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| Mufti, others condemn blast Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, May 11: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Deputy CM Mangat Ram Sharma, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, Speaker Legislative Assembly Tara Chand, Chairman Legislative Council A R Dar, Cabinet Ministers and MoS have strongly condemned the mine blast at Jawahar Nagar......more Niaz for
accelerating Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 11 : Emphasizing the need for accelerating the process of regularization of illegal power connections so as to improve and modernize the power scenario in Jammu and Kashmir, Minister......more Suicide
of College lecturer Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 11: Additional Sessions Judge Jammu, Mr Ashok Kumar Sharma has rejected three bail applications, including........more BJP stages
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 11: Though the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) commemorated 7th anniversary of Pokhran second explosion throughout.......more LAHDC CEO,
Councillors Excelsior Correspondent LEH, May 11: Chief Executive Councillor (CEO), Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh Rigzin Spalbar today met the J&K....more |
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J&K
Bank staff complimented Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, May 11: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said the coming times for Jammu and Kashmir are full of challenges and opportunity and the state is poised for a prosperous future............more Baig
inspects site Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, May 11: Minister for Finance & Planning, Mr Muzaffar Hussain Baig today visited the site of the proposed new capital city being developed at Parihaspora, Pattan, 20 kms from here. He was accompanied by the Economic Advisor to the State Government, Dr Haseeb Drabu, District Development Commissioner, Baramulla Mr Rohit Kansal and Revenue officials of the area.............more 'Prestigious
heritage of Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, May 11: "All necessary steps will be taken to protect the heritage of Kashmir, which has bright and distinguished past" said Mr. K. Chakarwarti, Director General Museum...........more Zargar for
stern action Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, May 11: Government today decided to develop model agriculture villages one each in 119 community blocks of the State where modern farm practices would be show cased.......more |
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Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, May 11: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Deputy CM Mangat Ram Sharma, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, Speaker Legislative Assembly Tara Chand, Chairman Legislative Council A R Dar, Cabinet Ministers and MoS have strongly condemned the mine blast at Jawahar Nagar here today in which one person was killed and several others injured. The CM said incidents like this cause great pain and agony to common people besides innocents losing their lives. Talking to media persons after launching the Internet banking and credit card facility of Jammu and Kashmir Bank here today, the Chief Minister said spilling of blood is highly condemnable and no civil society can accept this. He said those who are indulging in such activity are undermining the people’s urge for peace and normalcy. He said at a time when the entire world has stood up against violence as a means to put forward one’s point of view, those who are still wielding the gun in the state should ponder over the fact that they are eliminating their own people. The Chief Minister said over the years the incidents of violence have taken a heavy toll of human life in the state and it is time the killings should stop. The sooner it happens the better, he added. He said violence does not serve any purpose but only puts people to inconvenience and lot of pain. He said when the option of dialogue is available to resolve problems resorting to violence has no justification. He called for giving peace a chance so that the gains of the reconciliation process for the people of the state are consolidated. The Chief Minister expressed shock over the loss of life in the blast and conveyed his heartfelt sympathy with the bereaved family. He issued instructions for adequate and urgent treatment of the injured in the blast. |
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Niaz
for accelerating regularization of Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 11 : Emphasizing the need for accelerating the process of regularization of illegal power connections so as to improve and modernize the power scenario in Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for Power Mohd. Sharief Niaz today said that every possible effort would be made to achieve 100 per cent electrification target in the state by 2007-08. Addressing a meeting of senior officers here this morning, the Minister stressed for maintaining close liaison with the general masses so that their grievances could be redressed in a much better way. He said the public complaints ought to be attended to on priority right from the grass roots level. He reiterated that the Government functionaries have to come up to the expectations of the