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| PDP committed to development: Mufti Excelsior Special Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 9: People’s Democratic Party patron and Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has said the performance of his Government during the past two years is an indicator of its commitment towards the development of Jammu and Kashmir......more Court
allows wives of Ajit Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: Special Judge Anti-Corruption Jammu, BL Bhat has allowed the wives of Ajit Kumar and Janak Singh to see their husbands daily for half an hour. Both Ajit Kumar and Janak Singh, are currently in Vigilance custody after they..........more CB Jammu
produces Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: Crime Branch Jammu today produced challan against Sunrise Investment and Finance Ltd, a non-banking finance company’s Regional Director Tariq Abdullah in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Doda......more Rajput
Sabha condemns Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: Shri Amar Kshatriya Rajput Sabha Jammu has condemned the statement of hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani..........more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: Ashok Nayyar, Deputy General Manager, State Bank of India (J&K Module) alongwith Rajni Mehta......more |
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Nobody can
stop Kashmir's Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 9: It was quite a different autumn afternoon in Srinagar with young hearts singing the tunes of peace and chanting the mantra of tranquility. A couple of thousand boys and girls from premier colleges and schools of the City, in smart outfits, sitting in the sprawling magnificent Lake View Golf Course in the lap of Zabarwan Hills and on the banks of mesmerizing Dal lake sent a strong message for peace across the globe by vowing to uphold the Gandhian principles of non-violence.........more Two Bank
Managers, Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: City Judge Judicial Magistrate Jammu today granted five days police remand of Bank Managers— Raj Kumar Raina and Rajinder Kumar Pandita of Bank of Baroda.............more Retd
officer flays Trikuta Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: P N Dhar, retired Deputy Secretary, J&K Government, has charged Trikuta Nagar police with taking no steps to recover theft worth Rs 3 lakh committed by some unidentified burglars in his house at Trikuta Nagar............more Estates
employees Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: Employees of Estates Department took out a rally in support of their demands in the winter capital city here today..............more |
PDP committed to development: Mufti Excelsior Special Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 9: People’s Democratic Party patron and Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has said the performance of his Government during the past two years is an indicator of its commitment towards the development of Jammu and Kashmir especially the neglected and remote areas. He said most of the pledges made by his party before assuming power have been fulfilled giving it the confidence to seek a massive mandate in the ensuing by-elections. He said the achievements registered in various fields are his party’s main plank for these elections. Mufti Sayeed was addressing public meetings at Akad, Amed and Wagad besides addressing a series of wayside meetings at various places in Pahalgam constituency today. He was accompanied by Minister for Agriculture Abdul Aziz Zargar and MLA Shangus Peer Muhammad Hussain. During the road show campaign, the Chief Minister visited various villages. People at these places received him warmly and gave a resume of the developmental works undertaken during the two years of PDP rule. The issues raised by the people mainly pertained to water, power, playgrounds and upgradation of schools. Mufti Sayeed said that during the two years of his party’s rule the Government has been able to re establish the sense of security among people and usher the State in a new and unprecedented phase of development. He said his Government took the development of far-flung areas as priority, something happening for the first time. He said new places were put on the tourist map of the State, already existing spots renovated and facilities at these places upgraded. He said massive infrastructure rebuilding taken up by the Government is changing the over all economic profile of the State. Referring to the development of Pahalgam, Mufti Sayeed said not only the lost glory of this important resort was restored but also the adjoining villages were developed generating economic activity. He said the tourist rush to Pahalgam encouraged the State Government to draw up a plan for laying a 4-lane highway from Khanabal to Pahalgam ensuring a hassle free travel for tourists. The project costing around 25 crores has been taken up with the Centre. He said Pahalgam has become an international destination drawing tourists in lakhs. The tourist activity in the area has helped the people associated with this trade. He said about 2500 poneywallas were given relief of about Rs. 2.5 crores with Rs. 10, 000 each. Roads leading to destinations like Aru and Chandanwari were macadamised. A Rs. five crore convention center will be constructed at Pahalgam and to meet the growing rush of the Amarnath pilgrims, a Yatri Niwas is being constructed. He said two important bridges were built over Lidder River at Yannar and Sakhrus connecting Dachinpara with Khowurpara. The bridges were constructed in a record time of 6 months. About the education sector, the Chief Minister said that 40 shiksha kendars were opened in the constituency while 20 schools were upgraded. He said 67 damaged transformers were replaced. He said the work on mini power project was revived while the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering shifted to Batote during the turmoil has been relocated at Pahalgam. He said a ropeway bridge from Baisaran to Tulian Lake is under the consideration of the Government. For the maintenance and upkeep of Pahalgam a Development Authority has already been established and its beauty enhanced by the construction of an amusement park, he added. |
