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| Kalash Yatra taken out in city Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 5: In connection with the last phase of the on-going Ati Maha Vishnu Yagna, an impressive Kalash Yatra was taken out in the city of temple......more Employees
to hold Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 5: A meeting of the J&K Government Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC) was held today to discuss the arrangements of two days State wide Kaam Chhoro Hartal on November 24 and 25, 2004 for which the call has been already given......more SBI
employees observe Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 5: The work in all the branches of State Bank of India (SBI) remained paralysed in Jammu region today as employees.....more IGP
inaugurates newly Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 5: The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu zone Dr S P Vaid has said that the State Police has earned name and fame.......more UPA
Govt’s education Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 5: Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has strongly criticised the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government.......more |
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Peace
agenda getting Excelsior Correspondent Seer (Anantnag), Nov 5: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has said that whosoever boards the first bus to Muzaffarabad, it is more important that the opening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road is fast becoming a reality. He said the agenda of his party and the government to have the road link restored between the two parts of Jammu and Kashmir has received endorsement both from India and Pakistan...............more Bus,
mini bus operators demand revision of fare Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 5: Hike in the prices of petrol, diesel and cooking gas has invited widespread criticism from different quarters and political parties in the State while............more Kotwal
visits Bari Brahmana Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 5: Director Industries Dr Pawan Kotwal today visited Bari Brahmana industrial area and interacted with cross-section of industrialists of Jammu..........more BBIA
accords farewell Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 5: A function was organised in Bari Brahmana Industries Association office to bid farewell to Dy SP.....more |
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Kalash Yatra taken out in city Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 5: In connection with the last phase of the on-going Ati Maha Vishnu Yagna, an impressive Kalash Yatra was taken out in the city of temples The Kalash Yatra started from Shri Ranbireshwar Mandir and passed through different bazaars and localities of the city before culminating at Tawi Island-the venue of the Yagna. Large number of devotees-majority of them were women with Kalash on their heads, were seen reciting Bhajans and chanting slogans. Religious fervour gripped the city when Kalash Yatra passed route of the Yatra was specially decorated with flags and buntings. At some places devotees were seen throwing flower petals on the participants of Kalash Yatra. An impressive religious function was held in between the river Tawashi (Tawi) where Yagyashalla has been created for the on-going Yagna. Most of the participants in the Kalash Yatra were those devotees who will sit on the Kundas to participate in the Havan for ten continuous days. Pandits and religious persons chanting Mantras and shouted slogans while performing religious rituals for the beginning of the Yagna. Rituals of Mandap Parvish were performed after the Kalash Yatra and Kalash were installed in the Yagyashalla. Swami Balak Bal Yogeshwar also addressed the devotees. Havan will formally start tomorrow after Aagni Manthan by the Prohits and Pandits, who came from different parts of the country. Worthwhile to mention here that last and final phase of Ati Maha Vishnu Yagna has started at the bank of river Tawashi river (Tawi) from November 4, 2004. Large number of devotees have been participating in this Yagna which will be concluded on November 14, 2004. A grand Yagyashalla has been created for the Yagna comprising of 1096 Kundas which has a capacity of over 9000 persons. A large number of Saints and spiritual personalities from Ayodhya, Kashi, Varindavan, Haridwar, Varanasi, Ujjain and other part of the country have been participating in the Yagna. Some devotees from aboard have been also participating in this religious function. The Yagna is performed for the lasting peace in the entire world in general and Jammu and Kashmir State in particular. |
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Employees
