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Arrangements
finalised Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 16: Chief Secretary Dr. Sudhir S. Bloeria today inspected Election Media Centre set up by the Information Department in its office complex at Mubarak Mandi here. ....more Governor launches website of AG's office Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Apr 16: Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) S. K. Sinha today called for making optimum use of advanced technology to mitigate the problems of people and checking delays in official functioning.........more BJP’s feel good is only for rich people: Lal Singh Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Apr 16: Health Minister and Congress candidate for Udhampur- ........more Centre responsible for woes of border migrants: Madan Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 16: Minister of Roads and Buildings and Congress candidate .......more Workshop on "Imaging Sciences" organised by Obstetric and Gynaecological Society Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 16: As a part of Continuing Medical Education programme, Jammu. .....more |
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RO Udhampur issues notice for filing of nominations Excelsior Correspondent Kathua, Apr 16: With the issuance of notification by the Election Commission of India for the 4th phase of the Lok Sabha elections to be held in 182 parliamentary constituencies in 12 states, 3 union ...........more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 16 : Chief Electoral Officer, J&K, B. L. Nimesh today visited Gurez area of Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency and took stock of the arrangements for smooth conduct of free, fair and transparent polling . ......more 21 employees suspended for violating model code of conduct Excelsior Correspondent Rajouri, Apr 16: The District Election Officer, Rajouri placed the services of 21 officials including six gazetted officers under suspension with immediate effect for violating service rules and model code of conduct..........more Mahila wing of Cong takes out rally in Udhampur Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Apr 16: Mahila wing of Congress took out a protest demonstration to lodge . ......more |
Arrangements finalised for
free, fair LS poll Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 16: Chief Secretary Dr. Sudhir S. Bloeria today inspected Election Media Centre set up by the Information Department in its office complex at Mubarak Mandi here. Taking stock of the arrangements made for providing latest election related information to the media persons, the Chief Secretary appreciated the efforts of the Information Department in highlighting election-related activities. The Chief Secretary said that all possible arrangements have been made to ensure free, fair and transparent elections in the State. Media, he said, has an important role in ensuring larger participation of the electors in this democratic exercise and hoped that it will discharge its duty as an institution to make the entire process a grand success. Dr. Bloeria also went through the background material, segment-wise results of 1999 Lok Sabha and 2002 assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir displayed at the media centre. He evinced keen interest in charts, graphs, maps, parliamentary constituency-wise number of electors, polling stations and other relevant information kept available at the media centre for the benefit of media persons, political parties, contestants and the people at large. Other detailed information available at the media centre includes important telephone numbers of the Election Commission of India, office of the Chief Electoral Officer, District Election offices, hotlines set up in the districts and top brass of the state administration. Dr. Bloeria also inspected the preparation of election identity cards for the media persons for coverage of polling and counting of votes for the 4-phase Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The Chief Secretary also went through the election background material, department’s book-Mandate 2002 and the recently brought out publication- Jammu and Kashmir Lok Sabha Elections-2004. The booklet contains extensive information about the ensuing Lok Sabha poll while the Mandate 2002 includes assembly election results of 2002 with profile of the winning candidates and other allied data besides results of all elections and names of all MLAs since state’s constituent assembly. He also interacted with the staff manning the media centre and appreciated the effort of the department in providing prompt election related information to the media persons. Director Information K. B. Jandial apprised the Chief Secretary about the facilities made available at the media centre as also its functioning. He said latest techniques have been adapted for organizing exhibitions, which are quite portable and handy. |
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Governor launches website of AG's office Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Apr 16: Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) S. K. Sinha today called for making optimum use of advanced technology to mitigate the problems of people and checking delays in official functioning. Inaugurating the Website of Accountant General’s office here this morning, the Governor expressed the hope that it will benefit a greater chunk of employees particularly pensioners who otherwise used to suffer due to complicated procedures and various other official wrangles. ‘With this facility, it is hoped that all the categories of employees, particularly the pensioners will get high degree of satisfaction by prompt and effective disposal of their cases. This will hopefully cut the delays and end the sufferings of pensioners’, the Governor added. General