CM inspects work on 2nd
phase of Gondola project

Excelsior Correspondent

Gulmarg, Dec 25: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today inspected the pace of work on the second phase of the Gondola Project at this famous hill resort and asked the concerned agency to speed up the construction. .....more

Two hideouts of
militants destroyed

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 25: Security forces today destroyed two hideouts of the militants in two separate areas across twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri............more

Hotel Asia organises
programme for children

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 25: Hotel Asia Jammu Tawi organized a gala Christmas Day today in which students of 35 schools participated........more

Hari Niwas organises
Christmas Mania

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 25: Hari Niwas Palace and Royal Retreats and Royal Health SPA organised a grand Christmas Mania which was inaugurated by Ajatshatru Singh...........more

On Christmas, everyone
prayed for peace in Valley

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Dec 25: There was no Santa donning white beard and red clothes but it was a Christmas with a difference at the Holy Family Catholic Church at the famous Moulana Azad Road in Srinagar......more

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Jammu and Kashmir

Tripartite talks imperative
for resolving Kashmir
issue: Yaseen

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 25: Chairman Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Forum and Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen has said that for lasting and amicable solution of Kashmir issue tripartite talks are imperative..............more

Christmas celebrated
with traditional gaiety

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 25: The spirit of Christmas prevailed across Jammu region with devouts celebrating the birth of Jesus Chirst by braving chilly weather.....more

Kashmir transporters to
observe strike on Dec 27

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Dec 25: All Kashmir Province Passenger Service Transporters Unions has supported the strike call of Jammu province transporters and decided to observe the same through out the Kashmir province on December 27. ......more

HC directive in petitions
seeking out of turn
promotions in Police Deptt

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 25: In a significant judgment, in batch of petitions filed by the police officials serving in Jammu and Kashmir in various capacities, have projected a common cause for seeking out of turn promotions........more

CM inspects work on 2nd phase of Gondola project

Excelsior Correspondent

Gulmarg, Dec 25: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today inspected the pace of work on the second phase of the Gondola Project at this famous hill resort and asked the concerned agency to speed up the construction.

Minister for Tourism and Urban Development, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir accompanied him.

Chief Executive Officer, Gulmarg Development Authority, Farooq Ahmad briefed the Chief Minister about the ongoing work. He was informed that the project is near completion and would be commercially operated anytime after January 2005. Despite inclement weather the construction of the project is going on.

On completion, the second phase would add 2.65 kms to the length of the Gulmarg Gondola taking it up to Afarwat at 13500 ft. At this altitude it would be the highest Gondola in the world and Asia’s longest ropeway with a total length of 5 kms. Currently, the length of the ropeway is 2.35 kms and it terminates at Kongdoori at a height of 10050 ft.

The Chief Minister also visited the restaurant and waiting hall at the Kongdori constructed by the Gulmarg Cable Car Corporation. The restaurant adds up to the existing infrastructure facilities available for tourists.

Mufti Sayeed met with a number of tourists who were enjoying the snow and Gondola ride. He asked from them about the facilities available and their experiences of visiting the valley particularly during the winter. The tourists told the Chief Minister that they were mesmerized by the beauty of Gulmarg and enjoyed their stay in the bewitching environs of the Meadow of Flowers in a thick white blanket. The tourists said they would love to visit Kashmir again and again and would persuade their friends and acquaintances back home to plan their next holiday in Kashmir.

Two hideouts of militants destroyed

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 25: Security forces today destroyed two hideouts of the militants in two separate areas across twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri.

Reports said the troops during a search operation destroyed a hideout of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militants at village Bani Top in Keri sector in Rajouri district. Recoveries made from the hideout include one Chinese pistol with 12 rounds, three Chinese grenades, four Pakistan made grenades, three anti-tank grenades, one Chinese land mine and 10 detonators.

Another hideout of the militants was destroyed at Chabrian in Sabjian sector of Poonch district by a police patrol party. Two hand grenades, eight AK rounds, two pistol rounds, four pencil cells and some medicines were recovered from the hideouts.

