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Governor announces Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: Governor, Lt. Gen. (Retd) S K Sinha today announced setting up of General Zorawar Singh chair in the University of Jammu and magnificent memorials in his memory at Reasi and the State’s winter capital.....more CM’s
concern over Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Mar 21: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has expressed concern over the militants’ bid on the life of senior National.........more NC leaders flay Govt for withdrawing their security Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: National Conference has expressed serious concern over the withdrawal of security of their leaders by Coalition Government and ........more Religious
function held Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: On the first day of Navratras, a religious function was held in the temple of Bua Dati in the Civil Secretariat here this morning.........more Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Mar 21: The World Arbor Day was celebrated as ‘Youmi Chinar" Chinar plantation day with launching a drive for Chinar plantation in the Valley from today.........more |
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Mufti welcomes second round of Advani-APHC dialogue Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Mar 21: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has welcomed the second round of dialogue between Deputy Prime Minister L. K. Advani and All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) scheduled for March 27, saying.............more Excelsior Correspondent R S PURA, Mar 21: Although the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has assured full support to the Congress candidates in the ..........more Free
‘make-over activity’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: A multi-national cosmetic brand "Revlon" organised a ‘ Free Make-over activity’ for the ladies in the city of temples today.This activity was performed at Company’s outlet " Gift Arcade" at Patel Bazar, Jammu. The Company representative.....more Suman
inspects development works Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: Minister for Fisheries, Floriculture, ARI and Trainings Suman.....more |
Governor announces Zorawar chair in JU, other memorials Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: Governor, Lt. Gen. (Retd) S K Sinha today announced setting up of General Zorawar Singh chair in the University of Jammu and magnificent memorials in his memory at Reasi and the State’s winter capital. After laying the foundation stone of the proposed memorial in Reasi chowk this morning, the Governor, while addressing a large gathering, said the nation will always remain indebted to General Zorawar Singh who left a proud legacy of heroism for the armed forces to emulate. The Governor, who is also the Chancellor of Jammu University, said that several other measures are in the pipeline to remember the great general who is the only national hero in thousands years of India’s chequereed military history after Chandra Gupt Maurya who expanded the country’s boundaries. The measures include General Zorawar Singh lecture, an annual feature, first of which he will be himself delivering in the university campus next month. He said: ‘The posterity must know about the 19th century warrior who scripted an unparallel saga of military operations, braving weather vagaries and disadvantageous terrain’. Mr Sinha said that efforts would be made to persuade the Archeological Survey of India to preserve the residential palace of General Zorawar Singh at Vijaypur village in Reasi periphery as a protected monument. This would be taken up with the Union Ministry of Tourism and Culture so that necessary steps are taken to renovate the dilapidated palatial house that is witness to the strategies formulated by the great soldier to launch offensive for extending the boundaries beyond Ladakh and Gilgit. For his bravery General Zorawar Singh is proudly known as the Hero of Ladakh and Gilgit. Mr Sinha said the brave general offered his martyrdom near Mansarovar in Tibet after achieving the target. The Governor recalled his days as Divisional Army Commander in Akhnoor 30 years ago when a large portrait of General Zorawar Singh had been displayed in the unit headquarters and young officers used to talk about his heroism that continues to inspire all ranks even now. ‘After taking over as the Governor of this State last year, I decided to visit Siachen, much against medical advice. When Chief of the Army Staff inquired from me whether my visit to the area was necessary (in view my age factor), I said if General Zorawar Singh could demonstrate his war skills on the highest war zone, 22000 feet, of the world, what is the harm if I go to the glacier’. He paid rich tributes to the General and said he has carved for himself an enviable place in the world’s war history. Responding to the demands listed by General Zorawar Singh Memorial Committee, the Governor said these would be taken up at appropriate level. Earlier, the Governor visited Vijapur and went round the residential palace of the late general. He interacted with the functionaries of Memorial Committee and had a word with the descendents of the great warrior. He laid foundation stone of the proposed statue and garlanded the portrait of the late general. He was warmly received by the Reasi people and given traditional welcome. The functionaries of the Zorwar Singh Memorial Committee highlighted the glorious role of the great warrior who was a symbol of Dogra pride and left a rich legacy for future generation to imbibe. The said the committee would celebrate the 221st birth anniversary of the Himachal born general in a befitting manner. Those who spoke include Lt. Col (Retd) Pushap Singh, Mr Madan Singh, Dr Sukhdev. The Committee’s General Secretary, Daljeet Singh presented the memorandum while its President briefed the Governor about the programme drawn up for celebrating the 221st birth anniversary of the General. Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development, P G Dhar Chakerborty and senior officers besides prominent citizens were present on the occasion. |