people. Mr. Niaz reviewed district wise physical and financial achievements registered, progress made in metering process and regularizing unauthorized connections. He said the basic objective of conducting the meeting was to ensure that the people of Jammu division do not face any inconnvience with regard to unscheduled power cuts during summer months. Mr. Niaz said that a census should be conducted regarding installation of meters in every town and city, process of regularizing unauthorized connections accelerated and vigil maintained to avoid power pilferage. He said the air conditioners would be kept strictly on meters. He emphasized for organizing public awareness programmes particularly in remote and far-off areas of the Jammu division to make the consumers aware about the need of judicious use of power. During deliberations, the officers apprised the Minister about the achievements recorded, revenue realized, schemes formulated for achieving the targets, allocations and expenditure incurred till date, awareness programmes and other details of their respective districts. Chief Engineer PDD D. S. Pawar also spoke on the occasion and gave details of the work done in various districts. |
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Suicide
of College lecturer Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 11: Additional Sessions Judge Jammu, Mr Ashok Kumar Sharma has rejected three bail applications, including two moved by Kamaljeet Kour W/o Darshan Singh and Harjeet Kour, W/o Gurmeet Singh of Karan Nagar Jammu and Manmohan Singh in a case involving the suicide of a College lecturer. While Manmohan Singh’s bail application has already been rejected by Chief Judicial Magistrate, the two ladies had filed these applications for grant of pre-arrest bail, as both were allegedly involved in the abatement which facilitated Iqbal Kour, wife of accused Manmohan Singh to end her life. In the rejection order, Mr Sharma observed that the gravity of the nature of the allegations and the evidence collected sofar is such that it would not be prudent nor proper for this court to enlarge Manmohan Singh on bail and admit Harjeet Kour and Kamaljeet Kour to anticipatory bail. " This will not only defeat the intendment of legislatures behind introducing section 497-A of the code of criminal procedure, but will also frustrate the peace loving and law abiding citizens of the country. No fresh circumstances, other than once argued before CJM Jammu have been brought to the notice of this court to grant a regular bail or anticipatory bail to the accused persons as the case may be prejudicial to both the sides prayer of the accused-petitioners for admitting them to bail is declined all the three applications moved on their behalf are rejected", the court observed. It may be mentioned here that the deceased Iqbal Kour, who was a lecturer in Science College Jammu, brought to an end her life on March 14, 2005 reportedly due to the alleged " inhuman" treatment meted out to her by her engineer husband. Pacca Danga Police has registered a case in this connection under section 306 RPC and arrested Manmohan Singh, the husband of the deceased. |
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BJP
stages demonstration against policies Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 11: Though the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) commemorated 7th anniversary of Pokhran second explosion throughout the country today by terming it a great achievement of previous Government, the J&K Unit utilised this opportunity to organise a demonstration against the UPA and State Governments who according to the Party were trying to undo the achievements of the previous NDA regime at Centre. The protest dharna was held at Pt. Prem Nath Dogra Chowk here this evening against the policies of both Central and State Governments on Resettlement Act, Evacuees Property Act, Baglihar and Kishen Ganga power projects and internal security. Earlier the activists of Party from Jammu East, West and Gandhi Nagar mandals took out a torch light processions from their respective areas and later staged a dharna at Prem Nath Dogra Chowk. The protesting BJP workers shouted slogans against the wrong policies of both State and Central governments. Addressing the protesters, State BJP chief, Dr Nirmal Singh said the stand of the Government on Resettlement Act and Evacuees Property is against the interests of the country which is fraught with grave and dangerous consequences. He said this will boost those people who have been directly or indirectly fueling terrorism in the State and are hell bent on disintegrating this nation. He urged all the social, political organizations of the region including Panun Kashmir and other KP bodies to join hands with the Party in its struggle. Addressing the demonstrators, the BJP vice president, Prof Hari Om and Lalit Moza lambasted the UPA Government for reaching a secret understanding with Pakistan for stopping the work on Baglihar Project without caring for the interests of the state and country. They alleged the same approach has been adopted on the Kishen Ganga Project. Ch. Piara Singh said BJP will oppose tooth and nail the policies of the State Government which are inimical to the peoples cause. Recalling the past role of the Party, he said the BJP will continue its struggle against the anti people policies of the present Government. Among other speakers include BJP district Jammu chief , Shiv Kumar Gupta. Those who participated in the dharna among others include Satish Sharma, Ms Suresh Jamwal, Arun Kumar Chibber, Joginder Pandoh, Murari Lal, Parshotam Gupta, Mohan Lal Sharma, Subash Jandial, Krishan Lal Gupta, Rajnish Sharma, Satish Sharma, Jaideep Sharma, Pawan Pandoh, Hardev Singh, Vinodh Gupta, Rajesh Gupta, Kuldeep Mangotra, Chander Mohan Gupta, Baldev Singh, Vikram Randewa, Sunil Dimple, BJYM state president Yudhvir Sethi, Sat Sharma and Parmodh Kapahi. |
