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| CM inspects development works during Srinagar's extensive tour Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, June 20: Much awaited foot bridge coming up over River Jehlum at Lal Mandi is being dedicated to the people on July 13.............more Murderous
assault on Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, June 20: A Gynecologist Dr Vijay Sharma was stabbed and seriously injured by four persons in his house at PWD Colony here this afternoon. Accused escaped after the murderous assault.............more Sudhmahadev
Mela from today Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 20: Jammu and Kashmir Dharmarth Trust has made all arrangements for comfortable and brief stay of pilgrims at the holy temple shrine of Sudhmahadev in Udhampur district during ........more Joint team
of Revenue, Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 20: While the police has yet to arrest any person allegedly involved in the attack on forest team, Minister for Forest Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Sofi has said that............more BSNL
launches Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 20: Here is a good news for the internet users of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) as the Nigam has launched high.........more |
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Suspended
Patwari held Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 20: Reasi police today arrested a suspended Patwari and recovered three fake stamps of Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Mahore and Tehsildar Mahore and recovered fake Permanent Resident Certificates (PRCs) from his possession.............more Govt to
constitute ARC for Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, June 20: The Government is contemplating to set up an Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC) for revival of the sick financial institutions and the Public Sector Units (PSU) in the State..........more Khurana
differs with RSS Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 20: Differing with the statement of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief, K S Sudershan, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Parbhari North India and former Governor Rajasthan..............more Reversion
order of Junior Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 20: The State High Court has quashed the order of reversion in a batch of writ petitions challenging the order of Additional Director General of Prisons and Fire Services J&K of September 12, 2000 whereby promotion of petitioners has been rescinded and they reverted back to original cadre...................more |
CM inspects development works during
Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, June 20 : Much awaited foot bridge coming up over River Jehlum at Lal Mandi is being dedicated to the people on July 13 this year while as effective measures are on for completion of vital amusement park at Eid-Gah within three months. This was disclosed by the concerned officers during the long extensive tour of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed of Srinagar city today. The Chief Minister who traveled on foot from Zero Bridge to Abi-Guzar took stock of the development works being executed for renovation of three kilometer Bund road on the right bank of river Jehlum. He also took stock of the measures being taken for beautification of river embankments to add more attraction for tourists by way of removing all encroachments on the embankments and shifting of 1032 families to Bemina Housing Colony, which is being developed for the purpose. The Chief Minister directed the authorities to ensure early completion of the Bund road from Zero Bridge to Amirakadal, he also directed for macadamizing the Lambert Lane and other lanes conducting Bund to the Residency Road. Mufti Sayeed during his inspection of the ongoing works for developing modernized Amusement Park at Badamwari in collaboration with the J&K Bank asked for accelerating the work on the comprehensive project for its completion within nine months. The Chief Minister while paying obeisance at the Hazratbal Shrine took stock of the development works being executed by Waqaf Board authorities, which include construction of main entrance gate, additional sanitation points and the works as a part of expansion of the premises. He was briefed about the facilities available for the devotees at the Shrine by Chief Executive of Waqaf Board, Iftikhar Geelani. Mufti Sayeed also interacted with a group of visiting tourists from Andhra Pradesh who had come to the Shrine to pay their obeisance. The group informed the Chief Minister that they are happy for visiting the Valley. The Chief Minister inspected the Gani Kashmiri Memorial Stadium, Rajouri Kadal in downtown and discussed in details about the measures need to be taken for development and upgradation of this stadium. The Chief Minister assured the local youth that all out measures would be taken to upgrade the stadium in such a way that it does not get water logged due to rains. The Chief Minister also inspected public park at Eid-Gah being developed by the Waqaf Board. Later, the Chief Minister alongwith Minister for Housing and Urban Development Gh Hassan Mir and other concerned engineers and officers visited Buchpora and interacted with the local people about the problems confronting them for poor drainage. Mufti Sayeed also inspected the ongoing work for development of colony for economically weaker section at Bemina. He was informed that the plots so developed would be provided to 1032 those families who are being shifted from the river embankment from Zero Bridge to Amirakadal under rehabilitation programme launched by virtue of central assistance provided under VAMBAY. |
