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MIS takes off formally Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 12: Cautioning fruit Industry against emerging stiff competition in the global market, the Minister for Finance, Law and ....more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 12: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Janata Dal (United) has criticised the Mufti Government for dithering in the matter of .........more State
PCB holds Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 12: State Pollution Control Board held a meeting here with J&K Plastic Manufacturers and Traders Association under the .......more State BJP criticises Govt for postponing civic polls Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 12: President of State unit of BJP Dr Nirmal Singh has taken the coalition Government to task for postponing the elections......more PKM
executive Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 12: Panun Kashmir Movement held its executive council meeting under..........more |
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Veeri
inaugurates Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Oct 12: The Minister of State for Education, Abdul Rehman Veeri inaugurated Jammu Centre of Horizon, Infonet Learning ...........more Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 12: Asserting that his government would carry forward development agenda to address people’s problems, Chief .......more SHG
conference Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 12: The Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives has underscored the significance of cooperatives in empowerment of women ..........more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 12: As a part of operation Sadbhavna, Army organised a medical camp at Mahal Shahan in Ramgarh area of Samba on October 10 and 11. Over 2000 patients including women. .....more |
MIS takes off formally Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 12: Cautioning fruit Industry against emerging stiff competition in the global market, the Minister for Finance, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Muzaffar Hussain Baig today called for strict quality control to give boost to fruit exports and to enable the Industry to withstand challenges of the open trade regime successfully. The grading Act would be enforced strictly for the purpose, the Minister added. Address a gathering of fruit growers and traders after inaugurating office complex of the Kashmir Fruit Growers and Dealers Association at Fruit Mandi, Sopore yesterday afternoon, Mr. Baig said that horticulture has a tremendous potential for employment and economic generation and it has given sustenance to the people of the state during turbulent phase of 12 year long turmoil. Describing horticulture a viable Industry having vast scope to flourish, the Minister called upon the affluent class to come forward in a big way to invest in fruit processing and other related activities and offered a massive financial package of about Rs. 100 crore for the entrepreneurs to venture in the field. He also suggested to the fruit grower and traders to pool their resources for setting up of their own Bank for assured revolving credit facility for themselves and the people associated with the trade rather than hankering after Banks for loans to run their business. Mr. Baig also advocated for opening of Rawalpindi road to revive trade ties with neighbouring country that would also help fruit Industry of the state to flourish. The Agriculture Minister on this occasion announced to develop Sopore fruit mandi as a National Fruit Market adding that a whooping sum of Rs. 17 crore is being spent for this purpose. He said coalition government has accorded top priority to the development of horticulture sector and a comprehensive programme is being formulated to create assured irrigation infrastructure especially in karewas and rain-fed areas to promote fruit Industry. He said a distinct trade mark would also be created to establish credibility of Kashmir fruit in the world market. Mr. Ajaz Ahmad Khan in his address to the fruit growers stressed the need for coordinated efforts to promote fruit Industry on sustainable basis. He called for developing on farm cold stores and fruit processing units to provide a sound base to horticulture sector. He said coalition government is keen to promote fruit Industry in the state and sought cooperation of the farming community in programme implementation. Later, the Ministers formally launched the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) by flagging off a truck load of c-grade apple procured from the fruit growers of Sopore town. The District Development Commissioner, Baramulla and heads of the agriculture and allied department were also present. The President of the Kashmir Fruit Growers and Dealers Association, Mr. Manzoor Ahmad Bhat while seeking some incentives for development of the Fruit Mandi Sopore demanded to set up disease testing and soil testing laboratories in the Mandi. He said about 1.20 crore fruit boxes would be dispatched to different fruit markets of the country from Sopore mandi this season. He also demanded for Crop Insurance Scheme to horticulture produce and appreciated coalition government’s landmark decision to implement MIS, which he said would provide a great relief to the poor fruit growers. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 12: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Janata Dal (United) has criticised the Mufti Government for dithering in the matter of constitution of Accountability Commission. State president Sanjesh Gupta while addressing state executive of JD-U, stated that priority accorded to the appointment in CMP of coalition Government has proved to be an election stunt, which tantamount to failure of the Vohra as Central Interlocutor on J&K. He said Vohra was appointed at the instance of Mufti Sayeed and now to cover his own failure to win over estranged elements and deliver the goods Mufti has been suggesting impractical measures, which mean further appeasement of secessionist elements and terrorists. Mr Ved Parkash Bhagat charged the Mufti Government with indulging in discrimination with Jammu region. He expressed his fullest support to aggrieved hoteliers and other traders of Jammu connected with tourism and pilgrimage. Dr A K Kharoo, state general secretary of the Party stated that Mufti Government’s one year record of performance has been dismal on all fronts. A 31 member list of office bearers was also released on the occasion. |