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LAHDC CEO, Councillors meet RDD Minister Excelsior Correspondent LEH, May 11: Chief Executive Councillor (CEO), Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh Rigzin Spalbar today met the J&K Minister for Rural Development Pirzada Mohd Sayeed today and had detailed discussion on rural development works in district Leh. Mr Spalbar, during meet demanded adequate State share for Leh district to carry out the development works smoothly. He also stressed for empowering Panchayats in Ladakh for ensuring timely fulfillment of the people’s needs at grass-root level. The Minister also assured to give utmost attention to the demand of LAHDC and expressed his desire to visit Leh for on the spot decisions of some works. The CEO also met the Commissioner Secretary Education M M Bhat and had detailed discussion on the education scenario of Leh district. Mr Spalbar pointed out that the Leh district was currently facing deficiency of specialist subject teachers. He said all the vacant posts of such teachers be filled up shortly. He also demanded for filling up of the sanctioned staff in those educational institutions which were recently up graded in Leh. Mr Spalbar also sought enhancement in the salary of Rehber-e-Taleem teachers. He was accompanying with Executive Councillors of LAHDC. |
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J&K Bank staff
complimented Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, May 11: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said the coming times for Jammu and Kashmir are full of challenges and opportunity and the state is poised for a prosperous future. Inaugurating the Internet banking and credit card facility of Jammu and Kashmir Bank here this morning, the Chief Minister said time has come when co- operation is replacing confrontation and adversity is giving way to reconciliation. He said the security scenario in the state has witnessed a considerable improvement and trans-border enmity has changed into frequent interactions and meeting of the people. Economic Advisor to Government, Dr. Haseeb Drabu, Director Acceptance, Master Cards, India, Ms. Monika Aggarwal and members of the Board of Directors of J&K Bank were present. The Chief Minister asked the people to play their role in guarding the tangible results of the peace process. He said only two years back no one could imagine the situation would take such a turn. Treading the road of peace and reconciliation is difficult but the determination of the people to move forward would take the process to its logical conclusion. In the changed scenario, he added, violence has no place, as dialogue is available to address issues. Referring to the development measures initiated in the State, Mufti Sayeed said only yesterday the Asian Development Bank funded 1500 crore infrastructure rehabilitation project has been kick started with the foundation laying of four bridges in the Srinagar district. He said under the Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Plan the state is spending Rs. 6000 crore for infrastructure building. He said the Rs. 5000 crore railway project is underway in the state. He said by March next Srinagar airport would be upgraded and made operational for international flights. The Chief Minister described non-involvement of staff as the main cause of failure of public sector in the country and against this scenario complimented the J&K Bank for its performance over the years. He said despite turmoil in the state the bank management and staff established it as one of the credible and reputed financial institutions of the country. He said the bank has given the State a distinction and the hard work and dedication displayed by the officers and employees of the bank have enabled it to attain excellence. He said the bank responded positively to the social obligations and created a number of recreational facilities by way of public parks like Iqbal Park, Amusement Park, Pahalgam, Recreational Park, Badamwari, Gulnar Park, Baramulla, Wazir Bagh, Anantnag and Rajender Park, Jammu. On this occasion, the Chief Minister was presented the first credit card of the bank. He later distributed some credit cards among the customers of the bank by formally launching the facility. Earlier, in his welcome address Chairman and CEO, J&K Bank, Mohammad Yusuf Khan said the bank has witnessed a phenomenal growth in its business. He said from Rs. 4000 crores eight years ago the turnover of the bank has touched Rs. 33,000 crores and the NPA has come down from a double digit figure to just 1.41%. He said at present about 90% of the branches of the bank have been computerised and by September this year the bank would be hundred per cent computerised. He said with the launch of credit cards the JK Bank has got the complete IT related package available for its customers. He said with Internet banking facility the customers would be able to transact business with the bank easily from anywhere in the world. |
