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IAF
Chief reviews operational activities in
J&K
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 2: Air Chief
Marshal S P Tyagi who is on a two-day
visit to the Jammu and Kashmir reviewed
Operational and Maintenance activities of
the Indian Air Force here today.
While
reviewing the activities at a meeting of
the senior Air Force Officers at Jammu
Station here today, the Air Chief
reiterated the need to maintain high
standards that IAF has set for itself. He
also emphasised the need to be prepared
to assimilate new technology and modern
equipment that is being introduced in the
IAF inventory. He also enquired from the
Station Commander and other officers
about the routine and special operational
and administrative activities being
performed here.
The Air
Chief also visited Air Force Technical
area and observed the high state of
operational preparedness and efficiency
of the Jammu Station alongwith various
innovations and modifications
accomplished by the Air warriors. The Air
Chief was also apprised of the station
personnel and other welfare activities.
Earlier,
the Air Chief and his wife Mrs Vandana
Tyagi, president AFWWA were received by
Station Commander Gp Capt J S Kler and
Mrs Nony Kler , president Local AFWWA and
other senior officials. Later, a cultural
programme was organised on the occasion.
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Two
workers fall to death in Baglihar dam
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 2: Two workers of the
Baglihar Hydel Power Project at
Chanderkote lost their lives when they
fell in the dam this morning.
Official
sources said that a worker Dil Bahadur
Singh, son of Man Bahadur Singh of Nepal
fell in the dam while laying concrete.
Divers engaged by the concerned
authorities immediately jumped into the
waters and fished out the worker.
He was
immediately rushed to Emergency Hospital
Ramban where he was pronounced as brought
dead. The body has been kept in the
mortuary of the hospital and will be
handed over to the relatives of the
deceased on their arrival.
Exactly,
two hours after the first incident,
another worker Amrish Paswan, son of
Dukhi Paswan fell in the dam while
fitting shutters. He was too fished out
of the dam and rushed to hospital where
doctors provided him first aid and
referred him to Government Medical
College Hospital.
However,
he died while being shifted to Jammu.
Sources
said that authorities of the project have
provided safety belts and other equipment
to the workers engaged in fitting
shuttering and laying concrete to prevent
them from falling in the dam. But the
deceased workers had not put the same to
use for unknown reasons.
Police has
taken cognizance of both the incidents.
Meanwhile,
a 45-year old man was found dead in his
house at village Parnote on Gool road. He
has been identified as Mussa Khan. He was
reportedly last seen by his nephew Sultan
Khan about three days back and today
Sultan Khan visited the house of his
uncle and found him dead.
Police was
immediately informed about the incident
and body was shifted to local hospital.
Police has
initiated inquest proceedings in this
regard.
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Deputations
call on CM
Excelsior
Correspondent
Srinagar, Aug 2 : A number of
deputations and individuals from various
parts of the State called on Chief
Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad during public
hearing this morning and apprised him of
their problems and demands.
A
deputation from Trehgam, Kupwara led by
Ghulam Rasool Kar MLC urged Mr. Azad for
creation of a new tehsil at Trehgam.
The
deputationists also submitted a
memorandum to Chief Minister detailing
their demands.
Another
deputation led by Deputy Speaker State
Legislative Assembly Mohammad Akbar Lone
called on Mr. Azad and demanded creation
of a new tehsil at Hajin.
The
deputation from Bhalessa area of Doda
district pleaded for plying of SRTC buses
from Jammu and Doda to Gandoh to
facilitate the people. They also demanded
compensation to the farmers whose maize
and other crops have been damaged due to
wind and hailstorm in Changa, Samai,
Soti, Kilhotran, Hilloran and other areas
of Bhalessa.
A
deputation of unemployed electrical
engineers also met Mr. Azad and apprised
of their problems.
Chief
Minister gave a patient hearing to the
deputationists and said that their
demands would be looked into.
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Fresh
batch of 445 pilgrims leaves for Buddha
Amarnath
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 2: A fresh batch of
445 pilgrims left the base camp of Ved
Mandir for Buddha Amarnath this morning.
They were flagged off by J L Drabu, Vijay
Pahalwan and Nand Kishore senior leaders
of VHP and Bajrang Dal respectively.
Today’s
batch was led by Amrita Nand Ji Mahraj
and Rajesh Ji both senior leaders of VHP.
Besides Mr
Parkash Sharma, the national convenor
Bajrang Dal, the VHP state chief, Dr Rama
Kant Dubey was also present on the
occasion.
Addressing
the yatris Mr Sharma expressed grave
concern over the daily militant attacks
in the State. He strongly condemned the
killing of two CRPF and two BSF personnel
yesterday in Dalgate and Kaksarai area of
Srinagar in Kashmir valley.
He said
not a single day would have passed during
last two months without a militant attack
in the State. He urged the Central
Government to take a rigid stand against
terrorism and crush them with iron hands.
He
demanded that the security forces be
given a free hand in flushing out the
terrorism as the situation is day by day
deteriorating in the State.
