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Governor,
CM greet people on
Christmas
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU,
Dec 24:
Governor Lt. Gen.
(Retd) S. K. Sinha and
Chief Minister Ghulam
Nabi Azad have exhorted
the people to rededicate
themselves to the
cherished values
propounded by Lord Jesus
Christ and work for peace
and prosperity for all.
In their
separate messages on
Christmas, the Governor
and the Chief Minister
said the teachings of the
Lord, which spread the
world over due to their
irresistible appeal and
emphasize for love,
compassion and
righteousness, serve as a
beacon to steer humanity
from darkness to light.
The Governor
in his message said that
hallmark of all religions
is to shun violence and
the best way to celebrate
festivals like Christmas
is to strive for building
a harmonious society and
work for strengthening
the bonds of amity.
‘May humanity accept
the essence of
Christmas’ message
of peace’, he said.
In his
Christmas greeting Mr.
Azad said that Hazart
Eisa was the great
apostle who preached
love, brotherhood, peace
and care for downtrodden
and needy.
Mr. Azad
said Hazrat Eisa’s
life is full of
sacrifices, sincerity,
purity, righteousness and
high human values.
"Jesus was the great
messenger who throughout
his life extended whole
hearted and earnest
support to downtrodden,
needy and sufferers and
propagated love and
peace".
Both the
Governor and Mr. Azad
said that Jesus
Christ’s life and
teachings are relevant in
all times and under the
present global scenario,
the message of love and
peace circulated by the
apostle of God is more
significant for entire
mankind to live in amity
and harmony.
Gen Sinha
and the Chief Minister
while extending greetings
on the sacred Day of
Christmas prayed for
peace, progress and
prosperity of the State
and the country.
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No
instant formula or Constitutional
remedy can bring peace in J&K: Mattoo
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 24: ‘No instant formula
or constitutional remedy can bring peace
in trouble torn Jammu and Kashmir and the
forces of subversion can be isolated only
through institutions of public opinion
which need to be strengthened in the
State.’
This was
opined by noted expert on International
Relations and Vice-Chancellor of Jammu
University, Prof Amitabh Mattoo while
delivering a lecture at Press Club of
Jammu, here today.
Topic of
the lecture was ‘Peace Building
through Institution Building in
J&K’.
"In
Jammu and Kashmir, positive peace can not
be possible unless and untill you invest
in these institutions and engage civil
society by empowering stake holders for
the process," he said and added that
only strong institutions can margnalize
forces which create violence.
Giving
example of European Union, which
witnessed much bloodshed till mid 20th
century, Prof Mattoo claimed that it were
the institutions which played major role
and created conditions for building of
peace there. "A web of institutions
for all co-operation brought Europe
together and formed European Union,"
he explained and highlighted the
qualities of European institutions such
as democracy, secularism, enlightenment
and renaissance.
"However,
on the other hand, similar experiment of
South Asian Association of Regional
Cooperation (SAARC) failed in achieving
the real tangible results because of
inadequate investment in institutions and
non-involvement of stakeholders in
opinion building," he reminded and
said that for success of the institutions
accountability, credibility and
empowerment were must. He also stressed
on strengthening communication, providing
basic amenities and education for
institution building.
In his
lecture, the Vice-Chancellor took the
opportunity to highlight achievement of
Jammu University as an institution and
engaging civil society by injecting
culture of mutual respect and general
ideas of mainstream.
Amitabh
Mattoo also had a word of advise for the
media to which he suggested to see beyond
news and shortsighted views.
The
lecture was followed by an interaction
session.
Replying
to a query, Prof Mattoo said that he may
think over rejoining parent institution
before completion of his tenure as
Vice-Chancellor if his vision of strong
foundations for Jammu University is fully
realized by that time.
Earlier,
on his arrival, the Press Club president
Manu Shrivatsa presented a memento to
Prof Amitabh Mattoo.
Proceedings
of the programme were conducted by Dinesh
Manhotra.
Large
number of people participate
in
Chaharum of Azad's brother
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 24: Large number of
people right from morning today thronged
Gujjar Nagar residence of late Ghulam
Qadir, elder brother of Chief Minister
Ghulam Nabi Azad to participate in Rasmi
Chaharum.
Mr. Ghulam
Qadir breathed his last in Macca Sharief
three days earlier where he had gone to
perform Hajj.
Today was
the Chaharum of the deceased, observed at
Gujjar Nagar Jammu at the residence of
late Ghulam Qadir. Besides thousands of
general public, Chairman Legislative
Council Abdul Rashid Dar, Speaker
Legislative Assembly Tara Chand members
of State Council of Ministers, Parliament
Members, legislators, political workers,
and prominent citizens visited the house
of late Ghulam Qadir to participate in
Charam of the deceased. They conveyed
condolence to the bereaved family and
prayed for the peace to the departed
soul.
Reports
received here from Srinagar say that big
congregations at Dargah Hazartbal, Sayeed
Sahib Sonwar and other Mosques held
special prayers for peace of departed
soul. The Imams of the Mosques sought
‘‘Mugfirat’’ of late
Ghulam Qadir and his abode in
Janat-ul-Firdous from Almighty Allah.
