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| CM takes stock of supply position Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Feb 24: Relief and rescue measurers in the valley today were intensified with Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed himself monitoring the situation and instructing the divisional administration to set up relief camps.......more Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 24: In a keenly contested elections for lone Council seat held here today, Bilal Ahmed Khan Lodhi, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate has won with a sizeable......more Governor
arranging airlift Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 24: Governor Lt. Gen (Retd) S. K.Sinha is arranging airlift for 78 stranded students of Kashmir valley tomorrow or day after subject to the weather conditions........more Measures
to airlift Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 24: Measures are underway for airlifting stranded passengers from Jammu to Srinagar and vise-versa following the road blocked as a result of heavy snowfall......more Over 6
metric tonnes Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 24: On the directions of the Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Abdul Aziz Zargar, the Cooperative Department in coordination with the Indian Air Force today.........more |
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Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 24: Governor Lt. Gen (Retd) S.K.Sinha today extolled the people of Kashmir for their determined preference for peace, saying that the acts of violence cannot deter them from their chosen path for bringing about total normalcy in the State........more Rather
asks Govt to Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 24: The Leader of Opposition in J&K Assembly Abdul Rahim Rather has said that despite tall claims by the State Government, the people of the State, hit by recent snowfall, are still in great trouble and facing lot of hardships..........more Special
number of Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 24: Kashmir has not only been a destination of tourist shots but an attraction for heritage, art and learning. The intellectuals, writers and literators owe social responsibility to show case this treasure of the world outside........more Special
number of Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 24: Kashmir has not only been a destination of tourist shots but an attraction for heritage, art and learning. The intellectuals, writers and literators.......more |
CM takes stock of supply position Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Feb 24: Relief and rescue measurers in the valley today were intensified with Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed himself monitoring the situation and instructing the divisional administration to set up relief camps in the snow affected areas. He visited various hospitals and rice godowns in the city and reviewed stock position of essential supplies including fuel. Mufti Sayeed who arrived here this morning along with Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, Taj Mohi-ud-din, visited Valley’s main hospitals including Bone and Joint Hospital, Lall Ded Hospital and SMHS Hospital and reviewed medical facilities provided to patients. He inquired about availability of medicines and important drugs and asked the hospital administration to ensure that there is no dearth of medicines in the health institutions. Following Chief Minister’s instructions, the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir and Inspector General of Police went to Wultengoo and Nageen Nar with 2000 food packets to airdrop these in the worst effected areas and establish relief camps there. Medical facilities in these areas have been fortified. The Chief Minister asked the hospital administration to ensure cleanliness of the institutions and issued instructions to use the admission fee money for the upkeep of the hospitals. He called for regulation of entry of attendants in hospitals and asked the Director General of Police to post security personnel at the entry point of the Lall Ded Hospital to effectively regulate rush of attendants. He was told that the adjacent Children Hospital would be shifted to the GB Pant Hospital building at Sonawar during the current year. He told the concerned authorities to explore how best the present Children’s Hospital building could be utilised for the Lall Ded Hospital. He also issued instructions to construct a Sarai for the attendants visiting patients in the hospital. Mufti Sayeed asked the Principal, Government Medical College, Srinagar to hand over list of urgently required drugs to the divisional administration and said these would be airlifted from Jammu tomorrow. He inquired about power supply to the hospitals and was informed that this has since been restored. During his round of wards in different hospitals, the Chief Minister interacted with inpatients and inquired from doctors about their ailment and recovery status. At the Bone and Joint Hospital, the Chief Minister also saw two patients who had suffered injuries and frostbite due to recent snowfall. One of the patients, Naseema from Arihal, Pulwama is in a state of shock. The Chief Minister visited the rice godown of