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Two killed, 17 pilgrims among 23 injured in accidents Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 25: Two persons were killed and 23 others injured in separate road accidents while as police recovered two bodies from different areas......more Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, July 25: An impressive workshop on ‘leadership through scouting’ organized by JK Scouts and Guides Association concluded today ..........more SPO among 4 arrested for kidnapping of woman Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 25: Railways Police today arrested four persons including one of its own Special Police Officer (SPO) in connection with alleged kidnapping of a newly married woman from Allahabad ............more Puran Singh takes over as president of Maa Shakti Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 25: Chairman of Maa Shakti organisation, Swami Paulji Maharaj has appointed Thakur Puran Singh (Ex -MLA) as new president of this NGO..........more Yogoda Dhyan Kendra celebrates Smirti Divas of Maha-avtar Babaji Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 25: Yogoda Satsanga Dhyan Kendra Jammu today celebrated Smirti Divas of Sri Maha-avtar Babaji. On the occasion, Swami Sri Nityanand Giri Ji, from Yogoda Satsanga Society of India Ranchi, gave a review of teaching/techniques of Sri Sri Paramhansa Yoganandaji to the devotees at Kendra. Swamiji, who was on two days’ spiritual visit to Jammu, disclosed that Babaji can..........more |
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CRPF jawans Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, July 25: Six CRPF jawans were injured when their vehicle skidded off the road at Magnad, about 2 kms from here this evening. Reports said the mishap took place when a CRPF vehicle was on its way to deliver food to the CRPF petrols at different locations outside Poonch. At a sharp ........more Consumer Forum asks BSNL to pay Rs 3,000 to subscriber Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 25: Divisional Forum Jammu comprising SK Jamwal as its president, JK Gandotra and Minu Sharma as its members, in a complaint filed by one Ram Krishan Badgotra of Garhi, Domana has directed Bharat ................more Fresh batch of 3457 yatris leaves for holy cave Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 25: Expressing their concern over the problems being faced by Amarnath bound Sadhus in traveling from Jammu to Pahalgam, various social and religious organisations have urged the ........more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 25: A scintillating Kathak performance by Shobha Kosar, here today, was like a gush of cool breeze in the otherwise humid and sweltering atmosphere of the city of temples. ..........more |
Two killed, 17 pilgrims among 23 injured in accidents Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 25: Two persons were killed and 23 others injured in separate road accidents while as police recovered two bodies from different areas. A driver was killed and 17 women pilgrims received injuries, some of them critically, when a mini-bus skidded off the road at Pallan Morh under the jurisdiction of Samba Police Station late this evening. Police spokesman said that the ill-fated vehicle bearing registration number JK02N-4463 was on its way from Sukhrala Mata to Jammu when met with accident at Pallan Morh. Driver of the vehicle was killed on spot while all the women passengers received injuries, some of them critically. On the receipt of information, a police party from Samba Police Station rushed to the spot and started rescue operation. All the passengers of the mini-bus were rushed to Sub-District Hospital Samba first and then referred to Government Medical College Hospital Jammu for specialised treatment. Identity of the deceased was not established till late this evening while injured have been identified as Shakuntala Devi, Ram Pyari, Kailasho Devi, Taro Devi, Geeta, Pooja, Karma Devi, Soma Devi, Sumita, Bindu, Darshna Devi, Laxmi, Tara Devi, Chanchala Devi, Anita Devi, Simro Devi, Krishna and Ramo Devi, all the residents of village Gour. In another accident, one person was killed and four others received injuries when a car, they were travelling in, skidded off the road and rolled down near Maroj under the jurisdiction of Ramban Police Station. The deceased has been identified as Deepu, son of Om Parkash of Maklote, Punjab while injured have been identified as Sunil Kumar, son of Harbans Lal, Bushan, son of Krishan Lal, both the residents of Punjab and Chintu, son of Jagdish Raj of Sirsa Haryana. In yet another accident, two persons—Vijay Gadhi, son of Tilak of Bishnah and Sunita Mishra, wife of Subash Mishra of Bishnah received severe injuries after a Maruti car number DL 53-2036, they were travelling in, skidded off the road and rolled down at Domana. Both have been hospitalised and their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in. Meanwhile, body of one Surinder, son of Chajju Ram of Baramulla and present putting up at Malik Market was found near Tawi Bridge. The body was shifted to hospital for post-mortem. A case has been registered in this connection and further investigations were on. A selection grade constable—Rishi Kumar, son of Hari Prasad of Bhaderwah and posted at DPL Doda was found dead at his house in village Dumail. A bottle of poison was also recovered from near his body which indicated that he had committed suicide. |
