|
|
| CBMs have placed militants at odds: Mufti ‘Peace, reconciliation process a historical reality’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said the confidence building measures taken by India and Pakistan have hit the perpetrators of violence......more Senior
officers of Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: A team of senior officers of Commercial Taxes took a round of some of the markets of Jammu city and inspected different......more Development
of border Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Concerted efforts are being made by the coalition government to raise the socio-economic......more Court
rejects bail of Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Chief Judicial Magistrate Jammu, Mr Sanjeev Gupta has rejected.......more Police
Station complex being converted into parking lot Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone Dr S P Vaid today recalled his memories and sentiments of so many serving and retired police officers connected....more |
 |
KPs to
return on their own Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Accusing the State Government of making a drama on the name of return, the Kashmiri Pandits today made it clear that they will return on the terms and condition set by them....................more Coalition
Government Excelsior Correspondent DODA, May 7 : Coalition Government is committed to bring the far-flung and remote areas at par with the other developed parts of the State and in this connection several steps are under way to achieve this ambitious goal..........more Standing
crops on Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Standing crops on about 800 kanals of the land have been destroyed in different fire incidents during the past 20 days in the twin districts of Jammu and Kathua.........more Rousing
reception Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, May 7: A rousing reception was accorded to Master Tassadiq Hussain, who returned to native place after becoming member of the Legislative Council. An impressive procession was taken out which passed through different localities and bazars......more |
CBMs have placed militants at odds:
Mufti Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said the confidence building measures taken by India and Pakistan have hit the perpetrators of violence below the belt who are now feeling themselves isolated in the emerging situation. He said the civilian killings that have taken place recently are indication of this feeling. Addressing the inaugural function of the two-day photo exhibition, Sadbhavna, organised by the 16 corps of army here today, the Chief Minister said attacks on soft targets shows that those wielding the gun find themselves at odds with the situation that has emerged in Jammu and Kashmir out of the peace and reconciliation process. He said this process is a historical reality and is supported by the entire nation. He said the efforts of the coalition Government led by him alone could not have borne fruit if there was not a national consensus on Jammu and Kashmir and relations with Pakistan. He said the reconciliation process with Pakistan was started by the previous NDA Government with Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the helm and the present Manmohan Singh led UPA Government has taken the process forward. The Chief Minister said South Asia is today turning into a region of amity and cordiality with all countries seeing eye to eye with each other on important regional issues. He said the recent Afro-Asian Conference in Indonesia provided the best example of the unanimity of approach among the countries of the region. He said for the first time there were no discordant voices heard in the conference which was not the case earlier. He said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was asked to represent the entire Asian countries at the conference which is a very significant development. He said India is poised for emerging as a super power and the leadership of the country realises that it has to march ahead together with the neighbours. Lauding the role of the Army in Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Minister said it has been very supportive of the healing touch policy adopted by the State Government. He said the Army’s sadbhavna programmes in important areas like education, health and road communication have been extra-ordinary. He referred to the adoption of 100 orphan children by the Army and their education at Beas and opening of boarding schools at Rajouri and Pahalgam. He said the education imparted to children in the Army schools is of very high standard and opens up the mental horizons of young children. He said the fact that people were happily living on the edge of the border in Jammu and Kashmir shows the pro-people role of the Army in the state. He said its role in J&K assumes greater significance for the social service it provides besides defending the borders. The Chief Minister made a special mention of the Army’s massive relief and rescue operations during the recent snow disaster in Jammu and Kashmir. He praised the Army for minimising collateral damage during its operations and referred to the just concluded operation in Bandipore. He said an operation that could have taken less than a day for the Army to complete continued for three days. He appreciated the holding of the photo exhibition depicting the role of the Army in the recent snow disaster in Jammu and Kashmir and asked the organisers to arrange a similar one in Srinagar. He complimented the former army chief, Gen. Vij for his personal interest in the development of Jammu and Kashmir and appreciated the GoC-in-C, Northern Command, Lt. Gen. Hari Prasad for a similar interest in the welfare of the people of the State. In his address, the Deputy Chief Minister, Mangat Ram Sharma highlighted the people-friendly role of the Army in Jammu and Kashmir and said it has not restricted itself to defending the borders in the State but is also engaged in social service. He said in education and medicare the Army has done remarkable work. He complimented the Army for taking the children of various parts of the State on Bharat Darshan saying it broadens their vision. He also appreciated the efforts of the men in uniform to win hearts and minds of the people by reaching out to them whenever they are in distress. The photo exhibition is a pictorial depiction of the bond of friendship between the Army and the civil population during the most trying times. It shows how the men in uniform launched one of the biggest relief and rescue operation in the State following the heaviest snowfall in several decades killing at least 250 persons. It also displays the synergy of efforts by Army, Air Force and civil administration to come to the rescue of the trapped people and provide food and clothing to victims in the worst hit villages of Waltingo Nar in South Kashmir, Gurez and Nawapachi in Marwah. The exhibition would be open for two days between 10 AM and 6 P.M. |
 |
Senior
