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| Srinagar’s development profile to undergo radical change: CM Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Dec 4: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that his Government has embarked upon a massive development programme of Srinagar city especially the downtown area, adding the city would be restored to its past glory.......more Tributes
paid to Sheikh Abdullah Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 4: Paying rich tribute to Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on his birth centenary, Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd) S K Sinha has stated that Sher-e-Kashmir was a great visionary and the architect of Modern Kashmir.......more Poonch
observes bandh Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, Dec 4: A complete bandh was observed in Poonch town. The call of bandh was given by the president of Chamber of Commerce on the..........more Lt General
Sudhir Sharma Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 4: Lt. General Sudhir Sharma today took over command of the prestigious Nagrota Corps. A 1968 batch Infantry Officer.........more One
killed, 8 injured Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 4: One person was killed and eight others were injured in separate road accidents while as a two persons.........more |
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Honour,
dignity of people Excelsior Correspondent BARAMULLA, Dec 4: Minister for Finance and Planning, Muzaffar Hussain today said the honour and dignity of the State’s people is supreme to power for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the foundation of the party was laid on this very principle............more Lt
Gen Prasad inaugurates project at Tikri Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Dec 4: About 300 Gahrats would be upgraded in Jammu and Kashmir by using latest technology within a year under Operation Sadhbhavana to electrify the rural and mountanious villages..................more Husband’s
bail plea in Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 4: Special Municipal Magistrate Jammu, MK Sharma has rejected the bail application of Chuni Lal, the husband of the deceased, R/o Makwal ( Mandal Phallian Jammu) who was arrested by Police in dowry death case...............more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 4: An emergent meeting of the Provincial Power Employees Union (PPEU) was held today under the presidentship of Shakti Gupta. All the executive members of the Union were present in the meeting in which it was decided that a five member delegation.......more |
Srinagar’s development profile to
undergo Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Dec 4: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that his Government has embarked upon a massive development programme of Srinagar city especially the downtown area, adding the city would be restored to its past glory. He said the infrastructure development projects under execution would soon pay the dividends resulting into transforming the summer capital into a highly developed and beautiful city. Mufti Sayeed was on a day’s extensive tour of Srinagar after arriving here from Jammu this morning to assess the development needs of the people and inspect undergoing projects. Senior officers of the divisional administration accompanied him during the visit that took him to Khayam Chowk, Nawpora, Dastageer Sahab, Khanyar, Baba Demb, Radpora, Mala Khah, Kathi Darwaza, Badamwari, Soura, Janab Sahab Soura, Idgah, Bemina and Qamarwari. A large number of people greeted the Chief Minister at every spot and acquainted him with local problems. He told them that the purpose of his visit was to assess thei development requirements and take appropriate measures. Interacting with the people, the Chief Minister said that several major schemes have been taken up to change the development profile of Srinagar. These, he said, include Asian Development Bank and Central and State Government funded schemes. He said the projects would soon show positive results. He said the old city is the historical and significant part of the summer capital of the State that has tremendous cultural importance. This character of the city would be restored, he added. The Chief Minister disclosed that road infrastructure development is under special focus. He said Rs. one crore project for upgradation and beautification of Indira Gandhi Road is near completion while work on Rs. 168 crore 4-laning of Srinagar Bypass project was apace. He said the Ali Jan Road has been upgraded and its both tubes restored for traffic. In the city interior, he said the road between Kathi Darwaza to Hawal would be widened involving an expenditure of Rs. 5 crore. The work would be completed next year. He said Rs. 5 crore North-South Corridor from Soura to Pandach is under execution and one of the two tubes of the prestigious road has already been completed. About other development schemes, Mufti Sayeed said that the outdoor complex of Jawahar Lal Nehru Hospital, Rainawari and a new bridge over Jhelum at Aali Kadal in the downtown Srinagar have been completed. He said a common facility centre at Bagh-e-Ali Mardan Khan would be constructed at a cost of Rs. 8 crore besides a carpet designing centre. He said a flyover would be constructed from the Corporate Office of the J&K Bank at Dalgate to Khanyar to ease traffic congestion. He said the Asian Development Bank would fund the project. He said the two banks of the River Jhelum from Sonawar to Zero Bridge would be cleaned and beautified while in the second phase work would be extended to Amira Kadal. The Chief Minister also visited the shrine of Dastageer Sahab and took stock of the development plan of the famous shrine. He asked for a project to divert the road running next to the shrine and have the shrine complex extended and landscaped. He also inspected work of construction of Amusement Park at the famous Badamwari Garden. Inspecting the development project of the famous Idgah, the Chief Minister asked the Muslim Wakaf Board officials to complete fencing and landscaping of the Idgah by May 2005. Work on fencing and filling of Idgah is currently under execution. He issued instruction to remove the traffic congestion at the entrance of the SKIMS and asked the divisional administration to have two bus bays developed on the small stretches of land where buses could temporarily stop in queues and vacate the road to allow smooth traffic. The Chief Minister also inspected work on the academic and laboratory block of the Sultan-ul-Aarifeen Public School and assured beautification of the Janab Sahab Soura Shrine complex. During his visit of the Water Treatment Plants at Rangil, the Chief Minister was told that additional one crore gallons per day facility is being added to the system under Master Plan Phase II. He was further informed that the Phase II would also add 26.25 MGD of water to the distribution system in the city. Out of this, MGD plant at Nishat has been already 4 commissioned. Winding up his tour with a visit to Bemina, the Chief Minister inspected the proposed 89 kanal site for construction of a cultural centre and a planetarium. Centre and State Government on 90:10 basis would fund the project. |
