Daily Excelsior.........State

PCC pays floral tributes to Ex-PM
Rao brought country out of grave economic crises: Azad

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 23: The late Prime Minister, P V Narsimha Rao has proved his efficiency by running a minority Government, for its full term at the time of crises. Not only he ran a minority Government but also brought the country from worst ever economic crises.

These were the words of Union Parliamentary Affairs and Urban Development Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad, who paid floral tributes to P V Narsimha Rao at Congress headquarters today.

"In 1991 when Narsimha Rao became Prime Minister of the minority Government, the country was confronting with numerous problems including worst ever economic crises", Mr Azad reminded and added that it was all due to his qualities that he lead to nation to sail through that crises.

Mr Azad reminded that it was P V Narsimha Rao who had encouraged liberalisation policy. "The present Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh was appointed as Finance Minister by Mr Narshima Rao to start a new era in the country", he said and gave all credit to Mr Narshima Rao for bringing radical change in economy of the State. He further said that it was result of the economic policies of Mr Rao that adequate infrastructure was developed in the country during his regime.

Terming demise of P V Narshima Rao as biggest loss for the country, Mr Azad said that he guided the country for so many years. "His demise is not only a loss for Congress but for entire nation", he said while paying floral tributes to former Prime Minister.

Union Urban Development Minister termed P V Narshima Rao as cool and calm leader, who assiduously worked for the development of the country. He was a visionary leader and statesman. He served the country as Home Minister, Foreign Affairs Ministers besides president of the All India Congress Committee (AICC).

Mr Azad recalled his association for former Prime Minister and said that during Rao’s regime he has worked as Civil Aviation Minister.

Describing him as visionary leader, Mr Azad said that after retirement he never involved in political activities. "After retirement he adopted a peaceful non-political life", he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister, Mangat Ram Sharma described Mr Rao as great leader who served the nation on different capacity. The Deputy Chief Minister reminded his association with Mr Rao and recalled his meetings with former Prime Minister.

Minister for Social Welfare, Mula Ram Pardhuman Singh, Ayub Khan and others addressed the condolence meeting which was held at PCC headquarters.

Among others who were present in the meeting included Power Minister Mohammed Sharief Niaz, Minister of State for Transport, Raman Bhalla, Minister of State for Revenue, Dr Ramesh Sharma, Minister of State for Finance, Babu Singh, Mohammed Aslam former PCC president, Ravinder Sharma, Anil Chopra, Narinder Gupta, PCC member, Youth Congress president Mohammed Amin Bhat, senior vice president, Manmohan Singh, general secretary Kamal Anand, Kanta Bhan, Ashwani Puri, M L Koul, Pawan Raina, Ajay Toni, Neeraj Gupta, Swarnjeet, leaders of frontal organisations and others. A two minutes silence was observed in the meeting to pay tributes to departed leader.

A meeting of Mahila Congress was held at Trikuta Nagar this evening under the leadership of Farida Munir, MLC in which tributes were paid to former Prime Minister, P V Narshima Rao.

Another meeting of the Youth Congress was held at Shakti Nagar under the leadership of Manmohan Singh, senior vice president of PYC to pay tributes of former Prime Minister. Number of youth attended the meeting and paid tributes to P V Narshima Rao.

An emergent meeting of the national executive of Panthers Party was held under the chairmanship of Prof Bhim Singh, chairman of JKNPP. Prof Singh termed Narshimha Rao as greatest Indian leader. He said that it was Mr Rao who had revived political process in the State of Jammu and Kashmir after several years and saved the Indian flag and the constitution in the State.

Pak perpetrator of human rights violations: DyCM

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 23: The Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma today vociferously accused Pakistan of hoodwinking the world opinion against India by wrongly projecting the patriotic deeds of the security forces in containing cross border terrorism and militancy in Jammu and Kashmir.

‘It is indeed very amazing that a country whose own record of the protection and upholding of human rights is dismal, dares to point finger at India of the alleged atrocities and violence being perpetrated on Kashmiri militants’, the Deputy Chief Minister asserted, adding that Pakistan can in no way justify this when the human rights of even the majority community are trampled with, what to talk of the plight of the ethnic minorities residing there.