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State PCB holds meeting with plastic bag manufacturers Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 12: State Pollution Control Board held a meeting here with J&K Plastic Manufacturers and Traders Association under the chairmanship of Mr S D Swatantra, Board Chairman. Objective of meeting was to apprise the members of association and plastic unit holders about implementation of Plastic Manufacture Sale and Usage Rules 1999, Amended in later by which plastic manufacturers have to seek registration of their units from SPCB before October 2003 and to adhere strictly the restrictions in manufacture, sale, distribution and use of virgin and recycles plastic carry bags and containers. Association president Rakesh Gupta and patron Pawan Kumar Shastri assured the Board chairman to extend full cooperation to the PCB authorities in implementing these rules and also to organize workshop, awareness programmes to sensitize the masses regarding these rules. The chairman agreed to the proposals of the association for constituting special task force headed by senior PCB officers to regulate and monitor the defaulters. Regional Director PCB M R Singh was asked to constitute the committee. Environmental Engineer J N Sharma called upon the members of Plastic Industry to follow the principle of 3 R’s viz reduce, reuse and recycle in order to check the menace of pollution. Mr Kuldeep Bhan suggested the Plastic manufacturing and trading community not to supply recycled and coloured plastic bags to those retailers and shopkeepers who deal in food products, vegetable grains and other eatables. |
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State BJP criticises Govt for postponing civic polls Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 12: President of State unit of BJP Dr Nirmal Singh has taken the coalition Government to task for postponing the elections to the civic bodies including Municipal Corporations at Srinagar and Jammu. The BJP leader stated that the decision of the Government to postpone the civic polls was aimed at denying the people their legitimate right to manage their own affairs themselves and cater to some of their basic needs concerning health, drinking water and electricity supply. Dr Singh said the people would not forget forgive the votaries of the so-called healing touch doctrine for their decision as it is patently undemocratic and against the spirit of local-self Government. He said the real reason behind this anti-people decision was not the opposition of National Conference to the idea of elections to the civic bodies during month of Ramzan, but the contradictions amongst coalition partners and the firm belief of Congress and Panthers Party that they would suffer humiliating defeat at the hands of BJP in Jammu region. He said BJP would go to the people to prepare them for a full scale campaign against the anti-people policies of the coalition Government so that elections to the local-self Governing bodies are held as early as possible. The BJP chief also denounced the Government for its move designed to grant voting right to the nominated members to the Panchayats and said that no one who believes in people’s democracy would ever endorse the official line. He said BJP is against any type of nomination to any of the local-self governing bodies and that it has been left with no other option than to register its most emphatic protest against the undemocratic move. Dr Nirmal Singh asked the Congress, PDP and Panthers Party to review their decision and not only hold elections to the Municipal Corporations but also withdraw the Ordinance which empowers the Government to grant voting right to the nominated members. |
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PKM executive council holds meet Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 12: Panun Kashmir Movement held its executive council meeting under the presidentship of Mr Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo, in which through a motion the president was felicitated for his appointment as representative of Global Human Rights Defence in India. The meeting held that the appointment of Mr Chrungoo has raised hopes of the exiled community of Kashmiri Pandits. The meeting chalked out a plan for ensuing six months for the organization and decided to appoint J L Kaul as chairman of the committee to finalize series of programmes in connection with the PKM’s completion of 10 years as an organization. He was also appointed as vice president of PKM alongwith Mrs Mohini Raina, who was appointed chairman of PKM Ladies Wing and Rattan Lal Pandita was appointed as coordinator for Camps in Jammu. Speakers said that some elements were bent upon to damage the cause of Kashmiri Pandits and held that political struggle of Kashmiri Pandits has a specific goal of creation of Homeland in Valley. He added Kashmiri Pandits are not interested in wayward agenda which has only death and destruction in store. The fate of the progeny of the Pandit community cannot be allowed to be betrayed for any reason. Kashmiri Pandits have a right on Kashmir and that they are a party to all negotiations on Kashmir, said the PKM leader. |