the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department and was briefed about the supply position. He was told that 1.90 lakh quintals of rice, 21400 quintals of wheat and 1200 quintals of sugar are available with the department. In addition, 135000 quintals of rice, 52500 quintals of wheat and 700 quintals of sugar are available with the Food Corporation of India in the valley. With respect to petroleum products, the Chief Minister was informed that 182 kilo litres of petrol, 2065 kilo litres of diesel and 937 kilo litres of kerosene oil are available with different oil companies in the valley. The consumers have been supplied 21 lakh litres of kerosene oil and 193585 LPG cylinders during the current month. Between February 19 and 22 only, 7500 LPG cylinders and 18000 litres of kerosene oil were issued to the consumers through emergency counters. Today, 7 tankers of kerosene oil were dispatched to district headquarters today for distribution. |
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Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 24: In a keenly contested elections for lone Council seat held here today, Bilal Ahmed Khan Lodhi, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate has won with a sizeable margin of 33 votes. He has defeated his nearest rival Mohammad Shafi Shah of National Conference who secured 21 votes. Only these two candidates were in fray. The polling was held at Assembly lobby from 10 a.m which ended at 2 p.m. Speaker Tara Chand, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Deputy Chief Minister, Pt. Mangat Ram Sharma also cast their votes besides other ministers and members of the House. The Returning Officer M. I. Ganai ( Secretary Assembly), declared result after completion of counting. He said in the House of 89 members, total 78 votes were polled. Bilal Ahmed Khan Lodhi secured 54 votes and Mohammad Shafi Shah got 21 votes while as 3 votes were found invalid and 11 members were absent. This is the ever highest percentage of winning margin by any candidate in the Council election, he added. It may be mentioned here that two Council seats fell vacant recently due to winning of Assembly seat by Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and death of Mr. Abdul Qayoom. Mr. G. R. Kar of Congress has already been elected unopposed on one seat. |
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Governor arranging airlift for stranded valley students Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 24: Governor Lt. Gen (Retd) S. K.Sinha is arranging airlift for 78 stranded students of Kashmir valley tomorrow or day after subject to the weather conditions. A group of 78 students, during their interaction with the Governor at Raj Bhawan this evening, had requested for their return by air as they were stranded here for many days after their arrival from Bharat Darshan organised by Jammu and Kashmir Police. The Governor immediately took up the matter with Indian Air Force who immediately agreed to airlift the students tomorrow or day after in various sorties subject to weather conditions. The group has arrived Jammu on Feb. 19 after visiting Goa, Agra and Delhi and are struck here following the closure of Jammu Srinagar national highway due to heavy snow fall. |
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Measures to airlift stranded passengers on anvil: Mir Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 24: Measures are underway for airlifting stranded passengers from Jammu to Srinagar and vise-versa following the road blocked as a result of heavy snowfall and landslides on National Highway. In this connection Defence Ministry has been approached for operating Indian Airforce sorties to Airlift the stranded people. This was stated by Minister for Housing and Urban Development Ghulam Hassan Mir and Minister for Revenue and Rehabilitation Hakim Mohammad Yasin while taking stock of the facilities being provided to the stranded passengers at JDA and General Bus Stand Complexes where nearly 3000 valley bound people have been camped and are being provided free lodging and boarding facilities. The CPIM State Secretary and MLA Mohammad Yosuf Tarigami was also present on the occasion. The Ministers while interacting with the agitated stranded passengers said that all out measures have been initiated for early restoration of traffic on National Highway for which the Becon Authorities are working round O-clock. Mr. Mir said that Government is avail of the difficulties confronting the stranded passengers and for this purpose the State Government is vigorously pursuing the operation of IA sorties from Srinagar to Jammu and vise-versa. He said till then the administration has extended all sort of help to mitigate the sufferings of the people camped in various places in Jammu city and elsewhere on the National Highway. He appealed the agitated people to have patience as the unbecoming situation arises due to natural calamity for which none of us could be held responsible. |
