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| Employment for all: Panacea lies in Khadi, says Mahabir Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 7: Saying that only industry holds the required potential to ameliorate unemployment from .........more Sri Lankan
Army Chief Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Sept 7: A high level Sri Lankan delegation led by its Chief of the Army, Lt. Gen. S H S Kottegoda called on ........more Sarfraz reviews Haj arrangements Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Sept 7: A high level meeting regarding issue of verification of antecedents of Haj pilgrims of Haj 2006 was held here today. The Minister of State for Haj and Auquaf ...........more J&K
Cement shows Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Sept 7: Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma has hailed the efforts of J&K Cements limited for registering a profit of Rs 429.94 lakhs during the year 2004-05 as against the target of Rs 377.71 lakhs..........more Consider
petitioner for Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 7: Justice Permod Kohli of the State High Court has directed the Health Department to consider the case of a petitioner for compassionate........more |
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Mahima
enthralls Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 7: The renowned ghazal singer Mahima Kasewa enthralled the Jammuites with her stylish singing at a programme held at Abhinav Theatre, here this evening.. .........more 3 senior
officers of Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Sept 7: Government has ordered suspension of P.P. Verma, Thakur Dass and Balbir Singh the then Chief Education Officers of Kathua, Poonch and Udhampur, at present Joint ............more Truck
service on Jhelum Excelsior Correspondent KOKERNAG, Sept 7: Saying that talks with Hurriyat is a step in the right direction, JKPCC President and Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed has stressed for involving all shades ..............more Dy CM for
revival of Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Sept 7: The Union Minister for Small Scale Industries and Agro and Rural Industries, Mahabir Prasad (SI&ARI) visited the Jammu yesterday. He ......more |
Employment for all: Panacea lies in Khadi, says Mahabir Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 7: Saying that only industry holds the required potential to ameliorate unemployment from the country, Union Minister for Small Scale, Agro and Rural Industries, Mahabir Prasad has said that the centre is under a solemn affirmation to provide employment to all the unemployed especially those residing in the rural areas, women and physically challenged. Addressing senior officers of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB), SICOP, Coir Board and industries, the Minister reiterated the centre’s commitment in guaranteeing employment for everyone in the country, adding that the goal would be achieved by promoting, aiding and fostering the growth of small scale industries and industry-related small scale services, business enterprise. Justifying his assertions on the giant potential the industry provides in recruitment of skilled and unskilled, Prasad forwarded the statistics revealing contribution of small-scale industry as indicators of nation’s growth and prosperity. He said that in the Net Domestic Product small-scale industry contributes 39 percent while in exports its share is well-over 34 percent, truly a tangible addition in economy. On the dynamics of the small-scale and cottage industry in assuring employment to all, the Minister said that the 21st century has thrown up challenges and opportunities for business, large and small. He said that the small-scale industry ought to be revamped and reoriented in confronting the fiercely competition as also to gain competitive advantage. To facilitate sustainable penchant for Khadi as a vogue outfit, the Minister said that an Act of 1956, Khadi and Village Industries Commission is being revamped with incorporation of amendments in it. ‘The expert committee has already forwarded its recommendations on refurbishment of the 1956 Act that would immensely place the artisans in good stead besides introducing innovative entrepreneurial exercise as the financial assistance in the form of venture capital being afforded to the artisans too would be hiked. Mr Prasad said that promoting vigorously for popularization of Khadi as a universal texture with high level of acceptability is a mission for which the centre is committed to afford liberal assistance to the State Khadi Board. Advising youth not to hanker after Government jobs and instead be votaries of industrialization, the Minister said that small-scale industries sector has showcased the competencies to capture the global market thereby delivering fair share to its holders. Director Industries Dr Pawan Kotwal in his introductory address presented an overview of the industrial scenario of Jammu and Kashmir, saying that small-scale industry contributes nearly 25 percent of the net domestic product of state’s economy. |
