had decided to leave Jammu one by one to avoid any suspicion.

On the disclosure of the Santosh Kumar, a GRP team led by Inspector H S Gill under the supervision of SDPO Railways M H Malik and Additional SP Crime and Railways Jammu U K Aima swung into action and conducted raids at several places and succeeded in apprehending the remaining three labourers.

They have been identified as Santosh Kumar, son of Ganpat Lal of Bilaspur in Madhya Pradesh, Sohan Lal, son of Manga Ram of Jai Jai Pur in Chhattisgarh and Sanjay Kumar, son of Darso Ram of Tusar in Chhattisgarh. In all, GRP recovered 1178 silver coins which are 150 years old.

The investigation into the case was going on and necessary action under law is being taken against the arrested labourers. The Archaeological Survey of India and other connected departments are also being contacted by SSP Crime and Railways Jammu for their expert advice and opinion in this regard.

Price preference to local industrial units

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 6 : The Government have seriously viewed non-implementation of its instructions regarding grant of price preference to the local industrial units by the purchasing departments and made it obligatory on these departments to strictly implement the instructions in letter and spirit.

The decision to this effect was taken at a meeting with the industrialists of Jammu held here this morning.

Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma presided.

It was stated in the meeting that some departments particularly the PDD and PHE were violating the Government instructions thereby putting the local industrialists at loss. The objective of the Government order was to give price preference to local manufacturers and allow a level play field against the outside manufacturing units who were advantageously placed.

The meeting also discussed the exemption of GST with regard to industrialist units dealing in marbel, tiles, snacks, repair of transformers and the present availability of power. The matter regarding grant of exemption on sales tax from 1997 to March 2002 in respect of small-scale edible oil manufacturing units also came up for discussion. However, it was agreed that the industries and the finance departments would re-examine the matter a fresh in the light of Supreme Court decision on the subject.

The meeting was among others attended by the Principal Secretary Industries and Commerce A. Sahasranaman, Special Secretary Finance, Khazir Ahmad Wani, Chairman Federation of Industries Jammu, Kuldeep Dogra, representatives from J&K Edible Oil Mills Association, Jammu and Bari Brahamana Industrial Association, Jammu.

PDP-led coalition Govt to fall under its own weight: Lone

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 6: Youth National Conference, (YNC) state chief and MLA, Quaiser Jamshed Lone today asserted that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led coalition Government will fall under its own weight and the National Conference (NC) has to play no role in it.

Addressing the Party meeting at Sher-i-Kashmir Bhavan here, this morning organized to welcome him after assuming the presidentship of Party’s youth wing, Mr Lone said the people are fed up with one year "misrule and non governance" of PDP led coalition in the state and they want to get rid of it now.

"People who voted in favour of the coalition candidates are so disillusioned with it that they ask us to take the initiative in overthrowing this Government", he disclosed.

He said NC is still a popular party in the state and it has its representatives from all the three regions while the PDP has won only from two districts of Kashmir valley. This Government has failed to deliver the goods and its fall is imminent, he added.

Lambasting the coalition Government he said its poll promises proved totally hollow as instead of providing the 2 jobs to each family it could not provide a job to a single youth in one village during its one year rule now.

Lashing out at the Government he said its policies are anti people. The engineers have been asked to work on commission basis and this way the coalition was cheating the unemployed youth of the state, he added.

He said those who are today making the claims that they are the representatives of the people had gone into hibernation when the State was engulfed by fire from all sides and it was the NC alone which tried to extinguish this fire.

"Our Party suffered a lot of damage and many patriots had to sacrifice their lives in restoration of peace", he said.

He reiterated his party’s commitment to struggle for the rights of youth saying that it was the NC which has proved 1.25 lakh jobs to youth during its six year tenure.

Addressing the meeting the NC provincial chief and MLA Ajay Sadhotra made a dig at the detractors of NC and cautioned the people against those who are making disinformation campaign against his Party.

He, while recalling the role of NC said it was his Party which is responsible for the accession of Kashmir with India as this organization has deep roots in all three regions of the state.

