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| Republic Day festivities conclude with Beating the Retreat Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: The festivities of the Republic Day celebrations came to a grand and prestigious finale with Beating the Retreat at the splendid Maulana Azad Stadium situated in city of temples and silhouetted by Shivalik hills here this evening........more Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Jan 29: Minister of Finance Muzaffar Hussain Baig today said that his family in Baramulla district was not defaulter in paying the electricity fees and the news item regarding disconnection of power supply to his ancestral house........more World is more beautiful today: Bashir Badar By Lalit Gupta JAMMU, Jan 29: Putting to rest all pessimistic projections about contemporary times, Bashir Badar, well known.........more IGP
asked to hold enquiry Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: First Additional Sessions Judge Jammu Mr BL Bhat, in a case of fake currency notes, has framed charges against........more Govt
employees stage Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: State Government Employees today staged a dharna infront of Raj Bhawan to lodge......more |
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Valley
students Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: A group of 100 students of six districts of the Kashmir valley who have returned after 20-days All India tour met the Governor, Lt Gen (retd) S. K. Sinha here yesterday............more Rather
reacts to Mufti’s Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: Senior National Conference leader and former Minister Abdul Rahim Rather has strongly reacted to the statement of PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti.............more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: A high level meeting was held at Civil Secretariat Jammu under the Chairmanship of B R Kundal, Principal Secretary and Secretary to Government Agriculture Production Department to discuss the bird flue which has affected parts of Asia including neighboring Pakistan..........more Sharma
criticises NC Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: Reiterating Government’s resolve to ensure balanced development of all the three regions of the State, Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma today said the wrongs done by the previous Government is being rectified by providing equitable opportunity of progress to all the areas............more |
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Day festivities conclude with Beating the Retreat Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: The festivities of the Republic Day celebrations came to a grand and prestigious finale with Beating the Retreat at the splendid Maulana Azad Stadium situated in city of temples and silhouetted by Shivalik hills here this evening. As the dusk descended serenely with sky overcast with dark clouds and birds returning to their nests, the melodious and enthusiastic tunes of para military bands soothened the atmosphere with nostalgic music of victory "Sare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara". The bewitching event became spectacular, patriotic and thrilling when the jawans of Brass and Pipe bands from BSF and Army attired in their traditional dresses radiating melodious tunes with beating of drums marched gracefully, smartly, briskly and in a disciplined and most attractive manner in the historic stadium while light drizzling supposed to be auspicious omen continued. The tunes played by the bands included "Sher-e-Jawan, SCIPIO, Sitar-I-Hind, Kaise Sunder Aur Bahadur, Abide-By-Me and Sare Jahan Se Achha" The pipes and drums presented and chanting tunes of "Col Boogie, Sky Boat Song, India Gate, London Boney Woods and Brass, Piper-O-Drum, Deshon Ka Sartaj Bharat and Drummers Call" . The actions of the jawans playing the Bands kept the audience spellbound for about 90 minutes and the scenes of traditional victories repeatedly flashed before the minds of the spectators at the scene of the Retreat. Drum Beats are a relic of days when troops, billeted in town and cities, were recalled to their quarters at an appointed hour in the evening. The tri-colour kept on waving in full swing majestically as the western winds blew amidst melancholic tunes played by different bands. The audience saluted the National flag with utmost regards when the Army jawan dressed in its traditional attire went enthusiastically to the flag post and brought the National flag down most respectfully amidst sound of buglers. The Governor distributed cash prized to the participating Bands. |
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Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Jan 29: Minister of Finance Muzaffar Hussain Baig today said that his family in Baramulla district was not defaulter in paying the electricity fees and the news item regarding disconnection of power supply to his ancestral house was completely baseless. A local news agency had carried a news item the other day, reporting that PDD engineers in Baramulla had disconnected the line to Baig’s house at Vedna (Chandoosa) for the family had not remitted the tariff. Baig told EXCELSIOR that he had in fact issued orders to the PDD engineers asking them to disconnect power supply to everybody "even if it was a Minister or Chief Minister" in case the consumer family evaded payment of charges willfully. He said that he had asked the officials to issue a 24-hour notice to Ministers and a 7-day notice to the families like that of the Chief Minister in case they avoided to remit the billed amounts deliberately. There was no question of disconnecting power supply to his house in Vedna as the family had been regularly footing the bills without default. He said that some hard decisions had become inevitable as there was a total revenue collection of Rs 200 cr against the consumption worth Rs 1800 cr in the current financial year in Jammu & Kashmir. As such there was no truth in the news item which said that PDD officials had disconnected power supply to the Minister’s house in Baramulla, he said. Meanwhile, Executive Engineer Electric Division Baramulla also refuted the news item and said that there was no question or need of disconnecting supply to Mr Baig’s house. |