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Court
allows wives of Ajit Kumar, Janak Singh Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: Special Judge Anti-Corruption Jammu, BL Bhat has allowed the wives of Ajit Kumar and Janak Singh to see their husbands daily for half an hour. Both Ajit Kumar and Janak Singh, are currently in Vigilance custody after they surrendered in jute-matting purchase scam lodged against them. These directions were passed on two different applications filed by Mrs Ranjita, wife of Janak Singh and Mrs Shailija, wife of Ajit Kumar, seeking directions to Vigilance Organization to allow them to meet their spouses. The Judge allowed Mrs Shailija to see her husband every day for half an hour. Accused Ajit Kumar was also permitted to have access to the counsels of his choice for half an hour every day. The timing of the meet shall be fixed by the Investigating Officer taking into account the convenience of the petitioners and counsels of the accused. Similar directions were passed in meeting the petitioner to see Janak Singh every day for half an hour with the permission to have access to the counsel of his choice for the similar period. While Ajit Kumar surrendered before Vigilance Organization on October 4, Janak Singh chose October 6 for his surrender. |
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CB Jammu produces challan in Sunrise Investment fraud Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: Crime Branch Jammu today produced challan against Sunrise Investment and Finance Ltd, a non-banking finance company’s Regional Director Tariq Abdullah in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Doda. While producing challan, the Crime Branch urged the Court that a house owned by Abdullah in Doda with the money collected from the poor investors, be attached as a case property. Main accused in the case Azher Abbas son of Nissar Ahmed Khan R/o Barji Harwan, Kashmir, who was functioning as Managing Director of the Company, was still at large. Proceedings against him have been initiated under Section 512 RPC. Tariq Abdullah, it may be mentioned, was arrested by the Crime Branch on August 12 after three years strenuous efforts. He is still in judicial lock-up. Case in the embezzlement of lakhs of rupees of poor investors by Sunrise Investment and Finance Limited was first registered by Doda police on the directions of State Human Rights Commission by Doda police in the year 2000. Case was later referred to the Crime Branch, Jammu by Police Headquarters on March 31, 2003. Investors of Bhagwa, Doda and Kastigarh area had deposited about Rs 40 lakh with the finance company while investors of Bhaderwah division had deposited about Rs 2.18 crore as the Company lured them with heft interest rate. After collecting the amount, Azher Abbas, Tariq Abdullah and other promoters of the Company wound up their business and went under-ground. |
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Rajput Sabha condemns Geelani’s statement Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: Shri Amar Kshatriya Rajput Sabha Jammu has condemned the statement of hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani during his interaction with a delegation of media-persons from Pakistan. In a meeting of the Sabha members held here today, its president Narayan Singh while condemning the statement of Geelani regarding accession of Kashmir with Pakistan, warned the separatist leader of issuing such pro-Pakistan statements. he said such people have no place in this country and be dealt with heavy hands. The entire world knows accession of Kashmir with the Indian union after signing the instrument of accession by the then Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir on Oct 26, 1947 and its acceptance by the Lord Mountbatton, the Governor General of India. This accession was later ratified by J&K Assembly under Sheikh Mohd Abdullah. It is now for Pakistan to vacate the Indian territory which is now called POK. The Sabha also condemned the statement of JKLF leaders regarding independence. The members also criticised the J&K Govt for allowing Pak journalists to have any separate indoor meeting with any organisation. Prominent among those present in the meeting included Retired District and Sessions Judge Mr Pavitar Singh, SSP retired, D S Slathia, Kamala Rajput, B S Jamwal, K D Singh, R S Jasrotia and Sudershan Singh. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: Ashok Nayyar, Deputy General Manager, State Bank of India (J&K Module) alongwith Rajni Mehta, CM (HPCL) inaugurated eleventh ATM in the State at petrol pump opposite hotel Asia in the presence of a gathering of respectable citizens and dignitaries. Addressing the function, Mr Nayyar declared that a number of special concessions for the upcoming Dussehra and Deepawali festivals will be announced. While giving details about the concessions, he said that interest rate of housing loans have been reduced to 7.25 percent, car loan interest has been reduced to 8.25 percent for loans repayable upto 3 years and to 9 percent for loans repayable upto 7 years. Mr Nayyar announced that these connections will be effective from October 10th to October 22nd, 2004 for Dussehra festival and from November 8th to 15th for Deepawali festival. He also declared various schemes for helping traders of the State in boosting their trading activity. He informed that under the newly introduced product ‘Mortgage Loan for T&S’, we can provide loan upto Rs 75 percent of the value of immovable property at 11 percent (10.5 per annum, if the value of security is 200 percent of loan amount). He further announced that interest rate for financing transport operators under tie-up with the Mahindra and Mahindra (Turbo Sapne) is slashed to 8.25 percent per annum for limit upto Rs 2 lakh. |