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Sri Lankan Army Chief calls on Governor Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Sept 7: A high level Sri Lankan delegation led by its Chief of the Army, Lt. Gen. S H S Kottegoda called on the Governor, Lt. Gen. (Retd) S K Sinha at Raj Bhavan. During one-hour interaction, matters of mutual interest particularly the overall situation in Sri Lanka and Jammu and Kashmir came under discussion. Several senior officers of the Sri Lankan Army were present on the occasion. Principal Secretary to Governor Dr. Arun Kumar was also present. The delegation is currently on a visit to Kashmir. |
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Sarfraz reviews Haj arrangements Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Sept 7: A high level meeting regarding issue of verification of antecedents of Haj pilgrims of Haj 2006 was held here today. The Minister of State for Haj and Auquaf Mohammad Sarafraz Khan chaired. The meeting was attended by the Inspector General of Police, Kashmir (CID) .S. S. Bijral, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Srinagar-Budgam, H. K. Lohia, Additional Commissioner, Kashmir Dilshada Khan and Haj Officer. The meeting was assured that verification of the Haj pilgrims of Haj 2006 would be completed upto Ist. week of November,2005 and Haj process will be started from December 3rd,2005. The meeting was informed that 9300 applications have been received for the Haj 2006 whileas last year 8709 Haj Pilgrims have performed their Haj. The Minister directed the concerned agencies that the necessary verification in respect of intending Haj pilgrims shall be completed soon so that the Haj pilgrims do not suffer on this account. |
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J&K Cement shows profit of Rs 430 crore for 2004-05 Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Sept 7: Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma has hailed the efforts of J&K Cements limited for registering a profit of Rs 429.94 lakhs during the year 2004-05 as against the target of Rs 377.71 lakhs. The Deputy Chief Minister, who is also the Chairman of JK Cements was chairing the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company here today. He hoped that the management and workers of the company would strive for increasing the production and marketting of the products of J&K Cements Limited. The Managing Director of the Company, Mian Mushtaq Ahmad while presenting the resume of the activities of JK Cements said that the company achieved an all time record turn over of Rs 5405.05 lakhs during the last year. It was stated that the increase in cement production, sale of cement and turnover accounted for 17.96 per cent, 17.63 per cent and 28.04 percent respectively. It was stated that the company paid Rs 11164 lakh to the State Government in the shape of Sales Tax, Excise Duty, Toll Tax, Income Tax and royalty. Since its inception the company has paid an amount of Rs 11720.18 lakhs upto the end of June 2005 on account of levies to the Centre and State exchequer. While giving details of new projects, the MD informed the Board that in view of increasing demand of cement, the company is working on expansion programme of adding an additional production line of 600 tones per day capacity. Speaking in the meeting, the Minister of State for Industries and Commerce, Raman Mattoo while appreciating the efforts of the company for remarkable achievements said that there is always scope for improvement. |
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Consider petitioner for compassionate job: HC Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 7: Justice Permod Kohli of the State High Court has directed the Health Department to consider the case of a petitioner for compassionate appointment in terms of SRO 43 of 1994. This order was passed in a writ petition filed by one Kamal Kishore whose father Chaman Lal was working as Dawasaz in ISM dispensary Kathua and had died on November 15, 1996 while is active service. Kamal Kishore was minor at the time of death of his father Chaman Lal and on attaining majority, he had made an application seeking compassionate appointment. The Assistant Commissioner Kathua had considered the application and issued certificates in terms of SRO 43 of 1994 but the claim of the petitioner was ignored. The petitioner filed a petition. Justice Kohli while allowing the petition, directed the petitioner to furnish the attested copies of mark list or other certificates in proof of his date of birth within two weeks. On receipt of the same, the respondents will accord consideration to the petitioner for appointment within three months. |
