BJP justifies fielding of candidate in Bhadarwah

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15: Without naming any political party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticized the Opposition for not fielding candidates in Bhadarwah Constituency against the Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad for April 24 by-elections.

"These parties have been exposed before the masses and they have no right to call themselves as Opposition parties" , said former state BJP chief, Daya Krishen Kotwal while talking to mediapersons along with Party spokesman, Prof Hari Om here this afternoon.

Justifying BJP’s fielding of candidate against Chief Minister, he said it is not a personnel fight between Mr Azad and Dhananter Singh alias Koshal Kotwal but an ideological war between the Congress and BJP.

He said by fielding the Party candidate,the BJP has proved that it is the only Opposition in the State which has always championed the cause of people.

Lambasting the Congress, he alleged that the Party totally ignored the people of the Doda district when the militancy was at peak there. And it was the BJP only who stood by the valiant people of the District like a rock to challenge the terrorism.

At that time Congress had opposed constitution of VDCs on the pretext that the militants will snatch arms from them. Even the establishment of the army cantonment in Doda district was delayed as the Congress and NC were not in its favour but today the army is in every village of the district because of BJPs efforts, he added.

Readymade garment traders allege harassment

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15: A deputation of Wholesale Readymade Garments/ Wool Traders led by president Anil Gupta and general secretary Pankaj Kumar met the Commissioner, Commercial Taxes Bashir Ahmed and apprised him of the problems and hardships being faced by the traders at the hands of officials deputed at Lakhanpur Toll Post.

The Commissioner Commercial Taxes Bashir Ahmed assured the deputation that the Department would take stringent action against any of its employees found indulged in malpractices or corruption. The Commissioner asked the traders to discharge their obligations with honesty.

It may be recalled that the Commissioner on March 23 had convened a meeting of traders in which he had assured that none of the person dealing in the trade would be harassed at Lakhanpur Toll Post, but the officials posted there have continuously been harassing the wholesale readymade garment traders.

The Commissioner Commercial Taxes assured the deputation that stringent action would be taken against any employee found indulging in malpractices. He also exhorted the traders to do their work with honesty, because they were the back bone of the economy of the State.

JU Gandhian Centre organises lecture on
‘Gandhi and West’

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15: Gandhian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies in Jammu University today organised a guest lecture by Dr Devid Cortigst, a world renowned scholar on Mahatma Gandhi and a Professor in University of North Redame, US Indiana.

Topic of the lecture was ‘Gandhi and the West’, in which Dr Devid Cortigst threw light on the research projects taken up on the life and teachings of Mahatama Gandhi in West.

He apprised the gathering about critical and analytical attitude of the Western world towards principles of Mahatma Gandhi.

Highlighting the fundamental principles of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr Cortigst, who is the author of a number of books on the great leader, emphasized that the relevance of these principals has not lowered in the modern Western world.

Dr Cortigst also sought to differentiate between the non-violence and violence as taught by Mahatma Gandhi

Earlier, Dr Anurag Gangal, Director of the Gandhian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, JU, presented a formal welcome address and introduced Dr Devid Cortigst to the audience.

Two SAC members administered oath

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15: Justice (retd) G L Raina and Justice (retd) Muzaffar Jan were today administered oath as members of Jammu and Kashmir Accountability Commission.

The oath was administered to them by Chairman of Accountability Commission Justice (retd) R P Sethi in the premises of Commission here this morning.

Interacting with the reporters after the oath ceremony, Justice Jan said that they will work as a team to meet the very purpose of State Accountability Commission and added that they will also ensure that nobody is put to inconvenience on account of personal vendetta.

While dealing with corruption cases, Justice Jan said they will ensure that defence is provided with full opportunity to clear their stand before reaching to any conclusion.

Justice Raina said that there would be joint sitting of the Commission and they will try to come upto the expectations of the people, who have pinned high hopes on the Commission for the eradication of corruption and tightening noose around the corrupt public servants.