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Nobody can stop Kashmir's odyssey for peace: Sinha Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 9: It was quite a different autumn afternoon in Srinagar with young hearts singing the tunes of peace and chanting the mantra of tranquility. A couple of thousand boys and girls from premier colleges and schools of the City, in smart outfits, sitting in the sprawling magnificent Lake View Golf Course in the lap of Zabarwan Hills and on the banks of mesmerizing Dal lake sent a strong message for peace across the globe by vowing to uphold the Gandhian principles of non-violence. Heavens too seemed to be in an obliging mood as blessings kept showering in the form of amber Chinar leaves amid cool October breeze. ‘Nobody can stop Kashmir’s odyssey for peace’, declared the Governor, Lt. General (Retd) S K Sinha, exhorting upon the peace marchers to aim for moon and strive for excellence, as they can’t afford to lag behind in this fast developing world. He said the demon of militancy has eaten up the future of a generation but coming generations should not be harmed anymore. In their urge for peace, the Governor saw a ray of light in the youth, which he believed would soon brighten the horizon and steer out the valley from dark tunnel of militancy. ‘Is Gulshan mein phir se bahar ayeeghi’ (this garden will bloom again), he said, hoping that the message of peace would be taken to its logical end. The Governor told the youth that before joining them in the peace march, he browsed the pages of Frontier Gandhi Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan’s book in which he has averred that Pathans have wielded tremendous clout at the strength of gun for centuries together. They used to believe in the maxim-blood for blood. But he (Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan) strongly believed that violence always generated hatred and destroyed the social fabric while peace begets love. By spreading the message of peace through Khudai Khidmatgar Movement, General Sinha said, the Frontier Gandhi brought about a change for good. But, unfortunately Pathan raiders created havoc in Baramulla during 1947 Kabali Raid, he added. GOC 16 Corps, Lt Gen. Nirbhay Sharma exuded confidence that peace would be restored in Jammu and Kashmir soon and said that the movement for it is proceeding in right direction. ‘We have to restore pristine glory of this heaven on earth’, he said, adding that the dark clouds of 15-years militancy are fading away fast. ‘This is your century; you have to shoulder the responsibility and shape our future well’, he told the youth. Welcoming the Governor, President Akhil Bhartiya Rachnatmak Samaj, Mr S P Verma said that over a crore people of Jammu and Kashmir were yearning for peace and return of normalcy in the State. He complimented the Governor for his relentless efforts in heralding peace and tranquility and assured that the Gandhian workers would strive for spreading the message of love and brotherhood in every nook and corner. The Governor presented mementos to Lt. Gen. Nirbhay Sharma, Director General Police, Mr Gopal Sharma, Additional Director General Police, Armed, Director Consumer Affairs, Kashmir, senior civil, police and military officers, various Gandhian organisations besides heads of various schools and colleges. |
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Two Bank Managers, former X-en
remanded Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: City Judge Judicial Magistrate Jammu today granted five days police remand of Bank Managers— Raj Kumar Raina and Rajinder Kumar Pandita of Bank of Baroda. The duo were arrested by Crime Branch Jammu for allegedly facilitating sanction of loan to the persons impersonating themselves as BSF employees, leading to the fraudulent withdrawal of over rupees 13 lakh from the Bank. Another accused— Rajinder Nath Raina, a retired Executive Engineer, Power Development Department (PDD) was also granted Police remand. Raina was arrested by Crime Branch for fraudulently managing his over-stay in the department by tempering his date of birth from July 26, 1942 to July 26, 1944. His act had caused State exchequer a loss of over rupees five lakh. All the three accused were today produced in the Court and were granted five day’s Police remand. |
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Retd officer flays Trikuta Nagar police for ‘inaction’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: P N Dhar, retired Deputy Secretary, J&K Government, has charged Trikuta Nagar police with taking no steps to recover theft worth Rs 3 lakh committed by some unidentified burglars in his house at Trikuta Nagar on September 29 night. In a statement, Mr Dhar said DySP Trikuta Nagar Rajeshwar Singh and SHO Trikuta Nagar Devinder Singh paid a brief visit to the house next morning, took the photographs and completed their work. "However, no headway has been made by Trikuta Nagar police in recovering the stolen property. Police is clueless as far as the investigations are concerned", he said, adding he and his family was facing sleepless nights. "All residents of Sector No. 1 in Trikuta Nagar are also experiencing similar threats and harassment in the absence of the arrest of thieves as there is every apprehension that they could strike again", he said. "What to speak of arresting the accused, police have not detained even a single suspect so far", he lamented. Meanwhile, police said, a special team has been constituted to work out the theft and a breakthrough is expected shortly. |