Sinha also expressed satisfaction over the forward movement of Government organisation in the field of technology advancement, saying that when the world is stepping ahead ‘we have to catch up the momentum as the new technologies introduce new approaches in every sphere of activity’. He said with improvement in the functioning of the office of AG, the content of work too would improve, which will be discernible with the passage of time. Mr. Sinha complimented the NIC and the functionaries of AG’s office for developing the site and wished them success in their endeavours. Speaking on the occasion, the Accountant General, L. V. Sudhir Kumar said the website will go a long way in helping the organisation to improve its services further as details about rules regarding pension, the status of cases and answer to several frequently asked question would be available on it. He stated that it would also display transfer of GP fund balances, drawing and disbursing officer codes, classification of transactions and audit reports of CAG of India. The data available in the site will be constantly updated and further additions about data useful to the state government and employees and public in general hoisted on the site to make it a really useful and popular, he added. The site will have GPF balances ending March 1986 in respect of employees of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir transferred to district fund offices with rate of interest up to 1986. While the retired employees can know the online progress of their cases, the status of family pension in respect of retiring and deceased government employees would also be available on it. In the first instance, the employees’ codes of the education department employees are available on the site while rest of the codes would be available shortly. The drawing and disbursing officers can retrieve their DDO codes through the website and the Government offices can get the seven-tier classification of accounts heads. The perspective plan of audit for the next five years is also available on the website. The website can be reached at http://agjk.nic.in Besides Deputy Account Generals senior officers of the AG’s office were present at the inaugural. The Accountant General presented a memento to the Governor while Deputy Accountant General, Parveer Kumar presented vote of thanks. |
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BJP’s feel good is only for rich people: Lal Singh Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Apr 16: Health Minister and Congress candidate for Udhampur-Doda seat, Ch. Lal Singh ridiculed BJP’s ‘Feel Good’ slogan and for the last five years BJP led regime at Centre has done nothing to mitigate miseries of the common masses. Addressing series of meetings at Gool, Sangal Dhan, Chenani, Dharam Kund and its surrounding areas, Mr Singh said that Congress has never floated such slogans to befool the people as party is of the opinion that development of the country is process which always continues. "BJP has only started a psychological war of the purpose to capture the power which actually has nothing to do with the development", he said. Mr Singh said that he has travelled all the three districts of the constituency and found roads and other infrastructure in pitiable conditions. People of Doda are in abject poverty and with tattered clothes, where is ‘Feel Good’ fact ?, he said, adding, it was only a few affluent and rich class who always reap the benefit in every dispensation. Mr Singh said that people of Jammu region have suffered immense politically and economically during the last 5 years of the misrule of the BJP and 27 years rule of NC. He said that people of far-flung areas of his constituency are facing acute shortage of drinking water, irregular power supply, road communications and all other basic amenities. While refuting tall claims of sitting BJP MP, he said that the sitting MP has done nothing for the people of Doda, Udhampur and Kathua during his tenure. He said that it was a not a question of rhetoric but achievements on the ground. He assured the workers that he would project the problems of hilly and backward areas in the Parliament, if elected. Launching a scathing attack on BJP particularly on Prof Chaman Lal Gupta for his hollow claims of providing link roads, power, unemployment etc at doorsteps of the people, he said that the ground reality was totally different. Congress candidate said that the country has been passing through a critical situation on economic and political fronts due to the mis-governance of the BJP led NDA Government at the Centre. He said that Congress is the only party than can bring the country out of this situation. He said his party did commendable work during the Congress regimes at the Centre. |
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Centre responsible for woes of border migrants: Madan Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 16: Minister of Roads and Buildings and Congress candidate for Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha seat, Madan Lal flayed the Centre Government for adopting callous attitude towards the problems being faced by the border migrants. Addressing series of public meetings at Indira Nagar, Brij Nagar, Simbal, Kir Pind, Salehar, Gandli, R S Pura, Suchetgarh and Kotli Shahdula, he said that the State Government had sent of comprehensive proposal amounting to Rs 78.00 crore for mitigating the problems of the border migrants but the Central Government has yet not sanctioned it causing hardship to the migrants. He said that the Government has been vigorously pursuing the issue but no response has been given so far. Ridiculing the statement of NC candidate, S S Slathia that the present Government has not provided even a single penny for the development of tourism in Jammu region, Mr Sharma said that Government been making concerted efforts at every level