Glowing tributes paid to Mohi-u-Din Shah

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 12: Glowing tributes were paid to veteran National Conference (NC) leader and former Minister Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Shah who breathed his last yesterday at Srinagar by the Provincial Committee of the Party at a condolence meeting held at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan here today.

The meeting was chaired by the Provincial president of NC, Ajay Sadhotra and those who paid their respects to the departed leader include, former Ministers, legislators and other Party functionaries.

Paying homage to Mr Shah, Ajay Sadhotra described him a a towering personality who stood by the Party leadership through every thick and thin.

Recalling his contribution to state and Party, Former Minister and senior NC leader, Surjit Singh Salathia said the best tributes to Mr Shah would be that we should work hard to strengthen the Party.

Paying glowing tributes to the departed leader, NC provincial vice president, Rattan Lal Gupta said his life is an open book. Mr Shah was a freedom fighter who as a student joined the Quit Kashmir movement and worked shoulder to shoulder with senior leadership, he added.

Former Minister and N C leader, Harbans Singh, while recalling the services of Mr Shah said he has played a great role in strengthening the Party in State in general and Jammu region in particular. His death has created a big void in political circles which can not be filled up, he added.

Among others who paid tributes to veteran NC leader include, Rishpal Singh, Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari, Abdul Gani Malik, Javed Rana, Mohammed Aslam, Bashir Ahmed Kichloo, all MLAs, Ch. Bashir Ahmed Naz, Ram Paul, Depinder Kour and Haji Mohammed Hussian, (MLCs), Bimla Luthra and Iqbal Kour , ex MLCs, Chuni Lal Khajuria, former Deputy Chairman Legislative Council, Aslam Gooni, YNC leader Chander Mohan Sharma, N C Minority Cell chief and Ex MLC Bhushan Lal Bhat, K L Bhagat, Parmanand and Th Baldev Singh, Party secretary , Sheikh Bashir Ahmed and Advocate Waris Gill. A two minutes silence was also observed in memory of departed soul.

Another condolence meting was held by the party’s Minority Cell in which rich tributes were paid to departed soul. The meeting was chaired by the president of the Cell Bushan Lal Bhat and others who attended it include M K Talashi, Anil Dhar, A K Hangloo and Bhushan Lal Raina.

They described Mr Shah a best statesman, mature politician and a true secularist.

Former Minister and senior NC leader Jagjivan Lal in a meeting at Reasi today paid rich tributes to Mr Shah.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also held a condolence meeting here today to mourn the demise of Mr Shah. The meeting was chaired by Party Pradesh Chief, Dr Nirmal Singh and others who paid tributes to Mr Shah include Party vice president Prof Hari Om, Shamsher Singh Manhas, Th. Ranjit Singh, Lalit Moza, Ajay Jamwal, Ashok Khajuria and Bali Bhagat. Two minutes silence was also observed as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

A condolence meeting was also organized by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to mourn the sad and untimely demise of Mr Shah. The meeting observed two minutes silence in the memory of departed soul.

A condolence meeting was also organised by NC district unit Udhampur to condole the demise of Mr Shah. The meeting was organised by Ch. Mohammed Shaffi, district president under the chairmanship of Chuni Lal Khajuria, Ex Deputy Chairman J&K Legislative Council. The speakers paid glowing tributes to Mr Shah and recalled his contributions to the Party and state.

A condolence meeting was also organised by the Muslim Federation Jammu to mourn the sudden and untimely demise of Mr Shah. The speakers recalled his services during the freedom struggle and after it in the re-construction of the state.

The meeting was chaired by Abdul Majid president of the Federation. It expressed deepest sympathy with the bereaved family.

Jammu and Kashmir Christian Legal Association also held a condolence meeting under the chairmanship of its president Waris Gill to mourn the demise of Mr Shah. The meeting paid rich tributes to departed soul. It observed two minutes silence in the memory of the late leader and recalled his services to the state.

Centre assures all possible financial help to J&K
for agriculture development

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 12: The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government led by Dr Manmohan Singh will provide all possible help and financial assistance to Jammu and Kashmir Government for development of agriculture, said the Union Minister of State for Agriculture Kanti Lal Bhuria while chairing a high level meeting of agriculture related officers here today.