Substituting his claims with the glaring harassment and victimization of political dissidents by unlawful detention, implication under false charges and through other coercive methods, Mr Sharma exemplified the same by the treatment meted-out to the husband of former President Benazir Bhutto. ‘A country where the human rights are crushed blatantly under a military dictatorship has no business pointing fingers at others. There is no democracy in Pakistan and the regime has no right to talk about human rights violations in India’, he said after releasing a document on Human Rights Violations in Pakistan- A Peep prepared by International Human Rights Protection Council, here this morning.

Sharma observed that a country where even the judiciary and Supreme Court judges have to abide by the dictates of a Army Chief, who has coupe the political power has no ethical and moral right to talk about the human rights. As against this, India has the brightest record of upholding the human rights and punishing the violators of these. The agencies in India have free access of probe, people enjoying to the maximum civil liberties with rule of law prevalent. Independence of judiciary too is guaranteed in letter and spirit. What to talk of rights of a common man? when the Indian Election Commission can even restraint a Union Minister on the slightest pretext, he said and referred to the Election Commission's order to the Union Railway Minister and RJD Chief Laloo Prasad Yadav recently and brought him under the rule of law by registering an FIR against him.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that most of the allegations made against the security forces in Kashmir are unauthenticated and propagandist levied with a motive to tarnish and vitiate the image of Indian forces. He said it is quite ironical that when a terrorist dies, there is condemnation from all quarters and shades of people who express their grief and sorrow but in contrast when a security personnel or innocent dies the similar feelings are not aired by the people. On what grounds can Pakistan raise the issue of human rights when innocent people are butchered by the indoctrinated class?, asked the Deputy Chief Minister and described such act as crossing the barriers of sedition and ‘behavioural malady’.

Earlier, President International Human rights Protection Council A.N. Bhardwaj in his welcome address said that the publications aims to present the clear picture of gross violations of human rights in Pakistan in name of religion, region, ethnicity, etc. He said that most the data is based on the report of the Pakistan National Human Rights Commission.

The document also takes a dig on the Jihadi terrorism and deplored Pakistan’s nefarious designs of thrusting proxy war in Jammu and Kashmir that has resulted in bloodshed, deaths, destruction, heinous crimes and migration of lakhs of people. The systematic indoctrination of Muslim fundamentalism ideology has also resulted in creating communal unrest and instability, the document proposes.

Chapters on identity crisis of Ahmadias, who are branded as ‘non-muslims’ and prohibited from practicing their faith freely reflects the shocking plight of these people. Similarly, on status of women and enacting of Sheria bill that created apprehensions with harmful effects on women and minority rights too describe the pitiable conditions under which these classes are reeling. ‘Pakistan’s Hudood laws themselves leave the gates open to honour killings of women and depriving them equality with men’, the report divulges.

DPTF’s plea to CM; migrant teachers meet Lone

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 23: Displaced Promotee Teachers Forum (DPTF) in an appeal to Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed have sought his personnel intervention in redressal of their grievances.

The Forum in a handout today alleged that despite the assurances given by the Chief Minister previously they have been deprived of the promotion benefits.

It said the case is lying in General Administration Department along with the recommendations of Director School Education Jammu, Director School Education Kashmir and Secretary to the Education Department.

It said the file is gathering dust while the maximum number of these teachers have already attained the retirement age, some have died and others are at the verge of retirement.

It said thought the posts of Master grades are available in camp schools and adult education, no initiative is being taken by the Government to adjust these teachers.

Meanwhile, a deputation of Migrant Teachers Association led by A K Sadhoo called on Minister of State for Education Dr G N Lone and submitted a memorandum on the problems being faced by the displaced teachers to him.

It demanded promotion benefits to the migrant promotee teachers who could not join their place of posting in Valley. The other issues discussed with the Minister include denial of master grades, promotion to teachers upto March 1988, dropage of selection grade, regular B.Ed courses, refreshing courses, improvement of infrastructure in camp schools and HRA and CCA.

The Minister issued the on-spot orders for the posting of full time CAO in Migrant Cell.

3-day workshop on project snow leopard begins

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Dec 23 : Urging the need of conservation of wildlife, endangered species and their habitats, Minister for forest and environment Mr. Gulam Mohi- ud- Din Sofi today called for preservation of biological diversity of the state on scientific lines.