Mr Sadhotra who made a strong dig at coalition Government said the people are distancing themselves from it now as the coalition partners cheated them by making the false promises during elections.

Launching a scathing attack on Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed he asked him to explain the meaning of healing touch and restoration of peace with dignity. Is healing touch to provide jobs only to those whose family members were killed by terrorists and ignoring the vast section of society, he asked?

Taking the Government to task for dismantling the buildings and shops he said instead of solving the unemployment problem this way many youth have been rendered unemployed as their livelihood has been snatched.

He said likewise the peoples hopes were belied by PM’s employment package as there was nothing special for the youth of J&K in it. Instead of providing the secured Government jobs to the unemployed youth this package has stressed on self employment and labour.

The gathering among others was addressed by Rashpal Singh and Javed Ahmed Rana both MLAs, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed Provincial secretary, Chander Mohan Sharma, district NC chief, Taran Jit Singh Tony, provincial youth NC chief, Parveen Singh Lucky, NC student Wing president.

Jassi’s tribute to Dogri shortly

By Dinesh Manhotra

It was his ‘Dil Lay Gai Kuri Gujarat Di’ number which makes him famous in the entire country. Although he has been accredited as prominent Punjabi singer much earlier, ‘Dil Lay Gai Kuri Gujarat Di’ made him a house hold name.

‘Kuch-Kuch Kainda Koka, Channo Da Jawani Vitch Piar Pay Gaya’ and ‘Kuri Kuri Kuri- Samnay Rahndey Ho’ are some of the famous songs of prominent Punjabi singer Jassi.

After getting popularity as Punjabi singer, Jassi is all prepared to give his melodious voice of some Dogri folk songs. Although he has yet not prepared any Dogri album, Jassi can sing Dogri folk song like any other Dogri singer.

This Punjabi singer, who was in Patnitop in connection with the National Integration camp and Youth Festival, mesmerized some media persons by presenting ‘Tairay Tura Paiaian Kandia Paiya Barsala’-the folk Dogri song. Every body was surprised when Jassi sung folk Dogri song ‘Dhakki Nain Charondey Ho-Lak Peed Hondey Ho.’

Jassi is fond of Dogri as sweetness of this language attracted him so much. Born at Dina Nagar of Gurdaspur district, bordering Jammu and Kashmir State, Jassi has affection for Dogri. Since his college days, he has been trying to learn Dogri language from his friend. It was his dedication and hardwork that he, like Dogri singer, can sing any Dogri song.

Jassi during his recent visit to Patnitop in connection with the National Integration camp cum Youth Festival, revealed that he will release a Dogri number also. In his conversation, Jassi discloses his future planning to release an album in Dogri as part of his tribute to this sweet language.

Excerpts.

*You have decided to give your melodious voice to some Dogri song. Being a Punjabi singer, don’t you think that you will face what we call a language problem ?

First thing I want to make it clear that for a singer language is not a barrier. As far as I am concerned Dogri is not a different language for me. I am fond of the sweetness of this language. For so many years I am singing Dogri songs in different youth camps so I don’t think that I will find any problem.

During my college days I used to sing Dogri songs. From years together I am attending National Youth Festival and National Integration Camps. In these camps I used to spent time with Jammu students to learn Dogri language.

*What inspired you to release Dogri album ?

Actually I am fond of sweetness of Dogri and Pahari languages. Though occasionally, I am singing Dogri songs from so many years so I decided to release an album. It is a sort of my tribute to this sweet language.

*Have you selected Dogri songs for your album ?

Yet not. Still I am studying some Dogri songs. Before giving final shape to my project, I will discuss with some Dogri writers and singers. I will also seek help of Dogri writers and signers in this regard.

* Being a prominent a singer, in your opinion what is the role of a singer in the present situation ?

I am of the strong belief that music is the strongest instrument to unite the people. It is the music which unites every section of the society as music removes all barriers.

In the prevailing situation, music can play an important role to bring peace and to inculcate patriotism among younger generation.