to develop tourism in Jammu region particularly pilgrimage tourism. In this regard a number of steps have been taken. The projects regarding development of Mansar Lake, Surinsar Lake and Patnitop etc have been formulated and work on these projects is going on. He advised Mr Slathia to compare the development of tourism in Jammu region during the present Government with the previous NC Government in which he was also Cabinet Minister. Accusing the State BJP leadership, he said that party has been communlising the situation at various levels and dividing the people on castism for political interests but reminded the people of the Jammu region are well known of the exploiting policies of the BJP and this tendency of the BJP will not prove fruitful in the ensuing Parliamentary elections, he asserted. Highlighting the achievements of the present regime, he said that Government is committed for equitable distribution of funds for equal development for all three regions of the State. Efforts have been made during the last one and a half year to provide equal opportunities in this regard, he said. Congress candidate by accompanied by Suman Bhagat, Minister of Floriculture and Fisheries, Garu Ram, Minister of State for Rural Development and R S Chib, veteran Congress leader. |
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Workshop on "Imaging Sciences" organised by Obstetric and Gynaecological Society Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 16: As a part of Continuing Medical Education programme, Jammu Obstetric and Gynaecological Society today organised workshop on "Imaging Sciences"—newer approach to delivery with safety to mother and child and promotion of "young talent". The live workshop was inaugurated by Dr P K Shah, an eminent Gynaes Oncologist of international repute from SIOM Hospital Bombay. It was conducted under the presidentship of Dr Kamlesh Manhas, Head of Department of Obstetric and Gynaecology, Government Medical College Jammu and Dr Sadhna Sharma, secretary of the Society. Scientific deliberations were carried out in presence of about 150 delegates comprising of Gynaecologist and Sonologists of the State and other parts of the country. In his address, Dr P K Shah laid stress on the importance of the knowledge of embryology for performing USG in first three months of pregnancy. He elaborated in detail minute aspects of sonology in diagnosing various complications of early pregnancy. "Ultra Sonography should be carried out in every pregnancy irrespective of the risk factors as through ultrasound you can see through the baby", Dr Shah said and at the same time advised the doctors to refrain from using Sonography to determine sex. To a query from the delegates, he advised Gynaecologists and Sonologist not to try to calculate heart rate of the embryo. The workshop gave expertise to young doctors to acquire communication skills and to deal with the difficult situations met while dealing with patients. Later, workshop on Young Talents Promotion was organised under the chairmanship of Dr Suchitra Pandita in SMGS Hospital by Medical Superintendent Dr Yashpal Sharma and Dr Anita Sharma, Associate Professor in which Dr H L Goswami, Principal GMC Jammu was the chief guest. Dr Behram Anklesaria, who is also the chairperson of Female Breast committee, Dr C N Purandare, Secretary General FOGSI and Professor in J J M Medical College and Hospital Mumbai, Dr Nozar Sheriar, Treasurer FOGSI and a Senior Consultant in Holy Family and Masiva General Hospital Mumbai, Dr Sanjay Gupta, senior vice-president FOGSI and Honorary Associate Professor B J Medical College Pune took part in the workshop. The speakers elaborated on importance of doctor-patient relationship, communication skills and medico-legal aspects. Dr Deru Shah, Dr S L Daftri, Dr M N Parikh, Dr Nusrat Aggarwal and Dr Usha Jaraiya were among others who attended the workshop. . |
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RO Udhampur issues notice for filing of nominations Excelsior Correspondent Kathua, Apr 16: With the issuance of notification by the Election Commission of India for the 4th phase of the Lok Sabha elections to be held in 182 parliamentary constituencies in 12 states, 3 union territories and national capital are of Delhi, the Returning Officer, 5-Udhampur parliamentary constituency, Mr B. D. Sharma (Deputy Commissioner Kathua) today issued notice for filling of the nomination papers at Kathua. According to the notification, the nomination papers can be delivered by the candidate or any of his proposer to the Returning Officer or to the Project Officer, DRDA, Assistant Returning Officer, 65-Kathua Assembly segments at Deputy Commissioner’s office, Kathua between 11 a. m and 3 p. m on any day other than public holiday up to 23rd of April, 2004 and these will be scrutinized next day i.e. April, 24. The last date for withdrawal of candidatures has been fixed for 26th of April 2004 upto 3 p.m. The constituency will go to poll on May 10, 2004 between 7 a. m. to 5 p. m. In the 4th phase, an electorates of 13,48, 721 out of which 6,31,880 are female in 17 assembly segments spread over three districts of Doda, Udhampur and Kathua would exercise their right of franchise in the constituency. The number of electorate in five Assembly segments of Kathua, Hiranagar, Billawar, Basohli and Bani of Kathua district iss 4,17,067 out of which 1,95,882 are female. In Udhampur district, the number of electorate in six Assembly segments of Udhampur, Chanani, Gulabgarh, Gool-Arnas, Reasi and Ramnagar is 4,91,148. Of them 2,30,579 are female voters. In Doda, which has six Assembly segments of Doda, Bhadarwah, Banihal, Inderwal, Ramban and Kishtwar, there are 4,40,506 voters. They include 2,05,419 female voters. A total of 1657 polling stations have been established in Udhampur, Parliamentary constituency. Later, Mr Sharma addressed a press conference where it was disclosed that only one candidate Mr Surinder Singh S/o Mr Dogar Singh R/o Hatli More, Kathua filed his nomination papers as an independent candidate today on the first day of filing of nominations. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 16 : Chief Electoral Officer, J&K, B. L. Nimesh today visited Gurez area of Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency and took stock of the arrangements for smooth conduct of free, fair and transparent polling scheduled to be held on April 20 in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls in Jammu and Kashmir. He was accompanied by three election observers Mr. J. P. Dange, Mr. Shanmuja Rajeshwaran and Mr. Nelura Santosh Kumar and Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla (Returning Officer) Dheeraj Gupta. In all 44 EVM have been taken along by the visiting team besides adequate sets of electoral rolls. These would be carried by the polling parties to the respective polling stations. Twenty-two polling stations have been set up in the segment to enable 14,353 electorate to exercise their franchise. These include 6,841 female voters. Necessary security arrangements have been made for all the polling stations falling under normal category. 21 employees suspended for violating model code of conduct Excelsior Correspondent Rajouri, Apr 16: The District Election Officer, Rajouri placed the services of 21 officials including six gazetted officers under suspension with immediate effect for violating service rules and model code of conduct. The suspended officials are: Varinder Badyal, XEN PHE Division, Nowshera, K. D. Kurhan, BDO, Kalakote, Bal Krishan Puri, AEO, Agriculture department, Panjah, Varinder Kumar Mangotra, AEE, PDD, Nowshera, Farooq Shawl, AE, PHE, Rajouri, Ram Gopal, Lecturer HSS Ghambir Mughlan, Karamat Ullah, Pharmicist, Mohd. Akram, Storekeeper PHE department, Rajesh Kumar, teacher HS Challas, Mohd. Azam, master HS, Behrote, Mohd Rafiq, Head Assistant, ITI, Raj Kumar, Junior Assistant, HSS, Doongi, Mohd. Saqhir, Works Supervisor, R&B division Rajouri, Vijay Kumar, JE PHE, Kalakote, Harmesh Singh, JE Rural Development department, Nowshera, Prem Nath Bhat, Draftsman, PHE Nowshera, Kamal Kishore, JE, PHE, Sunderrbani, Abdul Rashid, teacher GPS, Barsala, Subash Chander, teacher, MS Tala Nagara, Ramesh Chander, Forest Guard, IWD Project, Sunderbani and Girdhari Lal, Medical Assistant, Health Department, Sunderbani. |
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Mahila wing of Cong takes out rally in Udhampur Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Apr 16: Mahila wing of Congress took out a protest demonstration to lodge protest over the use of rough language by BJP leaders against the Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Led by State president of Mahila wing Swarn Lata, the activists took out a protest demonstration which after passing through various areas of the town culminated at Dabbar Chowk where senior vice-president of the Pradesh Congress Yash Pal Khajuria addressed the protesters. He said that Congress will apprise the people about the mis-deeds of the BJP by launching door to door campaign and added that the use of rough language against Sonia Gandhi shows level of frustration among the BJP leaders. "The tirade against Sonia Gandhi and Congress is aimed at befooling the masses. But we would make the people aware about the policies of BJP which included yielded corruption and unemployment", he said and added that BJP should be ready to face the defeat as people have decided to support the Congress party. He also condemned the attack on rally of Congress candidate from Udhampur-Doda parliamentary constituency Ch Lal Singh. Speaking on the occasion, Swarn Lata said that it was the high time for the womenfolk of the country to teach a lesson to BJP leadership for using rough language against a woman for the lust of power. Asha Devi, Tara Devi, Guddi Devi, Om Parkash and Sunil Kapoor were among others who addressing the rally. |
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Transfers in Subordinate Judiciary Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 16: Registrar General of the State High Court, Vinod Gupta today issued orders for the transfers and postings of some District an Sessions Judges. The orders were issued on the direction of the Chief Justice of the State High Court. As per the orders, Mr Janak Raj Kotwal, Principal District and Sessions Judge Kathua has been transferred and posted as Principal Secretary to the Chief Justice, vice Mrs Kaneez Fatima, who has been posted as Additional District Judge Matrimonial Court Jammu in place of Mr Brij Mohan Gupta. Mr Gupta has been posted as Third Additional District and Sessions Judge, Designated Court POTA Jammu in place of Mr PN Razdan, who has been posted as Principal District and Sessions Judge Kathua. |
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98th birth anniversary of Swami Lakshman Joo celebrated Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 16: The 98th birth anniversary of Swami Lakshman Joo, the 20th century saint was celebrated with religious fervor and gaiety at the Ishwar Ashram, Mohinder Nagar, here today. Large number of devotees of Swami Ji drawn from different corners of Jammu thronged the Ashram to participate in the function. It may be recalled that Swami Ji was the last doyen of Kashmir Shaivism. The function started with the usual Guru Pooja in the morning by the disciples of Swami Ji. After the Pooja the devotees were served with the prashad. The day was also celebrated at Ishbar, Srinagar and Sarita Vihar New Delhi. Private school teachers meet Commissioner/Secy Edu Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 16: A delegation of J&K Private School Teachers Association met the Commissioner/Secretary, Education, at the Civil Secretariat, here today and handed him over the resolution passed by the