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| SKUAST can become a model university: Mufti Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 29: The SKUAST (K) can become a model university given its resource potential. This was stated by the Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed while addressing the senior faculty of the university at the main Shalimar campus......more Record
tourists Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 29: A record 3. 50 lakh tourists Including 1.30 lakh pilgrims visited the mesmerized Sonamarg in the lap of virgin snow clad peaks in picturesque Kashmir valley during the just concluded tourist season..............more One
killed, 18 injured Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: One person was killed and 18 others received injuries in separate road accidents.......more J&K
Govt ordered to pay NEW DELHI, Oct 29: The Delhi High Court today ordered the Jammu and Kashmir Government to pay Rs 8 lakh plus seven per cent interest thereon since June 1993 to a minority........more Insurance
employees Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: Two hours general strike was observed by the Northern Zone Insurance Employees Association and General Insurance Employees’ Union in the state.....more |
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631
new recruits passed out at subsidiary training centre Excelsior Correspondent BARAMULLA, Oct 29: Director General Police, Gopal Sharma today announced that J&K Police would join next year’s National team for expedition to Mount Everest. DGP was firm that JK Police is all set and has been vigorously trained in mountaineering and next year would successfully climb the Mount Everest..................more Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 29: Known as one of the main tourist attractions, the char-chinari situated in the heart of the Dal-Lake in Srinagar is fast losing its charm. The man made island spread over a quarter...........more Parliamentary
Standing Excelsior Correspondent LEH, Oct 29: To orientate its members with the situation in the Ladakh region, border areas and development projects being undertaken by the Army........more Speaker
for immediate Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: The border migrants of Gigrial, Chaprial, Samoh and Paanch tooth Palatan presently putting up at Devipur, Naiwala and Palwan camps........more |
SKUAST can become a model university: Mufti Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 29: The SKUAST (K) can become a model university given its resource potential. This was stated by the Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed while addressing the senior faculty of the university at the main Shalimar campus this morning. In this connection he stressed the need for close co ordination between the university and the department of agriculture. Laying stress on the need for involving farming community in university’s research activities, the Chief Minister asked the university authorities to organise a conference of orchardists in near future wherein the scientists can share their research with the progressive farmers. He said the university can fully utilise the facilities of agriculture department which has a wide network base in the state. In response to the demand of grant of land by the State Government for the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK’s) of the university, the Chief Minister said the matter would be taken up by the state cabinet in its next meeting. The Chief Minister also asked for formulation of a master plan for the university whereby the university can be assisted under one time grant policy in the Prime Minister’s proposed package. Stressing on the upgradation of infrastructural facility in the university, the Chief Minister said all the campuses of the university need to be made fully residential by providing accommodation facility to the faculty, staff and students for every campus. Asking for the optimum utilisation of financial resources available to the university, the Chief Minister said the State Government would look after the short term needs of the university and the central government would be approached for long term financial needs. In this regard he said he would be writing to the Prime Minister so that the university is included in the proposed Prime Minister’s package. Earlier the Chief Minister had a round of the campus. He took keen interest in high yielding varieties of vegetables and cereals developed by the university scientists. He was shown the recently released varieties of maize, wheat, rice, silkworm, fish, grass, apples and aromatic plants developed by the university scientists. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Minister for Agriculture Abdul Aziz Zargar, Principal Secretary Agriculture Production B B Vyas, Secretary to Chief Minister Nayeem Akhter and SKUAST vice chancellor Prof. Anwar Alam. On this occasion the Chief Minister also released a book on the medicinal plants of Kashmir published by the university. |
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Record tourists visit Sonamarg Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 29: A record 3. 50 lakh tourists Including 1.30 lakh pilgrims visited the mesmerized Sonamarg in the lap of virgin snow clad peaks in picturesque Kashmir valley during the just concluded tourist season. This has brightened the prospect of a very good tourist season next year, said Nazir Ahmed Mir, Chief Executive of the newly formed Sonamarg Development Authority, The Authority is charged with the responsibility of developing the famous tourist resort, known as golden meadow among the foreigners, who used to throng the area most. Giving the outline of plans proposed for the area, Mir said a modern shopping mal Is slated to be constructed near at the existing truck yard on self-financing basis. A new truck yard is already under the final stages of its construction. The hill station has Immense potential for adventurer tourists and sports persons. A golf course is planned to be laid in the meadow for which famous consultants in golf, Phil Ryan of Australia and Mr Ranjit Nanda of Delhi have been commissioned. To add to the grandeur of the area, two parks are proposed to be laid at the entry