Similar
reports have also reached from all
districts of the State. Special prayers
were arranged in Bhadarwah, Doda, Poonch,
Rajouri and other parts of Jammu
province.
Attempt
to misappropriate BPL rice foiled, one
held
Excelsior
Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Dec 24: Police today foiled
an attempt to misappropriate rice meant
for the Below Poverty Line (BPL) people
at Pampore.
Police
spokesman said that a truck bearing
registration number JK01J-2347 was loaded
with 24 quintals of rice for distribution
among the BPL people under food for work
programme in Khreew area.
However,
the truck driver didn’t deliver the
same at Khreew with an intention to
misappropriate the same. Today, when the
truck driver was about to strike a deal
of 24 quintal rice with some shopkeepers
he was arrested by a police team under
the direct supervision of SP Awantipora
Sardar Khan.
The rice
bags alongwith truck were seized and
driver arrested under Section 406 RPC
(misappropriation). He has been
identified as Shabir Ahmed of Pampore.
The
investigation into the case was going on,
SP Awantipora said and didn’t rule
out the involvement of some Government
officials in the attempt to
misappropriate BPL rice.
Mahajan
Sabha observes 117th birth anniversary
of
Justice Mehar Chand
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 24: To observe 117th
birth anniversary of Justice Mehar Chand
Mahajan, a function was organised by
Mahajan Sabha at Gandhi Nagar in which
large number of people were present.
Justice
(Retd) S K Gupta presided over the
function in which Ved Mahajan, MLC was
chief guest and Dr S P Vaid, Inspector
General of Police (IGP) Jammu, K B
Jandial,secretary Health and Medical
Education, were guests of honour.
On this
occasion, a hall constructed by the Sabha
for the recreation of aged persons of the
area was also inaugurated. Ved Mahajan,
MLC has contributed an amount of Rs four
lakh from Constituency Development Fund
(CDF) for this hall which will be for the
recreation of the aged persons
irrespective of caste, creed or colour.
Speaking
on the occasion, Mr Mahajan highlighted
teachings of Justice Mehar Chand Mahajan
and termed him a great man who lived very
simple life.
All
speakers referred to the high ideologies
of Justice Mehar Chand Mahajan, who had
served as Prime Minister of late Maharaja
Hari Singh.
Jugal
Mahajan, chief patron of the Sabha, laid
emphasis on following the ideology of
Justice Mahajan who was a great social
reformer and legal luminary of the
country. He stressed on the need of
removing social evils. Justice (Retd) K K
Gupta also spoke on the occasion and
highlighted teachings of Justice Mehar
Chand Mahajan.
Sabha also
honoured a number of persons who made
landmark achievements in their respective
fields. Those who were honoured included
Dr Jatinder Udhampuri, Raj Kumar Gupta,
Dr Ankur Gupta, Ashok Gupta, Dy. Director
Floriculture, Sanjeev Pargal, bureau
chief Daily Excelsior, Ravi Rohmetra, of
Aap Ka Dost, Paviter Gupta, bureau chief
Punjab Kesri, Lalit Gupta of Dainik
Jagran, Sanjay Gupta of Amarujala, Dinesh
Gupta of Amar Ujala, Anil Gupta of IBN7,
Joginder Gupta of Early Times.
A cultural
programme was also organised by the
children of Shiksha Niketan School,
Jeevan Nagar under the guidance of Jeevan
Sharma, Paramjeet Kumar and Shashi Kohli.
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2-day
Sufi Festival concludes
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 24: Two-day Sufi
Festival organized by Jammu and Kashmir
Academy of Art, Culture and Languages
concluded here today at Abhinav theatre,
Jammu in which Minister for Education
Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed was the chief
guest.
While
speaking on the occasion, Peerzada
congratulated the Cultural Academy for
doing a tremendous job since last year in
promoting Art, Culture and Literature not
only in the posh areas of Jammu, Kashmir
but also the remote and far-flung areas
of the state. He further said that now
Academy had spread its activities from
villages to villages of all the three
regions of the state.
While
appreciating the efforts of Dr. Rafeeq
Masoodi, Secretary, J&K Academy of
Art, Culture and Languages said that
during his tenure, the revival of Art,
Culture and Literature is at its extreme
and also hoped that the same will
continue in future too.
Mr. Aslam
Sabri an internationally reputed Sufi
Singer presented Sufiana Muosiquee, which
was highly applauded by the audience and
music lovers. Earlier, the upcoming Sufi
Singer, daughter of the soil, Ms. Ragini
Renu presented Sufi Qalam of Ghulam
Farid, Buley Shah and Shah Hussain during
here performances.
Earlier,
Secretary J&K Academy of Art, Culture
and Languages welcomed the audience. Mr.
Vijay Attri conducted the proceedings
while Mrs. Shamima Akhter, Special
Officer for Cultural Activities presented
vote of thanks.
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New showroom of
TVS Motor Company inaugurated
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 24: A new
showroom of TVS Motor Company was
opened today at Narwal By-Pass
near J P World School.