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Estates employees take out rally Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: Employees of Estates Department took out a rally in support of their demands in the winter capital city here today. The newly elected president of Estates Employees Association, Prem Singh Baba was leading the march. He was accompanied by other office bearers of the Association and other employees in general. The rally commenced from B C Road Government quarters and passed through Residency Road, Wazarat Road, Dak Bungalow, Panjtirthi, Amar Singh Aahata, VIP Quarters Ved Mandir and finally culminated at Sarwal Quarters. The new office bearers were accorded welcome at various places during the rally. The new president while addressing the employees highlighted their problems and assured that he will take up the same with the concerned authorities. Their some the demands included regularisation of daily wagers, filling up of vacant posts, removal of pay anomalies etc. General secretary, Yuvraj Bhatti also spoke on the occasion. The employees in general have assured full cooperation to the newly elected body. |
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Air Force Day celebrations conclude Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrated its 72nd anniversary at Jammu IAF station here today. Various programmes were organised in the Station from Oct 1 to Oct 8 in connection with the week long celebrations. Some of the important programme included— Healthy baby show, Barakhana and cultural programme. Indian Air Force ‘ Mahotsav’ was the special function hosted at the base on Friday. The history of the Indian Air Force and its potent capabilities were screened as an audio-video show. GOC of 16 Corps, Lt Gen Ashok Kapur was the chief guest on the occasion while Maj Gen Vinay Sharma GOC 26 Infantry Division and DC Jammu Dr Pawan Kotwal were the special invitees. Several senior Army, Police, Air Force and civil officers were present on the occasion. An impressive cultural programme was widely appreciated by the guests and other audience. |
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Sofi for massive plantation of willow on waste lands Exclsior Correspondent SOPORE, Oct 9: To boost rural economy of the State, Minister for Forests and Environment Mr. Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Sofi has called for massive willow plantation on waste lands, forest lands, irrigation and flood control bunds and other areas in Kashmir valley. As it is the main source of raw material for cricket bat, horticulture and wicket industries. The Minister was addressing a ‘National Symposium on Ecology and Management of Willows’ organized by Faculty of Agriculture and Regional Research Station SKUAST-K here today. Mr. Sofi said that the need of the hour is to provide technical know-how to our farmers to go for willow plantation on scientific lines. He said that thrust is to be given to those species which have economical importance and are also adoptable to the climatic conditions of the Valley. He said that the Government will provide every sort of help to boost this industry and added that Forest Department will also provide forest land for using it for nursery and plantation of willow. Addressing the occasion, Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST-K, Prof. Anwar Alam said I have personally chosen this species for symposium as it has more economic importance and added that by this industry we can provide employment to maximum population of the State. He said that steps would be taken to research and development work on willow so that we can compete in global market and prove that Kashmiri willow is the best species of the world. Earlier, various professors presented their papers on this topic. Mr. Sofi also inspected various gene banks where the university has planted various species for research work. He also inspected mist chamber in which artificial germination of different species is done. The university is first time working for vegetative propagation of cedrus Deodar. He also inspected Division of Agriculture Engineering, where he was shown various machines and tools used in Agriculture practices. |
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14 documentaries being screened during film festival Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 9: The first ever Documentary film festival ‘Aks Zindagi Kay’ (Reflections of Life) organized by Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar, at the Sheri-I-Kashmir International Complex, is proving to be a good learning experience for the students of Communication studies and the private producers who are participating in the festival. The participants not only learning about the finer skills needed to produce a documentary film but are gained valuable knowledge about how a film maker can produce films without letting his own view point coming into the picture. During the festival14 documentary films are scheduled to be screened and after every film the audience will be participating in an interactive session which will dwell briefly on the subject of the film and will try to discuss whether the film maker has been able to do justice with the subject on which the film is based. " I feel great that I came to this place to witness the festival which changed my ideas about documentary film making," says Zahid, a student at the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at the University of Kashmir. " The films shown here do not in any case show any kind of bias despite the fact that some subjects are very tricky," adds Zahid. " The festival will go a long way in helping the Srinagar based producers to gain enough insight about documentary film making. The films shown here though have a very strong subject still they show how producers have been able to work on the subjects in such a way that the films have become quite balanced," says a Srinagar based producer, Jameel Shaheen. The festival will also witness screening of two documentary films Hab-kak The Horseman and Jewel in the crown- produced by Audio Visual Research Center which is now rechristened as Educational Multimedia Research Center (EMMRC), University of Kashmir. Both the films have been made in the EMMRC and recieved quite applause from viewers during their screening. The films screened during the festival also caught the attention of senior television personalities who also participated in the interactive sessions held after the screening. Noted among them was ex-Director Doordarshan Kendra, Ashraf Sahil. Sahil in his remarks highlighted the need that the producers should stress on doing proper homework so that the end products do not end up a collection of wayward shots rather than a documentary film. Commenting on the festival Director of the Srinagar Kendra, Shahzadi Simon told the Excelsior that it is a humble beginning, which we have made. " This sort of activity will start the learning process among the talented young film makers," she added. |