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Over 6 metric tonnes milk airlifted to Valley Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 24: On the directions of the Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Abdul Aziz Zargar, the Cooperative Department in coordination with the Indian Air Force today airlifted about 6.3 Metric tonnes of milk from Jammu to Kashmir valley. The operation was supervised by the Agriculture Production Commissioner, B. B. Viyas, Divisional Commissioner Jammu and the Registrar Cooperative Societies Jammu and Kashmir and the Deputy Commissioners of Jammu and Srinagar. Despite all the difficulties due to the closure of National Highway, the Jammu and Kashmir Milk Producers Cooperative Limited, kept the milk supply open all these days in the Kashmir valley. Daily over 10000 liters of milk was distributed from 22nd February 2005 onwards in close coordination with the Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar. The local procurement of milk has also been organized from the areas of Budgam, Pulwama, Tulmula and Ganderbal. On 23rd Feb. about 10000 liters of milk was distributed initially through five Police Stations of Rajbagh, Sonawar, Hazratbal, Nowhata and Soura. On the 24th Feb., about 11000 liters of fresh milk was distributed through the normal marketing channels, again in close coordination with Deputy Commissioner Srinagar. The Cooperatives are ensuring that in coming days there should be no scarcity of milk in the Srinagar city. |
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Governor lauds civic
programme of police Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 24: Governor Lt. Gen (Retd) S.K.Sinha today extolled the people of Kashmir for their determined preference for peace, saying that the acts of violence cannot deter them from their chosen path for bringing about total normalcy in the State. ‘A conducive atmosphere for peace is prevailing in Jammu and Kashmir’, General Sinha said. Interacting with a group of 78 school children from different parts of the Valley after their return from Bharat Darshan, organised by Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police, here this evening, the Governor stressed the need on peace for development, progress and prosperity. He said the world has progressed immensely over the years and ‘we can’t lag behind in the march towards attaining excellence in the fields of technological development’. He reminded the students about their being great citizens of this country, which is inching forward to be a super power. General Sinha referred to the youth exchange programme launched by the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police and said such tours will broaden their horizon of imagination and expose youngsters to vastness of the country. In fact, the conduct tours have immense education value as students are able to see and feel the changes occurring around the world in general and in the country in particular. He urged the students to share their experiences of the tour with their friends and be the ambassadors of peace and tranquillity. The Governor acquainted the students about the historical importance of the places they visited. He gave them the historical perspective of Goa, Delhi, Agra and Fatehpur Sikri. He sought to highlight similarities between Ashoka the Great and Akbar the Great by saying that both the rulers believed in secular ethos of the country and made no distinction between the people on the basis of their religion. The Governor replied to a volley of questions by students during one and a half hour interaction and said they hold the promise for bright tomorrow. Additional Director General of Police, Kuldip Khuda earlier briefed the Governor about civic action programme of the Jammu and Kashmir police with special reference to the conduct of tours, aimed at giving wider exposure to youth of remote and far flung areas. Genral Sinha appreciated the programme and complimented the J & K police for organising these tours. Senior Police Officers including Inspector General of Police Armed Naveen Aggarwal and Deputy Inspector General of Police, Armed M. A. Anjum were present on the occasion. |
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| Rather asks Govt to discharge
constitutional responsibility Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 24: The Leader of Opposition in J&K Assembly Abdul Rahim Rather has said that despite tall claims by the State Government, the people of the State, hit by recent snowfall, are still in great trouble and facing lot of hardships. He said in most of the areas there is worst-ever shortage of essential commodities and even drinking water was not available. He added that restoration of power supply appears to be a distant dream for ruralites. Even in Srinagar city a large number of localities were still without electricity, said Mr Rather adding those in Government were playing to the galleries and virtually doing nothing except issuing long statements on television and radio. Mr Rather who represents Charar-e-Sharief constituency in the Assembly, said that he received hundreds of telephone calls from that area that officials there were in slumber. Many villages were still unconnected and famine like situation prevailing due to criminal negligence of the Government, said Mr Rather demanding that the Government should immediately depute a team of officers to the area to assess the situation and take remedial measures. He said a large number of passengers are stranded in Jammu and on the national highway whose plight was pitiable. He added that when these people tried to bring the matter to the notice of the Government, they were lathicharged in Jammu by those men who claim to have adopted the policy of healing touch. Mr Rather has demanded of the Government to discharge their constitutional responsibility towards the people or pack-up and go. |