No arrests were made from both the hideouts.

Hotel Asia organises programme for children

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 25: Hotel Asia Jammu Tawi organized a gala Christmas Day today in which students of 35 schools participated.

The day started with painting competition in two categories viz junior category from 6 to 10 years and senior category from 11 to 14 years participated. The organizers were expecting 350 students but over 500 students drawn from different schools participated.

The first, second and third prizes in junior category went to Damini Wali of Shangrila HSS, Baljeet Singh of SD Tarapuri, and Menakshi Rajput of Army School Domana respectively and in senior category Arushi Kartik of Presentation Convent, Himani Baru of PC and Saranyua of Army School Kaluchak bagged first, second and third prizes. Several consolation prizes were also given in each category.

After the painting competition, Christmas Carnival started with a group dance competition. A number of fun stalls were installed to attract the children which included lucky dip, bowling, hoopla, spin and wheel etc. Above all a magic show was there to excite the children.

In the junior dance competition Rich Harvest School wing of Dogra Higher Secondary School bagged Ist prize, while Tiny scholars bagged second prize and Primary School Domana got third prize. Army School Domana, Model Academy and Rose Public school bagged first, second and third positions respectively.

In junior individual dance competition Vasuda Gupta of SOS Gole Gujral bagged the first prize where as Gurvinder from Army School Kaluchak got the prize in senior category.

Each participant was provided with a gift from PEPSI.

Hari Niwas organises Christmas Mania

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 25: Hari Niwas Palace and Royal Retreats and Royal Health SPA organised a grand Christmas Mania which was inaugurated by Ajatshatru Singh.

Mr Singh in his inaugural speech wished all a merry Christmas and a happy new year and hoped that the new year would bring peace and prosperity in the State and the State would usher into a new era of development and progress.

The major sponsor of the event was Pepsi. There was over overwhelming response from all sections of the society specially the young crowd by the older generation.

The Mela was well appreciated by all. It was all possible due to support from Delhi Public School, Army School, Domana, Vidyapeeth Nagbani, Saint Peter, Presentation Convent, JK Public School, K C International, Alexander Memorial, Blooming Buds etc.

The major attractions of the vent were quiz show, dance competition, fancy dress, best dress competition, healthy baby show followed by surprise gifts, Tambola and food for all.

On Christmas, everyone prayed for peace in Valley

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Dec 25: There was no Santa donning white beard and red clothes but it was a Christmas with a difference at the Holy Family Catholic Church at the famous Moulana Azad Road in Srinagar. Although there was no snow to bring cheer to the people who had come to participate in the mass prayer, but the sunny sunshine in the Valley was enough to generate interest among the attendants both Muslims and Christians who prayed for the return of peace in the Valley.

"I have received many letters which asked me to pray for peace in the region on the Christmas Eve. In our holy mass today every one prayed for peace and tranquility in Kashmir," said Father Johnson, Chief Priest at Holy Family Catholic Church said. "Hundreds of people, irrespective of faith and gender poured in and joined the prayer meeting at the church," he added.

The scene at the holy Catholic Church today was that of a celebration. Not only did the members of the Christian community participate in the mass prayers, but many young Muslim faces too were part of the crowd.

" I am here to pray for peace," said Saira, a resident of Srinagar. She was among the first visitors who came to the church today. " I come here quite often because I wish to know about other religions," she added.

Idris Ahmed, a student and resident of Batwara area of Srinagar too was among the first visitors to the church. "Every religion preaches peace. I came here and was glad to know that Christians like Muslims too are a tolerant people," added Idris." By coming to this place I also wanted to tell my Christian brothers that we care for them because despite the fact that the valley is witnessing a turbulent phase they stayed back and faced the situation with us," added Idris.