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CM’s concern over attack on Rather Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Mar 21: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has expressed concern over the militants’ bid on the life of senior National Conference leader and legislator, Abdur Rahim Rather on Saturday. Describing the incident as unfortunate and condemnable, the Chief Minister asked the concerned agencies to ensure adequate security measures for political leaders particularly in view of the ensuing parliamentary polls. "I am relieved to know that Mr. Rather has survived the attempt on his life and is safe", Mufti Sayeed said and conveyed his good wishes to the legislator. |
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NC leaders flay Govt for withdrawing their security Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: National Conference has expressed serious concern over the withdrawal of security of their leaders by Coalition Government and restricting their movement during elections. In a joint press statement issued here today, Provincial president Ajay Sadhotra, vice-president Rattan Lal Gupta, secretary Bashir Ahmed, G M Jan & Rachapal Singh -both MLAs have strongly criticised the Mufti Government for not providing adequate security to the NC leaders. While condemning attack of senior NC leader Abdul Rahim Rather in Budgam the other day,these leaders alleged that Mufti Government has exposed the NC leaders to militants’ attacks because they have withdrawn their security. Such attacks will not deter the NC leaders to and its workers to pursue its programme and politics. The present coalition Government has utterly failed to provide security to the people of J&K State and human rights violations have increased manifold, they added. |
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Religious function held at Civil Sectt temple Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: On the first day of Navratras, a religious function was held in the temple of Bua Dati in the Civil Secretariat here this morning. The function commenced with the lighting of ‘Akhand Jyoti’ by the Management Committee of the temple followed by Havan Path by the learnt Pandits. A large devotees participated in the programme. Though there were security restrictions inside the Civil Secretariat but several devotees were allowed to perform Puja in the temple. Puran Ahuti was performed at 11 am. A temple management committee member disclosed that during Navratras from March 21 to 28 there will be reciting of 108 Durga Path and shlokas from Granthas. Durga Path will be held from 7 am to 2 pm daily and from 3 pm to 6 pm in the evening. The devotees will continue to throng the temple during Navratras. A community lunch was also arranged by the Temple management committee on the occasion. |
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Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Mar 21: The World Arbor Day was celebrated as ‘Youmi Chinar" Chinar plantation day with launching a drive for Chinar plantation in the Valley from today. In this connection an impressive function was organized at Botanical Garden Cheshmashahi in which the Vice Chancellor Sher-i- Kashmir University of Agriculture. Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) was the chief guest. High-level officers of Floriculture department were also present in the meeting. Speaking on the occasion, the Vice Chancellor (SKUAST) said that Chinar tree is an identity of Kashmiri heritage and this needs not only to be preserved but its pristine glorify is to be brought back ore otherwise our heritage would be incomplete. He said efforts are to be initiated on official and unofficial levels for plantation of Chinar tree on slopes, road-sides and open plain areas with missionary zeal. The Vice Chancellor expressed satisfaction over the functioning of Floriculture department adding that some selfish and vested interested people indulge in spoiling and cutting this old aged heritage of Kashmir. He said if the practice will go on, this would result dryness of our natural water resources. Such function was organised at all district and tehsil headquarters including Anantnag, Bijbehara, Sopore, Shopian, Pampore, Budgam, Pulwama, Baramulla and Kupwara. Chinar saplings were distributed on the occasion. Students of various educational institutions also attended the function. |