"I don’t feel this as a complicated job. Right from the very beginning we have been dealing with such cases", he said in reply to a question and said "we, at the sametime, expect brick bats too".

It is worthwhile to mention there that both Justice (retd) G L Raina and Justice (retd) Muzaffar Jan were appointed members of the Accountability Commission by Governor Lt Gen (retd) S K Sinha in the month of March, 2006.

With their appointment as members, the Commission has become more strong.

Niaz campaigns for Azad in Bhalesa areas

Excelsior Correspondent

BHADARWAH, Apr 15: Ex-Minister for Power Mohd Sharief Niaz completed his two-day visit of Bhalesa in connection with the election campaign for Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad who is contesting as the Congress candidate from this Assembly seat.

During the campaign, Mr Niaz addressed public meetings at Changa Bala, Thaloran, Samaie, Kakoti, Kota, Bunesha Goilbar, Akhrie, Neli, Helore, Kakroo, Dhossa, Bharthi, Batara, Gwaloo, Shingani, Civili and Juloo of Bhalessa area.

Mr Niaz appealed people to remain present at their homes on the polling date and cast vote in favour of Ghulam Nabi Azad for a record win.

He rebuffed the Bharatiya Janta Party for leveling baseless allegations of misuse of official machinery by Congress in the election campaign and appealed the Election Commission to depute observers in the constituency to monitor the polling process in the ensuing Assembly election, especially in Bhaderwah Assembly segment.

In all the public meetings, Mr Niaz was accorded a rousing reception with garlands and slogans in support of Congress and Ghulam Nabi Azad. People volunteered themselves for the election campaign and also offered to donate money for the election funds.

Babu Singh asks youth to opt marketable professions

Excelsior Correspondent

Kathua, Apr 15: Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Babu Singh exhorted upon the youth to go for Computer Applications, Hotel Management and other programmes having high job potentials.

Speaking at an inaugural function of 3-month Computer training and placement programme organized by Dr. Reddy Foundations and Rural Development Department jointly at Kali Bari near here at Kathua today, he said such programmes have grated demand in private sector.

Ministry of Rural Development and Dr. Reddy Laboratories Foundations (Hyderabad) have jointly started training and placement programme for the interested youth for a period of three months in five districts of Jammu viz. Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch, Doda and Udhampur.

In the first batch 250 students of the district falling under Command Area Development blocks will be trained and another 250 beneficiaries from Non Command blocks of the district shall follow the suit.

Mr. Babu Singh exhorted upon the students who are taking part in the said computer training to learn seriously and attain proficiency. The Minister said that government employment is not available to every youth, so private sector is the only option to curb unemployment.

Mr. Anil Kumar Bura, State Project Coordinator, Dr. Reddy Foundation gave a resume of working of Dr. Reddy Foundation.

Election related arrangements finalized in Baramulla

Excelsior Correspondent

Baramulla, Apr 15: District Election Officer, Baramulla Mr. Abdul Hamid has said that in the three constituencies, Sangrama, Rafiabad and Pattan, the number of voters is 197258 out of which the number of male voters is 102027 and the number of female voters is 95231 while 1559 migrant voters will also make use of their franchise. He said that the number of presiding officers is 264 and the number of polling officers is 792 and some 97 polling officers and 26 presiding officers have been kept reserve. He said that no auxiliary polling station was required as there was no polling station having more than 1400 voters to cast their votes.

The District Election Officer was interacting with the media persons at Baramulla today. The SSP Baramulla was also present on the occasion.

He said all the related process has been completed in presence of observers according to which no voter at a particular constituency as well as no resident of the constituency and no two officials of the same department would be deployed in a particular constituency to ensure free, fair and transparent Bye-elections in Sangrama, Rafiabad and Pattan constituencies of Baramulla district. Besides 40 magistrates and 40 police officers are being deployed as sectoral, sub-sectoral and below sub-sectoral officers on poll day in each constituency.

