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Madan lays foundation stone of rest house at Akhnoor Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 8: The Minister for R&B, Madan Lal Sharma today laid the foundation stone of Rest House building at Akhnoor. It will be constructed by the PWD authorities at an estimated cost of Rs. 30 lakh. The.......more People want Vajpayee back as PM: Gupta Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 8: Union Minister of State for Defence, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta has claimed that people want to see ..........more Govt flayed for dilly dallying tactics in removing pay anomaly Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 8: A meeting of lecturers of Jammu district was held under the chairmanship of Gurcharan Singh, Jammu district president of All J&K .........more Bajwa
asks Centre Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 8: Rajya Sabha member Trilok Singh Bajwa had asked the Central Government to formulate a.....more BJP
Beopar Cell Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 8: General secretary of Beopar Cell of State BJP, Kulbhushan Mohtra, has strongly criticised the Sales Tax Department posted at Lakhanpur for unnecessarily harassing the business community of Jammu ......more |
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Balak Bal Yogeshwar arrives at Katra Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 8: Balak Bal Yogeshwar, who returned to Badrinath after successfully conducting, Ati Maha Vishnu Yagna, arrived Jammu this afternoon...........more JKVM discusses problems being faced by exiled community Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 8: Jammu and Kashmir Vichar Manch (JKVM) in its meeting at Purkhoo Migrant Camp today took the stock of the various issues pertaining to exiled Kashmiri Pandit Community..........more SFS Association highlights various burning demands Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 8: Jammu and Kashmir State Forest Services Association executive body met here today to review situation arising out of non-redressal of the just and long pending grievances of the State’s most ignored Civil Services.....more Gen Khanna takes over as Chief of Staff, Hqrs Northern Command Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 8: Lt Gen K K Khanna has taken over the prestigious appointment of Chief of Staff, Headquarters, Northern Command. The General Officer has taken over the new appointment on promotion. He was earlier posted to the same Headquarter ............more |
Madan lays foundation stone of rest house at Akhnoor Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 8: The Minister for R&B, Madan Lal Sharma today laid the foundation stone of Rest House building at Akhnoor. It will be constructed by the PWD authorities at an estimated cost of Rs. 30 lakh. The Rest House will have one hall, one meeting hall, VIP suite, kitchen, lawn and Chowkidar quarter. The Minister examined the blue print of the building and ordered for construction of a model Rest House in Akhnoor. He also issued instructions to the concerned authorities to plant more trees in the premises of the building. The Minister was also the chief guest at the Annual Day function at Maharaja Hari Singh DAV School, Nagbani branch at Akhnoor. He garlanded the portrait of Maharaja Hari Singh and lit the traditional lamp. He announced installation of one hand pump in the school and construction of lanes and drainage. He directed the school authorities to upgrade the school upto 10+2 standard so that the students will continue their studies further. Later, the children of the school presented a colourful cultural programme which was highly appreciated by the audience. The Minister impressed of the performance presented by the school children and awarded Rs. 5,000 to them. The Minister also addressed a public meeting at Akhnoor and distributed 50 cheques worth Rs. 4.70 lakh to the people living below the poverty line under Indira Awas Yojana. He said that the Government has started various schemes for the upliftment of the weaker sections especially those living in hilly and backward areas of the State. Mr. Sharma also visited villages Mawa Karora and Matto and addressed the public gatherings. |
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People want Vajpayee back as PM: Gupta Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 8: Union Minister of State for Defence, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta has claimed that people want to see Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee as Prime Minister again for his " achievements" while leading the NDA Government at the Centre during the past five years. Addressing a public meeting at Reasi today, the Minister said that the inclusion of Dogri in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution was the biggest gift for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Prof Gupta claimed that NDA Government led by Mr Vajpayee took various measures for the development of Jammu and Kashmir. In this connection, he referred to upgradation of Jammu Medical College, modernisation of Jammu Airport, four laning of National Highway from Jammu to Pathankot and near completion of Jammu-Udhampur rail line. Referring to the unemployment problem in J&K, Prof Gupta said that Centre has also given a serious thought towards this issue. He said that six battalions of Territorial Army were raised in the State and over 20,000 youth absorbed. He lambasted earlier successive Governments at the Centre for ignoring the State, as a result, people had to face lot of hardships. The Union Minister said that it goes to the credit of Mr Vajpayee that Pakistan has begun to realise the futility of waging a proxy war against India. He said that even the people of Kashmir have appreciated the steps taken by Prime Minister in trying his level best to restore peace in the valley. Earlier, Prof Gupta announced the release of rupees 18.3 lakh for Reasi constituency out of MPLAD fund. He also sanctioned an amount of rupees 3.53 lakh for taking up special electricity line for Reasi hospital and sanctioned an amount of rupees 2.30 lakh for the construction of Sports Stadium at Reasi. Prof Gupta had yesterday visited Ramnagar where he addressed National Cadet Corps. He exhorted upon the students to inculcate in themselves the motto of NCC which is " Discipline and Unity". |