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Mufti welcomes second round of Advani-APHC dialogue Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Mar 21: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has welcomed the second round of dialogue between Deputy Prime Minister L. K. Advani and All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) scheduled for March 27, saying it would usher Jammu and Kashmir into an era of peace and development. "I welcome continuation of the dialogue process initiated on January 22 this year and believe that it would culminate in the onset of permanent peace in Jammu and Kashmir", the Chief Minister said He said that the people of the State had undergone a long period of violence and bloodshed that had to be brought to an end. The best course to achieve this, he added, was through the process of continued dialogue and discourse. Complimenting the sagacity of the central leadership to offer dialogue and the separatist conglomerate’s decision to accept it, Mufti Sayeed said this needed to be taken to the logical end. He said an air of reconciliation was blowing through the sub-continent that would provide a promising backdrop to the Centre-APHC talks. He said the overwhelming mood for rapprochement and cordiality in India and Pakistan could be harnessed in the interest of the people of the two countries. The Chief Minister appreciated the announcement of the APHC leadership to participate in the second round of the dialogue at New Delhi. He said the announcement was a positive step in view of the wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir who abhor violence and want peace and normalcy to return. |
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Excelsior Correspondent R S PURA, Mar 21: Although the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has assured full support to the Congress candidates in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, party ruled out diluting standing on controversial Jammu and Kashmir Permanent Resident (Disqualification) Bill. Addressing a public meeting in border village of Baspur, PDP leaders exhorted the party workers to ensure to victory of the Congress candidates from Jammu-Poonch and Udhampur-Doda Lok Sabha seats but all leaders strongly endorsed stand taken by the party leadership on Permanent Resident Bill. Leaders, one after another lambasted, Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) for, what the called, launching malicious campaign against PDP and Congress and creating communal tension in the State for petty political gains. He alleged that there was unholy nexus between BJP and National Conference to divide the people in the name of religion or regions. Speaking on the occasion, Rajya Sabha member Trilok Singh Bajwa observed that there was nothing new in the Bill and it was BJP which has been creating confusion among the people on this issue. "As there is a dearth of political issues, BJP has been raking up Bill controversy to create communal division in the country", he alleged and added, "BJP is notorious for dividing people in the name of religion to garner political support". He further said that it was BJP which raised issue of Mandir and tried to divide people in the name of religion for political gains. Mr Bajwa called upon the party workers to work to ensure victory of the candidates of coalition partners. He exuded confidence that coalition partners will sweep the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections as coalition regime has taken many radical steps to mitigate woes of the masses. Speaking on the occasion, former Minister and senior vice-president of the party, Rangil Singh urged the party workers to remain united in this crucial juncture. He said that political parties like BJP and NC, for their vested interests, have been befooling the people in the issue of State Subject Bill. He educated the people that the Bill was passed by late Maharaja Hari Singh in 1927 and nothing new incorporated in the Bill. "Need of the hour is to educate people about this Bill to frustrate evil designs of NC and BJP as these political parties have been trying to divide the people to garner political support", he said and called upon PDP workers especially the women to properly guide the people on this issue. Mr Singh called upon the PDP workers to work for the victory of coalition candidates in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. "By getting the Congress candidates elected from Jammu-Poonch and Udhampur-Doda seats we will strengthen hands of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed", he said. PDP district president Baldev Slathia, in his address, cautioned the people against vicious campaign launched by some vested interests against State Government on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir State Subject (Disqualification) Bill. He called upon the party workers to educate the people about this Bill and frustrate nefarious designs of those forces who are hell bent to create communal tension in the State on this issue. PDP general secretary, Ramesh Mottan, Ashok Sharma, secretary, Zafar Khan, general secretary youth wing, Shanti Devi MLA, Ch. Chuni Lal, Harmeet Singh and others addressed the meeting. Free ‘make-over activity’ in Jammu organised Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: A multi-national cosmetic brand "Revlon" organised a ‘ Free Make-over activity’ for the ladies in the city of temples today. This activity was performed at Company’s outlet " Gift Arcade" at Patel Bazar, Jammu. The Company representatives Ms Sheetu (Regional Franchise Executive) Revlon and Mr Rajesh Sharma, Sales Officer besides Kapil Minotra (ASM) and R D Batra (DSM) did all the efforts to impart free information about skin care, Make-up tips etc. to the general public. A good response was witnessed at the outlet today. The company representatives advised the owner of the outlet—Parveen Gupta to organise such kind of activity frequently in Jammu city. |
