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| Dogra Rattan awards presented Governor salutes Duggar land for producing valiant soldiers Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 27: Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd) S K Sinha today said that being in Army for so many years he has emotional attachment with Dogras. He saluted this Duggar land for producing valiant and patriotic soldiers......more Jammu Hotel Restaurant & Bar Association flays Guest Control Order Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 27: A meeting of the Jammu Hotel Restaurant and Bar Association was held under the presidentship of H S Anand to discuss the Guest Control Order which is coming into force from November 5, 2004.............more Makhdoomi,
Vaid, Lohia given farewell Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Oct 27: Asserting that the Jammu and Kashmir Police has emerged as an ace force in the country by dint......more NC Women
Wing stages Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 27: Continuing its protest against the attack on Party senior leadership by the terrorists.......more Two of a
family killed Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 27: Two members of a family were killed and two others received severe injuries after their scooter.....more |
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Maa Shakti
to celebrate Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 27: Maa Shakti a NGO working for the development of children and youth is celebrating India Day on November 1 and in this connection a grand function will be held at Parade Ground here................more Promptness,
punctuality Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar Oct 27: Stressing for adopting responsive and friendly approach toward the people’s problems by Police Force, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Javaid Mukhdoomi said that prompt and timely action to solve the problem is key for an efficient Police Force................more Sheerwani
Hall dedicated to people Excelsior Correspondent BARAMULLA, Oct 27: Governor Lt. General (Retd.) S.K. Sinha today complimented the people of Kashmir for keeping alive the high traditions of Kashmiriyat braving all odds and exuded confidence that this will help in meeting all challenges and steering the state...........more Padma
laments Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 27: Giving a clarion call to the Dogras to restore their dignity and honour, eminent Dogri scholar and renowned writer........more |
Dogra Rattan awards presented Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 27: Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd) S K Sinha today said that being in Army for so many years he has emotional attachment with Dogras. He saluted this Duggar land for producing valiant and patriotic soldiers as well as eminent scholars of different fields. The Governor was addressing a function after presenting Dogra Rattan Awards to some notable Dogras for their services and contributions in culture, history, art, social service, politics and other fields. The function was organised by Council for Promotion of Dogri Language, Culture and History on the 57th anniversary of the State accession with the Union of India. Going down the memory lane, Lt Gen. Sinha recalled how Indian Army had protected Jammu and Kashmir from the aggression of Pakistan invaders. "October 27 is very important day in my life. I was a Major in the Indian Army at that time and we were assigned the task to frustrate evil designs of invaders", he recalled and expressed satisfaction that the task was accomplished within stipulated time. "Valiant Indian soldiers had protected the State at that time", he reminded. Appreciating people of Jammu for their contribution in national integration, Mr Sinha said that this land is very fertile to produce valiant soldiers as well as scholars of eminence. "This land has great talent",he said while saluting Dogra land and said that he has emotional attachment with Dogras. "Being an Armyman I came in contact with many Dogras and I have emotional attachment with Dogras", he said. Although the Governor arrived three hours behind schedule, people patiently waited for award presentation ceremony. The Governor also expressed his regrets for not reaching in time. Mr Sinha, while appreciating the organisers for organising such a function, called upon them to make these types of functions as annual feature. Earlier, the Governor presented Dogra Rattan Awards to Padam Shree Prof Ram Nath Shastri, Padhma Sachdeva, Babu Parmanand, Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma and Ramanand Sagar Padha Sachdeva received award on behalf of Ramanand Sagar, who could not attend the function due to major surgery. This award was also presented to five prominent Dogras posthumously for their services towards the society. Those awarded posthumously included Com. Dhanwantri Mahey, freedom fighter and highly decorated progressive thinker. He was close associate of Sardar Bhagat Singh and Chander Shekhar Azad, Sardar Budh Singh-a social reformer and undaunted champion on inter-religious and inter regional movement. Popularly called as Mahatama Budh Singh, Mulk Raj Saraf, founder of journalism in Jammu and Kashmir, Brig. Rajinder Singh, who sacrificed his life to defend Kashmir at Uri sector between night of 26th and 27th October, 1947 and Ustad Allah Rakha, born in Bhagwal, Samba. A. Mahey-grandson of Com. Dhanwantri received award while as Col. Trehan, grandson of Sardar Budh Singh was present to get the award of his late grandfather. Great grand daughter of Mulk Raj Saraf Deepika Saraf received the award while Usha Rani, daughter of Brig. Rajinder Singh received Dogra Rattan Award. Addressing the function, Prof Bhim Singh, chairman of the Council for Promotion of Dogri Language, Culture and History said that this day has been chosen to express our