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World is more beautiful today: Bashir Badar By Lalit Gupta JAMMU, Jan 29: Putting to rest all pessimistic projections about contemporary times, Bashir Badar, well known Urdu poet, says there were no better times than the present. According to him the reality of shared culture will ultimately crumble all artificial dividing walls and people of the sub-continent will come close once again. Quoting Mira, Kabir and Amir Khusro, one who believes what really touches the heart of the most illiterate is the real poetry, Bashir Badar, could easily be called as most popular name in Urdu poetry today. Talking to the EXCELSIOR, Bashir Badar said that right from the time, I started writing poetry, I decided to avoid all those big literary words which are more an expression of poet’s knowledge than his spirit. With the result I chose to write in simple language that can strike chord in the heart of man on the street. The master writer of lyrics with romantic overtones Bashir Badar’s poetry mainly comprising of gazals touches all spheres of life. Gliding between spiritual world and contemporary reality with equal facility, Bashir Badar’s numerous anthologies are being published not only in the country but across the border in Lahore and Karachi. Bashir Badar, who has been single handedly responsible for initiating the younger generations to the beauty of Urdu poetry, is also called as a poet of teenagers. "It is my belief that what attracts youth will certainly survive for long. As this impressionable stage remains the inextricable part of one’s life long fancies and likings. I feel pride in the fact that young people read and sing my lyrics", he said. Bashir Badar’s popularity is not limited to teenagers but to Urdu-Hindi reading and speaking public of all ages. His lyrics sung by singers like Jagjit Singh along with popularity of his lyrics through Bombay film industry have made Bashir Badar a house hold name. The romantic label attached to Bashir Badar also seems a misnomer as his poetic manoeuvre transcends the normal notions of love poetry. The women and moon which emerge as two frequent motifs in his poems mean differently in different contexts. "For me moment of beauty is the ultimate truth for which there is no age bar". Feeling young is an attitude and has no relationship with one’s physical age. Such is the effect of his penetrating observation on the sub-continent’s political imbroglio that his poems referring obliquely to Indo-Pak relations have won admirers which included the political elite on both sides of the border. An optimistic poet who strongly believes that artificial wall created between two nations will crumble ultimately as the pull of the culture is stronger than misplaced feeling of divide, Bashir Badar, welcoming recent political initiative to normalise the relations between two countries penned down his feelings as: hawa se keh do yeh khushboo ki rishteydari hai, safar hai Dilli ka Lahore ki savari hai. Commenting on frequent cases of mindless killings and cases of burning houses which has become part of everyday life, Bashir Badar has said: Lok toot jaten hain ek ghar banane mein, tum taras nahin karte bastian jalane mein. Bashir Badar’s anthologies of poetry, published in Devnagari are being sold more than any of other Hindi poet, is a testimony to the growing popularity of not only one poet called Bashir Badar but it augurs well for the present socio-political reality as poet being an alterego of the society is a torchbearer with prophetic insights. ujale apni yadoon ke hamare saath rehne do, na jane kis gali mein jindagi ki shaam ho jai. |
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IGP
asked to hold enquiry Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: First Additional Sessions Judge Jammu Mr BL Bhat, in a case of fake currency notes, has framed charges against the accused and ordered that a copy of this order be sent to IGP Jammu, to hold enquiry and report the action taken, to this court within a period of three months. While framing charges, Mr Bhat took serious note against the investigating officers and said that the investigating agency has cared a fig to unearth the alleged deliquent roll of the accused Zameer Khan of Nai Basti Anantnag."Even the senior officers supervising the investigations have not cared to ascertain as to how Zameer Khan has been arraigned as co-accused without an iota of incriminating evidence establishing his nexus with the serious crime relating to trafficking of counterfeit currency notes. It is desirable that those at the helm of affairs in Police hierarchy conduct a probe to expose the roll played by the investigating agency in adopting a callous and indifferent attitude in unveiling the material evidence concerning the roll of the accused Zameer Khan", it was ordered. As per Police case, on January 29, 2003, Radhey Sham, Manager of Hotel Premier Jammu had lodged a written report with Police Station City, alleging that two guests took dinner at the hotel and paid a bill of rupees 162.60 paisa and offered two currency notes of rupees 100 each. The waiter Prakash Singh suspected the notes to be fake and informed the Manager which led to the registration of the case. During the course of investigation, the suspected currency notes were seized and the statement of the witnesses recorded. Accused Ankush Gupta and Zameer Khan were booked for the offence while’s Rajeev Bakshi was let off. It was also mentioned by Police that the accused Ankush Gupta and Rajeev Bakshi visited KC Residency in the evening of January 29 and ordered drinks and paid a bill of rupees 662 and the currency notes were also found fake. The Police presented the challan in the court. |
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Govt employees stage dharna in front of Raj Bhawan Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: State Government Employees today staged a dharna infront of Raj Bhawan to lodge their protest against the Supreme Court verdict over the employees right to strike. A large number of employees drawn from different corners of Jammu Region assembled near the Raj Bhawan this afternoon to express their resentment against the Apex Court verdict. They also highlighted the various other genuine demands of the Government and Public Sector employees. The protesting employees shouting slogans against the anti working class policies of Centre and State Governments, demanded that employees right to strike be immediately restored. The leaders of Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC) which spearheaded today’s demonstration said the democracy has no meaning if the working class is deprived of its right to strike for solving its genuine and just demands. They stressed on National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government at Centre and the Opposition parties to hold a debate on this issue during the budget session of Parliament. The employees, while expressing solidarity with the working class of the country also resolved to observe the complete strike on February 24 on the call given by All India Trade Unions. They demanded immediate setting up of 6th National Pay Commission which has since become due. The employees leaders said the struggle launched by them is to protect the trade union rights. They, while making a scathing attack on the Union and State Governments criticized the globalisation and liberalization policies. They alleged that the policies of both Central and State Governments were anti working class and pro capitalists. These policies are taking the country to slavery again, they added. They also demanded that the State Government employees be paid the Disturbed Area Allowance, their G P Fund accounts be properly maintained, employees be granted full pensionery benefit after the 21 years of qualifying service, formulation of transparent transfer policy, regularisation of daily wagers, enhancement of Medical Allowance, grant of 15 per cent Dislocation Allowance, revival of LTC and filling up of vacant posts. The Central Committee members of EJAC who addressed the demonstrators include Ram Kumar Sharma, Gaforo Dar ,Lekh Raj Khajuria, Mohammed Maqbool Ganai, Jaswant Singh, Shakti Gupta, Parhlad Singh, Kulbhushan Singh Chouhan, Amrik Singh, Ravi Singh, Subash Chander Dubey, Prem Paul Singh, Shahid Hussian, Darshan Mangotra, Abdul Rashid, Balvinder Singh, Satinder Bakshi, Chaman Lal Sangotra, Mohan Lal, Ravi Kumar Rehmat Ullah Malik, Som Nath, Gurmeet Singh, Sham Prashad and Vijay Kumar. |
