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| PDP suffers major jolt as one of its founders quits party SRINAGAR, Apr 6: Jammu and Kashmir’s ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) today suffered a major jolt when one of its founders and youth wing chief Nazir Ahmad Khan quit the party protesting denial of ticket for Lok Sabha polls and decided to contest as an independent in Srinagar......more Operation
to destroy cannabis plant soon Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 6: The Customs Preventive Units of Customs and Central Excise have been made permanent on International Border and Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir to check smuggling of narcotics.......more Revolutionary
change SRINAGAR, Apr 6: Expressing confidence that Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will again form the next Government at the Centre, BJP general secretary Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today said there was a "revolutionary change" in the minds........more BJP, Cong
hell bent Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 6: Independent candidate from Jammu-Poonch Parliamentary constituency Shahzad Khan today lambasted Bharatiya Janata........more Baig hails
talks Excelsior Correspondent BARAMULLA, Apr 6: Welcoming the upcoming official level talks between India and Pakistan on the proposed opening.......more |
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3093
polling stations hyper sensitive Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 6: The Election Commission has directed suspension of one Special Assistant to a Minister for violation of Model Code of Conduct and shifting of six officials including one Chief Education Officer from Doda, Rajouri and Poonch districts...........more BJP Mahila
Morcha Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 6: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Mahila Morcha today took out a protest rally against the Permanent Residents Disqualification Bill, unscheduled power curtailments, opening of wine shops in quick sucession and irregular water supply................more People’s
sentiments Excelsior Correspondent Langet (Handwara), Apr 6: Maintaining that the opening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road involves sentiments of people that can not be bartered with electoral returns, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has said his People’s Democratic Party does not want any political dividend out of it...........more DB issues
notice in Muslim Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 6: Division Bench of the State High Court, comprising First Puisne Judge Justice VK Jhanji and Justice Y P Nargotra has issued notice in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL)......more |
PDP suffers major jolt as one of its founders quits party SRINAGAR, Apr 6: Jammu and Kashmir’s ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) today suffered a major jolt when one of its founders and youth wing chief Nazir Ahmad Khan quit the party protesting denial of ticket for Lok Sabha polls and decided to contest as an independent in Srinagar. Announcing the decision to quit the party, Nazir, who was heading youth wing of PDP right from its inception in 1998-99, said he would be contesting the elections as an independent from Srinagar constituency from where PDP has fielded Ghulam Nabi Lone to take on National Conference chief Omar Abdullah. He said his father Sarafraz Khan, a close associate of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Minister for Haj and Auqaf in his Government, is also likely to resign from the ministerial post and party to support him. All the office-bearers of the youth wing, including executive members and district presidents of all the 14 districts of the State , Nazir claimed, supported his decision and most of them were present at the news conference. Nazir, who was a founder member of the PDP, accused the party leadership of deviating from the chosen path and trampling its constitution and throwing the policies and programmes to winds to stick to power. Disbanding of Special Task Force, providing employment to one member of each unemployed family and releasing of innocents from jails was part of the PDP agenda chalked out at the formation of the party but none of the promises was fulfilled, Nazir charged. Nazir alleged contrary to the release of innocents during NC rule by screening committees at the district level, PDP set up a central screening committee where the kins of jailed persons have no access. Nazir said although the Special Task Force is not visible, but people are still being harassed by the police and security forces. Youths being arrested are booked under Public Safety Act and sent to jails. He said he would be dragging the leadership of PDP in the "people’s court" and leave the decision to the people. "I will contest as an independent from Srinagar constituency," he said. Asked to comment on the policy of one-man-one-post of the party, he said it had been floated numerous times by the top leadership’s but was invoked it against others. "Why this rule does not apply to PDP president Mehbooba Mufti who besides being MLA has been nominated as party candidate from Anantnag?" he said. Earlier, Javid Ahmad Janbaz, an influential youth leader from Ganderbal area of Srinagar, also quit the party and joined State unit of BJP. Former president of State unit of JD(U) G M Shah also joined BJP in the presence of BJP general secretary Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.(PTI) |
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Operation
to destroy cannabis plant soon Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 6: The Customs Preventive Units of Customs and Central Excise have been made permanent on International Border and Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir to check smuggling of narcotics. This was disclosed by Commissioner Customs and Central Excise Jammu and Kashmir M S Badhan while talking to the EXCELSIOR. "All the eight Customs Preventive Units in the State have been provided with hi-tech wireless system, additional staff deployed and adequate number of vehicles were provided to strengthen anti-smuggling operations", he disclosed. Though these units especially before opening of commissionerate were also existing, yet they were being rotated. But now when there has been full-fledged commissionerate of Customs and Central Excise is in the State these units have been made permanent with adequate gadgets and manpower, the Commissioner said. About the benefits of such formations, he said that with the permanent bases and hi-tech gadgets the staff there would be able to pass on quick information to the Headquarters at Jammu which is connected with all the Commissionerates in the North India and by way of this, the Department would foil all narcotics smuggling attempts. Moreover, the officers of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Local Police and Customs and Central Excise Department have started meeting once in a week as against the earlier practice of meeting once in a month, with the aim to make the monitoring of anti-smuggling operations more strong. "By way of all these initiatives we would be able to completely check the smuggling of narcotics and achieve desirable results", Mr Badhan said. "During my recent visit to Poonch and Rajouri disricts, I met with senior Border Security Force (BSF) and Army officers and in the meeting, the issue of joint patrolling with Customs staff also figured", he disclosed and said that if this becomes reality, the smuggling of narcotics would register a sharp decline. To a question, he disclosed that last year cannabis plants on about seven heactares of land in the districts of Anantnag and Pulwama and very soon the operation of similar nature would be started this year also. "In Jammu there has been only wild growth of cannabis plants but in Kashmir valley, the same is being cultivated", he said. "The department is shortly opening Inland Container’s Depot at Bari Brahmana in Jammu as the Government has given clearance to the same on the demand of exporters and importers", the Commissioner said and added that as and when he received the required staff the Depot would be opened. For an Inland Container Depot, Mr Badhan said, a contingent of 13 staff members is required and requisition for the same has been sent to the senior authorities. "This would be of immense help for the exporters and importers, as they need not to follow the hastle-full procedure for the exports and imports", he underlined. |