commitment to the letter and the spirit of the Accession which has in fact and reality turned out to the soul of the national integration of the Union of India. "Indian experiment was a unique and most successful one to establish a secular democratic State in 1947 when the partition made millions to bleed. India in a half century have established its credibility as a democratic- secular State", he said, adding, "this is the only nation in world which has an elected President from a minority and so is the Prime Minister. Even the RSS Prime Minister and Home Minister had chosen a Muslim President". "Today the people of Pakistan have also realised the beauty and importance of secularism and democracy", he said, adding, "the problem is the liberation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in Pakistan". Earlier, while highlighting the heroism of Brig Rajinder Singh in withholding advancing Pakistani tribals near Uri in 1947, Governor said that but for his martyrdom, Indian Army could not have landed in Srinagar to save Kashmir. He said that innumerable sacrifices of great warriors during those turbulent times are dubbed in golden letters in the Indian war history. The Governor paid tributes to other martyrs of the infantry today and said that two documentaries, namely The last town and Dastan-e-Kashmir have been produced and would be beamed on the regional, national and international hookups. Lt Col Ashok Kapoor, GOC 16 Corps, Major General (retd) G.S. Jamwal, Major General Vinay Sharma, Brig K.S. Kotwal, family members of Brig. Rajinder Singh, Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation B. D. Sharma, Joint Director Information S.K. Sharma, senior officers of civil, police and army and prominent citizens. |
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Jammu
Hotel Restaurant & Bar Association Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 27: A meeting of the Jammu Hotel Restaurant and Bar Association was held under the presidentship of H S Anand to discuss the Guest Control Order which is coming into force from November 5, 2004. The meetings of the Association expressed their deep anguish that this law has come into force at a time when all the hotels and banquet halls have taken the booking for this season. As in Jammu the marriage season started from Navratra onwards. Meeting observed that in Kashmir the marriage season is already over so there will be a little effect of this Order. By implementing this order, the meeting said, again discrimination has done to Jammu region as during past few months there were no marriages. Members were of the opinion that this law will not effect the hoteliers but also the suppliers and other business classes too who are directly or indirectly related to this industry. They apprised that if this law has to come into force they should be given at least six months time so that the orders and bookings are taken accordingly. It was further observed that those persons who have already fixed the marriage of their sons/daughters have by now already printed and distributed the invitation cards and even have paid advances to the respective parties, so by implementing this order the things will get worsen and again the hotels will get a setback as hotel industry has suffered a lot in the past due to adverse reasons. Meeting further observed that 99 percent of marriages solemnized in Jammu are pure vegetarian and there is little consumption of mutton. If the Government is really interested to lessen the agony of the society, the Association shall extend every effort to overcome problems being faced by the lower and middle classes and also help them out. The members emphasised that before implementing such orders the Government should reconsider all the advantages and disadvantages of this act. |
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Makhdoomi,
Vaid, Lohia given farewell Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Oct 27: Asserting that the Jammu and Kashmir Police has emerged as an ace force in the country by dint of its dedication, and velour, Director General of Police, Gopal Sharma, impressed upon all ranks to keep their commitment to the job and achieve still greater heights of excellence by meeting the aspirations of people. Mr Sharma was addressing impressive function organized at the Police Headquarters here last evening to bid farewell to J.A. Makhdoomi, Dr. S.P. Vaid, Inspector Generals of Police and H.K. Lohia, Deputy Inspector General of Police, on their transfer to take-up new assignments. He said that the State Police has come up in a big way in tackling militancy and also discharging its duties of normal policing in the State with distinction. Mr Sharma recalled the supreme sacrifices made by the force and this has further strengthened its resolve to meet the challenges with fortitude and zeal. The Director General of Police commended the services of J.A. Makhdoomi, Dr. S.P. Vaid and H.K. Lohia in strengthening the functioning of the Police Headquarters and exuded confidence that they will continue to work with still greater dedication in serving the people during their new assignments. |
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NC