Drabu to attend RBI meeting on monetary, credit policy

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15: Jammu and Kashmir Bank Chairman, Dr Haseeb Drabu has been invited by Reserve Bank of India ( RBI) for a meeting to be held by the Governor Dr Y V Reddy on the country’s monetary and credit policy.

This is for the first time that J&K Bank has been invited to attend the Annual Policy Statement meeting which has a major impact on the banking and financial sector.

At this meeting, the most crucial decisions regarding hiking in the interest rates and liquidity conditions in the financial sector are likely to be announced. The policy will also provide a framework for the monetary, structural and prudential measures that banks will have to make during the year against the background of an assessment of macroeconomic and monetary developments.

The other issues to be discussed at Tuesday’s central bank’s annual policy statement include GPD growth, interest rates, liquidity, development and regulatory policy for the banks, institutional reforms, foreign exchange market, capital market and future growth.

In one of the recent writings, Dr Drabu had commented on what RBI needs to focus on in the coming months. He had argued for wide ranging reforms in the debt market, especially in the corporate bond market where there is an acute shortage of liquidity.

Talwara migrants gherao Tehsildar

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Apr 15: Agitating migrants of Talwara today gheraoed Tehsildar Reasi, his deputy and others over ‘denial’ of ration, which they alleged was leading them to starvation.

A large number of Talwara migrants gheraoed the Tehsildar and others amidst shouting of slogans against the administration for not providing relief to all the families. They alleged that it was due to the starvation following non-distribution of ration among them that an aged woman—Shanti Devi died yesterday. They said that some more persons have fallen sick and need immediate medicare but there was no medicine available for them. As the gherao of Tehsildar and other continued for hours together, police personnel had to be deployed to defuse the situation.

It was only due to the intervention of the police and Sub-Divisional Magistrate Reasi that situation was brought under control. When contacted, SDM Reasi Mr Sahu said that Government was ready to provide free ration to 308 families of Talwara, which have been declared as migrants but migrants were not ready to accept the same. "They have been demanding that all the 900 families be given free ration which is not possible", he added. He further said that Shanti Dev died of natural death and not due to starvation as was being alleged and added that some migrants, who have fallen sick, were admitted in the hospital and all sorts of medicare was being provided to them.

Polythene Association warns Govt against
closing units

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15: The J&K Polythene Manufacturers and Traders Association today warned to move to the Court if any attempt was made by the State Government to ban functioning of various units of the polythene industry in the State.

Addressing a press conference, office bearers of the Association flayed the administration for its failure to shoulder its responsibility of keeping the cities and town neat and clean. "Instead of shouldering responsibilities of removing garbage for drains, civic bodies have been blaming polythene for choked drainage system", Association leader regretted and called upon the administration to perform its duty rather than giving excuses for failures. "More than two lakhs people have been directly or indirectly associated with the polythene industry", spokesman of the association said and urged upon the Government to keep in the mind conditions of these families while taking any decision. He further pointed out that polythene industry falls under ‘Green’ category so there was no logic to close this sector under the pretext of protecting environment and ecology.

Association leaders suggested that instead of shutting down these units, Government should encourage re-cycling industry so as to generate more and more employment.

Jammu Festival gets a grand finale

By Ravinder Kaul

Jammu Festival, which has of late assumed a special place on the cultural calendar of J&K State, got a befitting finale here today when Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, one of the most illustrious sons of soil, presented his Santoor recital inside the Mubarak Mandi Complex. The place, that was once the seat of power in the State and where the entry of commoners was restricted, was flowing with a sea of humanity.

Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma slipped into nostalgic mood and recalled his childhood, that was spent playing inside the Mandi Complex which, he recalled, was always full of fragrant flowers and Maulsari trees. He also recalled that one could not enter the complex bare-headed and wearing some form of headgear was essential as a mark of respect for the royal family. He made a special mention of the daily recital of Shehnai on the Western Gate of the complex. He expressed happiness over the efforts of the organisers of Jammu Festival in reviving the culture, ethnic food and folk music and dance of Duggar.

Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma later enthralled the audience with Raag Jhinjhoti. Keeping in view the ambience, he played a brief Aalap and followed it up with a brisk Jor and Jhala. He later regaled the audience with a dhun based on the evergreen and melodious folk song Pal Bhar Bei Jana, Bei Jana, Ho Jinde, which he presented on Santoor in his inimitable style. He concluded the performance with his rendering of Raag Pahari.

The concert was attended by Governor Lt. Gen.(Retd.) S.K.Sinha, Minister for Transport Mangat Ram Sharma and Vice Chancellor of Jammu University Prof. Amitabh Mattoo. A large number of legislators and prominent citizens also attended the concert.

Meanwhile, Natrang presented its much celebrated play Bawa Jitto at Abhinav Theatre. The play has been performed by the theatre group all over the country and has given Natrang much fame and recognition. Written by Prof. Ram Nath Shastri and directed by Balwant Thakur, the play is based on the 15th century tale of the sacrifice of a hard working, honest and god-fearing farmer against the tyrannies of the feudal lords of the day. The tale is a part of the collective memory of the people of Duggar and carries a special place in their cultural ethos and religious rituals.

There is hardly anything worth saying about the play that has not been said already. However, it is commendable to note that the artistes of the play have retained their freshness even after so many performances. Arvind Anand deserves special mention in this regard. He as Bawa Jitto retained his natural composure and delivered a powerfully underplayed performance. Vikrant Sharma as Isso, Suresh Kumar as Mehta Bir Singh, Dimple Sharma as Rulho Lohar and Pankaj Sharma as Malli also acted well. A special mention must be made of Juhi Singh who touched many hearts with her moving portrayal of Bua Gauri.

At Kala Kendra also a large number of people gathered to watch the works of art on display. The counter of PATH, an organisation committed to preservation of heritage, generated a lot of interest. The paintings of the young artists of the Institute of Music and Fine Arts as also the Pahari Miniature paintings attracted a good viewership.

Bahu Fort also attracted a large number of people. The illuminations all over the city gave the entire city a festive look. One hopes that Jammu Festival becomes a permanent fixture on the cultural calendar of the State and that new areas and new events will be added to it in the years to come. One also hopes that in the bonhomie of the Festival one does not overlook the fact that Mubarak Mandi complex is crumbling and needs to be restored to its original glory and that cosmetic changes and illumination cannot be an alternative to serious restoration work.‘

CB produces challan against then Addl DC, Tehsildar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15: Crime Branch Jammu has produced a challan of Case FIR No. 24/93, under sections 420, 467, 468, 471 RPC and 5(2) PC Act 2006 of Police Station Crime Branch Jammu, in the court of Special Judge Anti Corruption, Jammu against Retired Additional DC Sohan Lal, Retired Tehsildar Shiv Kumar and Dr Koushalaya Samyal.

The instant case was registered in Crime Branch on December 14, 1993, on the allegations that many people have misrepresented themselves as Kashmir migrants in connivance with the relief officials of Revenue Department. They managed fake D Forms and got proposal fake ration cards and obtained relief in the shape of ration and cash from Relief Department and this embezzled crores of rupees defrauding the State exchequer.

During course of investigations, it was proved that the then zonal officer Additional DC Sohan Lal Raina and then Tehsildar Additional Zonal Officer Shiv Kumar were posted as ZOs PCR Jammu during the year 1990-91. During their posting they prepared fake ration cards and D-Forms in favour of non-existing persons namely Asha Rani wife of Ram Lal and Manoj Kumar and issued different cheques in their favour thereby causing loss to State exchequer.

The above mentioned zonal officer of Relief Department fabricated fake documents and records and caused heavy loss to Government by misusing their official position.