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Revolutionary
change in minds of minorities SRINAGAR, Apr 6: Expressing confidence that Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will again form the next Government at the Centre, BJP general secretary Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today said there was a "revolutionary change" in the minds of minorities towards the BJP. The BJP has now become the first choice of the minorities in the country and they will go all out to vote for the party candidates in the coming parliamentary elections, he told reporters here. Mr Naqvi alleged that the Congress leaders who were exploiting the Muslims and other minorities in the past have now realised that their game is over. The Congress is finished, he said adding the BJP will go to the people on the performance of the National Democratic Alliance Government. He claimed that the country had made progress in all the fields and the vision document issued by the BJP would come true. Lashing out at ruling coalition and the National Conference, Mr Naqvi said the funds pumped by the Centre in Jammu and Kashmir were misused. The Centre has alloted funds under different packages for the State, particularly for Kashmir, but these never reached to common people, he alleged. Appealing people to vote for the BJP candidates, Mr Naqvi said a strong base in the Valley means proper development and utilisation of funds, being sent by the Centre. Without getting involved in the controversy of local BJP leader’s demand of division of the Jammu and Kashmir, he said we want development of all the three regions of the State. I have nothing more to say on this. When asked how can the BJP could disown VHP leader Praveen Togadia when he was appealing to vote for it, Mr Naqvi said the BJP was not responsible for any of his statements. Mr Togadia is not a BJP spokesman. So we have nothing to do with his statements, he said adding some Muslims leaders were also asking to vote for BJP, but that does not mean that if they gave any statement against anybody, we are responsible for that also. (UNI) |
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BJP,
Cong hell bent to destroy secular character Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 6: Independent candidate from Jammu-Poonch Parliamentary constituency Shahzad Khan today lambasted Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress for taking the innocent people of Rajouri and Poonch for a ride on the promise of Scheduled Tribe status to the Pahari speaking people. Talking to media-persons, Mr Khan, who has also been projected as a consensus candidate by the Young People’s Initiative for Social Change, said that BJP and Congress for their political gains are out to destroy the secular character of Rajouri and Poonch districts. "If these politicians are not exposed well in time wide differences will crop up among the Gujjars and Paharis of the region, who have been living peacefully", he added. Terming both BJP and Congress as faces of the same coin, he said that whatsoever being promised by the Congress and the BJP is beyond the provisions of the Constitution. "I have entered into electoral fray for just purpose to expose these politicians and make the Pahari brethren aware of the facts", he said. Mr Khan regretted that the State Government as well as the Government of India always treated the people of twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch as second class citizens and their aspirations are not being addressed in a proper manner. "Mughal Road which was supposed to connect Rajouri-Poonch with Kashmir valley lying in disarray for more than 22 years even when the project was duly sanctioned by the Government. Moreover the only road link between Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch was taken up for widening about 15 years back but so far even 25 percent of the work has not been completed", he said. Lack of proper roads, he said, has badly affected the economy of these districts and disclosed that he would launch a struggle for all these issues and even sit on dharna outside Parliament of India if development projects were not launched shortly. He was also critical of poor standard of education, lack of basic amenities and life and bunglings in the Rehbar-e-Taleem schemes. He appealed the people to join hands for bringing a social change in the area and said that it was a high time to teach a lesson to the opportunist politicians. |
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Baig hails talks for opening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road Excelsior Correspondent BARAMULLA, Apr 6: Welcoming the upcoming official level talks between India and Pakistan on the proposed opening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road, senior PDP leader and Minister for Finance and Planning, Muzaffar Hussain Baig today said that opening of the road link between India and Pakistan via Kashmir not only build new bridges of friendship between the two countries, but would also lead to socio-economic development of the State. Addressing a workers meeting at Baramulla today, Mr Baig said that people on both sides of Kashmir have set their eyes on the April 8 talks between India and Pakistan on the opening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road. "I am sure that, respecting the emotions and sentiments of the people of Kashmir, political leadership of India and Pakistan would make that historic moment a reality when Kashmiris on both sides would trample under their feet the bloody line dividing them for the past 50 years", he said, adding,"this would be gift for peace from the Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf to the hapless Kashmiris who are the worst sufferers of the animosity between the two countries. Mr Baig was of the opinion that opening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road would through up new opportunities for the socio-economic development of the State in general and the border towns of Baramulla and Uri in particular, which would become the gateway to the Valley. Hailing the recent confidence building measures taken by India and Pakistan, Mr Baig said that time has come when such measures should be extended to Jammu and Kashmir as well to ensure active participation of its people in the peace process and honourable resolution of the Kashmir issue. Mr Baig said expressed hope that rising, above political considerations people in large number would participate in the rally on Thursday 8 April, at the border town of Uri to press for the opening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road. The rally coincides with the official level talks resuming between India and Pakistan on the same day in Islamabad on the proposed opening of the road. |