Addressing
the yatris Dr Dubey said the last batch
will leave from Ved mandir on August 6
and this batch will mostly consist of
pilgrims from Jammu region. He appealed
the people of Jammu to visit Ved Mandir
on August 4 for registration.
Later in a
statement, Mr Sharma, while strongly
condemning the terrorist attack in
Surankote said that the Bajrang Dal will
not be cowed down by such acts and stop
organizing the annual yatra for Buddha
Amarnath. Mr Sharma urged the Government
to take immediate steps in nabbing down
the terrorists by launching combing
operations.
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Baig
clarifies chronology of J&K Disturbed
Area Act
Excelsior
Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 2: Deputy
Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig
today clarified in the Legislative
Assembly today that the Disturbed Area
Act and Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act
in place in Jammu and Kashmir are the
Acts ratified and extended by the State
Assembly.
Making a
brief statement in the House, Mr. Baig
said the Disturbed Area Act and Armed
Forces (Special Powers) Act as
promulgated by the Governor during
Governor's rule and subsequently during
President rule in Jammu and Kashmir were
ratified by the State Assembly in 1997.
Ratification is a must as per the Jammu
and Kashmir Constitution, he added. He
said when the State Assembly was
constituted in 1996 these promulgations
were brought to the consideration of the
House which decided to continue these
Acts.
The Deputy
Chief Minister said it is the Jammu and
Kashmir Disturbed Area Act, 1997 and
Jammu and Kashmir Armed Forces (Special
Powers) Act, 1997 which are in vogue in
the state. He said under Section 3 of the
Jammu and Kashmir Disturbed Area Act,
1997, the State Government is empowered
to declare an area or part of it as
disturbed area, entire Jammu province was
brought under the preview of the Act on
August 10, 2001 by the then State
Government.
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2
unidentified bodies recovered
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 2: Two bodies were
recovered from different areas while as a
man fell to death from a hillock and
three persons allegedly consumed
poisonous substances.
Police
spokesman said that body of an
unidentified man was recovered from
Ranbir Canal near Chander Bhaga Community
Hall. The body was spotted by some
locals, who informed the police.
The body
has been lying in the mortuary of the
Government Medical College Hospital for
identification.
Another
body of an unidentified man was recovered
from Geeta Bhawan Jammu. It has also been
lying in GMC Hospital mortuary for
identification.
Police has
initiated inquest proceedings in both the
incidents.
Meanwhile,
a man Mohd Mashooq, son of Mohd Ali of
Palera under the jurisdiction of Mandi
Police Station fell to death from a
hillock while grazing cattle. He was
rushed to hospital in crticial condition
where doctors pronounced him as brought
dead.
The
spokesman said that three persons
allegedly consumed poisonous substances
in separate incidents. Identified as
Gurjeet Singh of Talab Tillo, Rajnish of
Rehari Colony and Rano of Hiranagar, they
were rushed to hospital when spotted
unconscious.
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.
Four
persons were injured in separate road
accidents reported from different parts
of Jammu. All have been hospitalised and
their condition was stated to be out of
danger.
They have
been identified as Ranga Ram, son of
Shahan Ram of Pallanwala, Anil, son of Om
Parkash of Talab Tillo, Bodh Raj, son of
Gian Chand of Laswara and Vijay Kumar,
son of Puran Chand of Muthi.
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LPU
launches advanced professional courses
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 2: Lovely Professional
University (LPU), a unique in the
professional courses in the country has
launched most advanced professional
courses.
Situated
on Jallandhar-Ludhiana GT Road near
Chehru Railway bridge, the newly raised
Varsity in Punjab is running the advanced
courses like Bio-Technology, B.Tech. BBA,
BCA, M.Tech, BPT, MPT besides other
courses like M.Sc Physics, Chemistry,
LLM, M A Education and B, Pharmacy etc.
According
to Ashok Mittal, a spokesman of the LPU
the University has been established
according to changing times so that the
pass outs can get the jobs easily.
Moreover special placement arrangements
have also been worked out. He disclosed
that hostel, library, ATM, playground and
various other facilities are available to
the students and the staff.
Mr Mittal
further said that both BCA/MCA and
B.Tech/M.Tech courses are of 6 years in
which after BCA, there is MCA for 3 years
and after B Tech, M Tech can be completed
in two years. Now LPU is providing
facilities to complete these courses in
five years. There is facility of direct
admission to MBA and BBA.He said the
students who have done MA Education from
here can directly teach in any NCTE
approved B.Ed colleges and they
don’t need to undergo for B.Ed or
M.Ed courses, Mr Mittal maintained.
He pointed
out that air-conditioned class-rooms of
the University provide conducive
environment for studies so as to develop
the overall personality of the student.
Mr Mittal further added that LPU has tied
up with new institutes, universities and
higher educational institutions for
exchange of ideas.