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Murderous assault on Gynecologist in Kathua Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, June 20: A Gynecologist Dr Vijay Sharma was stabbed and seriously injured by four persons in his house at PWD Colony here this afternoon. Accused escaped after the murderous assault. SSP Kathua Johnny Williams said four miscreants, two of them identified as Bhalla and Jassi, appeared outside the house Dr Sharma, posted in the district hospital, at 2.45 pm at PWD Colony. As the doctor came out, the accused pounced upon him and inflicted multiple stab wounds on his person with sharp-edged weapons. The doctor fell down, bleeding profusely, while the accused escaped on two motor-cycles. Police parties rushed to the spot. The SSP Kathua and Deputy Commissioner Pradeep Gupta rushed to the spot. The victim was shifted to the district hospital from where he was referred to Jammu and admitted in the Medical College hospital. Mr Williams said a woman had died in a private hospital during delivery more than a month back. The woman was under the treatment of Dr Sharma. She had given birth to twins. Family members and relatives of the woman, who were among the accused, had alleged that the woman had died due to lack of proper back-up system. However, the family didn’t lodge a report with the police at the time of death. A case in murderous assault on the doctor has been registered at Kathua police station for further investigations. Police have launched a massive search operation to apprehend the accused. "We are sure the arrests will be made soon", Mr Williams said. |
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Sudhmahadev
Mela from today Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 20: Jammu and Kashmir Dharmarth Trust has made all arrangements for comfortable and brief stay of pilgrims at the holy temple shrine of Sudhmahadev in Udhampur district during the historic Mela commencing from tomorrow. This was informed by president Dharmarth Trust Th Divakar Singh while reviewing the arrangements for the devotees at the shrine. Keeping in view the changed peaceful environment he said this year about one lakh pilgrims from the State and neighbouring Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and other parts of the Northern India are likely to visit the Shrine this year. He said Trust has made arrangements of opening of Langer for the devotees participating in this highland Mela of Duggar culture and civilization. For the purpose of running Langer in a befitting manner, a shelter has recently been got constructed apart from the construction of more bath rooms and public convenience places for pilgrims. The spacious and historical Serai run by Trust has also been renovated with augmentation of lodging facilities. The condition of Gouri Kund, the worshiping place of the Divine Mother, Mata Parvati, is being further improved. Th Divakar Singh the Chairman of the Trust Dr Karan Singh has been evincing keen interest for the development of all the temples and shrines maintained by the Trust, so he personally supervised and monitored the arrangements of the just concluded two days Mela at Khir Bhawani at Tulmulla in Kashmir. A team of the employees of the Trust has already been despatched to Sudhmahadev alongwith all materials and items to be used for the Langer, he said and added that he would personally supervise arrangements of the Mela on June 22. |
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Joint
team of Revenue, Forest to probe Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 20: While the police has yet to arrest any person allegedly involved in the attack on forest team, Minister for Forest Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Sofi has said that a joint team of Revenue and Forest departments will conduct thorough inquiry into the whole episode and perform proper demarcation exercise at Bhagla village of Suchani in Bahu Forest Range. SSP Border, Parminder Singh when contacted, told the Excelsior that an FIR already stands registered with the Vijaypur police station in this connection but no arrest has been made so far as the accused mentioned in the FIR also produced some land record, claiming that it belonged to him. He said that there may be some manipulation of the record but that can be established only after an inquiry by the senior Revenue officials. However, the police will take the cognizance of the attack committed on the government officials by villagers at Bhagla. Ghulam Nabi, however, by producing Revenue record from the office of Tehsildar Agrarian Vijaypur, claimed that land bearing Khasra No 4679,4680/80 in Bhagla Patwar is private land and about 200 kanals of it belonged to him as it was purchased from one Parmod Singh, son of Faqir Singh of Badhori. Minister for Forests, Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Sofi, when contacted said that he has taken up the issue with the Revenue Minister Hakeem Mohd Yasin and a joint team of Forest and Revenue officials will conduct inquiry into the whole episode. The proper demarcation of land will be done and the action under law will be taken against the Revenue or the Forest officials if found involved in it. |