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Govt flayed for dilly dallying tactics in removing pay anomaly Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 8: A meeting of lecturers of Jammu district was held under the chairmanship of Gurcharan Singh, Jammu district president of All J&K Plus Two Lecturers Forum, here today wherein coalition Government was criticised for adopting dilly dallying tactics in removing pay anomaly of plus two cadre. Mr Singh drew the attention of Education Minister towards the historic convention and said that constitution of Pay Anomaly Committee and subsequent submission of report to Government has failed to bring any result till date. "Since the implementation of 5th Pay Commission in the State, the Government had modified the pay structure of Junior Engineers, doctors and veterinary doctors but in case of Education Department the discriminary attitude continue to be adopted", Mr Singh said and added that plus two cadre has been facing worse type of stagnation. He demanded that prevalent anomaly in the grade of lecturers be removed forthwith in the interest of students community and also to save cadre from having a sense of frustration and inferiority. Mr Yashpal Sharma, chief organizer of Forum appealed the Government to remove pay anomalies in the light of report of the committee and commitment made by them time and again. He further appealed president of All J&K Plus Two Lecturers Forum H D Qureshi to convene a meeting of the Forum to decide future course of action if Government fails to meet genuine demands. |
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Bajwa asks Centre to provide employment to J&K youth Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 8: Rajya Sabha member Trilok Singh Bajwa had asked the Central Government to formulate a comprehensive policy to provide employment to the unemployed youth of State. He also urged the Union Government to fulfill long pending demands of the displaced people of Pakistani occupied Kashmir (PoK). Mr Bajwa, during debate in the Upper House of Parliament on interim budget, has raised various problems being confronted by the residents of this border State. Mr Bajwa said that he has reminded the Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee about promises made by him during his visit to Srinagar. "I was also present in the public meeting which was addressed by the Prime Minister", he recalled and asked the Prime Minister to fulfill that promises. He, during debate in the Upper House, particularly demanded employment for the unemployed youth of the State. "Unemployment is the root cause of gun culture in the State and by generating employment avenues Government can contain militancy", he argued while talking to reporters. He hailed Prime Minister for his bold step which resulted into cease-fire all along the border. "Though the situation has been improved on the border yet many more steps required to be taken to mitigates miseries of the border inhabitants", he said, adding, "large chunk of land in border areas still lying uncultivated". He expressed his anguish over delay in giving compensation to those farmers whose land have been occupied by the defence authorities. He specially mentioned cases of 540 families of R S Pura tehsil who have yet not given compensation of their 3985 kanals of agriculture land. Mr Bajwa said that during debate in the Rajya Sabha, he has raised woes of the displaced people of PoK who had left their homes and hearth in 1947. He reminded that the then Central Government had promised to give give an amount of Rs 25 thousand to per family. But the promises is yet not fulfilled. Asking for more help from the Centre, he said that State has been passing through crucial juncture and Union Government should give every possible help to the coalition Government which was committed to steer out the region from blood-shed and destruction. He said that Centre’s assistance was necessary to restore peace and tranquillity in this State. Rajya Sabha, MP said that formation of coalition Government was turning point in the history of the State. On the one hand Mr Bajwa thanked Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for fulfill his promises of conducting free and fair elections on the other hand he lavished all praises on AICC chief Sonia Gandhi for her wise and bold decision to form coalition regime in the State. |
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BJP Beopar Cell leader’s plea to Sales Tax authorities Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 8: General secretary of Beopar Cell of State BJP, Kulbhushan Mohtra, has strongly criticised the Sales Tax Department posted at Lakhanpur for unnecessarily harassing the business community of Jammu region, by seizing and un-loading their consignments on the pretext of being under-valued. Mr Mohtra said the claim of the enhanced Sales Tax revenue at Lakhanpur as projected is merely an eye wash. He appealed the State Finance Minister Muzaffar Baig to immediately direct the Sales Tax staff posted at Lakhanpur to stop harassing the business community and make sure that the clearances are made at an earliest so that businessmen could run their business smoothly. He warned the Sales Tax Department of massive demonstrations and agitations in case the Department does not improve its way of functioning. |