point to Sonamarg and Nilgrat for which Rs36 lakhs are estimated. Presently three parks are being developed. The landscaping, footpaths and open air fast food jaunts would be put in place in Thajiwas and Hung. Work on these will start next year. The SDA is contemplating to improve drainage, upgrade link roads around Sonamarg and have three public convenience blocks done in the area in a phased manner. In view of heavy tourist Influx, particularly pilgrims, the SDA proposes to construct a Yatri Niwas cum tourist reception centre at the existing pony stand. In addition, five huts are also proposed to be constructed at Rs 75 lakh. Appreciating the necessity of power supply, the SDA has got prepared a comprehensive project which is estimated to cost about Rs 1.20 crore Mr Mir said about Rs 90 lakh had been placed at the disposal of SDA for development of the area this year. The Golden Meadow, at an altitude of 2740 meters, has dense forests of sycamore and alpine flowers, silver birch, fir and pine; Sonamarg is a place of enthralling beauty, Three lakes - Kishensar,Vishensar and Gangabal can be viewed from Nichnal Pass. Zojl-La Pass at 3540 mtrs, which leads Into Ladakh Plateau, is 20 KI1\s East of Sonamarg. |
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One killed, 18 injured in road accidents Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: One person was killed and 18 others received injuries in separate road accidents. Police spokesman said that Raju of Roun Domail was killed in road accident at Bus Stand Udhampur. He was rushed to hospital in critical condition where doctors pronounced him as brought dead. In another accident, nine persons were injured when a mini-bus, they were travelling in, met with an accident at Poonch. All the injured were rushed to local hospital where doctors referred two of them to Government Medical College Hospital Jammu for specialised treatment. Meanwhile, nine persons were injured in road accidents at Gandhi Nagar, Koota Morh, Bari Brahamana, R S Pura, Poonch and Sarota respectively. The injured have been identified as Mohd Akram of Narwal, Sukhari Lal, son of Sultan of UP, Usha Sharma of Koota Morh, Anita, wife of Goni, Sunita and Nandani of Dogra Hall, Ashish of R S Pura, Lalita, wife of Yousaf Shah of Surankote and Raman Kumar of Gharota. All have been hospitalised and their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in. |
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J&K
Govt ordered to pay Rs 8 lakh to Kashmiri NEW DELHI, Oct 29: The Delhi High Court today ordered the Jammu and Kashmir Government to pay Rs 8 lakh plus seven per cent interest thereon since June 1993 to a minority Hindu family whose four houses were destroyed by militants in the Valley in 1992. In case the Jammu and Kashmir Government failed to pay the amount within two months, "the Central Government should make payment and debit the amount from the grants payable to the State or any other appropriate account", Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul said allowing a petition by Advocate B L Wali. "The Government of India could not absolve itself of the responsibility and is liable to ensure that the State Government remits the amount", the court said. The court also asked the State to pay Rs 10,000 for a burnt thokur (place of worship) and an equal amount as costs to the petitioners who would get seven per cent interest on the ex-gratia payments since June 1993 when the Deputy Inspector General confirmed the damages caused to the houses. Four houses of the Walis were burnt and the family was forced to migrate to Delhi from Verinag in Anantnag district of the state in 1989-90 as the militants started killing prominent personalities. Wali filed the petition in the court in 1997 after the State Government failed to pay any compensation or ex-gratia relief to his family despite several orders passed by their own officers. Out of the four members of the petitioner’s family, only one had been paid an ex-gratia amount of Rs 57,000 and the same would be deducted from the total amount, the court said. Justifying the interest ordered to be paid to the petitioners by the State Government, Justice Kaul said the claim should have been processed expeditiously and not later than June 30, 1993 since report of the damages to the petitioners’ houses had already been confirmed by the DIG. The court pulled up the State for under-valuation of the houses made of stone and wood at less than Rs four lakh terming it "arbitrary and irrational which could not have been defended on facts" Reminding the Centre of its responsibilities in the State, the court said "a large number of funds flow to Jammu and Kashmir from the Central Government keeping into consideration the disturbed conditions and thus the Central Government cannot say that it has no role to play. "The State of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of our country and the writ of the Central Government runs". The court drew a parallel between the petitioners and the victims of the Charar-i-Sharief incident, who were disbursed money from Prime Minister’s relief fund to make a package of Rs two lakh as ex-gratia payment. (PTI) |
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Insurance employees observe strike in J&K Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: Two hours general strike was observed by the Northern Zone Insurance Employees Association and General Insurance Employees’ Union in the state in support of their demands today. The employees of various insurance companies including Life Insurance Corporation of India observed two hour pre-lunch walk out strike in their respective offices and zonal and regional headquarters, protesting against the delay in settlement of their charter of demands and raised slogans against the inattentive and careless attitude of Government at the centre and their own central management. The LIC employees held massive protest programme at Rail Head Complex here. Various Association leaders spoke on the occasion. They alleged that LIC management has no inclination towards setting the charter of demands. They also demanded the recruitment in the clerical and Class IV cadre as skeletal staff strength in all most all the offices of LIC. The erroneous concept of service tax was also strongly opposed by the striking employees. The GIC employees held protest demonstration at Divisional Office Shalamar Jammu. The gathering was addressed by Dilip Kaul, general secretary, Raj Kumar and R J Kaul. They condemned the attitude of the management for not accepting the long pending demands of the insurance sector employees. The reports of strike from various districts and some tehsil headquarters have also received. |