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IMPA organizes 3-day
training programme Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 23 : To acquaint and impart requisite training to the executive officers belonging to the Municipal Councils and Committees, a three-day training programme was organized by Institute of Management and Public Administration (IMPA) here today. The Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Ghulam Hassan Mir inaugurated. In his inaugural address, the Minister said that this programme besides having paramount significance for the executive officers would brought qualitative change and massive transition in the functioning of local bodies at the grass root level. He said that the civic bodies have to function as a democratic institution and emphasis would be given to streamline their functioning with pragmatic approach to yield tangible outcome. The Minister said that empowerment of such institution, the executive officers have to play a guiding role in between the Government and committees with better liaison. He called upon them to implement rules and laws in true letter and spirit as enacted by the Government. He said that fundamental objective of the department would be to get proper construction of houses and provide all the modern civic amenities road, drains, drinking water, sewerage system, healthcare centre and primary education, that would herald a new era in the development of sub urban area and mass exodus for green pastures into the city would be checked. The Commissioner Secretary, for Housing and Urban Development, P G Dhar Charkarbarty addressing on the role of urban local bodies-new challenges, said that they have to play a pivotal role and has to putforth measures to generate own local resources for economic self-reliance. The Director Local Bodies, Mr Jeet Lal Gupta also spoke on the occasion. The Course Director, Prof Hindu Dhar Aima in her address said that recent municipal elections in its self demonstration the urgencies re-orienting an effected integrated delivery system for meeting the needs and aspiration of the State. Dr Rachana Dutt Goswami compered the programme. |
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Special number of 'Shiraza' released Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 24: Kashmir has not only been a destination of tourist shots but an attraction for heritage, art and learning. The intellectuals, writers and literators owe social responsibility to show case this treasure of the world outside. This was stated by Minister for Tourism, Housing and Urban Development Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir while releasing special number of Shiraza, research magazine of Academy of Art Cultural and Languages here today. The impressive function among others was attended by the Minister of State for Education Dr. Ghulam Nabi Lone, MLC and Popular writer Mohammad Yosuf Teng renowned writer, intellectual Nayeem Akhtar, Secretary, Academy Romesh Mehta besides galaxy of writers, poets, educationists and art lovers. Mir said that Srinagar city is the second oldest city in the country in whose bosom lye hidden countless treasures of art, history, poetry and architecture which need to be brought out for further research and development. In this regard, the Minister stressed upon the literators to use their creative genious and present to the world these artifacts as a gift from Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking on the occasion Nayeem Akhtar suggested the need for mapping up the rich and age old cultural heritage of the state to make it available to the visiting foreigners who, like Sir Oral Stein, Sir Walter Lawrence, Sir Frances Young Husband have always being deeply touched by the scenic beauty and intellectual depth of Kashmir. Mr. Nayeem underscore the need for preservation of traditional craft and art so that cultural identity of Kashmir is restored. Because, he added cultural identity of a country and society is its marketable commodity. Mr. Mohammad Yosuf Teng who presided over the function in his presidential address said that measures need to be adopted for making Shiraza a research oriented magazine. He underscored the need for preservation of genre like sofiyana moseeque, lattics work etc. Putting on record the contribution by Hazrat Shah-i-Hamdan, Lalita Datiya, Mugal Empire Budshah in enriching cultural, architectural, heritage and said that the need of the present timing warrants that the writers poets and intellectuals need to give it a documentary shape. Earlier, Dr. Riyaz Rasool Nazki, Khalid Hussain and Editor Shiraza Ashraf Tak highlighted main features of the special number adding that the number would be of immense use for scholars and academicians and historians. Later Secretary, Academy of Art Cultural and Languages Romesh Mehta said that Shiraza magazine has brought laurels for the literary work of J&K State across the country which it has projected during 50 years of its publications. He said on the instructions of president of the academy, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed the Council and Centre Committees have been constituted for making the performance of the academy more vibrant. |