Addressing at the inaugural function of 3-days workshop of state level consultation on "Project Snow Leopard" organised by the department of wild life protection Jammu and Kashmir in collaboration with International Snow Leopard Trust- USA and Nature Conservation Foundation- India at Nature Interpretation Centre Manda Jammu. Mr. Sofi said that it is the need of the hour to formulate such type of projects for preservation of various wild life endangered species as these are the part and parcel of our cultural heritage. He said before formulating the projects we have to take holistic view of various aspects that become beneficial for successful launching of these projects.

The Minister stressed upon the participants to present their expertise views and suggestions for the proposed Snow Leopard Project. He said that the concept behind the project is to need to develop policy document and action plan that will promote wild life conservation while safeguarding the needs, interests and long term well being of local human communities in the Indian high altitudes .He said by launching the proposed ambitious project would serve multiple purposes includes preservation of ecological balance ,cultural strategic and economic importance of the state.

Lauding the work done by experts of J&K Wild life, Mr Sofi hope that experts from International Snow Leopard Trust would come with a concrete proposals for implementation of the project. He said the workshop will discuss and proposes measures to tackle the issue of preservation of wild life in particular Snow Leopard Conservation Project and their recommendations would address all the issues concerning its protection in the J&K region by involving interest groups such as university department along with government representatives, NGO’s and others who may have interests in the natural conservation. He assured the audience that government would not hesitate to extend all material help for further wild life conservation in the state.

Mr. Sofi invited International Snow Leopard Trust -USA to organize a National snow leopard Conference at Leh next year before it is finalized and submitted for international funding.

Speaking on the occasion, Principal Secretary Forest, Environment and Wild Life Ms.

Sonali Kumar stressed upon the stakeholders who are invited for consultation, for sharp focussing of aims and its objectives on the proposed project so that it would be launched successfully in the state.

She said by launching the project would serve multiple purposes to conserve the ecological diversity of the state.

Dr. C. M. Seth in his welcome address said that aims and objective of this workshop to discuss how to safeguard States unique natural heritage of high altitude of Wildlife population and their habitats by promoting conservation through participatory policies and action.

JU newsletter launched

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 23: The Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu, today launched ‘Youth Spectrum’, a newsletter cum magazine of the Department.

Maiden issue of the magazine was released by Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo, during an impressive function on the campus.

The colourful glossy magazine of 26 pages carries news concerning youth activities and photographs of important events of the University as well as that of Department of Students Welfare.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Amitabh Mattoo lauded the efforts of Department of Students Welfare for launching the magazine. He also exhorted students to contribute articles and write-ups for the magazines.

Dean Students Welfare Prof devinder Singh listed the aims and objectives of launching the magazine.

Director External Relation and Associate Dean, Dr Pritam Singh presented welcome address while Assistant Dean Dr Shohab Inayat Malik conducted proceedings of the programme.

Cultural Officer Vijay Atri, who is also Editor of the ‘Youth Spectrum’, presented vote of thanks.

The function was attended by faculty members, students, scholars and others, including Prof Lokesh Verma, Prof I A Hamal, Prof V K Anand, Dr Jasbir Singh, Dr Suman Jamwal, Anupama Vohra and Vikrant Sharma (Secretary of Students Cultural Council).

Bhalla lays foundation stone of water supply scheme

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu Dec:23, Minister of state for Transport, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Raman Bhalla today laid the foundation stone of Rs. 1.53 crore water supply Scheme at Raipur Satwari. Work on chandmari road for its black toping and replacement of power distribution lines of the area was also started in presence of the Minister.

The water Supply Scheme envisages construction of 2 Lakh gallon capacity head over tank besides digging of a tube well expected to release 25000 gallon water in one hour. The scheme that would provide safe drinking water to about 7800 population of Rapur satwari, Kot Satwari has a scope of meeting the requirement of 12000 population and is scheduled to be completed in 5 months. The digging of the Tube Well was started after pooja wherein locals and engineers of ground water and PHE accompanied the minister.

Later addressing the gathering, Mr Bahlla reiterated his resolve to reach out to every corner of his constituency to fulfill the promises he made with the voters at the time of elections. He said he is personally monitoring the development of every part of his constituency and added that today he can claim that almost all major demands of these areas have been fulfilled which include construction and renovation of access roads, lanes and drains, Parks and Gardens , provision for drinking water and repair and modernization of power distribution , besides upgradation and opening of new schools.