Women Wing stages dharna against Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 27: Continuing its protest against the attack on Party senior leadership by the terrorists, the Women’s Wing of National Conference held a dharna in front of Raj Bhavan here this afternoon. The demonstration was led by Women’s Wing chief and Ex MLA Bimla Luthra and it was also addressed by NC provincial chief and MLA Marh, Ajay Sadhotra and Party provincial vice president, Rattan Lal Gupta. With banners and placards in their hands the protesters shouted slogans against the State Government led by Mufti Mohammed Sayeed. Demanding the immediate dismissal of the Government, the protesters held it responsible for the murderous attack on the Party senior leadership Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah in Anantnag town of South Kashmir recently. Strongly condemning the attack, Mr Sadhotra demanded a judicial probe into the episode. Leveling serious allegations on the State Government he said the attack was planned to eliminate the top leadership of the Party and finish the nationalist forces in the state. He also made a strong dig at the State Government for claiming that such attacks have been taking place for the last 15 years of turmoil and the ministers in the coalition have also been made the target from time to time. Lashing out at Mufti Government, Bimla Luthra demanded immediate arrest of the attackers. She warned that her Party will not be a mute spectator to such happenings but it will launch a statewide movement to unmask the conspiracy. Condemning the attack Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari, Rashpal Singh, Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo MLAs, Brij Mohan Sharma, MLC, K K Khosa and Chander Mohan Sharma said the repeated attacks on the Party leadership and killing of a former Minister few days back has exposed the hollow claims made by the State Government. They alleged that the Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed was misleading th people and the Centre by his irresponsible statements. They also criticised the Government for imposing Rupees five on the visitors in the Government hospitals in the state and termed the decision as anti poor and undemocratic. Among other speakers were B A Naz, Ram Paul and Ch. Mohammed Hussian, MLCs, Abdul Wahid Shan, Jagjivan Lal, Taran Jit Singh Tony, Ravi Dogra, Sham Mehra, Rashida Begum, Satwant Kour and Rani Devi. |
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Two of a family killed in road accident Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 27: Two members of a family were killed and two others received severe injuries after their scooter was hit by a speeding and negligently driven truck near Main Stop Gandhi Nagar. Police spokesman said that the victims were on their way towards Miran Sahib on scooter when a speeding and negligently driven truck bearing registration number JK02G-8415 hit the two-wheeler from behind. Soon after the accident, the truck driver jumped out of the vehicle and fled from the spot leaving behind the victims bleeding profusely. On the receipt of information, a police party from Gandhi Nagar Police Station rushed to the spot and shifted the critically injured persons to the Gandhi Nagar Hospital where two of them were declared brought dead. The condition of injured was stated to be critical when reports last came in. The injured have been identified as Vijay Sharma of Hiranagar and his daughter Isha. The deceased are Manju Sharma, wife of Vijay Sharma and her son Ashant Sharma. In another accident, a motorcyclist was killed and another received severe injuries when their motorcycle skidded off the road and rolled down near Sujwal Morh. The deceased has been identified as Kulbir Singh, son of Jhoru Singh of Pallanwala while injured has been identified as Balbir Singh, son of Bana Singh. Meanwhile, two persons—Goldy, wife of Ram Saroop of Nagrota and Kharati Lal of Narwal allegedly consumed poisonous substances at their respective residence. Both were rushed to hospital when spotted unconscious by family members. Doctors attending on them immediately provided them stomach wash treatment followed by other medicare. Their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in. |
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Maa Shakti to celebrate November 1 as India Day Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 27: Maa Shakti a NGO working for the development of children and youth is celebrating India Day on November 1 and in this connection a grand function will be held at Parade Ground here. This was announced by Swami Paul, chairman Maa Shakti while talking to reporters here, today. He said the India Day will be celebrated by his organisation to show the entire world that J&K is not the part but India itself. "The people of the J&K are Indians and we will like to live and die as Indians" with the hope of building a great nation, he said while commenting on a recent statement published in a section of press that people of Jammu want to live with India. He said those who know nothing about J&K, its culture are discussing us. The people of J&K are Indians and it is ridiculous to say that the people of Jammu want to live with India who are the part and parcel of this great nation. He said let us take a pledge to celebrate this day with great fervour and full enthusiasm irrespective of cast , creed and colour so that we won’t allow any body to challenge our nationality. He said the contributions made by the great sons of India like Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Raj Guru, Chander Shekhar Azad, Subash Chander Bose, Ashfaq Ullah Khan and Gandhi Ji are still fresh in our minds and celebrating the Indian Day will be a great tribute to them. Swami Ji also made an appeal to the people to participate in the rally that will start from Maa Shakti Head Office at New Plots on 8-30 am on November 1. He also disclosed that Jammu Bar Association and Sanatan Dharam Sabha has assured full support to the rally. |