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3093 polling stations
hyper sensitive Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 6: The Election Commission has directed suspension of one Special Assistant to a Minister for violation of Model Code of Conduct and shifting of six officials including one Chief Education Officer from Doda, Rajouri and Poonch districts. Interacting informally with media persons at election media centre set up in the Information Department complex here this afternoon, Chief Electoral Officer B.L. Nimesh said that the Election Commission has asked the State Government to immediately transfer Chief Education Officer, Poonch, Y.K. Kar, Block Development Officer, Ramban, T.S. Soharwardy, Naib Tehsildars of Rajouri Salam-ud-Din and Gafoor Bhat, Naib Tehsildar Thathri, Atta Mohammad and Senior Assistant in Block Development Office Ramban, Banday. The Election Commission has also directed the State Government to immediately place under suspension Special Assistant to Minister for Rural Development for violating model code of conduct and misleading the facts. Mr Nimesh said that the Election Commission would take stringent action against those officials found violating the model code of conduct and provide level playing field to all the contestants and ensure free, fair and transparent Lok Sabha poll in the State. He said no one would be allowed to intimidate the electors either for or against exercising right of franchise and all acts of vilification would be curbed with a heavy hand. He said an effective security strategy has been worked out to provide the voters a safe environ so that they could cast their votes in large numbers with a greater sense of confidence. The Chief Electoral Officer stated that a high-level security meet has already finalized the security arrangements and decided several measures in this behalf. Replying to a question on providing security to the candidates, the Chief Electoral Officer said that all the contestants are being provided adequate security. Referring to the arrangements made for Kashmiri migrants to cast their votes, Mr Nimesh said that five tehsildars are being deployed for speedy issuance of electors photo identity cards to the migrant voters. He said this has been done to speed up the work as it was difficult for a lone assistant returning officer to cope with the requirement. He said that earlier in the day he visited Mishriwala, Purkhoo and Muthi migrant camps to review the arrangements made for Kashmiri migrant voters. In reply to a question about the number of service voters in Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Electoral Officer said that the number stood at 31,176. He said 7217 polling stations are being set up for an electorate of 63,76,872 in the State. He said that 3093 of these have been declared as hyper sensitive, 2680 sensitive while there are 1444 normal polling stations in the State. He also gave district and constituency-wise number of electorate and polling stations. Mr Nimesh said that the number of polling stations in Kupwara district is 405, in Baramulla 762, Srinagar 759, Budgam 321, Anantnag 635 and in Pulwama district 414. Similarly, 223 polling stations are being set up in Leh district, 219 in Kargil, 542 in Doda and 591 in Udhampur district. Kathua district will have 524 polling stations, Jammu 1114, Rajouri 360 and Poonch 348. |
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BJP Mahila Morcha activists take
out rally Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 6: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Mahila Morcha today took out a protest rally against the Permanent Residents Disqualification Bill, unscheduled power curtailments, opening of wine shops in quick sucession and irregular water supply. A large number of Mahila Morcha activists gathered at Party Headquarters and after wearing black badges started moving towards Civil Secretariat to lodge their protest against the Permanent Residents Disqualification Bill, unscheduled power cuts, liquor policy of the Coalition Government and erratic water supply. But they were stopped by a large number of police personnel led by DySP City Ashok Sharma, who formed a human chain to prevent protesting BJP Mahila Morcha activists from moving beyond Ranbir Library Chowk. On being stopped by the police, the protestors sat on the dharna and disrupted vehicular traffic there. Amidst shouting of slogans against the Coalition Government, the leaders of the Mahila Morcha said that Mufti Mohammad Sayeed-led Government was hell bent to harass the people of Jammu region. "The Government is adopting all possible steps to see that the Jammu people remain mentally disturbed and their rights continue to be snatched", one of the Morcha leaders—Geeta Thakur said and added that Permanent Residents Disqualification Bill was given nod in the State Assembly keeping in mind the aspirations of the people of Kashmir valley only. She, however, made it clear that BJP would never allow such things to happen and would oppose tooth and nail such policies. "Liquor policy of the State Government is also an another on-slaught on the people of Jammu region particularly womenfolk, who have been made to suffer because of this policy. Why Kashmir rulers choose Jammu for all evil steps and Kashmir for all good things?", she asked. Everytime when Summer comes, the protestors said, the Government resorts to unscheduled power custs and irregular water supply despite the fact that both are the basic necessities and require more and more during the scorching heat. "The unscheduled power cut in the evening hours have been creating more and more problems. If the concerned authorities would not stop this curtailment at the earliest we will intensify agitation", they said. The protestors made all possible attempts to break the human chain yet police continued to foil their attempts. When the police brought the bus to arrest the protesters they dispersed. People’s sentiments not to
be bartered with Excelsior Correspondent Langet (Handwara), Apr 6: Maintaining that the opening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road involves sentiments of people that can not be bartered with electoral returns, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has said his People’s Democratic Party does not want any political dividend out of it. "It is a human issue and we look at it from that angle", Mufti Sayeed said while addressing public meetings at far flung Haril and Krala Gund in north Kashmir district of Kupwara today. The largely attended public meetings were the first addressed by Chief Minister after the announcement of Lok Sabha polls recently. Mufti Sayeed said that the sentiments of people on either side of the LoC were attached with Muzaffarabad road whose opening would revive emotional bonds severed 57 years ago. He said by advocating the restoration of the road PDP was not working on any political agenda. Beseeching free movement across LoC, the Chief Minister said this would not only bring people closer but also lead to brisk economic activity in Kashmir. He said the opening of the Muzaffarabad