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Mahima enthralls Jammuites with her ghazals Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 7: The renowned ghazal singer Mahima Kasewa enthralled the Jammuites with her stylish singing at a programme held at Abhinav Theatre, here this evening. The Sham-e-Ghazal was organised by the Academy of Art, Culture and Languages. Mahima recited ghazals of eminent Urdu poets including Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Bahadurshah Zafar, Bashir Badar, Bismil Saidi and impressed the audience present in the auditorium with her musical presentation. Mahima has rich experience of ghazal singing and has participated in various musical performances across India and also outside including USA, UK, Germany, Denmark, Netherland, Pakistan and other countries. She is trained in music and has made a grade in ghazal singing. Mahima is gold medalist in Master’s degree in classical music and has also completed M. Phil from Delhi University. Though she hails from Delhi, she studied 7th and 8th class as a student in Jammu city. The Cultural Academy has been organising series of cultural activities during the past few months. Recently, a number of programmes like folk dance from Rajasthan, HP, Haryana; a composite poetic symposium and cultural items have been presented. |
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3 senior officers of Education Deptt suspended Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Sept 7: Government has ordered suspension of P.P. Verma, Thakur Dass and Balbir Singh the then Chief Education Officers of Kathua, Poonch and Udhampur, at present Joint Director, School Education, Kashmir and Incharge Principal DIET, Kishtwar and Incharge Chief Education Officer, Udhampur with immediate effect and were attached with Administrative Department. These officers have been suspended on their alleged involvement in irregularities in the purchase of mineral microscopes. Consequent upon the above, Chief Education Officer, Doda will hold the charge of Principal DIET, Kishtwar in addition to his own duties and District Education Planning Officer, Udhampur will look after the work of Chief Education Officer, Udhampur in addition to his own duties till further orders. |
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Truck service on Jhelum Valley
road Excelsior Correspondent KOKERNAG, Sept 7: Saying that talks with Hurriyat is a step in the right direction, JKPCC President and Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed has stressed for involving all shades of opinion and representatives of three regions in the ongoing dialogue process to settle this issue once for all. Addressing a largely attended public gathering after laying the foundation stone of Model village Sagam Kokernag and Annual day function of Government Higher Secondary School, Kokernag this afternoon, Peerzada said that " dialogue is the only way to settle all the complex issues" adding that in the present scenario gun has no role, which brings only destruction." Peerzada said that to start truck service for trade on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad route, is an important decision from UPA Government for fruit growers and business community of Kashmir. He said this will enhance the economic activities in the State to make the Kashmir as an economic hub. He said the other traditional route of Jammu and Ladakh region would also be thrown open which include, Poonch-Rawalkote road and Kargil-Askardu road. The Minister said 119 villages would be developed as "Model villages" in every block of the State to provide all the modern basic facilities to people residing in these villages. Peerzada announced that eight middle school would be upgraded to high school level and two high schools to Higher secondary school level in Kokernag constituency. He also announced Rs. 2.30 lakh for construction of additional block in Kokernag Higher Secondary school under constituency development fund. Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Social Welfare, Mula Ram announced that three villages of Kokernag would be soon enlisted under backward villages category as the commission have given consent in this regard. Mr. Mula Ram said that 400 students of Matric standard of Jammu and Kashmir would be given scholarship of Rs. 10,000 per year by Mulana Azad Trust Delhi. He said that the Government have taken various measures to rehabilitate the militancy victim families of the State. He said various centres have been set up under this programme. Later the Minister distributed RT’s engagement orders among educated youth and 40 swing machines to deserving women. |
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Dy CM for revival of direct financing system for artisans Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Sept 7: The Union Minister for Small Scale Industries and Agro and Rural Industries, Mahabir Prasad (SI&ARI) visited the Jammu yesterday. He was received at the Railway Station by Deputy Chief Minister, Mangat Ram Sharma, R. C. Sharma Secretary KVIB, B. D. Gupta, Deputy CEO (North Zone) KVIC and P. L. Kuril, State Director KVIC, Jammu. The Minister also paid obeisance at Darbar Mata Vaishno Devi. Before leaving for Billawar and Udhampur, Deputy Chief Minister discussed various matters pertaining to Small Scale Industries and Agro & Rural Industries of the State with the Union Minister. Deputy Chief Minister who is also Chairman KVIB apprised the Union Minister about the Small Scale Industries and Agro Rural Industries problems being faced in the State. He also discussed with him various packages and incentives being provided by the State Government for setting up of the units in the Industries State. He asked for setting up of two centres to provide