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631 new recruits
passed out at subsidiary training centre Excelsior Correspondent BARAMULLA, Oct 29: Director General Police, Gopal Sharma today announced that J&K Police would join next year’s National team for expedition to Mount Everest. DGP was firm that JK Police is all set and has been vigorously trained in mountaineering and next year would successfully climb the Mount Everest. The J&K Police has a definite role for heralding peace in J&K, for which the DGP, Gopal Sharma exhorted the police to ensure rule of law and also be firm in meeting various challenges The J&K Police has a definite role for heralding peace in J&K, for which the DGP, Gopal Sharma exhorted the police to ensure rule of law and also be firm in meeting various challenges Addressing the 5th passing out parade of 5th Batch of BRTC at Subsidiary Training College Sheri Baramulla where 631 new recruits were passed out, Mr. Sharma reminded the Jawans of its immense responsibility in projecting the fair image of the government and the organisation by their day-to-day dealings and tackling variant situations in the State. He said that the key to effectively face the threat of militancy, organized crime beet insurgency, extortion, extremism and political violence etc. is sole responsibility of the police force. He further added that the force has been revamped and their fighting abilities have also been upgraded. Terming the JK Police the best police force in the country he said that presidential colour medals has been conferred on police for the consistency and high degree of excellence in discharging the duty. He said that often their working is under extreme difficult situation, which they have to perform under difficult and trying circumstances. Their dedication and hard work, he said would encourage and motivate the fresh trainees and young generation in police to achieve similar excellence and honour. He impressed upon the policemen that to achieve success in our endeavour to ensure that every citizen feels protected and secure, we have to work together as a team with a singular purpose. He said normalcy has been restored in the State to a greater extent but cautioned the police force that this, by no means, should undermine our determination to work for restoration of complete normalcy in the state. Earlier, GDP took salute at an impressive and colourful passing out parade from 631 contingents, in all, 3383 such recruits have been passed out during last 4 years from STC Sheri. Later, DGP awarded gallantry medals and cash awards to seven jawans who had performed best during entire training period and also awarded rank of promotion as selection grade constable to one Aftab Hussain. Mr. Sharma also inaugurated one lecture hall constructed by Police Housing Corporation and dining hall, residential barrack and guesthouse on self-help basis by the Jawan of training college. Present on the occasion were ADGP, P S Gill, IGP, K Rajandra, DIG and SSP Baramulla. |
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Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 29: Known as one of the main tourist attractions, the char-chinari situated in the heart of the Dal-Lake in Srinagar is fast losing its charm. The man made island spread over a quarter acre of land became famous when Asif Ali Khan, the then Mughal governor in the Kashmir Valley planted four chinar trees on the island in 16th century AD. Since then, the island with its four towering chinar trees has been on every tourists itinerary besides making an ideal setting for several bollywood films. But now the char-chinari is fighting hard to maintain its prized position as one of the four chinars has died of a disease called the dieback disease-and the remaining three are under threat as they too are infected. Says house boat owner Khazir Mohammed Kotru," whenever a tourist lands in the Dal-lake the first place we advice him to visit is the char-chinari. This place is a jewel in the crown of the Dal-lake as its beauty and charm mesmerizes tourists. But now the char-chinari is loosing the attraction it had as there are only three chinars left on the island and this makes the island look pathetic". Both the domestic as well as the European tourists found the char-chinari attractive as it is quite unique in nature says M.A.Chapri a noted environmentalist," The island is so popular among tourists that most of them advise their friends to visit the place if they happen to come to Kashmir. The place reminds them of the grandeur and splendor that was the hallmark of the mighty Mughals," he adds. Concerned about the char-chinari Chapri feels that something needs to be done immediately."If the glory of the char-chinari is to be restored then the government has to act fast and do something about this island because time is running out fast," he adds. As if acting on Chapri’s advise the government has now risen to the occasion. The floriculture department has replaced the old chinar with a new one, but the small size of the replaced chinar makes it unfit when compared to the rest. Says chinar development officer M.D.Kalla,"The chinar trees at the char-chinari are battling with the dieback disease and very little is being done to prevent it. The chinars here have become the victims of redtape as two different departments have been given the job to look after the chinar," he adds. "We try our best to provide care for the chinar but the fact that the sole control does not wrest in our hands makes it impossible for us to do much for the ailing chinars at the char-chinari. We had advised against any sort of construction around the trunks of the chinar trees but nobody listened to us and parapets were raised around the chinars," says Mr. Kalla. This according to Mr. Kalla has effected the chinars routine intake of minerals. "Since the roots of the chinar are not deep rooted the construction has reduced the capacity of the roots to absorb nutrients and minerals and as a result the chinars are dying a slow death," he adds. |