road was fast becoming a reality with both India and Pakistan realizing this to be a significant confidence building measure for achieving lasting peace between the two countries. Complimenting people for their historic verdict in 2002 assembly polls, bringing his party to power in Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Minister said his Government vigorously pursued the commitments made to the people, generating new hope for peace and development. He said the healing touch philosophy to wipe the tears of the victims of violence had been acclaimed both nationally and internationally. "Violence and bloodshed have ruined thousands of families and our priority is to bring people out of this precarious situation", he said and referred to the measures taken by the Government to instill sense of security and confidence among the people. Seeking mandate of the people for the PDP candidates in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections on the basis of his party’s people-friendly policies, Mufti Sayeed said that once elected they would be their effective voice in Parliament. "If you think our policies are good, cast your vote in favour of our candidates", he said adding that he did not believe in hollow slogans and rhetoric. Holding that the process of dialogue, initiated to address both internal and external dimensions of Kashmir problem, had brought about a positive change in the situation, the Chief Minister credited the people of Jammu and Kashmir with the success of this forward movement. He said the people’s yearning for peace and normal life was excessively evident from their abhorrence of violence and blood spilling. The Chief Minister hailed the two successful rounds of dialogue between the Centre and All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) saying that holding of talks reflected the political foresight of the two sides. He hoped that other groups who have so far distanced themselves from this process would soon join in. " Mufti Sayeed also gave an account of the achievements of the coalition Government in various fields and specifically referred to upgradation of education and health facilities in the State. He said about 40,000 people were recruited in Government departments without any favour or consideration other than merit. The Chief Minister appealed to the people of Baramulla and Kupwara districts to come out in large numbers on the polling day and vote for the PDP candidate, Nizamuddin Bhat whom he described as an honest man and able lawyer who would efficiently plead their case in the Parliament. The meetings were also addressed by senior PDP leader and Minister for Tourism, Ghulam Hassan Mir and Nazim-ud-Din Bhat, the PDP candidate for Baramulla constituency. Mr. Mir said that the main reason behind the formation of the PDP was to provide a platform to the people of the State especially the ruralites for expressing their sentiments. In his address, Mr. Nizamuddin Bhat said that the steps taken by the Mufti Sayeed led Government to find solution to serious problems through discourse have yielded positive results. |
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DB issues notice in Muslim Migrant Colony case Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 6: Division Bench of the State High Court, comprising First Puisne Judge Justice VK Jhanji and Justice Y P Nargotra has issued notice in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding the transfer of over 623 kanals of forest land to Jammu Development Authority (JDA) for raising Muslim migrant colony across Tawi river. The PIL has been filed by Chairman J&K National Panthers Party, Prof Bhim Singh and notice issued to Chief Secretary, Secretary Commissioner Forest department, Chief Conservator of Forests and JDA. This court direction has been issued in a modification to the order of dated June 7, 2002, whereby the notices were issued including to Chief Minister. The DB in its modification order said that the notices shall be deemed to have been ordered to be issued only to other respondents excluding Chief Minister J&K. In the PIL, Prof Bhim Singh has prayed before the court for issuance of direction and orders for quashing the order of the State Government for the transfer of over 623 kanals of forest land in terms of Government order number 242/FST of 1998 dated June 19, 1998 and further seeking direction to the Government for stopping the handing over of the land to JDA in terms of DO No FST/Land/1998 dated May 23, 2002 and further declare the impugned order as illegal, unconstitutional, improper, malafide and violative of the provisions of the Constitution and Fundamental Rights. The petitioner stated that State Government in 1996, passed a resolution asking JDA to acquire the land in and around Sidhra, Bhathindi and other acers across Tawi to construct Muslim migrants colony. He said that there were over two lakh Kashmiri Pandit migrants but their names were not mentioned in the new scheme of the Government. The petitioner prayed for issuance of a direction to the Government not to hand over the land to JDA as the land is a forest land and also sought quashment of the Government order, dated June 10, 1998. |
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Rameez Mohd of United Public
School tops Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 6: Rameez Mohd of United Public School, Channi Himmat has got first position in Class 8th examinations of Jammu district. He secured 96 percent marks. Vansha Kher of Shanti Swaroop Memorial Public Higher Secondary School, who secured 94.8 percent marks, got second position while third position was secured by Sukirti Sharma of same school with 94 percent of marks. Fourth position was shared by Sanika Kotwal of Anuradha Higher Secondary School Barnai and Akriti Bhat of Vishwa Bharati Public Higher Secondary School Akalpur. They got 92.8 percent marks. Seven students namely Rohit Vaid of Heaven Kingdom School, Janki Vihar, Janipur, Ashish Bhat of St Xavier Sec. School Talab Tillo, Arjun Mishra of NSM Hr Sec School Talab Tillo, Avinash Raina of Abhay High School, Paroo Bhat of Shinning Star Academy Muthi, Aakrity Peer of DBN Vidhya Mandir, Talab Tillo, Abhinandan Mehta of Kailash Shiksha Academy High School, Chack Murar and Neha Majortra of Carmel Convent School jointly got fifty position. All the students secured 92.4 percent of marks. Sixth position was shared by Abhilash Tikoo of Bright Candles High School Bhagwati Nagar, Ankita Raina of Public High School Mishriwalla, Sourav Bandogotra of DBN Vidya Mandir Talab Tillo, Sheetal of Fatima Convent School Bishnah, Ankit Sambyal of Kristu Jyoti Convent School and Ram Kumar of Rishi High School Rattian. Six position holders got 92 percent of marks. With 91.6 percent of marks, three students shared seventh position. Sakshi Jalali of DBN Vidhya Mandir Mubarak Mandi, Megna of M Dass High School Durga Nagar and Mansi Koul of New Era Public High School got seventh position. Eighth position was shared by Monika Raj Kohli of Public High School Mishriwalla, Neha Singh of St. Francis High School Akhnoor, Neha Rishi, Atul Kumar and Harpreet Kour of Bright Candles High School Bhawati Nagar, Rohit Razdan and Aashima Mahajan of Dream Land Public School, New Plots, Sakshi Kher of St. Peter High School B C Road, Nancy Bharti of Montessori Nargis Dutt Public High School, Jyoti Tickoo of Abhay High School, and Sunaina Sambyal of Netaji Academy Vijaypur. They got 91.2 percent marks. The ninth position was shared by Nitin