The
showroom—M S TVS was
inaugurated by Area Manager,
North-II, Chandigarh TVS Motor
Company, Deepak Bajaj in the
presence of Directors of M S
TVS—Om Jagdish Gupta and
Sanjay Gupta.
On
the occasion, the Directors of M
S TVS assured the customers to
provide better service and spare
parts at their showroom with
world class equipment.
According
to Mr Bajaj, TVS Company was
growing at a very rapid pace and
hoped to become market leader
within short span of time. He
added that company has already
become number one in 100 cc
segment in several states.
He
further said that new models of
the company—Apache, Victor,
GLX and Scooty Pept are also
grabbing the market at a rapid
pace and added that company has
almost 30 per cent market share
in Jammu and Kashmir.
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Tourist
boom expected in Gulmarg this winter
SRINAGAR, Dec 24: The tourist
business seems to be looking up in
Gulmarg this winter with private tour
operators in Britain, Canada and
Australia promoting the ski resort as the
"most affordable" winter sports
destination in the world.
"We
have got a good response from private
tour operators based in European
countries for bookings at Gulmarg this
winter. Most of the tourists are
interested in skiing," Director of
Tourism Farooq Ahmad Shah said.
He said a
private tour operator in Britain was
offering an 8 days-7 nights package for
sports lovers there at the cost of one
day’s skiing in any of the resorts
in Europe.
Skiing in
Europe costs around 800 pounds per day
and Indus travels, owned by a Kashmiri,
was offering the package inclusive of air
fares and accomodation for the amount, he
said
Shah, who
is president of the Winter Games
Association of Jammu and Kashmir, said
that similar bookings were received from
tourists of Canada and Australia.
Gulmarg
can accomodate one lakh skiiers every
winter but there was a need to promote it
as well as other ski resorts of the State
in a "better way", he said.
"If
the number of tourists arriving in
Kashmir in winter reaches its potential,
it can privide huge employment
opportunities to the youth of the State
also," he said.
Shah
claimed Gulmarg was the "best skiing
destination in the world" in view of
the quality of slopes, snow and weather
conditions.
"We
have the infrastructure to support winter
sports at Gulmarg. The second phase of
Gondola Cable Car Corporation has also
helped in attracting more skiiers as they
can now go to higher altitudes. In fact,
it is the longest ropeway in Asia,"
Shah said.
A project
report has been submitted to State
Government for construction of a closed
ice-rink for Rs 6 crore at Gulmarg so
that other winter sports like ice-hockey,
figure skating and speed skating could be
promoted on a larger scale, he said
adding that the rink could also be used
for commercial skating if viable.
The
Government was also making preparations
to keep the resort in readiness for the
2010 Common Wealth Winter Games which
would be held in India. Some of the
events like cross country skiing and
alpine skiing are scheduled to be held at
Gulmarg.
Shah said
efforts were on to produce high quality
skiiers in the State and extend training
to aspirants from other parts of the
country as well. As many as 19 skiing
courses would be conducted this winter as
part of our efforts, he added. (PTI)
Workshop
on ‘secrets of energy’
concludes
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 24: "Inability to
awaken and employ the vital energy, lying
largely dormant or partially awakened in
most of the people, is one of the key
factors for the sufferings, failure and a
big chunk of other problems facing human
beings".
This was
stated by Dr Sunil Vasishth, while
conducting the 3rd one day workshop on
"The secret of true living"
based on Akhand Yoga at Brahmin Sabha,
Parade, Jammu today. Over 100 people from
all walks of life attended the workshop.
Dr
Vasishth disclosed that though the number
of energy centres in the body are quite
large, the most significant of them
include the Dhayna Kendra located in the
forehead, the Param Kendra located in the
head, the Kantha Kendra located in the
throat, the Hridya Kendra in the mid
chest, the Amashaya Kendra in the mid
belly below the chest, the Nabhi Kendra
in the mid belly at the navel, the Kukshi
Kendra in the lower belly, the Adhara
Kendra at the base of spine, the
Hasta-tala Kendra in the palms of the
hands and the Pada tala Kendra in the
soles of the feet.
Dr
Vasishth informed that vital techniques
of Akhand Yoga, like Oorja, Shakti Kriya,
Shaktipata and Akhand Samadhi, if
followed regularly, have the potential to
do so. Not only these techniques are easy
to learn and practice, but these are
effective also.
Dr
Brijbala Vasishth, Director, Vasishth
Ayurved Centre and Heart Clinic, Jammu,
presided over the function while Pawanesh
Abrol, the organizer of the workshop
welcomed the participants.
Gujjar
Front highlights demands
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 24: The newly formed
Jammu and Kashmir Gujjar and Bakerwal
Development Front has demanded upliftment
of the neglected community.
This
demand was made by the chairman of the
Front, Ch. Ghulam Rabani at a press
conference here today.
He said,
the main objective of the Front is the
upliftment of the Gujjar and Bakerwal
community and work for dismantling the
walls of hatred created among the various
communities.