officers of Commercial Taxes Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: A team of senior officers of Commercial Taxes took a round of some of the markets of Jammu city and inspected different business houses in order to ascertain the legality of invoices issued by the dealers. During the course of inspection it was found that some of the business houses were not issuing proper invoices under the J&K Value Added Tax, 2005. The concerned Commercial Taxes officers of the Circle were instructed on spot to take notice of such activities and were directed to ensure that action as permissible under the J&K VAT, 2005, was initiated against the defaulting dealers. The officers in the morning also attended the meeting organized by the senior citizens and retired senior officers forum at Gandhinagar. During discussion on VAT some of the apprehensions with regard to the implementation of VAT were raised by the speakers. In the meting the Deputy Commissioner Commercial Taxes (Tax Planning) and Deputy Commissioner Taxes (Administration) Jammu spoke on the benefits of VAT. |
|
Development of border areas put on fast track: Speaker Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Concerted efforts are being made by the coalition government to raise the socio-economic conditions of the people particularly those residing in border areas by providing basic amenities and involving them in development process at the grass roots level. Addressing a public gathering at Khour today, Speaker Legislative Assembly Tara Chand said that the government is committed to give due representation to the women and under-privileged sections in the panchayats to associate them in the development process. He said that the state government has initiated a fast track policy for providing road connectivity to link border villages with towns, providing power supply to remote and far-flung areas by installation and upgradation of transformers and electric poles, construction of community halls and rehabilitation of border migrants. Responding to the demands of the people, the Speaker said that the matter for installation of additional pump sets, improvised transformers and repair of lanes and drains in Khour block would be considered on priority. Regarding the demand for providing ration to the border migrants, the Speaker said that he would personally visit the area and ensure that their demand is addressed expeditiously. He also directed the concerned Tehsildar to provide new tents in the border areas for facilitating the rehabilitation of the migrants who have returned to their native places besides replacing the damaged tents. The Speaker asked the Public Health Engineering Department to set up a control room at Akhnoor within 2 days positively for ensuring quick redress of the people’s grievances with regard to drinking water supply. MLA Akhnoor Mr. Sham Lal Sharma, who also addressed the public meeting, impressed upon the people to remain united and take maximum benefit of the development schemes initiated by the coalition government. Chairman and Vice Chairman Municipal Committee, Khour, sarpanchs, panchs and prominent citizens of the area were also present on the occasion. |
|
Court rejects bail of accused persons in gang-rape case Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Chief Judicial Magistrate Jammu, Mr Sanjeev Gupta has rejected the bail application of Shoukat Ali, Mohd Yaqoob alias Pooba of village Kapur Ghar and Rafiq of Dalami who were alleged in a gang-rape case. The trio were charged with raping the prosecutrix who had gone to attend a marriage function at village Kapur Garh on April 10, 2005. While rejecting the bail application, the Judge held that keeping in view the seriousness and gravity of the offence as well as the punishment provided in Section 376 RPC ( Rape case), the court is of the opinion that the liberty of the accused is required to be curtailed at this stage as in the interest of the society. As per the case, it was alleged that while the prosecutrix was sleeping in the room alongwith other ladies during the marriage ceremony and her husband was sleeping in gent’s room. At around 12.30 am, she went outside to urinate, but was forcibly lifted by the accused persons and taken to a nearby wheat field where they committed the offence. She had raised cry which attracted her husband and other peaple who reached on spot and on seeing them, the accused persons had run away. |
|
Police Station
complex being converted into parking lot Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone Dr S P Vaid today recalled his memories and sentiments of so many serving and retired police officers connected with one of the oldest City Police Stations, at a function held here this evening. The oldest police station complex of the temple city which has lived more than 100 years, is being handed over to the Jammu Municipal Corporation by J&K Police Department and within couple of days the building with be bulldozed down by JMC squad for converting about 3 kanals of this complex into a parking lot. Besides Deputy Inspector General of Police Jammu-Kathua Range, Niaz Mehmood, DIG Poonch-Rajouri Range, V K Singh, SSP Jammu, Mukesh Singh, SSP Border Parminder Singh, several serving and retired police officers including Nassir Khan, P R Gandotra, D S Slathia, P R Sharma, Bachan Singh Choudhary, Shanti Anand, I S Chamak, O P Bakshi, Rajinder Singh, Mulakh Raj, J K Mishri and others were present on the occasion. Dr Vaid said that interaction was just organised to go down the memory lane along with retired officers who spent the memorable days in this Thana. Their sentiments are obviously connected with this historic building complex of City police station which has now been shifted to just adjoining Parking lot, opposite Ranbireshwar temple Shalamar Road. He said retired IGP S S Wazir had also suggested to have interaction with retired officers and we took the initiative in right perspective. He said though many officers could not be invited hurriedly it also remained a low key affair. DIG Jammu-Kathua Range earlier welcomed the invitees and said that the City Police Station complex is being converted into the Central Parking lot. He further said that with this old Thana, memories of many officers are attached. He hoped that this site will be utilised for the purpose of public service. Retired police officer M N Khan while speaking on the occasion recalled his first service tenure as trainee in this Police Station in 1959-60. He said that he even now remembers the officer and Munshi Mohan Lal with whom he worked in this Thana. He referred to the routine of daily reporting to the DSP by the SHO and follow up report as well. He referred to the services of several honest and tough officers and said that high professionalism prevailed during those days. He said police officers of this era must be over burdened these days because of militancy and also dealing with law and order situation but it is the duty of every Khaki clad man to maintain sense of confidence. |
|
