Governor briefed on Cultural Academy profile

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 26: Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd) S K Sinha today called for expanding the reach of Academy of Art, Culture and Languages to remote areas for creating awareness against social evils and disseminating the message of glorious ethos of the State.

This can be achieved through the medium of drama and other cultural events, the Governor said while interacting with Secretary Cultural Academy, Dr Rafiq Masoodi here this morning.

Dr Masoodi, after taking over his new assignment recently, briefed the Governor, who is also Chief Patron of the Academy, about the calendar of activities chalked out to promote art and culture of the State. He briefly dwelt on the programmes planned for the current year and said thrust would be laid on holding such events outside the capital cities.

The Governor appreciated the plans to celebrate anniversaries of Sufis and Saints at the original places of their habitation and said that this will be a step forward to spread the rich messages of great people, who stood for peace, tranquility and harmony. He said the culture binds people together and organizations like Cultural Academy could play a great role in this regard.

The Secretary presented a set of publication in Gojri, Urdu, Hindi and other languages to the Governor brought out recently. He also presented some of the publications authored by him.

Shri Amarnath Langar Organisations’ plea to Board

Excelsior Correspondent

LUDHIANA, Apr 26: Shri Amarnath, Baltal Langars Organisation in a meeting held here today discussed the issues related to various members organising langars during annual pilgrimage.

The members during meeting at Model Gram Charitable Trust, Kochar Market Ludhiana. It was pointed out by the members that president Vijay Thakur and general secretary—Rajan Gupta will collectively arrange the permission letters from Shri Amarnath Shrine Board as no member has received permission letter so far.

The members demanded establishment of clock rooms facility at Baltal for the convenience of the pilgrims and also large storages at the this site. They also demanded that information centres should be set up at various locations to facilitate the yatris. Proper measures be taken for the cleanliness at Baltal and sufficient number of safai karamcharis be deployed there.

The members stressed for good medical facilities, toilets and bathrooms at Baltal and enroute. There should also be proper arrangement of shoes-stand at cave shrine. Adequate ration be dumped at the Baltal as huge rush of pilgrims is increasing every year on this yatra route.

Birth centenary of Swami Lakshman Ji celebrated

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 26: Birth centenary celebrations of Shaivachariya Ishwar Swaroop Swami Lakshman Joo was celebrated on Tuesday with religious fervour and gaiety here at Ishwar Ashram Bhavan, Mahinder Nagar, Canal.

A large number of devotees of Swami Ji and a seizable number of saints scholars and poets attended the function which marked the beginning of the first birth centenary of Swami Ji. The function started with Guru Puja and Guru Vandana at 7-30 am.

This was followed by serving of prashad vitran. The Bhajan Sandya was also held from 4 pm to 7 pm in which eminent artists of J&K including Prithvi Raj Sharma, Mrs Kanta Sharma, Prof Kailash Mehra Sadhu, Ravi Bhan and Ms Naina Saproo Trisal participated.

The function culminated with the message that the best tributes and offerings to Swami Ji Maharaj would be to follow his teachings and strive to become better human beings.

The centenary celebrations were also held simultaneously at Swami Ji’s Ishwar Ashram complex, Ishbar Nishat in Srinagar and R-5 Pocket D’ Sarita Vihar, New Delhi.

Contractors discuss demands

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 26: Contractors Association in a meeting under the presidentship of Sham Singh discussed the problems being faced by them.

Contractors urged the Government to release the funds for the district plan works with the condition that all planned works may be put to tenders and restrictions imposed that no work be taken up departmentally.

It was resolved that Association would directly interact with the Chief Minister to apprise him of th3e corrupt practices of the engineers encouraging departmental works for their ulterior motives.

Association has also decided to request the Chief Minister to get PMGRY and ERA works bifurcated to involve local eligible contractors on the pattern of Kashmir valley, who are only eligible to submit their tenders in Kashmir province.

Speakers included Vinod Kohli, Suresh Sharma and Dhian Singh.