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Traffic Police challans 2106 vehicles on NH Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: Traffic Police National Highway Ramban challaned 2106 vehicles during the month of September and realized fine to the tune of Rs 3,08,820 for violations under Motor Vehicle Act. Of the 2106, 1645 vehicles of all types were compounded on the spot and 561 vehicles challaned and papers sent to different courts for taking congizance. Special emphasis was laid on offences like over-loading, without seat belts, overspeeding and dangerous driving. 298 challans were done under overloading offence, 74 under over-speeding-cum-dangerous driving and 328 under offences with seat belts. A traffic police communique said over-loading on link roads has not decreased and situation not improved due to shortage of bus services. Out of 33 buses in Kishtwar only 12 were plying. Besides no sufficient number of passenger buses on the link roads like Doda to Marmat, Doda to Ghat, Doda to Bhaderwah, Kishtwar to Paddar, Kishtwar to Chattroo, Pull Doda to Bhella, Bhaderwah to Chinta, Bhalla to Molathi, Pull Doda to Assar, Ramban to Gool Sangaldan, Ramban to Ukhral, Ramnagar to Basantgarh and Chenani to Latti were available and the commuters were suffering lot of difficulties. Over-loading in such areas causes fatal accident. The traffic police has said in case of any complaint against operator of Bus, truck, Tata Sumo, Tempo Traveller, Matadors, Auto Rickshaws and load carriers could be made at mobile numbers of Traffic Police (SP Traffic) 9419167316, 266686 (Office), (DySP Traffic Batote) 9419166330, 244229 (Office), and Mobile Number of DySP Traffic (Banihal) 9419167315. |
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Students hold peace rally from Lakhanpur to Kathua Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Oct 9: Students took out a mass peace rally in the memory of father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi and Late Lal Bahadur Shastri. The rally was organised by Vivekananda College of Education, Lakhanpur in which students of Vivekananda Public Model School and Kendriya Vidhayalas of Lakhanpur and Kathua participated. Dr Sudershan Gupta, chairman Vivekananda College of Education flagged off the rally from Lakhanpur towards Kathua. After marching 7 km on foot the rallyist gathered at KV Kathua wherein rich tributes were paid to to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri. S K Malik, Commandant 12th BN CRPF and the chief guest stressed on the compulsory education of girls in the society. Others who spoke included G D Sharma and A V Mishra, Principal KV Kathua. After the tributes function the chief guest further flagged off the rally towards Government Degree College Kathua. Kathua Welfare Committee led by Prof Sain Dass and ABVP Kathua arranged free water and fruit stalls for students on the occasion. The peace rally concluded at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Park Kathua. |
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| Bhim Singh appeals people to vote
for Panthers candidate Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: Chairman of JKNPP Prof Bhim Singh addressed big election rally at Basohli and appealed the people to vote for Panthers Party candidate Advocate Kartar Singh for strengthening Panthers Party movement for restoration of Dogra identity. He accused the Congress and BJP of exploiting the poverty-stricken people of Jammu Pradesh for over half a century thus bartering their interests for their selfish ends, power and gains. He said Congress exiled Maharaja Hari Singh in 1949 who acceded State of J&K with Union of India, put Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah in jail for 23 years and then brought him back to power. Minister of State Yash Paul Kundal while addressing told the people that Prof Bhim Singh is the only leader in J&K Who is acceptable to all the regions of the State including PoK and Gilgit. Mrs Nasreen Hamid, Joint Editor Voice of Millions and a noted journalist and filmmaker earlier introduced Prof Bhim Singh as a rare revolutionary of the rank of Yasir Arafat. Meanwhile a strong team of JKNPP led by Balwant Singh Mankotia MLA and Faquir Nath (both MLAs) declared a war against injustice, exploitation and unemployment while addressing several election meetings in favour of Panthers Party candidate Ashok Mahajan. They assured that Panthers Party shall provide social security, jobs and implement Wazir Commission report and appoint Delimitation Commission which formed parts of CMP. They called upon the people to oppose and depose Congress-PDP alliance so that people of Jammu could get justice. |
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Migrant Teachers Association elects new office bearers Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: A meeting of Migrant Teachers Welfare Association was held today under the chairmanship of Sushil Kumar Razdan wherein several issues of migrant teachers were highlighted. The meet expressed resentment over recent promotion orders of teachers to Master Grade for Ladakh region wherein Director School Education Kashmir has allegedly promoted juniors to the said grade while senior migrant teachers have been dropped, the Association members alleged and urged the Education Minister to intervene in this matter and do the justice. The meet also urged the Finance Minister to post an independent charge Chief Accounts Officer at migrant Cell of the Directorate of School Education, Jammu. The meet also demanded release of 2 per cent DA, merger of 50 per cent DA in their basic pay, enhancement of retirement age from 58 to 60 years and removal of pay anomalies. The Association also re-organised its executive body and elected new office bearers. Sushil Kumar Razdan was elected as president while Krishan Lal and Ashok Kumar Lalpuri were nominated as advisor and general secretary, respectively. Balajee Marhatta, Venjan Raina, Hira Lal Bhatti, Satish Bhat and Vinod Bhasin were appointed as vice-president, organising secretary, publicity secretary, cashier and secretary, respectively. Nine executive members are Ashok Pandita, Moti Lal Pandita, Sunil Reshi, Ramesh Raina, Rajesh Bhagati, Vinod Dhar, Chand Narayan Kandroo, Rupesh Koul and Mahraj Krishan Raina. |
