Kashmir fast opening up for large tourism
investments: Baig

Excelsior Correspondent

Mumbai, Feb 21: Deputy Chief Minister, Muzaffar Hussain Baig today asked the investors, from both within and outside the country, to take advantage of the opportunity of investing in Jammu and Kashmir, which is opening up in a big way for investment in tourism sector.

Speaking at the concluding function of the three-day world Travel and Tourism Fair here last evening, Mr Baig, who is also holding the tourism portfolio, said on the path to peace, Kashmir is set to regain its position as one of the choicest global tourist destinations and great opportunities are awaiting the investors to put in their money in the State in this lucrative sector. He said Jammu and Kashmir offers a variety of its own as the three regions of the State have distinct tourist attractions to offer. "While Kashmir valley's unique selling proposition is its chaste and enchanting natural beauty, Jammu has great potential for pilgrim tourism and Ladakh is famous for adventure tourism," he said.

Mr Baig said with tourist arrivals to the valley picking up fast, there is a compelling need to match the tourist traffic with adequate world-class infrastructure, which unfortunately could not be developed during the past decade due to the strife. He said now when Kashmir has started opening up again, the huge tourist arrivals have started putting tremendous stress on the existing infrastructure. "We have opened Kashmir up for outside investment for the development of multi-faceted resorts which have become the new trend of modern tourism," he said adding that any private investor from outside the State, in joint venture with a local partner, could be given land on lease in the State for such a purpose.

The State Government, Mr Baig said has formulated a tourism policy under which development of world-class tourist resorts is to be given priority to catch up with the fierce global competition. He said in addition to the existing traditional destinations like Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam, the Government would encourage investment in chaste tourist areas of the State which are equally beautiful. "The Government is soon going to announce auctioning of the land at these tourist destinations to facilitate entry of the private players for development of the resorts," he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister gave away awards and trophies to the best performing participants. Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation was given the best award for Kashmir cuisine.

The Deputy Chief Minister, also attended the dinner hosted by the Film and Television Producers Guild (FTPG) Mumbai.

Mr Baig interacted with ace producers from Bollywood and discussed a wide range of subjects including the present security situation in the State and future prospects for tourism.

Noted film and television producers Yash Chopra, Amit Khanna, Raj Tilak, Mahesh Bhatt, Ashok Thakaria, Ramesh Tullani, Gaffar Bhai Nadiadwalla, Vido Vinod Chopra, Shakti Samant, Kamal Bajyatra and S Shanta Ram and others were present.

Rehabilitation of militancy affected families
CS takes serious note of unutilization of funds

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Feb 21: Council for rehabilitation of militancy affected Jammu and Kashmir approved Rs 98.65 lakh for the year 2005-06 for rehabilitation of widows, orphans, handicapped and old persons of militancy affected of the state at a meeting of the Council held here today under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Vijay Bakaya.

Others who attended meeting include Principal Secretary Social Welfare Department, B. L. Nimesh, Special Secretary Home, Dalip Singh, Special Secretary Finance Bashir Ahmad, Special Secretary Planning and Development G.R. Ghani and Executive Director, Rehabilitation Council (Member Secretary) Mr Khurshid Ahmad Bhat.

It was decided in the meeting that an amount of Rs 48 lakh would be spent by District Development Commissioner’s of different districts to provide assistance to the affected families.

As many As Rs.15 lakh was sanctioned for construction of library building of Ashiana orphanage at Kishtwar and an amount of Rs 6.80 lakh was sanctioned as grant-in-aid to the same orphanage. Also Rs 14 lakhs were approved as grant-in-aid to one NGO for running an orphanage namely Basera for the victims of militancy, at Doda.

For enhancing capacity development in various income generating activities for the women of earthquake victims a proposal of Rs 25 lakh and creating a revolving fund of Rs 2 crore would be submitted to the Union Government, the meeting decided.

It was also decided to submit a proposal of Rs 3 crore to the Central government to provide one time assistance of Rs 50,000 each for marriages of widows and grown up daughter of earthquake victims.