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Veeri inaugurates horizon infonet website Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Oct 12: The Minister of State for Education, Abdul Rehman Veeri inaugurated Jammu Centre of Horizon, Infonet Learning System for Education and Website, www. horizoninfonet. com. here last evening. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister highlighted the need of information technology education and pointed that the state government was committed to give an efficient governance and therefore needed a workforce which was fully computer literate. He appreciated the fact that horizon infonet learning was applying the latest technological devices to promote education and computer literacy. He said that all the higher secondary schools in the state would be equipped with computer lab facilities. Mr. Veeri said that nursery classes would be started in government primary schools besides introduction of English. He said that private institutions would also reserve some quota for needy students without fee. He issued instructions to the teachers to watch the intelligency, potential at talency of students so that they will be encouraged to continue studies further and government will bear all the expenses. The Director Infonet, Mrs Rachna Sharma apprised the Minister that infonet learning system would provide quality education to the student community even in the remotest corners of the state. She said that the website provides lot of educational and support material to the students. She thanked the Minister for inaugurating the website and assured that the staff will work with devotion and dedication. |
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Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 12: Asserting that his government would carry forward development agenda to address people’s problems, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that panchayats in Jammu and Kashmir would be made nerve centre of rural development and vibrant institutions for monitoring development schemes and delivery of basic services to the people in rural areas. ‘There is no dearth of funds for rural development sector but what is required is creating awareness among the people to avail benefits thereof’, he said. The Chief Minister was inaugurating a day-long conference of field functionaries of the rural development department here today. The conference was organized for creating awareness among the functionaries at the cutting edge level about better implementation of various schemes of the department at grass-roots level. Mufti Sayeed said that rural development department would be fully geared up to work as a catalyst for socio-economic development. He said the department had lost much of its identity. He said it is good that now the rules are being updated for proper cadre management to provide better service conditions for its functionaries. He said this would certainly help in bringing a much needed dynamism in the department to improve its functioning. Referring to the panchayats and other local bodies elections in the state, Mufti Sayeed said that these should have a democratic character for availing funds under various central schemes. He said it is not possible for the Chief Minister to visit every lane and locality to take stock of the small civic amenities and asserted that this has to be done by the people’s representatives in the local bodies. He said till the elections to the left over panchayats are held in the state, some way out has to be found to involve the community at large in implementing schemes for rural uplift. The Chief Minister stressed the need for a closer coordination between rural development, cooperatives, agriculture and allied agencies for holistic development of the rural areas. The Chief Minister said that a project officer would be appointed for conceiving innovative projects to get optimum funding under various centrally sponsored schemes. He said training centres would be set up at all the district headquarters to train functionaries of rural development and allied departments. He said all the panchayats would have gardener-cum-chowkidars for which the government would provide Rs. 500 per month towards their salary and the matching amount would be paid by the panchayats. He said this would be done to ensure better maintenance of panchayat assets. He said a scheme would be formulated to provide TV sets to all the panchayats under community viewing programme. He asked the rural development department to draw up a training schedule for short-term refresher courses for its field functionaries within next two days so that they could be sensitized about vital schemes of the department. He said till the training centres are set up at the district level, the process of training the staff should continue. He also ordered for organizing similar conferences of the departmental officials at all the district headquarters at the earliest. Mufti Sayeed said that a way out has to be found to bring the people of Jammu and Kashmir out of the morass, adding that there is need to talk to the people of the state to restore peace as gun is no solution of any problem. He said the coalition government is committed to address Kashmir problem through dialogue but it needs time and a proper atmosphere. He said there is no readymade formula to solve this problem. The Chief Minister also released the first issue of Dihee Awaaz, a bi-lingual quarterly publication of the department, on the occasion Earlier, the Chief Minister also went round a photo exhibition set up by the department focussing its achievements. He also interacted with the members of self-help groups who had put up stalls for exhibition and sale of products. Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma said that the functionaries of the rural development department have to play a vital role in the progress of ruralites. He said they also have to work hard to strengthen the Panchayati Raj system in the state to empower the people at the grass roots level. Minister for Rural Development Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed said that the coalition government has taken several bold initiatives for empowerment of panchayats. He said elections for the left over panchayats would be completed shortly and the Panchayati Raj envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi would be put in place in Jammu and Kashmir soon. Minister for Housing and Urban Development Ghulam Hassan Mir said that no country or state can progress without its rural transformation as majority of the people live in villages. He said this calls for a greater participation of the people of rural areas in the development effort. Minister of State for Rural Development Ch. Gharu Ram called for promoting the concept of self-help groups as such a mechanism would go a long way in generating employment opportunities in the rural areas. He said the system for making payments of various rural development works is being made more hassle free and transparent. |
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SHG conference organised at Anantnag Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 12: The Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives has underscored the significance of cooperatives in empowerment of women adding that women shall have a definite role in decision making and planning for all round socio-economic transformation of the society. Speaking at the ‘one day Self-Help Group (SHG) Conference’ organized by National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI) in collaboration with J&K Cooperative Union at Anantnag about 55 kms from here today, the Minister said the world focus has now shifted from women emancipation to women’s empowerment to make them partner in development and to ensure their indulgence in administrative affairs as well so that they could be brought into the mainstream of life which is one of the priorities of national policy. Baig shocked over killing of Reyaz Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 12: Expressing his deep shock and grief over the brutal killing of a student, Mr. Reyaz Ahmad at Yatipora Pattan yesterday, the Minister for Finance, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Muzaffar Hussain Baig today said that Army would be asked to hold thorough inquiry into the incident. Mr. Baig last night went to the residence of Reyaz and personally conveyed his condolences and sympathies with the bereaved family. Mr. Baig issued on-the-spot orders for compassionate appointment of the brother of deceased and also sanctioned an ex-gratia relief of Rs one lakh in favour of the deceased family. The relief will be disbursed within two days. PDP leader, Basharat Bukhari accompanied the Minister. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 12: As a part of operation Sadbhavna, Army organised a medical camp at Mahal Shahan in Ramgarh area of Samba on October 10 and 11. Over 2000 patients including women and children visited the camp and they were examined and treated by the team of doctors. Free medicines were also provided to the needy and poor patients. The team of doctors that provided free treatment and advise included eye specialist, dental surgeons, Gynaeocologists, surgeon specialists, physicians and lady medical officers. The villagers appreciated Army’s role in organising such camps. |
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Kashmir to host next global summit on medicinal plants: Lal Singh Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 12: Health Minister Ch Lal Singh today said that the next global summit on medicinal plants would be held in Kashmir as the state has vast potential for promotion of this newly emerging sector of medicinal and aromatic plants. Addressing Congress workers meet second here this evening, the Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir is not only rich in medicinal plants but it has a monopoly in some of the species that are used for manufacturing high quality medicines. He called for coordinated efforts of various agencies, growers and the user industry to pool their expertise, resources and effort for better results. He said it would largely help in bringing back economy of the state on the rails and generating employment opportunities for youth. Mr. Singh said this alongwith tourism sector is the key for reactivating the state’s economy. He exhorted upon the people to take the challenge head on and off set the damage militancy has caused to the state. Mr. Singh said that the social activists have a greater role in bringing socio-economic transformation of the society, adding that we should go in for self-introspection to evaluate our contribution to the society. ‘We should not see what the nation has given to us but rather ponder over our contribution in nation building’, he said. Highlighting the achievements of the coalition government in barely 10 months of governance, the Minister said that it has succeeded to a large extent to improve the lot of the people who have suffered immensely during the 14 years turmoil and its performance in all the sectors as