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| Jammu Festival concludes Mangat for promotion of cultural tourism, revival of Dogra traditions Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 15: Glimpses of rich cultural heritage of Dogras humming with chivalry, gallantry and traditions of pastoral dwellings, enthralled the Jammuites during the three day Jammu Festival which concluded here this evening leaving indelible prints on their minds.....more Baisakhi
celebrated with Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, Apr 15: The Baisakhi festival was celebrated at Shiromani Dera Nangali Sahib, Poonch, with zeal and enthusiasm under the supervision of Mahant Manjeet Singh.......more JPTA
deputation calls on Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 15: A deputation of Jammu Provincial Teachers Association (JPTA) met Director School Education Jammu Mr Manoj Kumar Divedi.....more Religious
function begins Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 15: In connection with the on-going Navratras, a religious function......more Intake
capacity of Jammu Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 15: There is a acute shortage of dental doctors in the State and to meet the requirement, Government would soon double.....more |
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Everlasting
peace is Excelsior Correspondent New Delhi, Apr 15: The Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today reiterated his commitment for ensuring ever lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir, which has witnesed the agony of turmoil during last one and half decades..............more Army
School Jammu Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 15: A four day workshop on different subjects to enhance teaching skills of the teachers of army schools of Northern Command concluded here today...........more Traffic
Police Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 15: In its continuous drive against the violations of MV Act 1988, Traffic Police Jammu during the month of March 2005 have challaned 12,390 vehicles of different types and realised revenue to the tune of Rs 16,380,20........more Over 1.12
lakh Excelsior Correspondent KATRA, Apr 15: Over 1.12 lakh pilgrims hailing from various parts of the country have visited the holy cave shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi during the first six auspicious Chaitra Navratras started from April 9. ......more |
Jammu Festival concludes Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 15: Glimpses of rich cultural heritage of Dogras humming with chivalry, gallantry and traditions of pastoral dwellings, enthralled the Jammuites during the three day Jammu Festival which concluded here this evening leaving indelible prints on their minds. Throughout the mela days, the Mubarak Mandi Complex, which was the main hub of activities for showcasing the crafts, culture, cuisine of the region besides featuring Dogra documentaries remained abuzz with unprecedented rush of people and retrieved the lost glory of by gone days of this historical site. The festival was an audiovisual unique treat for the people of Jammu where parents along with their offsprings participated to acquaint them with the traditions of Dogras. During the valedictory function of the Jammu mela held today, the Deputy Chief Minister, Mangat Ram Sharma said that to promote cultural tourism in the region such grand mela based on the cultural traditions of the Dogras depicts their valour, love of nature and emanating from the locally made instruments sounds smoothing to the ears and eyes resounding in the backdrop of Shivalik hills. The exhibits displayed at the Dogra Art Museum enthralled the Jammuites who grabbed the rare opportunity to see through the pages of history and them-selves become a part of it. The map of Jammu City dating back Circa AD 1880-90 was the centre of attraction for the people. The other rare exhibits kept for public viewing comprised holy relics, 500-year-old Skanda-Puran in Sanskrit written on tar leaves, coins of Kushan, Mughal period, rumals of Chamba city, eight barrel gun, rifles, paper machine charkha, square stone with Takri (regional language) inscription of 9th AD, old musical instruments, historical documents, 17th century AD Basohli paintings displayed at Modern Art Gallery, old marble hall and pink hall of the heritage palace. The typical village rural marriage scenes and Dogra food was successful initiative towards revival of Dogra culture. Minister of State for Tourism Jugal Kishore Sharma headed the organising committee of Jammu Festival- 2005 while the other members included Principal Secretary, Tourism, Anil Goswami, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, B. R. Sharma, Director Tourism, Nirmal Sharma, Director Flouriculture, K. K. Sharma, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Ajay Khajuria, Joint Director Information, Jammu, Satish Kumar Sharma, Managing Director, Pelican cables, B. B. Raina, Shiv Dutt, Ravi Mahajan, H. S. Anand and Kuldeep Wahi. Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board sponsored the lighting system while the main stage was decorated and built by JK Bank Ltd. This festival, which was thronged by the thousands of people spontaneously, brought out people in multitude from their TV room to the open theatre in the historical vicinity of Mubarak Mandi Complex. The people witnessed and enjoyed themselves variety of events ranging from cultural activities to Dogra cuisine. |