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Valley students call on Governor Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: A group of 100 students of six districts of the Kashmir valley who have returned after 20-days All India tour met the Governor, Lt Gen (retd) S. K. Sinha here yesterday. The tour has been sponsored by the Army under "Operation Sadhbawana" The students during their tour visited several places including Delhi, Agra, Ajmeer Sharief and Chandigarh. They also met a number of dignatories including the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narinder Modi. Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said that the aim of this tour is to broaden the vision of the new generation. He said that people should maintain rich cultural traditions of brotherhood and amity known as Kashmiriyat, which is the need of hour. He said that India is a secular country and vibrant democracy ensuring equitable development of various sections of the society without bar of caste, colour or creed. While appreciating the Army, the Governor said that about 70 buildings have been constructed by the Army in different areas to provide accommodation to the civilians besides 3 lakh population provided medicare facilities adding that more such facilities would be continued in future. Highlighting the improved scenario in the state, the Governor said that about 2 lakh tourists visited the state last year and exuded optimism that during this year the number will receive a big boost. He said that since the Independence the state has made tremendous progress in all walks of the life and hoped that the rail would reach Kashmir by 2007. Later, the Governor distributed prizes among the students. Vice Chairman, Sate Advisory Board of Gujjar and Bakerwal, Haji Buland Khan was also present on the occasion. |
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Rather reacts to Mufti’s statement on sabotage Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: Senior National Conference leader and former Minister Abdul Rahim Rather has strongly reacted to the statement of PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti in which she has alleged that National conference is trying to sabotage the ongoing peace process. In a statement issued here today, the NC leader claimed that Ms Mufti’s allegations are misleading, mischievous and politically motivated. The real cause behind issuing such statements are being given by PDP leader just to divert public attention. The Mufti Government has already proved as failure and its leaders are trying to befool and mislead innocent people. He said National Conference has been consistently of the view that Kashmir issue can be resolved only through a continuous process of dialogue. In continuation of this policy in a recently concluded National Conference Working Committee several resolutions were passed. This meet welcomed the process of peace and composite dialogue initiated by India and Pakistan with a view to resolve all issues including Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting having taken note of the dialogue process started by Dy Prime Minister impressed upon Central Government that it should extend to all shades of opinion, to make it credible and meaningful. This will help lead to a dialogue with militant and other outfits, who have been kept outside the ambit of composite dialogue. The meeting also demanded that ceasefire should also be announced within the state to create conducive atmosphere for current dialogue process. Referring to Mehbooba’s remarks about late Sheikh Mohd Abdullah, Rather said it was only a sad reflection of her poor knowledge of the historical facts and the background in which the 1975 Accord was signed. It was due to political machinations and intrigues played by many including her father Mufti Sayeed for personal gains. The role of Mufti for toppling democratically elected Government in 1984 and later his anti-people role as Union Home Minister to unleash a reign of terror in Valley is known to everybody. Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: A high level meeting was held at Civil Secretariat Jammu under the Chairmanship of B R Kundal, Principal Secretary and Secretary to Government Agriculture Production Department to discuss the bird flue which has affected parts of Asia including neighboring Pakistan. Dr Deen Mohammed, Secretary to Government Animal/ Sheep Husbandry and Director Animal Husbandry Jammu and other officers also attended the meeting. The Directors Animal Husbandry Jammu and Kashmir informed the meeting that there has not been a single case of Avian Influenza report in the state as such there was no reason to be panicky and worry. The meeting however, as a precautionary measure and in order to check the ingress of infection, decided to constitute a divisional level Committee for Jammu and Kashmir Divisions separately. The district level committees will be constituted under the chairmanship of Chief Animal Husbandry Officer of the concerned district and existing check post staff at Lakhanpur and Kotpunu (entry point in the state) have been advised to examine the birds entering the J&K so that no infected poultry bird finds its way to the state. The meeting similarly decided that the check post at Lower Munda and Qazigund will be strengthened and the staff directed to carry out similar check of all birds entering the Valley. The Poultry Development and Disease Investigation agencies have been directed to extensively tour various poultry farms and rearers have been advised to take necessary precautions. |
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Sharma criticises NC for