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Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence visits Leh Excelsior Correspondent LEH, Oct 29: To orientate its members with the situation in the Ladakh region, border areas and development projects being undertaken by the Army under Operation Sadhbhavana, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence visited 14 Corps at Leh. On the arrival at Leh, the Member Parliaments were briefed at the Corps Headquarters. This was followed by a visit to Drass and Kargil sectors and a briefing on Operation Vijay. The committee also paid a visit to the Military Hospital at Leh and interacted with the jawans admitted there. The committee members visited troops deployed at Siachen Glacier, the highest battle field in the world, and had a view of forward posts. At Siachen, the MPs interacted with jawans and appreciated their untiring efforts in safeguarding the borders of the country against phenomenal odds. They were most impressed by the high morale and soaring spirits of the jawans, who are living under harsh conditions and inhospitable terrain. The Committee also visited the Food Research Laboratory which has done yeoman service to the people of the region and met local MLAs and members of LAHDC. The committee appreciated the contributions of the Army for development works, the high state of operational preparedness and above all the high morale with which soldiers are performing their duties under challenging conditions. |
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Speaker for immediate
renovation of Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29:The border migrants of Gigrial, Chaprial, Samoh and Paanch tooth Palatan presently putting up at Devipur, Naiwala and Palwan camps are poised for their resettlements in their home villages with release of Rs. 7 crore grants by the Government. Chairing a high-level meeting for resettlement of border migrants here this evening, the Speaker Legislative Assembly Tara Chand ordered B. R Sharma Divisional Commissioner, Jammu to release grants to the tune of Rs 7 crore in favour of PHE, PDD, R&B, Irrigation and Flood Control, Health , Education and Rural Development Departments so that repair and renovation of damaged infrastructure and restoration of basic civic amenities in these four villages is undertaken. While grants to the tune of Rs. 2 crore each were released in favour of rural development, R&B works and PHE departments, remaining amount was granted to education, health and other sectors on need basis, said the Speaker. ‘The Speaker informed that the release of Rs. 7 crore is under the Rs. 78 crore package sanctioned by the union government for rehabilitation and settlement of border migrants back to their homes and hearths of Akhnoor tehsil. Directing the officials of various departments for speedy completion and quality execution of works in restoring the damaged infrastructure and creating of basic civic amenities, Mr. Tara Chand warned that any laxity on their part would call for strict action. He also instructed the senior officers of administration and head of all the departments to physically inspect repair and renovation works in these villages. A team of senior officers including the Speaker would also examine civic amenities and other facilities at these villages before rehabilitating the border migrants. |
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Govt withholds slapping of entry tax on visitors Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: Government today withheld the slapping of entry tax on all the persons visiting Government Medical Colleges of Jammu and Srinagar after various political parties and people opposed the same and came on roads in protest against the decision. Principal of the Government Medical College Jammu Dr H L Goswami told the EXCELSIOR that the Health and Medical Education Minister Suman Bhagat during her address at the Anaesthesia Conference announced that the slapping of entry tax on all the persons visiting the GMCs has been withheld keeping in view the resentment shown by the people. "The Health Minister said that she wanted to use the money to be generated through slapping of entry tax on visitors for development of the institution and providing more nutritional food to the patients. But since the people are against this move the Government has decided to withhold the same", Dr Goswami said quoting Health Minister as saying in the conference. Earlier, in the morning Youth National Conference staged dharna at main gate of the Government Medical College and Hospital in protest against the imposition of entry tax on visitors. Shouting anti-Government and anti-Health Minister slogans, the protesting YNC activists said that Coalition Government was hell bent to crush the common masses by putting more and more financial burden on them. "There are so many ways to increase the revenue but this decision has exposed the inhuman way of generating revenue", Youth NC leader Chander Mohan Sharma said while addressing the protesting activists. "It seems that Government has imposed this tax to pay the salaries to the ministers", he said and added that the decision was aimed at restricting relatives of the patients from inquiring their welfare. |
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Editor