Highlighting
the other issues, Mr Rabani demanded
middle pass Gujjar and Bakerwal youth be
recruited in security forces with
establishment of separate Gujjar &
Bakerwal Regiment, improvement in the
condition of Gujjar hostles in the state
with construction of new girls hostels,
reservation to Gujjars & Bakerwal in
Assembly and Parliament, inclusion of
Gujjars and Bakerwals in peace process
and conducting of survey of Gujjars and
Bakerwals’ population .
He said
Gujjars are the nationalists to core and
they have always worked for the unity and
integrity of India. He also made an
appeal to the misguided youth and
anti-national elements to join the peace
process.
Opposing
the demands of secessionism, autonomy and
self rule, he said these are only
political slogans to befool and misguide
the people and create a wedge among the
communities.
He
however, said his organization was not
opposed if the Paharis are also granted
the Scheduled Tribe status.
General
secretary of the organization, Shokat Ali
and its secretary Khaliq Inqalabi were
also present in the press conference.
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Gupta
flays contradictory statements of
J&K leaders
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 24:
Former Union MoS and
senior BJP leader Prof Chaman Lal
Gupta has alleged that
contradictory statements of the
coalition partners in the State
Government were creating
confusion and uncertainty amongst
the people.
In
a statement here Prof Gupta
pointed out that State Governor
and certain others in the
Government have already rejected
the formula presented by Pakistan
president Parvez Musharraf and
said only solution lies in
minimizing the sad and painful
effects of unfortunate division
of 1947.
Prof
Gupta assailed the slogans of
self-rule and that of autonomy by
describing these as detrimental
to the intesest of the people of
Jammu and Kashmir.
Prof
Gupta regretted that certain
elements having communally
diseased mind have not learnt the
lessons from the communal
partition of 1947 and they are
trying to mislead the people by
exploiting religious and communal
sentiments by raising certain
slogans.
SC/ST
Confederation flays Govt for not
amending SRO-294
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 24: As the
ruling coalition has been
adopting dilly-dally tactics in
solving problems of the weaker
sections of the society, All
India Confederation of SC/ST
Organisation convened a high
level meeting of ST/ST MLA, MLCs
to discuss the latest situation.
According
to a press release, Speaker of
the Legislative Assembly, Tara
Chand was chief guest on the
occasion. All the participants in
the meeting expressed their
serious concern over attitude of
the State Government towards
controversial SRO 294, which
according to them, was
anti-weaker sections.
Speakers
expressed surprise that despite
repeated assurances given by
Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad
nothing has been done so far in
this regard. They further pointed
out that a sub-committee was
announced by the Chief Minister
to look into the matter but
nothing tangible has emerged so
far.
After
the threadbare discussions, the
Speaker called upon the
participants to take up the
matter with the Chief Minister
for its immediate resolution.
Mohammed
Saber, MLC, Girdhari Lal
Chalotra, MLA, Javed Rana, MLA,
Yashpal Kundal, MLA, Master
Tassidiq Hussain, R K Kalsotra,
Mohammed Abrar Choudhary, G D
Dogra, Hem Raj and others
addressed the meeting.
Qarra welcomes Task
Force report
J&K
to press for speedy
implementation
Excelsior
Correspondent
Jammu, Dec 24 : Welcoming
the recommendations of Prime
Minister's Special Task Force on
Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for
Finance and Planning, Tariq
Hameed Qarra today said the
measures suggested by the Task
Force would give much-needed
boost to State economy. He said
as has been recommended by the
Task Force, the State Government
would follow it up with a vision
document outlining the measures
for the State's economic
development.
The
State Government, Mr Qarra said
would press for the speedy
implementation of Task Force
recommendations so that State
draws maximum benefit from the
same.
Mr.
Qarra emphasized that the content
and process of development of
Jammu and Kashmir has to take
into account the State's
historical, institutional and
political situation and deliver
quickly on growth and poverty
reduction as has been recommended
by the Task Force.
He
said as has been highlighted by
the State Government time and
again, the Task Force has
identified six areas to meet the
development challenges of the
State. These include;
reconstruction and maintenance of
the physical infrastructure,
investment in infrastructure
development in critical areas
including power and roads,
investment in social
infrastructure, creating
conducive climate for private
investment, ensuring balanced
regional development and making
comprehensive fiscal adjustment.
The
Finance Minister said the Task
Force headed by the former RBI
Governor C Rangarajan has rightly
identified the power shortage as
the critical bottleneck for
attracting private investment in
the State and has recommended
evolving a policy framework to
develop the State's hydro power
potential. He welcomed the
recommendation of the Task Force
for transfer of Dulhasti and
Bursar power projects to the
State besides expediting work on
the Sawalakote power project.
Mr.
Qarra said the creation of a
Special Investment Zone in the
State as recommended by the Task
Force, identifying tourism and
horticulture sectors as the
engines of growth, modernization
of the State's airports, fast
track completion of road and rail
projects, launching of employment
generation schemes, creation of
an Asset Reconstruction Company
(ARC) and enhancing telecom
penetration in the State are some
of the key areas that need to be
worked upon to make the whole
exercise purposeful and
result-oriented.
As
has been recommended by the Task
Force, Mr. Qarra said the State
Government would start working on
a vision document and a master
plan to follow it up with both
short and long term
implementation measures. He said
the State and the Central
Government would work in tandem
to implement the recommendations
of the Task Force to facilitate
the smooth transition of Jammu
and Kashmir from turmoil to peace
and bring it at par with other
states of the country in
development and growth.