raking up autonomy, Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: Reiterating Government’s resolve to ensure balanced development of all the three regions of the State, Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma today said the wrongs done by the previous Government is being rectified by providing equitable opportunity of progress to all the areas. Addressing a public meeting at Jhajjar Kotli, 42 kilometres from here this afternoon, Mr. Sharma said that most of the commitments made by the coalition Government in its common minimum programme have been fulfilled. He said a finance commission would shortly be instituted to go into the alleged regional imbalances. He said the other two major commitments of setting up of de-limitation commission and implementation of Wazir Commission recommendations are also on the top of the Government agenda. Mr. Sharma said that the relaxed atmosphere prevailing in the State has been made possible with the cooperation of the people who are yearning for peace after undergoing a trauma of militancy for over past one decade. He said the conducive atmosphere has resulted in large influx of tourists, pilgrims and other sports lovers. He said the world famous tourist spot Gulmarg is attracting thousands of winter sports lovers and currently the fourth international winter games are being held there. Mr. Sharma cautioned the people against the divisive forces who are hell bent to divide them on regional and on communal lines, adding that the Government believes in unity and integrity of all the regions of the State. He said any such move to divide the State would have greater repercussions and should be thwarted unitedly by one and all. He also criticized the National Conference for raising the boggy of autonomy and restoration of pre-1953 position as also bringing in several laws detrimental to the interests of the people of the State. He said after having failed to garner peoples’ support in the last free and fair assembly elections, the party has started vicious propaganda against the coalition. He said the people are well aware about the evil designs of the party and would not allow it to succeed in its nefarious designs to divide people on regional lines. The Deputy Chief Minister expressed the hope that the talks between India and Pakistan would prove successful in resolving all the outstanding issues including the Kashmir problem. He, however, said that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and would continue to remain as such and nobody would be allowed to grab any inch of its territory. Responding to the demands, the Deputy Chief Minister announced upgradation of high school to higher secondary school and a bus service from Jammu to Shurta via Jajjer Kotli. MLA Bani Prem Sagar Aziz also addressed the gathering and sought peoples’ cooperation in maintaining peace and tranquility in the State which, he said is pre-requisite for taking the State to new heights of progress and prosperity. He said the coalition Government is seized of the problems of the people and has accorded priority to address these. |
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Massive search operation
launched Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: Police today recovered a big consignment of arms and explosives including two AK rifles, 10 pistols and 10 kg RDX from near Aik nullah, close to the international border, in Arnia sector of RS Pura tehsil. The consignment, which was stated to be "not a fresh one" though the entire weaponry was in workable condition, was recovered on a tip off given by a civilian Dalip Kumar alias Kalla, a local, police sources said. They said Kalla had gone to the border area to collect woods when he spotted two large bags lying in a muddy area near Aik nullah under the jurisdiction of Arnia police station this morning. As he observed some weaponry inside the bags, he rushed to a security forces picket and sounded the troops of 11 Dogra. The Army personnel of 11 Dogra and a police party from RS Pura led by Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), RS Pura Dushyant Sharma and SHO Arnia police station Inspector Brij Mohan Sharma rushed to the spot and opened the bags. The bags, which had gathered dust and appeared to be hidden there for quite a long time, were found carrying two AK-47 rifles, four AK magazines, 175 AK rounds, 10 pistols, 20 pistol magazines, 75 pistol rounds, 10 kg RDX and one radio set. Although the bags seemed to be the old ones, the weapons were in workable condition, the sources said. "It, however, appeared that the consignment of arms and explosives was not a freshly smuggled", they said, adding the consignment might have been smuggled from across the border "atleast one and a half or two years back". Still, according to the sources, the security forces and police took no chances and carried out a search operation in the entire border belt of Arnia sector immediately after effecting the recoveries. The searches continued till late this evening but no arrests could be made. For the last more than two months, eversince the cease-fire came into force on the border, no report of infiltration or the border firing has been reported either in Arnia or in RS Pura sector, the sources said. The villager of the area, where the recoveries were effected, too didn’t have observed any kind of movement in the area, they added. The sources said there was a possibility that the militants might have hidden the consignment a long time back to pick it up at an "opportune time". However, they failed to do so and the consignment kept lying in the area. Meanwhile, security forces and police officials have appreciated the alertness displayed by the civilian, which led to the recoveries. He is likely to be suitable rewarded, the sources added. |
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Orientation programme for Sainik
School Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Jan 29: The orientation programme for the start of J&K Sainik School Manasbal, Safapora Kashmir, came to a colourful conclusion here today. Dr S S Bloeria, Chief Secretary, J&K State, who was the chief guest, gave away prizes and mementos to the teachers and staff of J&K Sainik School Manasbal. M M Bhatt, secretary Education J&K Government was the guest of honour. H K Singh, Director School Education, L K Gupta, Principal SIE and Malik, Principal J&K Sainik School Manasbal were also present on the occasion. The Chief Secretary while addressing stressed on the teachers not only to impart knowledge but also to inculcate character in their students. He pointed out that teachers in Sainik School have a more onerous role to perform ensuring all round development of the personality of the students. He hoped that Sainik School Manasbal would progress by leaps and bounds and wished the Principal and staff all successes in the endeavour. The orientation programme which started at Sainik School Manasbal on January 20 included job training, guest lectures by Dr Shashi Kant , University of Jammu, Miss Sushma Mishri, Mr S S Nanda, Mr Dutta and Mr Anil Jain from State Institute of Educaton Jammu, who spoke on topics of general and professional interests, which kept the participants engrossed with their lively lectures. The programme also included motivational lectures by Cdr S B Ray, Principal, Sqd Ldr A Sudershan and Sqn Ldr Balwinder Singh in armed forces and role of Sainik School teachers in moulding students for future challenges. The programme included lecture-cum-demonstration on Yoga by Bhartiya Yog Sansthan conducted by Anil Sharma and Dr S C Gupta. A Book exhibition was also organised and inaugurated by S S Bloeria, the Chief Secretary on the occasion. M/s Radha Krishan Anand and Company displayed various books on the occasion. The chief guest praised the organizers and the Principal for organising such programme and exhibition. |