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Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, July 25: An impressive workshop on ‘leadership through scouting’ organized by JK Scouts and Guides Association concluded today at Srinagar. Large number of prominent persons belonging to all walk of life including scholars, scouts and guides attend the State level workshop. S S Ali ex-Director General Youth Services and Sports was the chief guest of the concluding ceremony. The DIG Traffic, Niyaz Mehmood, Commandant 5th Battalion, SSP Syed, Chairman Consumers Forum, M. I. Kirmani, Joint Director Information, Kh. Farooq Renau, Administrative Officer, DPS School, Poonam Bhan, senior officers of Youth Welfare department Gulshan and Mr. Syed were present on the occasion besides number of scholars, meritorious scouts and guides. Best talented scout Masters and scout guides were awarded with certificates of merit and honour. The Training Commissioner Nazir Ahmad and State secretary Yousuf provided basic training material by way of graphic, visual and audio demonstrations. Speaking on the occasion S. S. Ali said that scouting movement is the basic nourishment for growth of intellectual and physical activities of human being. It is essential for upbringing of our new generation that their basic potential should be identified for exposure before world audience in accordance with present global village concept. They are required to be involved in extra curricular activities and bring them out of the chambers of isolation. Niyaz Mehmood, DIG Traffic in his speech said that he has been associated with JK Scouts for last four years and has always found that with its wast talent and potential their services become sometimes useful for the traffic management. He assured that those scouts and guides who will prove their talent in traffic management shall be encouraged by the department. Mr Syed Commandant 5th Battalion said that seven days Mansbal camp organized by J&K Scouts has not only provided good opportunities to 300 scout and guide participants of the prestigious camp but also played vital role in improving the environmental beauties of Mansbal Lake and its surroundings. Administrative Officer DPS Poonam Bhan, in her speech vowed that she will play her role in shaping the scouts and guide contingent of her school as the exemplary group, so that others are able to take inspiration from the same. All the participants of the conference in their speech and discussions pledged that they will work for over all development, moral upbringing and economical and social upliftment of the society as a whole. Even various participants suggested to adopt various villages in their area, for overall development by the volunteers of J&K Scouts. |
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SPO among 4 arrested for kidnapping of woman Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 25: Railways Police today arrested four persons including one of its own Special Police Officer (SPO) in connection with alleged kidnapping of a newly married woman from Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh. The woman, identified as Sangeeta Singh alias Lata, 20, who was married to Pushp Raj Singh, 24, son of Hari Nath in May this year had gone missing at Adh-Kunwari on July 23 when the couple was returning after pilgrimage to Mata Vaishnodevi shrine. The couple was reportedly separated at Adh-Kunwari after which there was no trace of the woman. Pushp Raj had registered a report of her missing with Adh-Kunwari police post and Katra police station the same day. Yesterday, Pushp Raj approached Railways Police anticipating that the woman might have reached the station. Railways police led by DySP Abdul Rouf Lone and SHO Inspector H S Gill deputed special teams for recovery of the woman. Police said the investigations revealed that the woman was spotted at the Railway Station on July 23 night along with five persons. Railways police swiftly came into action and arrested four persons, who were reportedly seen with the woman. They have been identified as Jyoti Prakash, a SPO with Railways Police, Rashpal, an auto driver, son of Sukh Ram, a resident of Mawa Brahmana, Akhnoor, Ashok Kumar son of Prem Nath R/o Majoor, Akhnoor and Kamal Kishore son of Kasturi Lal R/o Tarala Jagir, Rajouri. Another suspected accused Kuldeep Kumar son of Munshi Ram R/o Mawa Brahmana, Akhnoor is absconding. Kamal Kishore and Kuldeep Kumar were waiters at Hotel Tourist at Trikuta Nagar. Police said the woman couldn’t be traced. Investigations revealed that she had left by a train for Allahabad and reached her house. "Presently, there is no confirmation of the report that the woman had been raped", police said, adding there was no complaint of either kidnapping or rape levelled by her. Despite this, police have registered a case against the accused under Section 364 RPC at Railways police station under FIR No. 12/2004 for further investigations. Meanwhile, a Railways Police team was dispatched to Allahabad tonight along with woman’s husband for recording her statement. Statement of the woman will clear the situation that whether she was kidnapped or raped, police said. They said the woman’s purse and jewellery was lying with her husband, which was intact. |
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Puran Singh takes over as president of Maa Shakti Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 25: Chairman of Maa Shakti organisation, Swami Paulji Maharaj has appointed Thakur Puran Singh (Ex -MLA) as new president of this NGO. Puran Singh replaced Ram Sarup Gupta, former Director Colleges Jammu, who held the post for a term of two years till October last and was requested to continue in the office till new appointment is made. The new appointment was made in the general body meeting of the members of the organisation held here today, which was chaired by Swami Paulji. Former Member Parliament, Mohd Ayub Khan and former Minister Jagjivan Lal were also present besides some prominent citizens at the impressive function held today. The new president pledged to work for the organisation and welfare of the youth and children with dedication, strong zeal and devotion. The outgoing president was also honoured on the occasion for recognition of his services rendered