Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, May 6: The Governor, Reserve Bank of India, Dr. Y. V. Reddy today had an informal meet with the Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed over lunch hosted by the latter for the visiting members of the Board of Directors of RBI......more

Shri Amarnath pilgrimage
to be a great economic
booster: Dy CM

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 6: Terming the last year’s conduct of Amarnath yatra in which over 4 lakh devotees paid their obeisance at the holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnath Ji situated in South......more

Shabir Shah supports
Resettlement Act

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, May 6: Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) supremo, Shabir Ahmed Shah, has viewed that any impediment in the implementation.....more

SMGS Hospital
celebrates its
foundation day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 6: SMGS Hospital today celebrated its foundation day by organising a blood donation camp and a simple and impressive.......more

IOC starts Indane
distributorship
at Sainik Colony

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 6: Indian Oil Corporation has further enhanced the Indane distribution network by commissioning of another LPG distributorship....more

Farooq exhorts women to boldly face challenges

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 6: Stressing the need of spreading education among women folk, former Chief Minister and National Conference patron Dr Farooq Abdullah today exhorted females to boldly face challenges of the system...................more

Meeting of sectoral
officers held at Udhampur

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, May 6: To review the physical and financial achievements registered by different sectors in Udhampur district during the last fiscal, a meeting of sectoral officers was held here today.........more

Unrest prevailing
among traders over VAT

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 6: Members of the Trading organisations in a meeting held here today took stock of the situation arising out of the unrest prevailing in the trading and business establishments as result of un-responsive attitude of the Government in extending solutions to the grave issues regarding the imposition of VAT system.........more

CS discusses measures for
development of Marwah,
Warwan, Dachhan

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 6: Several short and long-term measures were decided for integrated development of Marwah, Warwan and Dachhan and providing basic amenities to the people of these far-flung......more

Mufti meets corporate heads, RBI Governor

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, May 6: The Governor, Reserve Bank of India, Dr. Y. V. Reddy today had an informal meet with the Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed over lunch hosted by the latter for the visiting members of the Board of Directors of RBI.

A large number of corporate heads including the chief executives of Infosys Technologies Ltd., Hindustan Lever Ltd, Mahindra and Mahindra Group and Ranbaxy Ltd, who are on the RBI Board, were present. M. Y. Khan and Dr. Haseeb Drabu, the outgoing and incoming Chairman, J&K Bank, respectively, also participated.

The Chief Minister discussed with the RBI Governor and the corporate heads issues concerning economic development of Jammu and Kashmir. He asked the corporate sector to invest in the State and in particular urged the Infosys chief, N. R. Narayanamurti to set up outsourcing centers in Kashmir where qualified human resource is available. He said Infosys’ arrival in Kashmir would lead to the change of mindset of youth especially when the government has not enough means to absorb them in the Government sector. He said the Reliance India Ltd is setting up a management institute in the valley on the pattern of its Ahmadabad institute.

Mr. Narayanamurti assured the Chief Minister that he would seriously consider the proposal and in fact visited the Information Technology Park, Rangreth to personally have the feel of the local IT talent available here.

The Chief Executive Officer, Mahindra and Mahundra Group, Arun Nanda showed keen interest in the development of a high standard tourist destination at Dodepathri in central Kashmir. He had visited the spot yesterday to explore the possibilities of investment.

The corporate heads were in agreement that Jammu and Kashmir deserves their special attention and investment in the state would help consolidate the gains of peace and ensure its rapid development.

Shri Amarnath pilgrimage to be a great
economic booster: Dy CM

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 6: Terming the last year’s conduct of Amarnath yatra in which over 4 lakh devotees paid their obeisance at the holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnath Ji situated in South Kashmir as a great success. Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma today appreciated the innovative plans of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board for further facilitating the yatra thereby making it more appealing and attractive.

Assuring full cooperation of the State Government as also of the central agencies in ensuring incident free yatra this year too, the Deputy Chief Minister said that nothing is being left to chance.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that while over 4 lakh devotees thronged the state last year for the pilgrimage the number is bound to exceed significantly this year thereby setting new record.

Maintaining that this year’s yatra would last for full two months as per the wishes of the people and other civil organizations, the Deputy Chief Minster dwelt on the economics of Shri Amaranth Ji Yatra, adding that while tourism is the mainstay of state’s economy, pilgrim tourism in particular over the years has proved as a big boon for the people connected with tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.