Listing the achievements registered during last two years of the coalition Government, he said it began with working towards peace laying emphasis on enforcing accountability in administration and equal treatment to all regions and social classes. The main objective was to restore the confidence of the people in representative government , he said, adding that the reason for the debacle of the NC was its apathetic attitude towards the people who elected them to power. Thrust was paid to provide basic amenities, education facilities and to improve the living conditions in rural and underdeveloped areas. He said in Raipur only three schools including High school Bhor Camp, Middle school Raipur and Primary school Brazille were upgraded to the next level. Directorate offices of Social welfare and Horticulture were established both at Jammu and Kashmir to facilitate the people.

Referring to the PM’s package, the minister said that special attention has been given to ensure equal share for all the regions of the state.

Number of local persons also spoke on the occasion and appreciated Mr Bhalla for personally monitoring the developmental works in the areas. They hailed the Minister for reaching out to people for solving their problem.

Earlier, the Minister inspected ongoing works on lanes and drains in Gandhinagar areas. Various new works were started in his presence, which were highly appreciated by the locals.

Army hands over passenger shed to Darhal people

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 23: The army in its yet another goodwill gesture at Darhal handed over Iqbal Memorial Passenger Shed to the people of the area.

The shed constructed in the memory of 1971 war veteran conferred with Vir Chakra Naik Mohammed Iqbal of JAK LI Regiment, will meet a long standing requirement of the locals. It was only appropriate that the person who inaugurated the shed was Mrs Sardar Begum, the widow of late Naik Mohd Iqbal. The ceremony was presided over by the Commander of the Century Brigade.

The day also saw a massive ex-servicemen rally organised by the Army unit located at Darhal. The area has a proud tradition of sending a large number of its young men to the armed forces and the rally was attended by over 250 ex-servicemen from Darhal region.

On the occasion ex-soldiers were educated about "Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme", which required the ex-servicemen proceeding on pension to deposit a fixed sum of money and ensure complete medical cover for them and their families.

The veterans were quite enthusiastic about the scheme. They were also provided CSD and medical facilities on the occasion. The grievances of ex-servicemen were dutifully noted down by the Army for being taken up with the concerned civil authorities on priority.

PHE employees hold rally at Reasi

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Dec 23: A rally of PHE Employees Association, Udhampur was held at Reasi under the chairmanship of Som Nath, district president of Association to discuss hardships being faced by employees of the far flung areas including Arnas, Salal, Gool, Pouni, Bharakh, Bhaga, Agaratoo, Kundrorian and other areas.

The demands highlighted included salary of regular staff newly converted in regular establishment for the past three months, payment of dues of consolidated workers, which has not been drawn from the past 15 to 25 months, timely payment of staff of Gool area, benefit of two and a half days extra salary to PHE staff being the essential service, regularisation of all consolidated workers on regular establishment and abolition of post of helper under SRO 43 etc.

Mr Som Nath while addressing appealed the authorities especially Minister Incharge to intervene in the matter for redressal of grievances.

A committee of PHE employees adhoc of Reasi was formulated with Makhan Singh as chairman. Other members of the committee included Ashok Kumar, Sugreev Singh, Munshi Ram, Veer Singh, Abdul Karim and Kartar Chand.

Other employee leaders of PHE Department who spoke on the occasion included Shiv Lal Pathania, Jagdish Magotra, Vijay Kumar, Karnail Singh and Mohinder Kumar.

Shobha Yatra taken out in connection with Geeta Jyanti

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 23: An impressive Shobha Yatra was taken out in the city in connection with the Shrimadh Bhagwat Geeta Jyanti. The Shobha Yatra started from Bapu Asa Ramji Ashram, Bhagwati Nagar and passed through Canal Road, Jewel Chowk, Vinayak Bazar and Dogra Chowk.

Religious fervour gripped the areas from where the Yatra was passed. Thousands of devotees participated in the colourful Shobha Yatra. Devotees braving severe cold were seen chanting Bhajans and shouting slogans.

Bapu Asa Ramji Ashram has decided to organise various programmes in connection with the Geeta Jyanti. Devotees were informed about importance of learning Shrimadh Bhagwat Geeta. Large number of students also participated in the Shobha Yatra.

PIL against authorities for not allowing
Geelani to perform Haj

SRINAGAR, Dec 23: The Kashmir High Court Bar Association has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the High Court against authorities’ refusal to allow about 50 Kashmiris, including its president and chairman of the breakaway Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Shah Geelani, from performing Haj.