compared to the entire rule of National Conference is certainly far better. He, however, said that the credit for it goes to the people as well as in a democratic set up, it is they who matter the most. Mr. Singh asked the workers to remain in constant touch with the people, explain to them government’s programmes and policies and in turn give a realistic feedback for ensuring better delivery of services to the people. He advised the younger blood to get themselves enriched from the vast experience of the senior leaders and in turn asked senior to guide the young. Stressing for maintaining discipline in the party, Mr. Singh said that frequent interactions amongst party workers and leaders not only help in strengthening the party but also boost morale of the workers. Earlier, former MLA Bashir Ahmed Magrey lauded the coalition government decision of take over SKIMS thereby making it a public institution. He said that tremendous improvement has been witnessed in the health and education sector after coming into power of the coalition government. MLC Ali Mohammad Sofi who also spoke on the occasion said that people from all walks are thronging to join Congress but advised workers to be vigilant of the sycophants and divisive elements. Among others who spoke on the occasion were Senior leaders Messers Tariq Mohi-ud-Din, Abdul Gani Khan, Mushtaq Ahmed Mir, district presidents, Ali Mohammad Bhat, Abdul Majid Paddar, Mohammad Anwar Bhat, Mohammad Amin Kutlari and block presidents Ghulam Ahmed Parray and Mohammad Afzal Khan. |
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Matador service for Sangrampur The people of Sangrampur, Lala-da-Bagh and its adjoining areas heaved a sigh of relief when RTO Jammu issued instructions for starting regular matador service from Panjtirthi to Sangrampur and in this connection allotted the route permits to seven matadors. But for the people of this area it proved a momentary relief because only three matadors started service from Panjtirthi to Sangrampur that too for only one week and without displaying the name of their route. The neglected people of this area feel hurt due to the inaction of the transport authorities. We have apprised the concerned authorities about the difficulties of the common men of this area through various representations, deputations and through this column also. We once again request the concerned authorities to please try to address our grievances and mitigate the difficult times of the people by strictly implementing the instructions of the RTO and also punish the offenders by cancelling their route permits. All these seven matadors whose route permits are from Panjtirthi to Sangrampur are plying only upto Udhawala, Bohri without displaying the proper destination. Ram Singh Upgrade P/S Samthi We the residents of village Samathi ‘B’ appeal to the Education Minister for upgradation of Primary School Samathi to Middle School. At present there are 120 students reading in the school. After passing primary classes, they have to go other place to seek education. This becomes an inconvenient proposition for the parents as they cannot send their children to off places. Moroever, the village is connected to any other area. This is perhaps the most backward area in this area. Due to these circumstances, the students leave studies in the mid way. We hope that action would be taken in this matter as early as possible. Residents of Trikuta Nagar in trouble The uncovered nallah existing in the Sector 4, Trikuta Nagar is fully filled up with garbage and night soil. Besides, obnoxious plants causing health problems have grown in an around the Nallah. It is spreading unbearable foul smell and has become the breeding place for mosquitoes and other injurious sects. Secondly, the condition of the roads in this sector is deplorable. Vehicles plying, while avoiding ditches on the roads cause accidents. Even women and school going children cannot walk safely on it. It is, therefore, requested to the Vice Chairman JDA to kindly spare a few minutes to personally verify the facts narrated by the applicants so that remedial steps are taken as possible to save the residents of this area from adverse affects of the filthy and unhealthy conditions in this so called posh colony of JDA Jammu. Nahesh Chander Raina Construct Lornu-Dhar road We, the habitants of village Dhar Dugnoo want to say that the construction work on approach road from Lornu Bridge to Dhar Dugnoo was started a month ago but was suddenly stopped without any known reasons. After a long struggle, we got the road facility sanctioned from the Central Government for which funds too have been released by the State Government. Even then the PWD Department is delaying the construction work. Thousands of travellers suffer daily without the road facility which is dire need of near about eight villages i.e. Dhar Dugnoo, Dehota, Koral, Nagali & Dharamanpur, Dhar Jhanker etc having twenty four thousand population. In this connection we approached several times to AEE Bhillawar, Xen, Basohli, Tehsildar Billawar and DC Kathua but it evinced no response from them. So we again request them that the orders may be issued to AEE Billawar to continue again the stopped work so that we may not suffer any more. Public of eight Open treasury at Panchari For opening of a Treasury branch at Panchari, District Udhampur, the locals have been struggling for years. The demand is most genuine and old one. The people approach the authorities and high light the matter in one way or the other. It is to state here that all the required surveys, enquiries, formalities and other necessary paper work to this effect stand completed since long. For final nod the matter is lying with the concerned officials. Now only one stroke of pen is needed to establish the much awaited Treasury branch at Panchari. But it is not understood why the delay is being caused in the fulfillment of the just cause. The authorities should favourably do the needful forthwith. Swatantra Dev Kotwal |