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Balak Bal Yogeshwar arrives at Katra Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 8: Balak Bal Yogeshwar, who returned to Badrinath after successfully conducting, Ati Maha Vishnu Yagna, arrived Jammu this afternoon. Balak Yogeshwar straightway went to holy town of Katra to review preparation of the second phase of the Ati Maha Vishnu Yagna which will held at holy town of Katra. Second phase of Yagna will start on March 26 when Dhavajarohan (flag hoisting function) will be held. Havan will be formally start from April 17 followed by Puran-Ahuti on April 26. During his stay at Katra, Balak Yogeshwar Maharaj review preparation of the Yagna. Balak Yogeshwar, who has visited all pilgrimage during the last one and half month, is carrying holy water of all pilgrimage and this water will be utilised in the Yagna. Yagna at Katra will be also of 100 Kundas in which Saints and Sadhus from the all over the country will participate to bless the people of this region. |
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JKVM discusses problems being faced by exiled community Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 8: Jammu and Kashmir Vichar Manch (JKVM) in its meeting at Purkhoo Migrant Camp today took the stock of the various issues pertaining to exiled Kashmiri Pandit Community. The issues which came up for discussion include from employment, to return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits in Valley. The meeting said the manipulations of the Government and its agents especially with respect to employment have clearly shown that the Government was adopting an adhoc attitude towards the issue, instead of approaching it with seriousness of thought and purpose. The meeting which is the part of series of contract programmes initiated by the Manch at various places said the employment is the right and need of every unemployed youth so it should not be made conditional or contingent upon the surrender of migration documents etc. The Manch leaders said it appears that the Government of state and Centre have not realized the factors responsible for exile of the community even after 14 years of homelessness. They said instead of a passionate understanding, the approach appears to somehow dis-stabilize the community by directly or indirectly manipulating one or the other faction into set reactions. The speakers laid emphasis that the Government should extend the same understanding to the fears of the exiled community as they are showing towards the other perceptions. The meeting among others was attended by Dr R L Bhat, political Advisor JKVM, H L Bhat, national general secretary, A K Kangan, president, Dr Ramesh Bhat, B L Thusoo, Roshan Lal, Krishan Lal , Mohan Lal Raina, R L Thusoo and B L Koul. SFS Association highlights various burning demands Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 8: Jammu and Kashmir State Forest Services Association executive body met here today to review situation arising out of non-redressal of the just and long pending grievances of the State’s most ignored Civil Services. All members of SFS cadre expressed anguish over State Government’s failure to address to the number of memoranda submitted by the SFS Association over the last one and a half years pleading thereof for removal of service-bias and grave anomalies forced upon the State Forest Service. The demands raised in the meeting pertained to placement of 15 selection Grade Deputy Conservators in the special scale of 14300-18300 and their designation as Special Conservators at par with Special secretaries as such officers have been stagnated for the past several years. Other demands pertained to re-designation of Selection Grade Deputy Conservator of Forests at par with Additional Secretaries, strengthening the SFS at par with the KAS and provide them parity in postings at par with the IFS cadre, filing up of existing vacancies of SG Dy CFs, DCFs, Assistant CFs and gazetted Rangers etc. They also demanded constitution of a high level committee to re-frame the State Forest Services of J&K and strengthen it at par with the KAS and make adequate provisions thereof for the post of Additional PCCFs, CCFs and CFs for the State Cadre officers. |
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Gen Khanna takes over as Chief of Staff, Hqrs Northern Command Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 8: Lt Gen K K Khanna has taken over the prestigious appointment of Chief of Staff, Headquarters, Northern Command. The General Officer has taken over the new appointment on promotion. He was earlier posted to the same Headquarter as Major General - General Staff. Gen Khanna has held several important command and staff appointments during an illustrious carrier spanning nearly 37 years. An alumni of National Defence Academy, he was commissioned in June 1967 in the 16th Battalion of the Jat Regiment and he commanded the same unit from June 1988 to May 1990. He was subsequently given the challenging and onerous task of raising a sector of Rashtriya Rifles in J&K that he performed with distinction and was awarded AVSM. As a GOC, he commanded Rapid Division as part of a strike Corps in the Western sector. Lt Gen Khanna has been awarded AVSM and Bar to AVSM. |