to hold demonstration on Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 5: A meeting of the J&K Government Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC) was held today to discuss the arrangements of two days State wide Kaam Chhoro Hartal on November 24 and 25, 2004 for which the call has been already given. The employees have given call in support of their long pending genuine demands including merger of 50 percent DA into basic pay, 5 percent DA which are due from January and July, 2004, revival of LTC, enhancement of retirement age from 58 to 60 years or scrapping of Memorandum of Understanding for job freezing and to provide job to unemployed youth and enhancement of wages of consolidated and all temporary daily rated workers and bringing of uniformity among the wages of workers etc. During the meeting the tour programmes has been chalked out for tehsil and district regarding to make the strike programme a grand success on November 24 and 25, 2004. It has been decided that the Central leadership of EJAC will hold protest dharna on November 8, 2004 at Indira Chowk on the opening day of Civil Secretariat in Winter Capital. Anwar Beig, Ram Kumar, Pardeep Kumar, Subash Chander, Prem Pal Singh, Balwan Singh Jamwal, Jaswant Singh, Jasbir Singh Charak, Parshotam Singh Chib, Darshan Lal Mangotra, Ravi Singh, Shyam Lal, Swaran Singh, Vijay Kumar, Rameshwar Sharma, Parladh Singh Chib, Mohan Lal, Lal Chand Sharma, Ram Labya, Gurmeet Singh, Devanand and others attended the meeting. |
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SBI
employees observe strike, work Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 5: The work in all the branches of State Bank of India (SBI) remained paralysed in Jammu region today as employees observed a total strike on the call given by SBI Staff and Officers Federation against what it alleged the unilateral attitude of the management. A handout issued by the SBI Staff Officers Association here today claimed that in order to show solidarity with the striking SBI staff, the other bank unions also supported the agitation by staying out from the clearing house where cheques worth crores of rupees could not be transacted. It said a massive demonstration was held in front of SBI Zonal Office, here where the agitating bank employees and officers raised the slogans in support of their demands. The protesting employees also criticised the SBI management for its negative attitude towards the welfare of the employees. They said while thousands of crores of rupees are earned as profit by its employees, the Bank pays scant regard towards their welfare. Virender Bhat , deputy general secretary , SBI Officers Association, J&K and A K Dhar deputy general secretary while addressing the demonstrators warned another nationwide indefinite strike if bilateralism between the management and staff unions is not restored forth with. They said the contribution of the employees towards building the image of SBI as worldclass bank can not be ignored at any cost. Mr Bhat said the SBI belongs to its employees. He urged the rank and file of the Bank to be more vigilant to fight the onslaught of the Bank in coming days. The Bank employees were demanding review of interest rates on staff loans at par with public, enhancement of staff welfare fund, compassionate appointments , review of ceiling on pension and superannuation benefits. |
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IGP inaugurates newly constructed police posts Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 5: The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu zone Dr S P Vaid has said that the State Police has earned name and fame in the country for their gallantry deeds especially in fighting terrorism during the last decade when it was on its peak in the State. The IGP was inaugurating newly constructed border police post located over 100 kilometers away from Jammu at Jogwan and at extreme border village Hamirpur in Khour block. The police post stands constructed under modernisation plan at an expenditure of Rs 9 lakh each. These posts are having sufficient accommodation like the Hawalat, Kote, Munshi and incharge PP’s room with toilet and bath facilities. The Jogwan Police Post have separate lock-up rooms and the bathrooms for male and female police persons and two kanal of land have been procured for the police post while 4 kanals for Hamirpur Police Post. Encouraging the Police jawans and the locals, Dr Vaid said that these posts in border areas are being raised to stop infiltration at the border itself. He said these posts have helped in containing infiltration as well as subversive activities of border to large extent. The SSP Jammu, Dr Kamal Saini was accompanying the IGP, Dr S P Vaid to the border area. The locals particularly of the Hamirpur village appreciated the role of the police in their area and demanded recruitment of village youth as SPOs in the police department. |
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UPA Govt’s education