‘Be it a ponywala, Shikarawala or a tourist guide-every one has got an encouraging response from the yatries that has ultimately resulted in improving the socio-economic profile of the people of the state in general and of Kashmiris in particular,’ he added.

Pilgrim tourism, Mr. Sharma said has many dimensions apart from the economic impact as it has direct link with the concerted efforts being made for ensuring lasting peace in the state. He said that Shri Amarnathji yatra is turning out be a financial booster for the people of the state in general and Kashmir in particular. He said that the inflow of pilgrims has increased manifold over the years to the shrines located in Jammu and Kashmir.

Lauding the people of the valley in particular for supplementing the Government effort in smooth conduct of pilgrimage last year also as they were aware of its economic impact, Mr Sharma hoped that this year too the yatra will receive an overwhelming public response.

Shabir Shah supports Resettlement Act

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, May 6: Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) supremo, Shabir Ahmed Shah, has viewed that any impediment in the implementation of Resettlement Act can jeopardise the current measures of confidence building between India and Pakistan.

In a statement issued here this afternoon, Shabir Shah, the only separatist leader to comment on the Resettlement Act, said that the controversy over the Act could endanger the process of confidence building measures. "If subverting the real issues of the people of State is not stopped, the process of reconciliation between New Delhi and Islamabad are likely to fail," Shah said while reacting to the controversy generated due to the Resettlement Act.

Shah said that people raising voices against the Resettlement Act were "part of a conspiracy to divide" Jammu and Kashmir. "The line dividing two parts of Kashmir drawn in 1940’s has not been accepted by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. So the residents of this State living anywhere have a birthright to reclaim their ancestral property," he elaborated.

The DFP chief said that Government of India had given all protection to the properties owned by Non Resident Indians (NRI) living in America and England for several generations. "It is strange that the properties of these NRIs are protected by the Government of India and can be returned to them as well. But here an artificial line (Line of Control) has been created and people living on either side are deprived to claim their ancestral properties," he said.

Shah asserted that if New Delhi adopted any kind of negative attitude towards the Act, the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service would prove a fraud though "we welcomed the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service in a sense that it will reunite divided families".

He said that DFP would launch a peaceful public resistance against "conspiracy to divide people of the State". "DFP will soon start a peaceful resistance from public against clandestine conspiracy being hatched to prepare grounds for our ethnic cleansing and division of people of the State," he said.

SMGS Hospital celebrates its foundation day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 6: SMGS Hospital today celebrated its foundation day by organising a blood donation camp and a simple and impressive function which was attended by doctors, staff members and some attendants of the patients.

Members of MEA, Doctors Blood Donor Association, Paramedicals and members of Citizen Club Jammu donated their blood for the welfare of patients.

Dr H L Goswamy, Principal and Dean of Government Medical College and Associated Hospital Jammu, was chief guest on the occasion, He threw light on the history of SMGS hospital which has been catering the health needs of not only people in J&K but also the neighbouring States.

Dr Yashpal Sharma, Medical Superintendent of SMGS Hospital, appealed the staff members to take a pledge on the occasion that they would work with more dedication and sincerity for the welfare of the patients. He also informed that the Annual Prize Distribution Function would be held very soon after the entries for nominations under different categories are received from various Head of the Departments. The entries will be received within 15 days and the winner will be announced by the Chairman of the committee constituted for the purpose, he added.

It may be mentioned here that Dr Yashpal Sharma had last year announced to constitute different awards for the hospital employees in the categories, which include Most Punctual Employee, Most Well Dressed employee, Best Maintained Ward, Best Maintained Toilet, Best Maintained OPD/Section and Most Popular Employee.

IOC starts Indane distributorship at Sainik Colony

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 6: Indian Oil Corporation has further enhanced the Indane distribution network by commissioning of another LPG distributorship in Jammu city at Sainik Colony in the name and style of M/s Unique Indane.

This is the 75th Indane Distributorship in J&K. This new distributorship of Indane will be catering to the areas in and around Sainik Colony like Channi Himmat, Sainik Colony, Greater Kailash, Dilli, Sunjawan, Bhatindi and Chowadi.

Formal inauguration of the distributorship was done by Alok Upadhyaya, Indane Area Manager Jammu. Speaking on the occasion, he informed the gathering that a long pending demand of the area has been met by opening of new Indane Distributorship in Sainik Colony area.

Indane Area Manager stressed that better customer service will be ensured by this distributor. IOC has selected a well educated Narinder Sangral to handle this distributorship.