arrested, office bulldozed Excelsior Special Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 29: A day after the Valley’s largest circulated Urdu newspaper Alsafa News carried a highly offending report about the junior Education Minister Dr Ghulam Nabi Lone’s wife, the state government today arrested editor Ashraf Shaban and demolished his entire office complex, including the printing press, with the bulldozers of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC). In the forenoon today, a demolition squad of Srinagar Municipality stormed the office complex and printing press of the vernacular daily Alsafa News, near Lal Ded Hospital, in the uptown locality of Sarai Bala. Police lifted printer, publisher and editor of the newspaper, Ashraf Shaban, lodged an FIR against him and detained him at Police Station Sher Garhi. SSP Srinagar, Javed Gilani, told the EXCELSIOR that Police registered case FIR No: 43 of 2004, under sections 153 RPC and 10/30 Press and Publications Act. Asked if there was a complainant, SSP Srinagar said that the Police action was suo moto. In its edition of October 28, Alsafa News had published a defamatory item, involving the wife of the PDP MLA and Minister of State for Education Dr Ghulam Nabi Lone. The newspaper had claimed to be in possession of recorded evidence while reporting that the Minister had abused its correspondent when the later sought his comments about a purported incident. Over a dozen of the government schoolteachers, mostly women, appeared at the newspaper office today and staged a demonstration against its editor. MoS Education’s wife is also reportedly a teacher. While the teachers provided background music, the SMC bulldozers demolished the entire office complex, including the colour photo-offset printing press of the newspaper. Eyewitnesses said that the newspaper staff were not allowed to take anything out of the office or printing press. The bulldozers flattened three single-storeyed buildings, completely destroying three computer labs, editor’s office, newsprint store, kitchen block as well as the costly printing machines and camera units. A local newsagency put the damage at Rs 1.50 cr. Commissioner SMC, Mohammad Shafi Rather, told the EXCELSIOR that a piece of the state land, measuring 20ft x 30ft had been allotted to Alsafa News for the establishment of its printing press at Sarai Bala some time back. He said that while installing the printing press, owner of the newspaper grabbed a large piece of land and raised a number of structures on the same. He said that SMC issued a number of notices to the owner-editor, asking him to remove the encroachment voluntarily, but he approached courts and got stay orders. Rather said that SMC got the stay orders vacated from the Municipal Magistrate and from the Court of the District & Sessions Judge and finally went for demolition of the "unauthorised structures" today. Asked why the SMC’s Khilafwarzi Officer and Ward Officer had not prevented the editor from raising the unauthorised structures, Rather said that the editor took shelter under court orders. He said that Chief Khilafwarzi Officer Bashir Ahmed Bhat and Secretary Municipality G M Sofi supervised the demolition today. Asked why the operation was not conducted under the supervision of an executive magistrate, Rather said that there was no apprehension of a law and order problem. Commissioner SMC justified the demolition, saying that the state government required that particular peace of land for constructing a Sarai for the attendants of the Lal Ded patients. Informed sources revealed that the junior Education Minister had gone crying to a number of senior Ministers and asked them how an "unbridled editor" had the impunity in bulldozing Ministers, lawyers, fellow journalists and even the High Court judges through his front page items every day. Finally the task of demolishing the editor was assigned to Minister of Housing, Ghulam Hassan Mir, who directed the SMC to swing into action fiercely. Senior government functionaries also directed Police to register a criminal case against the editor and get him arrested at once. Ashraf Shaban is the son of the Alsafa founder-editor Mohammad Shaban Vakil who was gunned down by militants at his in 1991. In the last few years, he had carried highly derogatory items against a number of politicians, government officers, fellow journalists, senior bank executives, leading lawyers and even a High Court Judge. In August this year, he had been "kidnapped" from his office by a separatist politician and let off after a beating as the newspaper had carried an offending item on the wife of a slain militant commander, who has now married off a senior Congress leader and Cabinet Minister. However, after a "patch-up" with the Minister, Alsafa was now publishing his photographs and promotional items generously. Even as most of the people in media, bureaucracy and politics insisted that the Government should have lawfully proceeded against the newspaper, asking the District Magistrate to cancel his declaration under relevant laws, there was no significant adverse reaction. Some people asked questions why the National Conference and the PDP governments had never taken action, and why Srinagar District Magistrate had chosen to remain blind, when the same newspaper carried similar defamatory stories against others. They pointed out that until the moment of striking on a Minister, both the governments had been profusely publishing paid advertisements and pictures of the Ministers in the same daily. |
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All India Congress of Zoology begins at JU Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: 15th All India Congress of Zoology and national symposium on ‘Status of Cold Water Fisheries with Reference to Fragile Himalayan Aquatic Ecosystem’, began at Jammu University, here today. About 250 delegates from all over India are participating in the conference which has been organised Department of Zoology, JU in collaboration with Zoological Society of India. JU Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo, who was chief guest in the inaugural function, expressed hope that the deliberations of the symposium would go a long way in updating the knowledge of participants, particularly those belonging to Jammu and Kashmir. "Zoology has deep implication for human society and there is a need to have more research work in this field for its continuous growth and development," he said and informed the gathering that Jammu University was going to establish a museum of natural history which would help Zoologists in their research work. Stressing on the need to preserve all species, particularly of rare nature, he said that awareness in this regard has to be spread among masses as efforts of scientists only would not yield required results. In his presidential address, former Vice-Chancellor of JU, Prof Y R Malhotra, who was guest of honour on the occasion, stressed the need to conserve the species through habitat approach and technological efforts. Highlighting the importance of aquaculture in