Bus Stand shopkeepers’ plea to Govt

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 26: Shopkeepers Association, General Bus Stand, Jammu has while hailing the crusade against corruption by the Chief Minister, has regretted that the same has not been extended to transport sector.

Association president Ashwani Sharma urged the Transport Minister Mangat Ram Sharma and traffic police to maintain strict discipline in case of some unscrupulous transporters who are plying their buses on various routes without valid documents, thus causing loss to the State exchequer to the tune of crores of rupees.

Association president urged the Government that all the buses with valid permits off load the passengers in Bus Stand and pick up passengers from there instead of down-loading and picking up passengers at will outside the GBS Jammu.

Others present in the meeting included Rakesh Abrol, Surinder Gupta, Narinder Kumar, Madhu Sharma, Rajkesh Gandotra, Vijay Chadda, Vijay Uppal, Inderjeet Sharma, Virender Gupta and Virender Sharma.

CITU deputation highlights long pending demands

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 26: Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) deputation led by general secretary K K Bakshi met different Departmental heads for disposal of their pending issues.

During meeting with Secretary Education and Principal Secretary Law the deputation demanded expedicious action for amendments in ID Act and Minimum Wages Act for bringing teachers employed in private educational institutions under its purview.

Deputation also demanded appointment of full time judge to hold charge as Industrial-cum-Labour Tribunal as present arrangement of assigning the job of TADA Court along with post of Presiding Officer Labour Court does not meet the aspirations of poor workers.

Deputation also demanded restructing of the concerned Departments for an early disposal of pending cases.

Deputation also met Home Secretary and demanded withdrawal of false criminal cases registered by Po,lice at Baglihar and Banihal during agitation. Large number of workers were booked in the year 2003 and 2005, which continue to remain pending inspite of assurances by the Government.

After threadbare discussions the deputation was assured by officials to expedite action.

Arrangements at Khir Bhawani, Dastigeer
Sahib inspected

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Apr 26: The Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Basharat Ahmed today visited Tulmulla and took stock of the arrangements and development works under execution for the ensuing Mela Khir Bhawani.

During inspection, the Divisional Commissioner was apprised by the JKPCC authorities, the executing agency, that an amount of Rs 17.50 crore is being spent on integrated development of Khir Bhawani temple. He was informed that over Rs 9 crores have been spent on various works including prayer hall that has been almost completed and awaits only finishing touches.

The works include prayer hall, Yagshala, three tenements buildings, bathrooms and shops.

The Divisional Commissioner informed the authorities that another Rs 4 crores will be released to J.K.P.C.C soon, so that all the works are completed before commencing of Mela Khir Bhawani.

Later, a deputation of local people also met the Divisional Commissioner and apprised him of their problems. The Divisional Commissioner assured them that their genuine problems would be examined and redressed. A deputation of local contractors also met the Divisional Commissioner and apprised him of their problems.

The Divisional Commissioner also visited Dastigeer Sahib shrine and took stock of the arrangements made by various departments for the Urs days.

Sub-standard material provided to SW Deptt
Court rejects supplier's bail

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Apr 26: Special Judge Anticorruption Kashmir, Suresh Sharma has rejected the bail application of Zahoor Ahmed Wani Prop, M/S Indian Steel Works Srinagar who allegedly supplied sub-standard material on higher rates to Social Welfare Deptt.

According to the Vigilance case, Directorate of Social Welfare Kashmir had placed order for supply of 5000 steel trunks, 4000 seed-bins and 4500 buckets for an amount of Rupees 1, 06, 08, 193/- with SICOP for supply of this material through its SSI unit. A sample checked of the material so provided through SICOP was got conducted from the experts, who have made it clear that the material supplied below specification. It was found that accused had managed all the supply orders through SICOP and opened a fictitious account in J&K Bank Lal Chowk in the name of M/S Rafiq Metals and received huge amount against supply. According to the Vigilance investigation, Zahoor Ahmed Wani in conspiracy with some of the officials of the SICOP thus committed a fraud and cheating.