Chief Secretary took serious note of unutilized fund by various District Development Commissioners’ earmarked for the purpose of rehabilitation of affected families of militancy.

Member Secretary of the Council Mr Khurshid Ahmad Bhatt apprised the meeting that the Council as per guidelines of National Foundation for communal harmony, New Delhi has undertaken various activities to rehabilitate victims of the militancy in the State.

ZSWO visits border villages

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 21: Zila Sainik Welfare Officer Jammu, Lt Col Karan Singh along with staff members visited border villages of Jourian and Pallanwala to attend to the problems of ex-servicemen and widows.

Col Karan Singh while addressing apprised the gathering about welfare measures taken by the State and Central Governments like same rank same pension. He said that a group of ministers assigned the task of considering one rank one pension system have recommended that pension of pre 1996 retiree PBOR be revised.

Col Singh also stressed on the membership of ECHS immediately and avail medical facility for self as well as dependents.

Rs 3500 each was paid for marriage of daughter of Mrs Satya Devi, widow of Late Hans Raj, Mrs Parkasho Devi, Wd/o late Nk Daya Ram, Mrs Sansaro Devi widow of Late Naik Janak Singh, Mrs Krishna Devi, widow of late Hav Ashok Kumar.

Rs 1000 cash each was paid to Mrs Raj Kumari, widow of Nb Sub Kashar Dass, Mrs Madhu Devi widow of DFR Om Parkash, Mrs Pushpa Devi, widow of Late Rifleman Chamail Singh, Mrs Channo Devi, mother of Kargil martyr Late Hav Daler Singh Bhau.

Rs 5000 was distributed to wards of widows and ex-servicemen as scholarship and book grant.

Controversy over management of Gurudwara
Court sets-aside order of Court below

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Feb 21: First Additional District Judge Jammu KJS Kanwel has decided a controversy over the management of Gurudwara Shri Singh Sabha Gole-Gujral Jammu and set-aside the order passed by the Court below on January 21, 2006 and directed the parties to maintain status-quo with the regard to the management of Gurudwara.

This Court order has been passed in an appeal filed by Manmohan Singh Chairman Management Committee of Gurudwara Shri Singh Sabha Gole-Gujral and its Office Bearer verses District Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee Jammu through its President, S. Jagjit Singh alias Jagga and other office bearers against the judgment and order of January 21, 2006 passed by the City Judge Jammu.

Mr Kanwel after perusal of the record and observed that DGPC has to call meeting pass resolution and than appoint the manager or make alternative and in the instant case, it seems it has not been done so far as has been stated by one of the respondent Amrik Singh, who was the General Secretary of DGPC at that point of time.

Further, it has also been submitted in the written statement that petitioners have field earlier a suit, when DGPC has appointed a committee to run the Gurudwara in question. The instant suit has been filed where in at the time of filing of Suit before the Court below, Court below has passed an order for interim relief on May 11, 2004, the operative part of which is that parties were directed to maintain status-quo with regard to control and management of Gurudwara Shri Singh Sabha Gole-Gujral. However, this order shall not prevent the defendants from taking control of the plaintiffs over Gurudwara after taking due course of law, in view of the order dated May 11, 2004, the defendants were left at their option to adopt due course of law for running management of Gurudwara in the spirit of the Act and in view of the provisions of the Act and rules. But same has not been done by the respondents as there is no record placed by them before the Court below about calling the meetings passing of resolution. In view of the facts and circumstances of the case order dated January 21, 06 passed by the Court below is set-aside, parties are directed to maintain status-quo, and however respondents are not debarred to take course of the law in terms of the provisions of the Act.

Hurrah Ashtami celebrated with religious fervour, gaiety

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 21: Hurrah Ashtami was celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety by Kashmiri Pandits throughout the Jammu today. Functions were organized in different temples of the City and its outskirts to mark the occasion.