for the NGO. Mr Khan and Jagjivan Lal lauded the role of the organisation. A cultural programme was also organised. The new office bearers are: Th Puran Singh -president, A R Sharma- senior vice president, Ms Veenu Gupta advocate & Sham Khullar -vice presidents, R K Bhan - secretary general, S K Kachroo- deputy secretary general, Amar Khorana & K L Sharma- treasurers, Kuldeep Sharma, Pawan Gondhi, K K Gupta, Ajay Sharma, Karan Singh, Lal Man Sharma, Anjali Bharti, Sumit Sharma, Ganesh Sharma, H S Kalsi and Girdhari Lal as secretaries, Pradeep Sharma, Rahul Sharma, Sanjeev Kumar & Deepak Khajuria as joint secretaries while Vivek Puri is the official spokesperson of the organisation. Executive body members of the Female Wing are: Neena Khorana-president, Poonam Gondhi-senior vice president, Usha Kachroo & Anju Khullar as vice presidents, Sheela Misri- secretary general, Vijay Bhan- deputy secretary general, Vijay Lakshmi-treasurer while Kanta Andotra, Reeta Sharma, Daizy Koul, Usha Sharma, Ritu Vivek, Manju Sharma and Neena Sharma as secretaries. Youth Wing executive body members are: Shalini Kachroo-president, Shakti Sharma-vice-president, Anu Kachroo-secretary general, Pooja Sharma- deputy secretary general and Monika Puri -secretary finance. Children wing executive body included—Master S Krishna from BSF school as president, Anuj Khullar -vice president, Madhav Gondhi-secretary general, Rahul Koul—deputy secretary general while Mahima Suri as secretary. |
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Yogoda Dhyan Kendra celebrates Smirti Divas of Maha-avtar Babaji Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 25: Yogoda Satsanga Dhyan Kendra Jammu today celebrated Smirti Divas of Sri Maha-avtar Babaji. On the occasion, Swami Sri Nityanand Giri Ji, from Yogoda Satsanga Society of India Ranchi, gave a review of teaching/techniques of Sri Sri Paramhansa Yoganandaji to the devotees at Kendra. Swamiji, who was on two days’ spiritual visit to Jammu, disclosed that Babaji can materialize his body at any time and at any place in world but no one can see or identify Babaji without his own wish. Swamiji further said that meditation has the power to overcome all natural calamities. He revealed that Babaji will remain for the four Yugas and will work for the upliftment/emancipation of human being. Sri Maha-avtar Babaji, the living legend of modern India is also known as a deathless Saint. He is also called as the Yogi Christ of modern India. On this day in 1920, Babaji appeared before Sri Sri Paramhansa Yoganandaji and directed him to go to America for spreading the science of ‘Kriya Yoga’ in the West. This techniques also has its reference in the Bhagwat Gita but during the dark age the very techniques got eloped. The same technique has been revived by Sri Sri Maha-avtar Babaji through its four generation line of Gurus viz Sri Lahri Mahashyaji, Swami Sri Yuketeshwar Giriji and Sri Sri Paramhansa Yogananda. Maha-avtar Babaji is also among the eighteen Sidhas and has also given ‘Kriya Diksha’ to Adi Shankracharaya and to Sant Kabir. |
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6 CRPF jawans injured in road mishap Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, July 25: Six CRPF jawans were injured when their vehicle skidded off the road at Magnad, about 2 kms from here this evening. Reports said the mishap took place when a CRPF vehicle was on its way to deliver food to the CRPF petrols at different locations outside Poonch. At a sharp curve near Magnad, the driver lost control and vehicle skidded off the road, causing injuries to six personnel. The condition of three of them was stated to be serious. They were shifted to Army hospital. Those admitted to civil hospital are-Avtar Singh, Makpal Singh and SPO Joginder Pal Singh. |
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Consumer Forum asks BSNL to pay Rs 3,000 to subscriber Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 25: Divisional Forum Jammu comprising SK Jamwal as its president, JK Gandotra and Minu Sharma as its members, in a complaint filed by one Ram Krishan Badgotra of Garhi, Domana has directed Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited ( BSNL) to pay Rs. 3,000 to the complainant for non-functional of his telephone. The amount is to be paid within a period of six weeks, failing which the interest may be charged at the rate of nine percent per annum. Badgotra had mentioned in the complaint that his telephone remained out of order from May 25, 2002 to August 15, 2002. In this connection, the department was made aware many a times, but no action was taken. Besides complaining of harassment, the complainant also alleged inflated bill for the period when his telephone was out of order. |
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Fresh batch of 3457 yatris leaves for holy cave Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 25: Expressing their concern over the problems being faced by Amarnath bound Sadhus in traveling from Jammu to Pahalgam, various social and religious organisations have urged the State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) to run three to four additional buses daily for ferrying Sadhus to Pahalgam from Jammu Base Camp. They said it has become a routine affair that a seizable number of Sadhus have to come out of the Stadium daily due to the shortage of transport facilities . The Government should run the additional buses for ferrying them to Valley said VHP state chief Dr Rama Kant Dubey. He said the J&K Bank which has collected a huge amount from yatris as registration fee should bear the charges of running four buses daily for Sadhus. He alleged the Sadhus were facing lot of inconvenience in seeking their enrollment. He demanded sheds be constructed at the Registration counter for them. He also criticised the administration for snatching the cards of some Sadhus inside the M A Stadium yesterday for unknown reasons by the police. Ashwani Gandhotra a Shiv Sena leader also urged the Government to ply extra buses for the Sadhus daily. Meanwhile, the unabated rush of Sadhus is continuing. A fresh batch of 3,457 pilgrims left the M A Stadium Base Camp for the holy cave this morning in a cavalcade of 172 vehicles. These pilgrims include 2447 male, 666 female, 75 children and 269 Sadhus. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 25: A scintillating Kathak performance by Shobha Kosar, here today, was like a gush of cool breeze in the otherwise humid and sweltering atmosphere of the city of temples. The danseuse, who is a performer-teacher, HoD Dance Department, Government College for Girls, Chandigarh, brought to fore the mastery of technique, a fruit of her thorough and meticulous training. It was a performance marked by confidence, spontaneity, and poetic intensity. Organised by The Art Foundation, in collaboration with J&K Cultural Academy, today’s dance recital was part of the cultural evening which also included opening of a photo exhibition of invited photo-journalists from Chandigarh. After the inauguration of the photo exhibition, the music programme started with public felicitation of Kathak exponents of Jaipur Gharana, Shobha Kosar and her husband by the chief guest of the function Prof Amitabh Mattoo, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, Ved Bhasin, and senior advocate S.S. Lehar. Madan Lal Kosar is a renowned Kathak dancer and founder of Pracheen Kala Kendra, an academic institute of dance and music at Chandigarh. Established in 1957, with the aim of preserving and promoting traditional music and dance in their technical perfection and classical excellence on scientific lines, the Kendra has today more than 300 affiliated centers in the country and abroad. Trained under gurus like Kanhiya Lal, who was disciple of Nrityacharya Narayan Prasad, Kundan Lal Gangani of Jaipur Gharana and her husband Madan Lal Kosar, Shobha ji has imbibed best of both the traditional and contemporary idioms of Kathak and worked to create a style which is authentic as well as distinctly her own. Excellence in both the important facets of Kathak-Nrittya and Abhinay was amply visible in her performance today. Beginning with Ganesh Vandana, she performed various aspects highlighting pure Kathak. These included that, tukde, paran, chakardhar, and foot work. She also performed to a thumri and kavit depicting compositions based on various episodes of Krishana Lila. The programme was witnessed by eminent citizens, dance students, writers, local artists and musicians. |
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Tenants demand
rehabilitation Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 25: Public Works Department (PWD) and Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) today razed five shops in Janipur area as a part of widening of road leading to High Court Complex. It took two hours to the teams of PWD and JMC to demolish the shops which were creating hindrances in the widening of the road leading to the High Court Complex. Though the tenants of the razed shops tried their level best to stage protest yet due to the heavy deployment of the police they could not succeed in their designs. The bulldozers of the JMC under the supervision of Executive Officer Dr D R Kapoor accomplished the task of razing the shops in two hours with the active assistance of a team of PWD led by Executive Engineer. The owners of all the demolished shops had already been served notices and two of them even accepted the amount of compensation. "It was necessary to demolish the shops at the earliest because all the Sub-Ordinate Courts are being shifted to High Court Complex at Janipur in the month of August", Executive Engineer PWD Mr Pandoh said and added that though the tenants of the shops have to legal right yet keeping in view their moral right the Divisional Commissioner tried his level best to get a piece of land from the Power Development Department in the same area for constructing kiosks for the tenants of demolished shops. But the proposal could not be materialised as PDD refused to give its land. The tenants of these shops said that the authorities concerned had not paid any attention towards them, whose livelihood got snatched with the demolition of the shops. "Whatsoever compensation given by the administration is taken by the owners of the shops but nobody paid any attention towards us despite the fact that we are the real sufferers", they said and asked where will they go to earn their livelihood. "Before razing shops authorities concerned should have rehabilitated us somewhere else. We have also brought the matter to the notice of Divisional Commissioner a number of times but nothing has been done so far to rehabilitate us", they complaint. |
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Jasrotia braces up to popularize Dogri music at national level Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 25:Yashvir Singh Jasrotia, a renowned Dogri singer, has organised a group named ‘JAMMU BOYZ’, which is his own brain child to create an opportunity to, popularize Dogri Music nor only in Jammu and Kashmir but also beyond the borders of Jammu and Kashmir. Mr Jasrotia while talking to mediapersons disclosed that to popularize Dogri music by blending folk with modern music by blending the old melodies, new orchestrisation and popular rhythm patterns so that old and new sensations grow side by side. The new Dogri experimental music has been aimed at giving a new taste to the ears of young generation so that they start humming Dogri sings too, like they do to the Punjabi music. Jammu Boyz has planned to organise Sham-e-Ghazal titled "Laa Pila De Saquiya" and is endeavouring mega historical Dogri Pop Shows in the month of September at Kathua, Jammu and Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. Dr Farooq Abdullah, chief patron of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, has consented to be the chief guest at all these venues. Mr Yashvir Singh Jasrotia, who has to his credit, two most popular audio cassettes titled "Jaikara Sheren Aali Da" a cassette of Bhaints of Mata Sheran Wali and Dogri pop Songs "Sohni Kurhi" is all set to bring out a Punjabi Pop hit Album in the near future during this year. Mr Jasrotia who was first projected by T Series of Gulshan Kumar, has not looked back since them and is all set to bring out more cassettes including Punjabi Pops in addition to other songs including Ghazals and devotional songs. |