Idris friend Altaf, an undergraduate student who had come to attend the mass prayer for the first time did not wish to be left behind."On this Christmas I wish to convey a message," he said. "We have come here to join the peace prayers and celebrate the Christmas with our Christian brethren. We joined the celebrations because we want to convey to the world that despite violence becoming part of our lives, Kashmiris are very tolerant people," he remarked.

Apart from the locals some foreigners too came to attend the prayers at the Catholic Church. "Peace is the greatest gift of God and that is why I came here and prayed for peace in Kashmir," said Gary Smith, a businessman from England, who has come to Kashmir for the first time. Gary was happy to be part of the prayer that asked for restoration of peace in Kashmir.

Tripartite talks imperative for resolving
Kashmir issue: Yaseen

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 25: Chairman Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Forum and Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen has said that for lasting and amicable solution of Kashmir issue tripartite talks are imperative.

Addressing public meetings at Darigam and Parnewa in Budgam district after inaugurating newly upgraded High and High Secondary Schools, Yaseen reiterated the stand of PDF that Kashmiris must be involved in the ongoing Indo-Pak peace talks being a party to the issue. He said that PDF advocates for a time frame solution of the long pending problem and added that there is a need to defreeze the tour programmes between the two neighbouring countries.

Yaseen said that people to people contact may be facilitated as soon as possible and efforts be intensified to open the Srinagar-Muzafarabad road and other similar roads in this regard.

Yaseen also said that confrontations have got pacified and reconciliations have surfaced due to the sincere efforts of the two neighbouring countries by peace initiates. He hoped that the culmination of the peace talks would create a friendly and peaceful relationship between India and Pakistan and also in the sub-continent.

Yaseen eulogizing the measures taken by present Government said that a lot has been done by it to bring back the economy on the rails and upliftment of the common masses but a lot needs to be done, he maintained.

Yaseen maintained that rebuilding and creation of the infrastructure and focusing attention on the core sectors of the economy, like agriculture, health, education and communication has been the top agenda of the Mufti lead Government. He said that the present Government has upgraded hundreds of schools and health institutions besides, setting up of large number of new ones.

He said that road connectivity has also been accorded top priority.

Appealing the people to support the policies and programmes of the present Government Yaseen said that without it these could not be effective and result oriented.

Christmas celebrated with traditional gaiety

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 25: The spirit of Christmas prevailed across Jammu region with devouts celebrating the birth of Jesus Chirst by braving chilly weather.

The festivities started last night as large number of Christian men, women and children — dressed in their best suits and silks, converged at various Churches across the State and attended the mid-night mass—the highpoint of the occasion commemorating the birth of Jesus.

All the churches and homes were decorated with bright stars, Christmas trees and cribs. Stars had begun to shine on roof-tops of predominantly Christian areas a fortnight back heralding the season of the advent.

The devotees started gathering at decorated churches since early in the morning and offered prayers. Speakers at the prayer meetings exhorted the people to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ who showed the path of love, compassion, tolerance and peace.

Exchange of greetings, family get-togethers, visits to relatives and friends, community feats and signing of hymns and carols marked the day in the State.

Jammu and Kashmir Christian Association organised Christmas celebration at Mother Teressa Ashram Jammu. National Conference MLA Mubarak Gul was the chief guest on the occasion while Waris Gill, president of the Association presided over the function.

The programme started with a prayer of the father and the sisters of missionaries. Mr Waris Gill gave Christmas message and said that the news of Jesus Christ’s birth was first given to the shephards so likewise the destitutes, orphans and others in the Ashram can enjoy the good news of the Christmas and God’s concern for the poor.

Christmas was celebrated with traditional gaiety by Jammu Nari Manch. Members of the Manch belonging to Hindu and Sikh communities greeted womenfolk of Christan community, who were specially invited to the function.

President of the Manch Aruna Bakhri distributed sweets amongst Christan women and children. She also gave distributed clothes to the children belonging to the families of Safai Karamcharis.

Yash Bhasin, chief patron of the Manch was the chief guest on the occasion and he, in his address, laid stress on communal brotherhood and need for celebrating the religious and social functions of all communities together.