Speaking on the occasion, Assistant Manager LPG of Jammu Bharat Bhushan Sharma assured the gathering that there will be no shortage of Indane cylinders in the area and better customer service will be provided through M/s Unique Indane.

He also informed the gathering that frequent programmes will be organised for customer education and LPG safety awareness camps to educate customers.

Special efforts put in by Assistant Manager LPG Gunjan Dev in commissioning of the distributorship was lauded by Indane authorities.

Vandana Luthra honoured by FICCI Ladies Organisation

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 6: The FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) has honoured the endeavours of Ms Vandana Luthra towards promoting a healthy way of life amongst Indians.

The other honoured persons included Anjolie Ela Menon, Kiran Bedi, Barkha Dutt, Ritu Kumar and Zohra Sehgal. The award has been instituted for women achievers in all walks of life.

Sitting amidst the other accomplished women achievers, Ms Luthra, Chairperson and the mastermind behind the famed house of VLCC looked back at the memory lane. When she began in 1989, the biggest task was to crack into the tough market to break the conservative mindsets of people and make them conscious about the importance of fitness. Moreover, to get women on the path of looking good and feeling great, which has been the motto of VLCC ever since.

Ms Luthra has always looked beyond being just a leader and through years of hard work, she has effectively spread the VLCC umbrella across the country where over 3000 dedicated people service over a million Indians through 88 thriving centres across 46 cities.

She takes special interest in the social and research division VLCC Foundation that helps bring out new researches on fitness and slimming. Through the VLCC family, Ms Luthra wants to spread the message of empowerment through education and spread awareness on fitness. Her biggest mission in life is to empower everyone with the knowledge of fitness.

Trucks to carry motor spare parts, other products to PoK

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, May 6: As trucks from India and Pakistan get ready to cross sides and give boost to bilateral trade, the Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Jammu has received a number of queries from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) about several Indian products.

The Chamber has recieved queries about motor spare parts, tyres, cars coolants, high and low density polythene, and pharmaceutical products from several businessmen in Pakistan and PoK after the cross-border bus was launched last month. One to two queries are coming every day.

According to president of CCI Ram Sahai the Chamber had already despatched the samples of the car coolants and high and low density polythene to Pakistan. "Many businessmen from the other side wanted to see the samples first before placing the orders. So we have already sent several samples," he added.

Mr Sahai said about 780 items have been finalised for trade between the two countries. The businessmen from Pakistan and PoK can seek from India any product from these 780 items.

He said a 12-member India-Pakistan Business Advisory Committee with six members from each nation has been formed to promote trade between the two neighbouring countries. The six Indian members are from the northern parts of the country and the Pakistani members are from Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad and Rawalpindi. However, there is no member from PoK.

The committee will meet after every three months. The last meeting was held in New Delhi while the next would be held in Pakistan in the last week of May or first week of June, the CCI president disclosed.

He said Pakistan on May 3 allowed tax-free import of four essential commodities — potatoes, tomatoes, onions and garlic —and one million head of cattle per year from India at an estimated cost of more than 40 million dollars, through rail and land routes to check rise in prices of essential goods in that country.

The imports would take place through the private sector and the Government agencies would provide quarantine facilities and ensure the quality of the imported items.

Kashmir Chamber of Commerce president Rouf Punjabi said the members of the body have been invited by their counterparts in Pakistan and PoK to visit them for discussions on enhancing trade relations between the two countries. He, however, said they have not received any query from either Pakistan or PoK so far.

Mr Sahai said the PHD Chamber of Commerce is organising a three-day conference in Srinagar from May 18. The main theme of the conference is "impact of opening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road on trade relations between India and Pakistan", he added.

Mr Sahai, who is the chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Chapter of the PHD Chamber of Commerce, said a few businessmen from Pakistan are likely to attend the conference. "We are working on completing visa formalities for them," he added.

On April 7 after launching the historic Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service from here, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had said that India and Pakistan should join hands in opening traditional trade routes of Jammu and Kashmir which lay closed for decades and centuries.

Later in a joint statement issued on April 18 during Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf’s three day (April 16-18) visit to India, the two sides agreed among other things on setting up a joint business council to accelerate bilateral trade, allow trucks to ply across the Line of Control (LoC) and increase the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus frequency. The joint Indo-Pak Business Council has been asked to meet as soon as possible.

With the opening of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad route for trade and commerce, the 25-lakh strong community of Kashmiri fruit growers expect an extra earning of Rs 300 crore by exporting agriculture and horticulture produce to Pakistan and Gulf countries.