A large number of devotees thronged the Pukhri Bal Temple, Kral Bab Nagar, Bantalab to participate in the Hurrah Ashtami celebrations. The religious function started early in the morning and continued throughout the night.

On the occasion a Maha Yagya was also solemnized in the temple by Pt. Prem Nath Shastri Sanskrtik Shod Sansthan. This was the 10th havan of the series of 108 yagyas being performed by the Sansthan. On the occasion chairman of the Sansthan Jyotshi Omkar Nath Shastri also delivered the religious discourses.

Another havan was performed by the Sansthan yesterday in the Shiv Temple at Durga Nagar, Sector One, said Jyotshi Avtar Krishen, convenor of the Sansthan.

In connection with celebration of Hurrah Ashtami a grand function was organized at Shiv Shakti Temple, Roop Nagar Enclave, Block A. Dr B L Kaul a noted scholar gave lectures on the religious significance of Hurrah Ashtami and Maha Shivratri on the occasion.

The function was organized by the Welfare Committee headed by Viboji Zutshi.

Geeta Satsang Ahsram, Migrant Camp Muthi Phase Second also organized a function to celebrate this religious festival which falls five days prior to Maha Shivratri. On the occasion religious discourses were given by Swami Kumar Ji. A large number of devotees took part in the function.

The Hurrah Ashtami was celebrated for the first time in the newly constructed Sharika Bhavan, Devi Angan, Paloura Dhok in which a large number of people participated. The Bhajan and Kirtan continued in the Bhavan upto late night.

In connection with celebrations of Hurrah Ashtami a function was also held at Shiv Temple, Anuradha Puram, Sector One, Barnai in which the Satisar Foundation gave a public demonstration regarding the technique and religious significance of Maha Shivratri Puja.

Free medical camp organised at SOS Children’s village

Excelsior Correspondent

NEW DELHI, Feb 21: A Medical Camp was organised at Children’s Village Bawana in coordination with Star Imaging Path Lab, Tilak Nagar, Delhi in which a team of 23 medical experts along with 10 supporting staff examined the children, mothers and co-workers.

They provided free medicines, HB to MRI investigation, lunch to 350 children, free medical check up and 300 food packets distributed by Dr R K Katyal.

Thorough check up was done by giving full attention to the queries made by those present on the occasion. Dr R A Gupta, Chairman, Star Imaging and Path Lab extended free investigations and assured to provide the same facilities for the financial year 2006-07 for all children, mothers and co-workers.

Chief Executive of Star Imaging Gagan Kishan was the prime person of the event. Dr Sanjeev Singh Director, SOS Children’s Village Bawana thanked all the members of the team for contributing their valuable time and knowledge to the needy children. Dr R A Gupta along with all the team of doctors received a small token of love in the form of mementos from SOS Children’s Village Bawana.

The team included Dr R A Gupta, Mrs Sarita Gupta, Dr H K Khanna, Dr Rajesh Maheshwari, Dr Gagan Kishan, Dr A K Nangia, Dr Lalit K Mehndiratta, Dr Kalpana Chandra, Dr P M Singh, Dr Kamal Singhal, Dr R K Dusaj, Dr R K Ghai, Dr B K Narang, Dr Prabha Ranjana, Dr Gopal Goel, Dr K K Chawala, Dr Shally Narang, Dr Vipin Kumar, Dr Uttam Pal, Dr Tejinder Singh, Dr O P Rewaria, Dr A P Sharma, Dr Sudha Kapoor, Dr S L Rewaria, Dietitian Sonal and Basanti Devi.

INTUC for regularisation of RDD daily wagers

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Feb 21: District unit of Indian National Trade Union Congress has demanded regularisation of daily wagers of Rural Development Department and release of 4 % of DA installment.

In a meeting of the INTUC workers held at Barmeen today, district unit president of the organisation, Som Nath stressed upon the need of issuing regularisation orders in favour of RDD daily rated workers engaged for the last 15 to 18 years. He said their cases be settled under SRO 64 at the earliest. He alleged that concerned authorities were adopting delaying tactics.