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Birthday
celebrations of Dawarika Nath
Shastri today
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 24: The birth
day of Shri Dawarika Nath Shastri
Ji Maharaj will be celebrated
with full enthusiasm and gaiety
at Pavitra Smadhi Sathal in
village Sohanjna (Jammu) tomorrow
by Shastri Ji’s disciples
and devotees .
A
function will be organized in the
village by the organization of
Param Pujya Shri Dawarika Nath Ji
Shastri, Maha Shakti Champa Mata
Ji. The function will start with
a Shoba Yatra which will proceed
from Smadhi Sathal to all the 15
villages of the Sohanjna.
This
was stated by Parveen Kumar
Sharma, organizing secretary of
the organization at a press
conference here, today. He said
the function will be held under
the supervision of Gangadhar Ji
Maharaj.
Hundreds
of devotees of Shastri Ji and
Mata Ji will join the Yatra on
foot, horses, chariots, scooters,
cars and buses, he said. The
procession, which will start at
11 am will culminate at 4 pm at
Smadhi Sathal where Maharaj
Gangadhar Ji will give blessings
to devotees.
He
said on December 26, which is the
Nirwan Diwas of Mahraj Dawarika
Nath Shastri Ji and Mahashakti
Champa Mata Ji, religious
function consisting of Bhajan
Kirtan and cultural programme
will be performed by the devotees
from different states at Smadhi
Sathal, Sohanjna.
An
eye camp will also be organized
by Acharya Shri Chander Medical
Institute, Sidhra where services
of eminent doctors will be
available. The operation of
patients will be performed at
ASCOM Sidhra free of cost, he
added.
On
December 27 a horse race from
different parts of the State will
be organized by Maharaja
Gangadhar Ji and special award
will be given to the winners.
The
community feast (Bhandara) will
also be organized from December
25 to 27 at Smadhi Sathal, he
added.
BJP expresses
apprehension on Indo-Pak Working
Group
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 24: Expressing
apprehensions on the MoU reached
between the India and Pakistan on
December 22 to form a Joint
Working Group (JWG) on
Governance, the Bharatiya Janata
Party (BJP) said it will not be
in the interests of India.
Talking
to media persons here, today BJP
senior vice president and Party
spokesman Prof. Hari Om Said that
India will have no advantage as
Pakistan is the aggressor.
Moreover why should India share
its sovereignty with Pakistan.
He
said as reported in Pak Daily,
Dawn in its December 23 issue
India and Pakistan have formed a
Joint Working Group on governance
to share each others experience
for strengthening their local
government systems.
Opposing
this , he said BJP will hold a
demonstration against it
tomorrow. "The Indian nation
is facing a threat within and
Gen. Musharaff’s proposals
are not his own but Indian
politicians are putting them in
his mouth", he added.
Otherwise
neither the Prime Minister has
any fun to say making borders
irrelevant and building a
consensus on autonomy and self
rule, nor the Chief Minister in
proposing a joint management on
environment,agriculture, tourism,
water resources power and
forestry, he added. He alleged
that Hurriyat, PDP and other
groups are representing Pakistan
in India.
Terming
the Toshakhana as the soul of
Mubarak Mandi, Prof. Hari Om,
opposed its shifting from there.
He demanded that entire Mubarak
Mandi complex be renovated and
valuables lying in Toshakhana be
displayed for general public.
He
also expressed serious concern
over the recommendations of the
Working Group on Economic
Reconstruction and said that
Satellite township of Rs two
crore has been sanctioned for
Kashmir province only. Besides Rs
800 crore has been earmarked for
hotliers, Houseboat owners,
tourism and horticulture in
Kashmir while Jammu and Ladakh
have been totally ignored.
Moreover what the Government is
going to do for the
rehabilitation of displaced
Pandits, he asked?
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PKM
Youth Wing holds one day
convention
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 24: A one day
youth convention was organized by
Youth Wing of Panun Kashmir
Movement (PKM) here today. The
convention was inaugurated by
Prof. H L Jalali, vice chairman
organizational affairs PKM.
The
programme was of three sessions
which include Session on Human
Rights concerns, Session on
Current Affairs and Interactive
Session.
In
his address PKM chief, Ashwani
Kumar Chrangoo appealed the youth
to own responsibilities of the
community in various fields of
activity. It is the youth of the
community which has to take
forward its legacy, he added.
While
referring to the current
political developments, he said
the Government has deliberately
chosen to divert the attention of
the members of the community from
the basic issues related to the
ethnic cleansing and exile.
He
said the issue of rehabilitation
on a temporary basis and the
final resettlement in Kashmir are
two different issues which need
not to be confused.
While
Government has miserably failed
in last 17 years to mitigate the
sufferings of the community, it
still has no seriousness in
solving the community’s
problems like unemployment,
health and housing. The casual
approach of the Government is
reflected in the proceedings,
agenda and recommendations of the
working groups formulated by the
Prime Minister, he added. O N
Pandita, while expressing his
apprehensions about the four
point formula of Pakistan
President, Gen. Pervez Musharraf
said it has the potential to
further dilute the sovereignty of
India on Kashmir and the Pandits
have totally opposed it.