And once the trucks start plying on the 170-km Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road, the prospect of overland routes connecting Almaty, Tashkent, Bishkek, Dushanbe and Ashgabad in central Asia to the new silk route that goes across Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh brightens up.

Civic bodies to be empowered for speedy
development: Dy CM

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 6: Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma has said that corporators and councilors would be delegated with ample powers for speedier implementation and execution of development works as also for formulation of plans to improve civic amenities in their respective wards.

The cabinet sub-committee comprising Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Muzaffar Hussian Baig, Minister for Housing Ghulam Hassan Mir and himself is charting out the modalities for delegation of powers to the newly elected corporators, said Deputy Chief Minister, adding that comparative study of powers vested with corporators of Punjab, Rajasthan, Mumbai and union capital are being dwelled on for the purpose.

Addressing a gathering public after inaugurating a culvert at Kabir Nagar this evening constructed at a cost of Rs. 3.5 lakh by the Urban Environment Engineering Department (UEED), Mr. Sharma said that the culvert would benefit populace of the area as it provided linkages to colonel colony, saraswati and ambika vihar. He also directed the UEED engineers for framing the proposal to construct another culvert in the area to further improve communication link. He also instructed for raising of the protection wall on the fronts of the culvert to prevent chances of flooding and overflow.

Earlier, responding to the demand of the people of area for plying of matador, Mr. Sharma forwarded then proposal of grant of permit to the unemployed youth of the area for plying matadors. He assured that the demand for upgradation of the Government Middle School in the area would be considered only after erection of additional rooms in the school premises the contributory grants for which would be granted from his development fund.

The Deputy Chief Minister apprised the people about the finer details of the mega proposals that include development projects under Prime Minister’s economic revival package and Asian Development Bank and said that Congress has always championed the cause of the weak and downtrodden.

Mr. Sharma also touched the issue of Kashmir and reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of Indian union. He said, ‘I wonder when the democratically elected leaders and representatives of people of Jammu and Kashmir have put their hands owing allegiance with Indian union where come the issue of the State being a disputed territory’. In fact, the people of Jammu and Kashmir owe claim to the territory of Kashmir under the control of Pakistan presently and every effort would be made to get it back, he asserted.

Deputy Mayor Mrs. Rani Bloeria, who also spoke on the occasion said that decentralization of powers and works to the corporators would pave way for speedy progress and development of Greater Jammu.

People seek SSP’s intervention
Matric student tortured in police custody

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 6: A Matric student has been brutally tortured in custody by Sarwal police post causing him deep wounds on ear and eyes.

Kuldeep Khajuria, a resident of Rehari was tortured by the cops in custody at Sarwal police post on the intervening night of May 3 and 4. He, however, was released from custody next day after his condition deteriorated without registering any case against him.

A Medico Legal Case (MLC) made in the Medical College by the doctors showed that he had sustained deep injuries on his ear and eyes. He has also lost his hearing power to some extent.

He was arrested on suspicion of being involved in cash snatching from a woman Bala Devi. However, the woman had submitted a written letter to police post saying that boy was not involved in the snatching.

Family of the boy and residents of the area have appealed to SSP Jammu Mukesh Singh to take stern action against the cops involved in torture.

Mastermind conducts Mock Test for AIEEE

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 6: The Jammu Centre of Mastermind Classes, an All India level chain of coaching institutes organised a Mock Test for All India Engineering Entrance Examination (AIEEE) today.

According to a handout of the Mastermind Classes the test was conducted to help the students to evaluate the level of preparations they had done to crack the actual exam of AIEEE.

The question paper was set purely on the pattern of AIEEE examination which is being held on May 8. Over 400 students appeared in the test at both the centres. Some of them had even come from far flung areas.

The handout said that the Mastermind Classes Jammu Centre is the only centre in this region which has been imparting coaching to the students of 11th and 12th standard targeting the national level entrance examinations like IIT, JEE, CBSE, PMT, AIEEE,AIIMS AFMC etc.

It is the only coaching centre in Jammu having full time faculty from Delhi and other parts of India.

Police, public meet held at Bhaderwah

Excelsior Correspondent

BHADERWAH, May 6: In order to go to the problems of the masses, a police public meeting cum interaction was organised by Ashok Sharma ASP Bhadarwah today in which a large number of people from different communities participated.

While welcoming the new ASP, prominent citizens expressed the hope that under his aegis law and order situation in Bhadarwah Sub Division would become better and the common man will be provided justice.