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Tarigami seeks adjournment of Budget Session Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 24: State secretary of CPI (M) M Y Tarigami has sought adjournment of ensuing budget session atleast for 10 days in view of emergency like situation that has gripped the State due to unprecedented natural disaster resulting in the death of hundreds of people in Jammu and Kashmir. Mr Tarigami asserted that normal life has been crippled and the session carries no logic at the time when the rescue and relief operations have yet to be initiated. He said it would be more useful if the Members join the people of their respective areas so that the sufferings are minimized. Tarigami has once again reiterated his demand of relief and rehabilitation of suffering masses and urged upon the Government to accelerate the rescue measures. |
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Rs 85 crore AIBP to be completed by 2007 Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 24: Government has initiated effective measures for speedy implementation of the plan formulated for modernisation of irrigation canals in the State. In this connection Rs. 8 crore have been earmarked this year under Central Loan Assistance Scheme. The Plan which is a part of the total modernisation of irrigation canals project under Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) costing Rs. 84.40 crore is expected to be completed during 2007. This was stated by the Minister for P.H.E, Irrigation and Flood Control Qazi Mohammad Afzal during his visit to Ranbir Canal project head works and Partab Kanal Project head works this morning near Akhnoor. The Minister inspected the ongoing work being executed on the main barrages of the two canals which have a history of 100 years in providing Irrigation facilities to vast area of its command. The Minister was told that silt which has accumulated upto five feet at the gauge spots and nearly one feet at other places of the canals is being removed at Ranbir canal. Mr. Qazi directed the authorities to undertake repairs renovation of the main Gauges of both the canals, besides desilting the identified spots.He stressed that work on this count should be completed before the on set of Kharif season so that, the farmers do not face any inconvenience for availability of irrigation facilities. He asked the Engineers to augment irrigation facilities to the farmers well in time for which the Government is committed in accordance to its policy. During his inspection of the two canals the Minister took stock of the various spots and tributaries of the two canals for which he went on foot to seek on the spot information and assessment about the existing conditions of the canals and its embankment. |
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Visitors’ entry allowed at Jammu Airport Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 25: Visitors will be allowed to enter the Jammu Airport after purchasing an entry ticket and thorough frisking by the security persons. This was announced by G Chandermouli, Airport Director, Jammu Airport, during inauguration of the Visitors’ Lounge at Jammu Airport, here today. The Visitors’ Lounge was inaugurated by IGP Jammu, Dr S P Vaid. He congratulated the whole staff of AAI for commencing this facility. The visitors will be permitted entry up to Kerb Area only. In case of aged and physically challenged passengers, permission for entry of their vehicle inside the Airport complex can be permitted subject to identification and advance request. For availing this facility, they may contact Airport Authority of India, Pass section. Due to security reasons, the visitors, however, will not be permitted to carry any baggage alongwith them. Airport Authority of India has also provided the facility of Flight Information Display system, CCTV for security, STD PCO, ATM facility and snack bar alongwith some other passenger facilities at the Jammu Airport. Rajeev Kotwal (SSP Anti-highjacking), S Bhupinder Singh (SP South, Sanjeev Misri (Station Manager Indian Airlines), Rajneesh Kharbanda (Station Manager Jet Airways and a number of other officers of AAI as well as JKP were also present in the inauguration function. |
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Nature’s fury brings 5 siblings on cross-roads From Mohinder Verma BATOTE, Feb 24: The snowfall has even snatched the warmth of relationship from these siblings and brought such a chill in their lives which may drag them towards the mouth of death. It was beyond their imagination that this year’s snowfall would be first and last of its kind in their lives and would take them to such a situation where chances of livelihood would be so bleak to imagine. The nature’s fury has brought them at the crossroads in such a way that they have to make the choice between begging and perishing. This is the story of a poor family of village Thore near Batote, whose lone bread earner lost life in avalanche. The head of a family of six persons—Fajju Ram was working as stonemason in Udhampur to feed his five minor children and wife, who were staying in native village of