Mr Bhuria said it was the endeavour of the Central Government to take some measures aimed at improving the condition of farmers. He added that after taking over as Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has made it clear that development of agriculture will be the main priority of the new Government.

Mr Bhuria assured that Government will take concrete measures to see that farmers get due recognition and all possible assistance was provided to them to ensure increase in agriculture production. he said if the country it to become self-reliant and and emerge strong then adequate attention has to be given to the farming community to see that their economic condition becomes stable.

While reviewing the functioning of various Central Agricultural Departments and Sher-i-Kashmir University of Sciences and Technology, the Union Minister urged the officers to implement the centrally sponsored schemes in the State fully so that benefits of such schemes reach to the farming and other deserving communities. He asked the officers to submit more development oriented projects to Agriculture Ministry so that liberal funds and central assistance was released for the implementation of such projects, as the State has suffering a lot due to militancy and terrorism.

Mr Bhuria said a central team will be sent here to assess the loss suffered by the people residing along borders who could not cultivate their land and raise crops due to various conditions. He said once the loss suffered was evaluated by the Central team, the Central Government will come out with a suitable scheme for such border people.

The Central Minister said he would personally visit the border areas during his next visit to the State and added that Prime Minister and Union Agriculture Minister would duly be apprised about the ground realities prevailing along borders.

He said Central Government has already released an amount of Rs 1 crore to J&K during last financial year under Technology Mission Programme and added that an amount of Rs 100 crore has been earmarked for J&K under Technology Mission in the 10th Five Year Plan, of which an amount of Rs 6.5 crore has already been released to the State during current year.

Earlier Vice Chancellor SKUAST Jammu, H U Khan, gave a brief account of working and achievements of Agricultural University and stressed on the need of liberal funding from the Centre so that university was able to work fully to its potential. He also called for upgradation of financial assistance to SKUAST.

Director Agriculture Jammu, Mrs Vinod Bala, urged the Union Minister for granting a special package for Drought Prone Areas and also requested the Minister for setting up Agri-expo zones for honey and Basmati rice.

The meeting among others was attended by Director, National Horticulture Board, Government of India, Deputy Director NCDC, Officer-in-charge NAFED, J K Bhat, Branch In-charge, Central Integrated Pest Management Centre, Chief Agriculture Officer, Command Area Development Programme, Director Animal Husbandry and Joint Director Sheep Husbandry etc.

DGP visits Mahore, reviews security measures

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 12: Director General of Police Gopal Sharma today visited Mahore to review the security arrangements especially after the killing of four members of cops families at village Morha Jamsalan.

Accompanied by DIG Udhampur-Doda range Satvir Gupta, SSP Reasi J L Sharma and other police officers, the DGP reviewed the security arrangements in a meeting with the officers of Army and para-military forces and passed necessary instructions to thwart the nefarious designs of the anti-national elements.

The Director General of Police was also apprised of the search and cardon operations launched in the militancy-infested areas by the police and para-military forces particularly after the killing of four members of cops families.

Later, Mr Gopal Sharma met the members of the bereaved families and conveyed his condolences.

Talking to token leaders won’t help: Hurriyat (G)

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, June 12: Senior separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geealni-led Hurriyat Conference has questioned the "method and structure" of the offer of dialogue to the secessionist camp by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government in absence of "pillars of genuine political leadership".

In a statement issued here this evening, a spokesman of the Hurriyat faction said that arrest of General Mohammed Musa, the chairman of Tehreek-e-Kashmir, on June 7 and his shifting to the Kotbalwal today had given rise to many questions. "New Indian dispensation gave impression of talking to all separatist leadership for resolving the Kashmir issue. Who will participate in these talks and who won’t, only time will decide it. Had New Delhi’s policy makers an iota of sincerity and seriousness in their plans, imprisoned political leadership should have been first released," the spokesman said.

"However, the arrest of Musa has deflated the balloon of New Delhi’s new tactics. Hurriyat likes to ask that what will be the method and structure of these talks in absence of the pillars of genuine political leadership," the spokesman pointed out.