policies based on Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 5: Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has strongly criticised the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government at Centre for its ‘biased’ education policies. "The policies of present Government at Centre are based on political witch hunting which will definitely affect the quality and educational standard of our country". This was alleged by newly elected ABVP state chief, Devraj Thakur, his secretary Adarsh Kumar, vice president, Divya Gupta and joint secretary Anita Andotra at a press conference here today. They said the ABVP in its 50th national conference at Jaipur recently has passed a resolution to this effect in which the UPA Government’s biased education policies were totally rejected. Making a strong dig at UPA Government they said its drive to desafronise the education has resulted in communalising and commercializing the education. "Scrapping of the reports of expert committees, Model Act for governance and management of universities framed by the UGC during the earlier NDA rule is nothing but an immature act on the part of UPA Government" alleged Mr Thakur. He said the ABVP has urged the Government to take a cue from president Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s recent address to the nation and increase the outlay on education to six percent of the GDP immediately. He said through another resolution the Government was warned against the politicisation of education as such a policy will have the serious consequences. Mr Thakur said through another resolution the healing touch policy of J&K Government was also criticised and it was demanded that this policy be put to an end immediately and instead of encouraging terrorists under this policy stern action be taken against them. Highlighting the problems of University students Ms Divya Gupta demanded hostel facilities be provided to all the students in the campus. She warned that further delay in this regard will force her organization to launch agitation in Jammu University. Demanding separate women college for Kathua district , Miss Anita said that the increasing role of students in Government Degree College Kathua has affected the quality of education. The ABVP leaders also disclosed that Dr Kailash Sharma and K N Raghunandan were elected as national president and general secretary of ABVP. |
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Peace agenda getting universal endorsement, says Mufti Excelsior Correspondent Seer (Anantnag), Nov 5: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has said that whosoever boards the first bus to Muzaffarabad, it is more important that the opening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road is fast becoming a reality. He said the agenda of his party and the government to have the road link restored between the two parts of Jammu and Kashmir has received endorsement both from India and Pakistan and the international community. Mr Sayeed was addressing a large public meeting here this morning, the first after getting elected from Pahalgam assembly constituency in the by-election last month. He was referring to the recent statement of the Information Minister of Pakistan saying that the leaders of Hurriyat Conference should travel in the first bus from Srinagar to Muzaffarabad. He said for him it is not important whether leaders of National Conference, People’s Democratic Party, Congress or Hurriyat Conference travel in the inaugural bus. The fact that the road link to reunite the people on either side is being revived is a historical event in itself, he added. "Opening of the road would be the most important step in 57 years leading to the restoration of confidence and amity in the sub-continent," he added. Referring to the developing atmosphere of friendship and peace between India and Pakistan, the Mufti said that it is a good omen for the people of Jammu and Kashmir who have suffered the most because of the long acrimony between the two countries. He said the maximum benefits of the improved relations would also accrue to them. He added that he has always been advocating peace and dialogue to resolve problems and recalled that two years ago when the coalition government headed by him came to power the spectre of war was haunting the subcontinent with armies of both countries standing in an eyeball to eyeball situation. On either side there were cries of "aar paar ki ladai and amidst this tense atmosphere he raised the slogan of peace and dialogue reflecting the urges of the people of Jammu and Kashmir", he said adding that sensing the overwhelming public desire in Jammu and Kashmir the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee extended his hand of friendship to Pakistan from Srinagar that led to abrupt change in the situation. Describing the recent meeting between Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and President Musharraf in New York as very positive, the Chief Minister said the urgency of dialogue to resolve problems has ultimately dawned on the leaders of India and Pakistan. He said both countries have exhausted other options without success. He said till the problems were solved through the process of dialogue the daily issues of people cannot be ignored. He said there are many problems like unemployment and basic amenities that need urgent attention and elections are effective means to