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| Chenab WS Scheme to cost Rs 416
crore Qazi reviews on-going WSS in Jammu province Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 25: The PHE department has spent about 102 crores on various projects which includes 91 water schemes and installation of 3100 hand pumps during last fiscal year. This was stated by Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood......more Raju takes
over as Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Apr 25: Mr. R. V. Raju took over as Additional Director General of Police Headquarters today at a function held here at PHQ.......more SMC
employees to Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Apr 25: Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) employees have decided to observe strike tomorrow against alleged anti-employee policies of the Corporation hierarchy. However.......more ‘Illegal’
construction of Jehlum Resorts Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 25: In a case of alleged illegal construction of Hotel Jehlum Resorts, Justice VK Jhanji of the State High Court has directed....more Installation
of power Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 25: The Power Development Department is supplying power without curtailment......more |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 25: Complimenting Doordarshan for showcasing rich culture of Jammu and Kashmir in Duggar land, Governor Lt. Gen (Retd) S K Sinha today announced that a Suffiana music festival will be held in Srinagar this summer..............more Peace
process will Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 25: Pradesh Congress chief Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed has said that with positive outcome of ongoing peace process, the Union Government has major thrust to the all sound development of the State for the over all progress and prosperity of the suffering people of Jammu and Kashmir........more Suman
lauds Dr Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 25: In connection with birthday celebrations of Dr B R Ambedkar, organised by Ambedkar Mission Society.......more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 25: The Georgians, students of the five military schools held a get together which was marked by a lot of back slapping , calling of nicknames......more |
Chenab WS Scheme to cost Rs 416
crore Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 25: The PHE department has spent about 102 crores on various projects which includes 91 water schemes and installation of 3100 hand pumps during last fiscal year. This was stated by Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Qazi Mohammad Afzal here today at a review meeting of PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control department of Jammu province. While giving the deliberations about various sectors in the meeting Commissioner Secretary to Works Atul Dulloo said that about 425 habitations were covered by completion of 91 water supply scheme which benefited as many as 76000 souls during last one year. He said that about 831 ongoing schemes are presently under various stages of executed. It was stated that under AUWSP eight towns of Jammu province would be covered under this scheme out of which 3 schemes have been funded by the Central Government in 2004-05 and Rs. 4.30 crores have so far been utilized the total release of Rs. 5.95 crores. The meeting was informed a new programme namely Swajaldhara has been introduced by Government of India during last year. Under this programme Rs. 8.34 crores have been released out of which Rs. 4.80 crores have been utilized so far. The meeting was also informed that about 5 tube-wells were completed during last year in Jammu city which added 1.05 MGD water to respective areas besides 18 tube-wells are also in progress. Under Prime Ministers Reconstruction Package Rs. 416 crores would be spent on Chenab Water Supply Project. Addressing the meeting, the Minister directed to give top priority to completion of on going scheme of PHE sector so that these schemes would be completed to benefit the people at the earliest. The Minister said augmentation of existing water schemes and construction of new ones in Jammu city during last two and a half year has helped to ease the water stressed situation to a large extent. He called upon officers to chalk out strategy for ensuring adequate water supply to every locality of the city during the summer season. The Minister said that drinking water being most essential commodity for human life has been given due consideration in Prime Minister’s package as well and various projects particularly for water stress areas are in pipeline. He however, called for conducting proper survey before formulating projects for water supply schemes. Chief Engineers, PHE, Irrigation and Ravi Tawi were present in the meeting. |
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Raju takes over as ADG Headquarters Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Apr 25: Mr. R. V. Raju took over as Additional Director General of Police Headquarters today at a function held here at PHQ. Mr. Raju is an IPS officer of 1975 batch of Jammu and Kashmir cadre. He has served the State Police in various capacities including SSP Jammu, DIG Anantnag, IG Jammu Zone and Crime and Railways, Director Sher-i-Kashmir Police Academy, OSD Police Headquarter and recently as Vigilance Commissioner J&K. He has also held important assignments during his central deputation. These include Joint Director, Central Bureau of Investigation. Earlier, Mr Raju was received at the Police Headquarters (PHQ) by IG Headquarters, K. Rajindra Kumar and other senior officers of Police Department. Mr. Raju had a detailed interaction with the officers and staff of PHQ about its functioning. |