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Tributes
paid to Sheikh Abdullah Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 4: Paying rich tribute to Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on his birth centenary, Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd) S K Sinha has stated that Sher-e-Kashmir was a great visionary and the architect of Modern Kashmir. In a message, the Governor said that Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was among the tallest leaders of the Sub-Continent, known for his commitment to secular values and love for his people. He said that Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, a multifaceted personality enjoying popularity both at national and international level, was a firm believer in secularism, socialism and democracy who strove for strengthening the bonds of love and amity, for which Kashmir is known the world over. ‘He led his people in long drawn freedom struggle and ensured that they did not get engulfed in the communal holocaust of Pakistan. He recalled that when Pakistani tribals under the leadership of Pakistan Army officers unleashed a barbaric invasion in the beautiful Valley, the people of Kashmir under his leadership unitedly stood up to save Srinagar and assist the Indian Army which had come to their rescue. General Sinha described Sheikh Sahib as a farsighted leader who envisioned his State as an abode of peace and tranquility and introduced revolutionary measures that included abolition of land-lordism, transfer of land to the tiller, encouraged to the famed artisans and so on. The Governor recalled his first interaction with Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah as his father’s guest in Delhi before Partition during 1947-48 and in 1977 when he was commanding the Division at Akhnoor. He has fond memories of the generosity and kindness of this great man, which’ he said, he shall always cherish. General Sinha said that ‘our best tribute to Sheikh Sahib would be to promote Kashmiriyat and pursue the path of peace and patriotism, serving the State devotedly’. This will ensure that Kashmir regains its lost glory and again become the Paradise on Earth. |
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Poonch
observes bandh against power cuts, Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, Dec 4: A complete bandh was observed in Poonch town. The call of bandh was given by the president of Chamber of Commerce on the request of all political parties against the irregular supply of water and electricity. The power has been badly affected in the Poonch town for the last one month. People celebrated important festivals like Deepawali, Eid and Gurupurab of Sri Guru Nanak Devji with power cuts. The bandh was complete and normal life was thrown out of gear due to the strike. Traffic remained off the road while as Bar Council of Poonch suspended its works, Government offices, schools, college and all shops, even medical shops, remained closed through out the day. Shopkeepers and leaders of all political parties took out a procession which passed through different bazars of the city. Processionists were shouting slogans against the State Government for its failure to provide power and water in the town. Meanwhile a protest dharna was staged in the Poonch town. People from all walks of life attended the dharna and addressed the citizens. Those who addressed the people and sat on dharna included Sunil Gupta, president Bar Council, Poonch, Taj Hussain, BJP leader Satish Sasan, B K Khem Raj, Bikram Singh, Vipan Bali, Mohammed Sharief Ain, Kamal Singh, Chander Mohan, Narinder Singh Talwar, Sanjay Raina and others. |
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Lt General Sudhir Sharma takes over Nagrota Corps Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 4: Lt. General Sudhir Sharma today took over command of the prestigious Nagrota Corps. A 1968 batch Infantry Officer, Lt. General Sharma was commissioned into the elite Brigade of the Guards. A thorough bred professional, Lt. General Sharma has served as a Brigade Major of Poonch Brigade, an instructor at Indian Military Training team in Bhutan and Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. He is a graduate of the prestigious staff college in the Camberlay, United Kingdom. He commanded 16 Guards with distinction in Operation Pawan in Srilanka and Samba in J&K. He has the distinction of commanding an Infantry Brigade in the Western theatre and a division in Operation Parakram at Akhnoor. Lt. General Sharma has been decorated with Yudh Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal for his exemplary leadership. Highly regarded in the military circle for his professional competence, Lt. General Sharma has vast and varied experience of counter terrorism operations and has been picked for the present assignment. Before assuming his current appointment, the General Officer was holding the important appointment of Additional Director General Complaints Advisory Board in the Chief in Army Staff Secretariat, Army Headquarters. |
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One killed, 8 injured in road accidents Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 4: One person was killed and eight others were injured in separate road accidents while as a two persons allegedly consumed poisonous substances at their respective residences. Police spokesman said that a woman—Sakina Begum, wife of Nazir Khan of Bedar was killed after she was hit by a speeding Army vehicle at Mandi. She was immediately rushed to hospital where she was declared brought dead. Police has taken the cognizance of the incident. Meanwhile, eight persons were injured in road accidents at Badyal Morh, Residency Road Jammu, Brij Nagar, Jourian, Kathua, Mandlik Mohalla Domana and Domana. All have been hospitalised and their condition was stated to be critical when reports last came in. They have been identified as Girdhari Lal, son of Behari Lal of Satrian Camp, Ayub, son of Mohd Shafi of Rehari, Mina Sharma, wife of Hoshari Lal of Brij Nagar, Danesh, son of Hem Raj of Raya Morh, Gopal Dass, son of Shanker Dass of Jourian, Kamal Singh, son of Talab Singh of Kathua, Balbir Singh, son of Kamal Singh of Gajansoo and Maan Singh, son of Ashwani Kumar of Gole Pattan. Two persons—Harpal Singh, son of Gurcharan Singh of Nanak Nagar and Amit Sharma, son of Vijay Sharma of Birpur allegedly consumed poisonous substances at their respective residences. Both were rushed to hospital when spotted unconscious by family members. Doctors 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. |