Association. The delegation, led by Mrs Sushila Jamwal, urged the Commissioner to frame the rules for safeguarding the private school teachers service conditions and demanded pay parity with the Government School Teachers. The Commissioner Secretary assured the delegation that the Government is conscious about private school teachers problems and very soon action will be taken on this regard. Adhoc employees’ chain hunger strike enters 12th day Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 16: Ongoing chain hunger strike by the All J&K Government Adhoc Employees Forum, entered into into 12th day today. This morning, fresh batch of volunteers replaced Mohd Abbas, Ram Paul, Mohan Lal, Rajesh Masi and Madan Lal to continue the chain hunger strike. The Government adhoc employees are agitating and observing the chain hunger strike in protest against the Government order according to which their services have been converted into on contractual basis. Meanwhile, All J&K Government Adhoc Employees Forum has appealed all the political parties to come forward and in their support and press the Government to withdraw the controversial order. |
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PDP led-Govt failed on all fronts: Dr Beg Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 16:Provincial president, National Conference (NC) and Party candidate from Anantnag-Pulwama Lok Sabha Constituency , Dr Mehboob Beg today blamed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led State Government for its failure on all fronts. Addressing the election meetings at Migrant camps of Purkhoo, Mishriwala, Muthi and Sharda Colony, Patoli today, he made a strong dig over the functioning of the State Government and blamed it for misleading the people during the Assembly elections of 2002. He expressed grave concern over the growing unemployment in the State and alleged that the performance of the coalition partners so far as solving the unemployment problem is concerned is totally dismal. Turning tables on State Government, Dr Beg said it has no concrete policy for the Kashmiri migrants and the PDP is only interested in solving its own problems. He also blamed the Party for double standards saying it was exploiting the sentiments of Kashmiris on the opening of Muzaffarabad Road. The NC leader said instead of counting the failures of NC rule the coalition Government should highlight their own performance over last one and half years in office. He also took the PDP leadership to task for demolishing the houses and business establishments of the people saying instead of solving the unemployment problem this Government made those people also idle who were earning their living by installing the reharis and other small business establishments. He said the people in all the three parts of the State including the Kashmiri migrants are worried with the functioning of this Government. Appealing the people to vote in his favour he assured them that if elected he will leave no stone unturned in projecting their problems in the Lok Sabha. He urged the migrants to show a solidarity with the NC and protect the legacy of Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah and Mirza Mohammed Afzal Beg who revolted against the communal forces during the division of the country. He said the NC has a secular track record of decades together and the Party chief, Dr Farooq Abdullah took a pro-nationalistic stand always as we believe in secular values. The meeting was among others addressed by NC Minority Cell chief and EX MLC, B L Bhat, its senior vice president, Anil Dhar, Ashok Hangloo, M K Talashi, Sarpanch Kokernag Nana Ji, Moti Lal Koul and Shadi Lal Pandita. |
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Mufti Government neglecting far-flung areas: Suharwardy Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 16: Former Minister of State for Home and National Conference candidate for Udhampur-Doda seat, Khalid Najib Suharwardy today said that coalition Government in State has totally neglected far-flung areas of district Udhampur and Doda in all developmental spheres. "The coalition Government will fall sooner than later because of their inherent contradictions, who are bound by no ideological convictions but have only lust for power. The Mufti led Government, because of its internal bickering has provided the State with worst Government", he said while addressing series of public meetings at Kishtwar. Flaying coalition Government for neglect of Udhampur and Doda district, he said that funds provided for these far-flung areas have been diverted to other areas. He said that Mufti Sayeed’s Government has been exposed with zero development and zero employment during its regime of 18th months. The state ruling elite are least bothered for these far flung areas and the projects started by the erstwhile Government under the leadership of Dr Farooq Abdullah have been stopped and are stand still. The Government is indulged in corruption to further its own interests at the cost of poor masses. Mr Suharwardy questioned the credibility and much talked about accountability of the coalition Government for playing with the sanctity of the people of J&K as the Government for the heck of being called the Government have compromised for the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. He appealed to the people to open their eyes and ascertain the evil intentions of Mufti Government and launch a massive campaign to eradicate the present defunct Government so that the interest and sanctity of the people is brought back to its due. Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, MLA Kishtwar, Brij Mohan Sharma, MLC, Mohammed Aslam Goni, Qazi Jalal-ud-Din, Mohammed Iqbal Bhat, MLC and local leaders of NC addressed the meetings. |