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BJP says Centre has nothing to do with surrender policy Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 8: State BJP vice-president and spokesman Prof Hari Om has claimed that the Union Government has nothing to do with the militants’ surrender policy of J&K Government. In a press statement, the BJP spokesman sought to clarify that the Union Home Ministry is vehemently opposed to the idea of releasing those terrorists who are involved in subversive activities and heinous crimes. Attacking ruling coalition partners in J&K, Prof Hari Om alleged that frequent clashes in Cabinet meeting and party politics among the partners, have badly effected functioning of the State Government. He claimed that the prime cause behind the frequent clashes among coalition partners was their attempt to blackmail each other for selfish designs. They are hell bent to let each other down only to manipulate things in their own favour, he added. |
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By Lalit Gupta JAMMU, Feb 8: All those families who had crossed over to Pakistan during 1947 Partition are eagerly awaiting opening of road links between two countries so that they can visit Jammu. According to Khalid Hussain, the only delegate from J&K to attend the World Punjabi Conference at Lahore, and who had the oppurtunity to meet many earstwhile Jammuites, says that "for elders, it is a hope to to see once again the land of their birth while for the generation born in Pakistan it will be an opportunity to visit the land of their ancestors". Honoured to be the only Muslim among the 143 strong Indian delegation for the World Punjabi Conference which was held in Lahore from Jan 29 to Feb 1, Khallid Hussain, well known Punjabi writer of the sub-continent hails from Mohalla Ustad, Jammu. Talking to EXCELSIOR Khalid Hussain gave a telling description of his meeting with Pakistanis who originally belonged to Jammu. "They were hugging, embracing, touching me as if I was not a mere mortal of bones and flesh but a piece of their motherland- Jammu. Unashamed of the tears that expressed myriad emotions, they asked me about Pacca Danga, Dhaki Sarajan, Pir Mittha. Some remembered their native villages of R.S. Pura Tehsil. Some asked about their Hindu friends and other sundry details. These were not merely innocuous little inquiries but as if they were seeing Jammu through my eyes." "Be it Dr. Zulifikar Kazami, whose ancestors hailed from Badyal Kazian, R.S. Pura, Tariq Masood, Aiyaz Masood or the septagenarians like Razia, Fehmida from Jammu- all wanted to know more and more about their motherland. Infact Niyaz Kazami, who is the leading actor in Punjabi play Bullah, after coming to know that I was from Jammu, broke down completely", said Khalid Hussain. Giving a glimpse of love and longing of those Muslim families who had migrated to Pakistan from Jammu during Partition, Khalid Hussain hopes that the recent thaw in Indo-Pak relations will certainly open opportunity for people to people contact. From the hearty reception of the Indian delegation which included writers, singers, artistes, media personalities, businessmen and others, at Wagha border by a cultural troupe along with six ministers of Pakistani Punjab State Govt., a warm feeling of welcome was seen every where we went, said Khalid Hussain. "May it was our visit to the Mazar of Bulleh Shah, Harappa, Sahiwal in Montegumri dist. or Lahore’s Anarkali Bazar, Gwal Mandi-every where people thronged around us as if we were their long lost brethren. "Shopkeepers refused to take money from us. Infact they vied with each other to be our hosts.". Organised by the initiative of Fakhar Zaman, the Indian delegation to the World Punjabi Conference was led by Arminder Singh, Chief Minister of Punjab. The three day conference was addressed by Manjoor Elahi, chief minister of Pakistani state of Punjab. The conference in which it was clearly brought home that India and Pakistan are two sovereign countries and the only pragmatic approach would be to accept it and devise ways and means so that misgivings due to last 55 years of political developments can be set right by increased people to people contacts. It was also resolved in the Conference that Punjabi literature being produced in two countries be made available in transcriptions from Gurmukhi to Shamukhi and vice versa. And the knowledge of Gurmukhi be made compulsory of post graduate students of Punjabi in Pakistan and similarly Shahmukhi be made compulsory for Indian students of Punjabi. Respected for his life long stance that culture knows no barriers, Khallid Hussain is called as ‘bridge’ between the Indian and Pakistani Punjabs. Especially for his contributions to the Punjabi literature not only in terms of his short stories with an emphasis on shared cultural bonds but playing a leading role in getting transcribed Punjabi literature produced in Gurmaukhi to Shahmukhi and vice versa. He is a happy man that his life long wish that Punjabis from both sides develop an empathetic understanding through exchange of literature is finally coming through. Khalid says the resolution in the Conference to set up memorials in Pakistan for Bhagat Singh and Lala Lajpat Rai, and other recommendations have opened new fronts for respecting historic commonalties. He hoped when ‘people’ from both sides, are eagrly waiting to renew the lost cultural links, the respective government will keep up the new political initiatives. So that an atmosphere is created where one can come and go from India to Pakistan as is the case with Nepal or between U.S.A. and Canada. |