He said that it would be "brazen mistake" on part of the Indian leadership to interpret that entire Kashmiri leadership was sell-out and would relish delicacies across the negotiating table with India. "Hurriyat understands that in case Indian security forces continue unleashing atrocities New Delhi might have to settle for their blue eyed people (for negotiations), who are now only being considered as token leaders and all and sundry in Kashmir just hate their wayward behaviour," he said.

While calling the arrest of Musa as unwarranted and undemocratic, the Hurriyat spokesman appealed to the human rights groups and ICRC to intervene and seek his release.

Dogra Law College celebrates its annual day function

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 12: Folk group dance and other cultural items marked annual day function of Dogra Law College which was celebrated, here today.

Member of Parliament and Minister of R&B in the State Government, Madan Lal Sharma was chief guest on the occasion while Jammu University Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo presided over the function.

Speaking on the occasion, Madan Lal Sharma said that Dogra Law College and other such private professional institutes in the State have proved to be a boon for the local students who can now avail professional education in their home State.

The newly elected MP announced that he would spend 10 per cent of his Constituency Development Funds only on the welfare of students and sportspersons. He also assured that he would leave no stone unturned to highlight the grievances and genuine demands of Jammu people in Lok Sabha.

In his presidential remark, Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo expressed his satisfaction over the functioning of Dogra Law College and assured that Jammu University would provide all possible help to the institution in academic development.

He also hoped that newly elected people’s representatives, like Madan Lal Sharma, in the Parliament, would help in continuous and adequate flow of Central funds to Jammu University.

On the occasion, first issue of the college magazine ‘Nyaya’ was also released.

Chairman of the Dogra Educational Trust, Gulchain Singh Charak presented vote of thanks and stressed that the Dogra Law College was committed to keep the beacon of light shining forever through the academic pursuits of the institution. Some cultural items, including a Dogri group dance, a Punjabi solo song, solo dance and group song in Hindi, were presented on the occasion by the Law College students.

Earlier, Prof T N Shalla, Director of the college presented welcome address.

Mrs Savita Nayyar read out annual report of the college and listed some achievements of the institution.

Mehbooba seeks early release of central funds

Excelsior Correspondent

NEW DELHI, June 12: Peoples Democratic Party chief and Member Parliament Ms. Mehbooba Mufti has sought Union Finance Minister’s personnel intervention in early release of central funding to finalize Jammu and Kashmir’s current year annual plan. She has also sought special dispensation to implement centres’ decision to merge 50 per cent of Dearness Allowance (DA) into the employees’ salary.

Ms. Mehbooba Mufti, during her meeting with Union Finance Minister Mr. P. Chidambarm sought release of Rs 1150 crore, which include plan assistance of Rs 400 crore from Planning Commission and Rs 750 crore from Finance Ministry, to finalize this year’s annual plan outlay of Rs 2850 crore. She said the State gets this central assistance every year and for the current year, it has not yet been communicated about the availability of these funds. She pleaded for early decision on the matter so that the mass development activities that have been taken up last year should not suffer on account of non-availibility of funds. The Union Minister assured her that he will look into the matter and decision in this regard will be taken on priority.

PDP chief also pleaded for special dispensation of Rs. 300 crore for the current year and Rs. 200 crore for next year to implement centres’ decision to merge 50 per cent DA of employees with the salary and release of another two per cent installment from January this year. She said State’s resources are limited and this decision would put additional burden of Rs 300 crore on the State exchequer for the current year and Rs 200 crore for the next year. She pleaded for liberal assistance in this regard to enable the State to meet the pending demand of the employees.

Ms. Mufti further explained to the Minister that the State Government has accumulated Rs 1400 crore as over draft from Jammu and Kashmir Bank. In addition to this, the State Government owes loans to various financial institutions including Jammu and Kashmir Bank. She said that NDA Government had agreed to provide grant of Rs 300 crore to phase out over drafts with the promise that the balance would be converted into long term bonds in favour of Jammu and Kashmir Bank. She sought that the arrangements reached previously should be implemented and Rs 300 crore be released to the State Government.