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Baig inspects site of proposed capital city at Parihaspora Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, May 11: Minister for Finance & Planning, Mr Muzaffar Hussain Baig today visited the site of the proposed new capital city being developed at Parihaspora, Pattan, 20 kms from here. He was accompanied by the Economic Advisor to the State Government, Dr Haseeb Drabu, District Development Commissioner, Baramulla Mr Rohit Kansal and Revenue officials of the area. A proposal for development of a new capital city outside Srinagar was recently submitted to the Centre and the State Government has been asked to go ahead with the project. The basic objective of the project is to decongest the Srinagar city by moving the Government offices out and develop the city as an exclusive tourist resort with heritage villages and other amenities to make it among the most attractive tourist destinations on the globe. After getting a nod from the Centre, the State Government decided that Parihaspora, the capital of famous King Lalithiadatiya who ruled from Afghanistan to Bihar from this very place from 724 to 761 AD, could be the ideal place for relocating the capital city. The Finance Minister alongwith the Economic Advisor visited the area today on the instruction of the Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed for on-the-spot assessment of the site and inspection of the land. The Chief Minister would be himself visiting the site soon to finalize the details of the project. Mr. Baig was informed that around 9000 kanals, including 2300 kanals of State land in and around the Parihaspora village are available for development of the new capital city. Mr Baig said Rs 3,500 crore would be spent on the development of an Ultra-modern Capital city in the area with all the latest facilities. He said in the first phase civil secretariat, legislature complex, court complex, hospital, schools and residential complexes would be built in the area within next three years. He said while undertaking the construction activity, it would be ensured that the ecological balance and beauty of the area is maintained. He said for better connectivity of the area with the city, a 6-lane expressway is proposed to be constructed from Parihaspora to Srinagar in the first phase. Mr. Baig asked the District Development Commissioner, Baramulla to keep all the revenue records of the land at Parihaspora ready for the Chief Minister’s visit to the area. |
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'Prestigious heritage of Kashmir will be revived' Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, May 11: "All necessary steps will be taken to protect the heritage of Kashmir, which has bright and distinguished past" said Mr. K. Chakarwarti, Director General Museum, Government of India while presiding over the conference of historians, intellectuals and literary personalities. The Director Conservation National Museum, S. P. Singh, Commissioner Higher Education, P. K. Tiwari, Director Libraries, Syed Fazalullah, Director Information and Public Relations, Kh. Farooq Renzu, Director Museum, J&K,K. A. Qadri, Mir Yousuf Taing, literary personality, Fida Husnain, Historian, Secretary Cultural Academy Mehta, Hajni, Hasrat Gadda, Ms Razdan Head of Department Sanaskrit, Dr. Ishaq, Head of Department Kashmir University, Incharge Army Museum, Bashir Bashar, Amar Singh College, Dr. Farooq Fayaz, History Department, Kashmir University, Mr. G. M. Zahid, Libraries Department, Mr. Mohiuddin, Mr. Gayoor, Dr. Abdul Ahad and Mr. Bangroo of National Museum other luminaries participated in the session. The Director General announced that cultural heritage centre alongwith other Information Research components and other traditional cultural units will be part of the centre at Harti Niwas on the shores of Dal Lake with the background of Zabarwan Hills. He said that National Museum will play its role to enrich the heritage centre and also preserve the rare material available in different places in the valley. It was decided in the conference that one week workshop for training the people with regard to preservation of rare manuscripts will be held at Srinagar. It was also decided in the meeting that Department of Information in collaboration with National Museum and Department of Museum shall organize heritage exhibition at Srinagar. The learned scholars suggested in the meeting that Department of Archives, should play its role for protection of rare monumental sites. It was suggested that heritage sites of King Shuhabudin, Rinchan Shah and Bulbul Shah should be renovated and rebuild as distinguished symbol of our centuries old cultural heritages. Mr. M. Y. Taing pointed out that further research is required to be made about reported discovery of five thousand years old fossils of elephants found recently at Pampore for further authentication. He said that its research will throw full light on five thousand years old civilization of Srinagar. The Director Libraries revealed in the meeting that his department has initiated process of microfilming of the rare books available in numbers of libraries being maintained by the department. Director General Museum assured him that the department will be provided necessary facilities for expediting the process. The officers of Craft museum revealed that rare 400 to 500 rare craft material included Kani Shawls, paper machie and other valuables are presently available in the museum. Similarly, Secretary Cultural Academy pointed out that rare painting are available in the Academy, which are required to be preserved. |