Mr. Suresh Sharma after hearing Advocate Bashir Ahmed Jalooo appearing for the accused and Chief Prosecuting Officer Mohd Yaqoob Parray appearing for the Vigilance Organization Kashmir observed that from the perusal of the record it transpires that accused had opened a fictitious Bank Account in the name of M/S Rafiq Metals and in that account he furnished his own photographs as account holder. A payment in the amount of Rs 14 Laces with regard to the supply of material appears to have been deposited and withdrawn from this account; besides the project manager DIC in the expert report mentioned that cost of steel trunks supplied came to be Rs 381 but charged Rs 625, cost of Seed-Bins as worked Rs 372 but supplied at the rate of Rs 625 and other Steel-Bins supplied at the rate of Rs 453 but cost is Rs 277/-. While cost of buckets worked out by the expert is Rs 101/-but it was supplied at the rate of 190. The cost earlier appears to have been worked by marketing manger and certain other officials of SICOP, who are involved in conspiracy showing exorbitant rates for supply of the abovementioned material.

In the rejection order, observed that in contract of approximately Rs One Crore, accused Zahoor Ahmed in conspiracy with other persons allegedly committed fraud and cheated department involving huge amount of money. Other accused persons involved in the conspiracy are to be arrested as submitted by the CPO. In case the accused is released at this stage, it will hamper the investigation and larger interests of the public would get adversely affected as accused is allegedly involved in a fraud case.

ACCI demands Transport Nagar, Ware House
at Udhampur

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 26: Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) today stressed the need of Transport Nagar and Ware House at Udhampur for the convenience of the small traders and industrialists.

In a memorandum to the Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, ACCI president Sham Kalsotra urged him to issue directions to the concerned authorities for the construction of Transport Nagar and Ware House as after the arrival of train at Udhampur the need for the same has increased multifold.

He also urged the Chief Minister for acquiring additional land to accommodate the industrial units to be set up in Udhampur as the land available with IID Centre Batal Ballian was quite inadequate with the result no fresh industrial can be accommodated.

Mr Kalsotra also listed the other problems at IID Centre like shortage of electricity and water.

President of ACCI said that at present only single long route train and short route DMU train are plying from Udhampur Railway Station and added that these trains are quite inadequate to meet the needs of passengers because Udhampur is the entry point towards Kashmir valley.

He urged the Chief Minister that one more DMU from Udhampur be pressed into service with extension of all mail trains upto Udhampur which will help in reducing the passenger pressure on Udhampur Railway Station to mitigate the difficulties being faced by them.

The timing of new DMU to be pressed into service, he further demanded, should be 8 am from Udhampur and 5.30 pm from Jammu.

ASI among 3 killed, 6 hurt in accidents

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 26: An Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police was among three persons were killed and six injured in separate road accidents.

Police spokesman said that an Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police was knocked to death by a speeding truck at Patoli Brahamana under the jurisdiction of Domana Police Station late last night.

The critically injured ASI was rushed to Government Medical College Hospital where he was declared as brought dead. The body was, later, handed over to family members for last rites after all legal formalities.

Police has registered a case in this connection and arrested erring truck driver.

In another accident, one person was knocked to death alongwith his goats at Dandasor Nowshera by a speeding truck. The critically injured Abdul Hamid, son of Kalu of Sunderbani was rushed to Sub-District Hospital Sunderbani where he succumbed to injuries.

Police has registered a case in this connection.

In yet another road accident, one Rakesh Kumar, son of Parkash Chand was killed. He was rushed to hospital after being critically injured in mishap where he was declared as brought dead.

Police has taken cognizance of the incident.

Meanwhile, six persons were injured in separate road accidents. All have been hospitalised and their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in.

They have been identified as Sunil Kumar, son of Ashok Kumar of Pamposh Colony, Sunekha, daughter of Ramesh Singh of Samba, Amit Kumar, son of Sham Lal of R S Pura, Daleep Raina, son of T N Raina of Mohalla Ganpatie, Ravi, son of Bodh Raj of Airport Road and Sat Pal, son of Guja Ram of Digiana.