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Suman inspects development works in R S Pura Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: Minister for Fisheries, Floriculture, ARI and Trainings Suman Bhagat today toured Maralian, Miransahib, Indiranagar, Tinde, Nihalpur Simbal localities in R. S. Pura and inspected several ongoing development works in these areas. During the visit, a number of deputations met the Minister and apprised her about their problems and development needs. At Maralian, a deputation demanded improvement of link roads, augmentation of drinking water and better power supply. At Indira Nagar, another deputation met Mrs Bhagat and urged her for upgrading civic amenities in the locality. Similarly, a large number of people of the adjoining areas also met the Minister and put forth their demands. Mrs Bhagat gave a patient hearing to the deputationists and said that these would be examined. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: Minister of State for Transport, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, Raman Bhalla today said that insurance and health sectors will also be brought under the purview of consumer affairs. Addressing a function after inaugurating office of the PSOCO Corporate agent of Om Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Limited at Jammu, Mr Bhalla expressed his happiness that Kotak Mahindra has decided to open its office in Jammu. "The way private sector has been opening its offices and starting business in Jammu and Kashmir is a clear indication that situation has been improving in the State", he observed and appreciated management of the Kotak Mahindra for choosing Jammu to start its business in the State. "For the last one and half year situation has improved in the State", he observed, adding, "private sector has started investment in this region". He hoped that private sector will generate employment for the unemployed youth of the State. He assured every possible help from the Government to the company and asked the company officials to provide quality service to the customers. Mr Bhalla disclosed that with a view to provide efficient services to the customers, the Government has decided to bring insurance and health sectors also under the purview of the Consumers Affairs Department. He asked the people to get themselves insured as insurance cover was must for social security. Om Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Limited is a joint venture between Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited and Old Mutual Plc. It is one of India’s leading financial institutions which was born in 1985 as Kotak Capital Management Finance Limited. The company was promoted by Uday Kotak, Sidney, A A Pinto and Kotak and Company. Industrialists Harish Mahindra and Anand Mahindra took a stake in 1986 and that’s when the company changes its name to Kotak Mahindra Finance Limited. Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited is a part of the Kotak Mahindra Group. Today, Kotak Mahindra is one of India’s leading financial institutions, offering complete financial solutions that encompass every sphere of life. From banking to stock broking, to mutual funds, to life insurance, to investment banking. The company caters to the financial needs of individuals and corporates. Kotak Mahindra has a group of net worth of around Rs 1400 crores and currently employs over 2000 dedicated employees in its various business. With a presence in about 50 locations in India and offices in New York, London, Dubia and Mauritius, the group currently services a customer base of over 5,00,000. The group has international partnerships with Goldman Sachs (one of the world’s largest investment banks and brokerage firms), Ford credit (one of the world’s largest dedicated automobile financiers) and Old Mutual (a large insurance, banking and asset management conglomerate). Bikramjit Singh Butalia, senior Sales Associate Om Kotak Mahindra, Harpreet Singh Oberoi, director marketing PSOCO, Harmeet Singh, Jaspal Saini and Sukhwinder Saini were also present on the occasion. |
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Return not possible in insecure, scattered pockets: JKVM Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: Jammu and Kashmir Vichar Manch (JKVM) today reiterated that the return of Kashmiri Pandits was not possible in the insecured and scattered pockets under the prevailing situation. The JKVM leaders, while addressing a corner meeting at Anuradhapuram Barnai this near here this evening expressed concern that the Kashmiri Pandits who were the most affected people in the turmoil have not been taken properly into account during the Indo, Pak and Centre , Hurriyat talks. They said the State Government has created false illusions about their return and the fears and apprehension of the community were not taken into consideration. Questioning the return formula of the State Government the KP leaders described it a total hoax. They alleged that the Government over last one year has been planning to shift the Pandits who have been residing in the Valley for 14 years to temporary camps and yet it claims that the security situation has improved in Kashmir to the of exiled people. The meeting said the proposed camps at scattered locations like Harnag in Anantnag, Sheikhpora, Mattan and Tulmula appear as mockery instead of a sincere intention to resettle the exiled Pandits. The meeting strongly criticised the PDP chief, Ms Mehbooba Mufti for her outbursts and alleged that the PDP policies are Kashmiri Muslims centric which pose a threat to the unity of the state. Paying rich tributes to Nadimarg Massacre victims whose anniversary falls on March 23, the Manch leaders lambasted the State Government for ignoring the plight of these people. They alleged that these victims were totally deprived of the much talked about healing touch policy as not a single family was provided the benefit under the SRO 43. The meeting was chaired by J L Raina and among the Vichar Manch leaders it was addressed by Dr R L Bhat, Ashok Kangan its chief, H L Bhat, Bushan Lal Nadimarg and Dr Rameh Bhat. |