All Jammu and Kashmir Scheduled Caste Youth Welfare Forum also celebrated Christmas. Chairman of the Forum Charan Dass stressed on the need to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Kashmir transporters to observe strike on Dec 27

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Dec 25: All Kashmir Province Passenger Service Transporters Unions has supported the strike call of Jammu province transporters and decided to observe the same through out the Kashmir province on December 27.

A handout issued by the Kashmir Province Passenger Service Transporters Union said that the strike has been necessitated as a result of anti-transporters policy of the State Government, which till date has not conceded the demand of the transporters to increase passenger fare in the wake of hike in prices of petroleum products.

The transporters have been demanding a hike of 20 percent in passenger fare since the increase in the prices of diesel and petrol but the Government has turned a blind eye towards the most genuine demand of transport industry.

They said the transporters community have been suffering recurring losses but the Government despite promises did nothing to mitigate their problems. they said it was only due to the cold shoulder policy of the Government that the transporters have been compelled to go on strike, the responsibility of the consequences of which would squarely lie on the Government.

Regretting inconvenience to be caused to the general public on account of the strike on December 27 the Union office bearers hoped that the people would back and support their call.

HC directive in petitions seeking out of turn
promotions in Police Deptt

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 25: In a significant judgment, in batch of petitions filed by the police officials serving in Jammu and Kashmir in various capacities, have projected a common cause for seeking out of turn promotions in the police department on the basis of their exceptional role in combating militancy and acts of bravery, Justice Permod Kohli while deciding all the 12 writ petitions, directed the respondent State and others that the claims of the petitioners be examined and appropriate orders passed.

In the 27 page approved for reporting judgment, Justice Kohli, after hearing Advocates D C Raina, Rahul Pant, S K Shukla, Surinder Kour, M S Qureshi, Ajay Abrol, Ruchi Bakhri, Sunil Sharma, appearing for the petitioners and Additional Advocate General B S Slathia appearing for J&K State, observed that keeping in view the detailed facts placed on the record in some of the petitions, it cannot be ignored that the respondents have either not complied the policy or nor applied the same in a proper uniform manner and there has been arbitariness in making out of turn promotions and also rejecting the claims of some of the petitioners, who are apparently similarly situated.

Keeping in view these circumstances, the Court, deemed it appropriate to dispose of these petitions and issued directions to the State Police Department.

The directions included that the cases where there has been no recommendation for out of turn promotions by any competent authority, as per the norms/policy prescribed, such cases may not need any consideration.

The cases there has been recommendations of the office of the rank of the Superintendent of Police and above, the petitioners have participated actively and effectively in anti-militancy operations, such of the cases whether earlier rejected or pending for consideration shall be objectively examined by the selection committee constituted for the purpose.

The committee shall consider all cases in the light of similar cases where the out of turn promotions have been granted earlier and make speaking and reasoned recommendations. The competent authority shall examine the recommendations of the committee and pass appropriate orders in respect to each of the petitioners, depending upon the recommendation of the committee.

Justice Kohli, while disposing all the 12 writ petitions took serious note of some of out of turn promotions and observed that in some of the petitions out of turn promotions granted to some of the private respondents have been challenged, it may not be appropriate to disturb these promotions at this stage, if the same are contrary to the prescribed norms.

It has been not disclosed whether these cases were duly examined by the committee approved by the Minister of the Home Department and the Chief Minister. The Court, however, without disturbing those cases, claims of the petitioners shall be examined by the respondent authority and appropriate orders passed within a period of six months, the Court observed.

Justice Kohli while allowing the petitions further observed that out of turn promotions in the Police Department is provided under rule 400 of the police manual only.

From the facts as pleaded in different writ petitions, it becomes apparent that out of turn promotions granted so far are not covered by the rule 400, but on some other considerations. The claims of the petitioners have to be examined not only in view of the rule 400 but on other norms and criteria, if any, laid down by the Government after considering all the cases. The High Court issued directions to the State Government and others to examine the cases of the petitioners and appropriate orders passed.