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PDP candidate addresses meetings in Srinagar Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Apr 16: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and party’s nominee for Srinagar Lok Sabha seat Ghulam Nabi Hanjoora today said that overall situation in Kashmir has undergone a positive change during the last 17 months and terror threat which was prevailing in the previous regime had gone down considerably. Addressing public meetings at Mala Bagh, Habak Shanpora, Batapora, Zaildar Mohalla and Tel Bal in Srinagar constituency, he said that earlier people used to seek protection from the guns, that of uniformed forces and the militants. Sandwiched between the two, people at large used to feel threatened and would seek protection. But the situation now has changed to a large extend, which was evident from the fact, that markets remain open till late evening and poeple going around freely. This change, he said, was brought by the pro-people policies of the PDP led State Government which among other things has made the men in Khaki accountable with those being taken to task who misuse their authorities of exceed the brief given to them. PDP leader chided NC leaders especially the party president Omar Abdullah for raking up the issues of excesses and said that Omar better recalled the day when his father was in power and when a rein of terror was let loose by the renegades as also the police. The NC Government, he said, had provided arms to these renegades and enrolled them in infamous SOG with the sole purpose of harassing innocent people besides using them against the political opponents. He reminded Omar Abdullah of the gory incident of Pathribal where innocent civilians were burnt alive after having been subjected to sever torture. He also reminded NC leaders of fudging of the DNA reports of the dead civilians whom the then Government branded as terrorists. All this was done to save the skin of police officials responsible for the carnage. |
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Nirmal promises ST status to Paharis if BJP voted to power Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 16: The State BJP president and the party candidate for Jammu-Poonch Parliamentary seat, Dr Nirmal Singh has criticised the State Government for not doing anything for the Paharis. Addressing public meetings at Rajouri, Mendhar and Poonch, the BJP leader said that the Paharis constitute that segment of the State society which has not got its due share in the state polity and economy. This is unfortunate that the political parties like the Congress and National Conference have always exploited them, used them as a vote bank and never allowed them to become part of the national mainstream. Dr Nirmal Singh assured that the BJP, if returned to power, will see that the Paharis are able to get the status of Schedule Tribe and compensated for the social, economic and political backwardness. Since living conditions and problems of Gujjars, Bakerwals and Paharis are similar, the latter too deserve a special treatment, he added. The election meetings at these places, were also addressed by Farooq Andrabi, Vivodh Gupta, Yogesh Sharma, Kuldeep Raj Gupta and other senior leaders of BJP. Later in the evening, Dr Nirmal Singh addressed public meetings at Khour, Jourian and Abhore. There, he accused the local Congress MLA of misappropriating crores of rupees which BJP led NDA Government sanctioned from time to time for financial relief to border migrants. He also held Congress responsible for the death of the Joint Action committee president Pt Chajju Ram. Claiming that BJP is the only party in J&K which is committed to the cause of people, Nirmal Singh appealed audience to vote and support his party and reject Congress as well as NC in the Lok Sabha polls. |
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Bickering among ruling partners paralyzed administration: Slathia Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 16: National Conference candidate for Jammu-Poonch Parliamentary constituency, Mr Surjit Singh Slathia has lambasted the coalition Government for raising emotive issues and making hollow promises. Addressing a series of public meeting during his election campaign at Raipur Mishriwalla, Devichak, Ratno Chak, Raipur, Khollar, New Plot etc, he alleged that due to internal bickering among the ruling coalition partners, the State administration has got confused and paralyzed. People are worst suffer of this confusion as all developmental works have been paralyzed and it seems that there is no Government at all, he said. The NC leader also ridiculed BJP for propagating false propaganda of Shining India and asked whether distribution of sarees by BJP leader among poor women, is India Shining. It is not India but BJP and rich people are shining making a mockery of democracy and socialism. Mr Slathia claimed that it is only National Conference which has a clear cut policy and programmes for the overall development of the State and for upliftment of the poor. He appealed voters to cast their vote in favour of NC for the overall development of the State. The public meetings were also addressed by Chander Mohan Sharma, Satpal Lakhotra, Pardeep, Surinder Singh Jamwal and others. |
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JSM seeks clarification from parties contesting LS polls Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 16: Jammu Mukti Morcha has asked all the political parties, contesting Lok Sabha polls, to clear their stand on various issues relating to Jammu. In a joint statement, issued by Prof Varinder Gupta, Mr H B Khajuria, Vikram Gaur and Col V P Sharma, the JSM leaders asked other political parties to make public their action plan to pursue and secure judicious representation for Jammu region in the State Assembly and end political hegemony of the valley. The JSM asked asked whether these parties agree that there should be atleast fifty per cent representation of the employees of Jammu region in the Civil Secretariat and other State departments, and in the provincial level services, people of Jammu region should be appointed. What measures are proposed so that the State funds and those obtained from the Government of India, are equally distributed among Jammu and Kashmir regions, asked the JSM adding what political structure or system is being proposed so that the political and cultural aspirations of the people are fulfilled and the feeling of neglect is completely removed. Highlighting some other issues, the JSM also asked other political parties to explain how the problem of unemployment in the Jammu region is going to be addressed by them. |