KPs to return on their own terms, conditions: Jatoo Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Accusing the State Government of making a drama on the name of return, the Kashmiri Pandits today made it clear that they will return on the terms and condition set by them. Making the community’s view point clear on the issue, AIKS vice president and senior Kashmiri Pandit leader H N Jatoo made a scathing attack on both Centre and State Governments and blamed them for hatching a conspiracy to eliminate this community. He was addressing a joint meeting of various KP bodies here, today organised by AIKS. He said the return of the displaced people is not on the agenda of the Government and the clusters constructed at various places are for the Muslim migrants. Jatoo warned the community not to get mislead by certain vested elements on the name of return. He also lashed out at Hurriyat leaders Sajjad Ahmed Lone and Ali Shah Geelani for showing eagerness on return of the displaced Pandits to their homes and hearths. Mr Jatoo while asking the all factions of the community to come on a single platform and fight for the community cause unitedly said "we can’t denounce the Panun Kashmir outrightly though I may have some ideological differences with them". In his presidential speech M K Kaw AIKS, chief said let the community leadership think over the return issue a little more. Admitting the suggestions of various KP leaders he said there should be some plan of action to be presented before the Government in this regard. He announced that a Committee of five to seven persons representing various KP organisations will be set up to frame such a module to be presented before the Prime Minister. Stressing on unity among the community AIKS vice president and Bangalore Samiti chief R K Mattoo said the community can not afford to waste more time as the disunity is sending a wrong signal. He said the community should reveal its mind on return as the J&K Government does not care for the hapless Pandits who have been denied their share in employment. Dr K L Choudhary, senior KP leader, while justifying the Homeland demand said every member of community had supported it. Even the late political stalwart P L Handoo had said that it was the only alternative, he added. Rejecting the return formula he said the community can not return in present dispensation and talking in the terms of return at prevailing conditions is nothing except political dishonesty. He said the lanes and paths are being opened for the people of majority community while all roads for community are being closed due to the wrong policies adopted by Centre on Kashmir. Prof A N Sadhu, said that no body bothered for the community in last 15 years and after the Prime Minister’s visit to camps the community members were evicted from Government quarters. Dr R L Bhat, vice president JKVM made it clear that JKVM has outrightly rejected the return to clusters and stressed on creating the democratic structures. He said instead of beating about the bush the leadership should talk in a practical and pragmatic way. ASKPC chief A N Vaishnavi said the discussions on the return should be held with Kashmir migrants. He also demanded publication of Dayal and Kohli Commission reports. Moti Koul, R K Bhat representing AIKS Youth Wing and comrade Mohan Lal, Prof C L Sadhu, Maj Gen (retd) B N Dhar, Chand Ji Khar, Col.(retd) Choudhary, J N Saproo senior leader AIKPC, Vijay Chicken , Ramesh Koul and Rajinder Kilm were among others who addressed the meeting. |
|
Coalition Government committed to development: Mir Excelsior Correspondent DODA, May 7 : Coalition Government is committed to bring the far-flung and remote areas at par with the other developed parts of the State and in this connection several steps are under way to achieve this ambitious goal. This was stated by R&B Minister G.A. Mir while addressing largely attended public meetings at Bhagla and Bhagwah villages under Ghat and Bhagwah blocks of Doda Tehsil. Describing the road connectivity as a key to prosperity of any area the Minister said that over Rs.40 crore are being spent during the current financial year on various road projects in the district. He said that to develop remote areas a network of road connectivity is under active consideration of the Government. The Minister disclosed that the central Government has sanctioned Rs.100 crore for improvement and widening of Batote Kishtwar National Highway. Prestigious Mughal road would be completed within next two years, the Minister added. The Minister directed the engineering staff accompanying him to construct an inspection hut at Bhagwah for which land would be made available by the locals. Mr. Mir disclosed that for bringing Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Poonch, Lakhanpur, Bani and Basholi on tourism map Government has sanctioned development authorities for these towns.An amount of Rs.15 crore for each development authority would be provided by the Central Government. Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdul Majid Wani who was also present on the occasion addressing the gathering said that Government is fully aware of its responsibilities and is sensitive to the genuine demands of people particularly living those in far off and remote areas. Enroute to Bhagla and Bhagwa several deputations at village Ganika, Nalwa, Bhali, Chitran, Dhar, Panda, Honail and Dali More met the Ministers and apprised them about their problems which mainly pertained to the provision of water, health care and educational facilities. Mr Wani assured them that their legitimate demands would receive due consideration on priority basis. Among others G.M. Saroori, Chairman Social Welfare Board, Chief Engineer, R&B, District Development Commissioner Doda and other district and sectoral officers were accompanying the Minister. |
|
Standing crops on 800
kanals of land Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Standing crops on about 800 kanals of the land have been destroyed in different fire incidents during the past 20 days in the twin districts of Jammu and Kathua. Sources in Fire and Emergency Services Department said that every day two to three incidents of burning of standing crops are being received by different fire stations and since April 15 standing crops on about 800 kanals of land got destroyed. "This is happening because the people are not adhering to the warning of stop smoking while harvesting", the sources said and added that most of the crop fire incidents are taking place due to biddies or cigaretees. During the past 20 days, almost all the fire tenders of different Fire Stations in rural areas are busy in extinguishing crop fire. Even today, crop fire incidents reported from Badyal Brahamana in R S Pura, villaghe Kanal in Bishnah, village Rasian in Samba and Hiranagar, the sources disclosed and said that alone in Badyal Brahamana area standing crop on 100 kanals of land got destroyed. Moreover, the sources said that, the crop fire spreads at such a speed that it reduces into ashes standing crops on hundreds of kanals of land within minutes thus minimising the possibility of less damage. The data of the Fire and Emergency Services revealed that last year a total of 800 fire incidents took place and in the forest, bushes and crop fire incidents 1000 square kilometres of area got involved. The Department appealed the people to strictly adhere to the warning and stop smoking in forest and standing crop areas. |
|