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Honour, dignity of people supreme for PDP: Baig Excelsior Correspondent BARAMULLA, Dec 4: Minister for Finance and Planning, Muzaffar Hussain today said the honour and dignity of the State’s people is supreme to power for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the foundation of the party was laid on this very principle. Addressing PDP workers at Bandipora today, Mr Baig said although the Coalition Government led by the party has, during the last two years, taken due care of the developmental requirements of the State, at the same time it has not allowed itself to get derailed from its basic objective of upholding the honour and dignity of the people. "Providing basic amenities of life like roads, drinking water, education, healthcare and social services is the duty of all the Governments and if we have done anything during the last two years on this front we have not done any favour to our people," he said and added that the people of Kashmir have reposed their faith in PDP on certain principle, "that is restoration of their honour and dignity, which is PDP’s mission". He said the party is, right from its inception, working on that mission under the guidance of our seasoned leader Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. Mr Baig said at the time of constitution of PDP, the party had never dreamt of power as it took off not like a routine political party but as a movement to work for the restoration of peace with honour and dignity in the strife-torn. "Our objective was to make available a new political platform to the people of the State, where they can express their views fearlessly and get themselves out of the clutches of exploitative politicians who had traded people’s honour and dignity to clinch to power," he said and added that this principle of PDP not only attracted the masses towards party, but even gave them the confidence to repose their faith in it which they did in October 2002 elections. "And today we can claim with great confidence that we have not let our people down." Mr Baig said PDP is the party of the masses and there is no place for exploiters in the party who use the political platforms to further their own interests. He said it is because of such policies of the party that the people have started identifying themselves with it and their confidence in its leadership is becoming firm with each passing day. He said when the Coalition Government was formed in October 2002, there were several challenges before it. The people, he said were suppressed, border residents were facing the miseries of shelling, human rights violations were being committed without any check and all these problems were compounded by misgovernance and casual attitude of then politicians. "Although we wouldn’t claim to have turned the things around, but there is a perceptible change in the overall environment and people today feel more secure and confident," he said and added that unfortunately some errors still take place, which need to be taken care of. Mr Baig said there has been tremendous improvement not only in the security situation, but on the economic and development front also the State has made tremendous progress during the past two years. The development spending on the plan side, he said has been increased from a meager Rs 900 crore in 2001-02 to a whopping Rs 2200 crore in 2003-2004 and there would be further hike during the next fiscal. In addition, he said around Rs 1400 crore Asian Development Bank funds and Rs 6000 crore Prime Minister’s package are being spent on development side during the next four years. He said the biggest challenge before the present Government is to tackle the unemployment problem which would be taken care of so that all the educated unemployed youth get employment in various sectors. Later, at an officers meeting, Mr Baig reviewed the progress of various development works in Bandipora area. He announced Rs 60 lakh for revival of 37 water supply schemes in the area which would be made functional during the next two months. He directed the Power Development Department to make Nadihal Receiving Station functional within 15 days. Mr Baig also ordered setting up of a police post at Quinis. Minister for PHE and Irrigation, Qazi Mohammad Afzal and PDP leaders, Javaid Ahmad Dar, Nizam-ud-Din Bhat and Mohammad Abdullah Wani also addressed the meeting. |
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Lt Gen Prasad inaugurates
project at Tikri Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Dec 4: About 300 Gahrats would be upgraded in Jammu and Kashmir by using latest technology within a year under Operation Sadhbhavana to electrify the rural and mountanious villages. Moreover, Army has also chosen one village each in three regions of the State for the electrification with the help of solar diodes before adopting the technology on a large scale. This was disclosed by GOC-in-C Northern Command Lt Gen Hari Prasad after inaugurating an upgraded water mill (Gharat) at village Panthal Sundrani on Tikri-Katra road. The water mill at village Panthal has been upgraded by the Army by using the latest technology of Dr A K Joshi, chairman of an NGO—HESCO which enhances RPM capacity from 200-300 to 1500 and helping in generating electricity in the range of three to five KW. The increased power generation can be utilised to perform multifarious functions like flour grinding and cotton ginning etc. "Thirteen projects have already been completed with similar technology and handed over to the public", the GOC-in-C disclosed and said that within a year 300 such projects would be established across the State. The upgraded water mill at village Panthal Sundrani would not only benefit the people in the surrounding area but will also act as an experimental centre for the Army to further explore and enhance this technology. The main aim behind this move is to lit up all the villages in remote and mountainous villages across the State and the response to such projects is very tremendous, he said in reply to a question and claimed that this technology would bring revolution and really win the hearts of the people in remote and inaccessible areas. He disclosed that Army has also chosen one village each in three corps in the State for electrification with the help of solar diodes developed by a Non-Governmental Organisation—Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organisation (HESCO). "If this proves beneficial we would adopt more and more villages so that all border, remote and mountainous villages can be electrified", the GOC-in-C said. Interacting with the reporters, Dr A K Joshi, chairman of HESCO, who was contacted by the Army after seeing the response of such projects in Uttaranchal, expressed satisfaction at the manner in which the Army has been exploiting this concept to enhance the living conditions of people residing in inaccessible areas of the State. Decentralisation of technology is imperative for overall development of the country and keeping in mind this thing I had started rendering helping hand in setting up of such projects, he said and disclosed that since Gharats work on the same principle on which huge hydro-electric power plants run they can be easily utilised for electrification of remote villages by using his technology. About the solar diodes, he said "each diode costs Rs 2600 without subsidy and once fully charged for six to eight hours it can provide electricity for 14 to 18 hours", adding "this technology can bring revoluations and reduce the dependence on the electricity". |