He further pointed out that some employees shifted from Watershed project to Forest have not been paid for the last two years. Their families are facing starvation. He also demanded that consolidated workers engaged in PHE, PWD, RDD, Forest and Watershed be given rate as per Minimum Wages Act and regularised after seven years of service.

The INTUC leader also demanded release of four per cent DA from July 2005 and extra two and half days salary in favour of PHE employees.

Other speakers in the meeting included Tilak Raj, Subash Chander, Santokh Singh and Khem Raj.

Arrangements for Board Exams finalized

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Feb 21: To finalize arrangements of the ensuing Board exams, a high level meeting was held here today under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Vijay Bakaya.

Meeting was attended by the Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Anil Goswami, Commissioner/Secretary Education Department M. M. Bhat, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Pramod Jain, Director School Education, Jammu, M.K. Dwivedi, IG Jammu, S.P. Vaid and Chairman, Board of School Education, Jammu, N. A. Gani.

The Chairman Board of School Education apprised the meeting that Board is conducting exams of Higher Secondary Part II (regular), Secondary School (regular), Secondary School (private) and Higher Secondary Part II (private) annual session, w.e.f. 27.02.2006, 04.03.2006, 20.03.2006 and 30.03.2006 respectively in entire Jammu province.

To check menace of copying, the meeting decided to appoint additional Vigilance Squads and Action group at different examination centres.

Principal and Headmaster of the Institutions in which exam would be conducted shall be the overall incharge of that centre, respective SHO would ensure adequate deployment of police personal at all centres and they will do random frisking at the entry point of exam centres before commencement of exam, the meeting decided.

Magistrates have been ordered to impose section 144 around the centres in their respective areas and in case of curfew admission cards of the candidates shall be treated as curfew passes.

Encroachments removed, goods confiscated
JMC to register FIRs against 12 chronic encroachers today

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 21: To tighten noose around the chronic encroachers, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) today finalised another list of 12 habitual violators of the Municipal Laws for registration of FIRs against them.

"These encroachers belong to General Bus Stand and Janipur areas and FIRs would be lodged against them tomorrow", Joint Commissioner of the Corporation J S Pachnanda said, adding that registration of FIRs against such encroachers would be a routine affair to curb the menace of encroachments.

A similar list of other areas is also being framed by identifying the persons during the follow-up actions, he disclosed and said that in majority of the areas covered under the anti-encroachment drive, the shopkeepers are extending cooperation to the Corporation.

Meanwhile, the Enforcement Wing team of the Corporation led by Chief Khilafwarzi Officer Ravi Sharma reviewed the areas of Below Gummat, Raghunath Bazaar, Rajinder Bazaar, B C Road, Maheshpura and Janipur. During the process, the team removed large number of pavements of those shopkeepers, who had demanded time from the Corporation for voluntary action.

In the Raghunath Bazaar, goods of some showrooms which were creating hindrances in the movement of the pedestrians on the foot-paths were lifted and later released by the JMC team with the intervention of the president of the Bazaar.

However, from the other areas a truck full of goods were confiscated by the JMC from all the areas covered today. On B C Road, about a dozen counters which were placed on the foot-paths by the shopkeepers were seized as they were not adhering to the warning issued to them some days back.

In Janipur area, grills of several houses were removed from by-lanes on the basis of complaints.

"Besides follow-up action, we are also going to cover the left-over areas under the anti-encroachment drive", Mr Pachnanda said and added that the Corporators of the Sarwal area have requested the Enforcement Wing of the Corporation to identity the encroachments in their areas so that they can facilitate the voluntarily removal of the same.

Mankotia for promotion of tourism in Udhampur

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 21: President Young Panthers and MLA Udhampur, Balwant Singh Mankotia has stressed on bringing Udhampur Constituency on proposed tourist circuit as this Constituency has vast religious as well as scenic tourist places.