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Youth roasted alive; 2 bodies recovered Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 8: Two bodies were recovered from different areas while as accident victim succumbed to injuries and a man fell to death from a tractor. This apart, a youth was roased alive in fire at a kiosk at Indira Chowk. Police spokesman said that a badly decomposed body of a helper in central store of JP Industries—Nem Pradha, son of Gmirpardhan was recovered from a nullah near Dul Hasti Project under mysterious circumstances. The body was spotted by some locals, who informed the police about the incident. The body was, later, shifted to District Hospital for post-mortem. Police has taken the cognizance of the incident and started investigation to ascertain the cause behind the death. Body of one Varsha Bhatt, daughter of Jawahar Lal Bhatt of Bagh-e-Bahu was recovered from the railway track. The body was spotted by General Railway Police personnel who shifted the body to hospital for post-mortem. The cause behind the death of Varsha Bhatt was not ascertained. Meanwhile, one Raja, son of Ishwar Dass of Janipur, who received severe injuries in road accident at Janipur, succumbed to injuries today at Government Medical College Hospital. One Mohd Liyaqat, son of Noor Din of Banpath fell to death from a tractor at Poonch. He was rushed to hospital where he succumbed to severe head injuries. Meanwhile, a youth was roasted alive in a fire incident in one of the kiosks at Indira Chowk under the jurisdiction of Bus Stand Police Station. Police spokesman said that some shopkeepers noticed smoke enamating from one of the kiosks and flashed the message to Fire Services Department and Police. A police team and fire service personnel led by Deputy Director R T Dubey rushed to the spot and started dousing the fire. Though the fire was completely extinguished within some time yet the youth who was sleeping inside the kiosk could not be saved. Police has registered a case in this connection and started investigation to ascertain as how the kiosk caught fire. The possibility of kiosk catching fire due to ciggratee bud and candle cannot be ruled out. The deceased has been identified as Surinder Singh, son of Chuni Singh of Doda. Two persons—Bachan Lal of Rangpur and Sohan Lal of Gura Pattan allegedly consumed poisonous substance. Both were rushed to hospital when spotted unconscious and doctors attending on them immediately provided them stomach wash treatment followed by other medicare. Their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in. |
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Mufti accorded tumultuous welcome Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 8 : Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was accorded a tumultuous welcome on his arrival here this afternoon after performing Hajj as leader of the 16-member Indian Goodwill Hajj Delegation. Chairman Legislative Council, Members of the Council of Ministers, legislators, political leaders of alliance parties, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, senior civil and police officers and prominent citizens were present in large numbers at the airport to receive Mufti Sayeed. He was profusely garlanded and presented bouquets. A stream of people from all walks of life is visiting Mufti Sayeed’s official residence to felicitate him on performing Hajj. The Chief Minister had left from here in the afternoon of January 26. During his stay in Saudi Arabia, he reviewed arrangements for the Indian Hajj pilgrims. |
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Muharram arrangements reviewed Excelsior Correspondent Budgam, Feb 8: Arrangements for providing essential commodities, food-grains, medicare, water and power supply to the consumers on the eve of ensuing Muharram were reviewed at an officers meeting here today. The District Development Commissioner, Kh. Bashir Ahmad presided. It was given out that during Muharram days essentials and food-grains will be provided in sufficient quantity and on reasonable rates to the consumers, while-as special market checking squads will be deployed to various towns of the district to keep strict vigil on the profiteering and hoarding. The District Development Commissioner stressed to provide sufficient medicare facilities to the people during Muharram days. He said, in this connection 8 ambulances having mobile medicare facilities will be kept available in the district under the supervision of Chief Medical Officer. He also directed to arrange tube lights on the roads leading to various Imam Baras in the district. |
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Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Feb 8: Another batch of 413 Hajis arrived here today from Jeddah Sharief by two special flights of Air India. The Director Airport, Additional Commissioner Kashmir, SSP Airport, officers of district administration Budgam, Srinagar and State Hajj Committee received the Hajis at the Srinagar Airport. The Hajis were provided cane of 10 liters of Abi- Zum Zum each at the Airport. Meanwhile, the Hajj Officer today briefed the media persons about the facilities being provided to the Hajis at Srinagar Airport. She said there would also be two flights of Haji’s as schedule on February 9, 2004. |