Meanwhile, three persons allegedly consumed poisonous substances at their respective residences. Identified as Subash of Samba, Sunil of Kachi Chawani and Gopal Dass of Bhagwati Nagar, they were rushed to Government Medical College Hospital when spotted unconscious by family members.

Doctors immediately provided them stomach wash treatment followed by other medicare. Their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in.

Police has taken cognizance of the incidents.

PPEU stages demonstration in support of daily wagers’ demands

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 26: Peeved over the denial of wages to 175 daily wagers of Sub Transmission Division (STD) IInd for over last three years, Provincial Power Employees Union (PPEU) staged a dharna in front of Panama Chowk office here today.

Led by president of the PPEU, Shakti Gupta, the protesting daily wagers raised slogans in support of their demands. They demanded immediate release of the wages of last three years.

Addressing the demonstration, Mr Gupta alleged that the hapless workers who have not been paid their earned wages for last three years are at the verge of starvation.

He also demanded immediate regularisation of daily wagers who have completed seven years service in the Department, implementation of the agreement in letter and spirit reached between PDD authorities and the PPEU representatives.

Highlighting the other issues he demanded that technicians be given the skilled grades, ITI holders be given the benefit of SRO 149 with two and half days salary given to all categories of executive and ministerial staff.

He warned the authorities that in case the demands were not settled by May 25, the PPEU will go on strike.

Others who addressed the demonstration include Gulzari Lal, Koushal Sharma, Deep Mehra, Ashok Charak, Mangat Ram, Sanjeev Bali, Subash Chander, Love Dass, Manohar Saini, Gurnam Singh, Bharat Singh, Rakesh Sharma and Bharat Singh.

Timber smuggling unabated in Rajouri
60 logs of timber seized by police, 2 nabbed

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Apr 26: Tightening its noose around the timber smugglers in Rajouri district, the police seized a truck loaded with 60 logs of timber being smuggled outside the district and arrested two persons in this connection last night.

SSP Rajouri, J P Singh told the Excelsior that acting on the basis of a specific information a police party led by SHO Manjakot, Bashir Akhtar laid a nakka on Manjakote-Rajouri road during night and intercepted a truck loaded with timber at around 10.30 pm.

The vehicle was carrying nearly 60 green felled logs of pine and Tuni species. One Sakhi Mohd and his associate were taken into custody by police in this connection. The truck alongwith timber was also seized and a case was registered against the accused persons.

The police said that connivance of the field staff of the Forest department can not be ruled out. The investigation was in progress and more arrests are likely. Out of the total, 15 logs pertain to Tuni species while the remaining 45 are that of pine species. A case FIR No. 22/ 2006 under section 379 RPC, 6/39 FA stands registered in Manjakot police station.

DFO Rajouri, Mr Kohli when contacted was not available, however, Chief Conservator of Forests Jammu, Shafat Ahmed Khan expressed ignorance over the matter. Mr Khan said that he will be initiating a preliminary probe into the incident and action will be taken if any Forest official found involved in the green felling or the smuggling.

CJ inaugurates Digital Display System

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 26: Chief Justice BA Khan today inaugurated Hi-Tech Digital Display System installed in the High Court of Jammu Wing.

This Digital Display System installed in Jammu wing of the State High Court is the first of its kind the country as regard the facilities provided to the lawyers and litigants. The lawyers as well as litigants henceforth instead of going to the Court and enquiring about the status of their cases shall have such information readily available on the Digital Display Board. This shall reduce their waiting time. This type of system is also installed at Srinagar wing of the state High Court, which will be inaugurated there on May 8.

SKUAST organises workshop on ‘Science coverage’

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 26: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology organised a seminar on " Enhanced Science coverage in mass media" at RS Pura today.

The seminar was organised in collaboration with Department of Science & Technology (DST), New Delhi. Dr V P Kamboj, president National Academy of Sciences was the chief guest on the occasion. Vice-Chancellor of the SKUAST-Jammu, Dr Nagendra Sharma presided over the function.