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Baisakhi
celebrated with zeal at Dera Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, Apr 15: The Baisakhi festival was celebrated at Shiromani Dera Nangali Sahib, Poonch, with zeal and enthusiasm under the supervision of Mahant Manjeet Singh. The people from within and outside the State without any consideration of caste and creed including Army officers participated in the historic religious function. Ragi Jatha of International Shabad Kirtan Council, Ragi of Digiana Ashram and S Parminder Singh Ragi of Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar recited the Shabad Kirtan. Singh Sahib Giani Jasvinder Singh, Head Granthi, Darbar Sahib, Amritsar, threw light birth of Khalsa Panth which was started by 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj in 1699 from Anandpur Sahib, Punjab. He appreciated the role of Mahant Manjeet Singh for maintaining the Sikhism in J&K State and also praised his efforts in the education including Technical one. While addressing S Rangil Singh, senior vice president of PDP said the foundation of Khalsa Panth was laid by Guru Gobind Ji against cruelty and terrorism of then rulers and he sacrificed himself and his entire family for the cause of nation and peace in the country. S Sudershan Singh Wazir welcomed senior advocate of Rawalpindi Hamid Akhtar, the traveller of Muzaffarabad-Srinagar passenger bus, who belongs to district Poonch and specially visited Dera Nangali Sahib and celebrated Baisakhi alongwith other devotees of Poonch and other districts. He was presented Seropa by Mahant Manjeet Singh. Speaking on the occasion Advocate Hamid Akhtar recalled his association during his earlier days with the Dera Nangali Sahib where he used to visit to get blessings of the Dera. He said," we are also waiting for the visitors from Jammu and Kashmir at our side to welcome them. Mahant Manjeet Singh thanked all the participants who participated in the Baisakhi celebrations. Langer was also served amongst all the participants. Prominent among those who participated included and spoke on the occasion included Giani Sahib Singh, S Sarwan Singh Sewak, S Narbair Singh, Jahangir Mir, S Paramjeet Singh, S Kulwant Singh, S Kanchan Singh Chatha and other leaders of Congress, NC and PDP. |
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JPTA deputation calls on Director School Education Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 15: A deputation of Jammu Provincial Teachers Association (JPTA) met Director School Education Jammu Mr Manoj Kumar Divedi, under the presidentship of Balwan Singh Jamwal and presented a charter of demands. Demands contained in the charter pertained to senior teacher grade to undergraduate teachers, stoppage to deputation of teachers for preparation of voter lists, authentication of deputation sanctioned and entered in the service books of DDOs and benefit of earned leave to concerned teachers, conduct of middle standard examination at divisional level, timely clearance of time bound promotion cases, laying down of transfer norms, end to political interference in transfer of teachers, conduct of orientation courses during vacations and the like. Every demand of the teachers was discussed with Director School Education, who after giving a patient hearing assured to consider all the demands putforth by the association at an earliest. Others in the deputation included Manga Ram Sharma, Thoru Ram Sharma, Yash Pal Sharma, Subash Chander, Babu Ram Padyar, Maheshwar Prasad, Kewal Krishan Sharma, Prahlad Singh, Naresh Kumar, Shamsher Singh, Om Parkash Sharma, Joginder Singh, Diwan Chand Wazir, Ashok Bassan, Ajit Singh, Vijay Kumar and Om Parkash. |
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Religious function begins at Durga Mandir Rampura Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 15: In connection with the on-going Navratras, a religious function started at Sri Durga Mandir Rampura. Devotees from Rampura, Gandhi Nagar, Shastri Nagar, Nai Basti and adjoining localities attended the function. The religious congregation, which began on the auspicious occasion of Navratras, will be concluded on April 18, 2005 on the occasion of Sri Rama Navami. Sri Durga Mandir Committee has decided to organise a grand Bhandara on April 18, 2005. The Bhandara mark conclusion of the week long religious function. Since first Navratra Havan and Paths have been going besides special poojas and other religious function. According to Master Sukhdev Mishra main aim of this on-going religious function was peace and brotherhood. He said that Havans have been performed everyday since first Navratras for restoration of peace in the country in general and Jammu and Kashmir in particular. He further said that religious functions have been organised for the peace of those who have lost their lives in Tsunami and other natural clamaties. Durga Mandir Rampura has been specially decorated for this religious function. Since morning devotees were seen thronging the temple to participate in the function. Meanwhile other temples of the city are also witnessing heavy rush of the devotees due to on-going Navratras. Hundreds of devotees regularly visiting holy temple of Bawi Wali Mata at Bahu Fort while as historical temple of Chechi Mata-located near Samba at Jammu-Pathankote National Highway also witnessed heavy rush. |