Samooh Theatre organises workshop

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 25: Samooh Theatre organised a theatre-in-education workshop for children in Spring Dales School at Krishna Nagar here on Friday.

More than forty students of the school participated in this workshop. The children during camp were imparted a basic concept and training about the visual and performing arts. The training was imparted by the prominent experts of the field.

The aim of the workshop was to aware the students of their great Indian cultural heritage as well as inculcate higher values in view of the diversity of languages, religion, cast, creed and colour. During the workshop, the children were provided a platform to express their inner through different improvisations and theatre games in view of the sound and healthy development of their personality.

A play namely, ‘ Aunglimal’ based on the theme of ‘ non-violence’ was also prepared in the workshop. The play depicts that no weapon is stronger that tolerance and non-violence to which the human being is examined in view of the real culture and civilization.

Lord Budha, who is the central character of the play tells the demons ( evil spirit) that killing human being do not depict the real power but to control and win the bad emotions and serve the mankind. At the end, the evil spirit becomes the follower of Lord Budha and the play purified the unhealthy emotions that is catharsis of the participants and witness to the participants. The workshop was organised under the supervision of Dr Sudhir Mahajan. Seema Bhatti and Shishu assisted Mr Gupta.

Sufiana recital by Wadali Brothers held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 25: A recital by Wadali Brothers marked with the spiritual flavour of Punjabi Sufiana music was held at the Dasehra Ground, Gandhi Nagar, yesterday.

Organised by private groups Om Productions and T.L. Shehnai, the programme saw Puran Chand Wadali and Piyare Chand Wadali mesmerizing the audience with Sufiana kalam of Bhulle Shah.

Having the distinction of being the practioner of traditional form of Sufiana music that also symbolises the composite heritage of the country, Wadali brothers are true inheritors of the great style. Infact such is their commitment to Sufiana music that while singing popular folk forms like Jugani etc, which are generally characterised by popular lyrics, that the Wadali Brothers only recite Sufiana poetry.

Being the maiden venture of newly formed Om Productions, the music concert was a welcome private initiative to bring to public of the city of temples the traditional music forms.

The chief guest of the music concert was Mr. Mubarak Gul, while Ram Pal, MLC, was the guest of honour.

J&K signs MoU with UNDP for implementing
UEVR programme

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 25: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir have signed MoUs with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) country office for implementation of the Urban Earthquake Vulnerability Reduction (UEVR) programme in the cities of Jammu and Srinagar respectively. This programme is a part of the Government of India -UNDP, Disaster Risk Management (DRM) programme, and is a national initiative taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs with UNDP support to reduce the vulnerabilities of communities in 169 most hazardous prone districts in 17 states of India.

This was disclosed by Verghese Samuel, Financial Commissioner Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation who is also the chairman of the State Disaster Management Committee.

The UEVR programme envisages the capacity building of communities, Urban local bodies and the administration in mitigation, preparedness and response in 38 cities of the country having population above half a million and falling under seismic zone II, IV and V. The cities of Jammu and Srinagar, which are being covered under the programme, fall in the risk zones IV and V respectively. The programme would demonstrate a suitable model for mainstreaming of earthquake risk management initiatives at all levels so as to help reduce seismic risk in the most earthquake prone urban areas in India. The experience gained from these initiatives will feed into the national capacity building programme of the Government of India and help mainstream training programmes of the Government.

The Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir and Divisional Commissioner, Jammu who have been appointed as the Nodal Agencies for the implementation of the Urban Earthquake Vulnerability Reduction (UEVR) programme for Srinagar and Jammu cities respectively have signed the MOU’s with the UNDP for the implementation of the UEVR. Divisional Commissioner will implement the programme activities in each city in consultation with concerned urban local bodies and with the UNDP providing technical support and funds to carry out the activities as per the approved work plan. An amount of US$ 16833 for Jammu city and US$ 22000 for Srinagar city will be provided by UNDP.