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Chib elected as president of Ward No 40 of Cong Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 12: A meeting of the workers and active members of ward number 40 of Congress was held under the chairmanship of Capt Jagan Nath, block president of Jammu West. Babu Singh Chib was unanimously elected as president of ward number 40. His name was proposed by V K Khajuria. A large number of prominent citizens also attended the meeting. Speaking on the occasion, Capt Jagan Nath asked the newly elected president to look into the problems of the people of the area and also dwelt about the achievements of the coalition Government. J L Koul, V K Khajuria, S Sharma, K S Katoch, Prithvi Singh, Raghuvir Singh, Bhagwan Singh, Raj Kamal, Balwant Kumar Billo, Darshan Choudhary, Ravi Kumar, Sumit Gurvider, Sumit Rekha, Krishan Kaser and others. |
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Mexican choreographerto make presentation in JU today Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 12: Mexican choreographer Antonio Salinas will make his presentation tomorrow in Brigadier Rajinder Singh Hall at Jammu University. He has already given his presentation in Germany, United States and Columbia. He obtained his professional studies from National School of Classic and Contemporary Dance. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 12: A criminal was today arrested by police from RS Pura where he had gone with the intentions to kill one Rafia Masih. Police said Gurdev Singh alias Mantu of Simbal Morh was arrested on a specific information as soon as he reached RS Pura town alongwith a khokhri. A police party headed by SHO RS Pura SHO Inspector Mohd Rafiq apprehended the criminal and recovered a khokhri from his possession. Police said Mantu had made an attempt on the life of Vipan Masih in May this year and was absconding since then. Yesterday, he had come to eliminate Vipan Masih’s father Rafiq Masih. A case against the criminal has been registered at RS Pura police station. |
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Mirpur Shaheedi Divas on Nov 25 Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 12: Mirpur Shaheedi Divas (MSD) Celebration Committee today held a meeting under the chairmanship of Karam Vir Gupta at Gurha Bakshi Nagar. It was decided in the meeting that as Mirpur Shaheedi Diwas (10 Maghar) falls on Tuesday 25th November, 2003, a committee comprised of the representatives from all the sectors of the Jammu city, will celebrate the day. Tributes will be paid to the martyrs of Mirpur who made supreme sacrifices of their lives while fighting with Pakistani raiders on 10 Maghar-2004 (25-11-1947). In the meeting all the members of the committee gave their valuable suggestions on the basis of which programme was chalked out and committee appealed to Mirpur community to attend the programme in enmass, a release issued here today said. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 12: South Police today arrested eight gamblers and recovered thousands of rupees from their possession. Police spokesman said that a police team of Gandhi Nagar Police Station led by SHO S S Sambyal under the supervision of SP South Bhupinder Singh and DySP J S Johar raided Nai Basti locality and arrested eight gamblers. Amount to the tune of Rs 9000 was recovered from their possession. The gamblers have been identified as Ashok Kumar, son of Paras Ram, Davinder Gupta, son of Bodh Raj, Abdul Majid, son of Ghulam Hassan, Gulzar Singh, son of Waryam Singh, Kiran Thappa, son of Amar Nath Thappa, Ratish, Ram Bahadur, son of Nar Bahadur and Shamsher Singh, son of Partap Singh. All have been booked under Gambling Act. |
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GREF employee dies mysteriously Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 12: A General Reserve Engineering Force (GREF) employees was found dead under mysterious circumstances at General Bus Stand today. Police spokesman said that the GREF employees—Manwar Singh, son of Sindhuri Singh of Gadwal was found dead under mysterious circumstances at General Bus Stand by Police. On firsking of the body, police recovered some documents which revealed that he was on his way from Budhal to Command Hospital Udhampur. The body was, later, shifted to Government Medical College Hospital for post-mortem to ascertain the cause of death. Meanwhile, body of a mentally disturbed person—Amar Nath was recovered from Talab Tillo Chowk. Police has started investigation under Section 174 RPC. One person was killed after he was hit by a speeding truck at Nachlana under the jurisdiction of Banihal Police Station. He was immediately rushed to hospital where doctors pronounced him as brought dead. |