address these. He said there is no scope of election boycott in a democracy and those advocating the same would have to participate in the process one day. The world is demanding proof of their representative character, he added. The recent by-elections, Mr Sayeed said, were extra ordinary in nature because these reflected an endorsement of the policies of peace with dignity pursued by his party. He appreciated the people of Pahalgam constituency for braving the pressure for boycott and exercising their franchise. In response to the demands made in the welcome address, the Chief Minister said a higher secondary school would be opened in the town. He said the inner lanes of the area would be repaired, a sports stadium constructed and notification issued for setting up a notified area committee in the town. He said the construction on the Seer Khanqah would be completed soon and the place housing the relics of Shah Hamdan (RA) would be made a good attraction for pilgrims. Minister of State for Home, Abdur Rehman Veeri thanked the people for supporting the movement of peace launched by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. He said the principle-based politics and stand taken by the Chief Minister and his party has now found supporters across the globe including Pakistan. He said the Chief Minister is well aware of the needs and problems of the area which are in various stages of redressal. Legislators, Mohammad Sartaj Madni and Peer Mohammad Hussain also addressed the public meeting. |
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Bus, mini bus operators
demand revision of fare Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 5: Hike in the prices of petrol, diesel and cooking gas has invited widespread criticism from different quarters and political parties in the State while Jammu Bus Operators Union and Mini Bus Workers Union have demanded immediate revision of fare rates in passenger vehicles. A meeting of Jammu Province Bus Operators Union was held today under the chairmanship of Tarlochan Singh Wazir, chairman of the Union, wherein the Government was criticised for hike in diesel price. In the wake of hike in diesel and petrol prices, it has become very burdensome for the bus operators to maintain operational economy and thus Government should immediately revise the fare rates in passenger vehicles, said the meeting which was attended by all president and secretaries of various route groups. Mini Bus Workers Union, Jammu Province, has threatened stir if the State Government does not revise fare rates in passenger vehicles within 24 hours in the wake of hike in petroleum prices. The warning was issued during an emergent meeting of the Union, held here today under the chairmanship of Anil Chopra, chairman of Mini Bus Workers Union. Criticising the Government for hike in petroleum products, the Union members said that the mini bus operators were unable to ply their vehicles as the prevailing fare rates do not meet the expenses of petroleum products. Provincial president of J&K National Conference, Ajay Kumar Sadhotra has expressed serious concern over the steep hike in petrol, diesel and LPG prices and said that the increase would lead to price hike of essential commodities. It is very difficult for a common man to bear burden of Rs 20 per gas cylinder and subsequent increase of Rs 5 per month, he lamented and appealed the UPA partners to pressurise the Central Government to withdraw this steep hike keeping in view the ground realities. State BJP general secretary Ashok Khajuria has also said that the hike in petrol, diesel and LPG prices would adversely affect the budget of average people in the country and appealed the Government to withdraw the hike. In a statement, Mr Khajuria alleged that the recent hike in the prices have left no one in any doubt that the Congress and its alliance partners are anti-poor and adopting double standard while taking important decisions. The UPA Government, which is full of contradictions, is more interested to keep its allies and leftist supporters in good humour and least bothered to mitigate the sufferings of the poor people of the country who constitute over 80 per cent of the population, he alleged. |
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Kotwal visits Bari Brahmana
industrial area, Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 5: Director Industries Dr Pawan Kotwal today visited Bari Brahmana industrial area and interacted with cross-section of industrialists of Jammu. Accompanied by Joint Director DIC, GM DIC and other officers of J&K SIDCO, Dr Kotwal was apprised about various problems being faced by the entrepreneurs. Annil Suri, co-chairman of Federation of Industries, highlighted the issues of brand promotion, transport subsidy, insurance scheme, project report subsidy, 3 per cent interest subsidy and upgrading and streamlining of infrastructure of DIC. Kuldeep Dogra, chairman of Federation of Industries, stressed the need for better understanding between industries and the Directorate. He hoped that under the dynamic and energetic leadership of Dr Pawan Kotwal, an industry culture will be developed where reprisal of problems will be prompt between the concerned Government departments and the industries which was so far been lacking. The Director gave a patient hearing to the problems of the industrialist and assured that he would do his best to solve the problems of the entrepreneurs. Earlier, Dr Kotwal and his team were welcomed by the convenor of Federation of Industries, Rakesh Bhat. President ASSI, Gangyal, presented vote of thanks. Director Industries also visited the various units in Bari Brahmana which included Maral Overseas, M/s Sun Pharmaceuticals and M/s Jai Beverages. |