financial and technical support to unit holders engaged in different sectors. It was also requested that revival of old pattern of direct financing should be revived in case of units to be established by the artisans upto Rs. 2 lakh so that loan is available at the rate of 4 per cent to the entrepreneurs as the bank rates are high to make small projects of the artisans a commercial viable. He also requested for enhancement of Margin Money Grant as Rs. 800 lakhs for the current year instead of Rs. 622 lakhs provided in the budget allocation to the State. The Union Minister Mahabir Prasad agreed to look into all the matters and asked the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (North Zone), KVIC, Government of India to put up these matters to the Ministry for further action. |
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Youth Cong warns to launch agitation Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 7: Youth Congress today warned to launch an agitation in case Congress Chief Minister from Jammu will not be installed in the State after November 2005. This was announced by Mohammed Amin Bhat, state president of Pradesh Youth Congress (PYC) while addressing a press conference along with Abdul Hannan, secretary India Youth Congress, incharge J&K. Mr Bhat strongly demanded that power sharing agreement of 2002 should be implemented as it was party’s commitment with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Mr Hannan, who was specially deputed by the party high command to review functioning of the Youth Congress in J&K, announced that PYC will be reconstituted and some new faces will be included as office bearers. He expressed satisfaction over function of the PYC. Mr Hannan, who had addressed one day convention at Srinagar, expressed satisfaction that Youth Congress has been activated in Kashmir valley also. He said that large number of youth have been joining Youth Congress as United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government headed by Dr Manmohan Singh has taken many radical steps for youth. He pointed towards employment guarantee scheme being formulated by the Union Government. Replying to a question, Mr Hannan admitted that he has received complaints that Youth Congress was not given due representation in the recently held elections of the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC). Spokesman of PYC Kamal Anand was also present in the press conference. |
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Press Club holds interaction with visiting media persons Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 7: Press Club of Jammu today organised a function to interact with journalists from different parts of the country who were in the City of Temples in connection with their on-going ‘Defence Correspondent Course’ being organised by the Army. Speaking on the occasion, veteran journalist S P Sawhney shared his experiences with the visiting journalists. He told them about problems he had faced while covering wars in 1947, 1965 and 1971. Mr Sawhney gave some tips to the visiting journalists. Another veteran journalist, Sham Koul, while speaking on the occasion, highlighted problems being faced by the journalists in the State. He appreciated role being played by the defence forces in this violence plagued region. He also shared his experiences with visiting journalists from across the country. Media incharge 16 Corps Col. D K Badhola while interacting with the visiting journalists, informed them various steps undertaken by the Army for the welfare of the people. "On the one hand the Army has been involved in anti-insurgency operations while on the other hand various development projects have been started by the defence forces for the welfare of the people", he pointed and listed various activities of the Army under Operation Sadhbhawana. PRO Defence Col. Chibber, in his address, also highlighted role played by the Army for the welfare of the people. He also stressed on the need of more coordination between the Army and media. He appreciated role played by media in this State. Earlier, president of the Press Club of Jammu, Manu Shrivatsa welcomed the visiting journalists. He also shared his experience with the visiting media persons. General secretary of the Press Club Sohail Qazmi presented vote of thanks at the end. |
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Wani demands opening of a varsity in Doda Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 7: NC provincial secretary Abdul Karim Wani has demanded opening of a University in Doda district to facilitate the students of this backward district to go for higher education. In a statement, Mr Wani accused the coalition Government of making hollow slogans regarding opening of a University in the district and power projects of Barsar in Kishtwar, KalNai I and II at Dhramshala and Zudi project in Thatri. He also charged the Government of diverting developmental funds and misusing the same for their luxuries. Local administration has utterly failed to provide relief and rehabilitation to the victims of the snow Tsunami of last winter while no compensation has still been paid to the farmers whose crop got destroyed due to drought three years back, he alleged. |