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Cong is a party of self seekers: Chaman Lal Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 16: Union Minister of State for Defence and BJP candidate for Udhampur-Doda Parliamentary constituency Prof Chaman Lal Gupta today termed the Congress as a party of self seekers. Addressing public meetings at Malothi, Sartangal, Chinta and Bhaderwah, he said that the Congress has never allowed any coalition Government to survive and in this connection, he referred to the collapse of the Governments led by Chander Shekhar, Deve Gowda and I K Gujaral. Prof Gupta, who was given a rousing reception at all these places by the locals, said that it is the Congress which is mother of all evils in the State as well as all over the country. History is witness to the fact that it was Congress which created a situation for rise to terrorism and religious fanatism, he alleged. Predicting that the State Government would collapse soon, the BJP leader said that the role of ruling coalition partners in the State is highly dubious. Coalition of Congress, PDP and JKNPP has only brought miseries to people of the State and created a fear of instability among common masses, he added. Claiming that it is only BJP which has a definite programme for social and national reconstruction, Prof Gupta appealed people to give another term to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee so that country is freed from the menace of hunger, poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and terrorism. Other BJP leaders, who addressed the public meetings, included Kashmira Singh, Hans Raj Dogra, Din Mohd Cheetah and Manmohan Sharma. PHE workers dharna enters 12th day Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 16: The ongoing dharna of PHE Workers Welfare Association in front of office of Chief Engineer, PHE, has entered into 12th day today. Main demands of the agitating employees, are issuance of formal orders of 544 approved daily wagers, benefit of SRO 149 to non-ITI employees, disbursement of wages to daily wagers, modification of SRO 380, change of designation of helpers and Khalasies and creation of new posts in PHE. While addressing the dharna, Mr Subash Chander, provincial general secretary of the Association, termed all the demands as genuine which should be immediately conceded by the Government. Others who addressed the dharna, included Ram Lal, Puran Chand, Surinder Kumar, Girdhari Lal, Jaswant Singh, Chuni Lal, Asha Ram and others. Students protest against lapses in safekeeping of question papers Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 16: To lodge their protest against apparent lapses in safekeeping of question papers, activists of Jammu State Students Morcha today held a demonstration in front of the chamber of Jammu University Vice-Chancellor. Shouting slogans and demanding early report of the inquiry committee, the students also staged a dharna there which continued for more than half an hour. Later, on the intervention of Dr O S Soodan, Registrar JU, who pacified the protesting students to lift the dharna, a delegation of JSSM activists, led by Vivek Sharma, met the Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo in his office chamber. Besides demanding an early report of the University inquiry committee, which is probing the theft of question papers from GGM Science College, the student leaders also highlighted some other issues related to the Jammu University. They demanded early elections of JU students union and intensification of the ongoing beautification drive on the campus. Prof Mattoo gave a patient hearing to the students and assured that he would personally look into their demands for their consideration. Sonali Kumar inaugurates modernised kitchenof Boys Hostel (Old Campus) Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 16: After Scholars Hostel and Girls Hostel, kitchen of the Boys Hostel in old campus of Jammu University, has also been modernised with installation of latest equipments and cooking facilities. Besides modernisation of the kitchen, dining hall of the hostel, office of the Warden and guest room have also been re-furnished and given a new look. The newly modernised kitchen was formally inaugurated today by Mrs Sonali Kumar, Principal Secretary, Higher and Technical Education, Government of J&K. Jammu University Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo also graced the occasion. Mrs Sonali Kumar and Prof Mattoo also had a brief visit of the entire hostel. Provost Hostels, Prof Keshav Sharma and Warden of the Boys Hostel (Old Campus), Dr Falender Soodan, briefed them about the newly added facilities for the boarders. Prof Mattoo as well as Sonali Kumar expressed their satisfaction over the arrangements for boarders and upkeep of the hostel. The Vice-Chancellor appreciated the working of Warden and Resident Warden and hoped that the hostel administration would leave no stone unturned to provide maximum facilities to the boarders. The Vice-Chancellor also had an interaction with the hostel boarders and sought their suggestions for further improvement in the facilities to them. Rasajavdani felicitates