Involvement of Gilgit-Baltistan, PoK in any dialogue process imperative: Karan

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15: Former Sadar-e-Riyasat and ex-Union Minister Dr Karan Singh today reiterated that Gilgit-Baltistan and Mirpur-Muzaffarabad are the integral parts of Jammu and Kashmir and should be involved in any dialogue process on Kashmir issue.

Dr Singh was addressing a function organised to unveil the bust of Maharaja Gulab Singh in the premises of SMGS Hospital here this morning. "The State of Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1846 had five regions of Gilgit-Baltistan, Mirpur-Muzaffarabad, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh and it was formed by combining together 22 Rajs", he informed.

It was due to Maharaja Gulab Singh’s efforts that J&K became one of the largest State among 400 States of the country in middle of 19th century, he said and regretted that unfortunately the State was divided into three parts and Gilgit-Baltistan and Mirpur-Muzaffarabad were separated from it.

"It is imperative to involve both these regions whenever there is a dialogue process on Kashmir issue", he stressed and added that without taking into considerations the aspirations of people of both these regions the dialogue process cannot make progress.

Those who want to have discussion on Kashmir must be asked "is there any democracy in Gilgit-Baltistan at present?", former Sadar-e-Riyasat said without naming Pakistan.

Without naming People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti’s statement on accession of J&K with India, Dr Singh said Maharaja Hari Singh signed J&K’s accession with India and everybody should keep in mind that history cannot be changed.

Referring to the yesterday’s serial blasts in Kashmir valley, former Sadar-e-Riyasat said "some elements don’t want the peace to get restored in Jammu and Kashmir and indulge into violent incidents whenever there is improvement in the situation", adding "but these incidents will not deter us from restoring peace in this State".

Dr Singh said that he will talk to Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and Member Parliament Madan Lal Sharma so that sufficient funds could be released for the development of SMGS Hospital. He, however, asked the doctors not to resort to strike because the same adds to the woes of poor patients.

Speaking on the occasion, Transport Minister Mangat Ram Sharma highlighted the steps initiated by Maharaja Gulab Singh and Hari Singh for equality among the different sections of the society.

Former Minister and MLA Jammu East Yogesh Sawhney stressed the need to execute some repair work in the hospital on war footing.

Earlier, Dr Karan Singh unveiled the bust of Maharaja Gulab Singh installed in the premises of SMGS Hospital by Maharaja Gulab Singh Trust, amidst chanting of mantras.

Minister for Roads and Buildings Thakur Gulchain Singh Charak, MLA Sham Sharma, Thakur Divakar Singh, Principal GMC Dr Mumtaz Goni and Superintendent SMGS Dr Yashpal Sharma were among others who attended the function organised by Medical Employees Association headed by Pardeep Kumar Sharma.

4 killed, 9 injured in accidents

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15: Four persons were killed and nine others received injuries in separate road accidents while as two persons received burn injuries in accidental fire.

Police spokesman said that three persons were killed when a truck bearing registration number JK02T-4255 skidded off the road and rolled down at Battery Cheshma under the jurisdiction of Ramban Police Station.

On the receipt of information, a police party rushed to the spot and started rescue operation. All the three occupants of the truck were brought out of the gorge and shifted to hospital where they were declared as brought dead.

The deceased have been identified as Amarjeet Singh, son of Charan Singh of Malikpora, Papu Kumar of Rajpora and Mushtaq Ahmad, son of Saif Ali of Chanderkot.

An accident victim—Sonu, son of Arun Chouhan of Bohri Gali-Udhay Wala succumbed to injuries he had received in accident at Kaluchak. The body was, later, handed over to family members for last rites after post-mortem.

A case has been registered in this connection.

Meanwhile, a motor-cyclist and pillion rider received severe injuries after their vehicle skidded off the road near Rehmbal. Both have been hospitalised and their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in.