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Intake capacity of Jammu Dental
College to Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 15: There is a acute shortage of dental doctors in the State and to meet the requirement, Government would soon double the intake strength of the Government Dental College at Jammu so that more students could be trained. This was stated by Health and Medical Education Minister Suman Bhagat while addressing the doctors and other staff of the College after inaugurating the administrative block and library here this morning. "I know that present number of the dental doctors is not sufficient to cater to the need of entire State. I have taken up the matter of enhancement of number of seats both at Jammu and Srinagar Dental Colleges to provide more dental doctors", she said and asked the doctors to be ready to serve the people even in rural areas because their services are required more there. Expressing concern over the adamant attitude of the doctors to serve only in urban areas, the Minister warned to take strict action against such doctors and made it clear that every doctor would have to serve in the rural area after two years of tenure. The Health Department, she said, is preparing a list of attached doctors and detachment orders would be issued at the earliest. She reiterated her commitment to bring radical changes in the health care system so that proper medicare would be given to the people at their respective places. The Minister also expressed resentment over the prevailing ‘leg-pulling’ menace in this fraternity and said "instead of knocking the doors of Vigilance Organisations and others, the doctors with any sort of grievances should approach me as I treat Health Department as my family and its staff as family members". Speaking on the occasion, Principal of the Dental College Dr Gautam Mengi underlined the steps initiated by him to give practical shape to the College and nurture it. He claimed that it was due to his vigorously pursuing the case that Planning Department has sanctioned faculty staff for the Dental College. He disclosed that new machinery has been purchased to impart quality education to the students and hoped that Health Ministry would extend all possible support to him so that all required infrastructure is made available. Earlier, the Minister alongwith doctors performed Havan before inaugurating the administrative block and library complex. |
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Everlasting peace is imminent : Mufti Excelsior Correspondent New Delhi, Apr 15: The Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today reiterated his commitment for ensuring ever lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir, which has witnesed the agony of turmoil during last one and half decades. He said that since the period his Government has taken over the reins of the state, in sequal to peoples mandate through free and fair elections, the peoples confidence and faith in democratic institutions have been strengthened. "It was the same confidence of the people which helped in successful completion of civic elections in the state," the Mufti said addressing Chief Ministers' conference on internal security here today. He added that inspite of threat, intimidation, and random killing of candidates by militants, people thronged in large numbers to exercise their franchise. "The people of Jammu and Kashmir not only exhibited an exemplary kind of bravery by casting their votes in record numbers recently in civic elections, but also defeated all those forces who were bent upon to stop them to participate in democratic process," he asserted. The Chief Minister said that the world is witness to the fact that inspite of threats given by the militants, and despite sneak in operation attempted by them at the TRC, the enthusiasm and response of the people of Kashmir was overwhelming on the eve of opening of Muzaffarabad road. The world Media telecast joyful reception processions of the people on the occasion and unanimously commented that militants have been completely isolated, he added. Mr Sayeed said that normalcy is fast returning in the State. Since his Government has taken over strict orders have been issued to address the grievances of the people so that action is taken against any security personal, who