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Young Sitar maestro to perform at Abhinav today Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 8: It is always reassuring to find young talent doing very well in fields considered as bastions of our tradition and culture. The arrival of Purbayan Chaterjee, the young sitar maestro from Kolkota, in the winter capital of the state, certainly augurs well not only for the classical music but sets an example for members of new generation that talent coupled with hard work can lead one to make music as a life long passion as well as vocation. Purbayan Chaterjee, who will give a sitar recital in the Abhinav Theatre, here tomorrow, is optimistic about the future of classical music. He says that there is a sea change in the classical music scenario in the country. The comercalisation, TV interviews of maestros, more concerts and events have made the classical music more attractive today. What is required is to know how to present to the world our traditional classical music to the world without compromising its form and purity and at the same time keeping the fact in mind that music is but a form of entertainment. Purbayan Chaterjee, one of the best young instrumentalists of the country, plays in the style of Nikhil Banerjee. He has performed in all major ‘music conferences’ in India and abroad. He travels extensively and has been invited to play in US, UK, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Holland, Italy, France, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Singapore, Trinidad and South America. He has also cut discs which include ‘Rising star’-Gramophone RPG India, Raag Nand and Multani, ‘Horizon’-Peshkar CD Germany, Raag Marwa, ‘Vibemaster’ -Sense World Music, UK, Raag Jaijawanti, and Jog, ‘Swar Alankar’-Virgin records (India) Raag Bahar and Nand and others. Purbayan Chaterjee is the recipient of many awards which include Presidents Award-1993, Pt. Ravi Kitchlu Award, Rotary Award etc. The sitar recital by Purbayan Chaterjee which has been organised by Jammu Academy of art Culture and Languages, will start at 5.3. p.m. |
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Swami Ram Swaroop asks people to shun casteism, untouchability Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 8: The portrait of Guru Ravi Dass was unveiled at Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Office here, this morning by Swami Ram Swaroop Dass Ji, convenor Prantiya Marg Darshak Mandal. Besides, the VHP and Bajrang Dal volunteers, the function was attended by the activists of various other social organizations representing the cross section of the people. Addressing the function Swami Ram Swaroop Dass Ji said the casteism was the worst enemy of the people and the country. He urged the people to rise above the cost considerations and work for building bonds among the Hindu Samaj. He said the Hindu religion does not permit the casteism and untouchability as this is un-Vedic. In his address Khem Chand Sharma, Northern Zone, organizing secretary, VHP said that said that Ravi Dass Jayanti Samaroh is being observed by VHP from February 6 to 12. He said Hinduism believes in equality of human beings and nobody is superior than one another. Asking the people to be above the cast considerations, he said, we should work for national unity and restoration of peace in the State. He, while expressing grave concern over the conversions said this problem is posing a grave threat to national unity. If Government fails to control conversions, it will spell a doom for the country, he added. He said let us pledge to take the mission of this great Indian Guru forward and save the country from cultural invasion. Speaking on the occasion, Sant Ravi Dass Sabha chief Vijay Ji assured full cooperation to VHP in this regard. He appealed all the Hindu organizations to work jointly in achieving the goal. Among other speakers include VHP Prant, vice presidents Sudershan Dass, Raj Dulari, general secretary, Surinder Sharma, Hem Raj Khajuria, Surinder Aggarwal, Santosh Nath, Bajrang Dal leaders Sushil Sudhan, and Omi Khajuria and Piyaray Lal, Dev Raj Angral, Sham Lal Bansal and Gyan Chand Dogra of All J&K Sant Ravi Dass Sabha. |
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SPMR College’s civil defence camp concludes Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 7: Ten-days long special civil defence training camp, organised by Government SPMR College of Commerce in collaboration with the Directorate of Home Guards and Civil Defence, concluded today with holding of a formal valedictory function in the college premises. On the occasion, live demonstration of rescue operation and fire fighting was presented by the college students and staff of the Civil Defence Department. Mr Pawan Kotwal, District Development Commissioner, Jammu, who was chief guest on the occasion, emphasised the importance of civil defence to the nation and its significance in character building. Prof Gurdeep Kour, Principal of GCW Gandhi Nagar, who was the guest of honour, appreciated the discipline among the students and quality of the programmes being organised by the institution. Mr Haq Nawaz Khan, Dy Controller, Civil Defence, interacted with the students and assured all possible assistance to the institution in imparting the civil defence training. Earlier, the college Principal Mrs Rita Munshi presented welcome address and advised the students to take maximum benefit from such training programmes which not only help in all round development of the students but also are a necessity in present time. A brief report about the various activities, undertaken by the trainees during the camp, was presented by Prof S S Bhahwal. On the occasion, mementos were given away to Mr Pawan Kotwal, Prof Gurdeep Kour and Mr Haq Nawaz Khan. Basant Singh and Paramjeet Kumar were also honoured. Dr Ajit Angral conducted proceedings of the programme. Govt to introduce computer education shortly Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 8 : Government is contemplating to introduce computer education in all the higher secondary schools in the state shortly. Proposal for purchase of computers is under active consideration and these are likely to be procured before the new academic session. This was stated by Minister of State for Education, A.R.Veeri at the annual day function of Ever Green Higher Secondary