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| Mufti asks expatriate Kashmiris to help in reconstructing J&K Excelsior Special Correspondent London, Feb 9: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has said the turnaround in the situation has made Jammu and Kashmir investment friendly and expatriate Kashmiris should come forward and play their role in the reconstruction of the State....more Karan
Singh appeals Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Feb 9: Dr Karan Singh, MP (RS) and a senior Congress leader has issued a statement on the civic elections in Jammu and Kashmir and appealed the voters in his " old Parliamentary........more IAF
launches operations Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 9: With the blockade of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway due to heavy snowfall and avalanches, the Indian Air Force........more Blockade
of highway Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 9: Expressing his profound grief and shock over the death of ITBP jawans and injured due to the onslaught of avalanches........more Lawyers
lock Court Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 9: Work was paralysed at Jammu courts today as advocates, who continued their stir for the third day, locked up the gates.......more |
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Power
distribution From Shafaat Ahmed Kira SRINAGAR, Feb 9: Snowfall in the Kashmir valley has always been making news. If it comes in lesser quantity the farming community starts to worry, as they fear non-availability of water during the farming season. But, if the snow-Gods smile an extra bit-it again brings worry on the faces of a common man...............more Power
supply restored Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 9: The Power supply has been restored in major areas of the valley which was affected due to damage in 220 KV double circuit Kishenpore-Pampore Transmission line near Jawahar tunnel........more CAs
organise Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 9: Jammu and Kashmir Branch of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India today organised a seminar on ‘Company Affairs and Trusts’........more Khurana
asks BJP activists Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Feb 9: Election campaign by Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) candidates in Udhampur Municipal Council today gained momentum with the visit of senior party leader and former Governor of Rajasthan, Madan Lal Khurana to the town.......more |
Mufti asks expatriate Kashmiris to help Excelsior Special Correspondent London, Feb 9: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has said the turnaround in the situation has made Jammu and Kashmir investment friendly and expatriate Kashmiris should come forward and play their role in the reconstruction of the State. Mufti Sayeed who arrived here on a three day visit, met a cross section of Kashmiris settled in England and discussed investment in Jammu and Kashmir. He also met with top executives of some multinationals. The Chief Minister, accompanied by Ms Mehbooba Mufti, MP, is here to interact with expatriate Kashmiris and persuade them to invest in the State for its rapid economic development. The Tuesday’s meeting was attended among others by doctors, engineers and business executives of Kashmiri origin. They discussed some concrete proposals of investment in sectors like health, agriculture, horticulture, education, tourism, power and finance. The Chief Minister briefed the participants about the improvement in the situation in Jammu and Kashmir especially in the Valley and said that during the last over two years things have brightened up and people are feeling more secured than before. Referring to the people’s stake in peace, Mufti Sayeed said their involvement in the process is not restricted to a particular level but encompasses the entire populace. He said the recent parliamentary elections, by-polls for the State Assembly and the ongoing civic polls have amply exhibited this and show the people’s increased faith in democratic process. The Chief Minister said the improvement in the relationship between India and Pakistan has made positive impact on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and he is hopeful that it would improve further. He said Kashmir has now become a round-the-year destination compared to the earlier times when it was a place known for summer tourism only. He said Gulmarg has been transformed into an international destination where tourists flock throughout the year. Unfolding his government’s policy to develop horticulture, floriculture, power, education and health sectors, the Chief Minister said climatically Jammu and Kashmir is an ideal place for development of these sectors. He asked the rich expatriate Kashmiris to think in terms of investing in the State adding he was not asking for charity as he knows their money would get better returns for them. The participants showed keen interest in the development of their motherland and were making keen inquiries about the potential areas of investment. The Chief Minister assured them that their concerns about security would be adequately addressed. He said he had interacted with several corporate houses in the country that have agreed to invest in the State. Already the State has received investment of Rs. 1500 crores and more is in the pipeline, he added. |