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Promptness, punctuality high on police agenda: IGP Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar Oct 27: Stressing for adopting responsive and friendly approach toward the people’s problems by Police Force, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Javaid Mukhdoomi said that prompt and timely action to solve the problem is key for an efficient Police Force. This, he said would not only improve the Police image but, would help greatly in wining the confidence of the people as well. Speaking at a joint meeting of officers and jawans of Zonal Police Headquarters here today, IGP said that delay in disposing of files in the offices put public to a great inconvenience and accordingly this practice should be done away with. Reminding the Police personnel of their duty towards the people, he said that ‘we have to bear in mind that in a democratic setup Police is a public servant, not master’. Mr Mukhdoomi reviewed in detail the working of every section and asserted for responsive attitude, promptness and punctuality among the staff members so that the important issues are solved immediately. Reviewing the working of public relation cell of the office, the IGP impressed for taking cognizance of public grievances highlighted through mass media, especially newspapers so that immediate action is initiated on the press reports. |
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Sheerwani Hall
dedicated to people Excelsior Correspondent BARAMULLA, Oct 27: Governor Lt. General (Retd.) S.K. Sinha today complimented the people of Kashmir for keeping alive the high traditions of Kashmiriyat braving all odds and exuded confidence that this will help in meeting all challenges and steering the state to a new era of peace. After dedicating the renovated Sheerwani Memorial Hall at this historic town to the people of Baramulla on Yumme-Shuhda this morning, the Governor said that while the people of the valley demonstrated high degree of valour in turbulent days of 1947, they kept the torch of secularism aloft during the ongoing onslaught of militancy. The Governor lauded the determination of the people to fight terrorism and save Kashmir from destruction and devastation. He said the cooperation between the people and the Army will help in heralding complete normalcy in the state. ‘We have to restore the pristine glory of Kashmir’, he maintained. ‘In this war against terrorism, the Army has shown immense degree of discipline and maintained cordial relations with the civilians. Never during the 15 years militancy did the army use any artillery or air power to combat terrorism, nor any place of worship came under attack as happened in Faluja or Wazirstan’, the General said. The Governor paid tributes to 1947 martyrs and regretted that he could not get an opportunity to meet Shaheed Sheerwani about whose valour he has heard much. He said that the martyrs laid their lives for saving the people, irrespective of their religion and this beautiful valley of Kashmir from raiders who indulged in plunder and wanton destruction. The General gave graphic description of the tribal invasion and said as a young Major he was given the responsibility of airlifting soldiers to Kashmir from various formations. Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma paid tributes to Shaheed Sheerwani, Colonel Roy, Brig. Rajinder Singh and said the best way of remembering their martyrdom would be to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and amity. He said the state has been a shining example of secularism. While a ray of light emanatiated from Kashmir during communal holocaust in 1947, the people of Jammu maintained the glorious traditions of brotherhood during the past 15 years despite provocations, he added. GoC, 15 Corps, Lt Gen. Vinay Sharma said the people and the security forces have jointly fought the elements inimical to peace in the valley all these years. He said the army cannot achieve success without active supplest and cooperation of the people. Paying homage to the martyr’s, the core commander said it is because of their sacrifices that we are living as proud citizens of an independent nation. He said the day is not far when peace will again down in this happy valley and we will restore the last glory of paradise on this earth. Speaking on the occasion veteran leader and former Minister Ghulam Rasool Kar said that while the people of Kashmir stood firmly against raiders to save the great ethos of Kashmir, the Indian Army helped in preserving the culture and identity of the valley. Abdul Rashid Shaheen, Member Parliament, while paying tributes to the martyrs said that the contribution of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in upholding the just cause of the peace efforts between India and Pakistan would yield dividends and the walls of hatred are destined to fall. Mr Shaheen had a word of praise for the discipline shown by the Army while combating militancy on Jammu and Kashmir. GoC, 19 Div Major Gen. Raj Mehta also spoke on the occasion. The Governor honored veterans of Baramulla who are the witnesses of the 1947 holocaust. Earlier, the Governor laid wreaths at the manorial of Lt. Col D. R Rai in the periphery of Baramulla Shaheed Mohammad Maqbool Sheerwani in heart of the town. Minister of State for Education, Dr Ghulam Nabi Lone was also present on the occasion. |
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Padma laments neglect of Dogra culture Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 27: Giving a clarion call to the Dogras to restore their dignity and honour, eminent Dogri scholar and renowned writer Padma Sachdeva today regretted that Jammu has become ‘dustbin’ and real inhabitants of this region have been facing identity crisis. Speaking at a function organised by the Council for Promotion of Dogri Language, Culture and History to awarded Dogra Ratan Awards, Mrs Sachdeva said that since 1947 Jammu has been accommodating one after another community. "Jammu has been considered as City of Dogras but one can not single out any real Dogra among the crowd which we see in this City", she lamented and warned that identity of Dogra will perish if effective steps were not take at this juncture. It is very unfortunate that Dogri is disappearing from the so-called City of Temples, she rued and added it was high time for younger generation to shoulder their responsibility to protect their tradition and culture. "Restore Dogra identity and traditional values and ethos of Jammu", she exhorted. Chiding at so-called modern people