Thore. When the nature’s fury started creating devastation in Doda district, Fajju Ram became worried over the fate of his family and he decided to pay a visit to his house to know the well-being of his minor children and wife—Pana Devi. He carried some fruits which his children like the most and some essential commodities before boarding vehicle. Since the heavy snowfall had blocked the highway at several places, Fajju Ram had to board down the vehicle at Kud. He was worried about the family upto such an extent that instead of waiting for road to be cleared he decided to cover the distance on foot. But the time had something else in store for him and as soon as he reached Amar Chashma, some kilometre short of Batote, an avalanche buried him deep. The body could be traced only when the Beacon personnel were clearing the road of accumulated snow. A bundle in which Fajju Ram had wrapped the fruit and other items was lying near his body. Later, the message was flashed to the family members of Fajju Ram. It was not just the death of Fajju Ram but the entire family comprising his wife and five minor children, who could not understand as to why their mother was wailing. Though they failed to understand what had actually happened in their lives, yet it was u-turn of time which by snatching the warmth of relationship brought chill in their lives for forever. They were looking with glued eyes at each and everyone visiting their thatched house to console their mother. "These minor children don’t know that it was their love for which Fajju Ram decided to cover the distance on foot and ultimately fell in the jaws of death", Dhuni Ram, a relative of Fajju Ram told the visiting EXCELSIOR Correspondent and added that this unfortunate incident has dragged the wife and children of avalanche victim on the jaws of death. He said that since Fajju Ram’s five brothers are also very poor and finding it very difficult to meet both ends they would not be able to render helping hand to Fajju’s wife and minor children eldest of whom is seven years old. "Now only Almighty God can help them in surviving otherwise I don’t think the family members of Fajju can manage livelihood even for a week", Dhuni Ram said. The death of lone bread earner has brought the children and wife of Fajju Ram on the crossroads where one way leads to death due to starvation and other to begging. They would be able to survive only when administration comes forward with a helping hand. |
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Ramban MLA seeks Rs 25 cr for rescue, relief purpose Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 24: MLA Ramban Chaman Lal has demanded immediate release of Rs 25 crore for taking up relief and rescue operations in Doda district where heavy snowfall has taken a heavy toll of life and property. The MLA urged for immediate restoration of Batote-Kishtwar and other road links in the district so that supply of foodgrains and other essential could be revived to save the people from starvation due to non-availability of ration even at the district headquarters. He said more helicopters be pressed into service to air drop ration, medicine and fodder in the worst affected areas. Rescue teams comprising doctors, administration, police and army should move on foot to inaccessible areas to assess the exact quantum of loss of life, property and make efforts to rescue as many souls as they could. Chaman Lal said the MLAs of the district be provided helicopter to meet the people on distress in far flung areas of the district so that they could help in coordinating the rescue efforts. Demanding the central team scheduled to visit the State should visit the snowfall hit areas of Doda district first and provide at once cash relief for affected people. He also called for extending winter vacations in the district upto March 15 and holding of Middle standard and other examination from first week of April. He also called for immediate release of third teachers. |
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Birth anniversary of
Guru Ravi Dass celebrated Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 24: A grand religious function was organised in connection with the 628th birth anniversary of Guru Ravi Dassji in Krishna Nagar locality here today. The function was organised by All J&K Guru Ravi Dass Sabha. The heads of all units of the Sabha coordinated the arrangements for organising the function. A large number of devotees paid tributes to the great Guru. The programme commenced with the paying floral tributes to the great Guru by the special invitees- Minister for Social Welfare, Mula Ram, former Governor Haryana and senior BJP leader Babu Parmanand and others. Minister of State for Transport and CAPD Raman Bhalla, Minister of State for Animal Husbandry Yash Paul Kundal, provincial president of National Conference Ajay Sadhotra, State BJP president Prof Nirmal Singh, VHP state unit chief Rama Kant Dubey also graced the occasion and and paid their tributes to Guruji. NC MLAs, Rashpal Singh and Sajjad Kitchloo were also present. While congratulating the community members on the occasion, Mula Ram expressed that Ravi Dassji taught us to love and respect all and maintain brotherhood among all the communities. The Minister said to follow the teachings will be a real tributes to Guruji and