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Govt urged to initiate measures to meet drought challenges Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 25: Kisan Morcha leader Subhash Dasgotra has urged the State Government to identify the drought hit areas in Jammu region and initiate measures to meet the challenges ahead. In a press statement, Mr Dasgotra said that in view of the prevailing weather conditions and little rains, the farmers in Jammu regions are not in a position to cultivate Kharif crops. It has posed a dangerous and alarming situation for the poor farmers who may face starvation if measures were not initiated to meet the challenge, he feared. Further, the Kisan leader regretted, while the canals and other sources of water are drying up, the menace of encroachment and fiddling with the canal waters by certain influential elements, was turning the situation towards an anarchy. Charging the Mufti Government with failure on all fronts, the leader alleged that the ruling coalition partners were least concerned about people’s welfare. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 25: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Border has placed Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) under suspension with immediate effect for keeping recovery warrant issued by Presiding Officer, Motor Accidents Claim Tribunal Srinagar pending and avoiding execution of same for ulterior motives. A warrant for the recovery of an amount of Rs 25,000 from Avtar Singh, son of Roop Singh of Simbal camp, owner of truck number JK02B-2195, was issued by the Presiding Officer, Motor Accidents Claim Tribunal, Srinagar. The Tribunal had also ordered that in case Avtar Singh fails to deposit the said amount truck be seized. The warrant was sent to the office of SSP Border Karnail Singh, which gave the same to Station House Officer Miran Sahib Police Station for execution. Despite various telephonic reminders and assurances by the Incharge Police Station ASI Kuldeep Singh that the warrant is being executed, the same was kept pending and its execution was avoided with ulterior motives. On July 21, the warrant was returned to the office of SSP Border without execution with the report that the individual alongwith his truck had gone towards Srinagar and has not returned. To ascertain the real cause behind non-execution of the recovery warrant, a preliminary enquiry was conducted by the SSP which revealed that ASI Kuldeep Singh, Incharge Police Station Miran Sahib had brought Avtar Singh alongwith his truck to the Police Station and after some negotiations the owner of the truck was released and warrant kept in pending for ulterior motives. Keeping in view the grave service misconduct and dishonesty on the part of ASI, he was placed under suspension with immediately effect. The ASI will report in DPL Border Jammu immediately and deposit his uniform in DPL store. He, however, will be entitled to draw subsistence allowance as admissible under rules. The SSP has directed the SDPO R S Pura Dushyant Sharma to hold departmental enquiry into the conduct of the ASI and submit his findings on priority basis. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 25: The monthly meeting of provincial body of J&K United School Teachers’ Association (USTA) was held here today wherein some burning problems, being faced by the teaching community, were highlighted. Participants in the meet expressed their grave concern over the repeated deployment of teachers in non-teaching works, e.g. in preparation of voter lists, ignoring the academic aspect of students. In the interest of students, such assignments should be entrusted to the unemployed youth or to desirous retired employees by giving them remuneration, they demanded. The meet also demanded that Director School Education Jammu should effect the transfers of all category teachers under strict norms and all the CEOs be asked for implementation of these norms. Before affective transfers, a choice based transfer policy keeping in view inside and outside stay of teachers, be considered, USTA demanded adding that these norms should be circulated through press. USTA also demanded merger of 50 per cent DA in basic pay of the State employees, sanction of 2 per cent DA and enhancement in monthly wages of Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers. Banarsi Dass, Sham Prasad Kesar, Sohan Lal Sharma and Vijay Kumar were among the speakers, who addressed the meeting. |