Rousing reception accorded to Master Tassadiq Hussain Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, May 7: A rousing reception was accorded to Master Tassadiq Hussain, who returned to native place after becoming member of the Legislative Council. An impressive procession was taken out which passed through different localities and bazars of Rajouri town. From Pootha to Rajouri town, he was taken in a big procession. Master Tassadiq Hussain, senior vice-president of Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) was accompanied by Rajya Sabha member, Trilok Singh Bajwa and MLC Ved Mahajan. Addressing the felicitation function, Master Tassadiq Hussain reminded that gathering that just after formation of PDP leaders of this party have been advocating peace with dignity. He pointed out that under the leadership of Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed peace, to some extent, has been restored in the region with dignity and honour. Newly elected MLC claimed that entire world has appreciated policies and programmes being propagated by the PDP for restoring peace. He said that it was result of the policies of PDP that relations between India and Pakistan have improved and roads were opened for uniting divided families. He further informed the people that during the last more than two years, PDP led regime has sanctioned established University in Rajouri, process of opening Mugal Road has started, colleges have been sanctioned for Poonch and Rajouri besides bringing these two districts on map of tourism. T S Bajwa, Ved Mahajan, Ramesh Mottan, former Minister M S Tariq, Zulikar, Murtaza Khan, Iqbal Malik, Anam Choudhary, Shafi Dar, Kalid Choudhary, Nassar Ullah Mirza and others addressed the gathering. |
|
|
Parshuram jayanti
celebration Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: As part of Bhagwan Parshuram Jayanti celebrations, Brahmjyoti was taken out ceremonially from Parshuram Bhavan, Parade, here this morning. Starting from Dogra Brahman Pratinidhi Sabha, Parade, in a ceremonial procession, the Brahmjyoti will reach Parshuramji temple, Purkhoo and from thereon it will be taken to various places in Jammu region according to a schedule drawn up by the Sabha. Dr Dwarka Nath Shastri, Receiver and president, Dogra Brahman Pratinidhi Sabha, Jammu told EXCELSIOR that Jayanti of Bhagwan Parshuram falls on May 10 and an elaborate programme has been drawn up for its celebration. The jyoti will visit specified places till May 9. He said today the Brahmjyoti after performing 16-mantra pujan and chanting of Vedic hymns was taken out to Bhagwan Parshuram temple at Purkhoo in an impressive procession lead by scooters and followed by devotees. The jyoti signify light and knowledge to show path to the entire humanity, he added. Those who were in the Shobha yatra this morning included: Pt Mool Raj Shastri, Dr Jai Kumar Sharma, Inderjeet Khajuria, Lakshmi Dutt Shastri, Som Nath Sharma, M L Sharma, Jagdish Raj Sharma,master Sohan Lal Sharma, A programme has been chalked out every district to arrange for celebrations and the concluding main function will be at Jammu. Kathua had such religious performance yesterday. The celebrations of Bhagwan Parshuramji will be from May 5 till May 11 and various programmes will be organised during this period. |
|
|
Praja Parishad
locks horns with Govt on Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Jammu and Kashmir Praja Parishad has strongly criticised the Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed who reportedly has offered compensation to all those people who had migrated to Pakistan. Addressing a press conference here today, Parishad chief Chander Mohan Sharma said the Chief Minister never bothered for registration of Pak refugees, granting citizenship rights to them and honourable return of Kashmir migrants to their homes and hearths. This way the Government was encouraging those who came via Muzaffarabad bus and make a claim over their ancestral property in J&K. Terming it a dangerous trend, he said it is high time when the Government should scrap the resettlement Act and Evacuees Property Act, wind up Custodian Department and confer ownership rights to all occupants of evacuees property. He said by offering the compensation the communal face of the Government has come on forefront. He also blamed the Congress for joining hands with communal forces saying this has weakened the patriotic forces in J&K. He also blamed the Congress Party for playing a negative role and alleged that it failed to represent the Jammu cause. "The bus was to unite the families and these were Hindus and Sikh of Poonch and Mirpur who were divided", he added. He alleged that the bus service promoted the PDP cause as Jammu people have to travel 800 kilometers to reach Mirpur via Muzaffarabad. He said how can the people of POK make a claim on their property in J&K as they voluntarily migrated to Muzaffarabad. He also criticised NC for its statement that it will reintroduce resettlement Act if comes to power. He blamed the BJP for betraying Jammu people after joining hands with NC for election of Mayor. He also announced the appointment of Mrs Raj Sharma president Mahila Wing Praja Parishad, Sneh Lata as president District Mahila Praja Parishad and Jyoti Gupta as Zila secretary Mahila Wing. He said Rishi Kumar Prashay will be chief of Party Headquarters. |
|
Jammu lensman’s picture becomes face of CRPF Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: The Indian Express lensman, Neeraj Upadhyay, created history in the State, by being the first photographer, whose work has been displayed on a hoarding at the Jammu bridge. The photograph of the ‘The Indian Express’ newspaper, shot on September 26, 2004 at Fly Over bridge, is now the face of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the State. The hoarding, also bearing the logo of the force, was erected at the Tawi bridge here today. The photograph, which shows an eagle flying over the bridge, and a CRPF jawan in the backdrop, carries the caption, "Eagle eye of CRPF at your service." The CRPF would be placing the hoarding at the prominent places all over the State. Earlier, the photograph had been displayed at the IG office at Ban Talab, Jammu and also at the CRPF headquarters. The Director General of CRPF has also directed the command and battalions to place the hoarding at their respective offices. The idea, according to IG CRPF, PM Nair, was to build a confidence amongst the public, that the force was always vigilant like an eagle, and was constantly keeping a check. In J&K, this is for the first time, when the photograph of a newspaper had been used for hoarding. |
|