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Passenger Tax Deptt realizes penalty from defaulters Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 7: Special squad of Passenger Tax Department under the supervision of Additional Commission, Commercial taxes (Admn) Jammu, S K Koul and comprising of ETO Ramesh Chander, Inspector Narinder Singh and staff conducted checking of passenger vehicles on Banihal route. The checking squad imposed penalty of Rs 5100 and recovered on spot from the defaulting vehicles. Documents of 9 vehicles were seized under Passenger Tax Act 1963 for appropriate action. Owners of the passenger vehicles were advised to pay due passenger tax immediately to avoid interests, seizures and penalties under different sections of PT Act 1963. |
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Amalgam of Sikh Societies
submits Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 7: A deputation of All J&K Sikh Societies Amalgamate led by S Gurdeep Singh Sasan, chief patron, today submitted a memorandum to the Governor through Divisional Commissioner Jammu. Demands enlisted in the memorandum included redressal of hardships being faced by refugees of 1947 from Pakistan occupied Kashmir, setting up of J&K Minority Commission in J&K, payment of Rs 25000 as interim relief to poor displaced families, which stands sanctioned way back but not released so far, reservation of seats in Legislative Assembly and Council. They demanded starting of bus service between Uri and Rawalpindi, regularization of camps and refugee bastis, development or reservation of plots for them, provision of housing loan, reservation in Government jobs and professional institutions, representation to Sikhs in high institutions, formation of Minority Corporation, giving due place to Punjabi language, involvement of Displaced Persons in peace process. Other demands included special employment package. They called for settlement of the claims of DPs of PoK once for all. |
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Sarbjit’s sisters seeks
PM’s intervention JALANDHAR, Sept 7: Mrs Dalbir Kaur, sister of Indian National Sarbjit Singh, sentenced to death by the Pakistan Supreme Court for his alleged involvement in a Lahore blast case, has sought the intervention of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh for arranging a meeting between Sarbjit and his counsel for preparing a review petition to challenge the death sentence. Talking to reporters here last night Mrs Dalbir Kaur said that despite several attempts Sarbjit’s counsel Abdul Rana failed to meet Sarbjit in Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore. She said that after change of statement by eye witnesses including, key witness Salim Shaukat, Sarbjit did require to file a review petition to seek relief and release. She said that Shaukat had categorically confessed that he did not recognise Sarbjit and that he had recorded his earlier statement under pressure from the Lahore police. She said that change in stance by three other witnesses is also enough to prove that Sarbjit Singh was innocent and that he had falsely been implicated by the police. (UNI) |
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Governor pays tributes to Sheikh Abdullah Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Sept 7: Paying glowing tributes to Sher-e-Kashmir on his death anniversary, Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd) S K Sinha has described Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah as a visionary leader who strove for peace and amity between various communities all his life. In a message, the Governor said that Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah upheld the values of secularism and composite culture of the State at the time of Partition when communal frenzy had engulfed the sub-continent. He said that Sheikh Sahib pioneered land reforms in the country and made relentless efforts to lead the people to an era of democracy and social justice. The Governor recalled his personal interaction with Sheikh Sahib on quite a few occasions, which are part of his cherished memories and said he was the tallest leader of Kashmir who inspired and guided the people of Jammu and Kashmir. ‘He was also a much revered and respected leader of the country’, he added, General Sinha added. |
Videocon dealers’ meet organised Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 7: Mahajan Trading Corporation—distributor for Videocon India Private Limited—today organised dealers meet wherein entire products range of Videocon’s was displayed. During the meeting, two new models of Videocon Washing Machines—Maxie 6800 and Multi 6800 were also launched. The main attraction of the displayed products were 50 litre to 350 litre refrigerators and new models of washing machines priced between Rs 7000 to Rs 9000. The main purpose of the dealers meet was to apprise them about the new products and their service being offered by the company, Proprietor of M/s Mahajan Trading Corporation Rajneesh Gupta said. Area Incharge of Videocon Jammu Chand Ganjoo also updated the knowledge of the traders about the new products of Videocon.