Others
who spoke include Prof. M L
Raina, S N Dullo, J L Kaul,
Upinder Kaul, Kamal Bagati,
Virender Kaul, Vijay Qazi and
Nanaji Dembi.
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Kichloo
demands immediate relief for
fire-hit people
Excelsior
Correspondent
KISHTWAR, Dec 24:
MLA Kishtwar Sajjad
Ahmed Kichloo has expressed shock
and grief over the devastating
fire that broke in Ungie village
in block Paddar of Kishtwar,
which has rendered the people of
the village shelterless besides
causing huge loss of property and
the live-stock.
Mr
Kichloo left for the scene of
occurrence of fire incident to
have on the spot assessment of
losses and also to distribute the
material, which he took along
with him for distribution amongst
the sufferers.
Mr
Kichloo called upon the State
Government to provide free
ration, fire wood, essential
commodities and relief to the
effected families on war footing.
He further impressed on the
Government to make immediate
measures to rehabilitate the
people.
Prof Kaul’s
9th book released
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 24: Prof.
Bhushan Lal Kaul’s ninth
publication Praznath, a
collection of critical essays in
Kashmiri language was released
today at an impressive function
held at Sanjeevani Sharda Kendra,
Anand Nagar Bohri by noted
Journalist, Sham Kaul.
The
function was presided over by
well known Kashmiri poet-Scholar
Kashi Nath Bhagwan. The programme
started with Sarswati Vandhana
presented by Shanti Lal Sidha.
The
function was attended by noted
scholars, writers and poets.
The
welcome address was read by
Rajinder Raina Kampasi who also
introduced the ‘Shoba
Prakashan’ to the audience.
The
introductory paper on the book
was presented by Makhan Lal
Kanwal. He also critically
evaluated some essays given in
it.
Mr
Sham Kaul who made qualitative
assessment of various aspects of
Kashmiri culture and its glorious
past , lauded Dr Kaul for his
sincere efforts in strengthening
cultural ties.
He
said there was need of mobilizing
all resources for popularizing
Kashmiri language and literature
at grass root level and studying
various creative trends
influencing Kashmiri writers and
thinkers in the first decade of
21st century.
Mr
Bhagwan highly praised the
literary achievements of Dr Kaul
and congratulated him for
bringing such useful books on
Kashmiri culture.
On
the occasion Durga Nath
Santosh’s book, Om was also
released by Dr Kaul.
The
programme was conducted by Piaray
Hatash. He also presented the
vote of thanks.
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Conveyance
allowance for disabled
The
disabled employees of the State
have been demanding for many
years the redressal of their
problems. The handicapped
employees need at least some help
financially so that they are able
to reach their office or place of
work and back home. In this
contest the disabled employees of
the State have been knocking the
doors of the authorities about
the release of conveyance
allowance in their favour so as
to provide them succor
financially but nothing has
happened so far. At least a
conveyance allowance of one
thousand rupees per month should
be given to the disabled
employees immediately.
Besides
the conveyance allowance the
promotions for the disabled
employees is not forthcoming as
it should like normal employees
of the State. The Government
should under all circumstances
give some weightage to the
disabled employees when ever
promotion orders are issued in
any department. In this way the
employees will feel themselves
not let down by the Government.
We need to promote right policies
vis-a-vis disabled employees and
give them a fair chance and level
playing field.
President
J&K Handicapped Association
Reasi Jammu.
Visit Mud lake
before Mansar lake
Action
please of this paper carried a
letter titled "Ailing Mansar
lake" writen by Mr Robin
Singh. I fully endorse the views
of the writer and show equal
concern. After this letter was
published, the R&B Department
has done some patch works on the
roads and even the Minister for
Tourism visited the spot and
sanctioned some peanuts. All this
is just "show off" of
their concern. Just two
kilometers from the National
Highway from where we enter the
Mansar road, there is Mud Lake
which was created about 5 years
back in the rainy season due to
collection of sand which flowed
down from the hill and got
collected on the road. Whenever,
there is rain, the water gets
collected in this area (which is
just close to Nud) and a Mud Lake
is created for another few days,
which becomes source of income
for local people who keep
themselves ready with their
tractors etc to help people to
take out their scooters and cars
which gets lodged in mud and in
return charge huge amount for
this kind help. The tractors are
seen taking out the cars and
charging Rs. 400-500 per car. In
this way helped the locals in
overcoming their employment
problem by the people are making
a fast buck with this mud lake.
But due to this obstacle the
people are unable to visit actual
Mansar Lake where people wants to
visit but are enable to reach the
spot. Government should wake up
and do something of this Mud
lake.
Besides
that the water level in Mansar
lake which is falling day by day
is matter of great concern,
please stop pumping out the water
for the adjoining areas
immediately.
Joginder Lal
Subash Nagar, Jammu.