LJSP to take part in Panchayat elections Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Lok Jan Shakti Party (LJSP) has decided to contest forthcoming Panchayat elections in the State and is shortly affecting changes in the State body of the party for better performance in the polls. This was disclosed by national general secretary of the party A K Vajpayee while addressing a press conference here today. "The working committee meeting of the State unit met today and decided to contest the Panchayat elections to strengthen the party base at grass root level", he said. For the better performance of the party candidates in the Panchayat elections, major changes are being made in the State unit, he said and didn’t rule out the possibility of strict action against those party workers, who have been indulging in anti-party activities. To a question, he said "I am verifying the facts with regard to alleged nabbing of State president Peerzada Abdul Hamid by the Janipur Police and strict action would be taken against him if found guilty", adding "the decision in this regard would also be taken shortly. The working committee of the party has also decided to hold massive protest demonstrations to put pressure on the Government to implement Mandal Commission report. "We will not allow State Government to deny justice to the 70,000 members of Lubana Biradari and fight for their rights by all means", Mr Vajpayee made it clear. He demanded that Prime Minister’s package should be implemented at the earliest that too with equal share to all the three regions of the State. The working committee was also in favour of reservation to Kashmiri Pandits in State Legislature and even Panchayat elections and relief to the border migrants at par with Kashmiri migrants. To another question, he said that LJSP would oppose tooth and nail implementation of Resettlement Act as the same would harm the interests of large number of refugees staying in the State. According to Mr Vajpayee, several active workers of the National Conference, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and PDF have decided to join LJSP. |
|
|
JD(S) activists stage dharna against Resettlement Act Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: The activists of State unit of Janata Dal (Secular) led by Dhanraj Bargotra today staged a dharna in front of office of Divisional Commissioner Jammu against the Resettlement Act. Addressing the dharna, Mr Bargotra demanded immediate withdrawal of the Resettlement Act and said Act would create hurdles in continuance of the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) between India and Pakistan. "It would create communal distress among the different communities living in the State of Jammu and Kashmir and land the State as well as country in dangerous situation", he warned and demanded that Evacuee Property occupants should be given the properietory rights at the earliest which is the only way left to end chaos and confusion. He appealed both the State and Central Government not to delay the handing over of evacuee properties to its occupants. Speaking on the occasion, Mast Nath Yogi, senior vice-president of the party criticised the attack on marriage party near Pouni by militants and demanded distribution of modern weapons to the Village Defence Committee (VDC) members. Both the leaders said that it becomes the responsibility of State as well as Central Government to bring an end to chaos and confusion among the Evacuee Property occupants about their future especially after the statement of the Union Minister of State for Home Jaiparkash Jaiswal that PoK people can reclaim their properties in J&K. "Though everybody is saying that Evacuee Property occupants need not to worry yet how can they take the statement of Union Minister in lighter vein", they asked and said that the only way left to remove chaos and confusion is to scrap the Resettlement Act and Evacuee Property Act. Later, they submitted a memorandum to the Divisional Commissioner for onward submission to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. Others who addressed the dharna included Bashir Ahmed Khan, Jatender Khanna, Tirath Singh, Tara Chand, Ram Rattan Sharma and Makhan Lal. |
|
|
|
|
|
Puri shares his experiences
in journalism, Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Mr Balraj Puri, recipient of Padam Vibhushan, shared his vast experiences in journalism, as a social and political activist at the function " Meet the Veteran" programme organised by the Press Club, here this evening. Down memory lane, Mr Puri narrated how he started writing at the very young age and he made steady headway in journalistic field by editing periodicals. He is still writing for the press and has earned his place in the profession. He has authored a number of books on various subjects. He recalled his contribution in the field of political, social and cultural life spheres. He was done work for autonomy and pleaded for 5-tier devolution of political power in Jammu and Kashmir. He has worked in human rights field as well and also established identities of ethnic groups and historical figures like Mian Didoo, Baba Budh Singh, Bawa Jittoo. Mr Puri was part of the main political events in this strategic and sensitive Jammu and Kashmir State. He was considered close to top political leaders like Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, J P Narrayan, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. He has courage of conviction. Various speakers, who spoke on the occasion, had good word about the part played by Mr Puri for about half a century in Jammu and Kashmir’s social and political life. Mr Manu Srivats, president of the Press Club spoke on the occasion. He said that the club has started this" Meet the Veteran" for acquainting the new generation with rich experiences of veterans in the field. Mr Shyam Kaul, senior journalist of the club, in his speech said Mr Puri was one of the initiator and maker of intellectual phenomenon in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the younger journalists can draw inspiration from his attainments and wide experiences. Mr Puri was presented a shawl and a plaque on behalf of the the Press Club. There was question-answer session at which the members put searching questions and got appropriate replies throwing light on life and works of Mr Puri. |
|
One day conference of Gujjar-Barkerwal held Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, May 7: A one day conference of Jammu and Kashmir Gujjar-Bakerwal Welfare Organisation was held here today. It was presided over by veteran Gujjar leader Ch Mohd Said. A number of resolutions were passed in the conference demanding political reservation to Gujjar-Bakerwal community, inclusion of community in the dialogue process for peaceful solution to Kashmir problem, inclusion of Gojri language in 8th Schedule of the Constitution, start of Gojri news bulletin from All India Radio and Doordarshan and creation of separate Tribal Ministry in Jammu and Kashmir and Tribal Directorate. The participants also demanded special drive for recruitment of Gujjar-Bakerwal youth in the State Police, CRPF, BSF and ITBP and employment of community members in the State Civil Secretariat. The community members were appealed to be united for the cause of the community and Government was warned of massive agitation if the demands of the community were not conceded at the earliest. Prominent among others who addressed the conference included Mohd Younis, Nazakat Ali Bhatti, Ch Mohd Din, Zaffer Ullah, Shamshir Haqla Poonchi, Mohd Bashir Poswal, Ch Mohd Sharief, Mohd Din Chouhan and Shabir-ul-Hussain. Exhibition of teaching aids held Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: An exhibition of teaching aids was organised by Dogra College of Education today. Prof Rajiv Gupta, Director Colleges Development, University of Jammu inaugurated the exhibition. Gulchain Singh Charak, MLC and chairman of the College presided over the function. The programme started with the welcome address presented