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SMC employees to observe strike today Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Apr 25: Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) employees have decided to observe strike tomorrow against alleged anti-employee policies of the Corporation hierarchy. However, the SMC Mayor rejected the allegations saying "vested interests" were trying to scuttle smooth functioning of the Corporation. In a first meeting of councilors after the civic body polls were held in February, the councilors of the SMC discussed creation of second works division and proposal for new administrative wards and subsequent posting of field staff. Headed by the SMC Mayor Ghulam Mustafa Bhat, all councilors in one voice deferred the proposal for new administrative wards and subsequent posting of field staff to next meeting while the creation of second works division was unanimously approved. As the councilors came out of the meeting room late this afternoon, employees of the SMC headed by Haji Bashir Ahmed started chanting slogans against the decision of deferring the proposal for new administrative wards. They also raised slogans against the mayor and councilors while alleging that they had deliberately put the proposal in back burner. Condemning the "anti-employee" policies of the Corporation hierarchy, Haji Bashir announced that all the SMC employees would observe complete strike on Tuesday. "We are going on strike Tuesday. Central office, Municipal transport and sanitation, ward offices and all other activities will remain suspended for all the day on Tuesday. Later in the day, in coordination with trade union leaders from the Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC) future course of action would be decided," Haji Bashir told the EXCELSIOR. He also alleged that the councilors created a scene in the SMC compound with bursting crackers. "Seeing a good number of employees protesting against the anti-employees policies, councilors fired crackers to outwit us. The SMC Mayor rejected the protest and proposed strike as "unjustified". "As we came out of the meeting hall, employees led by Mr Bashir were raising slogans. I believe they have no justified reasons for going on strike," Mr Bhat told the EXCELSIOR. He asserted that the proposal for new administrative wards was deferred after a consensus among all councilors. "With one voice the agenda was deferred," he pointed out while emphasisng that nothing as such was against employees. He clarified that since it was first meeting of the Corporation, some councilors got emotionally surcharged and fired crackers. "There was no scene created." |
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‘Illegal’
construction of Jehlum Resorts Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 25: In a case of alleged illegal construction of Hotel Jehlum Resorts, Justice VK Jhanji of the State High Court has directed Vice Chairman Jammu Development Authority (JDA) to take immediate steps in stopping further construction on this hotel. The JDA Vice Chairman has been also asked to take the assistance of the Police for filing the status report. This order was passed on a writ petition seeking demolition of the construction illegally raised upon the land for construction of Hotel Jehlum Resorts. According to the petitioner, this prime land, measuring 10 kanals, was allotted to one Mushtaq Ahmad without issuance of auction notice and the land was allotted at throw-away prices and that too at the prime location. It was alleged that the land, over which the structure has been raised, was handed over to Mushtaq Ahmad by underhand means and possibility of huge amount of money having exchanged hands cannot be ruled out. It was alleged in the petition that the building permission was originally granted for running the guest house in the residential area. But the private respondents erected the building for the purpose only for hotel cum restaurant, but paid the building permission fee for guest house. During constructions, however, while using his influence, he ( petitioner) changed the nature of the construction and covered much more area than the permitted out. After governing excess area, the respondent left practically no side backs, front or back and changed the land from residential to commercial area by flouting laws. The petitioner submitted before the Court that the respondents have committed all sorts of illegalities and violated laws and rules only to accommodate private respondent by ‘allowing’ raising of building, grant of licences for running bar and hotel etc. He pleaded for stopping the same at the earliest with the direction to the respondents to use the land for the purpose of establishment of Green Belt Park for which it was originally earmrked. |
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Installation of power meters in full swing Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 25: The Power Development Department is supplying power without curtailment to the areas where 100 percent static energy meters have been installed. According to Superintending Engineer, recently metering of consumers installations on RC-3 & N-7 feeders of Electronic M & RE Sub-Division Gandhinagar has been completed and power to the areas is being supplied without curtailment. The Power Development Department is going to under take the process of metering in a big way in Jammu. All the consumers have been asked to co-operate with the department in getting their installations metered. These meters are being installed free of cost. |
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DD’s 5-day
theatre festival begins Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 25: Complimenting Doordarshan for showcasing rich culture of Jammu and Kashmir in Duggar land, Governor Lt. Gen (Retd) S K Sinha today announced that a Suffiana music festival will be held in Srinagar this summer. Inaugurating Doordarshan Srinagar’s first theatre festival at Abhinav theatre here this evening, the Governor said that he had taken it up with the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, who has welcomed the idea. He said reputed Suffiana artists of the country would participate in the festival. Referring to the film festival organized by Doordarshan in Srinagar last year, General Sinha noted with satisfaction about its plans to organize various cultural events on a much bigger scale in the Valley in coming months. He said the State has a glorious past and a rich cultural heritage that makes it unique in the country. Jammu and Kashmir is more diverse than the country, which has a distinct place in the world for being a land of the people having diverse culture and religion. ‘Unity in diversity is the real strength of the country and the state’, he added. The Governor hoped that the theatre festival would not only provide entertainment but the audience will go enriched after witnessing the art. He made a specific mention of Bashir Budgami’s Habba Khatoon and said that during his stint in Gurez, he would quite frequently listen about her in the lap of mesmerizing Habakhatoon hillock. Director