is found guilty of any kind of human rights violation. He said that security forces and state police are working in full coordination. All security agencies have been advised to remain careful to avoid any collateral damage to any civilian while fighting militancy in the state so that no inconvenience is caused to the people, he said. He further added that wherever reports are being received with regard to any excesses caused to innocent people action is being taken promptly. The Chief Minister said that people of Jammu and Kashmir want peace, normalcy and over all development . He added that for the achievement of these goals his Government has taken up all necessary measures. He said that with the opening of Srinagar Muzaffarabad road in the valley and linking of Udhampur through Railway Network, people of State are looking forward for new economic era in the state. He said that the state can become one of the vital trade centers and opening of further routes will definitely enhance its importance. Mr Sayeed also described in detail the pace of development by launching innumerable micro and mega projects. He said that people are now yearning for all kinds of development and permanent peace. He said that for proper development peace is essential factor which can be achieved through dialogue only. He expressed his confidence in swift developments which are at present taking place with a sole aim to achieve the goal of peace and prosperity, not only for the state but for whole sub-continent. The Chief Minister felicitated Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, for his statesmanship and also for showing his personal interest in the affairs of Jammu and Kashmir which was evident by the fact that within one week he visited the state twice for launching two historical projects. He also expressed his thanks to the Prime Minister for the package of 24,000 crores announced for reconstruction of infrastructure and construction of mini Hydle Projects in the state during last year besides recent announcement of completion of construction of Udhampur Baramulla railway project by the end 2007. He said that all these measures will bring out revolutionary economical changes in the State and usher it towards the real goal of prosperity and affluency. The Prime Minister in his speech complimented the government of Jammu and Kashmir for successful conduct of Srinagar Muzaffarabad service inspite of threats from the militants. He extended his full cooperation to the state for speedy reconstruction plans of its infrastructure. |
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Army School Jammu Cantt hosts AWES workshop Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 15: A four day workshop on different subjects to enhance teaching skills of the teachers of army schools of Northern Command concluded here today. The Army School Jammu Cantt hosted these workshops organised by Army Welfare Education Society, Northern Command. Deputy GOC 26 Infantry Division and Chairman Army School Jammu Cantonment , Brig M M Chaudhary inaugurated these workshops. On the first day of the workshop, the IT skills of Computer teachers were enhanced by upgrading their knowledge about the current IT trends. Mr Sunil Tripathi from Microsoft India, dwelt at length on various aspects of IT including its use as teaching aid. He underlined greater use of IT as a tool for preparing students for challenges of competitive world. Another significant subject on which workshop was conducted was value based integrated learning. Three teachers of army school Jammu Cantonment, Mrs Ranjana Sharma, Mrs Madurima Kaul and Mrs Ramneek Kour who were trained at Army Public School Noida were the resource persons. Stressing the need for strengthening value based education system, they suggested how to incorporate various activities for teaching different subjects. In the english language workshop organised with the help of Oxford University Press , Dr Meera Shrinivas from CIFL, Hyderabad was the resource person. She focused on the need for ‘learning to read and reading to learn’. Principal Army School Jammu Cantt, Mrs Anu Jandial welcomed the participants of the workshops and lauded the efforts of AWES in upgrading the teaching skills of teachers of army schools. Inaugurating the workshops, Brig Chaudhary called for greater efforts to upgrade the knowledge of teachers and their skills for the growth of the students. He said such types of seminars and workshops should be organised periodically as these provide a forum for constructive interaction between the resource persons and teachers for better results. He said the teachers are required to be acquainted with latest changes in the educational policies and trends in methodologies of teachings. Lt. Col. M R Bhardwaj OICAWES 26 Infantry Division and Lt. Col V K Bector, Director AWES Northern Command were also present at the workshop. |