Farooq Nazki Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 16: The Muqam-e-Raast, a book by Ayaz Nazki will turn a new leaf in the history of Kashmir was the view of the intellectuals, scholars and poets who were present in the joint function organized by Rasajavdani Memorial Literary Society and Kosur Markazi Adbi Forum, Jammu today in connection with the 6th death anniversary of Ghulam Rasool Nazki,a renowned Kashmiri writer and poet. They were of the opinion that the book is a good effort to bridge the gulf between the Kashmiri Pandits and members of the majority community. The book was also released in the function by H U Khan, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST, Jammu. On the occasion Farooq Nazki, former Director D D Srinagar and well known writer and poet was felicitated by the two organizations for his services in the field of art and literature. The poet got thunderous applause from the audience when he recited his poem Panun Kashmir that reflected the secular ethos of Kashmir valley. Later addressing the function Farooq Ahmed Nazki, said the book is a good selection by Ayaz Rasool. He recalled the traditional secular ethos and values of Kashmir and said Ayaz and he belonged to such a family where parents nurtured them with high values of life based on humanity and brotherhood. He said the Panun Kashmir reflects the present scenario in the Valley. He said the Pandits who are away from their homes and hearths due to abnormal conditions in the Valley are an inseparable part of soil of Kashmir. Though physically they are away but emotionally they are in touch with their motherland, he added. Mr Nazki who became emotional for some time said Kashmiris remember you (Pandits) every now and then and the holy shrines of Chakrishwar, Parbhat and Dasgeer Sahib make us to feel about your absence. Expressing optimism about their return to their homes and hearths, he said the day will definitely come when you return to Valley and every Kashmiri whether old or young is anxiously waiting for the day to embrace you. Mr Nazki, while expressing his displeasure over the 14 years situation in Kashmir said a gulf has been created between the two communities and he could not dare over these years to face his Pandit brethren who have been separated from their land. While showing his full solidarity with the Pandits, he said "let the politicians play their games but the fact is Kashmir is incomplete without you". In his speech Dr Zahoor-u-Din said a lot of hatred has been created among the two communities during the last 14 years situation. He blamed the politicians for the present mess and asked the intellectuals and writers from both the communities to perform their duties. While appreciating Ayaz Rasool Nazki, he said we should not hesitate in projecting the facts come what may. Ved Bhasin, chairman Kashmir Times Group of Publications also held the politicians responsible for the present situation in the State. He said the barriers created between the two communities is the handiwork of politicians and these are the poets, writers and intellectuals who can break this. Earlier rich tributes were paid to Ghulam Rasool Nazki on his 6th death anniversary. In his address Dr Shohab Anayat Malik, president of the Rasajavdani Memorial Trust termed the Late Nazki a great scholar and poet. He said late Nazki was a great secularist and it is the duty of us all to keep his legacy intact. In his presidential address Vice Chancellor, SKUAST H U Khan highly appreciated the book written by Ayaz Nazki and termed it a very bold step. The exhaustive and thought provoking papers on the book were earlier read by Manshoor Banihali, R K Bharti and Mohan Lal Aash. The programme was compered by Aseer Kishtwari, press secretary Koshur Markazi Adbi Forum. Student attempts suicide by slitting throat Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 16: A student allegedly attempted to end his life by slitting throat while as one person committed suicide by hanging himself. Police spokesman said that a private student of BA Part III Davinder Vilas, son of Brij Vilas of Uttar Pradesh and presently residing in a rented accomodation in Shant Nagar locality alongwith his brother bolted the room after inside when his brother left the home this morning. The victim, who was reportedly upset over securing less marks in the exams, slitted his throat with a razor. He was reportedly seen by the owner of the house while slitting the throat but the victim could not prevented from attempting suicide because the room was bolted from inside. The owner of the house immediately brought the matter to the notice of Janipur Police and SHO Updesh Kumar immediately swung into action. He broke open the door and shifted the critically injured Davinder to Government Medical College Hospital where doctors referred him to SMGS Hospital. The victim was operated upon immediately and his condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in. Meanwhile, a woman—Jaspreet Kour, wife of Narinder Singh of Dub Dinka died due to burn injuries. She was admitted in Government Medical College Hospital on April 14 and succumbed to injuries today. She had reportedly received burn injuries in accidental fire. One Kirpal Singh, son of Baldev Singh of Muthi camp committed suicide by hanging himself with the ceiling fan at his residence. He was found hanging by family members, who rushed him to hospital where doctors declared him as brought dead. It could not be ascertained as to what prompted him to take this extreme step. Four persons were injured when a mini-bus, they were travelling in, skidded off the road and rolled down near Tara Kalan. All the injured—Makhni Devi, daughter of Hans Raj, Jyoti Devi, wife of Hans Raj, Pathu Devi, wife of Nanak Chand and Kamlesh Devi, all the residents of Billawar—have been hospitalised and their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in.
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