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Baba Swarnjit Singh addresses Sangat at R S Pura Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 25: A large number of people drawn from different parts participated in the Sangat at R S Pura today. Earlier the devotees of 19th century saint Barahmgyani Baba Wadbhag Ji took out a religious procession in the town which passed through streets and main bazars of the town. The processionists were reciting Shabads. It was led by Baba Swarnjit Singh, Mukh Sevadar, Gurdwara Manji Sahib and a true devotee of Baba Wadbhag Singh Ji. Addressing the Sangat Baba Swarnjit Singh paid rich tributes to Baba Wadbhag Singh. He said it was due to the blessings of Guru that a sudden change took place in my life and he totally devoted himself to the religion and service. He said the Guru Nanak Dev Ji and saints like him belong to whole mankind and not only to Sikhs. He said while Guru Nanak, Kabir, and, Ravi Dass, Farid and other leaders of Bhakti movement were alive , the people of all faiths, religions and castes followed them. They were full of love and compassion for everyone, he said and stressed on Sangat that they should also come out of narrow barrier of religion and consider Gurus as beacon of light for all. Notorious chain snatcher, his father arrested Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 25: Police today arrested a notorious chain snatcher alongwith his father and recovered a gold chain weighing 30 grams from their possession. Police spokesman said that on July 22 one Deepak Gupta, son of Subash Chander Gupta of Rehari had lodged a complaint that a notorious criminal—Munish Singh alias Jyoti of Sanjay Nagar with the active assistance of his father Nar Singh, son of Labhu Ram had snatched his golden chain weighing 300 grams and Rs 6400 cash. Acting on this complaint, a police party from Gandhi Nagar Police Station led by SHO S S Sambyal and Incharge Police Post Nehru Market Harminder Singh conducted raids at different places to arrest the chain snatchers but all in vain. Today, on a specific information, a raid was conducted in Sanjay Nagar area from where Munish Singh alias Jyoti was arrested. On the disclosure of Munish Singh, a golden chain weighing 30 grams was recovered from his house. Police said that the father of the chain snatcher was extending all possible help to him in committing the crime. Even the mother of the Munish Singh was aware of all this because after snatching the golden chain was kept in the possession of Munish’s mother. During questioning, Munish disclosed the place in Panjthirthi where his father was hiding, who was, later, arrested. Rs 6400 which they snatched from Deepak Gupta was yet to be recovered by the police. A case under Section 382 and 341 has been registered in this connection and further investigations were on. |
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Fill up vacant posts in PDD: Co-ordination Committee Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 25: The Co-ordination Committee of All J&K Power Engineers and Electrical Employees met today under the chairmanship of Mohan Singh, chairman of the Committee and discussed various demands of the power engineers and electrical employees. Meeting hailed recently issued promotion orders of electrical engineers of all cadres in Power Development Department (PDD) by the Power Minister Mohammed Sharief Niaz. The Co-ordination Committee requested the Power Minister to expedite the promotion process of all cadres in PDD as lots of posts have been still lying vacant at all levels and no post should be left vacant so that its cascading effects flows upto JE level. Meeting observed that JE were the most sufferers and stagnated at the same post for the last 15 years. It was stated in the meeting that JEs got a little bit of mental relief by getting promotions which the Power Minister always promised to the Co-ordination Committee whenever it met him. The Co-ordination Committee further demanded for immediate redressal of demands of power engineers and electrical employees without any further delay, which includes expansion in PDD, filling of all vacant posts from Chief Engineer to Lineman, compensation in cases of accidental cases, employment as per SRO-43, allotment of designation as per one’s assignment, issue of separate seniority list in case of ITI diploma holders, revival of post of Chief Foreman, pay anomaly at the entry grade of degree engineers, regularisation of daily wagers and release of pending wages of daily rated workers. The Co-ordination Committee further expressed its gratitude towards Power Minister for releasing wages of the daily wagers for some months and requested him to release the pending wages immediately. Rajinder Kohli, Madan Gopal Sharma, Gulam Nabi Bhat, Dalip Singh Azad and others attended the meeting. |
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3 vehicle lifters arrested, 7 stolen motor-cycles recovered Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 25: With the arrest of three vehicle lifters, Police today worked out several cases of thefts lodged with different police stations of Jammu city. Seven motor-cycles have also been recovered on their disclosures. Police spokesman said on a specific information about the notorious vehicle lifter, a trap was laid by Bakshi Nagar Police led by SHO Ram Singh Charak under the direct supervision of SDPO Tanveer Jeelani during which a vehicle lifter—Raj Kumar alias Raju, son of Kali Dass of Sarwal Colony was arrested. The motor-cycle which Raj Kumar was riding at the time of his arrest was also a stolen one. He was put to sustained interrogation during which he revealed that in the recent past he had stolen five motor-cycles from outside the Mini-Stadium Parade and Medical College grounds. On the disclosure of the arrested thief, four more motor-cycles were recovered from different areas. The registration numbers of the recovered motor-cycles are—JK02K-0650, JK02M-2425, JK02M-6362, JK02K-4772 and JK02N-2948. The modus operandi of the vehicle lifter was to sell the motor-cycle by replacing the number plates with fake ones in order to dodge the police. The notorious vehicle-lifter was operating in the Jammu city areas for the past quite sometime and a number of cases of thefts of the vehicles have already been going on against him in the court of law. Two more vehicle lifters were arrested by Sarwal Police and two motor-cycles recovered on their disclosures. They have been identified as Yogesh Kumar alias Katta, son of Tej Ram of Patoli Morh and Manish, son of Kewal Krishan of Old Janipur. PDD unit of DEA condemns