Dr Harbans Singh, former Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST, Dr Radheyshyam Sharma, Director Haryana Sahitya Academy, Ashwani Kumar and Chetan Sharda senior journalists were guests of honour. The programme commenced with the lighting of traditional lamp by the chief guest.

Dr Kamboj while speaking on the occasion said that media an interface between people and the scientists can play a crucial role in disseminating the scientific information to the common masses. He outlined the priority role of media in spreading information among the common masses.

Dr Nagendra Sharma said that scientific information is becoming an essential an integral part of people’s daily lives. The present and future science communication efforts have great potential in shaping the lives of the people and making their decisions more informative and rational. Dr R S Sharma and Dr A K Srivastava also spoke on the occasion.

SVO produces challan against CA & PD official

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Apr 26: State Vigilance Organisation today produced challan in the Court of Special Judge Anti Corruption Kashmir against accused Mohd. Yasin Dar son of Gh. Mohmad Dar of Kandipora Kulgam then posted as Supervisor CA&PD department Kulgam circle.

The case was registered on December 30, 2005 when complainant Raja Ramez Thokar son of Ab. Rashid Thokar of Kharwat Kulgam lodged a written complaint with P/S Vigilance Organisation Kashmir alleging therein that the accused Supervisor was demanding 10% commission (Rs.1250/-) for authentication of sale statement as he was running a sale outlet on the franchise given by CA&PD department.

The officials of SVO, in the course of investigation, laid a successful trap and the accused was caught red-handed while accepting bribe from the complainant. The bribe money of Rs.1250/- was received from his possession in presence of independent witnesses. The challan of the case was produced in the court of law in record time of less than four months after completing the investigation and obtaining sanction for prosecution from the Government.

RRL organises 2-day workshop on molecular modeling, drug design

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 26: A two-day workshop, organised by the Regional Research Laboratory in collaboration with Department of Bio-technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, was inaugurated by Dr J R Arora at RRL premises here today. A large number of leading experts and scientists are participating in this workshop.

The workshop is covering the important topics : 1. Bioinformatics and Molecular Modeling 2. Molecular Modeling in Drug Designing 3. Computer Aided Drug Design and 4 Molecular Docking.

In his inaugural address, Dr J R Arora, Director, New Delhi Institute of Management spoke about the growth and importance of bio-informatics. He said June 26, 2000 marked the turning point in biology and medicine in the country as it was from that time that advances were made in the country in this field. The "Genome Revolution" had begun and IT played a major role in it.

Dr T Madan Mohan, in his keynote address on the contribution of Department of Biotechnology, New Delhi in establishment and its achievements in bioinformatics in the country over the years. He said the DBT is sure that this workshop at Jammu will lead to fruitful results.

In his welcome address, Dr G N Qazi elaborated on the history of RRL, Jammu as a premier 65-year old institution and its contribution in drug development in the country. He said RRL, a multi-disciplinary organisation having the facility for advance product Chemistry, has also made strides in bioinformatics centres.

Dr S Koul, while introducing the theme of workshop said participation of the experts and scientists will make the workshop successful.

Govt asked to rectify SRO-294, amend clauses in Reservation Act

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 26: Accusing the State Government of not keeping its promise of reviewing the controversial clauses in Reservation Act 2004 and rectifying SRO-294, State unit of All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations has announced to further intensify the campaign on the issue.

"In case the Government does not pay any heed to the demands of SC/ST relating to new reservation policy under SRO-294, the Confederation will have to further foster awareness campaign among the masses regarding infringement of their rights and expose the Government," said R K Kalsotra, State president of Confederation of SC/ST Organisations, while talking to media persons, here today.

Mr Kalsotra lamented that even Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is known as a man of words, is silent on the burning issue confronting SC/ST people in the State. "Despite his assurance to hold a meeting of SC/ST Legislatures and the Confederation leaders in ending March to discuss the obnoxious clauses of the Reservation Act and SRO-294, nothing has so far been done on ground ," he alleged and dubbed the new dispensation led by Ghulam Nabi Azad as equally anti-Dalit.