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Traffic Police challans 12390 vehicles Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 15: In its continuous drive against the violations of MV Act 1988, Traffic Police Jammu during the month of March 2005 have challaned 12,390 vehicles of different types and realised revenue to the tune of Rs 16,380,20. Special emphasis was laid on over speeding, driving two wheelers without wearing crash helmets, contravention of route permits and other visible offenses during the month. During the drive, help of ‘speedometer’ was taken for challenging the vehicles indulging in over speeding. This was done to curb the menace of over speeding and negligent driving which is the main source of accidents. Accordingly, 86 vehicles were challaned during the drive. 2738 persons were challaned for driving two wheelers without hearing crash helmets and 520 scooterists for double pillion riding. According to SSP Traffic the drive will be continued in the coming days so as to ensure road discipline and safe driving in Jammu. |
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Over 1.12 lakh pilgrims visit Vaishno Devi Shrine Excelsior Correspondent KATRA, Apr 15: Over 1.12 lakh pilgrims hailing from various parts of the country have visited the holy cave shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi during the first six auspicious Chaitra Navratras started from April 9. With this, the number of pilgrims who paid their obeisance at the holy cave shrine has gone to 10.84 lakh since January 1st this year. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has made special arrangements for performing Havan and Puja besides arranging Chatt Chandi Yagana during the Navratra at Bhawan. A large number of renowned Pandits are performing rituals. It was also made arrangements to provide amenities to the visiting devotees during the Navratras. Elaborate security arrangements have been made by the Police Department enroute Bhawan and at the base camp Katra. The Municipal Committee, Katra with the cooperation of Board has made adequate arrangements of sanitation in the town. Presently, 17,000 to 18,000 pilgrims are daily reaching at the base camp Katra for their onward journey to the holy cave shrine. Meanwhile, a large number of devotees are also visiting at the Deva Mai Temple, Nav Durga Gufa on Katra-Reasi road, Mahakali Temples at Panthal and Katra and Devi Pindi temple. |
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Sale, stocking of fertilisers privatised Exelsior Correspondent Jammu, Apr 15: In a significant development, State Government has decided to privatize sale and stocking of fertilizers in a bid to ensure timely availability of standard quality fertilizers to the farmers on fair prices rates. Decontrolling of fertilizer sale would induce competition of quality in the market which, would be in the better interest of farming community, Minister for Agriculture and Cooperative Abdul Aziz Zargar said while presiding over a high level day long review meeting of agriculture and allied departments at district head quarters, Udhampur. The proposed step is also aimed at to overcome mismanagement of fertilizer distribution, he added. The Minister of State for Agriculture, Ajaz Ahmed Khan was also present. The Commissioner/Secretary Agriculture production, B.B.Vyas, Secretary Sheep and Animal Husbandary, Dr. Din Mohammad, Registrar Cooperatives, Heads of Agriculture, horticulture, sericulture, Sheep and Animal husbandry and concerned district chiefs also attended the meeting. In a bid to ensure seed replacement for increasing productivity both qualitatively and quantitatively, it was decided to utilize funds available under Prime Minister’s Reconstruction package. Mr. Zargar while urging the need for speedy exploitation of vest horticulture potential in Jammu division, called for utilizing funds under Technology Mission Programme for consolidation and development of orchards and mechanization preferably. He said while developing horticulture, main focus should be on processing and marketing of fruit production. He directed for setting up of Apni Mandis at Assar and Reasi areas also. The Secretary Animal and Sheep Husbandry informed that a proposal has been mooted to set-up automatic mother dairy booths in various areas of the State for convenience of the milk producers. Each automatic milk collection booth costs Rs one lakh. He said milk chilling facilities would also be made available to the farmers in their vicinities in a phased manner. The meeting also decided to expand the reach of Artificial Insemination facilities at the door steps of the farmers for live stock upgradation. Mr. Zargar asked the cooperative department to expedite distribution of Kissan Credit Cards (KCC) to enable maximum farmers to avail hustle free credit facilities. Regarding sheep development, it was decided to import more shearing machines from London shortly for maintaining the quality of wool production imperative to withstand market competition. Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State, Agriculture urged for transfer of technology and popularization of frozen semen technology on the farm level. He called for early measures to increase mutton production to do away with huge annual imports worth Rs.300 crore to meet the mutton requirements. He asked the field agencies of horticulture department to monitor survival rate of plants distributed among the orchardists this year. Mr. Vyas urged the need for diversification of agriculture with focus on off season vegetables. He called for area specific zonalization for promotion of horticulture in Jammu region. |