Doordarshan, Srinagar, Ms Shehzadi Simon said that a sincere effort is being made to revive the cultural ethos of the state. She said the Rish and Sufi cult has always stood for love and brotherhood and shown the path of tolerance and harmony in the society. Ms Simon said that after successful film festival last year, Doordarshan has embarked upon the Theatre festival to provide greater exposure to artists. She announced that of the seven plays planned for the festival, five will be competitive and two non-competitive. She said to rejuvenate the retarding theatre movement of the State and give a boost to its exponents, such a festival has been planned at Jammu and Srinagar every year. Doordarshan, Srinagar feels that such theatre festivals would not only provide platform to the creative individuals but also ensure excellence of talent, she added. Earlier, famous filmmaker Bashir Budgami presented a souvenir on the theatre festival to the Governor. General Sinha honoured famous stage artists and director Mr Kavi Rattan Sharma. The competitive plays presented include Nachangi Saari Raat in Punjabi, Media in Hindustani, Hatya Ek Aakar, Ek Tha Gadha, Sainyan Bhaye Kotwal besides Aale in com-competitive segment. |
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Peace process will result in positive outcome: Peerzada Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 25: Pradesh Congress chief Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed has said that with positive outcome of ongoing peace process, the Union Government has major thrust to the all sound development of the State for the over all progress and prosperity of the suffering people of Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a day-long convention of prominent Congress workers of Udhampur district here today, Mr Sayeed said that the Union Government has come up in a big way to help the State to re-construct the suffering economy of the State. He said the annual plan for this year has been enhanced from Rs 2000 crore to over Rs 4200 crore, while referring to Rs 24000 crore re-construction plan announced by Prime Minister recently. The PCC chief said that long overdue dream of the people of Udhampur for train service has been fulfilled which will give a major boost to the trade, tourism and economy of this area. He said the railway line to Qazigund is planned to be completed by the end of 2007, which will result into great benefit to the people of the entire State, especially the Kashmir valley. Exhorting the party men to gear up for the forthcoming Panchayat elections, he urged the people to elect honest and genuine representatives who can deliver goods to them and ensure proper implementation of development works and welfare schemes at the grass root level. The honest representatives would be watch-dog of the interests of common people and check menace of corruption at the lower level, he added. Mr Sayeed asked partymen to follow party discipline, as any act of indiscipline at any level would be viewed seriously, since the party interests are bigger than anything else. The PCC vice president and former Minister Yash Pal Khajuria, in his address, thanked the Union Government for starting train service from Udhampur which has extended great facility to the people beside will give boost to the economy. He said the people have great expectations from the Congress party which is a major partner in the present coalition and urged for meeting the aspirations of the common people of all religions, especially the areas which were ignored by the previous regime. Besides office-bearers of the district and different block units of the party, Minister of State for Tourism, Jugal Kishore Sharma, Minister of State for Agriculture, Ayub Khan, PCC general secretary, Geeta Devi, DCC president B S Pathania, Krishan Bhagat, Brij Mohan Sharma, Annayat-ullah Rather, Municipal councillors, leaders of front organisations of Youth Congress addressed the gathering. |
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Suman lauds Dr Ambedkar's role in upliftment of society Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 25: In connection with birthday celebrations of Dr B R Ambedkar, organised by Ambedkar Mission Society as Ekta Divas the Minister for health and Medical Education, Suman Bhagat while speaking on the occasion said that Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar- the Architect of Indian Constitution- was born in a poor family in Maharashtra, faced challenges of life with fortitude and courage and become the Masseaha of downtrodden sections of the society. She appealed to the people especially belonging to the weaker sections of the society to educate their children so that they are able to fight for their rights provided by the constitution of India. She said Dr. Ambedkar was not against high-class society but against the suppression of weaker sections. She said that democracy without social justice is incomplete and we must strive for maintaining social order. Mrs Bhagat said that significant headway has been made in providing opportunities of progress to weaker sections of the society but much is still required to be done. "Real tributes to Bharat Ratna Ambedkarji will be to follow the teachings of great freedom fighter", she said and stressed the people to work for strengthening the bonds of brotherhood between various communities and sections of the society, which will be an appropriate tribute to the great leader. Later, momentos were also presented to the Minister as well as the social workers of the area. A number of deputations met the Minister and putforth their demands, which were listened patiently with the assurance to mitigate the same at an appropriate time. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 25: The Georgians, students of the five military schools held a get together which was marked by a lot of back slapping , calling of nicknames and bonhomie at Usman Institute today. Among the popular public schools of India, the five military schools are the major contributors for the officer cadre of the Indian Armed Forces. Originally known as King George Schools, the five schools located at Bangalore, Belgaum, Chail, Ajmer and Dholpur are spread over the entire country to enable easy accessibility. The 70 percent of the students of the military schools are the wards of the armed forces personnel and mostly opt for the services as their first preference. The students of the schools have excelled in all fields especially the profession of arms. Lt Gen. Hari Prasad, Army Commander, Northern Command who recently has been awarded Uttam Yudh Seva Medal also attended the function along with his wife Mrs Lakshmi Hari Prasad. Other alumni of the school who graced the occasion include Maj Gen B S Jamwal, GOC Akhnoor Division and 92 year old Shayam Lal Mathur who was Lt. Gen. Hari Prasad’s House Master in Bangalore way back in early fifties. Among its many achievements the School boasts of a Param Vir Chakra winner, Maj R S Salaria receiving the honour posthumously. Capt. Sajjan Singh Malik is the latest martyr of the School who was awarded the Mahavir Chakra posthumously on January 16, 2005. The contribution of the military schools in providing heroes for the cause of nation is unmatched by any other school in India. The Georgians presently hold the rank of Lt. Gen in the Armed Forces and the schools have the honour of having two of six army commanders from their ranks. Georgians in large numbers from Amritsar, Jallandhar and Chandigarh attended the function. In his address Lt. Gen Hari Prasad exhorted the Georgians to continue with the yeoman service of contributing to nation building. Over 150 ex-students with their families recounted the nostalgic memories of their school days. |
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Governor, others condole
deaths Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 25: Bodies of Vishal Shastri and Ashok Sharma, head priest and priest, respectively of Shri Raghunath Ji Temple, who died in a tragic road accident yesterday, were cremated here today. The bodies were consigned to flames amidst chanting of Vedic Mantras at Jogi Gate cremation ground. People from all walks of life attended the last rites. The temple management has suspended the main Aarti at the Raghunath temple for the next eleven days. Meanwhile, Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha today expressed grief over the tragic death of Vishal Shastri and others in road accident. Expressing his grief over the deaths, Mr Sinha conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for peace to the departed souls. To condole the sad demise of priests Vishal Shastri and Ashok Kumar, an emergency meeting of the office bearers of Dogra Brahmin Pratinidhi Sabha was held under the chairmanship of Dr Dwarka Nath Shastri. The meet termed the death of Vishal Shastri as great loss to Brahmin community and prayed to the Almighty for peace to the departed souls. The Chairman Trustee, J&K Dharmarth Trust, Dr Karan Singh and Trustees Vikramditya Singh and Ajatshatru Singh, also expressed deep shock and grief over the sad and untimely demise of the temple priests. Ajatshatru Singh, accompanied by president of the Trust, Th Divakar Singh and secretary, personally visited the residence of Vishal Shastri and expressed sympathy with the bereaved family. A condolence meeting of J&K Dharmarth Trust was also held under the chairmanship of Th Divakar Singh. The meeting, which was attended by the Trust secretary Vijay Gandotra, staff and priests of all the temples, managed by the Trust, observed a two minute silence for peace to the departed souls. To mourn the death, the offices of the Dharmarth Trust at Jammu, Varanasi, Haridwar, Srinagar and Himachal Pradesh and educations institutions of the Trust, also remained closed today. |
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Theft in
MoS’ Home also worked out Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 25: Police has busted three gangs of two-wheeler lifters and arrested eight of their members. Nine motorcycles and six scooters have been recovered from their possession. With their arrest, case of theft of gold and diamond ornaments from the house of a Minister of State has also been worked out. This was disclosed by outgoing SSP Jammu Dr Kamal Saini while addressing a press conference here this afternoon. "These gangs were busted when Balbir Kumar alias Mungli, son of Chajju Ram of Raipur Satwari was apprehended by police in one of the theft cases", the SSP said. Balbir Kumar was operating in different areas of Jammu and after stealing two-wheelers, he used to sell them to one Kala Ram, son of Baku Ram of Khandwal at Raipur Satwari where he is running a scooter repair shop. On the disclosure of Balbir Kumar, Kala Ram was arrested and six stolen scooters were recovered from their possession, the SSP said and added that the interrogation of both was going on and more recoveries were expected. Another gang was busted with the arrest of Amit Sharma alias Chutu, son of Prem Chand of Gho Manhasa, who was mostly operating in Gandhi Nagar area. His questioning revealed that he was selling the stolen motorcycles to Randeep Singh, alias Kala, son of Sham Singh of Pallanwalla, who was also apprehended by the police. On this disclosure, four stolen motorcycles were recovered. About the third gang, the SSP said that on the disclosure of arrested member of this gang—Rajeshwar Singh alias Sanju, son of Arjun Singh of Kunjwani, one motorcycle alongwith a sharp edged weapon was recovered. During interrogation, Rajeshwar admitted involvement in theft of several motorcycle and cars. He also disclosed names of more criminals, who were subsequently nabbed by the police. With the arrest of three more two wheeler lifts, three more motorcycles were recovered alongwith three sharp edged weapons. One stolen mobile was also recovered from them. They have been identified as Naresh Kumar alias Dana, son of Parshotam Lal of Subash Nagar, Rahil Verma alias Rikhi, son of Kamal of Mower Mastgarh Jammu and Kuldip Singh alias Punjabi, son of Bachan Singh of Nanak Nagar. The SSP disclosed that a theft, who had stolen gold and diamond ornaments worth Rs 1.65 lakh from the house of MoS Majid Wani has also been arrested by the police. The thieft has been identified as Riaz Ahmed, son of Bashir Ahmed of Majalta. Recovery has also been made from his possession. To a question, Saini said that some reputed jewellers of the Jammu city were purchasing the stolen gold ornaments from the thieves and after the full recovery action under law would be taken against them too. The gangs were busted by police teams headed by DySP Pritam Singh, Inspector Ram Saroop, SHO Nowabad Gian Chand Sharma, SHO Gandhi Nagar Diwakar Singh and Incharge Police Post Talab Tillo SI Rajinder Sharma. |