The programme is expected to be completed by December 2006 by which date the following objectives would have been obtained.

The creation of awareness among Government functionaries, technical institutions, NGO’s and communities about earthquake vulnerability mitigation measures.

The institutionalizing of earthquake preparedness and response plans and their practice these through mock drills.

The development of a regulatory framework for promoting safe construction and system to ensure compliance.

Capacity building for certification by Government functionaries and professionals (engineers and architects).

The networking of knowledge on best practices and tools for effective earthquake risk management, including creation of information systems containing inventory of resources for emergency operations.

The implementation of the programme will further augment the efforts of the State Government to institutionalize mechanisms for effective disaster management Jammu and Kashmir.

Shashi Thakur takes command of Women Cell

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 25: Inspector Shashi Thakur, a young woman police officer today took over as SHO Women Cell, police station from Inspector Kiran Bala, who was recently suspended in connection with electronic media persons entry inside the Women Cell to take interview of former Miss Jammu Anara Gupta.

Mrs Thakur has taken over charge of the Women Cell for second time. He was first SHO of the Women Cell when it was established along Canal Road to deal with problems of the women. Presently, Women Cell police station is managed by the women only.

She had also served as SHO of Janipura and Bus Stand police stations besides holding several other important assignments in Police and CID.

Meanwhile, shopkeepers and Travel Agencies Association General Bus Stand Jammu accorded warm farewell to Inspector Shashi Thakur on her transfer from Bus Stand Police Station to Women Cell, Canal Road.

Speaking on the occasion, Chander Mohan Sharma, on behalf of shopkeepers and travel agencies, said that Shashi Thakur performed her duties with sincerity and honesty and always cooperated with the shopkeepers, travel agencies and other people of the area. He described her as efficient, dedicated and able officer and wished her success in all her endeavors.

The Association also welcomed new SHO Paramjeet Singh and assured him of full cooperation. A memento was also presented to Inspector Shashi Thakur.

Prominent among others who were present on the occasion included Jugal Sharma, Ravi Sharma, Randhir Thakur, Bhasin, Kuldeep Raj, Kuldeep Singh, Dwarka Nath, Lajpat Rai Saraf, Amarjeet Singh, Janchan Singh, Ashwani Thakur, Suresh Gupta, Raj Khajuria and Surinder Gupta.

Diabetes in young on rise: Dr Jitendra Singh

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 25: In collaboration with Diabetes Care Foundation, Lions Club Jammu Tawi and Lions Club, Miran Sahib Gourav today organised a Diabetes detection cum awareness camp at Pragmatic School, Miran Sahib near here.

Dr Jitendra Singh a renowned Diabetologist and author was the chief guest on the occasion. The function among others was attended by Dr Arun K Gupta, Ashok Chaturvedi president Diabetes Care Foundation, and Jaspaul Singh Chairman Lions Club.

Addressing a gathering of school children, staff members, women and parents of the children, Dr Jitendra Singh said since the prevalence of Diabetes among the young is on rapid increase, there should be focus on prevention of this disorder among youth and children, so that they may lead a normal quality of life and ensure protection of vital organs like heart and kidneys.

He said in the state of J&K, the National Diabetes Research Committee of which he is also the member is in the process of preparing All India directory of young diabetics so that their special needs can be attended to and their parents can also be involved in diabetes control and education policy.

He said even in J&K the incidence of Diabetes among the young has rapidly increased across the all sections of the society and communities and the KP migrants who suffered stress related diabetes due to their mass exodus are now facing the problem of diabetes in the next generation of their children.

The welcome and introductory speech was made by Dr Arun K Gupta while Mr Chaturvedi highlighted the role of his organisation in organising the public lectures to make the people aware about this health disorder.

Jaspaul Singh threw light on the role of Lions Club . The stage was managed by Ravi Dev Sharma. On the occasion diabetic detection tests were conducted by Anil Raina of USV Ltd and among the 100 people who were tested 12 were found diabetic.