Gupta of Little Flower Higher Secondary, School, Greater Kailash, Vrisha Tickoo of St. Peter’s High School, B C Road, Veerta Sharma, of Chander Bhaga High School,Akhnoor, Krishma Mahajan, DBN Vidya Mandir Mubarak Mandi, Nisha Bhat of Anand Shishu Niketan Mishriwala, Aditi Nanda of Carmel Convent School, Amit Raina of Ambika Bal Vidya Bhavan High School Reshaam Garh Colony, Bhumika Pandita of Model Academy, Ayoush Pandita of St. Xavier Convent Sec. School Barnai and Shivani Verma of Heaven Kingdom School Janki Vihar, Janipur. They all secured 90.8 per cent marks. The 10th position was shared by Bharati Sharma of Fatima Convent High School, Bishnah, Ankur Kakroo of Vishwa Bharti Public Higher Secondary School, Akalpur, Atul Malhotra of Dream Land Public School, New Plots, Satish Kumar of Gramin Shishu Vidya Bhawan Mazoor, Kapil Koul of DBN Vidya Mandir Talab Tillo, Niha Raina of Raina Higher Secondary School Paloura, Komal Manhas of Jagriti Niketan, Komal of Shanti Swaroop Memorial Public Hr. Sec. School,Jammu,Pallvi Verma of DBN Vidya Mandir Mubarak Mandi, Aman Sharma of St. Francis High School , Akhnoor and Archana Soodar of Montessori Nargis Dutt High School. They all secured 90. 4 percent marks. |
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PKM to raise issues of exiled
people Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 6: President Panun Kashmir Movement (PKM), Ashwani Kumar Chrangoo has said his organisation is determined to raise the issue of the exiled Kashmiri Pandits at all levels for the redressal of their grievances and solution of their genuine problems. Mr Chrangoo who was addressing a conference of prominent members of PKM here, today said during the last 14 years of exile from their land, the Kashmiri Pandits have been constantly appealing the world conscience to frame an opinion for taking action for the protection and establishment of the rights of indigenous people of Kashmir. He said we don’t find any consolation in the failing sense of justice at the national and international level. The number of this community , a seven hundred thousand, presently living as refugees in camps and non camps is being used as an excuse to put the crime against it at discount. During this International Decade (1995-2004) of World indigenous people, the Kashmiri Pandits have drawn attention of the human rights bodies to the ECOSOC resolution 22 of 2000, which lays great emphasis on the international community to respect the plight of the indigenous people, he added. He said the Pandits have also invited the attention to the declaration of 1992 of the United Nations on the rights of the Ethnic Minorities as also to the Article 27 of the International Convention on civil and political rights, he added. The meeting was chaired by Ms Mohini Raina , chairperson of the PKM Ladies Wing. The programme was conducted by P K Bhan and Shakti Kumar. Among others it was addressed by J L Koul, O N Pandita, Prof. M L Raina, A K Machama, Prof. Rama Kaul, Vijay Qazi, Nana Ji Dembi. Later Mr B L Koul gave details of the PKM’s struggle during last 15 years. He also gave an account of work done by the PKM especially in the field of human rights. The meeting also took the stock of the preparations for the human rights summit being held at Delhi and the 11th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Jammu. |
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Four more MBA students offered lucrative placement Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 6: Placement Cell in the Department of Management Studies in Jammu University has secured lucrative placement for four more students of the Management studies. According to Prof B C Sharma, co-ordinator of the Placement Cell, Amit Saroop Sehgal, Nidhi Gupta and Uffaq Kawoosa of the Management studies have been offered placement in City Financial while Vijayanta Jamwal got the appointment offer from Icon HR Services. City Financial, a subsidiary of multinational City Group, has selected Amit, Nidhi and Uffaq in the pay package of Rs 2.25 lacs per annum. Vijayata Jamwal, who was in the waiting list of Punj Llyod, has been offered greater pay package by Icon HR Services, informed Prof Sharma. Till date, the Placement Cell of Management Department has secured the employment of 15 students of Management Studies with handsome pay package, this year. Prof B C Sharma also disclosed that the City Financial is going to conduct second round of interviews of the MBA students in JU very soon and more candidates are hoped to get selected for their placement in the Group. Talking to the Excelsior, Amit and Uffaq gave credit of their placement to efforts of the Management Department and its Placement Cell which also comprised Dr Alka Sharma and Mr Prikshit Manhas. "It was all due to the intense efforts of Prof B C Sharma and his team that such a big number of students could secure placement in reputed groups," they said. |
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Suharwardy charges Govt with failure on all fronts Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 6: National Conference candidate for Doda-Udhampur Parliamentary constituency Mr Khalid Najib Suharwardy, has charged the NDA Government at Centre and coalition Government in J&K with failure on all fronts. Addressing a series of public meetings at Bhoond, Basoli and Bani in Kathua, the NC candidate highlighted grievances of people of the area and complained of water scarcity and irregular power supply. Mr Suharwardy, while rejecting tall claims of BJP candidate Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, alleged that the sitting MP did nothing for the welfare of Doda-Udhampur people and development of the area. People in far off areas are still forced to cover distance in kilometers to fetch water while there is no road communication and people are not getting ration through public distribution, he alleged. The NC candidate claimed that he would highlight these grievances in the Parliament if he is get elected in the elections. MLC Brij Mohan Sharma also addressing the meetings and challenged the Health Minister Choudhary Lal Singh’s claims of providing medical facilities at door step of people. The ground reality is totally different and condition of health institutions is worse, he alleged. Mr Sharma also highlighted the plights of un-employed youth and appealed people to vote and support Suharwardy. |
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Nirmal seeks people’s