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Cong
MLA stages walk-out
Excelsior
Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 2: The Legislative
Assembly today witnessed first walkout of
the session by a ruling Congress member
after the Speaker disallowed his point of
order.
When the
House was discussing water shortage
problem raised by Faqir Nath in his
Chenani constituency, several members
from treasury and opposition wanted to
ask supplementaries.
Speaker
Tara Chand disallowed the members with
the ruling that only questions pertaining
to particular constituency can be asked
since the Minister concerned would not
have information about the entire State.
However,
suddenly Speaker called the name of
Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, leader of the
Communist Party of India (M) in the House
to ask supplementary.
On this,
Congress member Yogesh Sawhney raised a
point of order that how Mr Tarigami, who
represents Kulgam constituency in the
House, was allowed to speak.
"You
are always allowing a particular member
to speak while others are not getting
proper attention from the Chair," Mr
Sawhney said adding other members,
including those from opposition National
Conference too should be allowed to speak
on the issue.
However,
when the Speaker allowed Mr Tarigami to
speak, Mr Sawhney walked out in protest.
Mr
Tarigami suggested a one-hour discussion
since every member wanted to raise the
issues of his constituency.
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ATM,
Broadband, STD services affected
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 2: Most parts of Jammu
and Kashmir remained disconnected with
rest of the country for about seven hours
today as the optical fibre cable of the
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) got
damaged on Jammu-Lakhanpur National
Highway and Domail-Katra road.
Official
sources said that at around 11 am,
broad-band, internet, lease lines and STD
services went out of order in most parts
of the State due to severe damage to the
optical fibre cable at six places on
Jammu-Lakhanpur National Highway and
Domail-Katra road where road-widening
work has been going on.
Due to
failure of internet and lease-line
services, Automatic Teller Machines
(ATMs) of several banks remained
non-functional till 6 pm putting the
customers to great inconvenience. As the
STD service was also affected badly, the
communication link of the State with rest
of the country remained snapped till this
evening.
On the
receipt of information about snapping of
communication system, authorities of BSNL
swung into action and started detecting
damage to optical fibre cable. It took
about seven hours to the BSNL engineers
to find out the damages and restore the
services.
When
contacted, General Manager of BSNL Jammu
Circle R K Koul said that authorities
engaged in widening of the National
Highway were not taking precautionary
measures leading to damage to the optical
fibre cable after regular intervals.
"We
raised this issue in several meetings
with the concerned authorities a number
of time but all in vain and situation
continued to be same", he said.
As the
highway widening work will continue for
some more years, BSNL has decided to lay
cables over-head on Jammu-Lakhanpur
National Highway as a temporary measure
to prevent regular damage, he disclosed.
Mr Koul
further said that the optical fibre
cables will also be laid through the
border route where chances of their
getting damaged would be less as compared
to national highway.
"The
over-head laying of fibre cable on
Domail-Katra road will be over within
next few days while the same upto Samba
will take atleast a week", he said.
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Aspirants
for College Principals for promotions
as
per merit list of 2005
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 2: The aspirants for
the posts of degree college Principals
who were figuring in the last year’s
merit list of State Public Service
Commission (PSC) have demanded that they
be promoted as Principals and absorbed on
vacant posts lying in various colleges of
the State.
In a
statement here today, these aspirants
said that the merit list of 2000- 2001
was valid for two years and extension was
given to the professors on the vacant
posts of principals during that period by
PSC. Likewise the merit list of 2002 was
valid for three years and the professors
falling in this list were given extension
on the posts which became vacant
gradually during these three years.
They said
as the merit list of December 31, 2005
has a validity of one year the professors
falling in it be adjusted on the vacant
posts of principals by following the same
pattern.
They said
the professors in the merit list could
have been automatically absorbed against
the posts which would have become vacant
during the year had the Higher Education
Department not advertised only 44 posts
of principals last year against 29 posts
by ignoring 1:2 ratio of making penal for
promotion of principals among the
Selection Grade lecturers.. They said
there is no fun of making incharge
lecturers when the merit list is already
available with PSC.
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No
curtailment in fully metered
areas: PDD
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 2 : The Power
Development Department has
informed the public of Model
Town, Preet Nagar, Udham Singh
Nagar, Akali Kour Singh, Main
Road Digiana, Rani Talab, Sanjay
Nagar extension and Sanjay Nagar
Digiana localities of Jammu city
that 11 KV AN-2 feeder emanating
from 33/11 KV Receiving Station
Ashok Nagar is supplying power
without normal curtailment from
August 1 in view of hundred per
cent metering in the areas being
linked to the feeder.
Superintending
Engineer, Electric Maintenance
and R.E. Circle-1, Jammu has
appealed to the consumers to
cooperate with the department and
desist from bypassing, fiddling
with the electronic energy meters
installed by the PDD department
to avoid action under Electricity
Rules.