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BJP challenges Cong to clear stand on anti-women Bill Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: State unit of BJP has challenged the Congress to make its position clear on the PDP president Mehbooba Mufti’s stand on the anti-women Permanent Resident (Disqualification) Bill. BJP vice president spokesman Prof Hari Om said either Congress should quit the coalition or prepare itself for facing public wrath. He said Congress cannot be allowed to remain ambivalent even for a moment in view of Mehbooba Mufti’s open and unambiguous declaration in New Delhi that PDP will under no situation change its stand on the said Bill. How can the Congress remain silent on the issue. Expressing BJP’s concern over rigid stand of the PDP and the Congress Party’s silence, Prof Hari Om said, it is unfortunate that coalition partners are playing with the sentiments of women". He said BJP was committed to protect and advance the fundamental and natural rights of women and that it would go to any extent to achieve gender equality. He dismissed as ridiculous the charge of Prof Bhim Singh that PDP has joined hands with BJP in order to help it an ‘destroy Congress in Jammu region and else-where in India by passing anti-women Bill’. He reminded Prof Singh that Panthers Party was a party to the conspiracy hatched by all coalition partners to deprive women of their natural right. He said it was disgusting that Panthers Party was giving unstinted support to coalition Government in the cabinet meetings. Referring to the role of Pt Mangat Ram Sharma, Deputy Chief Minister, Prof Hari Om said it was Deputy Chief Minister himself who presided over cabinet meetings on January 31 and March 4 wherein decisions were taken to reward anti-India elements and harm women. He said Congress will have to pay a heavy price for the crimes it has committed by adopting a militant-friendly and anti-women policies. |
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Governor launches on-line news service of JK Observer Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: Governor, Lt. Gen. (Retd) S K Sinha today called for optimum use of information technology, saying that Jammu and Kashmir has to keep pace with the changing global scenario in the field of communication. Launching the on-line news service of JK Observer, first of its kind in the state, at an impressive function in Government Women College Gandhinagar here this morning, the Governor hoped the on-line service would be an authentic source of information to the people in this media age. He said the media has a great role in educating people about happenings and technological advancement in the world. The Governor also hoped that the on-line service would contain objective reporting on various issues and their healthy analysis. He traced the media history back to the age of pigeons being used as communicating the information and said with revolutionized technology the world has now been condensed into a global village. The on-line service, he said, has established its utility in the metropolitan cities of the country and it augurs well for the state to have this facility, which will satiate the reader’s thirst for information. Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Jammu University, Prof. Amitabh Mattoo complimented the Time Communications for launching the on-line service and described it as a healthy addition in the source of information to the people. This will help in broadening the vision of the people by giving them update information on various issues. Media can help in channelising people’s energies towards right direction, he maintained, adding that the business community too will benefit from the service by reaching people through advertisements. The on-line service can be accessed WWW. JAMMU KASHMIR OBSERVER.COM<http:// WWW.JAMMUKASHMIROBSERVER.COM> A galaxy of intellectuals, academicians and media persons were present on the launching ceremony. The function started with the litting of the traditional lamp by the Governor. The management of the Time Communications briefed the Governor about salient features of the on-line service. |
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Basic Health Employees Association lists demands Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: The third one day conference of Jammu and Kashmir Basic Health Employees Association was held here in which over 200 delegates representing all the districts of Jammu province took part in it. During the one day conference, the employees listed various demands which included registration of basic health employees as chemists and druggists on retirement in view of the acquired experience during the service. The other demands put forward included enhancement of fixed travelling allowance, filling up of the vacant posts of all the categories of basic health scheme, removal of pay anomalies in the pay scale of MPWs and JHI, issuance of the revised recruitment rules, risk allowance to basic health staff, reservation of quota for the children/dependents of basic health employees and merger of 50 percent DA. The election to the working committee was also held under the chairmanship of Lekh Raj Khajuria with Gurcharan Singh as president, Rahim Din, vice president and Vinod Kumar as general secretary. Other members include Pawan Singh, Shadi Lal, Rattan Singh, Pancham Singh, Fiaz Hussain, Amar Nath, Liaqat Ali, Suresh Suri, Surinder Singh, Paramjit Singh and Mani Ram. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: The National Conference today held a meeting in Reasi under the chairmanship of Jagjivan Lal, former Minister, in which the political and developmental activities were reviewed. The party leaders voiced concern over the developmental activities getting to a standstill under the tenure of PDP-Congress coalition Government. During the regime of NC Government, headed by a Farooq Abdullah, a series of development works were taken up by the Government, which have now come to a standstill, Mr Lal said. He added that the people would teach the Congress-PDP coalition a lesson in the coming Lok Sabha elections. The meeting was also attended by Abdul Gani Malik, MLA, Abdul Wahid Shan, ex-MLA, Choudhary Mohd Shaffi, Advocate, who was a special invitee and a number of other NC leaders including the women. |