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Pahari Employees Forum highlights demands Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, Jan 29: Pahari Employees Welfare Forum convened a meeting of its members at Mendhar under the chairmanship of Azeem Ali Shah, president. Speakers, in the meeting, strongly highlighted the Pahari speaking people’s demand for Schedule Tribes status and favoured to launch a massive agitation for the cause. They urged the president to call for a general hunger strike, ‘chakka jam’ and other modes of agitation to press the Government to concede their long pending genuine demand. President Azeem Ali Shah, while addressing the gathering, urged the Forum members to wait and watch the situation till directions come from the co-ordination committee of Poonch and Rajouri. He hailed Chief Minister Mufti Mohd Sayeed for giving a patient hearing to the request of Pahari delegation, comprising Pahari employees representatives. He also appreciated Pradesh BJP president Dr Nirmal Singh for taking up the demand of Pahari people with Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishan Advani and highlighting their cause. Those who addressed the meeting, included, M R Mughal, Haji Mohd Sadiq,, M R Khan, Mohd Fazal Khan, M Qayoom Khan, BMO Mendhar Dr Mumtaz Bhatti, Dr Rakesh Kumar, Dr P A Khan, Ashok Kumar Sharma JU, Vinay Dutta, Anayat Khan, Barkat Hussain, Sudarat Ali Khan, Munir Hussain, Farooq Khan, Mehmood Khan, Master Ghulam Ahmed, Master Jahangir, Prof Shoket, Head Master Mohd Sadiq, Devinder Kumar Tandon, Mahesh Chander Sharma, Sham Lal Dutta, Ilias Khan, Kala Sahni, Rakesh Gupta and Parveen Sahni. |
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Teachers Forum to hold demonstration on Feb 17 Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum has announced to organise a protest demonstration near State Assembly on February 17 if the Government does not issue an order ending pay anomalies. This was decided in a high level meeting of the J&K Teachers Forum and Graduate and Post Graduate Teachers Forum, which was held under the chairmanship of Ab Qayoom Wani. The meeting was called to chalk out further course of action if the Government does not issue pay anomoly orders before February 5. The speakers asked the central leadership to issue necessary directions to make the February 17 protest demonstration a grand success. Chairman of the Forum asked teaching community to remain united and ready for an intensified struggle to get their genuine rights. However, at the same time, he also appealed the Education Minister Harshdev Singh and his deputy A R Veeri to use their good office in getting the pay anomoly report implemented as the Government has already announced to endorse the demand. Prominent among those who attended the meeting and addressed on the occasion, included Bupinder Shastri, Ganesh Khajuria, Mohd Iqbak Beig, Rajinder Gupta, Sushil Kumar, Paramjeet Singh, Gopal Sharma and others. |
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JU organises interactive session with Urdu poet Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: Directorate of Student Welfare, University of Jammu organised an interaction with Bashir Badar, well-known Urdu poet of the country, here today. Presided by Amitabh Mattoo, VC, JU, the programme titled ‘Ek Mulakat Bashir Badar Se’, provided an opportunity for the teaching community and students of JU, to have an insight into the creative process of one of the leading Urdu poets. Bashir Badar who is presently visiting Jammu on the invitation of Cultural Academy and Chirag Hassan Hasrat Literary Society Poonch, speaking to the gathering said that a poet’s poetry should rule the hearts and not the brains of the listeners. The poetry which lives in hearts of the people is surely to survive for long. Good poetry should address to the basic feelings in simple language like Mira and Kabir, he said. Today’s programme compered by Lyaqat Jafari, started with Prof Devinder Singh’s welcome address. The programme was attended by Prof Jagan Nath Azad, Prof Zahoor-ud-din and others which included local noted poets, faculty members from different departments and the students of JU. |
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BSNL launches Cellone services at Udhampur Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: GSM Mobile Services of BSNL (Cellone) was launched here today through a draw of lots of all the applicants for fixing priority, which was done by Mr B L Saraf, District and Sessions Judge Udhampur. On the occasion, Charley Mathew, General Manager (Mobile) J&K Circle, told that all efforts will be made to issue the SIMs to all eligible applicants within one month period. Also he announced that J&K State is going to receive another one lakh lines for Mobile expansion for which equipment is expected to within four to five months. Mr Suresh Kumar, TDM Udhampur, welcomed all the guests. |
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Department of Posts holds customers meet Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: A customers meet was organised by Department of Posts in the Office of the Senior Superintendent of Post Offices Jammu today. Among esteemed customers present were Mr Charanjit Singh Assistant Controller of Defence Accounts and Mr Raman Aggarwal of M/’s Pyara Lal Ram Niwas and representatives of M/s Ladakh Handloom Emporium Raghunath Bazar. Department of Posts is offering premium services of Speed Post, Express Parcel, Satellite Post, Business Post, Media Post, Greeting Post and Western Union Money Transfer. R K Gupta, Senior Superintendent of Post Offices apprised the gathering regarding premium services offered by Department of Post. Among others the meeting was attended by Senior Postmaster Jammu Tawi Head Office, The grievances of the customers were redressed on the spot and they were assured that their suggestions will be implemented. The Speed Post services were available at all post offices in Jammu and Western Union Money Transfer facilities available at Jammu Head Post Office, Rani Talab and Gandhi Nagar Head Post Office. The people have been given an opportunity to advertise their products/services on postal stationery, Postal Vans and letter boxes etc. |
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80 students get warm reception
at BSF Hqrs Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: Border Security Force ( BSF) provided wider exposure to the students in the age group of 12 to 18 years hailing from border and remote areas of Jammu region. The force organised Bharat Darshan tour programme for 80 students to various parts of the country. The two groups left to see various place of historical importance during 15 day tour. These groups were flagged off on Jan 12 by Dy Chief Minister Pt Managat Ram Sharma from BSF Ploura Frontier Headquarters. The closing ceremony was held here today at BSF Ploura camp where Principal Staff Officer , Mr SID Peter (DIG) presided over. These students were given warm reception by the BSF personnel at Ploura headquarters. The DIG alongwith other senior officers shared experience of the students during their All India tour. The students were also presented gifts and packets of sweets by the DIG. During interaction with officers and media the students narrated their experience of life and knowledge gained during thgis educational tour. They said after extensive visit they feel proud of their vast country which has varied culture and traditions. They said that they would love to have such visits in future again and also like to share their experiences with other fellow students of their respective areas. A senior BSF official disclosed that while one group of 40 toured Delhi, Trivendrum, Chennai, Kanyakumari and Bangalore the second group of 40 was sent to Amritsar, Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer and Jodhpur. He said the students had lot of interaction with states leaders and eminent personalities. They were highly excited and impressed with Indian heritage and current developments and progress which they witnessed during their tour to various places. They also had opportunity to interact with various school children and their methods of teaching. In Delhi they witnessed Republic Day Parade at Rajpath. On Jan 27, all the students met the President of India. They seemded to be very happy with this exposure. Many of them for the first time, had opportunity to out of state and even out of their district only. |