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Karan
Singh appeals voters to support Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Feb 9: Dr Karan Singh, MP (RS) and a senior Congress leader has issued a statement on the civic elections in Jammu and Kashmir and appealed the voters in his " old Parliamentary constituency" to exercise their franchise in favour of the Congress party. The text follows: "The Municipal elections in Jammu and Kashmir are being held after a gap of 27 years. I recall here with great pleasure my 18-year association with the Udhampur Parliamentary constituency consisting of the Udhampur, Doda and Kathua districts, which returned me to the Lok Sabha on four consecutive occasions. " During that period a number of significant projects were initiated including the railway line the foundation stone was laid by Shrimati Indira Gandhi. " Under the guidance of its president, Shirmati Sonia Gandhi, the Congress is once again regaining its unique position in our national life. " The problems of municipalities and town area committees need urgent attention, and I can assure you that when the Congress is voted to power, the party will pay special attention to this important aspect of our development. " I take this opportunity to send my warm greetings to all the people living in my old Parliamentary constituency and on the occasion of the municipal elections, I appeal to the voters to support candidates of the Indian National Congress." |
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IAF launches operations act airlift stranded troops Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 9: With the blockade of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway due to heavy snowfall and avalanches, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has swung into action to airlift stranded troops on either side of Banihal Pass. The HQ Western Air Command has pressed IL-76 and AN-32 aircraft to operate from Air Force Station Jammu and Air force Station Udhampur for air transporting to and fro, troops to the forward bases of Air Force Station Srinagar and Air Force Station Awantipur. In January also, under similar conditions, the IAF provided much needed succor to ease the logistical nightmare induced by the bulging numbers of troops stranded at transit camps. Despite the constraints of weather, the IAF pilots of No 12 wing based at Chandigarh are braving all odds to undertake operations. Sofar, AIF has airlifted 11000 troops. The figures will go up with the continued blockade of the highway, a spokesman of Defence Ministry said. |
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Blockade
of highway Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 9: Expressing his profound grief and shock over the death of ITBP jawans and injured due to the onslaught of avalanches, Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma today directed the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu B. R. Sharma to personally supervise the rescue and relief operations for saving precious lives entrapped on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway. On the instructions of Deputy Chief Minister, the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu accompanied by IGP and other senior officers of the administration would be visiting snow bound areas along the national highway tomorrow for getting first hand information about the rescue and relief operations that are currently underway. Deputy Chief Minister also directed deputing of special squads of consumer affairs and public distribution officers alongwith the national highway to check malpractices by the traders and business establishments that are reportedly selling eatables to those en-gripped at the exorbitant prices. Mr. Sharma informed that the Government is also liasioning with Beacon and defence authorities to speed up rescue operations for saving precious lives in the avalanche hit and snow bound areas besides arranging free langers for the passengers, tourists and other localities. He said that rescue and medical teams too are being rushed to these places immediately to launch rescue operations. The Deputy Chief Minister also apprised that motor vehicles department has been directed to press passenger coaches for transporting those stranded on the national highway to safer destinations. ‘If need be these persons would also be airlifted’, he maintained. |