The speakers also highlighted the problems like shortage of passenger vehicles on the Bhadarwah, Sattingal, Bhadarwah, Bhalla and Bhadarwah Bhalra routes and the irregularity in the bus services because of which people especially government employees are facing unimaginable inconvenience.

They demanded establishment of permanent post of the traffic police at Bhadarwah in wake of the heavy rush of the traffic in and around the main township and extended their full cooperation to the police as and when required to maintain the law and order in the area.

In his address , Mr Sharma, while thanking the participants assured them that they can come to him with their genuine grievances at any time and said that better security would be ensured to contain the activities of the criminals and anti social elements.

Among others the SDPO Bhadarwah, Arif Rasool and various social and political workers of the area were present on the occasion.

Zila Sainik officer visits Pargwal area

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 6: Zila Sainik Welfare officer Jammu Lt Col Karan Singh alongwith his team visited border area of Pargwal in Khour block of Chhamb constituency and addressed a rally of ex-servicemen and war widows today.

While speaking on the occasion, Col Singh educated the ex-servicemen and war widows and their children about various welfare schemes launched by Government for them and their families. He stressed and explained about the importance of joint notification so that ladies do not suffer after demise of their husband to get pensionary benefits promptly. It was also observed that there are still some children of ex-servicemen and widows whose names have not published in Part-II orders. He said such children can not avail concession for recruitment in the army.

The Welfare Officer also explained to the gathering about ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme. He said that this scheme was very beneficial for them. Sewing machine was presented to the Kaushlya Devi, widow of Late Sub Maj Jaswant Singh and some cash relief was provided to the widows of some ex-servicemen on the occasion. I-Cards, CSD cards, Medical cards etc. were issued by the Welfare officer to the ex-servicemen on the spot.

Driver not possessing valid licence at accident time
Insurance company entitled to recover money
of claim from owner or driver: HC

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 6: Chief Justice of the State High Court, Justice SN Jha has decided a very important point of law that in the accident claim case, the insurance company, in case the driver didn’t have a valid driving licence at the time of accident, is entitled to recover the money paid to the claimant under the award from the owner or the driver or both, as the case may be.

This law point was decided in a revision petition filed by the legal representatives of the owner of a motor vehicle, against the direction of Principal District Judge Jammu, dated October 25, 2004 deciding the issue " whether the suit is hit by section 11 CrPC as the issue with regard to valid driving licence of driver Babu Ram has already been decided in claim petition"

The fact of the case is that one Joginder Pal of village Khour died in a motor accident on the National Highway near Apna Vihar on December 23, 1995. At that time, the vehicle was insured with Oriental Insurance Company Limited. The legal representatives of Joginder Pal filed a claim petition before Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal Jammu for sum of rupees 1,55,688 with interest at the rate of 12 percent per annum from the date of filing of petition was awarded as compensation in favour of the claimant. In the claim case, the insurance company figured as one of the respondents. The insurance company had taken a specific plea that the driver didn’t have valid licence at the time of accident, and on pleading of the insurance company, an issue to the effect " whether the offending matador was driven without a valid driving licence" had been framed by the Tribunal and placing the onus of proof on the insurance company. The insurance company failed to prove the issue and the same was accordingly decided against it.

The company didn’t challenge the judgment of the claims of Tribunal, which became the final. The Insurance company later instituted a civil suit for recovery of the money paid by it to the claimant on the grounds that the driver had no legal licence.

Chief Justice SN Jha after hearing PS Marmar for the petitioners and DS Chouhan for the Insurance Company and also quoted various Supreme Court judgments, observed that the court is of the view that even if the first test is found to be satisfied and it is held that there was conflict of interest, the court doesn’t think that any decision to the validity of the driving licence of the driver was necessary for granting for granting relief to the claimants. The insurance company can avoid its liability on the grounds that the insured committed breach of policy insurance of insurance within the meaning of section 149(2) of the Act by sofar, as the claim is concerned for decision on the claim, the validity of driving licence is not an issue which must be decided, one way or the other. That is a relevant ground to avoid the liability which insurance company otherwise has to discharge under the terms of insurance policy. If it was not necessary to decide the validity or otherwise of the driving licence in order to grant relief in the claim case, how can it operate as res judicata?

With these observations, the Chief Justice observed that it is not a dispute that insurance company is entitled to recover the money paid to the claimants from the owner or the driver or both as the case may be. Thus the suit preferred by the insurance company cannot be said to be maintainable as barred by res judicata.