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Hurriyat to talk to Kashmiri Pandit outfits Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 25: Asserting that it was keen on return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley, the Hurriyat Conference today said it will invite representatives of the displaced community next month to discuss the issue. A meeting of the representatives of Kashmiri Pandits from Jammu and other parts of the country would be held in Srinagar in the second half of next month with the Kashmiri leadership of APHC where threadbare discussions are scheduled on the issue of return of Kashmiri Pandits, president of J&K Freedom Party Syed Salim Geelani told reporters here. "Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits and present Kashmiri leadership is trying to fill this gap," Geelani, incharge of public relations wing of the moderate faction of the Hurriyat led by Mirwaiz Omar Farooq, said. Geelani has been touring different areas of Jammu and interacting with Pandit representatives. "As Kashmiri Muslims miss their Pandit brethren in the Valley on every occasion, so do Pandits feel nostalgic about their motherland," he said. However, Geelani said, the demand for separate homeland by a few Pandit organisations is not a solution. "Homeland should be in the hearts and minds of Muslims in Valley for their Pandit brethren," he said. Welcoming the recent Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) taken by India and Pakistan, Geelani said they are expected to bring peace and prosperity for the people of south Asia. He, however, urged the leadership of both the countries to take steps to help find a viable and amicable solution of Kashmir imbroglio by taking into confidence the genuine leadership of J&K. "Muslims of Kashmir do understand the sufferings of Pandit community but they must also understand the problems being faced by their Muslim brethren in last over 16 years of turmoil," the DFP leader said. On the bus service between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad, Geelani said "the opening of this road is not enough, there is a need to open other roads connecting the divided people of both parts of the Kashmir. Alleging that some politicians were trying to take political mileage out of the recent steps, the DFP chief also urged the leaders of India and Pakistan to take the genuine leadership of Jammu and Kashmir into confidence for finding a lasting solution to Kashmir problem. He also urged the people of the State to remain vigilant against forces which were bent on dividing the State. "Such tendencies were the result of regional discrimination by the Governments that ruled the State and these need to be discouraged," he said. Dialogue process initiated by APHC with the leaders of different regions is aimed at finding a Common Minimum Programme for an amicable solution to Jammu and Kashmir issue so that people can live with dignity in the State, Geelani said. |
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Truck smuggling 142 boxes of liquor seized, one held Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Apr 25: Sleuths of District Special Branch of Police seized a truck being used for smuggling 142 boxes of Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL) and arrested one person in this connection. A police spokesman said that the truck bearing registration No. JK02E/2750 crossed the border from Berhi-Pattan area of river Ravi near Nagri-Parole and proceeded towards Jammu avoiding entry from Lakhanpur check post. The District special branch of Kathua police in a tip off flashed a message to Hiranagar police and chased the truck later, it was intercepted at Jatwal check post near Samba. The driver Naresh Kumar was arrested and the vehicle was seized. The spokesman said that the truck also managed to cross an Excise check post on Nagri parole road and also a few nakas and was later intercepted at Jatwal. The consignment had been loaded at Pathankot and it was destined for Gandhinagar, Jammu. The police said that driver despite interrogation has not disclosed the name of the firm to which this consignment of different brands was to be delivered. The driver disclosed that he was told to reach Gole Market Gandhinagar where the owner will contact himself. The police has registered a case in this connection and investigation has been launched. The Excise and Taxation department authorities have also taken the cognizance. |
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Prof Gupta accuses Govt of taking unplanned steps Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 25: Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, former Union MoS and senior BJP leader has accused the Governments at State and Central level of weakening the Indian position in Jammu and Kashmir and held that in the euphoria generated in peace process with Pakistan certain unplanned steps were being taken which were likely to harm the national interests. Addressing a series of workers meetings at Tikkri, Jib and other places in Udhampur district Prof Gupta said that the manner in which permit system has been adopted for entry of Pakistanis to this State has eroded not only the authority of India over this integral part of the country but Pakistan has also been put on equal footings. While lashing out at the coalition Government, especially the Congress, Prof Gupta alleged that its leaders were playing politics of deceit and always cheating the people. He said since the UPA Government came into power all the developmental works started by NDA Government have come to a grinding halt for the reasons best known to the rulers of today. Prof Gupta emphasized upon party activists to gear up for struggle against the wrongs of Congress and its allies to protect the national interests as also the interests of the people. Others who addressed the meetings included veteran BJP leader Shiv Charan Gupta, Chajju Ram Sharma and Pawan Kumar. |