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Zargar for stern action against
Agriculture Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, May 11: Government today decided to develop model agriculture villages one each in 119 community blocks of the State where modern farm practices would be show cased for the benefit of farming community. It has also been decided to constitute a five member co-ordination committee to ensure timely availability of quality fertilizers and seeds to the farmers during the Kharief and Rabi seasons in the state. The Directors of Agriculture Kashmir and Jammu would be conveners of the committees which will have heads of the co-operative department, J&K Agro Industries Development Corporation and JAKFED as its members. The co-ordination committee would meet every month to assess the stock and off-take position of critical agricultural inputs in various areas of the State. These decisions were taken at a daylong agriculture officers conference held here today under the chairmanship of Minister for Agriculture Abdul Aziz Zargar. The Minister of State for Agriculture Ajaz Ahmad Khan and Commissioner/Secretary Agricultural Production Department, Khursheed Ahmad Ganai were also present. The meeting was attended by the Divisional and District Level Officers of the agriculture and allied departments also. It was also decided to take stern action against those agriculture officers who have failed to fulfill the assigned targets with regard to procurement of seeds. It was also decided that Agro’s would open its own sale outlets of fertilizers in far-flung and borders belts where private agencies and co-operative bodies are not available to take up the activity. Meanwhile, Government has devised a new fertilizers sale and stock licenses policy whereunder priority would be given to highly qualified un-employed graduates and agriculture technocrats for issuance of licences. The guidelines for the policy would be issued soon. It was stated that Kashmir Division has a requirement of 47968 Mts. of Urea, 40580 tons of DAP and 17109 tons of MOP, while as Jammu Division has a requirement of 37360 tons of Urea, 31700 tons of DAP and 11961 tons of MOP during Kharief as per the latest targets on the basis of package of practices. Adequate measures would be taken well in time advance to make buffer stocks of these fertilizers to ensure its timely availability to the farmers. Speaking on the occasion, the Agriculture Minister expressed dis-satisfaction on shortage of critical agriculture inputs like fertilizers and seeds and asked the Commissioner/Secretary Agriculture to take stern action against those District Agriculture Officers (Extension) whose performance has been decimal with regard to seed procurement and distribution. He also called for improving the position of Agriculture Farms which he said are not performing as per the expectations. He said compromise on quality of fertilizers and seeds would not be tolerated as these are critical inputs to affect qualitative and quantitative jump in the agriculture production. Mr. Ajaz urged the need for re-activating the district level co-ordination committees for prospective planning of seed and fertilizer requirements and its availability. The Commissioner/Secretary Agriculture Production asked the officers and field agencies to conduct extensive field visits to ascertain the availability and requirement of agriculture inputs in their respective areas at the ground level. The Director (Research) SKUAST-K A.H. Shah in formed that a modern quality control lab is being established at Shalimar, Srinagar with the financial assistance of Rs.1.50 crores from APEDA. He said Agriculture University is also likely to get a revolving fund of Rs.3.00 crores for production of certified seeds. |
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Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, May 11: A meeting of the Civil Defence was convened by the DIG Rajouri, Poonch Range, V K Singh in the Conference Hall here, today. The meeting besides the Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, M Abass Dar who is also Controller Civil Defence and SSP Rajouri, J P Singh was also attended by prominent citizens and wardens. On the occasion the problems of the wardens were highlighted. Addressing the meeting Mr V K Singh said it is matter of pleasure that Civil Defence is also active in this district. He said its activities will help in police , public relations as well. He assured all assistance and cooperation from the Police to Civil Defence in its activities. He stressed on liaison between police and civil defence and urged the Civil Defence volunteers to work in social sector whole heartedly. He assured the civil defence volunteers that their problems will be addressed. Addressing the meeting K K Langer chief Warden Civil Defence, Rajouri said trainings are being provided to civil defence volunteers for undertaken the rescue operations during natural calamities. A workshop has been held in Dhanidar in this regard recently, he added. The meeting was also addressed by D C and SSP Rajouri. Among the other civil and police officers who were present in the function include Tesildar Rajouri, CMO and ARTO Rajouri, District Fire Officer, DY SP DAR, Abdul Qayoom, Deputy Controller Civil Defence and Rajiv Khajuria, Divisional Warden. |