Developmental activities at Baramulla reviewed

Excelsior Correspondent

Baramulla, May 6: An amount of Rs 92.12 crore constituting 98.5 percent of total plan outlay of Rs. 95.18 crore were utilized in Baramulla district during last fiscal year. As many 236 decisions out of the 308 decisions taken in four district board meetings were implemented by the end of March.

This was conveyed today during a plan review meeting chaired by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir B B Vyas. The meeting in-depth took stock of the achievements registered in various developmental sectors.

Giving a resume of achievements District Development Commissioner Baramulla Rohit Kansal informed that under R&B sector 150 kilometers of road was blacktopped including ten major roads, seven water supply schemes and augmentation work in the town, Hartherath, Pattan Melganpora and Rafiaabad completed. Eight ambulances were provided, Laparoscopic surgical instruments installed at District Hospital Baramulla, 123 sub-stations created, 861 damaged transformers repaired, Rs 85 lakhs incurred on illumination of Baramulla town, provided IT facilities in 16 blocks, 3000 RTS appointed ,165 primary schools upgraded ,14 playfields developed, 557 IAY houses completed 4,94000 man days generated and 935 developmental works completed besides 17784 physically handicapped and 3693 percentage pensioners covered.

Speaking on the occasion Divisional Commissioner sught the cooperation of the implementing agencies in achieving the targets fixed with tangible results so that people get relief. He stressed for physical monitoring of works and to assess the problems faced by the common people which he added, would ensure their socio-economic development

The Divisional Commissioner asked the Deputy Commissioner Baramulla to establish a grievance cell and notify the same. He suggested the Electric Department to work out creation of Mini Micro Hydel Projects with Community participation. He asked officers to maintain punctuality in offices and mitigate the problems and sufferings of the people.

BJP to constitute security committees to fight
for refugees’ cause

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 6: Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided to constitute the Security Committees on Panchayat level which will fight on political and legal front on behalf of refugees.

This was stated by Pradesh BJP chief, Dr Nirmal Singh while addressing a press conference here today along with party general secretary Bali Bhagat. He said besides apprising the people of the dangers of the Resettlement Act, it will also provide the legal assistance to the refugees.

Reiterating that BJP was not against the peace process, he said our apprehensions were right as allowing the people from PoK to visit India without visa and raking up the issue of Resettlement Act have created problems for the people.

He said it is not only Mrs Gani who claimed her right over her ancestral property in J&K but seven more people are reportedly to make such claims.

Strongly criticising the Government, he said on one hand it was talking of the peace process and on the other there is a move to change the demography of this region.

Warning the Government, he said the BJP as the watch dog of peoples rights will fight for their cause tooth and nail and the Party has decided to launch a protest on all district headquarters on May 11 on four major issues.

The Party besides demanding repeeling of Resettlement and Evacuees property acts, will turn the Government’s attention towards selective killings by demanding beefing up of security and seek an assurance on Baglihar Project where the work has reportedly been stopped under a secret compromise with Pakistan.

This will be followed by holding a mass rally at Lakhanpur on June 23 which among others will be addressed by BJP national chief and former Deputy Prime Minister, L K Advani.

Lashing out at State Government, he said it was making the confusing statements on the Resettlement Act. Even there is no uniform stand of Congress Party on the issue, while Congmen from Jammu are pressing that the Act be scrapped those from Kashmir oppose it.

While the Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed justifies the claim made by those who migrated to Pakistan , the Panthers Party an alliance Partner of State Government takes the matter to court.

So when the Government makes confusing statements whom people will trust, he asked? If Deputy Chief Minister is so interested in revoking the Act let him introduce a bill in the State Assembly for this purpose, Dr Singh said.

Blaming the Government for lowering the prestige of the country with this peace process, he said it has created fear-psycosis among the people and the nationalist forces in the State are totally perturbed over it.

Deputation of Gujjars, Bakerwals calls on Wani

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 6: A deputation comprising of Gujjars, Bakerwals, Gadhis and Paharis from Doda today called on provincial secretary of the National Conference Karim Wani at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan.

The deputation informed Mr Wani that they would not be able to exercise their right to vote in the forthcoming Panchayat elections because it is the time when they have to move to the fields alongwith their cattle. Moreover, the people residing in Kandi belt are busy in harvesting and holding of elections at this period is unjustified.

Interacting with the deputation, Mr Karim Wani said that Coalition Government in the State for ulterior motives is bent upon dissolving the duly elected Panchayats and holding fresh election in total disregard of the Constitution and the law.