School, Roop Nagar here today. He said computer literacy would place the youngsters in good stead to face the competitive world with much more confidence. This will also help them in attaining much needed professionalism in computer which has immense potential in job market. Mr. Veeri said the Government is also seriously considering to streamline the system of manpower in the education department. It is intended that educationist should man the higher posts in the department because they know better how to bring about improvement in the education system. The Minister lauded the role of the private schools and said that they are doing a commendable job. He asked them to encourage the extra curricular beside formal education, which builds the mental as well as physical standard of the child. The students presented cultural items and sang patriotic songs on this occasion. The Minister distributed prizes among the participants who attained distinction. Mr. Ghulam Nabi Lone, MLC, Joint Director Education, Lalit Gupta and President Private Schools Association, Kamal Gupta were also present on the occasion. Mula Ram calls for strengthening amity, unity Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 8 : Minister for Social Welfare Mula Ram has said that real tribute to Gurus and Saints is to follow their teachings and work for the upliftment of weaker and deprived sections of the society. The Minister was addressing a religious congregation held in connection with celebrations of 627th birthday of Guru Ravi Dass Ji at Digiana here today. Mr. Mula Ram said like other saints, Guru Ravi Dass preached love and compassion, adding that Almighty created the humanity and there cannot be any difference between persons of different caste, creed and colour. He said Guru Ji spread the message of love for all, devotion to lord, universal brotherhood, honest earning for livelihood and to discard hatred in the society. The Minister said that Government has taken up a number of welfare schemes aimed at ameliorating the lot of poor and down trodden sections of the society and asked them to take maximum benefit of these. MLA Gandhi Nagar Raman Bhalla while speaking on the occasion, said that 70 percent of the demands of the area have already been met within a short span of one year and the remaining will be given due attention and fulfilled in phased manner. He announced the construction of community hall near Ravi Dass temple at Tibba, Digiana. Ex-MLA R. S. Pora Mr. Ram Chand Bhagat, Director Social Welfare, Mr. G. R. Bhagat, office bearer of Ravi Dass Birthday Celebration Committee and a large number of devotees attended the fundtion. Speaker inaugurates medical camp at Mattoo Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 8 : The Speaker Legislative Assembly, Tara Chand today inaugurated a free medical camp at village Mattoo in Khour block. The camp has been organized by Tawi Welfare Society, an NGO. During one-day medical camp a large number of patients from adjoining localities, suffering from various ailments were treated by the senior faculty of Government Medical College and State Health Department. Besides general check ups, free medicines were also given to the patients. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Tara Chand said that serving the humanity is a noble cause and every one should serve with zeal and dedication. He appreciated the role of the NGO for organizing such camp and asked them to organize more such camps in the rural areas so that the poor patients who cannot afford to visit in city hospitals can take benefits from these. Sarpanches and panches of the area were also present on the occasion. Education Department holds meetings of Sarpanches Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Feb 8: The Education Department organized various meetings with the Sarpanches of border district of Rajouri to create the public awareness about the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA). The meetings were organised by the Chief Education Officer (CEO) ,Rajouri R K Dhar. The Sarpanches from Budhal, Manjakote, Kalakote, Darhal and Nowshera participated in these meetings which were held at Hisot and Rajouri on February 6 and 7 respectively. The Panches were given training about SSA by the CEO and other officers of Education Department. Mr Dhar urged the Sarpanches to watch the constructional works in schools going under the NABARD schemes. He also asked them to ensure the good attendance of teachers in their areas by making constant checks in schools. He,while highlighting the powers of Sarpanches under the Panchayati Raj Act said besides a link with the Government ,the sarpanches are the custodian of people in their respective area. ST status for Paharis demanded Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 8: Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation has demanded granting of Scheduled Tribe status to Pahari speaking people in J&K. In a memorandum submitted to Governor, S K Sinha Javed Rahi secretary of the Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation stated that ‘Paharis’ have no locus standi either ethnically, linguistically or otherwise to be called as ‘ tribe’ not to speak of ‘Scheduled Tribe’. They are devoid of definition and have at all no roots. Linguistically, the ‘Pahari’ is a vague term and their position to geographical entity is equally absurd. He said these people are suffering a lot and have been ignored on all fronts. Before adoption of reservation laws these very people took fancy and pride to call themselves " Sardars", "Rajas" Sayed’s and Peerzadas etc. but the investors of new found Pahari tribe have not been able to identify clearly to which group their Pahari dialect belonged to, their concept