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BSNL launches high-speed internet service in Jammu Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 20: Here is a good news for the internet users of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) as the Nigam has launched high speed internet service called—Dataone in Jammu. The state-of-the-art broadband service was inaugurated by Chief General Manager of BSNL J&K Circle K C Jindal at Telephone Exchange Kachi Chawani here this evening. The most interesting feature of this service is that the customers can attend to telephone calls while browsing also that too at the speed of 256 KBPS (kilo bites per second). The exchange installed for provision of broadband service has equipped capacity of 2488 connections. As on date, 702 customers have registered their demand for provision of broadband services at Jammu. In the first phase, broadband services would be made available to the customers of telephone exchanges of Kachi Chawani, Janipur, Talab Tillo and Shakti nagar during this week, Mr Jindal said while interacting with the reporters. In the second phase, broadband services would be provided to the customers of other exchanges viz Gandhi Nagar, Trikuta Nagar, Channi Himmat, Gangyal, Gadigarh and Bari Brahamana from first week of July 2005. To a question, he said that internet access with speed ranging from 256 KBPS to 8 MBPs is the main attraction of the broadband and added that customer can change bandwidth as per requirement. "All what the customers of BSNL need in order to be able to use broadband is BSNL’s Bfone (Basic Phone) connection, personel computer with 10/100 Ethernet Port, ADSL CPE (Customer Premise Equipment). This can be taken from BSNL at nominal rental per month. The broadband service of BSNL can be availed by cyber cafe owners, the CGM said while answering to another queries and said that start of service at Srinagar would take sometime as Nigam has received sanction of only 96 lines and equipment for the same has not reached so far. The service would be available for the customers in districts other than Jammu and Srinagar by next year. The broadband service of Cellone has both home plans as well as business plans and billing for the service will be included in the normal landline phone bill. The billing cycle will be same as landline phone billing cycle. Monthly rental will be collected in advance and usage charges will be in arrears. At the time of start of the service, installation charges, advance rental as per billing cycle, security deposit of the modem, advance monthly rental for modem and refundable security deposit for two months rental as per the plan. |
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Suspended Patwari held with fake stamps, PRCs Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 20: Reasi police today arrested a suspended Patwari and recovered three fake stamps of Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Mahore and Tehsildar Mahore and recovered fake Permanent Resident Certificates (PRCs) from his possession. Jamaal Din son of Ghulam Mohd R/o Thuroo, Mahore, was arrested on a specific complaint that he was engaged in issuing fake PRCs to the villagers after charging an amount between Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000, SSP Reasi Jagdish Lal Sharma said. Jamaal Din was a suspended Patwari and was presently attached with the office of Tehsildar, Mahore. From his possession, police recovered fake stamps of SDM Mahore and Tehsildar Mahore, a fake stamp used at the time of issuing PRCs and a fake authorisation certificate of the Tehsildar. A fake PRC, which Jamaal Din had issued to one Abdul Rashid son of Abdul Gaffar R/o Dubri, Mahore, was seized from his possession. He had admitted issuing five more fake PRCs. Police was making efforts to recover them. Official sources said the suspended Patwari had also produced a forged letter of Deputy Commissioner for his re-instatement. A case against the accused has been registered under Sections 466, 468, 469, 472 and 473. Reasi police have also arrested two thieves, who were involved in theft of 600 meters Power Development Department’s wire at Jerdi in Reasi. They have been identified as Liaquat Ali son of Bashir Ahmed R/o Seela Baga, Reasi and Abdul Rashid son of Noor Mohd R/o Anji, Reasi. Six hundred meters stolen wire valuing Rs 11,800 was recovered from them. Besides, a TATA Sumo No. 1548 JK02G, in which they had stolen the wire, has also been seized by the police. Some more cases of thefts were expected to be worked out during their questioning, police said. |
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Govt to constitute ARC for revival of PSUs: Baig Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, June 20: The Government is contemplating to set up an Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC) for revival of the sick financial institutions and the Public Sector Units (PSU) in the State. This was stated by the Minister for Finance & Planning, Muzaffar Hussain Baig at the Board of Directors meeting of the State Financial Corporation here today. Economic Advisor to the State Government & Chairman Jammu & Kashmir Bank, Dr Haseeb Drabu was also present at the meeting. The Minister designated the Director Finance as the nodal officer for formulating a proposal for the constitution of ARC, which would be then placed before the cabinet for approval. He said after its constitution, ARC would be given six months to clear all the