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Fiscal Management
Bill aims at empowering
legislature: Baig
Excelsior
Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 2 :
Elaborating the
reasons and objects of a Bill, to
provide for the responsibility of
the Government to ensure prudence
and fiscal management,
strengthening of revenue surplus,
reduction in fiscal deficit,
prudent debt management, greater
transparency, conduct and fiscal
policy, etc. the Deputy Chief
Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig
who also holds portfolio of
Finance and Planning said that
the basic aim of the bill is to
empower legislature to have
control over the financial
matters to a greater extent.
He
said the bill provides for taking
legislature into confidence while
dealing with the matters
pertaining to fiscal management,
debt management, fiscal policy,
revenue deficit, greater
transparency, thus giving a free
hand to legislature to control
the financial matters.
Saying
that though it amounts to
dis-empowerment of finance
ministry he said yet the bill
ensures that public
representatives have free deal in
fixing financial targets,
monitoring fiscal achievements,
financial management,
transparency and other related
aspects.
The
Deputy Chief Minister said that
by virtue of the bill financial
matters can be sanitized in the
legislature and members could
guide to impose financial
regularities and ensure prudence
in fiscal management and fiscal
stability by progressive
strengthening of revenue
surpluses. He said the bill also
provides for participatory role
for legislature in ensuring
greater transparency in fiscal
operations of the Government and
conduct of fiscal policy in
medium term framework and for
matters connected therewith or
incidental thereto.
He
said though the task for the
finance ministry gets difficult
by the bill to convince and get
approval of the legislature in
financial matters yet there
should be firm political will to
accomplish the task and empower
the legislature with financial
powers for the overall benefit of
the state. He said the bill also
satisfies the demand of the
Finance Commission, which has
asked the states to provide for
such a law. He said though some
states are not in the favour of
such a bill because finance
ministry gets weakened by it yet
this type of law would be
beneficial for the Jammu and
Kashmir State, he maintained.
Baig
while replying to the amendments
moved by Mir Saifullah and Mr.
Ali Mohammad Sagar said that the
amendments are not technically
viable and as such can not be
made part of the Act.
Referring
to the point raised by Leader of
the Opposition Abdul Rahim Rather
about the same nature of bill he
has introduced and is pending
consideration in the House, Baig
said that he was not aware of
such a bill. However, after
bringing the new bill when he
came across to the bill presented
by the leader of opposition, he
found the both were almost alike.
However, he suggested to the
leader of opposition that if he
presses that the bill could be
sent to Select Committee, and
leader of opposition accepts to
be the Chairman of that Committee
instead of Finance Minister to
get the bill through within
shortest possible time to avoid
further delay in having the
legislation, he is ready to
recommend for sending the bill to
the Select Committee. On this
point Mr. Abdul Rahim Rather said
that he has already supported the
bill and expressed his no
objection for its passing in the
House in today's session as there
is urgent requirement of having
such a law in the State.
Mr.
Harshdev Singh also spoke on the
bill and supported.
Later,
the House passed the bill
unanimously.
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Jammu
Muslims’ Haj quota seats
diverted to Kashmir: Malik
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 2: Jammu
Division Hajis’ Aspirants
Forum today voice serious concern
over allocating lesser number of
seats for Haj pilgrimage and from
that quota too some seats have
been shifted to Kashmir valley.
Addressing
media persons, Shaq Mohd Malik,
chairman of the forum, alleged
that while Central Haj Committee
had earmarked 1323 seats for
Jammu division but the State Haj
Committee and the Minister for
Haj and Auqaf allotted only 976
seats to Jammu region through
draw of lots.
Quoting
facts and figures, he said that
against 1290 applicants for Haj
pilgrimage, only 976 seats were
available in Jammu division. Over
and above this the vacant seats
from Kathua and Poonch districts
have been diverted to the Valley
instead of accommodating the Haj
aspirant from the Jammu region.
This
is sheer discrimination with the
Muslims of Jammu region by the
authorities. Moreover, the forum
found fault with the lottery
system also.
It
was also demanded that the Haj
pilgrims from Jammu region should
be sent directly to Delhi instead
of routing them through Srinagar.
Flights for Jammu Muslims Haj
pilgrims should start from Jammu
for the convenience of the
pilgrims.
The
forum also made a plea for better
arrangments for the Haj
pilgrimage.
Mr
Shah Mohammad, Haji Vali Mohd,
Hussain Baksh were present in the
press conference.
The
chairman informed, in reply to a
question, that representations
has already been made to the
Chief Minister, Minister for Haj
and Auqaf, Divisional
Commissioner, Kashmir.
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Cultural
Academy organises Dogri poetic
symposium
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 2: A Dogri
poetic symposium, organised by
Academy of Art, Culture and
Languages, was held here today.
Renowned Dogri poets participated
in it and recited their poetry.
The
poets made presentation of their
compositions which were highly
appreciated by those present in
the Dogri Kavi sammelan which was
presided over by N D Jamwal.