Ms. Mufti also briefed the Minister regarding prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir State. She said that in the wake of militancy a large number of Government employees have migrated to other parts of the country and State Government has been since been pleading that the salary of these employees be treated as SRE. The financial involvement in this regard is Rs. 85 crore, she said and added that this amount should at least be released for current financial year out of SRE.

Somany comes up with exquisite, exclusive
floor, wall tiles

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 12: SPL Limited—country’s second largest manufacturer of quality ceramic tiles has come up with latest exquisite and exclusive offerings. The 250 new futuristic tiles concepts and solutions were exhibited at Somany Future Zone-04 Exhibition at K C Residency today.

The displayed tiles—ranged from normal bathroom concepts to the exclusive series, combine dark and light colours and are matched with suitable borders and motifs. The idea behind organising exhibition was to impress upon the visitors and through them the public at large that Somany has further strengthened its product portfolio and is offering comprehensive and more contemporary floor and wall solutions.

Talking to media-persons on the occasion Marketing Manager of the company Sanjay Sharma said "with three decades of experience in the ceramic tiles business, SPL Limited is country’s one of the largest manufacturer of quality floor and wall tiles and Somany brand name today commands a nation equity", adding "it is also the first Indian company to have both ISO-9002 and ISO-14001 certifications".

According to Mr Sharma the company is expecting a high growth and even large consumer satisfaction in the future as more emphasis is being given to service and research and development keeping in mind that the consumer has become more aware and demands better products at more competitive prices. "These tiles are available in 250 innovative designs and in all sizes thus best suited for all sorts of establishments", he said.

About the response, he said "very tremendous response we are receiving. New houses guided by Architecture has been giving us good response. This is a new trend as people have started understanding worth of seeking suggestions of the Architecture", adding "usage of marble and other stones has decreased upto large extent due to the tiles". The entire range of offerings from Somany is available at Exclusive Arcade in Jammu—M/s Delhi Building Material Corporation, Gandhi Nagar.

Summer vacations in Subordinate Courts from tomorrow

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 12: The Subordinate Courts in the Summer Zone will remain closed from Monday, June 14 to June 28.

During the vacations, Additional Sessions Judge Jammu and First Additional Sessions Judge Jammu will be the vacation Judges in District Jammu. The Additional Sessions Judge will hold the court in the first week and First Additional Sessions Judge Jammu will hold the court in second week during the vacations.

Excise Magistrate Jammu will be the Duty Magistrate from June 14 to June 18, Sub Registrar Jammu will be Duty Magistrate from June 19 to June 23, while’s this job from June 24 to June 28 has been entrusted to Forest Magistrate Jammu.

Meanwhile Kartar Singh, Principal District and Sessions Judge Leh, who was transferred and posted as Special Judge Anti-Corruption Jammu has joined his new place of posting.

PNB adopts Cura Singhu village for development

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 12: The Punjab National Bank, Shamachak branch has adopted the village Cura Singhu. This step has been taken by the Bank under directions of C R Khajuria, Senior Regional Manager (J&K region) in its social commitment programme.

The facilities like toilet block in Government Girls Primary School, a platform in the village to augment the meeting pointing for villagers, passenger shed and concrete benches for the waiters beside establishment of PNB chat on Baba-da-Talab for the pilgrims of Jhiri mela will be provided under the scheme.

The inauguration of village adoption ceremony was performed at a function presided over by Director, Agriculture Department, Mrs Vinod Bala Sharma and Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Rafiq Ahmad Sheikh.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr C R Khajuria highlighted the activities and achievements of the Punjab National Bank and the spirit behind the adoption of this important village of Jammu district.

R L Raina, Manager, PNB Shamachak branch spoke about the banking facilities being provided to this area. It was disclosed that the credit needs of the farmers are being met by the bank and providing Kisan Credit Cards to 25 families.

A cultural programme was presented by the school children.

The Director, Agriculture, Jammu distributed Kisan Credit Cards to the farmers and Additional Deputy Commissioner gave school bags and notebooks to the children on behalf of the Punjab National Bank.

In addition, a Kisan Ghosti was organised in the village at which details of various agriculture schemes was given to the farmers.

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