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BBIA accords farewell to outgoing SDPO Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 5: A function was organised in Bari Brahmana Industries Association office to bid farewell to Dy SP, Sardar Khan , outgoing SDPO Bari Brahmana and to welcome the new SDPO, DySP Vijay Choudhary. General Secretary BBIA Rakesh Bhat spoke at length about the achievements of the outgoing police officer during his tenure at Bari Brahmana. He said his major achievement was tactful handling of affairs of Maral Overseas during workers unrest in the factory. He said the industrial area of Bari Brahmana witnessed calm and serene atmosphere during the tenure of Dy SP, Khan. Mr Annil Suri president BBIA welcomed the new SDPO, Vijay Choudhary and apprised him about the general administration of the industries at Bari Brahmana. Mr Suri also gave a memento to Mr Khan as a tocken of love. The other office bearers of the BBIA who attended the function include Rahul Bansal, senior vice president, Sanjay Mehra, vice president, Tarun Gupta, secretary and Sidarth Dogra, treasurer. |
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Farooq Khan joins duty as CAT revokes his suspension Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 5: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Chandigarh bench has quashed suspension of the senior Indian Police Services (IPS) officer and former Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jammu, Farooq Khan. Following quash of his suspension, Farooq Khan today submitted his Joining Report to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu where he was attached during his suspension. In its 22 pages judgment, CAT bench observed that in view of the provisions of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) rules 1969, as the initial period of the suspension vide orders dated July 29, 2003 having not reviewed and extended by an order to be passed before expire of the initial period of 90 days, the suspension of applicant shall has to be treated as revoked on expire of 90 days ( from July 29, 2003 to October 25, 2003). Any order of continued suspension of applicant from October 25, 2003, the Court observed, has to be treated as illegal and thus, quashed. The applicant shall be entitled to the consequential benefits including his re-instatement in service. The Bench, however, hasten to record that extension orders of his suspension have been set-aside as these were not passed in accordance with the provision of All India Service Rules. The CAT observed that the opinion expressed by the Union Home Ministry and finding, entirely in agreement with the same regarding the aspect that since no disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against the applicant before the expire of the initial 90 days and since the Central Government had not approved continuation of suspension and same being not sought by the State of Jammu and Kashmir particularly before the expire of the initial 90 days, suspensation of applicant beyond October 25, 2003 has to be treated as illegal and contrary to the provision of All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules 1969. The Cat bench further observed that in the present case respondents have not come out with any plea that any disciplinary proceedings were initiated against the applicant within the 90 days of his suspension. The Bench further observed that the first report as given by Justice S R Pandian as Commissioner of Enquiry, before the applicant was suspended, had not found any thing against the applicant and his earlier suspension was revoked. "We have not been shown any material which may indicate involvement of the applicant in any criminal activities which may be prejudicial to the interests of the State on these aspects. " |