by Dr (Mrs) K K Choudhary, the Principal of the College. In her welcome address, she explained the importance of teaching aids in the present day education system. Prof Rajiv Gupta appreciated efforts of the students in the preparation of various teaching aids and was very much impressed with the presentations by the students. He advised the students to donate the teaching aids prepared by them to various schools for their use. Prof Gupta lauded the efforts of Dogra College of Education, being a leading college in the private sector, in providing quality education to its students. He further advised the Principal to award the students having contributed best of the exhibits. Samar Dev Charak, secretary of the Trust also addressed the function. Vote of thanks was presented by Dr (Mrs) Kiran Luthra. DDC reviews district plan achievements Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: To review the physical and financial achievements registered by various sectors in Jammu district during the last fiscal year a meeting of sectoral officers was held here today. District Development Commissioner, Jammu, Hirdesh Kumar Singh presided. Meticulous discussions on various issues like plan proposal 2005-06, follow up action of various works and submission of plan proposal by the 20th of this month was conducted. Addressing the meeting the DDC called upon the sectoral officers to formulate comprehensive plan proposal in consultation with the MP, MLAs and MLCs of their respective judicious. He urged the officers to work with zest and zeal for solving the problem of the people. The agriculture department also distributed 11815 quintals HYV seeds of paddy, maize wheat, pulses oil seeds and fodder besides collected 10955 soil samples for analysis. The department also distributed 13-spray pump sets against the target of 24 and carried fumigation of store grains. Under the extension and training programme 35 training camps were held, imparted training to 1750 farmers. Under the special rural development programme 2.46 lakh mandays were generated and 892 number of works were completed, 562 number swarozgaris were covered besides 63 self help groups were formed. Under the Indira Awas Yojna (IAY) 240 houses were constructed and 146 were upgraded. Under the education sector, 16 number of mixed primary school were opened, 3 middle school to high school and 2 high school to higher secondary were upgraded besides 93577 number of students were provided text books and 2143 student were given merit cum poverty scholarship. The meeting also reviewed the physical progress of horticulture, soil conservation, sheep and animal husbandry, employment, industries, health, social welfare and self-employment departments. The meeting reviewed the schemes initiated under Border Area Development Programme (BADP) in the district. Swatantra reviews progress on treating Ravi catchment Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7 : The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, S. D Swatantra reviewed the river valley project also known as Thein dam project under which catchment of river Ravi is being treated for moisture and soil conservation at a high level meeting of forest officers here today. The treatment of the catchment has been necessitated because of the construction of prestigious Ranjit Sagar Dam and Hydel projects in the area. Mr. Swatantra asked the concerned authorities to install three more sediment monitoring stations so as to quantify the gain as a result of treatment. The project officers were directed to draw a comprehensive works programme for the current fiscal so that the works on the rest of the un-treated areas are started immediately. BJP demands clear assurance
from Govt Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Reacting to the public statement of Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma that Shri Amarnath Yatra will last for full two months and that the Government will take all precautionary measures to ensure incident free Yatra, the State BJP said what the Congress leader said was not just enough. State vice president and BJP spokesman Prof Hari Om said on the one hand the State Government has filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) challenging the order of the High Court upholding the right of the Amarnath Shrine Board to conduct the Yatra, on the other the Deputy Chief Minister was seeking to win over his Jammu constituency by telling that his Government is with the Chairman of Shrine Board Lt Gen S K Sinha, who has announced that Yatra period this year will be from June 21 to August 19. Prof Hari Om said that SLP filed by the Government has not only caused anguish among devotees of Lord Shiva, but also has conveyed an impression that ruling coalition is all out to offend the religious sensitivities of the minorities in the State. He said if the Deputy CM is actually committed to secular ethos, he should persuade the Law Department to withdraw forthwith the SLP. He added that it was the only option left before the Congress to prove that they have equal respect for all religions. He expressed hope that Deputy Chief Minister and other Congress leaders would rise to the occasion and assuage the hurt feelings of the devotees of Lord Shiva. Luthra College students take out AIDS awareness rally Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: In connection with AIDS awareness, the students and the teaching staff of Luthra College of Education organised a rally here today. The rally commenced from the college complex at Talab Tillo this morning and passed through main market, Bori and several other localities. The students and NSS volunteers were carrying placards, banners with slogans and pictures for creating awareness. The college students also staged a street play depicting menance of AIDS and its possible prevention. The play was highly appreciated by the people of Patniyal near Bori. Dr S N Kaul held a meeting with the villagers and educated them during the campaign about the AIDS and created awareness among them. Mrs Upasana Sharma, Programme Officer NSS unit of the College organised the rally. The entire programme was supervised by the Principal of the college, Rajiv Luthra. Suman addresses public meeting Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Minister for Health and Medical Education Suman Bhagat has said that given the role road connectivity plays in speeding up development process, the coalition Government has accorded utmost priority to this sector. The Minister stated this while addressing a large gathering at Bhoua in R S Pura are today. She said that completion of road and other important development projects is being made time bound to avoid cost and time over runs. This also ensures people getting benefit of such schemes at the earliest. She impressed upon the people to keep watch on the developmental works going on in their areas for achieving better results. Responding to the demands of the people, the Minister announced Rs.3 lakh for development of Shamshanghat at Bhoua, Rs. 2 lakh for construction of lanes and drains of the area. NC discusses problems of Jammu people Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: A meeting of J&K National Conference, district Jammu (rural) was held under the chairmanship of Ajay Sadhotra, provincial president to assess the problems being faced by people in organizational Jammu district A of NC. While addressing Provincial president Ajay Sadhotra expressed concern over failure of the Government to provide jobs to youth. He said the coalition partners of the State at the time of election had promised to provide Government job to atleast one member of each family but so far no promise has been translated into reality. Mr Sadhotra condemned the Government decision to dissolve the Panchayats pre-maturily and held that Government was doing all such things to divert the attention of the people from the issues that are haunting them. Those who addressed the meeting included Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Abdul Karim Wani, Brij Mohan Sharma, Haji Mohd Hussain, Master Baldev Singh Bhau, Sat Paul Lakhotra, Bhagat Ganga Dutt, Rameshwar Dutt, Chhaju Ram Bhagat, Subash Chander Sharma and Ch Bagh Ali. K V Hiranagar celebrates Annual Day Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, May 7: Kendriya Vidyalaya Hiranagar celebrated its first ever Annual Day function at Mini Sports Stadium Hiranagar. The Assistant Commissioner, K V Sangathan Regional Office Jammu, S Vijaya Kumar was the chief guest. He also gave away the prizes to the winners. Education Officer, K V Sangathan Regional Office Jammu, Dr O D Sharma was the special guest of honour. Other dignitaries who attended the function were MLA Hiranagar, Tehsildar Hiranagar, parents of students and local people. The chief guest appreciated the small kids for their good performance and colourful show which reflected the spirit of brotherhood and unity in diversity. The vote of thanks was proposed by Principal of the School V K Bhalla. JMC Mayor visits Trikuta Nagar Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: The Mayor of the Jammu Municipal Corporation Kavinder Gupta accompanied by Health Officer and other senior officers of different wings of JMC conducted tour of Ward 53, Trikuta Nagar to assess and redress the grievances of the inhabitants. Ward Councillor Shub Chander Verma, president Trikuta Nagar Development Council Balkrishan Gupta and prominent citizens of wards 53 and 54 urged the visiting Mayor to formulate a comprehensive plan for cleaning and desilting of lanes and drains as also the big nullah as also the other works in extension areas. Mr Verma apprised the Mayor about the measures initiated by him for development of the ward and lauded the role of the concerned officials who removed 60 trucks of garbage from the ward. President TDC Balkrishan Gupta stressed on the Mayor to provide additional Safaikaramcharis because a number of unauthorized colonies have mushroomed around Trikuta Nagar and also demanded augmentation in water supply and uninterrupted electricity supply in the areas. The Mayor directed the Health Officer on the spot to look into the matter and take appropriate action to the demands of the citizens. Buland Khan urges Govt to accord priority to nomads Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Haji Buland Khan, vice chairman Gujjar and Bakerwal Advisory Board has urged the authorities concerned to accord pronounced thrust to remote far flung areas which continue to be neglected by the powers that be so that their miseries were mitigated. In his week long tour of Gool Gulabgarh area of Udhampur district the Haji said due attention was not being paid to the developmental works in the area. He said Reasi-Arnas-Mahore road which serves as a life line was handed over to Project Beacon in January 2003 for upgradation to convert this vital link from fair weather to all weather, but Beacon has not done any work and the condition of the road has further worsened. The Haji also stated that despite various representations the schools in the area are under-staffed till date and the same was the case of health care institutions wherein also several posts were lying vacant including those of doctors. Haji Buland Khan said ther state of affairs of almost all the Departments was below par, but no Government authority has come forward to mitigate the sufferings of the common people. Govt to revive SCARD Bank: Zargar Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 7: Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Abdul Aziz Zargar today reiterated that all possibilities would be explored to revive State Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development SCARD Bank keeping in view its glorious past and significant role in improving rural economy. Speaking at a function held here this afternoon to bid farewell to the Chairman of SCARD Bank and Ex.- Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Khurshid Ahmad Ganai and welcome to new Bank Chairman and Divisional Commissioner, B.B. Vyas, the Minister said revival plan for the SCARD Bank is already under discussion with the NABARD and State Finance department adding that leading activities in the Bank would be resumed shortly to improve financial health of the institution. The Minister appreciated the hard toil put in by the management and field agencies of the SCARD, Bank for recovering Rs. 1.50 crore loan outstanding in a shortest ever one month’s period under OTS scheme. Assuring that the case for rejuvenation and revival of the SCARD Bank would be pleaded forcibly in the State Cabinet, the Minister called upon the bank employees to keep up the spirit with added zeal and dedication till the institution is put back on rails. He also underlined the role of Cooperative Banks in brining diversification in rural economy. Mr. Khurshid and Mr. Vyas also spoke on the occasion and assured their full support for the banking institution. Anshul Aima’s ‘Moods’ released Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: ‘Moods’, a collection of English poetry by a young poetess Anshul Aima, was released here today. ‘Moods’, which discovers inner world of mind and spirit of the poetess, is the maiden collection by Anshul Aima. Pardip Kumar Chandhuri, general secretary of Poets Foundation, Kolkata, released the book in a simple but impressive function at Jammu University. The function, organised by Poets Foundation, Jammu and Kashmir Centre, Jammu, was attended by a number of academicians, writers, intellectuals and dignitaries. Presenting a paper on the book, Prof K B Razdan, former Head of the English Department in JU, read extracts from the ‘Moods’. He described the poetry by Anshul Aima as odyssey of the poetess’ soul. "This is the inner landscape of mind and spirit where the poetess talks about self versus self," Prof Razdan observed. Noted poet Dr Agnishekhar presented Hindi translation of some of the poems from ‘Moods’. Anshul Aima, recited some poems on the occasion and said that she had started writing at the age of eight. Pardip Kumar Chandhuri, who presided over the function and released the book, talked about Poets Foundation, an NGO. He informed about the activities of his organisation which has been working for promotion of poets and their works. Prof Ashok Aima, father of poetess Anshul Aima and Professor in Department of Management Studies in JU, presented a formal vote of thanks. Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 7: To educate the masses about the killer disease of diabetes a book titled "Diabetes Ka Safar" (Travelogue of Diabetes) was today released at the auditorium of College of Education in Srinagar. The book written in Urdu by Dr. Nissar Ahmad Bhat, gives a detailed insight about diabetes, its implications and prevention. The well-attended function was chaired by noted Physician Dr. G. Q. Alaqaband. Besides Alaqaband, several senior doctors also attended the function and divulged in detail the ill effects of this killer disease. Delivering his presidential address Dr. Alaqaband stressed on the need to tackle the disease in a scientific way. " Kashmiri society is still following the age old myths and rumors about various diseases including diabetes. We need to come out of it as science has provided us with many scientific methods, which go a long way to help us treat any disease in a much better way," he said. Stressing on making our life style simpler he said that our food habits need to change if we wish that the diabetes should not increase its victim count in the State of Jammu and Kashmir. " We have to reduce the food intake and stress on having a complete balanced diet, which comprises of green leafy vegetables and lot of fibers. Besides people need to increase their physical activity so that they burn up the extra calories that they consume," he added. Informing about the need to write a book on diabetes, Dr. Nissar Ahmad Bhat said that he had written several books on various diseases and when he presented them to Dr. G. Q. Alaqaband he immediately told me to write a book on diabetes. " What about diabetes-Did my teacher put the question to me? Since diabetes is a very dreaded disease something needs to be communicated to the masses, was the suggestion I got. It was then I decided to write a book about diabetes," said Dr. Nissar. Referring about the medium in which the book has been written Dr. Abdul Wahid, Professor of Medicine, SKIMS, said that the medium of Urdu was best suited for a book that informs people about the disease like diabetes. " Urdu is a language of the masses in our State hence more and more people can get a detailed insight about diabetes, which is the fourth largest killer disease in the world," he said. ‘Beautiful Minds’ launches UC MAS concept in Jammu Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: UC MAS - a renowned mental development programme for children in the age group of 4-12 years has been launched in Jammu and Kashmir by a group-Beautiful Minds. While introducing the concept to the media-persons at Press Club of Jammu here this afternoon, Babar Afzal president, Beautiful Minds said that originated in China, this concept is now available in most of the countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, UK, USA Japan, Australia, Middle East, China and India. This programme is successfully running at over 70 centres in India alone. He further claimed that UCMAS Mental Arithmetic Education programme builds the ability to tap the mental capabilities of a child to solve mathematical problems in record time by visualising the abacus. The training will also lead to an enhanced development of the right brain as students use their right brain to create an image memory while doing the computation mentally. Mr Afzal expressed that this arithmetic system is a modern representation of an ancient art mental math. The programme is taught exclusively to children between the age group of 4 and 12 years. It uses an ancient tool, the ‘abacus’ for the right brain development, contributing in a large measure to increase speed and accuracy, learning ability, concentration, perceptual capability, memory and academic performance. He said the children all over the world tend to dislike calculation , although it is very important life skill. But avoiding mental arithmetic may lead to delays in the development of their brains. It has been proven that children who learn to use an abacus are more intelligent than those who do not, Mr Afzal maintained. Responding to a question, Mr Afzal said UCMAS program will be available to the students of Jammu through its centres coming soon in Gandhinagar and Channi Himmat. Highly professional certified trainers will impart training to the children, he added. Ms Neelika Arora, Centre Head & Certified Trainer also spoke in the conference. Bail plea of AE involved in wife’s suicide case rejected Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Chief Judicial Magistrate Jammu, Mr Sanjeev Gupta has rejected the bail application filed by an Assistant Engineer Manmohan Singh of Karan Nagar Jammu, who was arrested by Pacca Danga Police for allegedly abetting the suicide of his wife Iqbal Kour, posted as Lecturer in GGM Science College Jammu. The bail application was rejected by CJM after hearing Chief Public Prosecuting Officer with JP Singh appearing for the State and complainant and Sunil Sethi appearing for the accused Assistant Engineer who is presently in the judicial custody. The CJM also perused the police report which revealed that a case FIR No 44/05 for offence u/s 306 RPC has been registered against the accused Manmohan Singh by Pacca Danga Police. In the report, it was mentioned that the accused was arrested on March 17, 2005. In the objections filed by Chief Prosecuting Officer, it was vehemently opposed the grant of bail to the accused on the grounds that the accused had harassed the deceased and he used to frequently beat the deceased, thereby abetted her to commit the suicide, and prayed for the rejection of the bail. On the other hand, Sunil Sethi appearing for the accused vehemently argued that he ingredients required to constitute offence under section 306 RPC are not made out against the accused as per the investigations done by the Police. He argued that the relation between the accused and the deceased was very cordial and just two days before the occurrence of the incident, both had visited Golden Temple in connection with the birthday celebrations of their daughter and had also booked a date for Akhand Path at Darabar Sahib Amritsar, as such, by no stretch of imagination it can be said that the accused was treating the deceased with cruelty. The CJM further observed that from the Police report, it transpires that on March 13, the deceased Iqbal Kour was unable to bear her continuous harassment and beatings administered to her by the accused, who had illicit relations with sister-in-law, and committed suicide by consuming poisonous substance in her matrimonial house and it was alleged that the accused had abetted the deceased to commit suicide due to the reasons that the illicit relations between the husband of the deceased and his sister-in-law. The investigation in the case were in progress. The material collected by the investigation agency prima-facie discloses the commission of offence under section 306 RPC. Keeping in view the nature and seriousness of the offence and material on record as well as the larger interest of the public, the court is of the opinion that the accused has not succeeded in making out a case for his enlargement on bail. Accordingly, the bail application was rejected. |
|
| home | state | national | business| editorial | advertisement | sports | |