Durga Nagar roads
in pathetic condition
I
would like to bring to the notice
of concerned authorities of PWD
about the pathetic condition of
the roads and lanes in Durga
Nagar, Jammu. The solitary ring
road passing through Durga Nagar
and connecting it with rest of
the State is in highly
dilapidated condition. This road
was constructed in 1996 and since
then no regular repair works have
taken place on this road. Some
lanes were made pucca in
2001-2002 but most of lanes in
sector I, sector 2 and Durga
Nagar enclave have been left
incomplete after laying only
boulders on these lanes. The
department had agreed to make
these unfinished lanes the pucca
ones. Now a long time has passed
but no concrete steps have taken
neither by PWD nor municipality
Jammu. The authorities are
requested to look into the
problems and fulfill their
commitment while taking up the
construction work in hand on all
the left over lanes and bi-lanes.
The
streets in the area have no
sufficient lights during the
night so many more spots need to
receive attention by way of
erecting lamp posts in the area.
Pawan K Pandita
Durga Nagar - I
Roop Nagar Jammu.
Construct a
matador stand in Samba
Due
to negligence of the concerned
authorities the Govt Boys Higher
Secondary School ground at Samba
has been functioning as a matador
stand and the public is sick of
this. No-adays the school ground
is been used as celebrating place
of marriages and other functions.
Most of the times it is covered
with tents and the children they
have to suffer the condition of
ground is so bad that it is full
of pits and stones.
Similar
is the case of the road. It is to
narrow and always full of people
and vehicle, this road requires
to be widened to cope up with the
load of public and vehicles, this
road is always prone to
accidents. It is therefore
requested to the concerned
authorities to pay heed to your
goodself our genuine grievances
and help the people of the area.
People come to know our problems
and act.
D P Singh
Samba
Upgrade health
sub centre Joura Kalan
We
want to draw the kind attention
of the authorities for the long
pending demand regarding
up-gradation of Health Sub-centre
Joura Kalan to PHC.
That
there is one Health Sub-centre
Joura Kalan, Tehsil Thathri,
District Doda. It is catering to
the needs of nearly 10
surrounding villages inhabited by
nearly ten thousands people.
There is one post of Medical
Assitant and that of A N M these
two employees can hardly cope
with the rush of patients. That
the Medical assistant can not
treat serious cases and they are
shifted to the nearest PHC's out
side their home localities. They
can not afford renting rooms and
arranging food and bedding in
addition to the cost of medicine
etc.
That
Director Health Service Jammu's
letter No DHS/SRAT/?88/403-04
dated 15.05.06 To Chief Medical
Officer Doda with reference to
Divisional Commissioners Jammu's
letter No 701/PS/06/1042 dt.
22.05.06 regarding the subject
above in this connection CMO Doda
was requested to furnish the
feasibility report regarding
upgradation of Health Sub-centre
Joura Kalan to PHC, by the office
of the Director Health Services
Jammu but till date there is no
action regarding the Subject. The
meeting of the people was held on
30.7.06 and 6.8.06 at Joura Kalan
and the papers of land is also
given to the BMO Gandoh by the
land owner who has donated 3
Kanals of land for PHC Joura
Kalan along with Affidavit and
the people are ready to provide a
building having 6 to 7 rooms for
smooth functioning of PHC till
the Government building is to be
constructed.
We
have in the past approached the
Govt and also the present Govt
but no steps have been taken to
redress the grievances of the
public for which they have been
demanding since a long back even
through the medium of the press,
by submitting the memoranda and
also through delegations from
time to time but nothing has
materialised sofar.
In
view of the above we request to
Chief Minister and Health
Minister Mangat Ram Sharma to
kindly look in to our genine
demand and order for upgradation
of sub centre Joura Kalan to PHC.
Through Kuldeep
Kumar Rao
Joura Kalan,
Teh Thathri Distt Doda
Christmas
celebrated
Excelsior
Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Dec 24: Christmas
was celebrated with great pomp
and show by the students of Kalra
College of Education, Udhampur
and KC Gurukul Public School,
Udhampur.
At
Kalra College of Education,
students presented cultural items
while sweets were also
distributed on the occasion. Aman
Sharma, director of the college,
was chief guest.
At
KC Gurukul Public School, a
bonanza of cultural items was
presented by the tiny tots. All
the staff members and children
sang Karols while Principal P L
Suri threw light on importance
and relevance of the Christmas
festival.
Various
events were also organised in
which Nitish, Ritika, Tanish,
Manish, Vanshana, Akarshit, Aivy,
Saiyam, Anmol, Chetna secured
first positions in these events.
ASKPC recalls
Kashap Bandhu, Shiv Narayan
Fotedar
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 24:
Rich tributes were
paid to Kashmiri Pandit leaders
Kashap Bandhu and Shiv Narayan
Fotedar by the leaders of All
State Kashmir Pandit Conference
(ASKPC) at a function held in
Geeta Bhawan here, today.
The
function was held to observe the
death anniversaries of the two
leaders. It was presided over by
R K Raina senior vice president
ASKPC while among others it was
addressed by H L Chatta general
secretary and Bharat Bhushan.
The
function was attended by the
ASKPC representatives from camps
and non camps.