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Janata Dal United submits memorandum to Governor Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 25: Pradesh Janata Dal (United) has condemned the conspiracy hatched by the UPA Government at the Centre to implicate NDA convenor and former Defence Minister George Fernandes in false cases. In a memorandum submitted to the President of India through J&K Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha, the JD-U has termed the developments against George Fernandes as a part of Congress game plan to implicate him in false cases. After Justice Phukan Commission, appointed to hold inquiry into 15 defence deals against former Defence Minister, has cleared him of the charges the Congress led UPA Government was hell bent to frame him in the scheme of things. The JD-U held that Congress was facing serious embarrassment over Justice Phukan Commission report clearing George Fernandes of all the allegations in relation to defence deals. The JD-U said the fountainhead of all these conspiracies is Mrs Sonia Gandhi, the chairperson of UPA, and described all exercises against George Fernandes as on considerations of political vendetta. Others who accompanied State president of JD-U Sanjesh Gupta included A K Kharu, Yogesh Sharma, Girdhari Lal, Rahat Hussain, Rakesh Pardesi, Syed Mohd Shafi, Rasool Wani, Ghulam Mohd Mir, Kanta Ji etc. |
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| JKPCC Board approves modernization
of brick, tile factory Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 25 : As many as 465 construction projects are under execution with JKPCC at a total cost of Rs. 1303.88 crore in the State. This was disclosed in the 78th meeting of Board of Directors held here today. The Minister of State for Works G. A. Mir who is also chairman of the board presided over. Among others Commissioner Secretary Planning, Mohammad Iqbal Khanday, Commissioner Secretary Works, N. R. Gupta, Managing Director, JKPCC, Nowshahre, Chief Engineer R&B, Jammu, A. K. Arora and Chief Engineer R&B, Kashmir, F. A. Bakshi also attended the meeting. The Board approved the renovation and modernization of brick and tile factory at Pampore costing Rs. 2.2 crore and authorized the Managing Director JKPCC to take necessary measures for the same in a phased manner. This step has been to enable the corporation to utilize its own manufactured bricks and tiles for various works. The Minister stressed that the outstanding amount of the corporation with various Government departments should be recovered on priority. He further said that the matter of creating revolving fund of Rs. 5 crore as working capital for JKPCC will be taken up with Chief Minister. Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 25: Amateur Theatre Group is staging Euripidie’s "Media", a Hindi play tomorrow, second day of on-going Doordarshan Srinagar’s Theatre Festival 2005. "Media" is an ancient tragedy written by Euripides in 461 BC and is representative of female victimization and male authoritarianism. Besides highlighting socio-linguistic distinctions between men and women, the play raises many questions on civilization, ethics and morality. As per plot of the play Media and her son are expatriated and after initial typical feminine reaction of being confined to four walls of her room, she comes out and addresses the women of the area. The huge research work and rigorous rehearsal sessions of the team comprising more than 20 artists would be a delight to watch. Backed by excellent make ups, sound and light and with Gurmeet Batra, R K Bhatt and Himanshu playing ther central characters, the play has all the ingredients to leave a lasting imprint on the heart of the spectators. Nursing staff plays key role in serving mankind: Suman Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 25: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Suman Bhagat stressed the need for further strengthening the Health and Medical Care centres in the state to serve the humanity. She said that the role of nursing staff is of utmost importance for speedy recovery of patients. This was stated by the Minister while distributing stipend to 200 trainees belonging to GNM and Female Multi purpose workers at a function organized by the AMT School, Jammu here today. She said that the purpose of providing stipend of Rs. 400 per month is to encourage the trainees especially those belonging to remote areas and weaker sections of the society. She directed the Principal AMT School, Jammu to furnish the list of eight efficient nurses who may be sent to Kerala Medical Institutes for specialized training to excel their professional efficiency. The Minister said that the trainees have been performing their additional duties in taking care of the patients in Government hospitals, which will help in meeting the shortage of nursing staff and also provide them opportunity of gaining practical experience. She said that the centre has sanctioned Rs. 1.50 crore for starting B.Sc nursing course in the State, which will be taken up shortly. She asked the Director Health and Family Welfare to prepare a list of overstayed and attached doctors so that the vacant health institutions are equipped with required staff. Besides, Director, Health and Medical Education Dr. Jasbir Singh, Director Project RCH, Dr. Rakesh Khajuria, Medical Superintendent, Dr. Manoj Chalotra, CMO Dr. G. D. Bhagat, Principal AMT School, Mrs. Madhu Khullar, Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr. Satish, Dental Superintendent Dr. Mohan Singh were also present on the occasion. Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 25: A permanent Lok Adalat was held in the District Court Complex, Janipur Jammu today under the Chairmanship of Vinod Gupta, Chairman District Legal Services Authority, Principal District & Sessions Judge, Jammu and constituted two benches. Bench No. 1 was headed by Mr Vinod Gupta, Chairman District Legal Services Authority, Principal District & Sessions Judge, Jammu assisted by Mr Bansi Lal Bhat, Special Judge Anticorruption, Jammu and Miss Sudesh Warikoo, Ist Additional District Judge (Bank Cases) Jammu to deal with Matrimonial & MACT cases. Out of 12 cases of Matrimonial were taken up and six cases were settled and MACT cases were not taken up due to the non-availability of representative of Insurance Co. The said cases were settled through conciliation mediation and negotiation. Bench No. 2 was headed by Mr Mohan Singh Parihar, Special Excise Mobile Magistrate Jammu assisted by Mr Ashwani Kumar Sharma Ist Additional Munsiff (Forest Magistrate) Jammu, to deal with Municipal Court cases to be taken up in the Lok Adalat. Out of 80 Municipal Court cases, 47 were settled and a fine of Rs. 4580 was realized on spot. Advocates, litigants and students of Law Department of Jammu University alongwith Professor B. S Jamwal also participated in it. The next Lok Adalat would to be held at Jammu on May 5, 2005. Border areas require