liabilities of the PSUs to put them back on rails. He said if these institutions become viable, the money being doled out to them by the Government could be utilized on other productive sectors. He said the Godbole and Khurshid Committees have also made strong recommendations in this regard. He said instead of sitting over these reports, the Government has to initiate steps towards implementation of the same and couldn’t afford to wait endlessly with taking any action. Mr Baig said the ARC would be given the task of designing a revival strategy for each PSU keeping in view the interests of their employees. Mr Baig said the Government would look into every aspect of the problems of the PSUs including their assets, liabilities and interests of the employees while devising the revival strategy. The Minister said brainstorming sessions would be held with experts from various related fields to have their views on the issue of the PSUs so that these institutions become vibrant social contributors instead of being liabilities for the Government. Managing Director State Financial Corporation, Mohammad Aslam, Director Budget, Director Finance and members of the Board were present. |
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Khurana differs with RSS
chief’s views, Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 20: Differing with the statement of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief, K S Sudershan, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Parbhari North India and former Governor Rajasthan, Madan Lal Khurana said that it was not Indira Gandhi but Atal Behari Vajpayee who can be described as the best Prime Minister which India ever had. Mr Khurana who was addressing a press conference here, this afternoon said claimed that India emerged as a powerful nation during the NDA Government led by Mr Vajpayee. He said "we earned highest foreign exchange during Mr Vajpayee’s rule, foodgrains were supplied to people below poverty line on very low rates, price rise was kept under check and the construction of four lane national highway linking different states from Kashmir to Kanyakumari was initiated. He however, maintained that victory in Bangladesh war during 1971 was a great achievement of Mrs Indira Gandhi and even Vajpayee as the Leader of Opposition had praised her for this at that time. But he hastened to say that Mrs. Indira Gandhi imposed the emergency that led to her defeat and installation of first ever non Congress Government at Centre. As the imposition of emergency was a blot on nation, it was during her rule that terrorism gripped Punjab and the historic Golden Temple was attacked he asserted. Mr Khurana who is looking after the arrangements for Lakhanpur rally on the martyrdom day of Dr Shama Prashad Mukherjee, the first president of All India Jansangh, claimed that large number of Party men from Himachal, Punjab and J&K will participate in the rally that will be addressed by BJP chief and Opposition leader in Lok Sabha, L K Advani. He said the rally will be held at the same historic place in Lakhanpur where Dr Shama Prashad Mukherjee was arrested. He said Vajpayee has to attend the rally at Bangalore on June 26 and it is not yet certain whether he will participate in Lakhanpur rally of June 23. Mr Khurana, who reached here to hold meeting with J&K partymen to finalize the arrangements for the rally, said he has already held meetings with the BJP workers in HP and Punjab. Launching a scathing attack on Dr Manmohan Singh led UPA Government he accused it of making the Indo-Pak peace process only Kashmir centric. He said in this regard former Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee has written a letter to Dr Singh. "Hurriyat Conference is being given much preference than the elected representatives of the people and UPA Government has given a relaxation to Pakistan to backtrack from its promises", he said while quoting the letter of former Prime Minister. Mr Khurana said former Prime Minister in this letter had maintained that Kashmir was neither made the core issue nor given any priority in talks held in January 2004 between two nations . But what transpired during the parleys between Hurriyat and Pakistani leaders recently indicates that Kashmir was the main issue in the parleys, he alleged while referring the letter. |
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Reversion order of Junior Assistants quashed Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 20: The State High Court has quashed the order of reversion in a batch of writ petitions challenging the order of Additional Director General of Prisons and Fire Services J&K of September 12, 2000 whereby promotion of petitioners has been rescinded and they reverted back to original cadre. Justice Permod Kohli after hearing senior Advocate JP Singh and Advocate Raghu Mehta and Additional Advocate General Anil Sethi, quashed the impugned order No: 517 of September 12, 2000, whereby the petitioners were reverted back to their original cadre and directed the respondents to pass fresh order, after affording reasonable opportunity of being heard to the petitioners. While quashing the impugned order, Justice Permod Kohli observed that it is not disputed that earlier some promotions were made from the cadre of Nursing Orderlies. Fact remains the petitioners who were promoted after clearance of type test have been reverted back without giving them an opportunity of being heard. It also is the fact no explanation was ever sought from them. Impugned