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Even in autumn tourists throng Kashmir Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Oct 9: The domestic tourist influx is at high rise even in autumn season and the tourists are expressing great enthusiasm during the harvesting season in the Valley. This was said by the Minister for Tourism and Urban Development, Ghulam Hassan Mir during his interaction with a group of tourists from South West states here this morning. A group of 50 tourists from Pune after visiting Pahalgam, Gulmarg and other tourist resorts of the Valley were all praise for the elysian Valley, its beauties and natural sceneries. Appreciating the hospitality of the velleyites, the tourists expressed their willingness for intermittent visits to Kashmir. Abundance of fruits and ripe paddy fields are presenting a very captivating look in the autumn season, the tourists said and added that this beautiful piece of land is a fine destination for us. The Minister enumerated the measures taken by the government to upgrade the infrastructure for the comfortable stay of tourists both domestic and foreign and said that this has helped to register a record number of tourists during the current tourist season. He said that velleyites are ready to receive any number of tourists in any season with open arms. Mr. Mir also disclosed to the tourists that pilgrimage, heritage, health tourism, adventure and winter sports besides eco tourism is also being introduced in the Valley. The group of tourists has come to the Valley by the collaboration of Rotary Club Pune and a local Shanguloo Travel Agency. Cong leaders address series of meetings in Akhnoor Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: A series of election meetings were addressed by Pradesh Congress vice president R S Chib, Lok Sabha Member Madan Lal Sharma and MLA G S Charak at Jamotian, Mawa, Manani, Garh, Gurah Jagir, Sohal, Sali-Pari, Badgal, Badyali, Tull, Kharkhana and Lad of Akhnoor Assembly constituency. Mr Chib while addressing said that Congress was mainly responsible for the major developments that have taken place in Akhnoor segment during the past two years. He appealed the people to vote for Congress candidate in order to maintain pace of development and ensure that all works started by the Government do not hamper. He declared that all those party workers and leaders who have been working against Congress candidate stand expelled from the party for six years. Madan Lal Sharma, MP and MoS CAPD Raman Bhalla assured the people that they would leave no stone unturned to take care of their problems and strive hard to see that works started by him will continue during the next four years. Mr G S Charak said Congress is a secular party and secularism can only ensure communal harmony. He said it become the prime duty of electorate to vote for Congress nominee. During these meeting many important leaders of BJP, BSP, NC as also workers of Pt Govind Ram Sharma joined Congress party and welcomed by the senior party leaders into Congress fold. Prominent among them were Gian Chand Sarpanch, Parmanand Namberdar, Ashok Kumar, Madan Mohan, Rakesh Kumar, Kuldeep Raj, Varinder Singh Surinder Singh Bittu, Ganesh Dutt, Swaran Singh, Milkhi Ram, Deepak Singh, Varinder Singh, Sudesh Kumar, Banarsi Lal, Swaran Singh, Daljit Singh, Surjit Singh Mohan Lal, Gharu Ram, Nasib Singh and Narinder Singh from villages Mawa, Maira Mandrian and Bardyal Khurd respectively. Exhibition of ceramic tiles in Jammu by Kajaria Ltd Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: Kajaria Ceramics Limited, New Delhi, a top ranking tiles manufacturing company in India, has opened its three-day tiles exhibition’ on new concepts and designs at Apsara Road, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu. The exhibition throws light on how to display current trends, style and methods to decorate bathrooms, kitchens, outdoors and fascia. It also provides beautiful products combined creatively and carefully together with the borders, listellos and motifs. The ongoing exhibition is in series of ‘Caravaan’ by Kajaria under which exhibitions are being held all over India for showcasing and introduction of the new concepts and innovative ideas to the people. This was informed by Rakesh Salkani, Area Manager (North) of the company. He said that sale graph of Kajaria tiles in Jammu province has reached new heights with sustained efforts of M/S Kundan Lal and Sons, sole distributor of Kajaria Ceramics in Jammu. And now the company has set its target of selling one lac boxes of tiles in the province, this year, he added. Mr Salkani claimed that Kajaria is number one preferred brand in ceramic tiles in the country with Rs 260 crores annual turnover. Centre for Monitoring India Economy (CMIE) in its recent annual survey report for top brands and corporates also has selected Kajaria Ceramics as one of the top brands across the country, he said. Sharing more information about the company brands, Mr Salkani said that Kajaria presents widest range of floor and wall tiles with an attractive range of borders, pencils and moldings. Rajesh Aggarwal, proprietor of M/s Kundan Lal and Sons, hoped that more customers would get attracted towards Kajaria after the exhibition. Mangat Ram reiterates