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Husband’s bail plea in dowry death case rejected Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 4: Special Municipal Magistrate Jammu, MK Sharma has rejected the bail application of Chuni Lal, the husband of the deceased, R/o Makwal ( Mandal Phallian Jammu) who was arrested by Police in dowry death case. According to Police case, Chuni Lal was married to one Swarno, D/o Inder Ram of Ram Bagh Jammu about two years back. It was alleged that Swarno Devi used to complain about the harassment being meted to her at the hands of her husband, as accused would always demand more dowry and threatened to contract another marriage . It was out of the constant harassment that Swarno Devi committed suicide on November 4, 2004. On the basis of the statement of the father of the deceased, Satwari Police registered a case (abatement to suicide) and started investigation. The accused was arrested on November 12. After considering the Police report and arguments from both the sides, the court observed that the charges against the accused were very serious, as the offence committed by him was against society. "The concessions of the bail result in encouragement to the perpetrators of such like offence. The seriousness of the crime may prompt the accused to abscond during the trial and thus frustrate the trial", the Judge held. He said hat the court is of the opinion that the accused has failed to make out a case for being admitted to bail. " The refusal of the bail shall serve the larger interest of the society", the Judge observed while rejecting the bail of the husband of the deceased. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 4: An emergent meeting of the Provincial Power Employees Union (PPEU) was held today under the presidentship of Shakti Gupta. All the executive members of the Union were present in the meeting in which it was decided that a five member delegation of PPEU for participating in general Ejlas organised by Electric Employees Union, Kashmir province on December 8, 2004 for deciding whether the employees of PDD of three regions will join third phase of the strike or not as there is no representative of PDD in EJAC. Meeting demanded release of balance salary of daily wager employees of PDD, DPC of all daily wagers from December 1999 as per agreement with the Government, release of DA installment of January and July 2004, merger of 50% DA in basic pay, full implementation of SRO 149 of 1973 for Matriculate, ITI and Non-ITI, enhancement of retirement age from 58 to 60 years, release of two and half day salary of all categories. The employees of PDD of three regions of State asked the EJAC to include their demands in the charter of demand. The meeting was attended by Mangat Ram, Gulazri Lal, Shami Talwar, Deep Mehra, Subash Chander, Koushal Kumar, Sanjeev Bali, Subash Chander and others. |
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Kohli gets remand for 10 more days in porno CD case Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 4: Chief Judicial Magistrate Jammu, Sanjeev Gupta has granted 10 more days judicial remand to Narinder Kohli, the alleged kingpin in porno CDs case involving former Miss Jammu Anara Gupta. Narinder Kohli was today produced in the court of CJM in Police custody and it was prayed for his further judicial remand. Kohli is already in the judicial lockup at District Jail Jammu for the last 15 days. Today, no Advocate or the accused appeared in the court as bail application of Narinder Kohli was pending in the court of CJM. After grant of 10 more days judicial remand, the accused was taken back to District Jail Jammu. |
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Punjabi folk music, Sufi saints’ poetry presented Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 4: The rich Punjabi folk music and poetry of Sufi saints, was presented by Punjabi singer Hakim Sofi, here today. The musical evening organised by J&K Cultural Academy in collaboration with North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala, which created the atmosphere of an open air show in an auditorium, began with Hakim Sofi singing kafi of Bhulle Shah’s: meri bukkal de wich chor, kinnu hook sunavan, chori chori nikal gaya ao, jag wich mach gaya shor. Singing while standing and moving on the stage, Sofi’s recital reverberating the hall, created a mood of a celebration so characteristic of such public performances in rural Punjab. A multi-facted personality, Hakim Sofi, who has performed in umpteem festivals, folk melas and cultural porgramme in different parts of the country and foreign countries like Australia, USA, has been awarded with awards including Samita Patil Memorial Award, IPTA Award, Baba Farid Special Award. Hakim Sofi, who has cut number of music disks, also acted in Punjabi films. Secretary, Cultural Academy, Ramesh Mehta, speaking on the occasion said that such porgramme are being oragnised to create cultural understanding of the cultural traditions of other regions. The function was presided by Gharu Ram, Minister of State, Rural Development, who while addressing the audience at the conclusion of the proagramme, said that Indian civilization survived many a millennium because of its great strength of pluralism, tolerance and culture. He said that Jammu and Punjab have intimate cultural blending with their traditions ethos bearing an unusual similarity. Mr. Gharu Ram said that Punjabis by doing all over the world have given exposure to their culture and today the situation is such that a foreigner immediately starts dancing on the steps of bhangra. He praised the Cultural Academy for organising such evenings and urged the Secretary to organise similar programmes on every Saturday. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 4: Former Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir Pushkar Nath Kaul passed away on December 03 at Faridabad (Haryana) where he had migrated from the valley. He was 83. Mr Kaul, was a down to earth person and friendly to all. He had risen from ranks to the highest post in the administration of the State. He held various challenging assignments during his service. He was deputy Commissioner Baramulla during the Indo-Pak war of 1965 and as Special Commissioner Poonch-Rajouri during the Indo-Pak war of 1971. In the civil secretariat, he headed various departments from time to time and finally rose to the highest post of Chief Secretary of the State in 1977. He had to his credit the conduct of historical election to the State assembly in 1977. After demitting office by Late Peerzada Ghulam Ahmed as Chief Secretary of the State in 1964-65, he was the first son of the soil to be elevated to the post of Chief secretary after a lull of 13 years. His elevation to that post boosted the morale of the State IAS and KAS officers. He won confidence of Late Jenab Sheikh Sahib, the then Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues and in recognition of that he was awarded a gold medal by the State Government at the time of his demitting State service. His passing away has created a deep void among the intellectuals of the State. |
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Niaz reviews work under