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Lawyers lock Court premises; strike to continue Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 9: Work was paralysed at Jammu courts today as advocates, who continued their stir for the third day, locked up the gates of the premises of the High Court and lower courts. The Jammu Bar Association that spearheaded the strike of lawyers, is demanding the setting up of advocates chambers at Jammu High Court Complex, was total and no lawyer attended the courts. The lawyers in a meeting held here today decided that the strike will continue till the demand of construction of lawyers’ chambers is accepted by the State Government. They also threatened to hold demonstration before the Secretariat in order to press for their demand. It was also unanimously resolved in the meeting that Core Action Committee and an Enforcement Committee should be constituted to properly monitor the indefinite strike. The lawyers locked the main gate of the J&K High Court and lower court complex amid staging of a dharna due to which the judges had to reach their chambers on foot. The striking lawyers also entered into the office complex of the Advocate General and Director Litigation’s Office Complex which is situated between the High Court and Subordinate Court complex and lodged their protest against the attitude of the State Government for not constructing lawyers’ chambers. When contacted, Mr Sunil Sethi, president of the Jammu Bar Association, said that the general house meeting has decided to continue indefinite strike and threatened that striking lawyers would forcibly enter the official residence of Minister for Power Mohd Sharief Niaz if their demands were not met. "We are not going to tolerate neglecting attitude of the State Government towards our genuine demand and will intensify the agitation with every passing day", he made it clear. Meanwhile, All Typists and Stenos Association decided to go on hunger strike if the demand of constructing lawyers’ chambers and shed for typists, petition writers and stamp vendors was not met with immediately. Later, considering the gravity of the situation, security was beefed up in and around Power Minister’s house located near the court complex. |
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Power distribution in shambles From Shafaat Ahmed Kira SRINAGAR, Feb 9: Snowfall in the Kashmir valley has always been making news. If it comes in lesser quantity the farming community starts to worry, as they fear non-availability of water during the farming season. But, if the snow-Gods smile an extra bit-it again brings worry on the faces of a common man. The reason this time is simple: heavy snowfall not only creates chances of alienating the Kashmir valley from the rest of the world, but it also raises fears that the fragile power transmission lines may get damaged leaving people groping in the dark during the cold wintry nights. So when the valley, especially the southern parts continued to witness heavy snowfall during the last few days it was only a matter of time before the people could actually realize that they are headed for a big trouble. The heavy snowfall again took a heavy toll on the transmission lines as two towers carrying the Kishenpore-Pampore transmission lines witnessed damage that even the officials of the Power Development Department (PDD), cannot figure out that how much time it will take to make them functional. " The recent avalanche near the Banihal Tunnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has caused damage to two towers carrying the Kishenpore-Pampore transmission line. Even though we have sent a team of officials to asses the damage it is not clear as to how much time we may need to restore the transmission line," said, Molvi Manzoor, Power Development Commissioner, while talking to the EXCELSIOR. The damage to the two towers has meant that the valley is deprived of 400 megawatt's (MW) of power, which it used to get from the Northern Grid. This shortage has meant that consumers across the valley have to bear the cold in almost total darkness as the power cuts may rise above 18 hours a day. " The damage has left the power distribution in shambles. We are right now working on a new schedule wherein consumers will be supplied electricity in peacemeals. This will mean that power will be supplied for two hours and then power will remain off for six to eight hours," adds Mr.Manzoor. At present the valley is totally dependent on local generation, which however does not exceed beyond 300 MW, s-a figure, which is very low, compared to the actual requirement during the peak hours. "Right now we are getting power from the Uri hydel project, besides various gas turbine units operating in the valley. But this generation does not exceed beyond 300 MW, s. This is a cause of worry for us," informs Mr. Manzoor. Asked as to how long the consumers across the valley will have to bear with the power failure, Mr. Manzoor has no specific answers." We are trying our level best to assess the level of damage. But due to bad weather and heavy snowfall the area where the damage has occurred is totally inaccessible. Still our team of officers has reached the spot and are trying to assess the damage," adds Mr. Manzoor. " In addition we have informed the Power Grid Corporation to provide us with the Emergency Restoration System but again it will take some time as the system needs to be erected first. And given the hostile conditions prevalent at the actual spot, the system may take some time before it actually starts to work," says Mr. Molvi Manzoor. |