Addressing a press conference here today, he demanded that the tourism potential of the district be fully exploited as it will boost the economy of the people.

He expressed satisfaction over the announcement of Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad for granting approval to various developmental schemes for Udhampur town including Rs 7.08 crore project for improvement and protection of Devka , 70 kilometer raddational road link for Sawlakote Project through Tirsi, Narore, Panchari and Lander.

Mr Mankotia said during recent meeting with Chief Minister, various developmental issues of Udhampur came up for discussion and Chief Minister agreed upon the plan of Rs 7.08 crore for the development and protection of Devika river.

He said the Chief Minister in this meeting also approved the construction of 70 kilometers road connecting Udhampur with Sawlakote Project. During the meeting, the matter regarding expansion of Railway track too came under discussion.

He demanded inclusion of Balian, Seen Shakrna, Darsoo, Guddar, Rathian, Roun and other Panchayats in the Watershed Project in Jindhra Block of Jammu district. He also demanded opening of ISM dispensary at Old Age Home Udhampur and sanction of Rs 6.38 lakh for the repair of Middle School building Barian.

HC notice to Home Deptt, others in Asha Jamwal death case

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Feb 21: In a much publicized death of Mrs. Asha Jamwal wife of Anirudh Singh Jamwal, who was allegedly murdered by the Officials of the Police and JDA, who has been specifically mentioned in the dying declaration of deceased, a petition has been filed by the father of the deceased, seeking registration of a murder against the Culprits.

Justice Permod Kohli of the State High Court Jammu wing after hearing Advocate Madan M Baru with Advocate Avdesh K Raina issued notice to Commissioner/ Secretary Home, DGP, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, and SHO P/S Bakshi Nagar Jammu, returnable within three weeks.

In the petition filed by Mr. Sat Pal Singh father of the deceased Asha Jamwal it was submitted that on November 5, 2005 a team of JDA along with a heavy contingent of police reached Topsherkhania Jammu and stated vacating forcibly, the shop of in-laws of the deceased without caring for their repeated request that shop should not be illegally vacated as the same has been constructed on their own land and not on the land of JDA.

During the process, the Incharge Police post Sarwal dragged the daughter of the petitioner (Asha Jamwal) and threw her inhumanely and brutally into a burning fire. The official of the police and JDA instead of dousing, the flames thereby saving the deceased, fled from the spot after noticing that the deceased had caught fire and shouting with pain and crying for help. Then the passerby including the family members stared dousing the flames but the daughter of the petitioner has received more than 70% burn. She was immediately shifted to GMC from where she was referred to CMC Ludhiana fro treatment. Meanwhile the people of Topsherkhania held demonstration against barbaric, inhuman and brutal act of the police and JDA for having committed gruesome murder of the daughter of the petitioner.

The petitioner prayed before the Court for issuance a direction to the respondents to register a case of murder u/s 302 against culprit police and JDA officials, who have been mentioned in the dying declaration of deceased Asha Jamwal.

KP bodies criticize Hurriyat

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 21: Panun Kashmir convenor, Dr Aghnishekhar and state president of J&K Vichar Manch (JKVM), Ashok Kangan have criticized the Hurriyat Conference for deciding to stay away from PM’s roundtable conference on February 25.

In their separate statements the KP leaders expressed surprise over the changing stance of the Hurriyat leadership."The last minute change in Hurriyat decision seems that the conglomerate has been fully exposed before the people" , said Dr Aghnishekhar.

He blamed the Hurriyat leadership for misleading the people of Kashmir over these years that brought the entire state to the path of destruction. Hurriyat has also no public mandate and their tactics is nothing except the political blackmail, he alleged.

Lambasting the Hurriyat leadership, Mr Kangan said if they had to stay away from the PM’s roundtable conference and negotiations then why did the leaders of conglomerate visited Jammu to hold parlays with cross section of people including the displaced Pandits.

He also criticized those Pandit activists who participated in recent talks with Hurriyat saying that the conglomerate has come into its original color now.