The Confederation leader also strongly opposed the dilution of ST status and said that the same would adversely effect the advancement and betterment of the ST people who are still nomads.

Claiming that constitutional rights of SC/ST communities were being encroached upon under a deep rooted conspiracy, Mr Kalsotra warned the Government to either rectify the controversial SRO or face the protests.

Some other leaders of the Confederation, including Darshan Bhagat, Roshan Din Choudhary, Shamsher Samyal and others, were also present in the press conference.

WEJAC frames programme to highlight pending demands

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 26: A meeting of representatives of constituent units of J&K Workers and Employees Joint Association Committee (WEJAC) was held here under the presidentship of Ram Kumar.

The agenda of the meeting was present trade union scenario and attitude of coalition Government towards employees and workers for the year 2006-07 as well as future programme and employees struggle.

Meeting decided to hold one day dharna on May 1, outside Exhibition grounds to focuss the attention of State and Central Government.

The demands to be projected in the May rally would be implementation of agreement regarding uniformity of wages of temporary workers/LTC, release of 3% DA instalment from January 2006, regularization of daily wagers engaged after 1994, grant of 15% dislocation allowance, grant of 21 years service instead of 33 years as qualifying service, framing of a transparent transfer policy and grant of Disturbed Area Allowance. The participants included Ravi Singh, Balwinder Singh, Sham Lal, Parlhad Singh, R D Singh, Ganesh Khajuria, Joginder Singh, Gulzar Mohammed, Prem Singh and Mohan Lal.

20th death anniversary of Dr Gmeiner celebrated

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 26: In commemoration of 20th death anniversary of Dr Hermann Gmeiner, founder father of SOS Movement, SOS Children’s Village, Gole Gujral launched an awareness programme under the title Education is the Basic Need of the Child in slum areas of Jammu.

Mr Dharamvir Singh Jamwal, Deputy Mayor of Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), was the chief guest. On the occasion the children, mothers and co-workers paid homage to Dr Hermann Gmeiner.

The participants included the women being supported under strengthening of motherhood programme and children from below poverty line families who are getting complete educational support from SOS Children’s Village.

Master Sharma Bali, president Children’s Club gave detailed description about the life of Dr Gmeiner. On the occasion children recited bhajans and patriotic songs. Mr Jamwal distributed the basic material among the children of slum areas of Talab Tillo.

Paying rich tributes to Dr Gmeiner, the Deputy Mayor praised his contribution towards the orphan and destitute children in the world. Mr Sudesh Malla, Director SOS threw light on the mission vision and values as envisaged by Dr Gmeiner by establishing SOS Villages for children across the world. He appealed the JMC to come forward and join hands with SOS Children’s Village in making city of Jammu free of atrocities on children.

APMCC submits memorandums to PM, HM on grabbing of KPs land in Valley

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 26: All Parties Migrants Co-ordiantion Committee (APMCC) today submitted memorandums to Prime Minister and Home Minister, Chief Minister, J&K, general secretary, CPIM, Parkash Karat and Divisional Commissioner Kashmir urging them to take immediate steps in getting the encroachments of the Kashmiri Pandits religious places and other movable proterty removed.

According to Vinod Pandita, president APMCC, the memorandum contains details of the religious places and other movable property of Pandits grabbed by anti social elements in various districts of Kashmir Valley.

The memorandum further said that the displaced members of the community have gone from pillar to post in getting the encroachemtns remvoed but to no avail.

The memorandum terming the grabbing of Pandits land and property a big conspiracy alleged that this is aimed at to wipe out the Kashmiri Pandits permantly from the Valley.

It further said though Government was supposed to protect the property of the displaced Pandits under the J&K Kashmir Migrants Immovable Property (Preservation, Protection, & Restraint on Distress Sale) Act 1997, but the same has also been thrown to winds.

Surprise checking by RPF; 48 apprehended, fined

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 26: The Railway Protection Force (RPF), in a joint operation conducted with the team of Special Railway Magistrate, apprehended a record number of 48 people under different Railway Acts and fined them for the violations.