APORP Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 4: The Central Government has sanctioned Rs 642.27 crore for renovation and modernization of power distribution system in eight districts of the State including Jammu Srinagar, Budgam, Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch, Udhampur and Doda under Accelerated Power Development Programme. The plan submitted for rest of the six districts is under process. This was stated at a high level meeting convened to review the pace of modernisation of Power distribution system in the State held under the chairmanship of. Minister for Power Mohammad Sharief Niaz here today. The meeting was informed that of this Rs. 30 crore each has been earmarked for the upgradation of electric maintenance system in the district of Jammu Srinagar and Budgam. In addition to this Rs. one crore has been provided for transmission line improvement in Rajouri-Poonch district. The meeting was informed that more funds would be made available by the Central Government to extend the scheme to other districts of the State. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister impressed upon the officers to speed up the process of upgradation and renovation of grid and receiving stations and transmission lines. This, he said would not only bring down the present rate of faults in the system and give consumers uninterrupted power supply, but also prevent the recurrence of any mishap. During the meeting the Minister also reviewed the process of meter installation by the power development department. He directed the concerned authorities to install meters at the residences of all the officers of the PDD, legislatures, miniters and all Government offices. The Minister directed the concerned engineers to provide uninterrupted round the clock power supply to the areas where meters installation has been successfully completed. He directed the power development authorities to extend the meter installation process to all the commercial establishments, hotels, factories and other places of economic activities. He said any tempering with the meter system should be dealt sternly. He asked for immediate issuance of pass books for the consumers and ensure effective revenue collection mechanism. He appealed the connection holders not to pay electric charges directly to the officials of electric department and deposit dues in Bank through their passbooks. Among others the meeting was attended by the Secretary Power Development Department, Basharat Ahmad Dar, Power Development Commissioner, Ghulam Hassan Rather and all the Chief Engineers of Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, during his visit to Sawalkote yesterday, he said that work has been taken up on the project. Mr Niaz said that this is second ambitious project after Baghliar which is being constructed by the State Government out of its own resources. He said Rs. 27.40 crores has been paid as mobilization advance to the Tourbo Ltd for the construction of the road. The Minister was informed that forest department has issued clearance for four kilometers road length and an amount of Rs. 89.53 lakh stands paid to the forest department as compensation. Speaking on the occasion the Minister said the prestigious project will provide better employment opportunities to the people of Doda district in general and Sawalkote in particular. |
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Need for social awakening among KPs underlined Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 4: Need for social awakening among Kashmiri Pandits was stressed at a meeting of various organizations which was convened by Pandit Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust here this afternoon. The meeting was chaired by Kashmiri Pandit Sabha chief T N Khosa. The speakers while expressing concern over the evil customs prevailing in the community were unanimous that the Trust should take an onus to launch a crusade against them. Speaking on the occasion H N Tickoo , treasurer Kashmiri Pandit Sabha Ambphalla said that a fund be created on the name of Pt. Prem Nath Bhat. The announcement of creating this fund be made on Chetna Divas to be observed on December 27 in memory of this great leader of the KP community, he added. He said this will be a great tribute to late leader who laid down his life for the unity and integration of the nation on December 27, 1989. This fund should be utilized to help the community people in adversary, he added. Addressing the function K K Khosa regretted that the community has no defined goal. He stressed that a campaign for rehabilitation in Valley be unanimously launched on the Chetna Divas. He said our motive on this day should be that how to attain our motherland which we have lost over 15 years back. He was of the view that the community can only survive its culture when it sticks to its soil. ASKPC general secretary, H L Chatta in his address also urged the Trust leadership to launch a crusade against the social evils. He assured full support from all social and political organizations to this movement. Ramesh Hangloo, president, Pir Panchal stressed on highlighting the life history and contribution of Prem Nath Bhat while Roshan Lal Raina, Member Apex Committee stressed on unity among the all factions of the community. He said we should exhibit our unity on December 27 and this will be the greatest tribute to Pt. Prem Nath Bhat. Bushan Lal Bhat EX MLC and president NC Minority Cell said the contributions of Pt Prem Nath Bhat needed to be highlighted. He termed him a great secularist who was popular among Muslims as well. He said the memorandum read on Chetna Divas should be the agenda of entire community. Addressing the function D N Hangloo, president Mirzakak Trust stressed on unity among the community to face the future challenges. Subash Chatta another social activist urged the Trust to include the people from other districts of the Valley in the Trust to make it a broad based organisation. He also stressed on coordination among the various KP trusts for the community cause. B N Khar president Sharda Colony stressed on opening of an educational institution on the name of Pt. Prem Nath Bhat. R K Bharti, journalist was of the opinion that the women and children be also involved by the Trust in observing the Chetna Divas. In his presidential address KP Sabha chief T N Khosa assured full support to the Trust and community on behalf of his organisation. On the occasion the lectures on the life and contribution of Pt. Prem Nath Bhat were given by Dr Arjan Nath and Dr Ramesh Bhat. Dr Bhat while paying rich tributes to Prem Nath Bhat said he was a asset for the community whose sacrifice is no less than those of great saints and sages who have laid down their lives from time to time to protect the community. He said it was Mr Bhat who had forewarned the Government of India through his articles against the anti India elements and insurgency. Among others who spoke on the occasion include O N Kothari, Radhakrishan Koul, Girdhari Lal Kath, Vibo JI Zitshi. The programme was compered by Dr M K Bharat. |
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Kanav, Shilpa, Gurmeet adjudged
best Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 4: The final competition of the Inter School and Inter College declamation contest on the topic "Importance of being a good citizen & Civil Defence" was held here today at SM Jain Higher Secondary School Rani Park Jammu, where eight students from various schools, who had secured first position, in intra-school competition and five students from two city colleges, who had secured first position in the contest at intra-college level, participated. The function was chaired by Principal of Jain School Prof Hem Pal Singh and presided over by Mr Jia Lal Sharma, Divisional Warden, Civil Defence, Jammu. The speakers dealt at length on the subject matter and underscored the need to join and strength civil defence movement in the State, which was facing challenges, both external and internal, in the matter of defence. Master Kanav Kapahi of Jagriti Niketan School, Kachi Chowani Jammu, Ms Shilpa Dhar of Jain School and Gurmeet Kour of Dogra Higher Secondary School Shastri Nagar secured first three positions, respectively, while in the college section Ms Malu Sharma of Government College for Women Gandhinagar, Jammu, Ravinder Rana of MAM, PG, College and Shikha of Government College for Women Gandhinagar stood first, second and third respectively. Principal Hem Pal Singh exhorted the students to come up to the demands of the times, as vigilant citizens to meet any eventuality. Ms Santosh Magotra Dy Divisional Warden, Mr R. K Khajuria and Prof J L Koul were also present. |
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Kichloo’s concern over increasing accidents Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 4: Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, MLA Kishtwar has expressed serious concern over alarming increase in road accidents in Doda district which has resulted into loss of many human lives. In a statement here Mr Kichloo said traffic police and Motor Vehicle Department have practically closed down their eyes towards the regulation of traffic rules and allowing such vehicles on roads which are not inspected correctly every year. He demanded that licenses of the drivers should be checked regularly and ensure whether these were genuine. He added that although the administration is conscious of the topography of the terrain and gradation of the roads, the traffic police have never checked the moving vehicles for over-loading. Alleging nexus between transporters and traffic police Mr Kichloo requested the State Government to take personal interests in pursuing the traffic department so that menace of over-loading in done away with once for all. He said not only over-loading in buses and mini-buses, the passengers are even seated on roof top of the vehicles which speaks enough of the mess having been created in Doda district by the traffic police and personnel of MVD. He also called upon the GREF and PWD (R&B) to raise parapet walls all along the roads and if possible reinforce them with steel, so that accidents could be minimized. Lions Club Jammu Tawi, Miran
Sahib hold Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 4: In order to generate awareness about the diabetes , the Lions Club Jammu Tawi in collaboration with Lions Club Miran Sahib Gourav organised a diabetes cum awareness camp at Pragmatic Institute of Education Miran Sahib. The camp was organised under the supervision of Lion Jaspal Singh, regional chairman, region 12 while the president of the Club Jammu Tawi, Dr Arun K Gupta and Rameshwar Singh Manhas actively coordinated the camp. On this occasion questioner were also distributed among the students to collect the data regarding the different aspects of diabetes in their families. In his address Jaspal Singh explained the students and staff members the role of which they can play in educating the parents about the serious implications of diabetes which is still one of the most potent silent killer in rural areas. On the occasion Rameshwar Singh, and Firdos Ashiq assured all help to the regional chairman in making the campaign of district governors a successful. GDC Kathua organises inter-college debating contest Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Dec 4: Government Degree College Kathua organised Inter-College Debate on the topic "In the opinion of the house `Reservation in private sector may ensure social justice’, in which 15 speakers from different Government colleges of Jammu participated. Minister of State for Finance Babu Singh was the chief guest in the debate in which the speakers expressed their views on the subject in a wonderful manner which received cheering response from the audience. Ms Deep Naval Kour of GCW Gandhi Nagar Jammu bagged first prize, Ms Sonia Kapoor of GCW Parade Jammu stood second and Ms Rajni Slathia of GDC Kathua declared as winner for third prize. The consolation prize went to Sourabh of GDC Kathua. All participants were honoured by the chief guest with prizes and certificates of participation. At the outset Principal GDC Kathua Dr M K Zutshi welcomed the chief guest and other guests. Dr Tilak Raj Sharma and Prof Sangeeta Sudan compered the programme jointly. The performance of participants was appreciated by the chief guest Babu Singh who congratulated the staff of GDC Kathua for organizing a debate on a very burning issue. He emphatically stated that reservation in no way can ensure social justice, but on the other hand we have to rationalize this scheme on certain logical grounds. He said instead of creating barriers among the people on the basis of their caste or colour, we should advance towards a collective and global society. Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Director AIR Kathua, SP Kathua and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion. Suman inaugurates Govt Primary School at Bagga Marg Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 4: The Minister for Health and Medical Education, Suman Lata Bhaga today inaugurated a Govt. Primary School building at Bagga Marg, R.S.Pura today. The building has been constructed by Rural development Department at a cost of Rs two lakh under PM package. The school land has been donated by a local widow Mrs.Sarfu Devi and the construction has been made within shortest possible time. The Minister distributed blankets among poor and down trodden on the occasion. Earlier Mrs Suman unveiled the statue of late sepoy Yashpal S/o Shri Babu Ram at Kotli Mian Fateh, who has lost his life on May 19 , 2003 during an encounter with militants at Surankot. Later the minister while addressing public meeting at Kotli Mian Fateh and Baga Marg R.S. Pora said "we must be proud of those parents whose sons sacrifice their precious lives for the human cause and upholding national honour". ‘Display Your