India, he deliberated upon development of fisheries-progress and prospects. While highlighting fisheries potential in J&k State, he lamented that this potential was being drastically damaged by human interference like population explosion, rapid urbanisation, encroachments, indiscriminate usage of pesticides, insecticides and fertilizers etc. He also expressed his concern over dying of lakes in Jammu and Kashmir and hoped that the scientists would delibrate in the conference to tackle these problems. Prof B N Pandey, President of Zoological Society of India, highlighted activities of the Society and hoped that the participants will have a rewarding experience from the conference. Prof M K Jyoti, Head of the Department of Zoology in Jammu University, threw light on track record of his department and the research works undertaken by Zoology scholars of the University. On the occasion, Prof Y R Malhotra was honoured for his works in the field of Zoology while awards were conferred to Gold Medalist Zoologists. A souvenir of the 15th All India Congress of Zoology, proceedings of 14th Congress and two books, authored by Prof B N Pandey, were also released on the occasion. Sumita Sharma of Zoology Department, anchored proceeding of the inaugural function. |
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VHP turns down Pak President’s suggestion Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: While sharply reacting to the recent statement of Pakistan president Gen. Pervez Musharraf regarding the settlement of Kashmir issue, the State unit of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has termed it the Andorra plan of J&K. Talking to mediapersons here this afternoon, the state chief of the organisation, Dr Ramakant Dubey said this suggestion is neither acceptable to the people of India nor to the state. He said J&K is the crown of India and if there is any dispute that is over the Pak occupied Kashmir (PoK) which Pakistan should handover to India. Challenging the statement of Gen Musharraf, he said what he and his countrymen will feel if any foreign leader advocates for self determination for Punjabis, Sindhis, Balochis, Pakhtoons, Kadians and Shaia Muslims in his country. He also urged the Union Government to analyse the things seriously and understand the mischief being played by General Pervez Musharraf. He demanded that India should forthwith stop any dialogue with Pakistan on the issue and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi should also cancel her forthcoming visit to Pakistan in view of controversial statement of Mr Musharraf. DrDubey also made a strong dig at the Hurriyat leaders and other secessionist elements in Kashmir and held them responsible for killing of thousands of people. |
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Camp Coordination Committee
flays Govt’s Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: Making a strong dig at human rights organisations All Migrants Camp Coordination Committee (AMCCC) today alleged that the human rights bodies have also ignored the community and its plight. Talking to mediapersons here today, the chairman of the Committee, Veer Ji Belove and Desh Rattan alleged that the National Human Rights Commission has also failed to provide justice to the hapless Kashmiri Pandits who are leading an exiled life for last 15 years. They said no specific decision was given in our case by the NHRC which instead of fixing responsibility has said the atrocities committed on the community are like the H R violations. He said the community which has over 10,000 year old history is leading a life of slaves in camps for last 15 years as the fundamental rights of the community were totally ignored. What can be more discrimination against the community that out of 2.65 lakh appointments made by the previous and present Government in the state only 345 youth of the community could find their place,said Mr Belove. He said the community was deprived of ex-gratia relief and compensation for the damaged properties and crops. Even the taxi and hotel owners belonging to the community were deprived of all benefits which were given under various package schemes to the people of the state. He also did not absolve the community leadership and held it responsible for the present situation facing the displaced people. He said Coordination Committee will fight for the cause of community tooth and nail. |
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Inquiry into functioning of
Sainik Cooperative Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: Sainik Colony Sangarsh Samiti today alleged irregularities and violation of rules and regulation by the management committee of Sainik Cooperative House Building Society Ltd and demanded an inquiry into the details of financial bunglings of the Society. Talking to media-persons, president of the Samiti Rajeev Sharma said that shop owners in the Colony have been listed as members and given voting rights whereas the actual residents who are residing there are being denied voting right and added that the membership register was incomplete and there has been variation between the actual members and the registered members. Moreover, there are cases of dual membership by being the owner of a shop and a plot in the Sainik Colony, the Samiti president said and added that all this was being done with malafide intentions. "While making appointments of teachers in Sainik Public School, the management committee violated SRO-233. All the development and construction works are being done through selected contractors for the years together", he alleged and sought the intervention of Registrar Cooperative Societies into the affairs of Sainik Cooperative House Building Society. The Registrar Cooperative Societies must ensure that the resident plot holders as well as non-resident plot holders names are included in the members register and are allowed to exercise their right to vote in Annual General Meeting, the Samiti demanded and said that independent inquiry committee be constituted to unearth the bungling of the Board and the management. "It is surprising that the minutes of AGM which was held in 1992 got approved after 12 years when more than 70 percent membership stand changed", Mr Sharma said and termed the same as fraud with the residents of the Colony. Retd Major B D Pangotra, Retd Deputy Director Planning Dalip Singh, Prabhat Singh and Raj Sharma also addressed the press conference. |