who, according to her, hesitate to speak Dogri, this eminent writer said that it was very unfortunate that Dogras themselves feel shy to speak their language. "It is a matter of pity that Dogras blindly follow other cultures and have been ignoring their own language and tradition", she said. Mrs Sachdeva appreciated the role played by Dogras in getting Dogri language included in the 8th schedule of Indian Constitution. She, however, said that Dogras should be grateful to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and former Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishan Advani, who had fulfilled their promise. "Whenever I met them they used to give assurances and at the end of the day they fulfilled their promise", she recalled. Earlier, she recited two Dogri poems in which her stress was on restoring Dogri culture and tradition. In her poem titled ‘Kay Karain’, she recited that ‘this city has lost its identity and it is no more a Dogra city". Padma Sachdeva appreciated Prof Bhim Singh, head of the Council for Promotion of Dogri Language, Culture and History for organising a function to give Dogra Ratan Award. She, however, repeatedly interrupted Prof Singh and other speakers for not speaking in Dogri during function. She expressed her anguish for not comparing programme in Dogri. |
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ATI boycotts auction of sub-standard timber Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 27: Association of Timber Industries Jammu today boycotted the timber auction held by State Forest Corporation Jammu at Bachan Depot for the reason that the timber put to auction was not according to correct specification grade and quality. Association held that cft was also not correct. It said in Samodha lots B class and in B class lots of C class timber (rotten) were found during checking by the traders according to auction list issued by the Corporation. This discrepancy was detected by senior vice president of the ATI Mr Rajnish Suri and general secretary Dharam Veer Singh and conveyed to auction committee. It was requested to the SFC to improve the quality of timber in the Depots before being announced for sale in future. Association alleged that Divisional Managers of East and West, Marketing Divisions were entirely responsible in not improving the quality of timber in all Depots as per directions of the Forest Minister, issued in the past in this regard. |
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Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 27: Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Abdul Aziz Zargar today inaugurated 2-day workshop on "Total Quality Management in Small Scale Agro Food Industry" with the objective to update the knowledge of entrepreneurs about the potential and prospects of Agro Industries in India with special reference to Jammu and Kashmir State. The workshop has been jointly organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Jammu and Kashmir State Agro Industries Development Corporation Ltd. and the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MFPI). The workshop will also focus on technology trends in Food Processing, total quality management system and procedures for food processing, quality certification and scope of agro products outside the State. The Chairman, Jammu and Kashmir Agro-Industries Development Corporation, Mohammad Shafi Bhat, Technology Advisor, National Small Industries Corporation, Dr. A. K. Bhatia, Director, EDI, Dr. M.I. Parray, Managing Director, J&K Agro Industries Corporation, Inayat-ullah Khan, Director Horticulture Planning and Marketting, Irfan Yaseen, Managing Director, J&K Horticulture Produce Marketting, G.H. Shah and a large number of entrepreneurs associated with the Food Processing Industry were present at the workshop. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister called for a comprehensive awareness campaign about the tremendous economic and employment generation potential in Food Processing Industry adding that God has gifted Jammu and Kashmir State with a varied fruit varieties which need to be branded as unique and exclusive products in the market. He said due to topographical advantage, the Food Processing Industry of the State has lot of scope which can create its niche in the national market of food industry. He said entrepreneurs in food processing need to be equipped with the latest technology in Food Processing. Mohammad Shafi Bhat also spoke on the occasion and briefed about future programmes of Agro Industries Corporation in promoting Food Processing Industry in J&K. Bhatia stressed for technology upgradation for value addition and processing of food fruit which, he said is key to with standard stiff market competition in the liberalized trade regime. He called for producing Unique Selling Products (USP) adding that tourists and buyers have a natural urge and attraction for local specialties. Managing Director, Agros on this occasion said that the Agro Industries Development Corporation is shortly setting up a modern food processing unit at Khonmooh in Kashmir with Rs. one crore assistance from central Government. The Director, EDI gave exclusive view of the workshop and said eminent experts in food processing would deliberate on various issues related to food processing industry in two technical sessions. |