order is violative of principles of natural justice, particularly in view of the fact that earlier some promotions from Nursing Orderlies were made to the post of Junior Assistants, it was ordered. The case of the petitioners is that they were working as Nursing Orderlies in different jails of Jammu province in the department of Prisons. It was stated that they are matriculates/graduates and possess Diploma in Nursing Orderlies and have been performing their duties for the last three to seven years. Due to shortage of ministerial staff in various jails, nursing orderlies and orderlies were subjected to type test. They were declared pass and considered for promotion for the posts of Junior Assistants. Vide ordr No. 471 of July, 2000 petitioners were promoted as Junior Assistants on the basis of type test and qualifications. They joined their respective places of posting and were performing their duties when impugned order No: 517 of September 12, 2000 came to be issued and they were reverted back to their original cadre. The petitioners challenged this order in batch of writ petitions which was decided by the Justice Permod Kohli and quashed the impugned order. |
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Drug-peddler held with 15,000 capsules in Kathua Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, June 20: In a largest haul of drugs, police today recovered a consignment of 15,000 capsules from a drug-peddler at Nagri. The drug-peddler has been arrested while his two associates managed to escape during the police raid. This was for the first time that a consignment of 15,000 capsules was seized by police during a single raid, police said, adding the raid was part of stepped-up drive against the smuggling of narcotics and drugs in the district. The drive has been launched under the supervision of SSP Kathua Johnny Williams. The drug-peddler from whose possession police recovered the capsules has been identified as Rakesh Kumar son of Bua Ditta, a resident of Ghagwal. His two associates, however, slipped away during the police raid and were being chased by the police. They stood identified. Police have registered a case against the drug-peddler. He was being quizzed to break the racket of drug-peddlers. |
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US Embassy presents books worth Rs 10 lakh to JU Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 20: Counsellor for Cultural Affairs, American Embassy, Adnan Siddiqi, presented books worth Rs 10 lakh to Jammu University Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo during an interaction session in the University, here today. Mr Siddiqi, who oversees all US Government sponsored educational and cultural exchanges between the two countries and is on two day visit to Jammu, presented 370 books for the JU Library and Centre for Strategic and Regional Studies. He also interacted with Prof Amitabh Mattoo, JU faculty members and some students of the University. According to a handout, issued by Dr Pritam Singh, Media Advisor to JU VC, this was the first visit of the Public Affairs Section to Jammu for the last one decade. The basic objective of the visit of Mr Siddiqi and Mandeep Kour, All India Principal Programme Advisor, Public Affairs Section, American Embassy, is to meet with the key contacts in education culture and a couple of NGOs to explore the possibility of engaging them in future through a range of programmes of mutual interest. |
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| Havan organised for peaceful conduct
of Amarnath Yatra Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 20: For peaceful conduct of ensuing Amarnath Yatra, a Havan was organised by Baba Amarnath Yatri Nayas Jammu and Kashmir at Geeta Bhawan. Renowned scholar Pandit Dr Dwarka Nath Shastri, performed the Havan and recited Mantras for welfare of humanity and peace all over the world. The ceremony was presided over by Dharni Dhar Sharma, president of Sanatan Dharam Sabha and attended by Dr Jagpuran Dass, Swami Ram Saroop Dass, Dr Ramakant Dubey, Inderjeet Khajuria, Santosh Nath and others. After the Havan, an appeal was issued to all people of the State, who are directly or indirectly connected with this Yatra, to ensure the safe and peaceful completition of the pilgrimage. Special mention of the Muslim community, which had always played praise-worthy role in conduct of the successful Yatra, was made in the appeal. The blessings of Dr Jagpuran Dass Ji for safe conduct of the Yatra and welfare of the pilgrims, were also showered. Dr Ramakant Dubey, State president of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, spoke on the occasion and highlighted the role of various organisations in successful conduct of the Yatra. He announced that with the active cooperation of all religious, trading and social organisation, the VHP will provide free boarding and lodging facilities to the Amarnath Yatris at Geeta Bhawan, Parade Ground Jammu from July 2.. Ravinder tours remote villages of Sunderbani Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 20: PCC spokesman Ravinder Sharma conducted a tour of remote villages of tehsil Sunderbani in Panchayat Halqas Siya, Devak, Nalla, Makole, Barnara and interacted with the party workers to apprise himself about the problems being faced by people of the area. The Congress workers highlighted various problems pertaining to scarcity of drinking water, non-availability of electricity in some hamlets and poor condition of link roads. The people demanded RBA status to the area and upgradation of middle school to high school. The people of Barnara and Nahoti demanded completition of the abandoned Jhula bridge over river Nahoti and improvement of roads from Makole Mandir to Barnara and to Thumba. Various other issues concerning with general public, were also discussed in Ravinder Sharma’s meetings with the people and he assured to take up the demands with the concerned authorities for early redressal. |
