Court rejects bail application in cheating case

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, June 16 :Duty Magistrate, Mr. Kamlesh Pandita today rejected two bail applications filed by Feroz Ahmed of Kheuneh, Kishtwar and Mir Manwar Iqbal of Firdousabad, who were arrested by Greater Kailash Police in filmy style cheating.

According to the police story Feroz Ahmed and Manwar Iqbal approached the showroom of Indica Cars for purchase of cars. In this connection the accused Feroz Ahmed deposited Rs 7000/- and other accused Manwar deposited Rs 8000/-, but after two days, accused persons requested the sale representative of the complainants company for refund of the deposited amount on account of advance booking.

The amount was refunded to the accused persons through cheques for Rs 7000/- and Rs 8000/-. After obtaining the cheques accused persons forged the amount to Rs 70,000/- and Rs 80,000/- and withdrew the same.

A case u/s 420/468/467/471 RPC was registered and investigation in the case started. Accused Feroz Ahmed was arrested on June 8, 2006 and accused Manwar Iqbal arrested on June 11, 2006.

Duty Magistrate Mr. Kamlesh Pandita after hearing both the parites opposed the bail application on various grounds and submitted that the investigation of the case is still in its infancy and recoveries yet to be made. More so the main brain behind the fraud is yet to be arrested and the offences committed by the accused are heinous in nature and offence u/s 467 RPC carries the punishment of life-imprisonment. In the facts and circumstances of the case, the Court thinks that release of the accused persons during the course of investigation is going to hamper the progress of the investigation, the judge observed while rejecting the bail applications

Terrorism can’t be fought with half hearted efforts: Sahni

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 16: Maintaining that terrorism can’t be fought with half hearted efforts, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Governor Goa and Sikkim, Kedar Nath Sahni today said it needs firm resolve and commitment to weed out terrorism from the State.

Talking to mediapersons along with senior BJP leader and former MoS, Defence, Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta and Party vice president, Shamsher Singh Manhas here today, he said the militancy can be weeded out completely provided sincere efforts are made in this regard.

Maintaining that BJP’s struggle will not go unregistered and bear fruit soon, he said the people of Doda camping at Jammu and other places who are on hit list can’t return till security is provided to them.

Alleging that the presence of the terrorists sympathizers are still in the Government and administration, he demanded their identification. "Such people needed to be identified and thrown out from administration", he added.

Lambasting the Congress, he said its weak policies are the cause of increasing terror in J&K. Had the policies of the Party been clear there woud have been no problem like Jammu and Kashmir today, he added.

He also expressed grave concern over the demographic change in the State especially in Ladakh region and demanded that this trend be stopped.

He said the Party has attained its objective of launching Satyagraha which was to bring the real face of terrorism before the people of the country.

Strongly condemning the Mahore incident, he demanded security for the hapless people in militancy infested areas of the State.

The army pickets which were established during the NDA time in Doda and other far of places in the state be re-established, demanded Prof. Gupta.

Shahidi Diwas of Guru Arjun Devji observed
with religious fervour

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 16: To observe the 400th martyrdom of Shri Guru Arjun Devji, various functions were organised all over the State to mark the occasion.

Special functions were held in all Gurdwaras where Sangat recalled supreme sacrifices of Guru Arjun Devji and paid tributes to the Guru. Various social and religious organisations installed ‘Chabblies’ and ‘Langers’ in which sweet drinking water and meals were served to the people throughout the day.

At ever busy Asia Chowk, police persons had installed a Chabbil in front of the District Police Lines. The staff of the SRTC were seen distributing sweet water to the passers-by. Sangat members were seen distributing sweet water to passers-by in front of every Gurdwara.

In connection with Shahidi Diwas of Guru Arjun Devji, a function was also held at Gurdwara Digiana Ashram.

Speakers addressed huge gathering of Sikh Sangat and said that this historic occasion will go a long way in disseminating message of universal brotherhood, equality peace and co-existence. They further said that the compilation of Sri Granath Sahibji by the great Guru, will continue to inspire humanity to adopt the noble path.