Talent’ contest Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 4: Atul Sharma from Government Medical College, Jammu, and Kanwar Iqbal of GGM Science College, were adjudged first in Cartooning and Poster making contests, respectively on second day of ongoing ‘Display Your Talent’ at Jammu University, here today. In Cartooninig, Amita Malhotra of GCW Parade and Shveta Pandit from Government Degree College, Udhampur, bagged second and third positions, respectively. Certificate of merit were announced to Anuradha Hand from MIER Jammu and Lokesh Awasthi from Shivakil College of Education, Udhampur. Kanwar Iqbal, who was yesterday adjudged best in sketching, also bagged first place in Poster making competition today. Second and third positions in the event were secured by Sakshi Sharma and Divya Sharma, both from GCW Gandhi Nagar, respectively. Bharati Harish from SPMR College of Commerce and Poonam Kumari of Government Degree College Udhampur, were recommended for award of Certificate of Merit. Topics for the Cartooning contest were; ‘PM’s visit to J&K’, ‘National political scene’, Bus stop scene’ and ‘Campus scenario’. For the poster making contest, topics were ; ‘Pollution’, ‘Blood donation’, ‘Anti AIDS’ and ‘Social evils’. Famous cartoonist Manoj Chopra and Lalit Gupta were adjudicators in Cartooning contest while Anil Saraf and Rakesh Sharma assessed the performance of participants in Poster making competition. Prof O P Sharma, former Dean Academic Affairs, JU, who was chief guest on the occasion, distributed prizes among the winners. Secretary of JU Students Cultural Council, Vikrant Sharma conducted proceedings of the programme. He was assisted by his joint secretaries. Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 4: Bahujan Samaj Party State vice-president Tulsi Dass Langeh alongwith some other senior leaders of the party, conducted an extensive tour of R S Pura Assembly constituency and met cross section of people. Accompanied by Girdhari Lal Dogra, Janak Raj, Raja Singh and Krishan Lal, the BSP leader addressed a series of public meetings and charged the coalition Government in State with failure on all fronts. Mr Langeh claimed that a strong resentment was brewing among the masses over the policy of dissolution of duely elected Panchayats. It is a matter of great astonishment that instead of constituting the Block Development Boards and restoring powers to Block/Panchayats, the coalition Government was dissolving Panchayats in order to debar their participation in the developmental programmes in rural areas, he alleged. The BSP leader alleged that by resorting to such anti-democratic resorts, Mufti Mohd Sayeed and his coalition partners have been exposed. He appealed the party workers to gear-up their activities in their respective areas and take up the challenge of forthcoming Panchayat elections. Social organisations
condemn lathicharge Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 4: Strongly condemning, what they called, unprovoked brutal lathicharge on peaceful processionists, the Jammu Central Mahajan Sabha today decided to approach the High Court of the State for getting justice against police atrocities. Addressing a press conference, Ramesh Gupta, president of the Sabha, who was severely injured in the ‘unprovoked’ lathicharge, said that aim of the lathicharge was to quell voices of minorities with brutal use of State apparatus. "If Government can handover 4 kanal of land to the nearby Mosque, what is the hurdle in adopting same method for ancient, 50 years old, Shiv-Parbati Temple", he asked and added it was gameplan of the State Government to create communal division in the Jammu region with the help of some officers, who have specially appointed for accomplishing these nefarious designs. Narrating the incident, Mr Gupta said that he was just inquiring from the police personnel about the episode. "Without any provocation or argument, pose of police restored to unprovoked lathicharge", he said, adding, "after inflicting severe injuries, they threw me out of the boundary wall the premises of the temple". Asking the State Government to take stern action against erring police officials, Mr Gupta announced that Jammu Central Mahajan Sabha has decided to approach the High Court to get justice. "It is a glaring example of police atrocities", he said. He also announced that a Satya Garah will be started in the City very soon as various social, religious and political organisations have decided to join together in this regard. Kailash Langer, general secretary of the Sabha was also present in the press conference. Meanwhile various social and political organisations have condemned police brutality on peaceful processionists who were protesting against sacrilege act. President of the Sanatan Dharma Sabha, Dharni Dhar Sharma has strongly condemned the demolition of Shiv Parvati Temple at Tawi bridge by goons of JDA, JMC and police at the behest of anti-Hindu Mufti Government. Amit Chouhan, president Shiv Sena, Jammu city, while condemning the brutal lathicharge on Processionists, asked the Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed to hold magisterial enquiry into the whole incident. He asked the Chief Minister to respect sentiments of Hindus. President of the Central Body Shopkeepers’ Association, Kuldeep Singh Raja, in a statement has strongly condemned the brutal lathicharge by police and demolition of an ancient Mandir near Tawi by the State Government. Rashtrya Bhasha Prachar Samiti
organises Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 4: Organised by J&K Rashtrya Bhasha Prachar Samiti, a multi-lingual poetic symposium was held, here today. The participating poets of Dogri, Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi and Sanskrit recited their poems in this symposium. These included Sham Lal Raina, Satish Vimal, Dr Aruna Sharma, Maharaj Krishan, Dr Baidnath Labh, Kulbir Singh Meet, Dr Kedar Nath Sharma, Gursaran Singh Star, Daya Ram Daya, Dr Gyan Singh, Dheeraj Kesar, Ayodhaya Rani Gamkhar, Raj Pal Singh Mastana, Sham Talib and Dr Baljit Singh Raina. Dr Devinder Singh, chief guest of the function, in his address said that the modern poets have to write poetry in a language which touches the hearts of general masses like Kabir, Tulsi Das, Ravi Das and Baba Nanak. He said there is no conflict amongst the languages, as their roots are the same. The differences have been created by politicians and other power groups for vested interests. Earlier, the welcome address was given by the Convenor of Rashtrya Bhasha Sanchar Samiti, Sat Pal Srivatsya while the vote of thanks was presented by president, Maharaj Krishan. The porgramme was conducted by Sham Lal Raina. Those present in the poetic symposium included Dr Bharat Bhushan, secretary of Samiti, writers, poets and literateurs. Dr Thakur elected
patron, Dr Bhupesh Gen Secy Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 4: Dr S D Thakur has been elected as patron of Jammu and Kashmir State chapter of Indian Academy of Forensic Medicines, which was constituted today. Dr Anayat Ullah Sheikh was elected as president while Dr (Mrs) Balbir Kour was elected as vice president. Dr Bhupesh Khajuria was elected as general secretary. Dr (Mrs) Rafat was elected as joint secretary and Dr C S Gupta as treasurer. A release said the forum will be devoted to the discipline of Forensic Medicines and Toxicology besides re-activating the J&K Medical Council. Objectives of the Association are to improve quality of medico legal work, conduct seminars, workshops and CMEs for medical professionals, deal with medico legal and allied work and provide facilities for refresher courses for judicial officers and investigating police officers. To upkeep dignity of the noble medical profession, the forum will start awareness programmes with respect to medical ethics, rights of the doctors and the patients, advise doctors, Government and administration on the matters of medico legal nature particularly so when the State medical boards have become a target of criticism. Dr Bhupesh Khajuria, general secretary of the forum said, all medical professionals in Government service and qualified private practitioners engaged in medico legal work will be invited for registration as associate members of the organisations. Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 4; An impressive Philately week was celebrated at Army School Kaluchak under the aegis of Army School Postal Corps. On the occasion an exhibition of rare stamps and first day covers were displayed which enthralled the students and parents. A number of competitions were held in drawing, stamp designing, quiz , essay and Declamation. Maj. P M Kumaraswamy OC Div Postal Unit who was present on the occasion exhorted the students to develop the hobby of stamp collection which not only is informative but also very lucrative. Col P R Yedkar Dy. Cdr Tiger Bde presided over the function and gave away the prizes to the winners of the competition. In his address the chief guest blessed the students and congratulated them for showing keen interest in Philately and asked the students to be proud of belonging to a distinguished Alma Mater—the Army School Kaluchak. He also observed that the Army School has been providing holistic education by encouraging the students to excel in various activities like sports, quiz, drawing and cultural activities. During the week various motivational talks were held to mobilize the students to become member of Philately Club. A display of various services provided by the field post offices such as postal magazines , saving instruments and forms of UPSC examinations were also a great attraction. Committee to curb narcotics menace constituted Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 4: Jammu and Kashmir Government has constituted a Divisional Level Anti Narcotic Task Force Committee for stringent implementation of various laws relating to the prevention and cultivation of narcotic and psychotropic substances and to tackle drug trafficking in the State. Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone has been nominated as the Chairman of the committee. The others members include Chief Conservator of Forests, Deputy Commissioners of Jammu, Kathua, Poonch, Rajouri, Udhampur and Doda, Superintendents of Police of Jammu, Kathua, Poonch, Rajouri, Udhampur and Doda, Directors of Rural Development, Health Services departments while as Senior Superintendent of Police SBJ, Superintendent of Police CIJ would act as Member Secretaries of the committee. Deputy Director Information, Jammu too have been nominated as member of the committee. The first meeting of the Divisional-Level Anti-Narcotic Task Force was convened here today with Inspector General of Police Dr. S.P. Vaid in the chair. The meeting discussed at length the measures for implementation of laws for curbing the menace of cultivation of narcotic substances and drug trafficking in Jammu and Kashmir. It was decided that district-level committees too would be constituted headed by respective Deputy Commissioners for identification of the delinquents and violators. Support and role of NGOs in making people aware about the vices of narcotic consumption as also educating the people about the laws relating to narcotic and psychotropic substances were also impressed upon. The meeting also suggested to hold a mass awareness programme through seminars, debates, symposia, painting and poster making competitions targeting various sections and shades of people for curbing the menace of drug trafficking and narcotic consumption. The meeting also sought suggestions from various members regarding innovative measures to curb the menace. Among others, the meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Ashok Parmar, Director Agriculture Vinod Bala Sharma, Additional Commissioner Jammu Mrs. Veenta Gupta, DIG Jammu Farooq Ahmed, DIG Rajouri-Pooch S.M. Sahai, DIG Doda-Udhampur Satvir Gupta, SSP CID Nissar Ahmed, Conservator of Forests M.J. Sharma and Information Officer, Jammu Jagdish Kapoor. Polytechnic students protest for carry-on system Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 4: Demanding carry on system and re-checking of answer sheets, students of different Polytechnic colleges in Jammu staged a protest dharna in front of the State Technical Board office at Vikram Chowk, here today. The agitating students, including some girls also, raised slogans in favour of their demand as well as against the Technical Board. Led by Sandeep Manhas, the protesting students also staged a dharna there and apprised officers of the Technical Board about their demands. The protest dharna was addressed by Vishal Manhas, Onkar Singh and some other student leaders who highlighted the demands and appealed Government to create separate Technical Board for Jammu region. YNC takes out torch light
procession Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 4: A torch light procession was taken out from Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan by the Youth National Conference (YNC) today against high-handedness of the Mufti Government near Tawi bridge on Friday in which YNC leader Chander Mohan Sharma and Sham Mehra were brutally beaten by the police and were severely injured and hospitalized. Moreover State BJP chief Dr Nirmal Singh and Romesh Mahajan, former president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industries and others were injured in the unprovoked lathi-charge by the State police. The torch light procession was started from Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan and culminated at City Chowk. Large number of YNC workers participated in the rally. While addressing the procession, YNC leaders said that Mufti Government has been suppressing the voice of the opposition by using bullets and lathis in the State. The leaders asked the opposition parties to unite themselves and fight the repression of the Mufti Government. The demanded judicial probe into the whole episode and culprits should be brought to book. Bimla Luthra, ex-MLA, Ravi Dogra, Taranjeet Singh Tony, Surinder Singh Bunty, Krishan Lal Tak, Ashwani Charak, Gurnam Singh, Rajinder Singh, Mohan Singh, Surinder Singh Raju, Surinder Singh Jamwal, Suresh Gupta, Jameel Shah, Ashanand, Anil Mohan, Ayub Malik, Ashok Tyagi, Ayudhya Gupta and others addressed the rally. JDA takes back possession
of 154 kanals Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 4: Continuing with ongoing drive to retrieve encroached land, Jammu Development Authority officers today took back possession of nearly 154 kanals of land in Muthi-Roopnagar area. Accompanied with police posse, the senior authorities of Jammu Development Authority defended on the peace of land near Muthi Camp along with dozers and took back the possession of land. It is reported that some land mafia was negotiating with people to dispose-of the land by way of plots in this vast chunk of land in which Jammu Development Authority had planned to set up economic weaker section colonies. Infact, six-months ago Minister for Housing and Urban Development Ghulam Hassan Mir announced a colony for the weaker sections and even draw of lots was held in which 165 successful applicants were notified. But possession could not be given as the land was encroached upon by various bad elements. With today’s operation Jammu Development Authority proposes to hand over possession to the bonafide allottees. Jammu Development Authority has launched a drive to identify its land in t5he idle lying, vacant or in adverse possession and develop it by way of plots or by auctioning. |
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