mandate to strengthen Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 6: State BJP president and candidate for Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha constituency, Dr Nirmal Singh, today addressed largely attended rallies at Chowk Chabutra, Dashmesh Nagar, Channi Himmat, Resham Ghar Colony, Chowadi, Nai Basti and Gadigarh. Dr Singh sought the people’s support in his favour to strengthen the hands of Prime Minister Vajpayee, who has made the nation feel proud. He said another mandate for Vajpayee led Government was imperative in order to make young Indian’s dream come true, make India stand taller and make 21st century as India’s century. Terming the State coalition Government as a blot on Indian democracy, as the same was responsible for humiliating 50 lakh women of the State by adopting anti-women Bill and calling the people of Jammu region as inferior to the people of Kashmir. He said Congress and other coalition partners especially Panthers Party have cheated the people of Jammu region by not fulfilling the promises they made during the last Assembly elections. Counting the achievements of the NDA Government at the Centre he said Dogri language was included in the 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution, Rs 95 crore granted for upgradation of GMC Hospital, Rs 30 crore for Jammu University and Rs 179 crore for development of water resources in Kandi areas. He added that Vajpayee Government has sanctioned over Rs 75 crore for amelioration of the lot of border migrants. Dr Nirmal Singh urged the people to vote overwhelmingly in favour of BJP. The prominent BJP leaders who addressed included Messrs Charan Jit Singh Khalsa, Ch Piara Singh, Kavinder Gupta, Jaswant Gupta, Shiv Kumar Gupta, Subash Jandial, Rajesh Gupta, Baldev Singh and others. Adarsh Nagar residents allege water scarcity Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 4: Adarsh Nagar Welfare Committee (Ban Talab) has expressed serious concern over shortage of drinking water in the locality. In a meeting of the locality held today under the chairmanship of Kakaji, the members criticised the PHE authorities for not providing adequate water supplies to the people. They said localities in the vicinity of Adarsh Nagar, namely—K B Nagar, Bharat Nagar, Ganga Nagar are reeling under water scarcity since long. The area is getting supply once a week. They sought the intervention of Minister concerned. |
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NC, BJP stand exposed before public: Madan Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 6: Minister for R&B and Congress candidate from Jammu Parliamentary constituency, Madan Lal Sharma has said that National Conference and BJP stand exposed before the people as they only exploited and befooled them for their vested interests. Addressing series of public meetings in Vijaypur constituency in the company of MoS for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Manjit Singh today, the Congress candidate said that NC has no political agenda while BJP is befooling people on the slogans of ‘Shining India’ and ‘Feel Good’. The prices of every commodity has gone sky high, the poor are becoming more poorer while economic reforms only serve the rich and upper middle class people. The common man is the worst sufferer of the programmes and policies of this NDA Government. There were series of scandals Bangaru Laxman episode of Tehelka, Judeo episode, coffin scam and so on but still then the BJP claims of better governance and India Shining. It encouraged corruption, black-marketing, hoarding, caused damage to local industry and small scale units by opening flood gates for foreign companies. The locals will not be able to compete and the big fish will not gulp the small units existing in the country. Highlighting the achievements of present regime Mr Sharma reiterated the resolve of the Government to mitigate the miseries of the common masses. He counted a number of achievements in the field of education, health, agriculture, Social Welfare and road connectivity. He appealed the people to make make Congress successful. Manjit Singh while describing Madan as dynamic leader asked the people to support him as he can watch their interests by raising issues in Parliament. Veteran leader Bhagat Gauri Shanker, Sarbjit Singh and Babbal Gupta also spoke on the occasion. |
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PHE workers’ dharna enters 2nd day Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 6: The ongoing indefinite dharna by PHE Workers Welfare Association in favour of the employees’ demands, entered into second day today. The agitating employees have been demanding issuance of formal orders of 544 number approved daily wagers, benefit of SRO-149 to non-ITI employees, disbursement of pending wages of daily wagers, clearance of pending arrears, two and half day’s extra pay, restoration of services of daily wagers of year 1994 and change of designation of Khalasies and Helper etc. While addressing the workers at Dharna venue, Mr Suresh Chander, provincial general secretary of the Association, alleged that daily wagers of PHE Department Jammu were without pay for the last 22 months while on the other hand, funds in crores were surrendered by the Department to Government after March end. Claiming that the demands of agitating workers were genuine and already brought into the notice of concerned minister and Chief Engineer PHE, the general secretary reiterated that the ongoing struggle will continue till the demands are conceeded. Those who addressed the dharna included, Ajit Singh, Ravi Chander, Girdhari Lal, Harbans Singh, Chuni Lal, Sardari Lal, Taramani, Bansi Lal, Pritam Singh, Swarn Singh and others. |
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Army arranges marriage of a Bakerwal girl in Sunderbani Excelsior Correspondent SUNDERBANI, Apr 6: Army showed its grandeur and commitment for social cause by arranging a marriage ceremony of a poor and backward Bakerwal family. This special wedding was organised by Sunderbani army in far-flung mountain height of Kalidhar range adjoining the Line of Control (LoC). The army reached the location of the wedding by using diverse mode of transport which included horse riding for about four kilometres and tracking for quite a while. Brig S S Yadav of Kalidhar Brigade personally attended the wedding and blessed the young couple. The army of 4 J&K Rifles won over the entire population in the area by marrying Rukhsana daughter of Mohammad Rahman of village Paili. The family is likely to move up to mountains for summer pastures. Col Rajpurohit and his team of 4 J&K Rifles have moved the masses in Sunderbani by their sustained efforts to assist poor and needy civilians. The marriage of Ms Rukhsana was fully financed and supported by the army. This goodwill gesture of the army has earned much appreciation from the local population who stand for peace and progress. This has established a shining example of civil-army relations. On the occasion, while praising efforts of army, Dodu Choudhary, leader of Bakerwals of Sunderbani lauded efforts of the army and said that such event has taken place for the first time and credit for it goes to Sunderbani army. Govt adhoc employees finalise strategy for agitation Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 4: A meeting of the executive committee of the All J&K Government Adhoc Employees Forum was held today wherein tomorrow’s programme and strategy for agitation, were chalked out. The meeting called upon all the adhoc employees to participate in the dharna and chain hunger strike on April 5 at Chief Engineer’s office to press the Government to concede genuine demands of the employees. Adhoc employees of various departments, including Health and Medical Education, Animal Husbandry, Forest, Technical Education,, Agriculture etc, are likely to participate in tomorrow’s dharna. |
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Mula Ram, Peerzada campaign