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SKIMS’ Plastic Surgery Deptt gets more militancy victims Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 27: Almost a year back 65-year-old Abdul Rehman got injured in a mine blast in his hometown Pattan when he was returning home after working in the fields. Although Rehman survived the blast, the grievous injuries he sustained on his face and neck made his life miserable because the injury marks were quite visible-which left him traumatized. Doctors suggested Rehman to go for plastic surgery but the thought of undergoing the arduous process of plastic surgery did not seem viable for him. " I could not afford to go for plastic surgery as it was a costly affair for me," says Rehman. " Besides, I was not ready to face the risk of undergoing another surgery," he adds. But for poor Rehman good news was soon to come as he came to know that he could undergo plastic surgery in the valley also and that too at a very low cost. " At first I could not believe but somehow I decided to visit the valley’s premier hospital Shere-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS). I immediately consulted the doctors and to my surprise the required surgery was affordable even to me," he adds. Now Rehman after undergoing several surgeries in SKIMS is absolutely fine-thanks to the Department of plastic surgery that has come to the rescue of Rehman and many others like him. Rehman is not alone who has benefited from the plastic surgery department in SKIMS. The department, which was started in mid eighties initially, did not see any rush of patients as the people in the valley showed little interest in the department. But with the onset of militancy the plastic surgery department saw people making a beeline towards it and most of the patients that came to seek medical advice were the victims of violence. Admits the head of Plastic Surgery department, Dr Mohammed Ashraf Darzi," When I started working here in the mid eighties the number of patients coming here for treatment was negligible. We had a mere five-bed ward at our disposal and most of the times the ward used to be empty. Now the situation is totally different because after the onset of militancy the number of patients increased tremendously and most of the patients that come here are the victims of violence." "Today the department receives around 300 patients during our two day out-door consultations and 50 percent of the cases we examine are victims of violence," adds the doctor. The department is so over crowded now that those seeking consultations for other surgeries like the cosmetic ones are told to approach the department after a gap of one year. " Our priorities are primarily to provide care to those patients that need immediate care. We try to cater to patients who need immediate attention and care. Those patients who wish to go for cosmetic surgeries can afford to wait as the department is presently witnessing a rush of patients," says Dr. Darzi. "Due to the increase in the number of patients and the subsequent treatment they receive the department of Plastic surgery has become one among the best plastic surgery centers in the country," said Dr Darzi. "Now we have started advanced surgeries in the department. These include re-implantation surgeries as well. During the last two years many such surgeries were carried out where we re-implanted limbs, hands and other organs with a good success rate," says a proud Dr. Darzi. Interestingly, the surgeries performed in the department are very cost effective and this has become one of the reasons that patients from every nook and corner have started pouring here. "Plastic surgeries cost a lot of money outside the State. But here we try to make them as cost effective as possible as we charge a nominal amount of money from the patients," says Dr. Darzi. |
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Several schemes for Kupwara, Kargil proposed Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 27: Several schemes of Rs.2.94 crore have been proposed for Special Central Assistance (SCA) to Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) for Kupwara and Kargil districts for the current financial year. This was disclosed in the meeting convened here today to review development activities and on going works to special central assistance to tribal sub plan in the valley. The Minister of State for Social Welfare Ghulam Hassan Khan presided. The meeting was informed that out of the total amount Rs.59 lakh has been earmarked for income generating units under Agriculture, Animal Husbandry , Sheep Husbandry and Social Welfare sectors and Rs.31 lakh have been proposed for development of infrastructure facilities under Co-operative, PHE, Agriculture and Rural Development in Kupwara district and Rs.2.04 crore have been proposed for setting up income generating units and development of infrastructure facilities for the district Kargil. Nizam-din Khatana, Member Legislative Council who was also present in the meeting pointed out that the funds released by the central Government for construction of Gujjar Hostels in Kashmir but as yet no construction work has been started so far. He demanded that construction works on hostels shall be taken up soon. Among others who were present in the meeting include Secretary, Social Welfare, Director, Social Welfare, Dy. Director Planning, Social Welfare Deptt., Chief Planning Officers of Kupwara, Kargil, Anantnag and Baramulla districts, Master Tasuduq representaive of Gujjar community and other senior officers of the Social Welfare Department. |
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Will VIPs, politicians