The PIL filed by the HCBA through its lawyer Aijaz Bedar has prayed that either these people be allowed to go for the pilgrimage or the Government give compensation of Rs 5 lakh to each person.

In the PIL, Mr Bedar said the state Haj Committee (SHC) had invited applications for Haj and the applicants had deposited money and fulfilled all requirements.

The SHC, the PIL said, made the flight schedule and list of passengers available on the internet after getting approval from the Central Haj Committee.

"That made it certain that all the pilgrims including Mian Abdul Qayoom, president Bar Association and his family, and another lawyer Mufti Meraj-ud-Din will be allowed to perform Haj," the PIL said.

When the lawyers, who were scheduled to leave on December 13, went to the office of the convenor of the committee to collect their travel documents they were told that they were denied permission, the PIL said.

The PIL said nearly 50 people were not allowed to perform Haj, violating their fundamental rights.

The PIL described the Government’s move as interference into religious duties of citizens and violation of Article 25 of the Constitution.

The PIL said Mian Qayoom and others were not cleared by the local CID, which otherwise has no role to play in permitting a Muslim from performing Haj. "It is unfortunate that in Jammu and Kashmir, the Government has left everything to CID and other intelligence agencies," the PIL added.

"The clearance sought from the CID and other intelligence agencies for allowing people to go for Haj is clearly in conflict with the concept of freedom of religion enshrined in Article 25 of the Constitution," the PIL said. (UNI)

Saini Sabha honours Bishnah MLA

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 23: All Jammu and Kashmir Saini Sabha today celebrated birth anniversary of Maharaj Suraj Saini Ji in a function held at Arnia in Bishnah tehsil.

Ashwani Sharma, MLA Bishnah, was chief guest on the occasion.

The Saini Sabha honoured Mr Sharma by presenting him a memento and a shawl. Students presented a cultural programme on the occasion.

Mr Sharma announced release of funds for construction of a room, bathroom, kitchen and stairs at Saini Sabha complex at Arnia out of his Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

The Bishnah MLA called upon the biradri members and other people to keep special stress on education of their children.

Prominent among those present on the occasion were Sodagar Singh Saini, president All J&K Saini Sabha, Manjit Singh Saini, vice president, K C Saini, general secretary, Dr O P Saini, Daya Ram Saini, Pritam Singh Saini, Chetan Singh Saini, Krishan Chand Saini, Yash Pal Saini, Vijay Saini, Gurbachan Singh Saini and Atma Ram Saini.

2 bodies recovered

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 23: Two bodies were recovered from different areas while as an accident victim succumbed to injuries.

Police spokesman said that body of a constable of Auxiliary Police Karan Singh, son of Punjab Singh of New Colony Garhi was recovered from Amwada.

Similarly, body of Surinder Kumar, son of Bal Krishan of Hospital Road Udhampur was recovered from the area. Both the bodies were shifted to hospital for post-mortem.

Police has initiated proceedings under Section 174 CrPC.

Meanwhile, one Shami Kapoor, who sustained injuries in road accident near Peer Baba Satwari on December 22, succumbed to his injuries today at Government Medical College Hospital.

Three persons—Nand Lal, son of Bal Krishan of Preet Nagar, Tarsem Singh, son of Puran Singh and Mukhtiyar, son of Devi Dass of Gadley sustained injuries in road accidents at Bikram Chowk and Gajansoo areas.

All have been hospitalised and their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in.

Science exhibition concludes at GGHS Bakshi Nagar

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Dec 23 :Minister of State for Education, Dr. G. N. Lone has said that the revolutionary measures have been introduced by the present Government to reform and revamp education sector right from primary to college level. He however said that the responsibility lies with the teacher community to observe and implement the same and ensure quality education and personality development of the students.

The minister was speaking at the valedictory function of science exhibition organized by DIET today at Government Girls Higher Secondary School Bakshi Nagar. He called upon the students to make whole hearted efforts in pursuit of education and take part in various competitions. He said that present time is age of completion of science and technology and students should have a systematic approach in achieving excellence.

The Minister appreciated the Principal DIET and teachers for their efforts to make the exhibition a success and exhorted the teachers community to inculcate sense of scientific temper in the students to meet the future challenges in the fast changing world of science and technology. Dr. Lone stressed upon the teachers to impart quality and moral education to the students.