They have been identified as Sukhdev Singh, son of Shiv Dass and Prithvi Singh, son of Moti Ram, both the residents of Reasi.

In another accident, seven persons were injured when a mini-bus, they were travelling in, skidded off the road at Fday Dhaki Sumb. All have been hospitalised and their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in.

They have been identified as Gulla Bibi, wife of Lal Din of Guran, Akhter Mohd, son of Nazir Mohd, Zavir, son of Midha, Surja Devi, wife of Jaimal, Ramesh Kumar, son of Krishan, Prem Singh, son of Kirpa Ram and Parthu Ram, son of Lachu Ram of Sumb.

Meanwhile, two persons—Giya Lal, son of Shanker Dass of Udhampur and Sanjogita Devi, wife of Tara Chand of Kathua received burn injuries in accidental fire incidents.

Both have been hospitalised.

Gang of cheats busted; five arrested with Rs 1.90 lakh

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Apr 15: Police today busted a gang of cheats duping gold smiths for the past quite sometime and arrested all its five members.

Police sources said that a gold-smith—Naresh Kumar, son of Gurdyal of Nagrota in Basohli area of Kathua district was contacted by Vidya Sagar alias Kalu, son of Chuni Lal Verma of Jaganoo Morh, who offered to sell pure gold worth Rs two lakh to him.

Both finalised the deal and subsequently Naresh Kumar reached Udhampur alongwith Rs 1.90 lakh to purchase the gold. As per the fixed time, Vidya Sagar alongwith one Bilal Ahmed, son of Aman Mir of Kupwara entered the room of a hotel, where Naresh Kumar was staying.

Vidya Sagar showed two gold rings to Naresh Kumar, who checked their quality by using typical methodology and expressed satisfaction over the purity of gold, the police sources informed.

Since Vidya Sagar was not carrying all the gold he had to sell, he asked Naresh Kumar to pay him Rs 50,000 in advance. This offer was initially turned down by Naresh Kumar by expressing doubt over the return of Vidya Sagar.

However, Naresh Kumar paid him Rs 50,000 when Vidya Sagar told him that Bilal Ahmed will stay in the hotel till he comes back with all the gold. On leaving the hotel, Vidya Sagar handed over Rs 50,000 to his brother-in-law—Krishan Lal, son of Mulkh Raj of K C Morh, Bishnah, from whom Vidya Sagar had taken two gold rings.

Later, Vidya Sagar along with two more associates—Altaf Ahmed, son of Ghulam Nabi of Ganderbal and Arshad Rashid, son of Abdul Rashid of Sopore, purchased artificle jewellery from the market and approached Naresh Kumar again.

However, Naresh Kumar came to know that jewellery which was being sold to him was not real one. When he raised objections, Vidya Sagar alongwith his three associates thrashed him and decamped with Rs 1.40 lakh cash, which the Naresh Kumar was carrying.

Later, Naresh Kumar brought the matter to the notice of SHO Udhampur Police, which immediately swung into action. Vidya Sagar and his associates were arrested from the house of former by SHO Udhampur Inspector Arun Jamwal under the direct supervision of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Udhampur Rajesh Kumar Yadav.

From their possession, police recovered Rs 1.40 lakh cash and later Krishan Lal was also arrested and the entire amount of Rs 1.90 lakh was handed over to Naresh Kumar.

A case under Section 382 and 420 RPC has been registered against them.

‘Mainstream parties can't be ignored’
Peerzada asks separatists to participate in roundtable

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Apr 15: Lashing out at separatist groups for questioning the relevance of mainstream parties in solving Kashmir issue, Pradesh Congress Committee president and Minister for Youth Services and Sports Peerzada Mohd Sayeed today said that the elected leaders in no ways could be ignored "as they are here because of peoples' mandate".