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Power supply restored in major areas of Valley Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 9: The Power supply has been restored in major areas of the valley which was affected due to damage in 220 KV double circuit Kishenpore-Pampore Transmission line near Jawahar tunnel. According to Development Commissioner, Power Moulvi Manzoor Ahmad a snag developed in 220 KV Kishenpur - Pampore Transmission Line yesterday at around 6.30 p.m resulting in complete disruption of power in the valley. Immediate restoration of power supply was made in respect of essential supplies by supplying power from local power houses including Gas Turbines. He said at about 11.30 p.m the department was successful in synchronizing the Uri Power House with the Grid and thereby increasing the availability to around 300 MWs. Moulvi Manzoor said that in order to take urgent steps for restoration of electricity in the valley, the department conducted "Fault Detection Operation" on emergency basis from both sides early in the morning and the fault was located. As reported by the field staff, he said snow avalanche had hit two number towers of 220 KV Double Circuit Kishenpur - Pampore line near Jawahar Tunnel on valley side (North End) causing damage to these towers. Development Commissioner Power further said that steps for restoration are being taken both for temporary and permanent basis. The inaccessibility (area being snow bound) and compounded with continuous bad weather is hampering the fast restoration. Power Development Commissioner requests the public to bear with this inconvenience caused by natural calamity. |
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CAs organise seminar on Company Affairs, Trusts Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 9: Jammu and Kashmir Branch of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India today organised a seminar on ‘Company Affairs and Trusts’. S C Vasudeva, Central Council member of the CA Institute Delhi addressed the seminar and deliberated at length on the new Companies Auditors Report Order (CARO). The audience were spell bound by his in-depth knowledge about the subject. Mr Vasudeva cautioned the Chartered Accounts (CAs) to be very careful and should give all details as required under this new reporting pattern. The seminar started with the lightening of the ceremonial lamp. Rajat Mengi, chairman of the J&K branch of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India highlighted the various achievements and activities of the branch. He recommended to the CA fraternity to be extremely careful while reporting to the new reporting requirements. K P Garg, senior CA and Taxation expert from Delhi spoke on formation and taxation of private and charitable trusts. This technical session was very interactive as many questions were asked by the members regarding the various issues of taxability of educational institutions and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs). He also briefed the members about the formation and taxability of HUFs. The seminar was nicely convened by Vikram Garg, secretary of the branch, who earlier introduced guests facilities. V K Kapoor, vice-chairman of the branch, presented vote of thanks. The seminar concluded with recitation of national anthem. |
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Khurana asks BJP activists to
work hard Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Feb 9: Election campaign by Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) candidates in Udhampur Municipal Council today gained momentum with the visit of senior party leader and former Governor of Rajasthan, Madan Lal Khurana to the town. During his visit, Mr Khurana addressed BJP workers’ meetings and exhorted them to work hard and unitedly for victory of the party candidates. He was accompanied by former Union Minister Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, MLA Jugal Kishore, BJP district president Pawan Gupta, BJP City president Pawan Khajuria, Sham Saroop Kalsotra and Ramanand Waria. All the 17 candidates of BJP for Udhampur Municipal Council, were also present in the meeting. Alleging that sitting local Congress MP has failed to get the Udhampur rail line inaugurated despite its completion, Mr Khurana promised that he would take up the matter with Railway Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav for immediate starting of the rail service between Jammu and Udhampur. Speaking on the occasion, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta said that the Municipal polls were a golden opportunity for the people of Udhampur to teach Congress and Panthers Party a lesson for not fulfilling their election promises. MLA Jugal Kishore claimed that only BJP was the well-wisher of common masses and this message has to be carried forward among people by the party activists. BJP district president Pawan Gupta accused the ruling coalition partners of not fulfilling the promises made with people. BJP City president Pawan Khajuria also reminded about the false promises made by local MLA as well as MP before their