also be charged? Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 27: The slapping of entry tax on all the persons visiting the Government Medical College and Associated Hospitals has evoked strong resentment among the people, who have termed this order as ‘ugly decision’ on the part of Health Ministry. Almost all the visitors, whose reaction was sought on the Government Order termed the decision as sheer dictatorship and said that this has exposed the ‘inhuman’ face of the Health Ministry. "Has the Government Medical College and Associated Hospitals gone short of money overnight? How much money the authorities would generate through this ugly decision?", asked Ram Saran of Gho Manhasan, whose cousin has been undergoing treatment in the hospital and said that this decision was just aimed at harassing the poor people. Another visitor—Sanjay Singh of R S Pura, whose father has been undergoing treatment in the hospital for the past one week, said "Health Minister Suman Bhagat, who considers herself as champion of the poor and down-trodden section of the society, should have kept in mind that due to this decision only poor people would suffer". He said that this decision would compel the people not to visit the hospital to enquire about the health of their relatives in the hospital. "For what the hospital authorities are spending lakhs of rupees on the private security personnel. Why their services are not being utilised to regulate the rush of visitors in the hospital", he added. "If the budget of crores of rupees cannot bring improvement in the healthcare then the meagre amount to be generated by slapping entry tax of Rs five on per visitor was not going to make any difference", a youth Mohd Rafiq said and wanted to know whether the hospital authorities would also charge from the VIPs and politicians on their visit to the hospital. When contacted Principal of the Government Medical College Dr H L Goswami said "GMCs are not the first institutions to have such tax. In Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) the practice has been going on for the last one year", adding "this Government order would be implemented within two-three days". To a question about charging of money from VIPs and politicians, he said "I cannot say anything about this at this juncture. As per Government Order we have to charge Rs five from all the visitors". |
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Betab conferred with 2 prestigious awards Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 27: Gemini Academy, Panipat (Haryana) has honoured Pritpal Singh Betab, IAS, a noted Urdu poet and writer of J&K with two awards namely "Jammu Kashmir Rattan" and "Subhadhra Kumari Chouhan Shatabadi Samman". Both the awards have been given to Mr Betab in recognition of his meritorious service in the field of Indian literature. The awards were announced and given in a function entitled "Subhadhra Kumari Chouhan Janam Shatabadi Samaroh" on October 4, 2004 at Panipat. The award giving ceremony was presided over by Dr Varinder Sharma, ex-Ambassador of India in Turkmenistan. Mr Prem Sharma, Director Languages and Culture Department, Himachal Pradesh was the chief guest and Dr Ram Saran Gourh, former secretary, Hindi Academy, Delhi was the guest of honour. Mr Betab, IAS, presently working as Director, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department, Jammu is a nationally renowned Urdu poet and has contributed in the field of Urdu poetry through publishing his six books of collection of Urdu poetry, especially Gazals, which included "Mouz-e-Reig, "The Third Standard" (English translation of Urdu poetry of Mr Betab, published by Writers Workshop Calcutta, "Cactus Aur Gulab" (translated into Devnagri script). |
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LIC employees hold lunch hour demonstration Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 27: The employees of the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) held lunch hour demonstrations through out Jammu and Kashmir State in support of the settlement of their charter of demands without any further delay. The employees under the banner of the All India Insurance Employees Association and Northern Zone Insurance Employees Association gathered in front of their respective offices and held mass demonstrations for inordinate delay in settlement of their demands. The Association held that central Government has been dodging them for the past two years by making false promises. To keep the employees in good humour, the authorities have come forward with an offer which was nothing more than a joke with the employees. The employees have rejected that offer as it was to little and too late. Association said this time the employees have registered their seriousness on the issues of wage revision by observing walk outs and holding protest demonstrations. Employees also showed their resolve to intensify struggle further if their appeals and protests remained unheeded. Main programme of demonstration was held at ther LIC Building, Rail Head Complex Jammu under the leadership of Com Gurdeep Singh Raina, divisional secretary, NZIEA, Srinagar Division. Other leaders present on the occasion included Messrs Com Mohan Lal Bhagat, Charan Singh Raina and Com Ramesh Chand. |
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J&K Bank CGM bestowed with
Life Time Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 27: P Z Lateef Ahmed, Chief General Manager, J&K Bank, has been conferred ‘Life Time Achievement Award’ in his chosen field by the International Institute of Education and Management, New Delhi. The award has been given to him in recognition of his services in his profession of banking. Mr Ahmed has a long career with J&K Bank and played a pioneering role in the implementation of Information Technology in the Bank’s operation. In recognition of his services rendered by him, he was nominated as a member of Indian Banks’ Association’s prestigious sub-committee on "Mechanization and Computerization of Banks". Mr Lateef was also member of Academic Council of Kashmir University (Commerce Faculty) during 1998-99 and has been re-nominated by the Bank to attend a seminar-cum-training at University of California (Anderson school) Los Angels on ‘Creativity and Innovations in Organisation’, where his innovative ideas for better customer service in J&K Bank were appreciated. He represented the Bank in Asia Pacific Bankers’ Congress held in Manila (Philippines) in March 2004 and received the first International Banking award on behalf of the Bank on ‘Best Customer Convenience award’. He joined the J&K bank as Probationary Officer in December 1969 and during his 35 years career in Bank he held various important positions and also functioned as chairman Kamraz Bank for five years from April 