The Coalition Government, Mr Wani said, wants to arm itself with powers to dissolve the Panchayats arbitarily and termed the proposed amendment is unconstitutional, illegal and undemocratic. He assured that National Conference will intervene in the matter and save the Constitution and rule of law from the axe of the Government.

The deputation was comprised of Ch Salam-ud-Din from Bhalese, Basharat Hussain from Thathri, Mangal Singh from Mou Mangat, Javed Malik from Ramban, Gh Mohd Kandey from Keshwan and Ghulam Hassan from Chatru.

Minor girl raped in Udhampur, accused held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 6: A minor girl was raped by a miscreant in her house last night at Sui in Udhampur. Accused has been arrested by the police.

Police sources said 22 year old Shamsher alias Romesh son of Kaku Ram, a resident of Sui intruded into the house of Kartar Chand, whose 13 year old daughter Anuradha was all alone in the house.

He overpowered the girl, raped her and escaped.

Mother of the girl informed police when she returned to house. A police party from Udhampur police station led by SHO Inspector Jagdev Singh under the supervision of SSP Udhampur Rajesh Kumar rushed to the spot and recorded statement of the girl. A board of doctors conducted her medical examination.

Police swung into action and arrested the accused today from Jakhar forests, where he had taken shelter after committing the heinous offence. A case of rape under Section 376 RPC has been registered against him at Udhampur police station.

Udhampur police have also arrested one Joginder Singh son of Sansar Singh R/o Bal Ashram, Jib and recovered 12 bottles of liquor from his possession.

17 bovines seized, 5 arrested by Kud Police

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, May 6: Police today foiled an attempt to smuggle bovine animals to Kashmir valley and arrested five persons.

Police spokesman said that SHO Kud Police Station Rohit Dev Singh under the supervision of SSP Udhampur Rajesh Kumar stopped five persons who were taking 17 bovine animals to Kashmir Valley on foot and asked them to produce any permission for carrying the bovines.

When they failed to produce any permission, they were immediately taken into custody and animals were seized. The arrested persons have been identified as Mohd Shafi, Mohd Younis, Mohd Shafi, Mohd Sharief, all the residents of village Thurd and Abdul Aziz of Chenani.

A case has been registered against them in this connection and further investigations were on.

Meanwhile, Kud Police arrested a Kerosene Oil Depot owner for black-marketting of the diesel after managing the same from Army. About 300 litres of diesel was also seized from the depot.

The arrested person has been identified as Mohd Arshad, son of Murad Hussain of Kud.

Beautification of Srinagar, Jammu on anvil: Mir

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, May 6 : Srinagar and Jammu cities have been brought under the ambit of newly devised centrally sponsored National Urban Renewal Development Mission (NURDM) with other 30 cities of the country for integrated development with thrust on aesthetic grandeur and to address the poverty alleviation of urban youth.

Disclosing this at a joint session of Councilors of SMC and Urban Development functionaries here this afternoon, Minister for Tourism, Housing and Urban Development. Ghulam Hassan Mir said that the project for implementation of the new NURD Mission the suggestions of Councilors would be incorporation while formulating the ambitious plan.

The function among others, was attended by the Mayor, SMC, Ghulam Mustaffa Bhat, Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development, P.G.Dhar Chakerborthey, Deputy Mayor, Ghulam Mohammad Hakim, Commissioner, SMC, Mohammad Shafi Rather, Secretary, G.M.Sofi, Health officer, Dr. Shafqat Ahmad besides Ward officers.

Mr. Mir hoped that the Councilors would formulate ward-wise priorities to be included in the mission and other action plans of the Corporation. He said the Councilors need to identify the problems of civic amenities in such a way that these are addressed within one through in a phased manner un-like taking number of works which due to paucity of funds usually spill over years together.

Referring to the aspirations of the public with elected councilors, the Minister said that Government would extend all possible assistance to them for running the local-self Government system under 3- tier democratic set up. He said the government is aware of the problems confronting them with regard to security, accommodation and the honorarium and assured the councilors that government will consider these with sympathetic view under the available and given resources. He however, assured the member of the corporation that financial constraints would not come to hamper the development process of the Municipal Corporation.

Responding to the demands projected by the councilors, Mir agreed in principle for devolution of powers as sole authority to SMC for according permission with regard to building and demolition permissions. He said the possibilities for providing insurance cover to the councilors would be explored by the Government.

Earlier, Principal Secretary for Housing and Urban Development, P.G.Dhar Chakerborthy highlighted the role of councilors under Municipality Act and also spelt-out the schemes being launched for the overall development of cities and towns with improvement of civic amenities as well as employment generation schemes being introduced for urban unemployed youth.