The lecture of Dr Jitendra Singh was followed by question answer session. Others present were Rameshwar Singh Manhas, Kulwant Singh, Chandra Shekhar Sharma and Dr Raj Rishi Sharma.

BJP celebrates 80th birthday of Vajpayee

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 25: The 80th birthday of former Prime Minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader was celebrated with great enthusasism and charm by the State unit of the Party at its headquarters here, today.

The function was organised by district BJP and it was chaired by Party state chief Dr Nirmal Singh. A large number of BJP activists participated in the celebrations.

Congratulating Mr Vajpayee and Party workers, Dr Nirmal Singh wished him a long life. He also congratulated the people on the eve of Christmas.

He said Vajpayee is a charismatic leader who proved himself both as the Opposition leader and an able Prime Minister. During the 40 years as the Opposition leader , the BJP played a healthy role in the national politics, he added.

Recalling his role as the Prime Minister, he said India became the nuclear power under his steawardship and enemy was given a crushing defeat in Kargil war. Besides Pakistan was totally isolated on Kashmir issue at international level and the nation marched on the path of progress and development in all spheres of life, he remarked.

He appealed the people to ensure the victory of Party candidates in the coming Municipal Corporation elections. He said the selection of the candidates has been made on the basis of merit.

Addressing the function BJP general secretary and national Executive member Ashok Khajuria wished a happy and healthy life to former Prime Minister.

He lambasted the state Government for growing corruption and price rise. He urged the Party activists to work amidst the people and involve themselves in a massive struggle for redressal of their grievances.

The district BJP chief Kavinder Gupta in his address asked the people to ensure the victory of the party candidates in the Municipal Corporation elections while BJYM state chief, Anil Parihar termed Mr Vajpayee a great revolutionary.

On the occasion a large number of women workers joined the Party under the leadership of Dr Singh.

Among others the function was attended by Mahila Morcha chief, Sulekha Choudhary, BJP vice president Lalit Moza, Ex MLA and general secretary, Bali Bhagat, Shiv Kumar Gupta, Jyoti Parkash Sharma, Subash Jandial, Rajesh Gupta, Kashmira Singh,Sat Sharma, Arun Chhibber, Geeta Thakur, Sat Paul Grover, Yudhvir Sethi, Ved Parkash Bhagat, Virender Singh and Narinder Singh Raina.

Schools celebrate Christmas

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 25: Christmas was celebrated by several schools in Jammu by organising colourful functions, here today.

Shemrock Birds, a branch of Delhi based Shemrock Group of Schools at Channi Himmat, celebrated Christmas with their tiny tots in a very chrismatic way. Little children presented cultural programme with great excellence and zeal. Parents of the children also participated and had lots of fun.

Blooming Dale Public High School, Nanak Nagar, Jammu, organised a function in connection with Christmas day celebrations in the school premises, here today.

ZEO Gandhi Nagar Veena Bhagat was chief guest on the occasion. Students attired as Santa Claus and little angles, presented colourful items. The school Principal presented vote of thanks.

Tiny Tots Public High School, Kunjwani Talab, Jammu, celebrated Christmas day in the school premises, here today. On the occasion, the school children were dressed up as Santa Claus and little angles. They also presented some colourful items.

ZEO Purmandal, Subash Gupta was chief guest on the occasion. Principal of the school Daljeet Singh highlighted importance of the day and presented vote of thanks.

In connection with Christmas celebration, Indira Public High School, Janipura, organised a colourful function in the school premises, here today. Children dressed up as Santa Claus, Prince, Snow White, Cindrella and little angles, presented songs and dance items on the occasion.

Viraat Socio Cultural Society and Summer Fields School, Rehari Colony, celebrated Christmas day by organising a colourful function at the school.

The school children presented several colourful items on the occasion and displayed their talent.

Promissory Play School, Gandhi Nagar, celebrated Christmas with great pomp and show in the school premises.