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Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Apr 15: Minister for Education Harsh Dev Singh today visited the Government College for Engineering and Technology (GCET) under construction at Kot-Bhalwal here today and took stock of the pace of work on the project. Mr Harsh Dev went around all the four under construction blocks and took stock of the ongoing pace of work. He stressed upon the officers of J&K Project Construction Corporation (JKPCC) to expedite the ongoing work and ensure its completion by the end of June this year so that class work could be started in the ensuing session. The Minister while giving details of this mega project said that on its completion, this building would be the unique building in the state with all modern advanced technology. He said the GCET is the dream project of the government and hoped it would produce the best engineers and technocrats of the state. Managing Director JKPCC apprised the Minister that work on the first phase which has started in April 2002 would be completed at an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore. He said in the first phase a double storeyed computer block, two-story civil engineering blocks, lecturer hall and a four storeyed hostel building having the capacity to accommodate 400 students will be taken up. |
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Power theft made
cognizable offence under Ordinance: Niaz Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Apr 15: Cent percent electrification of unelectrified areas in the State would ensured under prestigious scheme of electricity to all by 2007-08. This was stated by the Minister for Power Mohammad Sharief Niaz at a high level meeting to review the functioning of the Power Development Department especially revenue regularization, maintenance and installation of electric metres and replacement of worn-out electric poles. Mr. Niaz asked the engineers to formulate a comprehensive proposal for electrification of left over areas and replacement of worn-out poles for submission to the Centre for financial assistance so that the work should be taken in hand and completed by 2007-08. Mr. Niaz directed the power development authorities to expedite the metre installation process to all commercial establishments, hotels, factories and other commercial establishments. The Minister urged for special drive to regularize all illegal connections adding that stern action be taken against those who does not cooperate for regularization of illegal power connections. He also stressed for speedy collection of revenue from the consumers as per the actual power consumption as well as from all the State and Central Government establishments. Mr. Niaz also stressed for implementation of the provisions of Jammu and Kashmir Electricity Ordinance 2005, which has been promulgated recently in order to check theft of power. The power theft in the state has been made cognizable offence with a punishment of imprisonment for three years and a fine of Rs. 10,000. The Minister impressed upon the officers to speed up the process for upgradation and renovation of grid receiving stations and transmission lines. This, he said, would not only bring down the present rate of faults in power distribution system and give uninterrupted power supply to consumers but also prevent the recurrence of any mishap. He exhorted upon the engineers to gear up men and machinery for providing better services to the people of the State. He directed for replacement of all the worn-out polls, conductors, loose conductors and asked the engineers to ensure completion of all the works under ARDRP for achieving the fixed targets. The meeting was informed that the work on the 220 KV and 132 KV SC/DC transmission lines is in full swing which include SC, Thein-Hiranagar, S/C, Gladni-Udhampur, D/C, Burn-Kishenpur and Stabilization of Kishenpur-Pampore and D/C, Burn-Canal, S/C, Poonch-Rajouri, D/C, Burn-Reasi, D/C Burn-Janipur, D/C Kathua-Mahanpur, 2nd Circuit of Badampora-Ganderbal, S/C Wanpoh-Kulgam and D/C Wanpoh-Mattan. In addition various grid stations are under progress which include 220/132/33 KV, Burn, 132/33 KV, Badampora, 132/33 KV, Sheeri, 132/33 KV, Kangan, 132/33 KV, Mattan, 132/33 KV, Draba, 132/33 KV, Reasi and 132/33 KV, Mahanpur. The Minister asked the engineers to complete the ongoing works on the gird stations and transmission lines at scheduled time so that the benefit reach to the common people. |
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Hanuman Jayanti being celebrated
at Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 15: Bhagwan Hanuman Jayanti is being celebrated on Puranmashi, April 24, at Shiv Hanuman mandir in Dwarkapuri (Barian), near Vijaypur, about 30 kms from Jammu. Disclosing this at a press conference, saint Subhash Shastri said " Hanuman jyanti will be celebrated for the first time at Dwarkapuri on Puranmashi day (April 24) and thousands of people, from with and outside the State. are expected to participate in it." A congregation is held on every Puranmashi in the mandir complex, he added. Answering a question, he stated that the Hanuman jyanti celebration, started now at this temple site will be an annual feature in future. There is a Shiv Hanuman Mandir committee with Inderjeet Khajuria as its chairman to oversee the celebrations, said he. Shastriji emphasised that the Government must ensure adequate traffic, police, drinking water and other arrangements for the large number of devotees expected to attend the Hanuman jyanti celebrations on April 24. He stated that during the past two years a huge Shiv Hanuman Mandir complex has come up and the work on it is still going apace. He claimed to have holistic powers to perform miracles by curing even serious ailments. Inderjeet Khajuria, chairman, Shiv Hanuman Mandir, Dwarkapuri (Barian), informed that the mandir complex project is under execution since 2002-03. Last month, this sacred place attracted great rush of devotees. Mr Khajuria demanded that in view of expected rush of devotees to this temple complex at Barian, the authorities should make adequate arrangements for traffic regulation, drinking water, security, medicare and power supply during the celebrations. |
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Militants’ attack on
Srinagar TRC condemned Excelsior Special Correspondent SRINAGAR, Apr 15: International Kashmir Alliance (IKA) vice chairman, Mumtaz Khan, has felicitated both governments of India and Pakistan on launching the bus service between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad. Khan has described this Delhi-Islamabad CBM as "an historic and unprecedented step in the post Partition history of Kashmir". The bus service was long awaited step in the right direction that would pave the way for social and cultural unity of divided people of Kashmir, Khan has said in a statement to this newspaper from Toronto, Canada. " The success of confidence building measures (CBMs) largely depends on both the governments’ genuine commitment to peace and prosperity of the people and the region. We have always pleaded that social and cultural unity should precede territorial unity and in the UN resolutions both governments had been asked to ensure free movement of people across the LOC. But both the governments, instead of giving any significance to the human aspect of issue, began fighting to acquire more territory. The demand for territorial settlement must ensure that it does not harm free movement of people", Mumtaz Khan said. Mr. Khan has condemned the attack of extremists on the first bus passengers and lauded their courage of the people who took first ride of the bus despite the threats of extremist elements and proved that genuine urge for peace was much stronger and deeper among the majority of people and handful minority of extremist can’t impose violence any more. Those who are against the reunion of families and people-to-people interaction cannot be Kashmiri or the friends of the Kashmiris and they are destined to meet political death. Today it is time to move forward and make progress on all fronts so that people sufferings and pains should come to end what they have been going through for last 15 years. Mr. Khan said that this is the time that Pakistan and India should offer more autonomy and freedom to their respective controlled parts, and it is inevitable that people would demand for their economic, political and basic rights. The Pakistan equally needs to take steps to end the political and constitutional discrimination existing between its controlled Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. The political and economical discrimination against the people of Gilgit Baltistan need to be addressed immediately because it has reached its climax and created political discontentment and unrest in the region because of continued usurpation of their basic rights. Mr. Khan criticized Pakistan’s policy of "pick and choose" among Kashmiris. "Islamabad on the one hand asks India to talk to its supported Hurriyat while it has completely ignored the nationalist political parties of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltstan All Parties National Alliance (APNA) And GBNA. The Pakistan’s policy of predetermination is contrary to the self-determination", he said in the statement. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 15: New State president of Bharatiya Janta Yuva Morcha (BJYM), Yudhvir Sethi has vowed to rejuvenate the organisation at grass root level and transform the youth force of BJP in Jammu and Kashmir as a pressure group for getting developmental activities initiated by the Government. "To activate the organisation as well as our workers, BJYM committees are being constituted very soon and responsibilities entrusted at different levels," disclosed Mr Sethi while addressing his maiden press conference since his appointment as BJYM State president at the BJP headquarters, here today. He added that the constitution of committees would be followed by a series of programmes in silver jubilee year of the Morcha so that the organisation’s presence could be made in all corners of the State, including Leh, Ladakh and Kashmir. "We will formulate a comprehensive strategy to channelise the youth force and utilise the same by organising seminars, youth camps and awareness programmes to ensure the participation of youth in political process and develop a future core team for BJP," Mr Sethi elaborated. Stressing that tourism is back bone of the State’s economy, the BJYM president said that the Morcha would exert pressure on the State Government to seek development of the areas like Nuri Chhamb, Sruinsar, Billawar, Uri, Kishtwar, Bhaderwah etc so that unemployed youth of these areas may get employment. "Such developmental activities would not only provide employment but also check spread of terrorism in the State," he said adding that BJYM would work as a pressure team for getting developmental activities initiated and completed within the set time frame. Mr Sethi sought co-operation from BJYM activists to strengthen the organisation and hoped that the BJP leadership would also extend its full support in this connection. BJYM leaders Narotam Sharma Lovely, Sanjay Mahajan and Som Nath, who were also present in the press conference, stressed that they would leave no stone unturned to strengthen the organisation under the leadership of Yudhvir Sethi. |
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'Hurriyat lacks
representative character' From B L Kak NEW DELHI, Apr 15: Samiti Delhi (KSD) has run fast and furious, charging Pakistan with dividing the people of Jammu and Kashmir on religious and communal lines. On the eve of Gen Pervez Musharraf's visits to Delhi, the KSD chief, Sunil Shakdher, has dashed off a two-page letter to the Delhi-based High Commissioner of Pakistan, strongly protesting Pakistan President's soft corner for the All-Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) ''whose claim to any representative character is in serious doubt''. In a pointed reference to the upcoming meeting Gen. Musharraf will have with the Hurriyat leaders in the Indian capital, the letter sarcastically remarked: ''This hotch potch of nearly 24 groups represent none except their own groups, none of them having any mass base''. Shakdher took strong exception to Gen Musharraf's ''partisan'' role by saying : ''Catapulting the Hurriyat leaders to a position of prominence seems to be an attempt at assigning some popular base to them''. In a KSD president versus Pakistan President exercise, literally, Sunil Shakdher's letter berates Gen Musharraf for ignoring the ''fact that Jammu and Kashmir State consists of many groups and communities, besides the infinitesimal minority the Hurriyat claims to represent''. There are Hindus, Buddhists, Shia, Muslims, Kashmiri Pandits (KPs), Sikhs and Gujjars and Bakerwals who constitute the State's population. KSD president, while deeply resenting Islamabad's unnecessary attention and support to the APHC, has questioned Pakistan President's choice of operations. ''Selecting a handful of Hurriyat leaders alone for talks'', Sunil Shakdher said, ''is an affront to the people of India in general and people of J&K in particular''. Warning that ''selective'' application of human rights cannot work, Shakdher's letter said : ''If the entire attempt by Pakistan is to prop up a group of Kashmiri Muslims at the cost of other groups and communities, then we will be constrained to call it a potently partisan move'' ''Terrorism unleashed on our country'', Shakdher maintained, ''has rendered Kashmiri Pandits as refugees'. He warned that no solution which excludes KPs and other groups and communities in J&K can be lasting. Kashmiri Samiti Delhi, which is the nodal agency for displaced Kashmiri Hindus, has sought to add a new leaf to the chequered history of Kashmir by throwing up the most unexpected demand: Islamabad should permit a delegation of Kashmiri Pandits and Sikhs to visit Muzaffarabad to enquire about the fate of their brethren who had been swamped by the tribal raiders from Pakistan in 1947-48. Soon after the passage of his communication to the Pakistan chancery, Sunil Shakdher told the EXCELSIOR: ''We do not rule out the possibility of some of them being still alive and wishing to reunite with their families on this side of the Line of Control (LoC).'' The KP leader also threw up a question : If Islamabad continues to be keen on more facilities to the divided Muslim families on either side of the LoC, why shouldn't Gen. Parvez Musharraf himself take the initiative of allowing a delegation of KPs and Sikhs into Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK)?'' |
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