Among
those who recited their poetry
were Daya Ram Daya, Dr Anil
Sharma, Ramesh Rahi, Rattan
Doshi, Ayodya Gamkhar, Dr Nirmal
Vinod, Yash Pal Yash, Harish
Kuila, Dr Shiv Dev Singh, Vidya
Sagar, Narinder Singh Chib,
Purdamun Singh Jindrahia, Sunil
Sharma, Chaman Panthi, Kanta
Jamwal, Puran Singh Puran,
Santosh Khajuria, Dhian Singh,
Sudershan Raipuri, Bishen Singh
Dardi, Randhir Singh Rahi,
Gianeswar , Inderjit Kesar and Dr
Jatendra Udhampuri.
Speaking
on the occasion, Dr Rafeeq
Masoodi, Secretary, Academy of
Art, Culture and Languages gave
resume of various literary and
cultural activities undertaken by
the Academy in the State.
In
his presidential address, N D
Jamwal lauded the wide-range
poetic compositions displaying
high creative faculties. He
pleaded that the upcoming young
poets from farflung areas must be
encouraged by their participation
in such events.
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Municipal
employees discuss demands with
Commissioner
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 2: Municipal
Employees Federation has urged
upon the Jammu Municipal
Corporation authorities to
redress the demands of the
employees including security
cover to enforcement staff and
conduct of DPC of all wings here
today.
A
deputation of the Federation led
by Paras Ram Poonchi which met
the Commissioner and Joint
Commissioner JMC here today,
discussed the pending demands of
the Municipal employees. He was
accompanied by other leaders of
the Federation including Lal
Gill, Anil Kashyap, George
Burrat, Gulab Din, Gulzar Massih
Issac Bhatti, Jarnail Khokhar and
Ranjit Singh.
They
demanded a full security cover to
the Enforcement staff in view of
the increasing attacks on them
during anti-encroachment
operations in city, filling up of
1054 vacant posts of the Safai
Karamcharis, promotion of senior
most driver as Yard Transport
Inspectors, transfer of Chief
Transport Officer, suspension of
services of NGOs engaged by
Health wing, holding DPC of all
wings, release of pay arrears in
favour of regularised Safai
Karamcharis and provide rain
coats and uniforms to the field
staff.
The
Federation members stressed the
need to re-organise the JMC as
per the Municipal Act and make it
fully functional by creating
posts of six Jt Commissioners.
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Expedite
work on mega Jammu projects:
AJHLA
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 2: All Jammu
Hotel & Lodges Association
has urged upon the State
Government to expedite the work
on the mega Jammu projects like
heritage centre at Mubarik Mandi,
ropeway project from Bagh-e-Bahu
to Mubarik Mandi and Amarnath
Yatri Bhawan in Jammu city.
In
a meeting of the Association held
here today under the chairmanship
of Inderjeet Khajuria, president
of the Association, the members
while hailing the announcement
made by the Deputy Chief Minister
Muzaffar Hussain Baig, incharge
Tourism regarding launch of four
mega projects in Jammu including
construction of a golf course on
the bank of river Tawi.
Mr
Khajuria while speaking in the
meeting urged upon the Government
to expedite the work on all these
projects so that they are
completed before the functioning
of train up to Katra Mata
Vaishnodevi. He said with the
rail line extended up to Katra,
Jammu city is feared to lose its
importance as base camp of
Vaishnodevi pilgrimage and as a
result the adverse affect will be
on the business in Jammu city.
Therefore, the city is needed to
be made an independent tourism
destination by fully exploiting
its tourism and pilgrimage
potential, he maintained.
While
commenting on the Mubarik Mandi
complex, Mr Khajuria suggested
installation of statues of all
the Dogra rulers and other heroes
in the complex, shifting back the
Dogra museum from Srinagar to
Jammu and developing a gallery in
the Mubarik Mandi where ancient
Dogra dresses and weapons etc.
should be on display. He demanded
that ropeway project be extended
up to Mahamaya temple and
emphasis be laid on creation of
artificial lake over river Tawi.
Prominent
among those present in the
meeting include, Pawan Gupta-
general secretary, Ajay Gupta-
senior vice president, H S
Manhas- jr vice president, Sunil
Suri- secretary, Bikram Singh-
publicity secy and Baldev-
treasurer.
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Kashmir's
600 yr old copper work
requires
preservation: Jora
Excelsior
Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 2 : Minister
for Industries Nawang Rigzin Jora
highlighting the importance of
preservation of handmade Kashmiri
Copper Work told Legislative
Assembly today that the craft is
600 years old brought to Kashmir
from Iran and presently more than
8000 artisan families are
dependent on this craft.
Explaining
the reasons and objects of the
bill he introduced in the
Assembly (L. A. Bill No. 9)
providing for safeguarding
manufacturing of specified copper
utensils by hand to protect the
craft from extinction, Mr. Jora
said that the aim of the bill is
to strengthen the handmade copper
activity and ensure that it grows
and provides remunerative returns
to the artisan families who are
engaged in the craft.