Congress commitment Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Oct 9: Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma today reiterated the commitment of Congress for implementation of Common Minimum Programme of coalition Government, which included setting up of Finance Commission, Delimitation Commission and implementation of Wazir Commission recommendations. Addressing public meetings at Basohli, Mahanpur, Banohore, Marapatti and Nagrota Preeta, Mr Sharma, who has been canvassing here for the party candidate Kanta Andotra, listed the radical changes brought over by the alliance Government in Jammu and Kashmir. The Government has proposed to construct a cement factory at Basohli where raw material for the same is in abundance and people will get employment in this factory, he announced. Mangat Ram assured the electorate that Kanta Andotra after winning the election, will work whole heartedly for this hilly area and fulfill all the promises of her husband Choudhary Lal Singh who has been elected to Parliament now. Mr Sharma was accompanied by by Choudhary Lal Singh, MLA Dr Manohar Lal, Thakur Shiv Dev Singh, Subash Gupta and Amarjeet Singh. They also addressed the gatherings and appealed people to vote for Congress candidate Kanta Andotra to strengthen the hands of Sonia Gandhi. Only Congress can ensure equal development of all three regions of the State while both BJP and NC are only exploiting the sentiments of people for their political survival. Rajnath to address rallies at Akhnoor, Basohli on Monday Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: National general secretary of Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Rajnath Singh will address public meetings in favour of party candidates Ram Saroop Sharma and Jagdish Sapolia, who have been contesting by-elections from Akhnoor and Basohli Assembly seats respectively. Vice-president of State BJP, Shamsher Singh told that on Monday Rajnath Singh will address a public meeting at Akhnoor at 1 PM, followed by another rally at Basohli town at 3 PM. Rajnath Singh, ex-Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh is general secretary incharge of State BJP. It is worthwhile to mention here that polling for Akhnoor and Basohli Assembly seats will be held on October 13, 2004 Need to devise job-oriented education policy: Mir Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Oct 9: Stressing the need for evolving a mechanism to devise a job-oriented education policy in the State, the Minister for Tourism and Urban Development, Ghulam Hassan Mir impressed upon the teaching community to work with honesty and dedication to revive the long old Kashmiriat. The Minister while addressing the annual day function of Islamia College of Science and Commerce here today appealed the academicians and philosophers to ponder over the change of the existing syllabi into a result oriented one which will instrumental in creating job opportunities for our youth in future besides inculcating a sense of self employment among them. He advised the students to strive hard for making a mark in their life and be a source of inspiration for future generations by proving their worth. He also called for channelizing the latent potential of the youth in a right direction for nation building and self dependency. Responding to the demands projected by the college management, Mir assured the college authorities that Government will seriously consider construction of auditorium in the college. He announced a grant of Rs. 20,000 for the procurement of musical instruments for the cultural wing of the college. Principal of the College, Dr. G.N. Antoo presented the annual report of the college and highlighted the various curricular and extra-curricular activities conducted by the college during the current academic session. The students of the college presented a colourful variety programme. Owais Ali and Shazia anchored. The proceedings of the four hour long in a very eloquent and professional manner. The Minister presented awards and certificates to the meritorious students of the college. On the occasion, the Secretary Education, Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, teaching and non-teaching faculty of the college besides parents and Alumni of the college were present. PDF has a clear stand on Kashmir: Yaseen Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 9: Chairman, Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Forum (PDF) and Minister for Revenue, Hakim Mohammad Yaseen has said that the recent tour of Pak Journalists is a good omen for fostering the Indo-Pak relations and thereby paving a way for amicable solution of long pending Kashmir issue. Mr Yaseen was addressing a one day convention of PDF workers here today. He said that said the tour programmes between the two countries need to be extended to the common people of the two parts of State to ensure their close interaction. He said that PDF has a clear stand on Kashmir issue and has been advocating its peaceful resolution by involving all those who are involved in it. Mr Yaseen claimed that PDF is emerging as a strong political force in the State as evident from the joining of workers of different political parties including National Conference and Awami National Conference. General Secretary PDF and Minister of State for Industries Raman Mantoo speaking on the occasion said that PDF is a secular front with strong political convictions. MLA Rafiabad and NC leader Mohammad Dilawar Mir also addressed the convention. A number of workers and office bearers of Awami National Conference joined PDF during the convention including Mohammad Yousuf Shair, Provincial Preisdent Awami NC, Mrs. Jehan Ara, Provincial Secretary and Press Secretary Awami NC, Sheikh Abdul Rashid, President, Awami NC, Srinagar, Noor Mohammad Rangrez, G.M. Kaloo, G.H. Rather and Ghulam Qadir Shah, Block Presidents of Awami National Conference, Iddgah, Habba Kadal, Batmaloo and Ganderbal. Teachers asked to strive for greater excellence Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Oct 9: Minister for Education Harsh Dev Singh exhorted the teaching fraternity to strive for greater excellence in academics by imparting quality education to students and transform the society to meat the greater challenge