Addressing a media conference in Srinagar on Saturday Mr Sayeed said that when separatist parties, including All Parties Hurriyat Conference have no hedges in rubbing their shoulders with mainstream leaders of Pakistan, "it doesn't make any sense for them not to attend the proposed roundtable in May in Srinagar.

"I don't understand what problem they (separatists) have to be seated with us. They take pride in rubbing their shoulders with Pakistan mainstream leaders but are elusive to share space with us. It makes no sense," he observed.

Peerzada asked the separatists to participate in the roundtable conference if they think that their presence could help in solving the Kashmir issue.

He also asked the Hurriyat Conference to participate in the general elections in 2008 to prove their representative character.

Peerzada asked the militants to shun the violent path and join the peace process.

Commenting on the coalition relationship, in lieu of upcoming by elections, the PCC(I) chief said that the candidates fielded in three assembly constituencies by PDP weren't of PDP per se but belonged to alliance of coalition partners.

He said that Congress in coming days would campaign for the PDP candidates.

He said that the relationship with PDP was purely bound on the basis of Common Minimum Program and whatever PDP does at the party level, the Congress has nothing to do with it. He was referring to PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti fluttering a green handkerchief, party flag, during a public rally in Srinagar last week.

BSNL employees continue agitation on 26th day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15: The agitational programme of all the unions of BSNL employees and officers continued for the 26th day today with the staff holding a lunch hour demonstration at Bahu Plaza Jammu.

The speakers strongly opposed the proposed move to shift the office of CGM BSNL to Srinagar at this juncture when there is intense militancy going on in Valley. They said yesterday’s grenade blasts have vindicated their stand that the situation was not conducive still for shifting of CGM’s office to Srinagar.

The employees once again urged the Prime Minister and the Communication Minister to intervene and save BSNL in J&K Circle as well as the affected employees in this era of competition.

They said present location of Circle Office at Jammu was convenient to all SSAs and its working at Jammu was economically, functionally, convenience wise and productivity wise far more better than at Srinagar, otherwise it would weaken BSNL in J&K and give leverage to its private competitors at the cost of service to its customers/ public in Jammu and Kashmir.

Jora promises to make State self reliant in power

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15: Reiterating Government’s commitment to make State self reliant in power sector, Minister of Power, Nawang Rigzin Jora today said that power sector will be involved in utilisation of natural resources for generating electricity.

Speaking at a function organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Zora said that the State has huge potential of generating electricity. He said that for full utilisation of natural resources huge funds are required. "The State alone can not utilise these potential so there is need of involving private sector in generating electricity", he said.

The PDD Minister said that the State Government has formulated a comprehensive plan to construct hydro electric projects on different rivers.

He said that Power Development Department has been taking strict measures to avoid power thefts as well as to improve power position in the State. "Planning to install about 10 lakh electronic meters has been already finalised", he said and hoped that with the installation of these meters load upto 40 percent will be curtailed.

Earlier PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry co-chairman of the State, Ram Sahai stated that to make the current thrust on economic recovery and industrialisation a reality, one of the main issues that need to be addressed is that of power generation.

Financial Commissioner, Power, B R Kundal, who was guest of honour at the function, also addressed the function.

Sangaldan-Lowla project workers discuss demands

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15: A meeting of Sangaldan Lowla Konkan Railway Project Workers Association, held under the chairmanship of Bishan Dass, president resolved that IFCON Company has caused grave injuries to the inhabitants of the area due to increase in pollution.

While addressing Bishan Dass said that due to present circumstances the inhabitants were facing acute pollution problem especially the old aged, young children, ailing and school going children. They said AFCON company was appealed to construct bye-pass road so that the inhabitants were saved from sufferings, but no appropriate action has been taken so far.

Bishan Dass highlighted various demands of the local people including enhancement in their daily wage rate from Rs 50 to Rs 100, change in timings from 8 am to 5 pm instead of 7 am to 6 pm.

Bishan Dass appealed the Chief Minister to intervene in the matter so that justice was provided to affected people.