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Panchayat Adalti Committee members administered oath Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: Adalti Committee members of Halqa Panchayat Channi Himmat, block Purmandal, were administered oath of the office by BDO Yousuf Malik. Those who took oath, included Ishwar Padihar (chairman), Sham Lal Malhotra, Paramjeet Kour, Rakesh Kumari and Bina Jamwal. After taking oath, the chairman and members of the Adalti Committee pledged to perform their duty with honesty and dedication. Among others who attended the oath taking ceremony, included Sarpanch Chamel Singh, Naib Sarpanch Jaswant Singh, Panch Laxman Dass, Panch Vinod Gupta, Panch Kamal Singh, Panch Bishan Singh Charak, Panch Kaka Ram, Nitu Jamwal, Dalip Singh, Gulab Singh, Raju, Sanjay, Ashok Singh, Mohan Singh Jamwal, Rashpal Singh, Deepak Singh, Kulbir Singh and Thoru Ram. Govt urged to regularise Rehber-e-Talim teachers Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: J&K Rehber-e-Talim Teachers Forum has urged the State Government to regularise the service of those ReT teachers who have completed three years service tenure. This was demanded during an extra ordinary meeting of J&K Rehbar-e-Talim Teachers Forum, which was held today under the chairmanship of Surinder Singh Chowdhary to discuss the demands and grievances of ReT teachers. The meet lamented that a number of ReT teachers, who have completed three years of their service and have satisfactory performance, are still getting meager Rs 2000. The Forum also demanded that monthly wages of newly recruited ReT teachers should be enhanced atleast to the basic pay of general line teachers and the contractual period may be included in the service record. Further, the meet demand, the services of ReT teachers who have been engaged at the age of 37, may be regularised as circular in this connection has already been issued. Prominent among those who attended the meeting included M Ashaq Rasool Javed Ahmed, Dr Khem Raj Sharma and Rajinder Singh. BJP activists stage dharna to highlight public grievances Excelsior Correspondent HIRANAGAR, Jan 29: To lodge protest against alleged misuse of rural development funds and highlight general problems, local unit of Pradesh Bhartiya Janta Party organised a protest rally and staged a dharna, here today. Shouting slogans against the coalition Government in State, the BJP activists alleged discrimination with Jammu region. While addressing the dharna, Th Ranjit Singh, senior vice-president and Mandal president, charged the Mufti Government with failure on all fronts. He alleged that the funds, provided by the Central Government, for drinking water facilities and other developmental works, were being misused by the local authorities. The local MLA is pressuring the authorities to use the funds only as per his choice with the result that several village plans have been abandoned to help individuals, he alleged. The BJP leader threatened to launch a vigorous agitation in Hiranagar if grievances of the people are not redressed soon. The dharna was also addressed by Mandal Pradhan Choudhary Sham Singh, general secretary Mohan Lal Sharma, Ashok Jasrotia, Som Dutt, Sehdev Singh and others. Bhalla inaugurates new link road at Kunjwani Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: Congress MLA from Gandhinagar constituency Raman Bhalla laid foundation stone of Kunjwani—Bandhu Rakh road and also inaugurated another newly upgraded road in Kunjwani area here today. The construction of road was a long pending demand of the residents of this area. The road will connect Kunjwani with Bishnah and other border areas and will given benefit to thousands of people of the area. This two and half kilometer link will shorten the distance between Jammu and Bishnah. Earlier, Mr Bhalla was accorded warm reception on his arrival at Kunjwani chowk by the residents and Congress workers. While speaking on the occasion the Congress MLA said that he was well aware of the problems of the people of this constituency and will try his best to mitigate their sufferings. Listing the priorities, Mr Bhalla said that he will development was his first priority and he will put all his sincere efforts to make Gandhinagar as a model constituency in the state. Referring to the coming Lok Sabha elections, Mr Bhalla said that all secular forces should unite together to teach a lesson the fundamentalist and and communal forces. He appealed the Congress workers to gear up for coming elections and make the party more strong and strengthen the hands of PCC chief Ghulam Nabi Azad and AICC president Ms Sonia Gandhi. He maintained that Congress was committed to fulfill the promises made with the people of J&K. A team of officials from R&B including Executive Engineer Mr D K Sharma, AEE- Mr Rajat Mengi and some officials PHE were also present on the occasion. Besides them, Chaman Lal Bhatti, Dr Vijay, Rajinder Mann, Surjit Choudhary, Mohan Singh, Bodh Raj Parshotam Khajuria and Fauja Ram also accompanied the legislator. Later, the MLA distributed blankets among the poor people at village Langar at a function organised by the Red Cross Society. Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: Eleven persons were injured, three of them critically, in separate road accidents. Police spokesman said that five persons were injured in collision between two trucks bearing registration numbers JK014-9016 and JK01B-9633 at 155 Kilometre milestone on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. On the receipt of information, a police party rushed to the spot and started rescue operations. All were rushed to Emergency Hospital Ramban and their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in. Meanwhile, Gurcharan Singh, son of Attar of Main Bazaar Poonch, Vivek Khajuria, son of M L Khajuria of Maheshpura, Ajeet Singh, son of Pritam Singh, Sarabjeet Singh, son of Pritam Singh of Simbal Morh, Rohit Sani, son of Vinod Sani and Vishal Sani, son of Vijay Sani of Rajouri were injured in road traffic accidents at Poonch, Ashoka Crossing Jammu, Simbal Morh and Rajouri. All have been hospitalised and condition of three of them was stated to be critical when reports last came in. Mufti meets Saudi Haj pilgrims, reviews arrangements Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Jan 29: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, who heads the Indian Haj delegation, called on the Saudi Minister for Haj Affairs Iyad Amin Madni in his office at Mina, 15 kilometres from Mecca, this morning and reviewed with him the arrangements made by the Saudi Arabian Government for the facility of the Indian Haj pilgrims. Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Kamal-ud-Din Ahmad, Counsel General and all the members of the Indian Haj delegation were also present. Mufti Sayeed conveyed his gratitude to the Saudi Government especially Madni for the cooperation extended by him to the delegation and facilities provided to the pilgrims. Mufti Sayeed invited the Saudi Arabian Minister for Haj Affairs to visit Jammu and Kashmir. During his interaction with the Saudi Minister, both the leaders discussed the thaw in the Indo-Pak relations with special reference to the path breaking meeting of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee with Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf during the SAARC summit at Islamabad early this month. Mufti Sayeed apprised Madni that there has been a movement forward in the peace process between India and Pakistan and it will have good impact in the entire region. He said this process is bound to succeed as there is a strong urge among the people of both the countries to demolish the walls of hatred between the two neighbours and usher an era of lasting peace vital for removing poverty and backwardness in both the countries. Last evening, Mufti Sayeed took stock of the facilities extended to the Indian Haj pilgrims. Mufti Sayeed had a meeting with Indian Envoy to Saudi Arabia Kamal-ud-Din Ahmad and discussed the matters relating to the facilities and safety of the Haj pilgrims. Counsel General was also present. He appreciated the effort made by the Indian Consulate General and Embassy in Saudi Arabia for improving the conditions for the stay and other amenities for the Indian Haj pilgrims. Nearly, 1.20 lakh pilgrims from India, including 8943 from Jammu and Kashmir, are performing Haj this year. In all, 20 lakh Muslims from seventy countries have converged at Mecca to perform Haj this year. After interacting with the people at Mecca and Jeddah, Mufti Sayeed said that people in Saudi Arabia are also happy over the turn around in the Indo-Pak relations and appreciated the initiatives taken to resolve the matters through dialogue. All the pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir and the country are safe. The Saudi Arabian Government has also made elaborate security arrangements and close circuit cameras have been installed at every crossing for keeping constant vigil This evening, the pilgrims are proceeding to Mina to perform the ceremonies associated with the Haj. Madan inaugurates 7-km link road at Badhori Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Jan 29: The Minister for Roads and Buildings, Madan Lal Sharma inaugurated 7-km road link Badhori Budhwal-Gurah Salathia in Vijaypur constituency today. The road has been constructed by the PWD authorities at an estimated cost of Rs. 65.18 lakh. A population of 10,000 residing in villages Badhori, Raya, Suchani, Manalpur, Rajinderpura, Gupwal, Sangwal, Nathwal and Gurah Salathia will be benefited. Minister announced that 350-meter link road from Gurah Salathia bus stand to hospital will be constructed for which the work will stated within a week’s time. Various demands were putforth by the people which include construction of road links, drains, improvement of drinking water supply and power. The Minister assured that their legitimate demands will be given due sympathetic consideration. MLA S. Manjit Singh also spoke on the occasion and disclosed that in Vijaypur constituency, development works costing to over Rs. 8 lakh are being executed out of his constituency development fund. He demanded that more funds be provided for the execution of development works. Jammu Provincial Teachers
Association Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: A meeting of Jammu Provincial Teachers Association was held today under the chairmanship of Balwan Singh Jamwal, president. Members of the central executive body, district presidents, senior leaders and a number of the Associate members attended meeting in which various demands of teaching community were discussed and highlighted. The members decided with one voice to conduct a one day teachers conference in the month of February, 2004 at Jammu as per decision of the central working committee. In the conference, long pending demands of the teachers, such as removal of pay anomalies, earned leave benefits to teachers, initial higher start and enhancement of wages of Rehbar-e-Talem teachers upto minimum Rs 5000/month, will be highlighted. Those who addressed the meeting, included, Manga Ram Sharma, Thoru Ram Sharma, Yash Pal Sharma, Mohd Iqbal, Davinder Singh Slathia, R S Pathania, Maheshwar Parshad, Babu Ram Padyar, Som Nath Banathia, Vijay Sharma, Jai Singh, Subash Chander, Ved Bushan Gupta, Kuldeep Chander, Kuldeep Singh Langeh, Sanjivan Singh, Joginder Singh, Tara Chand Sharma, Lok Nath, Diwan Chand Wazir, Surinder Sharma, Vijay Bhushan Khajuria, Devi Singh, Kamal Singh Hardev Singh Slathia, Naresh Kumar, Shashi Pal, Bishan Dutt, Subash Ganesh, Virinder Singh and Naresh. Bharat Scouts and
Guides’ property worth Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: Property estimated at Rs 50,000 was gutted in an incident of fire in the office of Bharat Scouts and Guides in Mubarak Mandi Complex under the jurisdiction of Pacca Danga Police Station this evening. Police spokesman said that fire broke out at 5.30 PM due to unknown reasons and witin minutes it engulfed one of the rooms of the office of Bharat Scouts and Guides. A Chowkidar noticed the flames enamating from the room and immediately informed the police which flashed the message to Fire Services Department. A team of fire fighting squad alongwith some fire tenders immediately reached the spot and started dousing the fire. It took about half an hour to the fire fighters to completely extinguish the fire. It was due to the prompt action of Fire Services Department that the fire was extinguished before it could spread towards adjoining rooms. All the furniture, some sports goods and stationary estimated at worth Rs 50,000 were gutted. A case has been registered at Pacca Danga Police Station in this connection and further investigations were on to ascertain the cause of the fire. The Chowkidar, who flashed the message to police about the fire, could not say anything about the cause of the fire. 7th IRP Bn celebrates raising day at Reasi Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: India Reserve Police 7th Battalion celebrated its raising day at Reasi today. Celebrations started with ceremonial parade held in the Parade Grounds of the Battalion, which was commanded by Ranjit Singh DySP and the Commandant J P Singh took th4 salute. Director