his teachings are still relevent today. He stressed the need for unity among all the communities and religions and said that it will make the country more strong. Babu Parmanand in his address said that Guru showed the path of love, brotherhood and asked the people to render true service to the humanity. He expressed his happiness over the unity in the community and said that it was his cherished desire to see them well united and awareness among them. He also donated Rs 10,000 for Sabha’s welfare. Raman Bhalla in his address said that people should try to follow the path shown by the Guru. He also stressed the need of unity and brotherhood among all the communities and people belonging to different castes. Mr Bhalla also announced to construct a community hall on the name of Guru Ravi Dassji in Preet Nagar (Gandhinagar). The Sabha members led by Vijay Kumar (president) also submitted a memorandum and demanded that they should be provided reservation in promotions. Earlier, Sabha president while paying tributes to the Guru, highlighted activities of the Sabha. He congratulated people on this occasion and said that Sabha would fight for the rights of the community and its welfare. A cultural programme was also presented on the occasion, in which children actively participated. |
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Sofi distributes Rs 25000 among stranded passengers Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 24: Minister for Forests and Environment Gh. Mohi- ud-Din Sofi today distributed Rs. 25,000 among the passengers of Handwara and Kupwara, who are stranded from last 12 days in Jammu bus stand to provide immediate relief to them. The amount was distributed uniformly among group leaders of 250 passengers in his office chambers in Jammu. This immediate relief was given in addition to free ration which is already provided to them from the government from last few days. Referring to their demand that they would be airlifted from Jammu to Srinagar by Army Decota, The Minister assured them that he will take this matter with concerned authorities so that all the stranded passengers at Jammu would be airlifted if the National Highway remains closed. Messages for others are motto for them Excelsior Correspondent BATOTE, Feb 24: The messages that people usually come across highways are not only inscribed on the stones and sign-boards, but also on the hearts of the Beacon personnel who man these roads. This can be guaged by witnessing Beacon personnel, who have been risking their lives by tirelessly working in snowfall, avalanches and landslide- hit areas to save others’ lives. "For others the messages are just inscribed on the stones, but they don’t know that these messages are motto for us", Beacon’s Havaldar Rajesh and Lance Naik Chacko said while interacting with visiting EXCELSIOR Correspondent at Peera near Ramban. "The message—`your safety is our concern’ is usually ignored by the people but this is the mantra of our life and we cannot ignore this sermon", they said. For some of the Beacon personnel, working in snow-clapped areas is a first time experience and they are enjoying while helping others despite being aware of the fact that they can become the victim of nature’s fury while working round the clock in such areas. The Beacon persons are not only clearing the road of accumulated snow and landslides but bridging the gap between the near and dear ones in the cut-off areas because they are aware of the pain of staying away from loving ones. "It’s since long I have seen my children and while clearing road to pave the way for others to meet their near and dear ones, I feel that I am making my way to meet my family", Chacko, who has been clearing road since January 21 said. Pointing towards the another slogan—life is precious, don’t play with it—they said have to remain on our toes everytime because any delay in road and landslides clearance can snatch someone’s life. Several Sr Asstts promoted as HAs in High Court Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 24: In consequent upon the promotions of Head Assistants to the post of Section Officers in the Registry of State High Court, the Registrar General of the High Court as per the directions of the Chief Justice has issued orders of promotion of Senior Assistants to the post of Head Assistants and the Junior Assistant to the post of senior Assistants. According to Order No. 628 of February 23, 2005, Ms Jamila Zahid, senior Assistant Srinagar wing has been promoted temporarily as Head Assistant and posted in the Srinagar wing. S Jatinder Singh of Jammu wing has been temporarily posted as Head Assistant and posted in the main wing of the High Court. Ms Shashi Koul (SA) Jammu wing is temporarily promoted as HA and posted in Jammu wing. Mr Sudhir Singh, SA, Jammu wing has been temporarily posted as HA and posted in the main wing of the High Court. Mr Kuldeep Raj, SA in the office of Registrar Vigilance has been temporarily posted as HA in relaxation of rules and he will continue to work at his present place of posting. The promotees are in the pay grade of Rs 5000-8000. According to Order No.629 of February 23, 2005, issued by Registrar General of the State High Court Bashir Ahmed Kirmani, Junior Assistant (JA) Shah Ji Bhat has been temporarily posted as Senior Assistant (SA) in the