Saying
that Kashmir is known for various
handicrafts and copper work is
one of it, he said that by the
growth of machine-made copper
utensils the hand made copper
activity is at the brink of
extinction as such steps are
required to save this novelty of
Kashmir.
He
said the bill provides for
banning the machine manufacture
of 23 specified copper utensils
which are used in Kashmir valley
and have great export potential.
He said the bill also provides
for ban on sale and production of
these specified items if
manufactured on machine.
Mr.
Jora said this would provide
necessary succour to the artisans
attached with this craft and
ensure livelihood to large number
of workers and artisans.
He
accepted two amendments suggested
by Mir Saifullah to be
incorporated in the bill.
Earlier,
Ali Mohammad Sagar, M. Y.
Tarigami, Mubarak Gul, Mir
Saifullah, Dr. Mehboob Beg and
Ajay Sadhotra spoke on the bill
and appreciated its introduction
and gave various suggestions with
regard to the bill.
Later,
the House passed bill with the
amendments proposed by Mir
Saifullah.
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Gandhi
Nagar Hospital staff found absent
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 2 :
Additional District
Development Commissioner (ADDC),
Jammu, Saurabh Bhagat today
visited various offices and
institutions of tehsil Jammu to
inspect the attendance of the
employees.
While
inspecting the attendance
register of Government High
School Gandhi Nagar, one teacher
was found on duty without any
formal orders. He warned the
headmaster not to mark duty of
any official/ officer in future
without formal orders. He also
inspected Government Hospital
Gandhi Nagar and found number of
doctors and lab technicians
unauthorizedly absent from duty.
The
ADDC also inspected Government
Boys Higher Secondary Gandhi
Nagar, Government Girls Higher
Secondary School, Shastri Nagar,
Deputy Excise Commissioner
Accounts and Executive offices.
In the office of Deputy Excise
Commissioner (Distillelries), two
guards were found unauthorizedly
absent from duty.
The
ADDC directed all the heads of
offices and institutions to
maintain punctuality in future,
adding that action under rules
would be initiated against
delinquent officials.
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PHE
employees take out rally in
Udhampur
Excelsior
Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Aug 2: The PHE
employees of district Udhampur
under the banner of Water Works
(PHE) Employees Association, took
out a victory rally here today.
The
rally was organised to extend
gratitude to the Chief Minister,
Ghulam Nabi Azad, Dy Chief
Minister, Muzaffar Hussain Baig
and Minister Incharge PHE and
Flood Control, Qazi Mohd Afzal
for the redressal of long pending
demands of the PHE employees. A
large number of PHE workers from
all the blocks of the district
including Ramnagar, Basantgarh,
Majalta, Chenani, Katra and Reasi
participated in the programme.
The
rally commenced from PHE complex
Udhampur and passed through main
markets of the town. At Indira
Chowk, several Association
leaders including Som Nath,
district president of the
Association addressed the rally.
He said that Chief Minister has
removed the discrimination with
the Jammu region employees of the
PHE by way of enhancing of
consolidated salary of Rs 500 to
Rs 2100 per month. With this,
nearly 15,000 families will get
relief. He further said that
decision regarding engagement of
ITI trained people in PHE is good
step taken by the government.
Others
who spoke on the occasion
include-Baldev Singh, Shiv Lal
Pathania, Jagdish Magotra, Rattan
Singh, Subash Chander and Kuldip
Singh.
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95
murder cases await judicial
disposition: CM
Excelsior
Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 2 : Chief
Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today
informed the Legislative Council
that 95 murder cases have been
registered in Kashmir valley from
2001 to 2006 which await judicial
disposition in various courts of
law. He said these cases include
37 in Srinagar, eight in
Anantnag, 20 in Baramulla, four
in Budgam and a few in Handawara.
He said it was astonishing to see
that 10 murder cases have been
registered in Leh where normally
crime rate was considered to be
very minimal.
Mr.
Azad was replying to
supplementaries to a question by
Ghulam Rasool Kar in the
Legislative Council today.
Replying
the main question, Mr. Azad said
that to curb social crimes like
theft, burglary, abduction,
immoral incidents and arson etc.
regular patrolling/checking/
frisking/nakas and watch on bad
characters and other measures are
being taken by the state police
at Police Station level.
The
Chief Minister while replying a
question by Nizam-ud-Din said
that 50 persons from Bandipora
tehsil have been taken into
custody for interrogation in
militancy related cases from
January 2006 upto 30.06.2006.
He
said 20 persons have been
detained under J&K PSA from
January 2006 upto July this year
and 17 persons have been
challaned and 13 persons are
under investigation. He said
family members of seven detenues
represented for release/shifting
of their wards which are under
process with the concerned
agencies. He said steps would be
initiated to expedite the
investigation and set free the
innocents.
In
reply to question by Prof. Bhim
Singh, the CM told Legislative
Council that irrespective of the
recommendations from the centre,
all such persons having threat
perceptions will be provided
security by the Government which
include safe accommodation,
security and personal guards and
vehicles wherever necessary. Mr.