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Pace of development works in Kargil district reviewed Excelsior Correspondent KARGIL, Nov 5: An amount of Rs 561 lakhs has been spent in Kargil district under engineering sector and Rs 49.11 lakh in the non-engineering sector by the end of September, 2004. This information was given at the joint meeting of the consultative committee of Councillors and district officers held at Kargil yesterday to review the activities of various departments. The Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Kargil, Qamar Ali Akhoon chaired the meeting. It was disclosed that an amount of Rs 228 lakh have been spent on roads and bridges, Rs 206 lakhs on infrastructure development, over Rs 57 lakh on public health engineering, Rs 39 lakh expenditure incurred on irrigation and flood control sector, roads and building and other departmental works in Zanskar sub-division. The meeting was informed that 41,000 quintals of rice, 48,000 qntls of atta and 7,000 qntls of sugar and 11 lakh litres of k.oil has been stocked for winter months in Kargil district. Addressing the meeting, CEC, Mr Akhoon called upon the officers to formulate in consultation with people’s representatives suitable plans for ameliorating the lot of common people. The meeting was attended, among others, by Haji Ghulam Amir and Haji Ghulam Aba, Councillors and senior officers. |
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New edition of Shri
Raghvaindra Panchang Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 5: The fifth edition of Shri Raghvaindra Panchang compiled and upgraded by Chander Mouli Raina is all set to hit the market well before the Dewali festival. The newly upgraded Panchang, especially for the convenience of a commonman, has one additional portion of ‘Tithiyadi Panchang’ explained and detailed in a very simple and understandable manners. The new thing added to the existing fourth edition of the Panchang, so as to make it all purpose book, two important subjects of ‘Karam Kand’ and vedic yajana have been incorporated for the forthcoming edition. Giving details about his new venture, editor of Shri Raghvaindra Panchang, Dr Chander Mouli Raina said, "it was popular demand from the public to include `Karam Kand’ and vedic yajana Vidhi into this Panchang and accordingly we are coming out with an upgraded 5th edition before Dewali festival." With its first edition published four years back, Raghvaindra Panchang has already captured a healthy market in Jammu and Kashmir state. To educate people about their cultural ethos besides a year full of occasions, the Panchang has in a very simplified manners explained the ‘Tithiyadi Panchang’ for the commonman so that they could easily go through various day to day informations. Having over 25 years of technical experience, Dr Chander Mouli Raini is a senior lecturer in Department of Jyotish at Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, Deemed University, Shri Ranbir Campus, here. |
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MERC organises lectures on Radio Programming Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Nov 5: Media Education Research Centre (MERC) of the University of Kashmir organised a six part lecture series on Radio Programming, which concluded here today. Eminent broadcaster and Programme Executive of the Radio Kashmir, Syed Himayun Qaisar, covered different aspects of radio broadcasting. He spoke at length on techniques of writing for radio and explained art of interviewing, discussion, newsreel, and phone-in programmes. The students of first year of MA Mass Communication attended the lecture series. "The lecture series was designed to help journalism students understand the potential and possibilities in radio medium," Head of the MERC, Nasir Mirza, said. Terming radio as most inexpensive and affordable medium, Mirza said that during concluding session said "due to low production costs, radio is also ideal for creative innovation". He pointed out that the medium requires a technical expertise and professional training to use radio effectively. The MERC head thanked Syed Himayun Qaisar and expressed hope that the interaction would inspire students to make their career in radio. Shahnaz Bashir, second semester, presented the vote of thanks. Ms Aaliya Ahmed, lecturer, coordinated the programme. |
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Two killed in accidents; 2 bodies recovered Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 5: Two persons were killed in separate road accidents while as two bodies were recovered from different areas and two persons allegedly consumed poisonous substances. Police spokesman said that a old man—Kaka Ram of Shant Nagar was crushed to death by a truck at Ambphalla this evening. The victim was on his scooter when knocked to death by the truck loaded with LPG cylinders. Police has registered a case in this connection. In another accident, a driver was killed and conductor received severe injuries after a truck bearing registration number JKC-7205 skidded off the road and rolled down into a deep nullah at Digdol, Ramban. The ill-fated vehicle was on its way from Jammu to Srinagar when met with accident. The deceased has been identified as Shabir Ahmad, son of Mohd Ramzan of Kadalbal, Srinagar. The injured has been identified as Abdul Hamid. Meanwhile, Altaf Hussain, son of Hussain Shah of Pamrote died under mysterious circumstances at Surankote. He was brought to Sub-District Hospital Surankote by his brother—Iqbal Hussain and other relatives. Later, police initiated proceedings under Section 174 CrPC. Body of an unidentified man was recovered from Extension Number one, Trikuta Nagar Jammu. The body