General of Police Gopal Sharma conveyed his good wishes to the officers and jawans of the Battalion. The Commandant read out the message of Additional Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda and Deputy Inspector General of Police Armed Jammu M A Anjum on the occasion. The Battalion was raised on September 25, 2000 and since its inception the Battalion stands deployed on tough assignments of providing security to the minorities in the remote areas of tehsil Gool-Gulabgarh and Mahore. Since its deployment, the sense of security has raised n the minds of minority community in these areas where terrorism had raised its ugly head during the past seven to eight years. One Company of the Battalion remained deployed for security purpose in Kashmir for a long time. Five companies of the Battalion are deployed for the protection of minorities and are doing appreciable work in the cause of national security. The Battalion also organised a cricket tournament on the name of Martyr Constable Bilal Ahmed to commemorate the Raising Day of the Battalion. The tournament is in progress in Sports Stadium Reasi. The celebration ended with grand finale with a cultural programme presented by the officers and Jawans of the Battalion, which was appreciated by guests including SSP Reasi, Tehsildar Reasi and citizens of the tehsil headquarters. Cultural programmes were followed by Bara Khaana in which all officers and jawans participated. 150 encroachments demolished in Udhampur Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Jan 29: On the instructions of Deputy Commissioner Ashok Parmar, officers of different departments today conducted surprise raids at various establishments in different bazaars of the town. The team demolished about 150 encroachments and imposed a fine of Rs 1590 for violation of provisions of Essential Commodities Act. The raids were conducted in Court Road, Gole Market, Mukherjee Bazar and Sabzi Mandi areas and a total of 150 encroachments were removed which were causing hindrances in the free flow of vehicular traffic and movement of the padestrians. Various vegetable sellers, Karyana store owners, Dhabha Wallas and sweets shop owners were found violating various provisions of Essential Commodities Act (ESA). While some of them were in the possession of faulty weighing tools, the others had not displayed rate lists. A fine of Rs 1590 was imposed in addition to Rs 5300 already imposed during this month. A total of Rs 1150 were recovered from those violating Municipal Act. The team of officers issued strict warnings to the violators of ESA and Municipal Act not to indulge into such activities any more failing which strict action would be taken against them under law. The shopkeepers in all these bazaars were directed not to indulge into capturing footpaths and other sorts of encroachments in future as the district administration was not going to tolerate violation of Municipal Act. They were also asked to display rate lists in appropriate manner. The drive will continue for a few more days as some bazaars were yet to be covered by the team of different departments. The raiding team comprised of Additional Deputy Commissioner R C Sharma, Assistant Director Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, Tehsildar, Administrator Municipality, Assistant Commissioner Weight and Measure Department, DySP Headquarters Goverdhan Singh Jamwal, Food Inspectors and Sanitary Inspectors. Excelsior Correspondent BUDGAM, Jan 29: Eminent Kashmiri poet Ghulam Ali Fariq Budgami passed away at the age of 85 years at his residence here last night. He is survived by three sons. He was bed ridden for the last one year. Fariq Budgami was laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard today. Hundreds of people, literary and cultural activists, writers and artists participated in his funeral. A popular romantic and revolutionary poet, Fariq was in the forefront of Kashmir’s progressive movement from 1935 to 1970. In addition to his travelogue "Kashiri petha Karbala taam" (From Kashmir to Karbala), Fariq was author of over a dozen Kashmiri poetry collections. He was a creative writer of rare attainments and had played pioneering role in Kashmir’s cultural movements around the middle of the last century. After taking retirement from Rural Development Department about 25 years ago, Fariq had maintained close interaction with eminent litterateurs and writers. He had played a key role in organising theatre and film production activity in Budgam district alongwith brother Shahid Budgami and nephews Bashir Budgam, Nazir Josh and Nisar Budgami. His Rasm-e-chaharum will be observed here on Monday. Sharma for massive afforestation Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma has asked people to go for massive afforestation on the common land and village wood lots to check the adverse affect of the environmental degradation and ever growing pollution. The Deputy Chief Minister was peaking at the inauguration of the District office of Forest Environment, a voluntary organisation devoted for protection of forests, wild life and water ways at Budhi in Bharnoti block of Kathua district last evening. Mr. Sharma said that the man’s greed and excessive damage to the forest wealth in the past has caused environmental degradation threatening the survival of bio-diversity. He called upon the people especially the voluntary organizations to supplement the government efforts in maintaining ecological balance by taking up afforestation in a big way. He laid stress on afforestation in the Kandi areas that are more prone to drought and scarcity of the water. He said Jammu and Kashmir has vast potential of water resources and the need was to protect and preserve these to over come the drinking water problem in the Kandi areas. Rs 14 cr spent on community works under IWDP: Sofi Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 29: Government has spent Rs. 14 crore for creating community infrastructural facilities in four blocks of the state under integrated Watershed Development Programme (IWDP). The funds provided by the World Bank have been utilized in Rajwara and Rambiara in Kashmir and Akhnoor and Ramnagar in Jammu divisions. This was stated at a meeting held under the chairmanship of Minister for Forest and Environment Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Sofi convened to review the annual report of works completed. The annual report of the works completed and status of various other schemes will be presented to the World Bank by the Minister on February 4 in Chandigarh. Among other things the allocation of funds for third phase of the IWDP projects were also be discussed in the meeting. The Minister said that assets like forest closures, community land closures, veterinary hospitals and dispensaries, roads, dams, water supply schemes in the areas falling under the project would be soon handed over to the concerned departments. Similarly, arrangements shall have to be made for transfer of community-based assets to village development committees much before closure of the project so that these vital assets are maintained properly. |
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