Azad said that some people have
made security cover as a status
symbol and not as a genuine need.
In
reply to another question he
dispelled the contention of
opposition that security cover is
not being provided to their
members, Chief Minister said that
666 persons have been provided
security cover, 548 vehicles
provided to protected persons and
430 persons have been provided
hotel accommodation giving
party-wise details he said that
opposition received the maximum
security cover.
Replying
to a question by Arvinder Singh,
the Chief Minister said that
Government will ensure that all
un-claimed vehicles presently in
the custody of various police
stations are dumped at one place
after which a mechanism will be
evolved to dispose off these
vehicles. He said out of 18794
vehicles impounded in the state,
15434 vehicles have been
challaned, 10021 operators
convicted and 4863 cases are
subjudice. He added that 18009
vehicles have been handed over to
their owners whereas 779 vehicles
are still lying in police
stations.
Replying
supplementaries on a question,
Chief Minister said that it is
the primary duty of the
government to ensure that Human
Rights don't get violated from
any quarter including the
security forces but he lamented
that though people raise the
voice against the security forces
when they violate human rights
advertantly or in-advertantly but
remain mum when militants who
have lynched about 20000 people
in the state Committee human
rights violations. He said
government is determined to take
cognizance of any violation
committed by security forces.
Replying
to the main question, Chief
Minister said number of human
rights violations have shown
decline during last two years.
Giving
year-wise details about Human
Rights Violation incidents, the
Chief Minister said that in 2004
there were nine custodial deaths,
three custodial disappearances
and 31 rape and molestation
cases, where as in 2006 upto July
two custodial killings, one
custodial disappearence and two
rape cases have been reported.
Replying
another question raised by Ali
Mohammad Sofi, the CM said that
two more battalions of police
would be created within six
months which would supplement the
efforts of existing police forces
to check the increasing incidents
of burglary and theft in the
valley.
He
informed the House that 91 theft
and burglary cases have been
registered in various police
stations during the current year
of which 29 cases have been
challaned in the courts of law
and 55 cases are under
investigation. No case of arson
has been reported in Channapora,
Peerbagh, Rengrete, Chattabal,
Bemina, Rawalpora and Sanat
Nagar.
He
said a team of professional
police officers/officials are
constituted in every police
station (Anti-Burglary Squad)
under the close supervision of
senior officers to recover the
stolen property. The working of
SHOs and the teams are being
closely watched and monitored by
superior officers/concerned
district SSPs.
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Khawatain-e-Islam
holds anti-US, anti-Israel
protest
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 2:
To lodge protest
against killing of innocent
Muslims in Lebanon by Israel,
with the connivance of United
States of America, Khawatain-e-
Islam, an organisation of Muslim
females, today took out a
procession in the city. Large
number of females participated in
the protest demonstration.
The
procession started from Bantalab
and passed through different
areas before culminating at
Gujjar Nagar where it was turned
into a rally.Shouting slogans
against atrocities committed by
the Isreal on innocent people of
Lebanon, processionists urged
international bodies to intervene
and save the humanity. They also
shouted pro-Islam and anti-US and
anti-Isreal slogans.
Addressing
the rally, Sayed Tasleema Bukhari
termed US president George W Bush
as biggest terrorist of the
world. She said that attack on
Lebanon by the Isreal was an
glaring example of terrorism. She
urged international community to
untidily face terrorism of US as
according to her, US has become a
threat to the humanity.
She
said that it was hightime for the
world community to rise against
attitude of US and its allies.
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KPs too
can visit PoK on permit basis: RC
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 2: The
Kashmiri Pandits will also be
allowed to visit Mata Sharda Devi
Temple in Pak occupied Kashmir
(PoK) on similar lines which have
been adopted for the people of
Jammu and Kashmir who are
visiting their relatives in PoK.
This
was stated by Relief
Commissioner, Migrants Mohidner
Singh in a letter issued here
today. The Copy of letter which
was also addressed to All Parties
Migrants Coordination Committee
,(APMCC) Jammu makes it clear
that the Pandits intending to
visit the temple will also be
allowed on a permit issued by
appropriate authority as is done
for other people of the State.
It
may be recalled that earlier the
Organization had asked the
Pandits aspiring to visit the
Sharda temple that the passport
holders should approach the
embassy of concerned country.
This had hurt the sentiments of
the Pandits and APMCC had
expressed its grave resentment
against it.
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Centre
sanctions Rs 2000 cr for rural
water supply: Baig
Excelsior
Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 2: Deputy
Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain
Baig told Legislative Assembly
today that Rs. 2000 crore have
been sanctioned by the Central
Government under Bharat Nirman
Programme to cover all uncovered
villages of the State under PHE
schemes. He said the work has to
be completed by the end of 2009
and steps are already initiated
to accomplish the task within the
time frame.
Mr.
Baig was replying to the
supplementaries asked by various
members with regard to the supply
of drinking water in Legislative
Assembly during question hour
today.