of Pahari speaking tribe is, as such, nothing but vague and ambiguous. The champions of Pahari Tribe come from the upper strata and respectable class of their respective localities. They need due attention from the government and be granted ST status. By Gopal Sharma The States of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pardesh abound a vast array of water bodies that occupy a large area. Most of these are natural water bodies with shallow basins are categorized under western Himalayan wetlands. Wetlands in this region have not been given the importance that they deserve as per ecological point of view. Today, we are trying to reverse the notion that wetlands are wastelands. They are being filled up with garbage, earth etc. to increase land area. It is sad state of affairs that despite so much of awareness being crteated by the governmental and non-created governmental agenices about conservation of these water bodies, the people continue to destroy, degrade and pollute these precious water resources. The government has failed to enact some stringent rules for banning shooting down of rare migratory birds at these wetlands which attract thousands and thousands of bird watchers and tourists. The wetlands infact play a crucial role in the supply of fresh water, acting as giant sponges, absorbing and slowly releasing rainfall, purifying water and controlling floods. They improve water quality, nutrient, stablize local climatic conditions and temperature. They are useful in sewage, waste water treatment, ground water discharge, recharge, water storage, storm protection, shore-line stablization, maintenance of traditional subsistence activities including Livestock, hunting, fishing and farming. Dr R D Gupta, Ex-Associate Dean SKUAST, Jammu,who is renowned environmentalist disclosed that with the ongoing practice of shooting down of birds at the wetlands, the rare species of birds are most threatened. The bird lovers and watchers do arrive at these sites and sanctuaries with the advent of winter season. But at the same time, they are much pained over this unchecked practice. Quoting an example he said Pong lake over Beas river in Dera area of Kangra district in Himachal is spread over an area of about 788.5 sq km. It was declared national wetland in 1994 and was placed under Ramsar sites in 2003. More than one lakh migratory birds from Siberria, China, Central Asia, Tibet and Ladakh visit this water body during winters. The first batch of about 10 to 12 thousand migratory birds including several rare species start arriving to Pong lake in the foothills of Dhouladhar ranges in October every year. According to survey of Himachal Wild Life experts, about 54 species of migratory birds arrive every year to the lake and it is only waterbody in the country after Bharatpur sanctuary where Red-Necked Greby descends every year. The other birds of attractions arriving here are —Mallards, Coots, Pochards, Roody, Shell Ducks, Pintales etc. It is believed that Pong dam lake acts as first destination for them before moving to other wetlands of the country. Ranjit Sagar dam lake on river Ravi is also becoming favourite destination of these migratory birds and a large number of species are now seen there. Similarly, Gharana wetland on Indo-Pak border in R S Pura is said to be most threatened as a large number of migratory birds visit the site during winters, but they used to become the victims of bullets on the either side. They were being hunt down by the soldiers but thanks to the top leadership of both the countries for a ceasefire agreement as the birds too, there are able to heaved a sigh of relief. WWF, an international organisation which has adopted several wetlands world over including one each in J&K and Himachal has warned that unless more is done to protect wetlands, water shortage will become severe in at least 60 countries by the middle of the century. In addition, fewer wetlands to absorb sudden, large quantities of water will increase the likelihood of flood-related disasters as weather patterns change as a result of global warming. A senior J&K Wildlife department official says Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Bharatpur, supports over 300 species of resident and migratory birds, including the migratory Siberian cranes, which come all the way from Siberia to breed in Bharatpur. These wetlands provide breeding ground for rare species of migratory birds during a particular season and attract a large number of nature lovers. He further said that in J&K several wetlands categorized as Valley lakes are—Wullar, Dal, Anchar, Manasbal, Malgam, Haigam; forest lakes like Nilnag in Pir Panjal range and Glacier or high altitude wetlands of Ladakh and Tibet plateau like—Alipather, Sheeshnag, Pangong, Tso Kar, Tso Morari. The lakes occurring at low altitude (600m) in Jammu region in the lower Shivalik Himalayan ranges have been referred to as Shivalik lakes which are Mansar and Saruinsar. The Mansar and Saruinsar continued to be neglected and no serious conservation activity was carried on along these waterbodies. Their area has considerably shrinked and no agency has come forward to save these wetlands. The growth of weed and siltation in the lakes due to massive deforestation activity has further compounded the situation. There is urgent need to conserve neglected wetland resources. Merely passing legislation and fencing off the wetlands was not enough. Implementation is the most vital aspect. Integrated wetland management which can benefit both man and animal and at the same time maintain the ecological character of the ecosystem, offers the solution to the conservation of region’s water-logged wealth. |
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