for Madan Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 6: Senior Congress leaders and cabinet Ministers Mula Ram and Peerzada Mohd Sayed, accompanied by PCC general secretary and former Minister Yash Paul Khajuria conducted a four day tour of Rajouri and Poonch to campaign for Congress candidate Madan Lal Sharma, PWD Minister. During the tour the leaders addressed workers rallies and election meetings at different places including at Sunderbani, Rajouri, Manjakote, Mendhar, Surankote, Ghambir Brahmana, Dhani Dhar, Kappa Khah, Nowshera, Breri, Dhabar Potha, Ghagrote, Baja Bain and other areas. Ar Rajouri the senior Congress leaders stressed on the need of carrying out door to door campaigning to ensure victory of Congress candidate by highlighting the achievements of the Congress party as a partner in the coalition Government. The leaders highlighted the secular character of the party and appealed the electorates to cast their vote in favour of Congress candidates. They said BJP’s slogan "feel good" was bestowed with leaders who were hell bent to disintegrate the unity and integrity of the country as their leaders are still shouting slogans for Hindutva, without bothering about security, identity and multi-religious character of the country. At Mendhar senior Congress and PDP leaders including Ch Lal Mohd Sabir, Rafiq Hussain Khan etc appealed the voters to cast their vote in favour of Congress. Election rallies in Nowshera tehsil were organised by local MLA Dr Ramesh Sharma (Minister of State). "The Valley of Chenab" released Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 6: A joint function was organised by Jammu and Kashmir Urdu Forum and Rasa Javidani Memorial Literary Society, Jammu to release the book "The Valley of Chenab" authored by Nasir A Zargar (Nasir Faridi). The function was presided over by Prof Zahoor-ud-Din, incharge MA Urdu (professional) Jammu University whereas Prof Amitabh Mattoo, JU Vice Chancellor was the chief guest and Senior Journalist Ved Bhasin the guest of honour. The presidium was also shared by author Nasir A Zargar, Aseer Kishtwari and Dr Shoaib Inayat Malik. Prof Mattoo congratulated the author for bringing out a beautiful and compact book about the history, geography, economy, culture and other aspects of the Valley of Chenab, the Doda district. He appreciated the approach, the author had adopted in writing about the bringing out vividly the true features of all these aspects of Chenab Valley. Guest of honour Ved Bhasin highlighted the difficulties of the people living in mountainous-locked district of Doda which is famous for its rich cultural heritage and superb natural beauty. he hoped that the readers would gain sufficient knowledge about the history, culture, geography, flora and fauna and other such aspects of Chenab Valley, while going through the contents of the book. Prof Zahoor-ud-Din declared the book as one of the most important books having ever been written about the valley of Chenab. In his welcome address Dr Shoaib Inayat Malik said Nasir A Zargar has worked very hard to write and publish the instant book. He added that overall economic condition of Doda district is very bad, so establishment of Chenab Valley Autonomous Hill Development Council is the need of the day. Mr Aseer Kishtwari, president J&K Urdu Forum, narrated the contribution of various local and foreign writers whose books are available in the market. However, he said, the youth like Nasir A Zargar deserve full appreciation and encouragement for bringing out a book of the standard of ‘The Valley of Chenab’ which is the second important comprehensive book having been written about any part or region of the Jammu and Kashmir State after Walter R Lawrence’s "The Valley of Kashmir". One killed, 10 injured in road accidents Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 6: One person was killed and 10 others received injuries in separate road accidents while as three persons allegedly consumed poisonous substances at their respective residence. Police spokesman said that one Kuldeep Raj, son of Durga Dass of New Plots Jammu, who was admitted in the Government Medical College Hospital yesterday after receiving severe injuries in road accident at Tanda in Akhnoor tehsil, succumbed to injuries today. In another road accident, 10 persons were injured in collision between two buses near Manda Petrol Pump. All were rushed to hospital where four of them were discharged after first aid treatment. Meanwhile, three persons—Roshi, daughter of Ashok Kumar of Sarore, Surinder Kour, daughter of Doulat Singh of Simbal Camp and Sharda Devi, daughter of Parkash Singh of Katra allegedly consumed poisonous substances at their respective residence. All were rushed to hospital when spotted unconscious by family members and doctors attending on them immediately provided them stomach wash treatment followed by other medicare. Their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in. It could not be ascertained as to whether they intentionally consumed poison or swallowed the same mistakenly. Police has taken the cognizance of the incident. Gupta flays Cong for sheer discrimination with Jammu Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 6: The BJP leader and Union Minister of State for Defence Prof Chaman Lal Gupta has asked the Congress and its allies to explain that how the so-called special status of the State has benefitted the people and who is responsible for regional disparities in Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing election meetings in Chenani areas of Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency, Prof Gupta said that discriminatory status of J&K is the root cause for many problems for which whole country is paying a heavy price. He said it was strange that a jawan who sheds blood for the sake of the country is not allowed to procure even inch of land in Jammu and Kashmir to live in, but there was no such restriction for those who advocate for this status. He said Permanent Resident (Disqualification) Bill 2004, debarring the daughters of the State of their property and citizenship rights in case they marry with a non-State Subject, was supported by Congress in the Assembly but in the face of severe reaction, the Congress changed its stance in Upper House. Prof Gupta said under the slogan of special status, Congress and its allies always inflicted many undemocratic and despotic acts against the people of the State which has resulted into many problems including eruption of militancy and gun culture and pointed out that a jumbo sized ministry has been thrust upon poor people ignoring the constitutional amendment approved by the Parliament on the plea of special status though daily wagers and employees were not being paid their emoluments because of paucity of funds. He said Congress leaders should tell the people that why Jammu region was not given due representation in the Parliament, Assembly and other spheres of life when Jammu is having more voters and almost double the geographical area than that of Kashmir valley. He appealed the voters to think twice while casting their votes because their choice would have great bearing on the future of the Country. BJP leader Din Mohd Cheeta and many other senior leaders also addressed the rallies. 30 officials placed