election. Meanwhile, door-to-door campaigning by the BJP candidates continued notwithstanding continuous rains and severe cold in the town. Pawan Khajuria, BJP candidate from ward number 14, conducted door-to-door campaign and appealed voters to vote and support his candidature. He assured to develop the ward as a model ward and provide all civic amenities if elected to the Municipal Council. BJP candidate from ward number 8, Ramanand Baria, went door-to-door and highlighted his priorities and programme for the development of the ward. Mr Baria stressed that he would not leave any stone unturned for development of the ward. Darshan Abrol, who is the party candidate from ward number 9, also campaigned in the locality and apprised people of his priorities for development of the ward. BJP election office was opened in ward number 4. Sushma Devi, who is the party candidate from this ward, addressed gathering on the occasion and said that she would try her level best to ensure all civic amenities to the people. Among those who were present on the occasion, included, Pawan Gupta, Dr Jatinder Gupta, R D Gupta and others. |
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Kissan Ghar coming up at Fruit Mandi Narwal Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 9: The Government has taken up construction of a Modern Kissan Ghar near fruit Mandi Narwal, Jammu, where fruit growers and traders of the state would be provided boarding and lodging facilities. The Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Abdul Aziz Zargar today released a grant of Rs. 48 lakhs for the first phase of the Kissan Ghar Narwal which shall have facilities including 8 bed rooms, Dormitory, kitchen and recreation hall. Announcing this here today, the Agriculture Minister said that Government have taken all possible measures to provide adequate marketing support to the fruit growers to eliminate exploitation by the middle men. In this connection, a battery of 17 satellite fruit and vegetable markets in various fruit producing belts of the state are under construction at a cumulative cost of Rs. 44.26 crores. He said the Narwal fruit mandi Jammu is one of the important fruit markets of the state spread over an area of 800 kanals of land where 118 shopsites for fruit market, 148 shopsites for vegetable market, 24 shopsites for seed vendors and 59 commercial and general shopsites and 6 auction sheds have already been constructed in phase first of the project. The Minister said that the main thrust of the Government is to improve the quality control of the fruit export for which Agricultural Produce Market Regulation Act, to regulate the fruit trade in the fruit mandies located within and outside the state would be enforced strictly. The Minister said that Government has launched a massive irrigation infrastructure development programme under Technology Mission and micro management Scheme to provide Irrigation facilities to the Orchardists especially in Kandi belts. |
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72 left in fray for Poonch MC polls, 137 in Rajouri Excelsior Correspondent POONCH/ RAJOURI, Feb 9: Seventy two candidates are left in the fray for Poonch Municipal Council polls while 137 for the four Municipal Committees in district Rajouri after the last date for the withdrawal of nominations passed off today. According to district election authorities, with the rejection of nomination papers of one Mohd Farooq from Ward No.1, 72 candidates are now contesting in 17 wards of Poonch Municipal Council. A total 73 candidates had filed their nomination papers while nobody has withdrawn from the contest. For Poonch Municipal Council, a total of 15,935 voters will be exercising their franchise on February 17. Of the total, 8139 are male while 7796 female voters. There will be 27 polling stations in 17 wards of Poonch. Door to door campaign has already been launched by the candidates but the rains and bad weather has contained their activity in their respective wards. Senior party leaders are likely to join them shortly for holding rallies and public meetings. Congress has fielded 17 candidates, BJP 16, National Conference 13, PDP 8 while 18 independents are also trying their luck for the civic body polls. February 9 was the last date of withdrawal of nomination papers. The polling will be held from 8 am to 2 pm on February 17. In four Municipal Committees of district Rajouri, 29 candidates have withdrawn their nominations. Now, a total 137 candidates are finally left in the fray. A total 166 candidates had filed nomination papers from the district. Nine candidates have withdrawn from the contest for Rajouri Municipal Committee. A total 69 candidates were contesting from this Municipal Committee. Now, only 60 are left for the final contest. With the withdrawal of nominations by 10 candidates from Nowshera Municipal Committee, 29 are left in the fray. A total 39 candidates had filed their nomination papers from here. From Sunderbani, only two candidates have withdrawn while eight candidates today withdrew their nomination papers from Thannamandi. Now, 29 candidates are left for the contest in Sunderbani while 19 for the Thanamandi Municipal Committee polls. There will be 40 polling stations for 34 wards in district Rajouri while 20,596 voters will decide the fate of 137 candidates now finally contesting in the district. |