Recalling
the services of Mr Kashap Bandoo,
the speakers said he worked for
changing the society and it was
with his efforts that the Muslim
Conference was changed into
National Conference.
Paying
rich tributes to Shiv Narayan
Fotedar, they said, he took
various steps for the betterment
of the community as ASKPC chief
and recalled his role in
establishing the Gandhi College
and Hindu Education Society
Kashmir.
The
ASKPC activists took a solemn
oath on the occasion to follow
the footsteps of these leaders.
SBI holds meeting
of auto dealers
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 24:
State Bank of India,
zonal office organised a meet of
auto dealers of State. The meet
was organised by leading names in
both car and heavy vehicles.
According
to a press release, while
welcoming the guests, J M Chadda,
Deputy General Manager, SBI,
Jammu module stated that tie up
between Maruti and other leaving
heavy vehicle manufactures and
SBI, country’s largest bank
had resulted in great synergy
between the SBI and the dealers
and had helped achieving
excellent results, higher volume
and growth.
He
also stated that the Bank had
introduced several measures to
provide efficient service and
delivery systems.
Mr
Chadda gave away Awards of
Excellence to the management and
staff of M/s Jamkash Vehicleades,
M/s Shaurya Motors Private
Limited and M/s Highland
Automobiles for achieving
excellence in the sales
performances.
D
S Rana, MD M/s Jamkash
Vehicleades, Sneh Gupta chairman
and Harinder Mahajan, MD of M/s
Shaurya Motors, Sushant MD
Republic Motors, Tarun, managing
partner M/s Eicher Motors,
Sajjad, senior marketing manager,
M/s Highland Automobiles, and
representatives from M/s Ashoka
Leyland were present in the
meeting which was also attended
by Amrit Lal, AGM and RC
Bhardwaj, AGM of SBI.
Slathia addresses
series of public meetings
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 24: Surjit
Singh Slathia, former minister
and senior National Conference
leader addressed a series of
public meetings at village Palli,
Reri and Trindiyan in Vijaypur
constituency, today.
Charging
the State Government with failure
on all fronts, Mr Slathia said
that none of the promises made by
the coalition partners during the
2002 elections, has been
fulfilled. No resources were
mobilized to provide employment
avenues to the educated youth
while unscheduled power cuts and
scarcity of drinking water goes
unabated, he alleged and claimed
that miseries of common people
have multiplied during the
present regime.
Reacting
over the implementation of Roshni
scheme, Mr Slathia said that
before implementation of the
scheme proper investigation
should be carried out by the
Revenue Department.
The
NC leader asked the party workers
to remain prepared for the
elections which, he claimed,
would be held very soon in view
of the widening cracks among the
the major coalition partners.
During
the public meetings, Mr Slathia
was accompanied by Thakur Bhagwan
Singh, Capt Tirath Ram, O P Atri,
Master Noor Hussain, Sarpanch
Subash Chander, Sarpanch Ram Lal,
Tajinder Singh and others.
|
R R L
School celebrates Annual Day
Excelsior
Correspondent
Jammu, Dec 24 : RRL School
celebrated its Annual Day
Function here this evening.
Director RRL, Jammu Dr. G.N. Qazi
presided over the function and
Darshan Kumar Vaid Director
School Education was the chief
guest. The students of the
institution presented a colourful
programme and kept the audience
spell bound for two hours. The
items artistically conveyed the
message of secularism and oneness
in diversity and depicted
everything forming part of our
national integration.
The
principal of the school Asha
Khosa gave a brief account of the
achievements made by the school
during academic year. Cultural
items included programmes like
Guru Vandana, Brazie dance,
Chundu ke Chacha, Haraynave
dance, Desh Rangila Unity in
diversity, Ja-Ra- Natkaht, Hindi
Skit, English Skit and Punjabi
dance.
Addressing
students on the occasion Mr. Vaid
appreciated the management for
organizing the Annual Day
function in a befitting manner.
He said such type of activities
provides platform to the learners
for displaying their talent and
gives them exposure needed for
excelling in modern life. Later,
he gave away prizes to the
meritorious students of the
institute.
Hindu Sammelans
held in city
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 24:
In connection with
the birth centenary celebrations,
various functions were held today
in different parts of the city
and outskirts.
Hindu
Sammelans were held at nine
places in which religious leaders
stressed on the need of
eradicating social evils. In
these religious functions eminent
saints namely Sant Rameshwar
Dassji, Triveni Dassji, Dr.
Jagpuran Dassji, Mahant Narsingh
Dassji, Sant Ramshankar Dassji,
Subash Shastriji delivered
religious sermons.
Hindu
Sammelans were held at Shiv
Mandir Vikas Nagar, Billo Mandir,
Panjthirthi, Atmachand Jain
Bhawan, Talab Tillo, Rani Talab
Digiana, Bhargav Academy, Lower
Gadigarh, Purani Mandi temple,
Bari Brahmana, Akhnoor and
Dhomana.
In
these functions specially
stressed was laid on eradicating
social evils. Speakers exhorted
the Hindus to unitedly face the
challenges and cautioned the
society against evil designs of
those who have been trying to
divide the society in the name of
castism or regionalism.
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