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Gupta charges coalition partners of communalizing situation Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: Union Minister of State for Defence and senior BJP leader Prof Chaman Lal Gupta has charged the leaders of coalition conglomerate of State with trying to communalize the situation under a conspiracy to divert attention of the people from the basic issue of development and keeping up promises they had made during the previous elections. After completing his first round of tour of Sudh Mahadev and Latti, Prof Gupta found that there were little signs of any development and basic amenities of life still missing. He said medicare system has almost collapsed, schooling infrastructure missing, no proper supply of water and electricity, worst condition of roads, menace of unemployment more pronounced and poverty still persisting. He said Congress and National Conference were fully responsible for sordid state of affairs of the people of the area. Prof Gupta said instead of solving the problems of the poor people Congress and National Conference leaders always tried to divert the public attention by raising communal and secessionist slogans like that of plebiscite, Azadi, Autonomy and now controversial anti-women Bill. Lambasting Congress Prof Gupta said first it supported the Bill at the time of its adoption in the Legislative Assembly but later on changed their stance in Upper House. He said fact remains that coalition Government has utterly failed to keep their agenda of rectifying and promises to the people, hence they are diverting the attention of the people from their follies and failures. He said Congress secured votes in last Assembly election on the name of discrimination with Jammu region which included implementation of Wazir Commission report, but what to talk of rectifying regional discrimination, new dimensions have cropped up. Prof Gupta said people wanted peace and development which was not forthcoming. During his tour a large number of deputations called on Prof Gupta who expressed their willingness to join BJP and held that Atal Bihari Vajpayee be the next Prime Minister. |
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Panthers Party to contest 5 LS seats in J&K NEW DELHI, Mar 21: National Panthers Party, a constituent of the ruling coalition in Jammu and Kashmir, today said it will contest five of the six Lok Sabha seats in the State. The party will field its candidates in all seats in the State except Ladakh, Sanjoy Sachdeva, president of the party’s Delhi unit told reporters today. Party president Bhim Singh will contest from Udhampur, he added. Our party allied with the Congress and the People’s Democratic Party only after the Assembly Elections. The party, which has not won a Lok Sabha election so far, has 4 MLAs in the State. (UNI) |
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Shamrock Birds’ inaugural flight in Jammu Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: The inaugural celebration of Shamrock Birds, the first branch of Shamrock group of Schools, New Delhi was attended by large number of gathering, children of different ages and their parents and wards. Dr SP Vaid, IGP (Modernization) and Prithipal Singh Betab, Director PDS were the chief guest and guest of honour respectively. Dr DR Arora, Chairman, Shamrock on the occasion said that his further plan was to open three more branches in the next fiscal year. One killed, 20 injured in road accidents Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: One person was killed and 20 others received injuries in separate road accidents while as a woman died under mysterious circumstances. Police spokesman said one Tarloki Nath Joshi, son of Aftab Ram of Gole Pulli Talab Tillo was killed in road accident at Gole Pulli. He was admitted in Government Medical College Hospital with severe burn injuries where he succumbed. Police has registered a case in this connection. In another road accident, 16 persons were injured when a bus bearing registration number JK02C-8495 skidded off the road and rolled down near Tootan Di Khui under the jurisdiction of Nagrota Police Station. All have been hospitalised and their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in. They have been identified as Sheela Devi of Dhoon, Bashir Ahmed of Talab Tillo, Bholi Devi, Raj Singh, both the residents of Tootan Di Khui, Sagar Singh of Aithani, Rashid Ahmed of Sandhi, Kuldeep Raj of Dhoon, Madan Lal of Dansal, Bishno Devi of Dhoon, Pritam Kumar of Kana Shater, Sukh Dai of Sandhi, Ashok Kumar of Dhoon, Balbir Singh of Jourian, Balwan Singh, Sonia Devi and Rajni Devi. In yet another accident, four persons were injured when a truck number JK02U-4727 rolled down at Marog under the jurisdiction of Ramban Police Station. All the injured—Bilal of Anantnag, Gulzar of Nai Basti, Nagrota, Farooq Ahmed of Khanpur and Rafiq, son of Noorani of Khanpur Nagrota—have been hospitalised. Meanwhile, a woman Harbans Kour, wife of Jagir Singh of Kullian Chatha died under mysterious circumstances. She was brought to GMC Jammu by