was spotted by some locals, who informed the Police about the incident. The body has been kept in the mortuary of the hospital for identification. A woman—Anita, wife of Boni of Dogra Hall, who was injured in collision between car and bus at Bari Brahamana on October 28, succumbed to her injuries at CMC Ludhiana. Her body was brought to Government Medical College Hospital today. Meanwhile, two persons—Neetu Devi, wife of Ashok Kumar of Roop Nagar and Puran Singh, son of Dalip Singh of Meen Charkan, Smailpur—allegedly consumed poisonous substances at their respective residences. They were rushed to hospital when spotted unconscious by family members. Doctors immediately provided them stomach wash treatment followed by other medicare. Their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in. It could not be ascertained as to whether they intentionally consumed poison or swallowed the same mistakenly. A woman—Babli, wife of Mushtaq Ahmed of Bishnah, who was admitted in the hospital for the treatment of burn injuries she had sustained in accidental fire at her residence, succumbed to her injuries today. |
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Govt’s controversial order goes into force SRINAGAR, Nov 5: Jammu and Kashmir Government’s controversial order restricting the number of guests and dishes to be served at wedding ceremonies went into force today even as chefs are on an indefinite strike to protest the "arbitrary" directive. The order, approved by the State cabinet last week, was enforced after detailed deliberations on the report submitted by a cabinet sub-committee. The order had triggered a major controversy in the State when it was issued first in May this year forcing the Government to stay its implementation and refer it to the cabinet sub-committee. The committee headed by deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma received about 3000 suggestions from a cross-section of society including NGOs, intellectuals and journalists. After analyzing the inputs and accommodating all the shades of opinion, the committee submitted its report to the cabinet. Even before the order could see the light of the day, chefs went on an indefinite strike and torched the certificates and shawls presented to them by Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Minister Taj Mohiuddin, the brain behind the order, in recognition of self-imposed restrictions by chefs to prepare only seven dishes at marriage ceremonies. Anjuman Behboodi Ashpazan (Chefs Welfare Association) termed as a "cultural assault" the order imposing restrictions on the number of guests in marriages and the quantity of mutton served. "We had been honestly abiding by the dish control but this new order is arbitrary," Nasser Ahmed Mir, Chief Organizer of the Association, told reporters. The new order will deprive around 2.5 lakh people directly and indirectly connected with the profession for their livelihood, Mir claimed. He said chefs won’t cook feast for any marriage or official function till the Government rescinds the order. Defending the order, Taj Mohiuddin said it was aimed at doing away with the social evil of show off in marriages, apart from being a violation of Essential Commodity Act. "The ostentation expenditure in marriages has assumed a form of a great social evil," he said, adding "the middle class parents have to undergo a life long pain for making arrangements for the marriage of their daughters. The minister said the Government would launch a sustained campaign involving NGOs, Mohalla Committees and Social Organisations to create awareness about the order. He said the people would be requested to adhere to the restrictions but in case of violations the offenders would be booked under Essential Commodities Act which involves an imprisonment for three years. Taj said since ostentation in marriage is mostly noticed in big cities and the Government has constituted three squads to take action soon after receiving any complaint. According to the revised order, he said the number of wedding guests from the groom’s side has been fixed to 50 besides 150 other guests and 100 kg of meat including chicken in case of a non-vegetarian marriage party. The number of dishes shall not be more than seven. Apart from guests from groom’s side, the family of bride can invite 150 guests making the total number as 200. On the Walima (reception), the family of the bridegroom could invite 100 guests and use only 50 kg of mutton and chicken. The scale of mutton and chicken per plate has been fixed as two kg. On the ring ceremony the number of guests have been fixed as 50 with a scale of 25 kg of mutton. A particular family could organize a big party after three months after it had hosted the previous one, he said. The Mehandi Raat and other related ceremonies of the marriages should be a totally family affair with no guests, he said. However, there was no limit on the scale of quantity and number of dishes in case of vegetarian food served at marriage parties, mostly in Jammu region, he added. (PTI) |
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