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NC promises to safeguard interests of Kashmiri migrants Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 11: A meeting of National Conference workers of Minority Cell was held at Purkhoo Camp, which was presided over by Central secretary Mubarak Gul. In the meeting various problems facing the Kashmiri migrants living in camps were discussed. The KPs told the NC leader that Government was trying to create a wedge between the community. They said office bearers of coalition partners were working against Kashmiri migrants and the basic amenities of life were being denied to them. While addressing Mubarak Gul said coalition Government has failed on all fronts somuchso to create a conducive atmosphere for the return of migrants to Valley. He said National Conference is a secular party and has fought and is still fighting for the cause of the people of the State particularly the Kashmiri migrants. He appealed the migrants to be united and strengthen the hands of NC leadership so that their genuine grievances could be redressed. The prominent NC leaders who spoke on the occasion included Abdul Karim Wani, Bhushan Lal Bhat, Anil Dhar, Makhan Lal etc. they said NC will do maximum for the return of Kashmiri migrants to Valley if the Government gives written guarantee for their safety, security and dignity. |
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Chief Conservator of Forests visits Mahamaya city forest Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 11: The Chief Conservator of Forest, P C Kapoor paid a visit to the Mahamaya city forest today. The conservator of Forests, Jammu Suresh Chugh, Executive Engineer, R&B R S Soodan, DFO Jammu Sameer Bharti and other staff accompanied him. Mr Kapoor inspected the road being constructed joining the Onkleswar temple and Mahamaya temple and gave on spot instructions to take corrective measures for preventing any soil erosion occuring due to construction of the road. He directed the R&B Department to restrict the width of the road to the sanctioned limited and construct the brest and toe wall immediately so that there is no soil erosion during the ensuing rains. In the past there has been reports of encroachments in this area. The whole area of the city forests was inspected and in one corner of the forests an attempt to break the forestland was noticed. The CCF directed the staff to take immediate action and book a criminal case against the offender under section 6 of the J&K Forest Act. He said taht there is tremendous pressure on these forests from all quarters and the Mahamaya city forest is the lung of the Jammu city and needs to be saved any cost. |
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Postpone Panchayat elections: Rehman Excelsior Correspondent DODA, May 11: A deputation led by Sheikh Abdul Rehman met the Deputy Commissioner Doda today and submitted a memorandum, demanding with holding of ensuing Panchayat elections in the State. The deputationists alleged that proposed Panchayat elections in the State is a cruel joke with the democratic process and transparency in the greatest democracy of the world. Citing an example, the party leader Sheikh Abdul Rehman said that there was no delimitation of wards. The electoral rolls were not updated and the strength of the wards was increased with the present system. Only 5 to 6 wards have been kept in a Panchayat out of which one ward has been reserved each for women, Scheduled Caste, Schedule Tribes leaving nominal room for open categories. A great resentment is brewing among the general category people. The BSP leader appealed the Election authorities in the state & the coalition government to postpone the Panchayat elections atleast for two months so that political parties are taken into confidence with regards to fresh delimitation of Panchayat wards and electoral rolls are also updated on war footing. |
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SRINAGAR, May 11: Separatist Kashmiri women’s organisation, Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM) today alleged that ongoing dialogue process between India and Pakistan was aimed at forcing Kashmiris to surrender the issue. "The ongoing Indo-Pak dialogue for so called peace is nothing but to finish off Kashmir issue for ever and kill Kashmiri Muslims so that they themselves surrender from the issue forever," DEM president Syeda Asiya Andrabi said in a statement here today. She accused the Centre of not being serious in resolving Kashmir issue and help bring peace in the sub-continent. "Government of India is neither serious in resolving Kashmir issue in its historic perspective nor working for peace in the sub-continent," she said. "More than 100 Kashmiri youths have been killed since April 17. What type of friendship is going on between New Delhi and Islamabad?," she questioned. Indrabi also lashed out at the moderate faction of Hurriyat for hailing the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service. (PTI) |