her relatives from Gandhi Nagar Hospital for post-mortem. Police has registered a case and started investigation to ascertain the cause of the death. By Gopal Sharma JAMMU, Mar 21: Over thirty thousand population of Ghagwal and adjoining villages in tehsil Hiranagar of district Kathua is forced to consume most unhygienic water declared unfit for human consumption. A team of Scientists from J&K Pollution Control Board which visited the village on the request of Panchayat members last week, picked up water samples being supplied by the Public Health Engineering Department. They declared that water highly unhygienic and prone to water borne diseases including Jaundice, diarrhoea etc. It warned the villagers to use this water only after boiling if they do not have other source of water. A senior PCB official disclosed to Excelsior on the condition of anonymity that the PCB team of Scientists was pressed into service on March 15 and it visited the source, examined it and picked up several water samples. The preliminary report is very alarming and it is unfortunate that such a bad quality of supply is being ensured to the public. The Chloride, Ammonical Nitrogen contents and dissolved solids are in excessive quantity while oxygen contents are below 4.0 which otherwise should be above 6.0. With analysis, it was found that very poor quality of water was being provided to the residents. The village Panchayat members alleged that they approached the PHE authorities at Kathua several times to repair the dug well and improve the quality of water as many people were falling sick due to water borne diseases. This dug well which was constructed in 1962 is hardly 300 metres away from National Highway on Ghagwal—Rajpura road. It is very old and in dilapidated condition and situated closer to an old pond. According to villagers, cracks have developed in the walls of dug well and there is direct leakage of pond waters to the Dug well. With this, colour of water of well has also changed and turned into partially green. The field staff of the PHE department is well aware of the problem and the Panchayat members are repeatedly requesting the concerned officials for last so many years but nobody seems to be serious about the health of the citizens. Their children are the worst affected of this unhygienic water and often remain sick due to stomach related ailments. The pond water is used by the villagers for bathing animals, buffaloes, cows, horses and washing. The direct leakage of pond waters to the source of drinking water is a matter of serious concern and should be treated as an act of criminal negligence on the part of concerned Executive Engineer, his juniors and the field supervisors, the Panchayat members maintained. The local PHE staff when inquired by the visiting PCB team indicated that they are not getting adequate supply of bleaching powder to make water more affective for human consumption. Executive Engineer PHE Kathua, B B Sharma when contacted claimed that he was not aware of any complaint concerning water quality from Ghagwal. He however, maintained that dug well at Ghagwal is very old and was not sufficient to cater to the demand of potable water in this area. He further maintained that another dug well being bored at Tapyal -II failed as muddy water started flowing out of it. The efforts are still going on to augment the water sources and there was still scarcity of water in the entire Ghagwal block. Responding to question regarding poor quality of water of this source, the PHE officer said that he will also get the water sample tested from a lab through his own department to check the quality. However, he avoided to comment on steps to be taken for bringing improvement in the water quality. Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Qazi Afzal when contacted said he will hold an inquiry and take the requisite steps in this regard. He further said that it was question of the health condition of thousands of people of this block and if any negligence found on the part of PHE officials, action will be taken against the guilty. Mr Shamiri (Chief Engineer), PHE while admitting the facts indicated that this old source of water at Ghagwal which has out-liven its life, will be repaired immediately and another new well will be constructed at war footings soon. By that time, department will provide hygienic water supply through tankers to the public. Bachpan Play School opens branch at Channi Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: Bachpan Play School, a pre primary wing of Height (a national level company in Delhi) has opened its Branch At Channi Himmat near here, today, today. The School was inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor, Jammu University, Prof. Amitabh Mattoo. A spokesman of the Height said the School is committed to offer the education at a very affordable cost and our utmost endeavor is to take education to every household in the society. The School is offering special inaugural discount for the admissions on the eve of Navratra, he said, adding the Jammu Branch of Bachpan has also got the day boarding and creche facility. Moreover the School will impart quality education and it will be stand upto the expectations of all the sections of the people in every aspect. He said structure wise Bachpan School is the best pre-primary education establishment in Jammu and Kashmir. Besides spacious and colourful class rooms, the school has play room,activity room, mind room, lush green lawn, swimming pool and all modern play items and toys. Vijay Gupta, Director Business Promotion Bachpan, Corporate Office Delhi was also present during the inaugural function. |
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