priority attention for Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 25: To make the living conditions of the village folks at par with the towns and cities, the present government has taken number of measures in this direction. Many villages are being developed as model villages equipped with modern facilities like community halls, circular roads, children parks, concrete lanes and drains, street lights, modern sanitary units, libraries, computer labs etc. This was stated by Speaker of Legislative Assembly, Tara Chand in a public meeting at village Bakore in Khour block here today. Addressing a gathering, the Speaker said that being the representative of the area, his efforts would be to arrange facilities for the people so that this border constituency could be made a model segment. He said this could be possible only with the sincere cooperation of the people. Mr. Tara Chand assured that all possible facilities for rehabilitation of border migrants would be arranged soon. Expressing satisfaction over the on-going development works under Rehabilitation Programme in Khour block he said that he will leave no stone unturned unless all the people are properly settled so that they could start their routine activities in their areas. He assured the people, whose fields are located across the ditch, that fields would soon be got tractorized through Army authorities under Sadhbhavna programme and made it cultivable and handed over to owners. Speaking at another public meeting at village Dhounchak, the Speaker said that the Panchayat elections are scheduled to be held soon and people should actively participate in these elections and choose genuine representatives keeping in view their credentials who can come upto their expectations. Various deputations of people also called on the Speaker and apprised him of the problems confronted by them that include upgradation of schools, augmentation of power and water supply, construction of lanes, roads etc. The Speaker issued on the spot instructions to the concerned officers accompanied him to mitigate the problems of the people at the earliest. Those who spoke on the occasion include Thakur Puran Singh, Mr. Suram Singh, Mr. Sardari Lal and other prominent local leaders. ADC administers oath to Rajinder Singh as Chairman MC Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Apr 25: Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kathua administered the oath of office to Rajinder Singh Babbi as Chairman Municipal Council, Kathua at a simple but impressive function here today. Member Parliament Ch Lal Singh was the chief guest while MLA, Basohli Kanta Singh, District Development Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, Executive Engineers of various departments, officers, president municipal committee, Lakhanpur, newly elected municipal councilors, prominent citizens of Kathua town were present. Speaking on the occasion, Ch Lal Singh appealed the newly elected councilors to give up party politics and work together for the over development and asked the chairman of the council to prepare plans for the beautification of the area. Mr Singh announced Rs.25 lakh from his LAD fund for the development of the town. MLA, Basohli who spoke on the occasion assured the chairman for full cooperation for implementation of various schemes launched for the beautification of Kathua town. Non camp migrants highlight problems Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 25: A general body meeting of non camp migrants living in different parts of Jammu was held at Old Janipur today under the presidentship of Kashi Nath Bhat in which various problems being faced by the displaced people were discussed. Highlighting the problems A K Koul, general secretary of the Association alleged that stepmotherly treatment was given to migrants by the State Government which has compounded their problems. He demanded that Kashmiri migrants leading an exiled life since 1990 be given the displaced status. He said the Association delegation also brought various demands in the notice of the Chief Minister and it expressed the hope that all steps will be taken to redress our grievances by the Government. The Association is demanding jobs for unemployed youth of the community, providing of accommodation to non camp migrants, free ration and medical facilities to migrant employees, free medicare facilities to non camp migrants, promotional benefits to migrant employees, release of HRA and CCA,enhancement of cash relief, compensation to land owners, orchardists on account of loss of crops suffered by them, interest free loans to traders, merit cum poverty scholarships to displaced students and establishment of 10+2 camp schools in Kashmir dominated areas. Accounts employees defer strike Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 25: Accounts Employees Co-ordination Committee (J&K) in a meeting held here today discussed the future strategy for taking up their issue of long pending demands with the Government. During the discussion the committee members including representatives from Jammu, Kashmir and Secretariat condemned the authorities for not conceding the demands of Accounts employees despite repeated requests and strikes. The demands included release of Central pay scales with declaration of AAOs as Gazetted , implementation of SRO 210 of 1994 , removal of increment bar of Accounts Assistant, clearance of all pending promotions, the promotion of Class IV staff of Finance Department, grant of key allowances and enhancement of deputation allowances in favour of Government cashiers. In view of the problems being faced by the general public and activities of ensuing Darbar move, it was unanimously decided in the meeting to defer the proposed strike programme of Jammu Kashmir Accounts Employees Coordination Committee till the reopening of move offices in Srinagar. State vigilance organisation arrests Accounts Officer Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 25: State Vigilance Organisation has arrested Accounts Officer red-handed while accepting bribe amounting to Rs 5,000. A spokesman of the Vigilance Organisation said that a retired Executive Engineer Mushtaq Ahmed Bhat lodged a complaint that DDO of PDD Chief Engineer, Kashmir was demanding bribe to process his pension case. On this, a trap was laid by the SVO and Accounts Officer Mohammed Ahmed Qadri was caught red-handed while accepting bribe amounting to Rs 5000 from the complainant for the process of his pension papers. It is pertinent to mention here that the Chief Engineer had cleared the pension file of the complainant on January 2005 