Boarding the Bombay bound Super Fast this morning from Jammu Railway Station, Special Railway Magistrate, Kishore Kumar and Post Commander of the RPF, D C Arya had random checking of the passengers upto Kathua. The joint team also checked the Lohit Express on way back to Jammu, reports reaching here said.

However, when contacted, Post Commander RPF, D C Arya, he confirmed that out of a total of 48 apprehended persons, 38 of them were fined and other nine were released with warning not to repeat the same crime. One case was still under trials, he added.

Those penalised were traveling without tickets for hawking, bending and begging also for raising obstruction in discharging duty and trespassing.

Twelve people were apprehended under section 156 of Railway Act for traveling on footboard while two others for smoking inside the coach.

Sensitive portrayal of post war trauma

By Ravinder Kaul

Theatre critics cannot always avoid being subjective. Particularly when reviewing a play that is close to their heart. I am an ardent admirer of Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller and Eugene O’ Niel, the three playwrights who gave a new identity to American theatre. These three playwrights, with their plays ‘The Glass Menagerie’, ‘All My Sons’ and ‘Long Day’s Journey Into Night’ respectively, gave voice to an entire generation that grew up in the United States of America in the post World War-I period. Of all these plays, the one that I admire the most is ‘The Glass Menagerie’ ( Kaanch Ke Khilone) by Tennessee Williams that I had myself directed and acted in the year 1983. The play fetched me my first Best Acting Award in the Drama Festival organised by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages. Hence the nostalgia.

Yet, despite my obvious attraction towards my own presentation of the play, the performance of the play by Amateur Theatre Group at Abhinav Theatre here today was far more superior.

The play deals with a small family with the mother Amanda, her son Tom Wingfield and her daughter Laura living together in a crumbling house. Their’s is a hand to mouth existence and the family is dependent on the income of Tom. However, Tom has different ideas. He, while being concerned about the well being of the family, is also keen to pursue his own dreams. Finally, he also leaves the home like his father, who had done so many years ago. Yet, he never really manages to cut his umbilical cord with his family. More than all this, the play really is about Laura, the handicapped sister of Tom. She, with her introverted demeanor and sensitive outlook, symbolised in her collection of glass toys, is the pivot around which the play revolves. Amanda, the mother, tries her best to keep the household intact but fails in the final analysis. The play is a desolate tale of broken dreams. In the play Tennessee Williams captured a generation that had no ideals, no hopes and no dreams.

Bhupinder Singh, the Director of today’s play, truly excelled himself in harmonising all the disciplines of theatre in order to present this play. A lot of hard work and imagination had gone into designing the lighting of the play by Jairam and Anil Tickoo. The western classical music in the background was in tune with the mood and the atmosphere of the play. The set was very impressive and suited the requirements of the play. Make-up by Dr. Kamal Sharma and costumes by Deepak Sharma were excellent. One does, however, feel that the blond look given to the the two female artistes was not really necessary.

The true strength of the play lies in the artistes, who in this case enlivened the play before a discerning and appreciative audience. Dhanesh Dogra as Tom Wingfield, Gurmeet Jamwal as Amanda, Komal Fotedar as Laura and Suresh Sharma as Jim O’ Conner lived their respective roles. In the final analysis, one must say that although one feels nostalgic about one’s own presentation of the play, this was a much better production.

Duggar Manch presents its play Nyaan in the Theatre Festival on Thursday. This is the last play of the Festival and has been written and directed by Mohan Singh.

2 killed in car-truck collision

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 26: Two persons were killed and three others received injuries in collision between a car and a truck at Channi.

Police spokesman said that both the vehicles were coming from opposite direction when collided with each other killing two persons on spot and wounding three others severely.

All were rushed to Government Medical College Hospital where two of them were declared as brought dead. The condition of injured was stated to be critical when reports last came in.

The deceased have been identified as Shalli and Gari Lal, children of Shadi Lal of Bombay.

Police has registered a case in this connection and launched hunt to nab the absconding driver of the truck.