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to cost Rs 10 crore: Mir Excelsior Correspondent DODA, May 11: Minister of State for R&B G. A. Mir, who is presently on extensive tour of Doda district, visited some of the far-flung and remote places of Bhalessa area yesterday. He inspected various development works under execution in the area which include steel girder bridge at Changa near completion at an expenditure of Rs.99 lakh benefiting over ten thousand population of the area. Interacting with the people on the occasion, the Minister stated that 12 km long Guari-Changa-Chanti link road construction work is being taken in hand at a cost of Rs.3.07 crore while work on 15 km Changa-Padri link road at a cost of Rs.3.45 crore is also to be started during the current financial year. He said that work on 15 km Gouri-Bharti-Chanti link road and 20 km Changa-Guraka-Kilhotran road is also to be taken in hand this year involving Rs.3.36 crore and Rs.3.35 crore, respectively. He announced Rs.10 crore for improvement and upgradation of Thathri-Kilhotran road and said that work on this project will be started this year. He said that a rest house would also be constructed at Kilhotran soon. The Minister also addressed a public meeting at Kilhotran and said that the coalition Government is ensuring equitable development of all the three regions of the State. |
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Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, May 11: Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Qazi Mohammad Afzal today undergo a day long visit to different areas of his Assembly Constitutency and assessed the problems for early redressal. Addressing a series of public meetings at Shalabug, Nowabad and Baba Solina, the Minister dwelt at length on the achievements registered during the tenure of present coalition government and appealed to the people to support the government efforts so that benefits of various welfare schemes and development projects percolate to the deserving. The Minister said that 110 kanals of land has been identified for the development of SoS Village at Nowabad, Ganderbal. He also said that at Baba Solina 300 kanals of land has been acquired for District Police Lines, Ganderbal. During his visit he inspected the pace of work of under construction Khul from Khana to Chandinar passing through Shalbug costing Rs. 2 crore. Responding to the demands putforth, the Minister said the construction of Bridge over Nallah Sindh, Shalbug providing road connectivity to 8 villages and upgradation of High School to Higher Secondary, fresh identification of BPL families would be considered sympathetically at appropriate level. DDC reviews functioning of Govt offices at Basohli, Bani Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, May 11: District Development Commissioner, Kathua, Pradeep Gupta conducted an extensive tour of the hilly areas of Billawar, Basohli and Bani and reviewed the functioning of Government offices located at the tehsil headquarters. Mr. Gupta inspected various offices at Billawar and Basohli yesterday and convened a series of meetings of tehsil and block level officers. He issued strict instructions to the staff to maintain punctuality, promote work culture and provide clean service to the people. He warned those employees of strict action who are in the habit of escaping from their duty and leaving the station without seeking prior permission. At Billawar and Basohli, the District Development Commissioner held meetings with newly elected presidents and members of municipal committees besides prominent citizens and heard their problems. He released R.3.50 lakh for development of Billawar town and R.3.25 lakh for Basohli and asked for preparing imaginative plan proposals for utilization of the released amount at the earliest. At Basohli, president of the municipal committee Jagdish Sapolia had a meeting with Mr. Gupta and put forth problems and demands of the area. At Bani, the District Development Commissioner convened a meeting of sarpanchs and panchs of hilly and far-flung areas. Threadbare discussion was held on providing better road connectivity, power and drinking water, education, and healthcare facilities to the people and issued on the spot instructions to the officers for early redress thereof. He also asked the district officers to make frequent tours of these areas to constantly monitor the working of field functionaries. National Technology Day celebrated at RRL Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 11: Eighth National Technology Day was celebrated at Regional Research Laboratory here and the occasion was graced by Padam Shree Prof S K Joshi, Ex-Director CSIR, presently Vikram Sarabhai Professor who delivered the lecture on the topic "Physics and its impact in 20th Century". Prof N K Bansal, Vice Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University presided over the function which was attended by a large number of scientific personnel and students. The Technology Day lecture was devoted to major milestones in Physics in the 20th century as the century belonged to Physics. The lecture put into perspective the birth of New Physics and the radical suggestion of Max Planck that energy can only change in discrete units (called Quantum). The year 2005 has been declared by the UNESCO as the World Year of Physics to celebrate the centenary of the 1905, the year of miracles. In his welcome address Dr G N Qazi, Director RRL Jammu said, "we have shown to the world that we can develop technologies otherwise denied to us but we have to go ahead and keep on making innovations". He said the password of CSIR is now innovation and India today has to be proud of its achievements but not complacent. Dr N K Bansal appreciated the lucid way in which Prof Joshi made the audience understand the intricacies of the Physics as it has involved through the ages. He elaborated on bio materials and said that material science needs inter-disciplinary approach. He also asserted that we have to change Physics Education system. Dr Y S Bedi presented vote of thanks. Mir inaugurates bridge at