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20th Century drags Zee to Delhi HC on ‘Time Bomb’ NEW DELHI, June 17: The telecast of Zee’s thriller ‘Time Bomb" will have to pass the test of the Delhi High Court as Hollywood producer Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation today alleged that the serial was a copied version of its ongoing serial titled "24". Justice B D Ahmed issued a notice to Zee Telefilms Ltd on a lawsuit filed by 20th Century Fox alleging that the concept of "Time Bomb" was based upon its TV serial "24" starring Emmy award nominee Keifer Sutherland. Refusing to stay the launch of Zee’s thriller slated for June 20, the court asked the domestic TV company to file its reply and affidavit on or before Monday and place before it the CD/VCD of the first episode of the scheduled programme. Senior Advocate R K Anand and C M Lall, appearing for the US producer, contended that the act of Zee telefilms amount to infringment of copyright bestowed on the serial "24". However, Zee’s counsel Maninder Singh and Pratibha Singh refuted the allegation saying the thriller produced by the domestic channel had nothing to do with the American serial and they were ready to pass the test by the court. During the hearing, it was submitted that "Time Bomb" was an international political thriller on global terror with its epicentre in South Asia. The story revolves around a plot to assassinate a young and dynamic Indian Prime Minister. The serial "24" revolves around the security agencies’ efforts to protect the US President from an international terrorist attack. The US producers claimed that Zee had adopted similar USP for promoting its serial. The serial was divided into 24 episodes of one hour each with a story told in real time about events over a period of 24 hours.(PTI) |
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Bhim Singh asks Hurriyat
leaders to take Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, June 20: Chairman of the Jammu Kashmir National Panthers Party Prof Bhim Singh today invited Hurriyat Conference leaders to take part in the Assembly election and establish their political credibility and representative character in the valley so that a constructive dialogue in initiated among the representatives of all five regions of the State. Talking to media persons Prof Singh also asked Pakistan to hold election in Gilgit-Baltistan to enable the people to participate in the heart to heart talks on J&K. Rejecting Pakistan claim that J&K was disputed, he said dispute is only regarding the future status of the people of PoK and Gilgit where democracy has been denied to the people. He also asked Pakistan to withdraw its armies and civilian settlers according to UN Resolutions of 1948 and then talk about UN resolutions. He sought to remind Pakistan that Kashmir means all the five regions of the State and not the valley. Prof Singh also warned India and Pakistan to refrain from using Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road for their political ends. He said Information Minister of Pakistan is a national of Pakistan and a Minister in the Federal Government. He had every privilege to travel by passport via Delhi. his travel in the peace bus shall be counter-productive and defeat the very aim of Muzaffarabad-Srinagar bus journey. He wondered how president of PDP is extending open welcome to Rashid Sheikh responsible for training terrorists in PoK. Prof Bhim Singh demanded election of block presidents of Panchayats so that panchayats which represent 90% of the rural people can get representation in district development Boards. He also demanded reconstitution of the SCs and STs District Boards which stand dissolved since 1996. He also disclosed that JKNPP is holding three day national integration camp at Sudhmahadev from June 21 to 23 in which over 5000 JKNPP activists from all over the State shall participate. |
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Additional land being
acquired to expand Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, June 20 : Minister of State for Education Dr G.N. Lone has announced Rs 50 lakh for acquiring additional land to expand the Women’s College Baramulla. He also announced additional Rs. 10 lakh for purchase of vehicle for this college. The Minister who was presiding over the concluding ceremony of environmental week celebrations at Women’s Degree College Baramulla, called for maintaining eco-friendly environment and added that teachers and the student community have a vital role in it. He said that environmental science has been introduced as subject at degree level also. Saying that interaction through seminars, symposia, debates and discussions can evolve a better understanding among cross sections of the people for exerting to achieve eco-friendly environment the Minister said that the development which is also essential for human beings should not become problem for pollution free atmosphere. Referring to the problem of boarding and lodging of students of far-flung areas enrolled in the college, Dr Lone assured construction of a girls hostel very soon. |