pay grade of 4000-6000 and posted in the main wing of the High Court. JA Sunil Kumar has been temporarily posted as SA in Jammu wing, JA Rajesh Kumar of Jammu wing has been temporarily promoted as SA and posted in main wing of the High Court. Junior Assistant M Younis Sheikh of the main wing has temporarily been promoted as SA and posted in the main wing of the High Court and JA Syed Gulzar Ahmed temporarily promoted as Senior Assistant and posted in the main wing of the High Court. Both these orders were issued at Jammu yesterday in the late hours. KHC discusses political developments Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 24: Kashmiri Hindu Conference (KHC) in a meeting here, today held under the chairmanship of M L Thusoo discussed the political developments in the State. The issues which were discussed include Central Government’s decision to open the Srinagar, Muzzaffarabad road for bus service from April 7. It said that the Conference was not opposed to allow the travel through the passports but expressed apprehensions on permission of travel without passports. The meeting, while highlighting the problems of the community made it clear that registrations made by some vested elements to return in clusters is not in the ultimate interests of the community. It warned that the piecemeal return can also hamper remote rehabilitation and legislation for minority safety in trouble -torn Kashmir valley. It urged the Central Government to strengthen the voice of the nationalist forces in the Valley. It said the result oriented and concrete steps could make the return possible provided the Central and State Governments take keen interest in it. Those who addressed the meeting include P L Koul Badgami, J K R Maktoom, S N Raina and M L Koul. Maha yagyas held at Shiv
Shakti Temple, Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 24: In connection with observance of Magh Purnima, religious functions were held at different places today. A grand function was organised in Kumar Ji Geeta Satsangh Ashram Muthi Phase Second where besides a Maha Yagya for world peace Bhajan, Kirtan and religious discourses were held for entire day. A large number of people thronged the Ashram to participate in the function. The Maha Yagya started yesterday evening and Puran Ahuti was performed this afternoon. The devotees were served prashad after Puran Ahuti. The religious discourses on the philosophy and teachings of Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta were given by Swami Kumar Ji and Mr Pandita. Another Maha Yagya was held in Shiv Shakti Temple Roop Nagar Enclave for the world peace and prosperity. The Yagya started yesterday evening and Puran Ahuti performed today. A large number of people participated in the function. On the occasion religious discourses were also held by various scholars. The function was organised by Roop Nagar Enclave Welfare Association headed by Vibo Ji Zutsi. Month long religious function culminates Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 24: A month long religious function which had commenced on January 26 culminated at Bhagavaan Gopinathji Ashram Udaywala Bohri near here, today. The Jap Homa was organised at the Ashram, during the auspicious month of Maga Masa in which thousands of Nam Mantras were recited in praise of Lord. Despite the incessant rains and inclement weather , devotees in quite large numbers participated in the religious activity to receive the Bhagavaanji’s ever flowing grace. It was an awe -inspiring experience for the exiled Kashmiri Pandits reminding them the days when devotees in large numbers used to circumambulate the Hari Parbat Hillock during the month of Maga Masa prior to mass exodus of community from Vally in 1989. A handout issued by the Ashram here today said. It said during the month long function the prayers were held for peace and prosperity of mankind. Nagrota Corps presses into service dozer-II Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 24: Nagrota Corps withdrew three dozer size II from other operational commitments and pressed into service for speedy clearance of National Highway 1A from South. Three dozer trains left Nagrota this morning on a short notice for Jawahar Tunnel for snow clearance. Each dozer is capable of clearing 12 feet wide path and and can work continuously for 12 hours. The dozers will supplement the already existing resources of Border Roads Organizations. Each opening of the road would also enable food supplies to be resumed to the crisis ridden valley. In addition 50 labourers have also been sent alongwith the dozer to boost up the work force on NH1A. Working in close coordination with the Civil Administration, Army has established satellite communication at Navapacchi and Loran today. Satellite communication at Mandi will be established on February 25. This would enable the Civil Administration and Army to get regular feedback of rescue operation in these affected areas. It is pertinent to note that Army and Border Roads Organization are already clearing snow on NH1A but seeing the magnitude of the task and its urgency, Army has put some of its other operational tasks on the back burner and pressed all its resources in clearing the highway and also assisting the people affected by avalanche. |
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