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229 candidates to contest polls in Doda district Excelsior Correspondent DODA, Feb 9: The stage is set to decide the fate of 229 candidates including 163 male and 66 female left in fray for civic polls on February 12, 2005 for six Municipal committees having 60 wards of Doda district. As many as 27232 electorates including 13887 male and 13345 female are eligible to cast their votes in the ongoing municipal elections. To ensure smooth conduct of these elections, adequate arrangements have been made at all the levels, 60 Presiding Officers and 135 Polling Officers besides 60 class IV employees have been deployed on poll and counting duties in 60 wards of the six towns of the district which include 13 wards each in the town of Doda, Bhadarwah and Kishtwar while there are only 7 wards in each towns of Batote, Ramban and Banihal. The District Election Officer, Doda, Gulzar Ahmed Qureshi has emphasized for maintaining close liaison between the Returning Officers and other officials connected with municipal election process to ensure free, fair and smooth polls. Various issues related to civic polls which include verification of polling and counting stations, distribution of election material and submission of reports of progress of ongoing election process were also discussed at a meeting of officers. The DDC urged upon poll staff to adhere to the model code of conduct strictly. |
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Cultural programme
organised at J&K Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 9: Under the Border Area Development Programme, a colourful cultural programme was organised at J&K Police Public School, Miran Sahib. About 80 artists from the States of J&K, Himachal, Punjab, Haryana and Chattisgarh presented colourful folk dances of their States with background of their cultural heritage and civilisation Director General of Police (J&K), Gopal Sharma was chief guest while Vimla Sharma, Chairperson of J&K Police Public School, was the guest of honour. Prominent, among others, who were present on the occasion, included Mrs Rajan Bakshi, Mrs Ashok Bhan, Mrs M A Anjum, Mrs Johny Williams, Mrs Nirija Mehta (Principal J&K Police Public School), Kuldeep Khoda, K Rajinder Kumar, P K Gupta, Navin Agarwal, S Owais Ahmad, M A Anjum, Farooq Ahmed, Vijay Kumar Ghai, and some SSPs. The function was organised under the aegis of J&K Academy of Arts, Culture and Languages and North Zone Cultural Centre Patiala. Arrangements for the show were made by J&K Armed Police under the supervision and direction of ADG (Armed) Kuldeep Khoda. Objective of organising the programme was to imbibe and inculcate a sense of competition and liking for cultural activities among the students. |
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HPCL announces ‘Fill
and Win’ scheme Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 9: With a view to increase and promote sale of Diesel and Petrol, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has announced a scheme for three months ‘Fill and Win’ three Mobile Phones every month. The first prize was bagged by Mr Puran Chand, Receipt No. 6094, Vehicle No JK02T 3522. Second prize was won by Mr Ajay Sharma, Receipt No.3267, vehicle No. JK02F 2360 and Third Prize went to Mr Daljit Singh Chib, Receipt No.3685, Vehicle No JK02P 1100. The Prizes were distributed to the winners by Mr Jaidev Singh Jamwal, Manager, Batra Petrol Pump, B C Road Jammu. The scheme is for those who fill petrol of Rs 150 and above for two wheelers and Rs 600 and above for four wheelers at Ch Aishi Ram Batra Petrol Pump, B C Road Jammu, Dealers of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited. |
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Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 9: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has condemned the killing of Mr. Ghulam Mohiuddin Mir, a respected citizen and member of Beerwah Municipal Committee by militants on Tuesday saying that the act is simply unacceptable in a civilized society. In a condolence message, the Chief Minister said the killing of innocent people deserves severest condemnation and gunning down of an elected representative of the people shows the killer’s scant regard for people’s desire for normalcy and democratic process in the State. The Chief Minister said through the electoral process people of Jammu and Kashmir have unequivocally expressed their preference for civilized and peaceful means to solve problems adding that using violence as a means to put forth one’s point is only disrespecting their wishes. He said during the last 15 years enough blood has been split in the state and now is the time to stop all this. Mufti Sayeed expressed his profound shock over the killing of Mr. Mir and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. |
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