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Army organises war widows meet at Pallanwala Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 20: To commemorate the sacrifices and contributions made by the war widows of the area, the Pallanwala Garrison organised a meet today. The meet was presided over by Mrs Bubbles Bikram Singh, president AWWA, Crossed Swords Division. Over 30 widows of valiant soldiers attended the meet and were honoured by the army for sacrifices made by their husbands and sons during the conflicts of 1965, 1971 and also during the ongoing turmoil in J&K. Mrs Santosh Kaur wife of Subedar Singh who was awarded Ashok Chakra, the highest civil award for gallantry during peace time, graced the occasion. The patriotic spirit of this family is particularly admirable as they have now contributed their son too, to the army as an officer in the Signals. The president AWWA lauded the role of war widows. She assured them that the families of all officers, JCOs and soldiers of the Crossed Swords Division were with them and requested to come forward with their difficulties, with promise that all hurdles would be removed. Suman inaugurates blood bank building at Ramban Excelsior Correspondent RAMBAN, June 20 : Minister for Health and Medical Education Suman Bhagat visited emergency hospitals at Banihal and Ramban today. During inspection of the hospital wards at Banihal, the Minister enquired about the welfare of the patients. She said that adequate staff and medicines would be provided to the hospital soon. Mrs. Bhagat also inspected the construction work of four staff quarters being constructed by R&B Department at a cost of Rs. 24 lakh at Banihal. She impressed upon the executing agency to ensure timely completion of these quarters. While inspecting various wards at emergency hospital Ramban, she issued instructions to the hospital management for displaying in all wards and sections the list of medicines that are available in the hospital stock. The Minister also addressed a meeting of sub-divisional officers at Ramban and stressed for starting work on the construction of trauma hospital building for which Rs. 75 lakh have been sanctioned. Mrs. Bhagat also inaugurated blood bank building completed at a cost of Rs.12 lakh. Necessary equipment worth Rs.10 lakh has already been made available to the blood bank. A number of deputations from Ramban area met the Minister and apprised her about their problems and development needs. She assured the deputationists that their demands would be considered on priority. Later, Mrs. Bhagat also inspected hospital at Batote. Among others, the Minister was accompanied by Director Health Services, Jammu, Dr Jasbir Singh and Chief Medical Officer, Doda, Dr Ram Rattan Hiteshi. Apex Tutorials holds VSTfor entrance examinations Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 20: Apex Tutorials conducted a Very Similar test (VST) at Government College for Women, Parade. A large number of students participated in the test which was held for the benefit of the students who are appearing for Medical and Engineering Entrance examination- 2005. These VSTs give the aspirants an insight into the level of questions actually being asked in the examinations and accordingly the candidates can take up their preparations to that level. The students, their parents and experts have appreciated this efforts of Apex Tutorials and responded over-whelmingly. Apex Tutorials started this concept of VSTs about 15 years ago and it has helped the students in realising their dreams. Remove anomalies in pension rules: LPEF Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 20: All J&K Low Paid Government Employees Federation has urged upon the Government to remove some anomalies emerged in the pension due to relaxation of upper age limit to 35 years or above in the recruitment. President of the LPEF, Abdul Majid Khan in a statement issued here today also referred to a statement of Minister made in the Assembly regarding anomalies crept in the pension and said that similar type of anomalies have crept in due to regularisation of daily wagers under SRO 64 of 1994. This also needs amendment in pension rules. The Federation chief has demanded that qualifying service for full pensionery benefits may be reduced from 33 to 21 years especially for those who are recruited into Government service at the age of 35 years or above, daily wage charge period may be fully counted towards qualifying service for full pensionery benefits, especially in respect of those who have been regularised under SRO 64 of 1994, recruitment age be raised to 60 years at par with Central Government employees and the period for restoration of commutted pension may be reduced from 15 to 12 years. It also demanded that monthly medical allowance be enhanced from Rs 100 to Rs 300 and the expenses incurred on hospitalisation for the treatment of the time consuming diseases by the pensioners may be fully reimbursed by the State Government. Pepsi bottling plant