Dogri Sanstha felicitates Balraj Puri

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 6: Mr Balraj Puri, recipient of Padam Vibhushan, was felicitated by the Dogri Sanstha, at a function held at Dogri Bhavan, this evening.

Various speakers, who spoke at the function, highlighted the distinct contribution of Mr Puri in various fields of journalism, literature, culture and politics.

Prof Ram Nath Shastri, an eminent Dogri writer, spoke about the qualities of Mr Puri and his long association with the Dogri Sanstha.

Prof Nilamber Sharma put spotlight on Mr Puri’s personal life and qualities of his head and heart.

Mr Ved Bhasin said that Mr Puri has courage of conviction and stood by his views on various issues. He also made mention that as an intellectual Mr Puri is ahead of his times and is a man of vision and strong views.

Mr Balraj Puri, while speaking on the occasion, expressed his gratitude for the honour bestowed on him. He gave credit for it to his parents, his family members, close associates and the common people for his achievements.

He said his thinking is that a five-tier political devolution of power will suit Jammu and Kashmir for preserving its secular, diverse ethnic and language identies and also integity.

Mr Puri pleaded that Jammu should have relationship with Kashmir on terms of friendship and equality for smooth development on all fronts.

This year’s coveted high honour winner, Mr Puri, while recalling his long association with the Dogri Sanstha suggested that either this language should have its own script or it should be written in Devnagari and persian scripts. He said greater assistance of computers should be taken for works in Dogri language.

Prof Lalit Mangotra, director, Dogri Sanstha, presented vote of thanks and said the people in this part of the country feel proud of the honour bestowed on Mr Puri.

Dr Subash Gupta, wife of Mr Balraj Puri was also present. The function was attended by members of Dogri Sanstha, eminent writers, academicians and prominent citizens.

Police restrict night movement by 6 foreigners at Baglihar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 6: Six foreign engineers at the Baglihar Hydro-Electric Project (BHEP) have been asked by police not to venture out of the dam site during night in view of the increased militant threats to their lives.

All the six have been given special security cover and asked to avoid meeting outsiders, official sources said, adding security had already been stepped up in and around Baglihar following reports of Fidayeen attacks.

The Hizbul Mujahideen militants wanted to abduct the foreigners and damage vital parts of the project as it would affect the production for a long time.

Though Baglihar Hydro-Electric Project has its own quarters near the dam site, two of the foreigners were staying at Batote, over 25 km from project side and they have been shifted to high-security BHEP quarters where the four other foreigners have been accommodated.

Sources said police had also proposed to enhance the strength of police and CRPF personnel in and around project site to stop militants from entering the project.

At present, 78 CRPF personnel, 13 police constables and 53 special police officers were guarding the project spread in an area of 200 sq km.

Sources said five more companies of CRPF and 100 police personnel were proposed to deployed at the project to stop militants from making a strike.

Though the additional security personnel have been proposed yet the present strength of the security personnel is enough to cope with any eventuality. "There is a full-fledged police station inside the project site with adequate number of constables and special police officers", the sources disclosed.

Moreover, due to stationing of the Army’s Sector Commander just adjoining the project site the security has already been intensified.

Vocational training, computer centres inaugurated

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, May 6: With an aim of imparting skilled training to the needy women leading to their financial independence and keeping in view the pivotal role being played by women in the changing socio economic scenario Col. Ravi Dimri Commanding Officer of Rashtriya Rifles (NAGA) inaugurated the Vocational Training Centre at Samota today.

The training centre was set up under the Operation Sadhbhavna where women will be imparted training in tailoring and knitting.

The vocational Training Centre established at Samota comes under the aegis of HQ 16 Corps RR/CI Force (Uniform) and is a step towards enhancing the economic independence of the weakest sections of the society. The profits earned will go back to the Centre to enable it to purchase new materials. The institute thus will obtain self sustenance over a period of time.

Speaking on the occasion, Col. Ravi Dimri stressed the women of the area to take active part in the upliftment and development of these this rural belt.

He urged the women to play a pivotal role in changing the socio economic scenario. He said this project was conceived with the same aspect in mind.

Col. Dimri expressed his sincere desire to bring in prosperity and literacy and use it as a potent weapon against fighting terrorism. Later a Computer Centre which has been established by the Army under Operation Sadbhavana at Government High School Kotranka was also inaugurated by Col Ravi Dimri.