recent Govt order Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 25: Diploma Engineers Association (PDD Unit) in a meeting under the presidentship of Mr J S Slathia, while reviewing the recent promotion orders issued by the Government from JE to AE and AE to AEE, condemned the attitude of the authorities for not giving due share to Diploma Engineers as per Government Order 107 of GAD of 2002. Association president J S Slathia informed the members about the visit of office bearers to Srinagar and discussions held with Government authorities on subject matter promotions and cadre strength. Senior vice president R K Gupta apprised the members about latest position of the pending writ petition in High Court of Jammu and Kashmir. R K Kohli, central body vice president made known the cadre of the activities of central body and asked the members to fight the anti-cadre forces unitedly. The members observed two minutes silence on sad demise of Abdul Rashid Mir, PS to Power Minister and prayed for an early recovery of Power Minister who also got injured in the blast incident. Others in the meeting included Ashok Silwal, Manga Ram, Sashi Paul Sharma, J S Rathore, Paramjeet Singh and Vageesh Sharma. 700 families covered under AAY Excelsior Correspondent Sopore, July 25: Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Taj Mohi-ud-din today distributed 700 ration cards under Anapurna- Antodiya Yojana(AAY) among poor families those not covered under Below Poverty Line (BPL) category at a one day convention of Anjuman- Mahi-geeraan of Sopore. The beneficiaries, among others include the fishermen living in the areas around Wullar lake falling in Sopore tehsil .The families covered under the scheme would get rice at the rate of Rs.3 per kg and flour at Rs.2 per kg. Veteran Congress leader Gulam Rasool Kar , Member Parliament Saif-ud-din Soz and Congress Vice president Abdul Gani Vakil were also present on the occasion. Responding to the complaints of the fishermen regarding delay in disposal of old age pension cases, the minister announced that special camps of Social Welfare department would be held for on spot clearance of the old age pension cases and rationalization and revision of BPL list. He assured the gathering that their other demands would also be taken up with the concerned authorities. Regarding the allegations of corruption leveled by fishermen of Wullar lake against the officials of fisheries department, the minister asked Deputy Commissioner Baramulla to inquire into the matter and identify the officials indulging in the corrupt practices. Describing the problems and demands of the projected by the representatives of the fishermen as genuine, Mr Taj said that the poor people of the State has attached high expectations with the new Government. Addressing the convention, Mr. Soz stressed the need for further strengthening the public distribution system and said that the population benefited by this department comprises the marginal and poor section of the society. He also pleaded for rationalization of the BPL lists. Mr. Kar called upon the party workers to strike unity within the party cadres. He said worker should not hanker after their own interest but fight for the general welfare of the society. Mr. Vakil expressed concerned over poor implementation of social welfare schemes and stressed that the benefits of these schemes should percolate down to the deserving persons of the society. Gyan Prabha of Bharat Vikas Parishad released Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 25: The first volume of "Gyan Prabha " a biannual magazine of Bharat Vikas Parishad was released at a function here, today. The magazine is published by the Central Unit of the Parishad at Delhi. Prof S C Anand, a national convenor of Praud Shiver who was the chief guest on the occasion, released the magazine. Satya Nand Sharma,state president of BVP presided over the function while the programme was conducted by Dr Santosh Gupta its general secretary. The function started with Vande-Matram and Mr S N Sharma welcomed the participants. He said the programmes undertaken by the organisation for the benefit of the public should be implemented with full zeal and spirit. The secretaries , presidents, convenors of the project were requested to start the work on their respective project in time, especially those which are time bound. Prof S C Anand announced the dates for national song competitions. He said November 6 and 7 have been fixed for junior groups at Chandigarh and last week of November has been fixed for these competitions at Jaipur. Pluse 2 Lecturers express satisfaction over Govt move Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 25: All J&K Plus 2 Lecturers’ Forum has expressed satisfaction over the on-going process for removal of pay anomalies. Forum’s House of representatives which met here under the presidentship of H D Qureshi reviewed the overall scenario in the School Education Department with special focus on removal of pay anomalies, promotion of lecturers to the senior scales, confirmation of Incharge Principals and filling up of vacant posts of lecturers in the State. The House stressed on the authorities to finalize exercise of transfers before the re-opening of schools to enable the new incumbents to shoulder the responsibilities of their assignments. Mr Qureshi disclosed that process on removal of pay anomalies was going on right direction and the Government was bound to fulfill its commitments. He expressed faith in the sincere initiatives of Education Minister Harsh Dev Singh. Mr Qureshi while congratulating the Education Minister for his selection for a lecture in Harvard University of America, termed it as a matter of pride for entire teaching community in general and Plus 2 lecturers in particular. Forum general secretary Didar Singh gave a resume of working of the Forum in Kashmir province and also stressed