Kuzar, reviews Excelsior Correspondent DODA, May 11 : Minister of State for R&B G. A. Mir inaugurated a 65-meter span steel girder motorable bridge at Kuzar Kakarwan in Inderwal constituency in Doda district. Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Abdul Majid Wani and Chairman Social Welfare Board G.M. Saroori were also present. Mr. Mir during his visit to block Chhatroo, inspected construction work on various roads under execution. These include 14 km Dedpath-Tagdood road taken in hand at a cost of nearly Rs.96 lakh and another 14 km Chhatroo-Singhpura road being constructed at a cost of Rs.73.45 lakh. These roads on completion would provide road connectivity to about 10000 people. Besides inspecting several other roads, he also took stock of upgradation and execution work on 18 km Kurya-Keshwan road involving a cost of nearly Rs.87 lakh. This road on completion would benefit 5000 persons of the area. Addressing a public meeting at Chatroo, Mr. Mir said that to provide road connectivity to the people particularly in the hilly and far-flung areas, several small and big budget road projects under PMGSY and state schemes have been formulated on which work would start soon. He informed that Rs.14.50 crore have been kept for Inderwal constituency for this purpose. Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development said that the Government is fully aware of the problems of the people especially those living in the far-flung and inaccessible areas and is committed to address these in a phased manner. Mr. Saroori, who is also MLA Inderwal constituency, apprised about the development registered in each field including road, education and the power sectors. He said much has been done and more efforts are being put in to achieve the goal of all round development of the area. Present on the occasion included Chief Engineer R&B Jammu, District Development Commissioner Doda, SDM Kishtwar and several other sectoral officers. Workshop inaugurated
Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 11: Emphasizing the need for reforming the present system of examinations in the state, Vice-Chancellor Kashmir University Prof. Abdul Wahid has said that Kashmir University has constituted a committee for the purpose comprising HODs of various faculties to discuss and analyze the present system of examinations. He said the committee will come up with a proposal for conducting the examinations at various levels in a better way. Addressing the inaugural function of the two-day workshop on "Examination Reforms" organized by the Government College of Education here today, Mr. Wahid stressed for the need of introducing reformed examination system. He said some changes and reforms in the examination system are under consideration of the Kashmir University and certain measures have also been suggested. He appreciated the efforts for conducting such a workshop and suggested that seminars, workshops and conferences should be organized at district level also. Among others the workshop was attended by the Director Colleges Dr. N. D. Wani, Controller of Examinations, Kashmir University, besides educationists, Principals of colleges and a large number of students. In her welcome address the Principal Government College of Education Dr. Zeenat Ara said that present system of examination needs further improvement as the students community and even parents are not satisfied with the present system. The Director Colleges Dr. N. D. Wani while addressing on this occasion endorsed the suggestions putforth by the speakers. Controller Examinations Kashmir University also spoke in favour of the reforms in present examination system. Earlier, the workshop was inaugurated with a Naat-I-Sharief " Sahibo Sath Chem mai Cheni-Wath Mai Usluch Hawtam" written by noted poet Mehjoor. Kalam interacts with J&K Women Councillors NEW DELHI, May 11: The newly appointed 22 Women Councillors to the local bodies in Jammu and Kashmir today called on President A P J Abdul Kalam. The President, while lending his ears to hear about the life and experience of the militancy-torn state, administered an oath to them urging them to give emphasis to girl child education as it was the vehicle for women empowerment and evolution of small family. Led by PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, the Councillors including Deputy Mayor Rani Billowria spend their time in the Rashtrapathi Bhavan interacting with the first citizen of the country and sharing their thoughts. The President asked the Councillors to work for providing equal oppurtunity for both male and female children for the growth of the society. The Councillors took an oath that they would plant at least five trees or saplings and collectively protect the forest and prevent pollution. They also vowed that they would be role models for children and would make children aware about the importance of education. (PTI) |
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