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Home Dialysis more
advantageous for renal Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)—Home Dialysis—is more advantageous than Haemodialysis for Chronic Renal Failure patients and has been showing satisfactorily results. This was stated by a leading Nephrologist of Jammu Dr S K Bali while talking to media-persons on the sidelines of education programme on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) for Chronic Renal Failure organised by Baxter (India) Private Limited. "With the haemodialysis requiring travel to a centre, control over schedule, restrictions on diet and fluid intake, two needle sticks for each treatment and other painful experiences, more and more chronic renal failure patients are opting for CAPD", Dr Bali revealed and said that atleast 40 patients have been availing this modality and have no complication. Peritoneal Dialysis occurs inside the body using the peritoneal membrane—the inner lining of the abdomen and performed in the comfort of patient’s home, the renowned nephrologist said and added that this form of dialysis has fixed treatment schedule, requires less restricted diet, no needles, no blood involvement, no blood loss and no pain. "About one lakh people suffer kidney failure each year and only 20,000 of them undergo some form of treatment. Rest 80,000 fail to get treatment either due to lack of awareness or due to non-availability of Haemodialysis centres within approachable distances", Dr Bali said and added that home dialysis definitely takes care of the facility to do dialysis at home unmindful of the location of the patient. To a question, he said that diabetes and blood pressure are the two main and major causes of renal failure and added that the people suffering from both these diseases should get themselves examined so that renal failure can be detected at the early stage. Dr Bali advised the people not to consume more pain killers or analgesic drugs because they also contribute in renal failure. Earlier, during the education programme Dr Bali and team of Baxter India Pvt Limited listened to the queries of the patients and enlightened them with the benefits of CAPD. |
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Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Oct 29: Destitute And Handicapped Welfare Association (DAHWA) held a meeting to review Pooran Shiksha Abhiyan at village Batali in Udhampur block in which Sarpanches, panches and various other prominent citizens participated. The meeting held under the chairmanship of Sarpanch Prem Nath, promised a sewing centre for the village provided it fulfilled all requisite pre-conditions. DAHWA chief Mr Surat Singh Sumbria laid stress on education of female child for a better society. Mr Sumbria lauded the efforts of the Central Government, State Government particularly of Education Minister Harshdev Singh for striving to make the State literate and in this behalf congratulated Mr Singh for getting sanction of four universities and 14 degree colleges for the State. He appealed the Sarpanch, Panches, Numberdars and other village heads to monitor the Total Literacy Abhiyan in its true spirit. 27 AEEs shifted in PHE, Flood Control Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: The Government has transferred twenty seven Incharge Assistant Executive Engineers (AEEs) in the PHE and Irrigation & Flood Control departments. Vinod Bhagat, attached with CE PHE Jammu has been shifted and posted in Sub Division Dhounthli, Sumit Puri TO to Executive Engineer PHE Div Samba to Udhampur as TO to Xen PHE Division, K C Gupta from REW Doda to PHE Sub Div Chenani, V K Khajuria from Chenani SD to REW Doda, Muktar Ahmed from Tawi Island Jammu to FC Div Jammu, J G Anand attached with CE PHE Jammu to Tawi Island Jammu, Attaullah Naz from Flood Control Div Doda to FC Div Jammu , Vimal Razdan from Irri Div Thathri to TLCD-I PDD Jammu. Gh Mohd Sofi was shifted from PHE Sub Div Mirgund to PHE S D Kulgam, Qazi Mohd Mushtaq from ISD Sopore to Lift Irrig Project Rafiabad, Zahoor Ahmed Shah from PHE SD Watlab to PHE SD Pahalgam, Gh Rasool Shah from PHE Sd Pahalgam to ISD Sopore , Farooq Ahmed Shopian to SD Watlab, Nissar Ahmed to Distribution SD-III Master Plan Div Srinagar, Fida Hussain to UEED Srinagar, Mohd Ahsan Haq from PDC to UEED Srinagar, Zahid Hussain to Master Plan Head Works SD Srinagar, Suresh Sabberwal to FC Div Akhnoor, Sanjeev Malhotra from CE Jammu office to the office of Executive Engineer PHE Div II Jammu as TO, Manoj Gupta to ISD Nowshera, Ashok Gandotra to the office of Xen ID Nowshera as TO, S N Sethi from PDC FC SD Samba, Suman Raj to PDD TLC Grid, Ashok Pradhan PHE SD Khour, Jaipal from PHE SD Khour to the office of Xen Doda as TO, V K Sawhney to FC SD Pargwal while Gh Qadir Bhat from PDC to PHE SD Kupwara. 2nd day of Education
Ministers conference Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Oct 29: NCERT Secretary in presence of Human Resources Development (HRD) Minister Arjun Singh today assured Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Harshdev Singh that history and culture of J&K will be included in text books and other publications of NCERT. The assurance came after Mr Singh raised the demand during second day of Education Ministers’ conference here. In history books of 12th class and Social Science books of 8th class, the history and culture of J&K will be included in the NCERT books from next year, the NCERT Secretary assured the J&K Education Minister in presence of the HRD Minister. Harshdev Singh demanded that NCERT should initiate its activities in Jammu and Kashmir in a big way, which was important for promotion national integration as well. He demanded that the NCERT should also assist the J&K in computer education and vocational education. This was also agreed to by the NCERT Secretary. The NCERT will organise programmes like teachers training and orientation courses. The NCERT also promised to launch talent search programmes for the students of Jammu and Kashmir so that they get chance for national level competitions. Woman stabbed to death by husband Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: A mother of three children was stabbed to death by her husband at Indira Nagar under the jurisdiction of Bishnah Police Station last evening. Police spokesman said that the deceased—Manjeet Kour had estranged relations with her husband Balbinder Singh for the past several years and both had even approached the court of law for the settlement of dispute between them. Some days back the court reportedly gave judgement in the favour of the deceased which raised the temper of the accused, who decided to eliminate his wife. Last evening, the accused entered the house and started beating his wife in front of three children. Later, the accused brought out sharp-edged weapon and started inflicting injuries on Manjeet Kour. In the fit of anger, the accused inflicted about 17 stab wounds in the stomach of the victim. Later, Balbinder Singh fled from the spot leaving behind the victim bleeding profusely. On hearing the cries of the children, some neighbours rushed to the house of victim and informed Bishnah Police about the incident. A police team led by DySP Bari Brahamana Sardar Khan immediately reached the spot and shifted the victim to Government Medical College Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Police has registered a case in this connection and launched hunt to nab the absconding accused. But no arrest was made till late this evening. In the morning, relatives of the victim and the people held protest demonstration and blocked Jammu-R S Pura road for about one hour. They were demanding immediate arrest of the accused and stringent action against him. It was only after the police assured the relatives of the deceased that efforts were being made to nab the accused that the blockade was lifted. 2nd phase of Gandola Car
project being Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Oct 29: The J&K State Cable Car Corporation Limited (JKSCCCL) is adding one more feather to its crown by commissioning prestigious second phase of Gandola Cable Car project by December this year. With the commissioning of this phase involving an amount of Rs. 11 crore would provide added attraction for visiting foreign and domestic tourists besides locals including student fraternity and winter sports lovers to enjoy highest Gandola ride from Kandoori to Apherwat. This was revealed at 23rd Board of Directors meeting of JKSCCCL held here today under the chairmanship of Minister for Tourism and Urban Development Ghulam Hassan Mir. Minister of State for Tourism Jugal Kishore, Principal Secretary Planning and Development Mohammad Iqbal Khandey, Principal Secretary Tourism, Mr. Anil Goswami, Director General Tourism and Managing Director, JKSCCCL besides other board members attended the meeting. While reviewing the overall performance of the corporation, it was informed that an income of Rs. 2.41 crore has been realized by the corporation during last 10 months indicating an increase of Rs. 60 lakh to the last year’s revenue during the corresponding period. The members expressing satisfaction over the growing trend of the revenue of the corporation and overall performance that too on profitable lines had threadbare discussion over the agenda of the corporation. Several decisions to streamline the performance of this corporation were taken by the board. These include continuance of rebate to students on Gandola ride, effective and judicious use of financial resources besides better service condition to the personnel. PDP feeding wrong
information on security Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: The National Conference leaders today said that People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has been feeding wrong information to the Central Government on the present security scenario in the State. In a statement, the NC leaders said that their party doesn’t believe in blame game but the real security scenario was brought to the notice of Prime Minister and the Home Minister after assassination attempt on party leadership. "PDP president Mehbooba Mufti out of sheer frustration and to cover up the failure of the Government is giving such statements", they asserted and said that the tall claims of Mufti on improvement of the security scenario in the State have been exposed. They said that within a month the National Conference chief was attacked twice and it was very astonishing that instead of regretting the failure of the Government to provide security to NC leaders Mehbooba Mufti, it was trying to hoodwink the Central Government. Reiterating the demand of judicial inquiry by a retired Supreme Court judge and dismissal of the Coalition Government, the NC leaders said fast growing alienation among the masses in the State will prove disastrous for the country. "First elections were rigged and now attempt has been made to derail the democratic system and attempt on the lives of the top leadership of NC being made to eliminate the main opposition party of the State", they warned. Signatories to the statement included provincial president of NC Ajay Sadhotra, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Harbans Singh, Surjit Singh Slathia, Syed Mushtaq Bukhari, Rachpal Singh, Ghulam Mohd Jan, Abdul Gani Malik, Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, Bashir Ahmed Naaz and Ram Paul. Vishwa Bharti organises award ceremony Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: Vishwa Bharti Institution’s S N Ganjoo award for excellence was given during an impressive and colourful function at Vishwa Bharti Public Higher Secondary School, Akalpur More, Muthi, here today. This year’s award for excellence was shared by Shruti Razdan and Neha Warikoo, both from Higher Secondary Part II. On the occasion, tiny tots in their peculiar and colourful attire, expressed their talents and tendencies which were marked and noted by the audience . On the occasion a fancy dress show was also exhibited by blooming buds of the school. President of the Managing Committee of the institution, D V Batra was the chief guest on the occasion. Prof A N Sadhu, vice-president of the Managing Committee was the guest of honour. Principal of the school Prof Dulari Kaul highlighted the achievements of the institution under the stewardship of Late S N Ganjoo. |
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