on the participants to regularize the financial support from every Higher Secondary School. Yash Paul Sharma, chief organizer raised the issue of worst type of stagnation being faced by the cadre and disclosed that a comprehensive contact programme will be taken on the re-opening of institutions after summer break. Others who spoke on the occasion included Jagdeep Padha, Bansi Lal, Charan Dass, Amardeep Singh, Prem Nath, Ajit Singh, Pardeep Kumar, Mohinder Khajuria, Shakti Kohli and Surinder Gupta besides others. Mushrooming of brick kilns in Jammu, Kathua causing destruction to green forests By Gopal Sharma Mushrooming growth of a large number of brick kilns in Jammu and Kathua districts for the last several years and lenient view of the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) has caused extensive damage to the green forests. Thousands of tons of green fire-wood is being burnt as fuel in the large furnaces of the brick kilns every day despite the ban on the felling of green trees, by the Supreme Court of India. This clandestine trade of transportation of green and semi-green fire-wood loaded in trucks and trolleys goes unnoticed by the general public under the cover of darkness. During day, the tree felling process in the Shivalik belts of Akhnoor, Khour, Amb Gharota, Parmandal, Uttar Behni, Rai Suchani, Gurha Slathia, Samba, Ghagwal, Kootah, Ghati, Budhi, Barnoti, Mangloor, Dinga Amb, Sallan, Upper Rajbagh and other areas of Kathua areas goes on unchecked. The price of firewood has also gone high in past two-three years due to shortage. Even it is not allowed to dry for some days and is transported within two three days in view of increasing demand. It has been learnt that concerned Forest employees are well aware of this clandestine trade. But they pass smoothly from various forest check posts during dead of the night. The small contractors of firewood in different villages keep their men engaged in felling trees in connivance with the locals guards and field Forest officials concerned and delivery of the goods is made smoothly during midnight hours to their respective destinations. Respective divisional officers have also have full information about the massive destruction of forests. They may project themselves as ignorant of the hard facts but truth can not be denied. There are hardly 10 percent mechanised and semi mechanised brick kilns but most of them have failed. Not only this, the Pollution Control Board authorities of the State have also failed to discharge their duty honestly as it failed to keep a check on the activities of the Kiln owners. They continue to violate rules and siting criteria and no strict action is ever seen against the violators as teethless agency, remains silent spectators. Simply issuance of notices do not serve any purpose. Yet again, it has provided more relaxations to the unit holders with impunity by helping them indirectly in their designs at the cost of the life of the people. As per the information compiled from different agencies even today more than 90 per cent brick kilns are operating unauthorisedly in these districts. Most of the units are being allowed to function by the Pollution Control Board authorities and the District Administrations despite sheer violation of norms, thus giving rise to the pollution level in the region. It is shocking to note that norms set up by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) regarding operation of brick kilns, stone crushers and the Industrial units under Environmental Protection Act of 1986 are not being implemented in our State. With this, the pollution level has increased the alarming stage and the Government and the concerned agencies are yet to rise to the occasion. The figures available with the PCB Jammu and also with the offices of concerned Deputy Commissioners reveal that 110 brick kilns are operating in Jammu and 40 in district Kathua. Out of the total number hardly ten per cent of them have obtained ‘no objection certificates’ while the rest are being allowed to function illegally. The prescribed height of the chimneys has been shown as 105 feet as per norms but most of them have not maintained such height. Despite clear PCB guidelines, hardly any unit has installed pollution control devices in their respective installations. They have not installed settling chambers and the ash and dust particles carried away with the air, are inhaled in by the people of the area exposing them to various respiratory ailments like asthma, tuberculosis. The layers of SPM/ ash etc. spread on the crop in the fields around the excessive pollution emitting installations within one kilometer radius. The fruits and agriculture produce are badly hit in the areas where mushrooming growth of kilns has been witnessed. The areas like Muthi, Mishriwalla, Sarore, Agre Chak, Babe Da Jad in Akhnoor and Sakta Chak, Rajbagh in Kathua are worst hit with their impact. As per the Medical research on the subject, in past one decade a considerable increase has been noticed in the cases related to respiratory problems. The children are much prone to such ailments. The figures are alarming and it has become cause of worry for all of us. Sincere efforts are required to be utilised to contain pollution level. Innocent public is not much aware of the fatal affects while the State Health department and PCB have yet to conduct any survey. It has been learnt that senior official are not bothered to closely review the functioning of the Board and monitor its work. Rather officials seem to be more interested in issuance of NoCs or other jobs of their own interest. It is unfortunate that the Scientific wing of the PCB has mostly been involved in such other jobs while the Labs have apparently been lying almost defunct. Equipment worth lakhs purchased for the Jammu and Srinagar labs is lying unused. |
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