but the accused officer was delaying the process for want of bribe. A case under Section 5(2) Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered in this regard and further investigations were on. Mahavira Mahatma award given to LD Shastri Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 25: Mahavira Mahatma award 2005 was given by the Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Ghulam Hassan Mir to L D Shastri, an educationist and social worker, at a function held at Abhinav Theatre, here last evening. The Times Foundation has instituted this award at the all India level and is awarded to different institutions and individual in various parts of the country. The vision of this award is to promote the concept of global oneness. For the first time this award was also introduced and Prabha Jain, an educationist, was appointed as J&K State Co-ordinator for this award 20005. Mr Shastri was selected for the award. Present at the function were Minister of State for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Manjit Singh; president, Atam Vallabh Jain Sabha, Sudershan Kumar Jain; president, S S Jain Sabha, Raj Kumar Jain; president, S M Jain Higher Secondary School, Mr Vir Kumar Jain; chairman, New Era Environment High School, Dr D K Jain; Pramod Jain, IAS and a number of prominent citizens. BJP for inclusion of Jammuites,
KPs, Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 25: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today made it clear that no solution was possible to Kashmir issue till the sentiments of people of Jammu, Ladakh, Kashmiri Pandits, Gujjars and Pahari people are taken into consideration. Addressing a press conference here today, Party state chief Dr Nirmal Singh said that for restoration of everlasting peace in the State, the inclusion of these people and refugees of 1947 in the ongoing dialogue process is must. Dr Singh who was invited by PUGWASH, an NGO to participate in its meeting at Srinagar on April 23 to frame the agenda for its next inter Kashmir dialogue, said that "I made it clear to the organisers that the peace process was initiated by Atal Bihari Vajpayee with his Lahore bus yatra and since then people to people contacts emerged as one of the most important CBMs." He said though peace process carried forward by the UPA Government has many flaws still in principle ‘we welcome it’. The Uri-Muzaffarabad bus service was conceived during NDA’s regime and "we demanded that similar steps be taken to connect Poonch with other side, open Suchetgarh, Sialkote and Kargil, Askardo roads to establish links between the two countries". He, however, said the move to allow everybody from Pakistan to come to Jammu and Kashmir on simple entry permit is fraught with dangerous ramifications and this has weakened India’s position on J&K. He said "I also made it clear in the meeting that there was no fun of people to people dialogue if the refugees are not included in it". Demanding scrapping of Resettlement Act, he said the recent statement of a POK lady making claim over her left over property is a serious issue and before such thing comes in open, the Government should scrap the Resettlement Act. Dr Singh said if Congress is really honest in its approach, it should serve an ultimatum to Government in this regard. He alleged that the political setup in J&K since 1947 remained biased towards other regions and in favour of Kashmir due to which people of the other regions suffered a lot. He said those who were making tall claims about Kashmiriyat have to prove themselves as the best example of Kashmiriyat lies in Jammu which besides lakhs of Kashmiri Pandits gave refugee to thousands of Muslims who were forced to flee from their homes and hearths due to terrorist violence. Doordarshan repays its debt to theatre By Ravinder Kaul During the initial years of television in India, it was customary for all theatre persons to hold Doordarshan responsible for all their woes. Be it the dwindling audiences, the vanishing artistes, the depleting finances, all troubles affecting theatre were attributed to Doordarshan. All this was not without reason. Most of the people who joined Doordarshan, at least in the initial years, had their roots in theatre. They gave up theatre in search of a new idiom for creative expression. Most of them never returned to theatre. Years have passed and the world has moved on. Theatre is fast regaining its lost ground and audiences are returning to the proscenium. The artistes have also realised that it makes good sense to earn their livelihood from television in order to continue with their love affair with theatre. It is a win win situation for all concerned. In this backdrop in comes Doordarshan Kendra, Srinagar with a novel idea of organising a Theatre Festival. It is a laudable effort to return the debt that television owes to theatre. That it is happening in the State of Jammu & Kashmir for the first time in India is a matter of great pride for all concerned. One only hopes that this trend catches on and such Festivals are repeated all over the country on an annual basis. The Theatre Festival 2005 being organised by Doordarshan Kendra, Srinagar at Abhinav Theatre got underway here today with presentation of the Dogri play Suno Eh Kahani by well known theatre group Natrang. The play is based on the discriminatory treatment meted out in our society to the girl child. The aborting of the female foetus, denial of education to the female child and their early marriage formed the focus of the effortless performance by the artistes of the group. Written and directed by Balwant Thakur, the play has already been performed all over the State and is a powerful indictment of our society’s discriminatory treatment towards the female child. The second play of the Festival Nachangi Saari Raat presented by Balraj Sahni Punjabi Rangmanch in Punjabi language is the story of the neglect that our elders face in our families. Given a chance and a sympathetic shoulder, the elders can, once again, find their lost charm in life, the play concludes. Written and directed by Kirpal Singh Kasali, the play explores the depths of relationships in a lighter vein. The Drama Festival, will continue till April 29 and five more plays that will be performed in it include Medea, Hatya Ek Aakar Ki, Ek Tha Gadha, Saiyan Bhaye Kotwal and Aale. It is going to be a real treat which must be savoured by all theatre lovers of the city. |
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