Mian Altaf flays Govt for neglect of Gujjars Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 7: Veteran Gujjar leader Mian Altaf Ahmed, MLA, has accused the coalition Government of neglecting their community even under Scheduled Tribe status and other statutes while all development activities in the remote Gujjar populated areas have suffered a big jolt. He said major portion of funds under the Special Assistance to the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) meant for development of Gujjars of Jammu and Kashmir have been allowed to lapse during the financial year 2004-05 and till date no funds have been released in this important sector. Mian Altaf added that the Government took a decision to wind up the unit of Tribal Directorate, which proved as a last nail in the coffin of developmental activities for upliftment of Gujjars. The unit of Tribal Directorate was supposed to work as a parallel organization with the Department of Social Welfare to look into the affairs of tribes and to monitor the funding but the Government shut down the unit without assigning any reason thereof. He said there was no monitoring agency in place to oversee whether the funds meant for Gujjars and Bakerwals were actually being spent on the specified schemes or not. He added that because of criminal negligence of the coalition Government the Gujjar community of Jammu and Kashmir is lagging behind in every field of life. |
JSM flays Centre for giving importance to Hurriyat Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 7: Criticising Congress led UPA Government at the Centre for allegedly for fiddling with the problems in J&K by pampering the separatists operating at the dictates of Pakistan, Jammu State Morcha has said that these leaders do not represent any region of the State. While addressing the activists of the Morcha here today, Shree Kumar chairman of the organisation alleged that too much importance was being given to the Hurriyat Conference (HC) leaders surviving at foreign funds but little attention is being paid to the real problems being faced by the people. He pointed out that talks with a faction of the separatists would prove just a mirage and wasting of time and energies. He asserted that prime need was to deal with the mother of all problems, who is none else but the theocratic state of Pakistan. Lashing out at Congress Mr Kumar alleged that right from the succession of J&K Congress leadership had been bungling. The Jammu was not being given due share in the constituent assembly even though it has larger area and more population. Tilak Raj Sharma co-chairman flayed Centre for holding talks with the Hurriyat leaders and challenged the locus standi of these leaders who claim themselves as the representatives of the people of Kashmir. He asked these leaders to prove their representative character and then come out for the talks. He reiterated the Morcha stand of creation of separate Jammu State. Romesh Sabarwal vice chairman, Onkar Seth, Jagmohan Khanna, Jagdish Dogra and Jaswant Raj also spoke on the occasion.
Hold CBI probe into Rs 90,000
fake currency Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 7: Demanding a CBI probe into the mysterious missing of Rs 90,000 Indian currency from the office of Forensic Science Lab (FSL) Srinagar, Trade Union wing of the National Panthers Party has demanded immediate removal of its Director. Addressing a press conference here today, president of the NPP Trade Union Daljit Singh, accompanied by the office bearers of FSL Employees Welfare Association disclosed that all was not going well in the J&K FSL as rampant corruption has derailed the smooth and fair process of conducting tests of various crime related cases. Most of the experts/ Scientists are being harassed by the director and even some times by the police officers to get reports manipulated as per their convenience. Demanding a CBI probe into the mysterious missing of Rs 90,000 currency which had been recovered from a militant leader from Pulwama area as some of the currency was said to be fake, the trade union leaders alleged that this currency went missing in the Lab and DG had issued an inquiry but even after five to six years no report was submitted till now and the fate of money was not known. |
Jammu Club organising Urdu Mushaira Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 7: As part of its effort to promote cultural and literary activities in the Jammu Club, the Managing Committee for the first time in many years is organising an Urdu Mushaira. The event will be held in the Club on September 11. Some well known poets from outside the State have been invited to participate in the Mushaira. They include B.D. Kalia 'Hamdam', Ajit Singh Hasrat, Nami Nadri, Mohinder Pratap Singh, Rashid Jamaal Farooqui, Sharvan Kumar Verma, Dr. Sultan Anjum. Beside these some well known poets of Jammu will also participate in the Mushaira. Vijay Bakaya, IAS, Chief Secretary, J&K Govt. will be the Chief Guest.
Surankot observes bandh, traffic disrupted for 5 hrs Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, Sept 7: A complete bandh was observed in the township of Surankot in support of the demand of Scheduled Tribe status to the Paharis. The protest programme was organised by Pahari Employees Association under the leadership of Lokesh Kumar Sharma. All the major organisations of Surankot including Beopar Mandal, Transport Union, Bar Association, students union, social and political organisations extended their support. All the shops and other business establishments remained closed throughout the day in the town while movement of vehicles was disrupted for about five hours on Jammu-Poonch road. The local mini-buses were also not allowed to ply in the adjoining areas. All the Government offices and educational institutions wore a deserted look. A massive rally was also taken out in the main market by the activists of various organisations. They were raising slogans demanding ST status for the Pahari people of Poonch, Rajouri and Uri. They said that their demand was highly justified and development of these areas is possible only after this status is granted to its people. Anwar Khan, Nazir Hussain, Arun Kumar, Shakeel Azad and Najmal Jaffri also spoke on the occasion. |
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