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Durga Natak Mandli holds competition Excelsior Correspondent REASI, Oct 12: Durga Natak Mandli, Reasi organised a competition here last night. Dewana Mandir, Jammu won first prize while Rama Natak Club, Paddu got second prize. Third prize went to Narayan Kala Kendra, Rhembal and fourth prize was secured buy Vaishno Kala Manch, Vijaypur. Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 12: A meeting of the Urban Malaria Employees Union (UMEU) was held today to discuss the employees problems and pending elections. Tuffail Hussain was elected as president, Girdhari Lal as vice-president, Rajesh Kumar as general secretary and Noor Ahmed as secretary. Ashok Kumar was elected as publicity secretary while Kasturi Lal was elected as cashier. In the meeting Rajinder Kumar Sharma and Ghulam Rasool were appointed as chief advisor and advisor respectively. Rajinder Bhatti was appointed as chairman of the Union. Eco-tourism becomes subject of serious concern at Himalayan hill resorts By Gopal Sharma The increasing tourists crowd and massive construction works on the name of so called ‘ development’ at the natural hill resorts like Dalhousie, Khajjiar, Dharamshalla, Manali in Himachal and Patnitop, Pahalgam in J&K has posed a major threat to the ecology of these sites. The scenic beauty is being marred with the ignorance on the part of most of the tourists visiting there and also non-seriousness on the part of concerned agencies. The unplanned construction of concrete structures, hotels and private huts has adversely effected the surrounding environment. Infact, the eco-tourism has become a subject of serious concern today but no effective measures are being taken by the concerned agencies to overcome the growing problems. Unlike in Mussoorie and Nainital in Gharwal Himalyas where certain Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have come forward to save the environment and keep the city clean, such initiative is yet to be witnessed in J&K. Crusade against plastic bags and empty water-bottles littering popular hill tourist resorts in this region of J&K is yet to take off by the Department of Tourism, PDA and allied agencies responsible for the maintenance. The threat posed to the surrounding environment has not been realised so far by the concerned agencies, District Administrations and even by any Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO). Tourists and pilgrims in the hill resorts of Patnitop, Kud and also at Katra Vaishnodevi generate more waste material as compared to the locals of the area. A lot of packages ready made and fresh litter is generated. The concerned Tourism agency, Shrine Board and even the Department of Environment and Remote Sensing are required to do something in this direction but if only tourists remembered the golden message of "leave nothing behind but... footprints...", hill resorts like Patnitop, Dalhousie and pilgrim centres like Vaishno Devi and Pahalgam during annual Amarnath yatra would have different tale to tell in the years to come. The NGOs working in the field of environment in the region should take inspiration from a Mussorie based NGO. At this hill resort of Uttranchal, a school teacher launched a widespread campaign for cleaning waste material at tourist resort, this otherwise beautiful station. He engaged children and rag-pickers for removing such material for a few hours a day. He also arranged their education and the material collected by them is sent to the plastic units in Delhi and other industrial cities of UP where it was being sold for recycling. The money thus, generated was distributed among the beneficiaries (children) and this effort and the beautiful idea was highly appreciated by all. A senior official in the District Administration at Udhampur when contacted for a comment said that irresponsible behaviour on the part of tourists visiting Patnitop and attitude of neglect by the Patnitop Development Authority for maintaining healthy environment at its surroundings has further deteriorated the quality of life at this hill resort. Similar problem is being faced at Mansar. He pointed out that the PDA has failed to improve the conditions at this resort. One may observe the polythene bags, plastic packages and the empty bottles of water scattered all over on the green cover under tall trees of Deodhar at Kud and Patnitop, especially during summer season when a larger number of tourists visit the spot. During national level youth camp held recently at Patnitop, poor civic activities were witnessed at the site. A senior retired Forest Officer Mr S P Gupta, pointed out that concerted efforts are needed to protect the emerging ecological imbalance at this beautiful tourist resort. He said Patnitop Development Authority be given the powers to execute freely for keeping environment clean at this hill resort. A mobile force, like Forest Protection Force, should be deployed there which may keep a look on the activities at this spot, advise the tourists to make the site clean and even challan the defaulters for violating the rules and norms enacted by the Authority. He maintained that in Shimla, the local Administration has taken effective measures in this regard and even a force has been created which may challan on the spot for any violation or throwing any objectionable material on the road, public places or even on the green cover. He further suggested that Patnitop Development Authority must take up special cleanliness drive during every tourist season. Even the NSS volunteers from Jammu and Udhampur and the NGOs should take initiative of cleanliness and awareness at such hill resorts. It is healthy sign to notice that at some sites of Patnitop now, a few dustbins have been erected recently by the PDA. He said similar problem is faced at Pahalgam especially during Amarnath yatra. Gulmarg hill resort too, should be taken care of. Only heavy rains wash down such material abandoned there by visitors. This menace mars the beauty of the tourist resorts and those visiting the area must ensure to keep the surroundings clean where ever they sit and spend some time. They should make full use of bins installed there and through the disposables at some other location if the bins are not there. Moreover, awareness among the people to behave as responsible citizens is the main key to overcome this menace. Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 12: There is a dire need to follow the path shown by Sher-e-Duggar Lala Hans Raj Mahajan in the present era as the unwanted rituals and social evils have started eroding the otherwise well disciplined Mahajan community. These were the views of various speakers, who addressed the Mahajan community members on the conclusion of week long celebrations of birth anniversary of founder president of Mahajan Sabha—Lala Hans Raj Mahajan at Jammu Central Mahajan Sabha today. Strongly criticising the unwanted rituals which have crept into the Mahajan community, they said that economically wasteful rituals in the modern system of marriages needed to be eliminated as they have been earning the name of ‘show-off community’ to Mahajans. "The huge barat, Bhangara and dance of womenfolk on the roads cannot be described anything else than show-off of money. Though we are not opposed to giving dowry yet saying that we have given this much to our daughters or sons is totally unjustified", they said and appealed the Mahajan community members to eradicate unwanted evils and follow the path shown by Lala Hans Raj Mahajan. They also expressed concern over non-representation of Mahajan community in the Legislature of the State and said that politicians have always extracted money from the Mahajans for elections but after coming to power the interests of this community were never watched. Speaking on the occasion, chief guest Jeet Lal Gupta, Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation eulogized the role of the Central Mahajan Sabha Jammu for creating lively awareness among the Mahajans to be in the front-line of all the other disciplined communities of the country. The main speakers included M L Gupta, Amar Nath Gupta, Sanji Ram Gupta, O P Goel, R D Gupta, Prof J K Gupta, Kailash Langer, Rattan Lal Gupta, Jugal Mahajan, O P Gupta, K R Gupta, Vir Kanta, O P Gupta, Ashok Gupta and Romesh Gupta. The members of Mahajan community, who have in their credit the outstanding performance and achievements in different fields of activities, were also honoured. The prominent among others, who were honoured for the excellence in respective fields included IGP Prem Gupta, DIG Satvir Gupta and Munsiff Dinesh Gupta. Dr Neelu Rohmetra was honoured for various achievements in the area of research and teaching which included AICTE Career Award for Young Teacher, Visiting Lecturer Fullbright Fellowship of USA and Post Doctoral Commonwealth Fellowship, UK. The other prominent honoured persons included Kiran Choudhary, Er K K Gupta, Vishal Rohmetra, Ravi Rohmetra, Rakesh Gupta, Dr Satya Dev Gupta, Rakesh Chander Gupta, Sunil Mahajan, Rupali Gupta, Rohit Mahajan, Bhanu Gupta, Arun Gupta, Vir Kanta, Krishan Gupta, Reetu and Raj Kerni. The brilliant students who were honoured included, Bhavana Langer, Meenu Gupta, Anand Kumar Gupta, Vanita Gupta, Manisha Gupta, Sanjana Gupta, Sapna Gupta, Rupali Gupta, Vanika Gupta, Supeeti Gupta, Rashi Gupta, Silky Mahajan, Sushant Gupta, Sahil Mahajan, Anupa Rai, Raja Langer, Parush Gupta, Payal Gupta, Divya Gupta, Ullas Vinod, Sushit Gupta, Sourab Gupta, Tania Vaid, Beeva Mahajan, Nitin Mahajan, Richa Gupta, Vipul Saraf, Rakesh Kumar, Rimpi Gupta, Abhishek Gupta, Lovely Gupta, Ankush Mahajan, Shruti Langer, Nitin Langer, Nipum Gupta, Arush Gupta, Dinesh Gupta, Dr Pooja Gupta, Dr Radhika Gupta and Tanu Gupta. The other students included Sonia Gupta, Silky Vaid, Shipla Gupta, Yogesh Kumar Mahajan, Vikrant Mahajan, Abha Mahajan, Parul Gupta, Kunal Gupta, Maushmi, Sagun, Bhanu Mahajan, Soonam Gupta, Megha Gupta, Aditya Mahajan, Bandhana Gupta, Priyanka Mahajan, Sonam Gupta, Ankush Langer, Kirti Mahajan. The sportspersons of the community, who were honoured on the occasion, included Shivam Gupta, Salil Mahajan, Akshat Mehta, Palvi Mahajan, Aditya Mahajan, Sankalp Gupta, Manu Gupta, Pulkeet Langer, Hatish Langer, Chirag Langer, Ashit Mahajan, Vikram Gupta, Abhishek Mahajan, Neelam Gupta, Sumedha Gupta, Tanya Gupta, Vikas Gupta, Sushank Gupta, Raghav Mahajan, Ragav Gupta, Deep Shikha Gupta, Ashul Mahajan, Epsita, Arnav Kamal, Kavya Kamal, Akshi Goel, Ankur Goel, Ritesh Gupta, Rachit Gupta, Shallu Gupta, Achal Gupta, Swati Langer, Eshan Gupta, Ankush Gupta, Dikshat Gupta, Ujjwal Gupta, Shravan Mahajan, Ashok Gupta, Salil Mahajan, Suhasani Gupta, Ankush Gupta, Manvi Gupta, Krish Gupta, Payal Gupta, Ragni Gupta, Antra Mahajan, Vikas Gupta, Anuj Langer, Anil Gupta, Shivang and Vikrant. In the painting competition’s Group-I, Sidharth Gupta and Akshit Gupta shared first position, Raghav Gupta secured second position and Ananya Gupta and Lakshay Mahajan shared third position. The consolation prizes were given to Alankrit Mahajan, Radhay Mahajan and Mrinal Gupta. In Group-II, Manav Mahajan got first position, Amish Gupta, second and Manik Langer, third. The recipients of the consolation prizes included Anvi Mahajan, Shivam Gupta and Siddharth Mahajan. In Group-III, Siddarth Gupta got first position, Sushen Gupta and Ragav Mahajan bagged second position, Charru Mahajan, Ashish Gupta and Nitin Gupta got third position. The consolation prizes were given to Ankit Gupta, Chetna Gupta, Arshiet Raje Vaid. In symposium, Ankush Gupta bagged first position, Swadha Mahajan, second and Akash Mahajan and Deeksha Gupta shared third position. The consolation prizes were given to Vidushi Mahajan, Shagun Gupta and Kanika Gupta. Kanika Gupta got first position, Sunali Gupta clinched second and Vishavmurti got third position in Debate Group-I. The consolation prizes recipients included Richa Mahajan, Ankit Gupta and Roohi Gupta. In Group-II, Priyanka Mahajan got first position, Divya Gupta, second and Sahil Mahajan bagged third position. The consolation prizes were given to Poonam Gupta and Deep Shikha Gupta. |
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