Variety of cultural programmes were presented by the Kinder Garten students. A fancy dress show was also organised on the occasion in which children posed as Santa Claus, Mother Merry, fairies etc.

The students of Heaven Kingdom School, Janki Vihar, Janipur, celebrated Chistmas in a special way Santa Claus distributed sweets and toys among the students.

Maharaja Agarsen Public School also celebrated Christmas Day amidst jingle bells of Sants

Claus

Seerat Conference organised

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 25: A one day Seerat Conference on the life and teachings of the Prophet Hazrat Mohammad was held at Idgah here today.

People in large number participated in the conference and the scholar and luminaries from various parts of the country, who dwelt at length on various aspects of the life, character and conduct besides the teachings of the Prophet (Saw), included Mufti Mohd, Ayub Khan (Moradabad), Allama Mohd, Hashmi (Moradabad), Qari Razi-Ullah Chatturvedi (Devina), Moulana Dil Mohd, Khan Naqshbandi, Moulana Hafiz Mohd Sayeed, Mujadid Moulana Syed Basharat Hussain, Maulana Dil Mohd Razvi, Ch Bashir Khatana, Moulana of various districts of the State.

Mushtaq Bukhari, Gh Mohd Jan and Ch Javed Rana, all MLAs of National Conference also attended the conference which was organised by president of Seerat-un-Nabi Conference Abdul Ghani Kohli.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Kohli highlighted the role and relevance of the preachings of the prophet (Saw) in addressing the issues of violence and hatered, conflict and confrontation facing the world today.

United Welfare Front framed to protect rights of OBCs

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 25: Backward Classes United Welfare Front has been formed to wage united fight to protect legitimate rights of the Other Backward Classes communities and for implementation of Mandal Commission recommendations in its real spirit.

This was disclosed at a press conference by the chairman of the Front Abdul Ahad Najar. "The demands of the OBCs guaranteed by law of the land besides the verdict of Supreme Court have not been conceded by the State Government so far and this neglecting attitude has forced us to come to a common platform to wage collective fight", he said.

The Front will act purely as social organisation and will undertake its all activities for the upliftment of deprived castes, Mr Najar disclosed and said that Front would try its level best to eradicate social evils prevalent in down trodden communities.

The demands which Mr Najar highlighted included implementation of 27 percent reservation as per Apex Court judgement of 1992 on Mandal Commission report, reconstitution of Backward Classes Commission in J&K with induction of the Chairman and members all from OBCs, grant of scholarship/stipend to OBC students on the basis of OBC certificate only, renewal of OBC certificates by producing income certificate only, constitution of advisory board or OBC in J&K, grant of OBC status instead of OSC and deletion of artificial groups designated as OBC in the State.

The office bearers of the Front included Ayudhia Kumar Manwa, chief advisor, Ashok Badyal and Ghulam Ahmad Najar, vice-chairmen for Jammu and Kashmir, Prof Kali Dass, general secretary, Ashok Basotra, legal advisor, Jagdish Raj, finance secretary, Madan Lal Chalotra, chief coordinator, Bua Ditta, coordinator, Darshan Kumar, publicity secretary, Lassa Mohd Wegay and Mukhtar Kalla, secretaries for Kashmir and Jammu, Dr Mohd Saleem and Abdul Jabbar, joint secretaries for Jammu and Kashmir, Mohal Yaqub, finance secretary for Kashmir and H D Betab, principal coordinator for Jammu.

NYBA activists donate blood

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Dec 25: Activists of New Young Blood Association (NYBA) organised a blood donation camp in connection with the Christmas Day in the Medical College here today.

Several activists of the Association assembled in the Blood Bank of the hospital and also moved in different wards to inquire about the requirement of blood from various needy patients. The hospital authorities and the attendants expressed their thanks of this kind favour. Prominent donors included-Ajay Verma, Naveen Gupta, Ravinder, Sudesh Anand, Suresh, Pawan, Des Raj, Ashok Sharma, Bittu, Sukha, Sanjay, Ashok Kumar, Satish, Amit and others.

 

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