1984 to March 1989. In recognition of the outstanding services, Mr Lateef was elevated as CGM and is presently incharge of overall administrative matters of the Bank. Panches, Sarpanches of Doda district hold demonstration Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 27: Panches, Sarpanches and Chairmen of Panchayats Tehsil Doda staged dharna at Doda under the leadership of Rajinder Singh, president Sarpanch and Panches Association block Bhagwa against non payment of salary for the last 44 months. Dharnaites held that by ignoring the Panchayats and allotting crores of rupees to the Block development agencies, the Government has lowered the dignity of the Panchayats as the funds continue to be expended without the knowledge of Panchayats concerned. they described the move of the Government as murder of Panchayat Raj and democracy. Members at dharna resolved to meet again on November 22 at Bus Stand Doda in which all Sarpanch and Panches of district Doda would participate and give vent to their hurt feelings. The dharna was attended by a large number of Sarpanch and Panches hailing from different areas. Yaseen for comprehensive land use policy Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Oct 27: Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Hakim Mohammad Yaseen has called for a comprehensive land use policy, while going for raising commercial complexes on the State and Evacuee land available in the State, especially in twin cities of Srinagar and Jammu. The Minister was addressing a meeting of Custodian, Srinagar Development Authority and Revenue departments here today. Yaseen also called for evolving a mechanism for facilitating joint venturing of Custodian Department and Development Authorities and Municipal Corporations of Jammu and Srinagar into commercial activities. This, he said, will help in a close coordination in execution of the commercial activities and maintaining the assets so created by these bodies as joint ventures, besides creating residential facilities, increasing employment opportunities and enhancing dividends for making these institutions more self reliant.. The Minister said that during last two years the Custodian Department has identified and freed thousands of kanals of evacuee land in the State and has started some prestigious commercial and residential complexes in Srinagar city, including Rs. 3.50 crore shopping complex at Hyderpora, 92 residential quarters and a community hall at Rs. 1.50 crore at Sanatnagar on the evacuee land. The meeting which was attended by Commissioner/Secretary Revenue, Mumtaz Afzal, Vice-Chairperson Srinagar Development Authority, Naseema Lanker, Custodian General, Azad Ahmad Lone, Additional Secretary Planning Roma Wani, Custodian Kashmir, Abdul Majid Wani was told that 27 kanals of evacuee land near Hotel Welcome at Boulevard road has been handed over by the Custodian Department to the Srinagar Development Authority. The SDA has so far spent Rs. 35 lakhs for construction of car parking on 10 kanals of the handed over land. The remaining 17 kanals of evacuee land are being utilized for non-construction commercial activities, the meeting was further told. Measures discussed to boost saffron cultivation Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Oct 27: Government today decided to take some long term and short term measures to boost productivity of world famous saffron, a legendary cash crop of the State. The measures include creation of assured irrigation facilities by way of lift irrigation and deep bore-wells and provision of high yielding saffron clones. These decisions were taken at a high level meeting held here this morning to improve productivity and quality standards of saffron in the State. The Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Abdul Aziz Zargar presided. The Minister asked engineers and officers of Agriculture Department to jointly undertake a survey of the entire saffron producing belt of Pampore so that deep bore-wells as well as lift Irrigation Project at appropriate locations are built up at identified sources. He also called for formulating an integrated sprinkle Irrigation Scheme for the Konibal area in saffron town Pampore comprising of about 4000 hectares of land. Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Oct 27: Fifteen cases of Motor Accident Claim Tribunal (MACT) and one bank case were taken up for settlement in the Lok Adalat held here today under the chairmanship of Mr S L Pandita, Principal District and Sessions Judge Kathua, chairman, Legal Services Authority, Kathua. Mr Pandita was assisted by CJM Kathua Sanjay Parihar, Mobile Magistrate Mr Mahmood Chowdhary and Munsiff Mr Manoj Parihar. Eight MACT cases of National Insurance Company and 4 MACT cases of Oriental Insurance Company were settled by mediation and conciliation. An amount of Rs 18,55,000 was granted as compensation to the claimants. National Insurance Company was represented by M K Koul, Divisional Manager NIC, Arun Tikku, A O NIC while Oriental Insurance Company was represented by Dr S K Bhagat, Senior Divisional Manager and Madan Lal Sharma. Members of Bar and general public participated in the Lok Adalat. At the conclusion of Lok Adalat S L Pandita, Principal District and Sessions Judge Kathua thanked the participants for the cooperation extended by them. It was announced to hold next Lok Adalat on November 27. Besides a meeting was called wherein measures were discussed to celebrate the Legal Services Week from November 3 to 9 regarding awareness of legal aid programme amongst the general public in remote areas and Tehsil Legal Services Committees were instructed to celebrate the week as legal services week by organising legal literary camps during the said week. Next meeting of District Legal Services Authority has been slated for October 30 wherein programme for celebrating the legal services week shall be finalized. |
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