Listing the achievements the minister said that new education policy is being drafted in consultation with the experts to take holistic view of the whole educational system and to take care of infrastructure deficiencies the education sector would be given highest priority in the next year. He said that quality education is the fundamental requirement for which quality infrastructure is needed. He added for this very purpose more funds would be earmarked for the educational sector during the next year.

Day light theft in Channi Himmat

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 23: In a day light theft in the house of a Traffic Police official, the thieves decamped with cash, gold and other items in Channi Himmat area this evening.

Reports said the unidentified thieves sneaked into the house of Traffic Police Sub Inspector Yashpal Singh riding on a Maruti Zen car. They broke doors and decamped with 18 tolas of gold, Rs 18,000 cash and one 12 bore gun besides some other items.

The family members were not present in the house when the thieves struck this evening. However, some children playing in a nearby field saw the thieves escaping in a Maruti Zen metallic car.

The family members informed police on return. Police was investigating the case.

Efforts were on to apprehend the thieves, police said, adding a case has been registered at Channi Himmat police station.

4 fake militants held in Banihal

Excelsior Correspondent

RAMBAN Dec 23: Police arrested four impersonators/fake militants from Neel area of Banihal tehsil today. All the four youth under the age group of twenty are involved in extortion and in loot of cash and kind from the village after posing themselves militants, police said here today.

Sources said that it was the dead night of 12-10-2004 when four masked persons impersonating themselves as militants made their way into the house of Abdul Majeed son of Shamas-u-Din Lone in village Neel of Banihal and demanded huge amounts and threatened carnage of the entire family in case of disobeying the demand. The family members of the family of Majeed, a contractor by profession succumbed before the masked men and paid Rs 40,000 to them to save their lives.

On the same night, the masked group entered into the house of Mohammad Din Mir and looted Rs. 10,000 in the same way. Police investigation said that the group also demanded and received Rs. 7000 in identical circumstances from Ghulam Rasool of the same village Neel about 28 kilometers from Banihal. Before leaving the area. The masked fake militants looted cash cigrattes, biscuits and other eatable items from the residence cum shop of the Abdul Majeed Qazi.

On the second day of the incident the villagers and the victims approached police post Ramsoo and reported the matter.

Police registered the complaint and started investigations with the help of victims of village Neel. Both police and villagers gearedup their sources and arrested two suspected youth.

The arrested persons were identified as Shahjehan son of Ghulam Mohammad and Bashir Ahmad son of Assadullah Sheikh, both residents of two separate hemlets of village Neel. During the course of interrogation the duo confessed the crime and narrated whole story of impersonating as militants and extortion to cash and kind from the villagers.

Sources said that the suspects admitted before the police that Sajad Hussain brother of already arrested Bashir and Mohammad Rafiq son of Abdul Rahim Parihar are also with them in the crime. Sources said that Bashir Ahmad during the extortion in the village was introducing himself as area commander of some militant out-fit. They said to evade the indentification by dresses, they used masks and cloths looted from some other villagers.

Banihal and Ramsoo police of police district Ramban are investigating the matter and lodged an FIR No. 212/2004 under section 392, 457 and 419 RPC with police station Banihal.

Documentary on hospital waste management

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 23: The shooting of documentary on Hospital Waste Management was completed today at Government Medical College by a team headed by Ritu Datta from Medical Channel Network Delhi on the directions of Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi.

The team covered various patient care areas of SMGS Hospital and Government Medical College Hospital to show the scientific management of Hospital Waste from the source of generation, collection and transportation to final disposal. The documentary of 30 minutes will cover all the aspects of Hospital Waste Management and will be used for the educational/ training purpose for the hospitals/ health care professionals of the country.

The film will be initially made in English and Hindi and then converted to all the languages for wider circulation.

This prestigious project of making documentary was approved by the Central Pollution Control Board for Government Medical College, Jammu on the basis of the expertise on the subject of Dr. Yashpal Sharma, Medical Superintendent, SMGS Hospital, Jammu who is a member of the expert committee of Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi, on Bio-medical Waste Management for last ten years and has been instrumental in the successful implementation of W.H.O. projects on development of "Segregation Model" of Biomedical Waste at Government Medical College, Jammu and Vivekanand Hospital, Lucknow. His work in the field of Hospital Waste Management has been acknowledged throughout the country.

The documentary, in addition to Jammu will also be shot at Lucknow, Delhi, Ludhaina and Mumbai and will be released by the end of January, 2005.