of privatization and globalization. The Minister was speaking on the Annual Day function Cum Accreditation (A Grade) celebration of the Women’s College Maulana Azad Road, here yesterday. Mr. Singh lauded the role of the college administration, teaching and non-teaching staff in making the institution an abode of excellence by getting the "A" Grade from NAAC. He asked the college authorities to maintain the excellence and take the college to the level of "A" A scintillating cultural programme was also organized on the function which gathered applause from all present on the occasion. Later, the Minister distributed the prizes among the students for their outstanding performance in various fields. Ms. Syed Poeseen Rehmat received first prize for excelling in the Department of Human Resources. Earlier, the Principal of the College, Saleema Mattoo in her annual report said a number of scholarships were provided to the students from social welfare and higher education department. She further said that the college was humming with multifarious activities with over 7000 students on its rolls. SSP denies allegations Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: The goldsmiths and jewellers will observe one day strike all over Jammu Province on October 12 in protest against what they alleged the irrelevant utterances made against them by SSP Jammu district recently. " The goldsmiths and jewellers will down the shutters of their business establishments on this day", said Krishan Lal Abrol, president Swarn Kar Sangh while addressing a press conference along with other office bearers of his organisation here, this morning. Expressing concern over the remarks made by the senior police officer against the traders of a particular class, Mr Abrol said the "SSP Jammu rebuked the nine member deputation" who called on him recently to seek the permission for taking out a religious procession during Ganesh festival through Lakhadata Bazar. When contacted, SSP Jammu Dr Kamal Saini termed the allegations of the Swarn Kar Sangh as ‘baseless’ and said that the same were the outcome of the cases registered against some jewellers who had acquired gold ornaments from the chain snatchers and thieves. "In most of the snatching cases, the accused disclosed the names of certain jewellers of the Jammu city who were obtaining the snatched ornaments and even the recovery was affected from them", the SSP said while pointing towards the Vardhman Jewellers, which had purchased the gold chains from snatcher—Rinku Kumar, son of Bansi Lal of Prem Nagar New Plots. He further said that whenever jewellers’ involvement in acquiring of snatched or stolen goods surfaced, they start giving statements against the Police. Performing arts can initiate
change in Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: We are no politicians or reformers. Through our movement of theatre we are only planting seeds to raise the consciousness of Pakistani masses so that they can confront different forms of injustices in the society. These were the views of Pakistani play wright and theatre activist, Shahid Nadeem, who was speaking during an interaction held at the Studio Rangyug, here today. Shahid Nadeem and Madeeha Gauhar the well known actor and director of theatre group AJOKA, shared their experiences and problems, in running a theatre movement in Pakistan against all odds, with intellectuals, writers, poets, academicians and artists of Jammu. Imprisoned many times by the authorities for their commitment for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan, the husband and wife team is dedicated to theatre as a medium of social change. Through their theatre group AJOKA they have been raising the issues in reference to draconian laws like Hadood Ordinance, Blasphemy Laws, Honour Killings, Dowry Deaths and other instances of human rights violation. They are also committed to create a cultural climate between two neighboring countries wherein the distortions, distrust and hate campaigns become a thing of past and new beginning can be made. Speaking on the occasion, Madeeha Gauhar said that through theatre we are trying to focus on the shared legacy-the legacy of Sufies, of humanism, of tolerance, of human dignity and justice. Shahid Nadeem said when State wears the cap of Mullah as is the case in Pakistan then religion is no more a matter of human faith but it becomes totalitarian, oppressive and breeds sectarianism which in turn has given rise to extremism, exports of jehadis to the rest of the world. Thus unleashing such forces that ultimately eat-up their own creators. He said luckily we have a emancipated General as the head of the state and we hope that such destructive forces will be tamed soon. Speaking in a characteristic manner conspicuous of artistic frankness, the duo of Shahid nadeem and Madeeha Gauhar along with their four years old son, struck an immediate rapport with the audience. They also spoke about AJOKA’s collaborative performances like ‘Bhula’, ‘Ek Thi Nani’ and ‘Border-Border’ that already been performed in India. In a question-answer session the Pakistani theatre activists spoke candidly about the situation of minorties, state of women in Pakistani society and how through specially written plays AJOKA is raising the issues in public. Other than Rangyug team headed by Deepak Kumar others who were present on the occasion included Padamshree Pundit Ram Nath Shashtri, Amitabh Mattoo, VC, Jammu University, senior advocates, U.K. Jalali, Ashok Vijay, Sanjay Tikku, architect, Aparna Tandon, curator, AMML, Prof Devinder Singh, Prof Rekha Chowdhary, Dr Nagendra Rao from JU, and writer and poets such as Dr Agnishekhar, Dr Ratan Lal Shant, Kursheed Kazami, Liyaqat Zaffari, Dr Aruna Sharma, Nirmal Vinod, Sanjana Kaul Khalid Hussain and artists including Shusham Sharma, Pritam Katoch, sculptor, Rajinder Tikku and painter Vijay Saraf. Earlier Rangyug staged 99th performance of street play in Dogri, ‘Deeth’, which was highly appreciated and enjoyed by the Madeeha Gauhar, Shahid Nadeem and others guests. |
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