Sharing
the concern of the members with
regard to the provision of safe
drinking water, he said though
lot of work has been done in this
direction during the last about
four years, yet vigorous steps
are required to provide protected
drinking water to the people in
the villages and towns. He
suggested that the members should
be given time in the House to
ventilate their views with regard
to the drinking water facilities.
On this, Speaker Mr. Tara Chand
gave ruling in the House that
after today's listed business
members would be allowed to speak
on the subject.
Replying
the main question by Faqir Nath,
Minister for PHE and Irrigation
Qazi Mohammad Afzal said that
there are 171 habitations in
Chenani-Ghordi constituency out
of which 57 habitations are fully
covered, 76 are partially covered
and remaining 38 habitations are
not covered so far.
He
said that an amount of Rs. 258.19
lakh has been approved for
implementation of various
drinking water supply schemes
under various programmes in
Chenani-Ghordi constitutency
during 2006-07. However, an
Action Plan has been prepared for
covering all NC/PC habitiations
under Bharat Nirman Programme by
2008-09.
He
said that there are presently
four irrigation schemes namely
LIS Alamgang, LIS Wachi, LIS
Aglar Chirat and LIS Awneera and
are presently under execution.
Besides, modernization of
Zainapora Canal under AIBP stands
cleared under 4th T.A.C and
stands submitted for an estimated
cost of Rs. 495 lakhs to Central
Water Commission for availing
loan assistance.
In
reply to a question by Sajjad
Ahmad Kichloo, the Minister for
PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control
said that an amount or Rs. 82.79
lakh has been spent in Kishtwar
constituency during last two
years for execution of various
works under I&FC Sectors.
He
said an amount of Rs. 402.83 lakh
were allocated both under
I&FC Sectors for various
constituencies of district Doda
during last three years against
which Rs. 386.18 lakh have been
utilized upto 3/2006.
He
said the project report of LIS
Bhanderkote has been framed at an
estimated cost of Rs. 109 crore
and as per preliminary
examination, the scheme is not
technically and economically
viable due to cost benefit ratio
(CBR) including cost of
Electro-Mechanical.
Replying
the supplementaries, Mr. Qazi
told the MLA that early step
would be taken to look into the
demand of the MLA with regard to
the enhancement of irrigation and
flood control facilities in the
Doda district especially in flood
prone areas. He suggested the
member to discuss the details
with the Minister at a meeting
where officers would also be
called to participate.
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Govt
tables bill on liquor trade
SRINAGAR, Aug 2: The
Government today tabled a bill in
the Assembly seeking amendment of
the Excise Act to authorise it to
make rules for better regulation
of the liquor trade in the State.
The
bill to amend the Jammu and
Kashmir Excise Act of 1958 was
introduced by Deputy Chief
Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig,
who said the Government wanted to
fix the maximum retail price for
all categories of liquor for
improved regulation of the trade.
The
original act needs to be amended
to authorise the Government to
make new rules for fixation of
prices, Baig said in the
statement of objects and reasons
of the bill.
Baig
said the act authorises the
Government to make rules for
fixing the maximum or minimum
price above or below which liquor
or opium shall not be sold.
A
need was felt to fix the maximum
price of liquor to curb
profiteering by retailers and to
protect the interests of
consumers and also revenue, Baig
said.
The
Jammu and Kashmir Liquor, Licence
and Sales Rules of 1984 were
amended and the prices for cheap
brands of liquor were fixed
during the current year. The
retailer licensees resented this
move and one of them even
challenged the Government’s
powers to fix prices. The
petition, however, was dismissed.
(PTI)
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Politician
among 5 arrested under Gambling
Act
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 2: A
politician was among five persons
arrested by police under Gambling
Act today.
Police
spokesman said that Samba Police
this afternoon received an
information about the gambling
activities behind main bus stand.
Subsequently,
a police team headed by
Sub-Divisional Police Officer
(SDPO) Abrar Choudhary under the
direct supervision of SSP Border
Rajinder Gupta conducted a raid
and arrested five gamblers
including a politician. From
their possession, police
recovered Rs 3000.
They
have been identified as local
unit president of a national
party Anil Singh Sambyal, son of
Raghu Nandan Singh of Thalora
Mandi, Subash Singh, son of Kesar
Singh of Sungwali Mandi, Sunil
Singh, son of Suraj Singh of
Sungwali Mandi, Ajab Singh, son
of Narinder Singh of Kotli Mandi
and Pankaj Singh, son of
Goverdhan Singh of Kaley Mandi.
They
have been booked under 13
Gambling Act.
The
spokesman said that Samba
Sub-Division Police has launched
special drive against the
absconders, gamblers and
drug-peddlers and deputed police
personnel in mufti to arrest
them.
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Police-public
meeting organised at Doda
Excelsior
Correspondent
DODA, Aug 2: A
police-public meeting was
organised here today wherein
transporters, members of Beopar
Mandal and prominent citizens of
the town participated.
In
the meeting, problems relating to
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