under suspension Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 6: Acting on series of complaints of the dereliction of duty and misappropriation of official position the Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Hakim Mohammed Yasin today paid a surprise visit to the office of Relief Organisation Jammu this morning. The Minister was disappointed over the functioning of the organisation. Out of the 51 officials on the rolls of the Relief Organisation only 21 were found present. 30 officers were absent from the duty without any valid reason. The Minister took a serious note of the unauthorised absence of the officials from the office. (All 30 officials who were absent from the service have been placed under suspension.) An inquiry has been ordered to look into the allegations and functioning of the Department. To verify the complaints, record of the Relief Organisation has been seized. Special secretary Revenue Department Shahid Iftikhar has been appointed inquiry officer to scrutinize the seized records and verify the complaints. Ban imposed on hike in fee structure of private schools Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Apr 6: Deputy Commissioner Rajouri M K Dwivedi has ordered that there should be no hike in the fee structure as well as other charges by the private schools. According to an official hand-out, in view of the complaints received from various organisations/parent committees of the district regarding unjustified hike in tuition and admission fee by the private institutions functioning in the district, Mr Dwivedi has ordered that no hike in the fee structure as well as other charges by private institutions shall be effected for the academic session 2004-2005. The fee structure, as such, shall remain the same as it was operational during the last academic year. However, the private institutions may submit their justification with regard to proposed hike in free structure, if any to the Chief Education Officer, Rajouri, who has been designated as secretary of the committee already constituted by office of Deputy Commissioner vice order issued under endorsement No PS/2004-2005/06-08 dated 1-4-2004. The Deputy Commissioner further asked the private institutions to deposit the Red Cross funds of their institutions in the Red Cross section of the Deputy Commission Office by or before April 10, 2004. BJP-led NDA Govt failed on all fronts: Lal Singh Excelsior Correspondent BASOHLI, Apr 6: Congress candidate from Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency, Lal Singh has alleged that BJP led NDA Government has failed on all the fronts and it has exposed the nation to the internal and external security threats. Addressing series of public meetings at Basohli town, Preta Nagrota, Sannanghat, Dhar Mahanpur, Palai, Rehan, Jandrota, Sandhar and Shara in Basohli constituency today Mr Singh said that security of the nation has been compromised by the NDA Government. It has weakned the country and encouraged the anti-national elements. Its acts are posing internal and external threats to the nation. He said the unemployment has increased and and the prices of commodities have gone sky high. The poor people are becoming poorer and the rich turning out to be more rich. The programmes and policies of the Government are anti-people as BJP has failed to control the price hike of essential commodities. Mr Singh flayed BJP for its hollow ‘ Feel Good’ factor and maintained that a poor man having no meals for one occasion in a day can never feel good. It will be a cruel joke with such people who are reeling under scarcity of food, water and leading miserable life. The people are well aware of the reality and they will give the befitting reply to BJP this time. He accused BJP candidate Prof Chaman Lal Gupta of making huge money by misusing his constituency development funds and managing various contracts on the name of his son. He said the people will not be sparing him this time, he added. 5 kg charas seized at Kud, one held Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Apr 6: Police and Army today seized five kilograms of charas at joint check post at Kral Nullah under the jurisdiction of Kud Police Station. Police spokesman said that during routine checking at Kral Nullah Joint Check Post a police team led by DySP Headquarters Goverdhan Singh Jamwal under the supervision of SSP Udhampur Prithvi Raj Manhas stopped a Jammu bound State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) bus bearing registration number JK01Y-0477 and subjected all the passengers and the vehicle to checking and frisking. During the frisking of passengers, police become suspicious about the activities of one Rameez Ahmed Dar, son of Ghulam Hassan Dar of Anantnag district, who tried to flee from the spot. But the swift police personnel immediately caught hold of the passenger and subjected him to proper frisking. On the checking of his baggages, the police personnel recovered five kilograms of charas which he had hidden in polythene bags. He was immediately arrested Narcotics Drugs Psychirotopic Substances Act (NDPSA) and other sections of RPC. The charas was also seized. During the interrogation, the smuggler confessed that he was in the business of smuggling contraband for the past quite some time. The interrogation of the accused was going on to ascertain his links in Jammu and adjoining states, the police spokesman said. SPO, militant killed; RDX seized Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 6: A Special Police Officer (SPO) and a militant were killed in two separate incidents in Doda and Udhampur districts since last night, official reports said today. SPO Rakesh Kumar was seriously injured in an attack by the militants at Godi police post in Thathri area of Doda district last night. Later, he succumbed to his injuries. The militants escaped after retaliation by the SPOs. A Pakistani militant Neem, a district commander of Jaish-e-Mohammed outfit was gunned down by the troops in an encounter at Mahore in Reasi police district this morning. One AK rifle, four magazines, 18 rounds, one binocular and one JeM letter pad were recovered from the slain militant. Army today recovered 50 kg RDX, 18 detonators and a letter pad of Hizbul Mujahideen outfit during a search operation in Banihal. Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 6: A synthesizing cultural bonanza was presented by young talent of Trikuta College of Education, Raipur, at Abhinav Theatre here this afternoon on the annual day function. Famous Dogri number Pallah Sipahiya Dogaraya...by the budding artistes left the audience mesmerized and they too joined in the chorus. Jyoti Jaswal, who was also adjudged Miss Talent, gave a scintillating performance of classical dance. The other cultural performance including Rajasthani, Punjabi, Kashmiri and Himachali folk dances received thunderous applause whenever a change in frequency of the tone was enunciated Minister for Education Harshdev Singh was the chief guest on the occasion while Vice Chancellor, Jammu University Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, was the guest of honour. In his address, the Minister exhorted upon student to organize such programmes frequently to acquaint the new generation with rich cultural heritage of the country. The Minister called upon the students representing different States to get familiar with various folk dances, traditions, and other classics of the region for in-depth blending with their indigenous styles and forms. Mr Singh also dwelt on the importance of annual day celebrations and said that these provide a forum to the students to air their views and exhibit talent. ‘Education must not remain confined to the bounds of acquiring bookish knowledge alone but for overall personality development’, he maintained. The Minister urged upon the teaching fraternity to redouble their efforts for achieving the goal of universalization of education. He said that the performance by the students clearly depicts the hard work put in by the teachers and hoped that continuous strides would be made by the college in years to come. The Minister also distributed prizes among the students who have excelled in various extra-curricular activities of the institution. |
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