raided, stock bearing Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 20: Acting on some complaints, a joint team of the Department of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution and Legal Metrology Department, conducted a raid at M/s Jai Beverages Private Ltd, Bari Brahmana which prepares Pepsi brand soft drinks. On inspection, it was found that huge stock of Miranda Berry, Miranda Orange, Miranda Lemon, Mountain Dew and Pepsi was bearing excess rates. 580 crates of different Miranda brands of 300 ml bottles with the printed rates of Rs 10 instead of Rs 8, 700 crates of Pepsi brand of 300 ml bottles with the printed rate of Rs 9 instead of Rs 8, were found and seized by the raiding team on the spot. The washing and bottling units of the plant were also inspected and directions were issued for improvement of the hygienic condition of the same. The raiding team was headed by Deputy Director, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department Jammu and Deputy Controller Legal Metrology Department Jammu. Hurriyat visit restored confidence in peace process: CPI SRINAGAR, June 20: Calling for more Confidence Building Measures between India and Pakistan to take the peace process forward, Communist Party of India (CPI) today said the visit of Hurriyat Conference leaders to the other side of Line of Control (LoC) had restored the confidence of people in the peace talks. The Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service and visit of Hurriyat leaders to other part of Kashmir has played a significant role in restoring the confidence of the people in the ongoing process of peace and normalisation, Secretary of National Council of CPI Shamim Faizee told reporters here. He said the fast normalisation of relations between New Delhi and Islamabad had led to improvement in the situation in Jammu and Kashmir as huge number of tourists were pouring in. The urge of the people of Kashmir to get rid of the gun culture must be respected by all sides. It is the innocent people who suffer and become victims of violence either by separatists or by misguided elements in the security forces. Incidents like Pulwama blast vitiate the atmosphere, he said. Faizee said attempts should be made to evolve a consensus on approach to find a solution on permanent basis to the vexed problem of autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir and within this framework autonomy for various regions of the State. "CPI believes that the autonomy resolution passed by the State Assembly in 2000 can form the basis of discussions. The quantum of autonomy is debatable and I would not like to comment on it," he said. Apart of from continuing the dialogue with Hurriyat and others willing to join talks, mainstream political parties, regional outfits and representatives of civil society need to be made a party to arrive at a consensus, Faizee said. Such an effort should be made at national level as well, he added. On the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley, he said "what we know is that the Government is planning one-and-two room tenements for them. In other words, it is ghettoisation of Kashmir Pandits which is not acceptable. They should return to where they had left from — their ancestral homes." Faizee said the peace process had to be carried forward further by more confidence building measures not only in political and social sphere but even in economic field. The Government should speed up the industrialisation of the State and focus on time bound implementation of declared projects. For fruit growers and farmers, agencies like FCI should intervene at local level so that they can get remunerative prices, he said. The CPI leader called for employment oriented projects to meet the challenge of unemployment also demanded end to contractual appointments in favour of regular jobs. (PTI) Peerzada conducts extensive tour of Kokernag Excelsior Correspondent Kokernag, June 20 : Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed conducted extensive tour to his home constituency, Kokernag to have on spot inspection of ongoing development schemes in the area. The announcement of various new development projects made by the Minister include Power Grid Station of 132/33 KV with a capacity of 40 MVA, establishment of Housing Colony of 150 structures, setting up of Regional Training Centre for Rural Development and establishment of Industrial area at Badashi Bagh and Wanto Maidan of Sayan Sagam, Kokernag. The Power Grid Station would be set up at an estimated cost of Rs. 15.09 crores under Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Programme. The Minister also inspected the site of 500 kanal of Nazool land at Sayan Sagam, Kokernag which has been earmarked for these projects. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that Grid Station would be completed within two years period and it would cater to the demand of all the surrounding areas of Kokernag including Dooru and Achabal. He said that Housing Colony would be made for houseless families especially for the families affected due to the construction of 4-way road from Kokernag to Anantnag. He said that establishment of Industrial area would also benefit the local youth of the area by setting up of small industrial units. The Minister said that a massive social infrastructural development started in the rural areas by coalition Government would remove the rural urban disparities in the availability of basic amenities. Earlier, the Minister visited under construction Syed Colony at Bidader, Kokernag for houseless families living below poverty line. Construction of 23 structures out of 25 has been completed at a cost of Rs. 11.50 lakh on low cost technology, he added. He said that 25 structures more would also be constructed to accommodate other families under this category. Later, the Minister also visited the under construction of buildings of Primary Health Centres at Akingam and Sagam. |
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