They further said that Guru Arjun Devji is called as martyr because he went through untold sufferings for the noble cause of freedom of faith and worship because he condemned the then rulers. He transformed the suffering and death into holy worship, a welcome and rare divine blessing.

During the function Shabad Kirtan was recited by the Hazoori Ragi Jathas and Sikh preacher Sarwan Singh Sewak of Amritsar. On this occasion many Sikhs baptized Amritpan and became Amritdari.

The 400th martyrdom of Shri Guru Arjun Devji was observed at Gurdwara Rani Park, Jammu. Large number of devotees were present on the occasion.

On this occasion, Jagdev Singh, president SAD addressed the gathering and recalled supreme sacrifices of Guru Arjun Devji.

Chairman central core committee TNWA organised Maha Chabeel at Transport Nagar on the occasion of Shahidi Diwas of Guru Arjun Devji. Balbir Singh Sethi chairman of the Committee appealed to all members of the Association to maintain brotherhood. He recalled supreme sacrifices of Shri Guru Arjun Devji.

On the occasion of Martyr day of Guru Arjun Devji, Chabbil was organised by the State Bank of India Udhampur in which Sarbat and Prasad was distributed.

Foundation for Peace and Social Justice organised a seminar in collaboration of All J&K Sikh Unity Forum here today.

Rajinder Singh, Avtar Singh, Gurmit Singh, Dr J L Gupta and M L Koul threw light on the life of Shri Guru Arjun Devji. Ashok Sharma, MLC, who is president of the Association was chief guest.

Wigan Leigh opens International
Management College in Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 16: Wigan and Leigh College, India, a part of British Government funded Wigan and Leigh College UK, today announced launching of its International Management College in Jammu.

Wigan and Leigh Jammu will offer both Undergraduate and Post Graduate Courses in Business Management, Advertising and Graphic Design, Media Studies and Fashion Technology.

Admissions will be made after a competitive written examination -Wigan Aptitude Test (WAT), to be conducted at Jammu. After the written examination, the short listed candidates will have to go through a group discussion and personal interview.

All those students who have finished or are finishing their 10+2/HSC examination or their graduation final year examinations this year, are eligible for WAT.

This was informed by Dr Trevor Ashton, Director International Operations, WLC (UK), while talking to media persons, here today.

"Wigan and Leigh-Jammu is being set up with a distinct objective to bring professional education at par with international standards being provided anywhere in the world, at the door steps of the people in Jammu and the surrounding areas thereby immensely uplifting the education standards in the city," he said.

Malobika Sengupta, CEO, WLC (India), who was accompanying Dr Trevor, claimed that Wigan and Leigh-Jammu will offer many unique advantages including an up-to-date, industry relevant course curriculum, paid traineeship, faculty with rich industry experience and tie-ups with Universities across the world. "Apart from providing work related skills alongside the course, the traineeship programme, for which the college has partnered with leading Indian and multinational organisations, helps students to get better placement at the end of the course," she explained and added that Wigan and Leigh-Jammu will provide the same learning and job opportunities to students at Jammu as it provides any of its students across the country.

With the J&K Launch, Wigan and Leigh’s national footprint now extends to 17 campuses across the country. The Indian alumni of WLC India, are now over 8000 in number and they have been successfully recruited by some of the best employers in their chosen fields.

Wigan and Leigh, International is one of the largest further education institutions in the UK with a worldwide reputation for quality education. The 150 years old college has a strong presence across 26 countries including UK, India, Sri Lanka, Greece, Japan, China, Hong Kong, etc. WLC UK offers scholarship to the Postgraduate and undergraduate students of WLC India to complete the last semester in UK.

Man commits suicide, 3 make attempts

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 16: A man allegedly committed suicide by consuming poisonous substance while as three persons allegedly attempted to end their lives.

Police spokesman said that one Massa Chand, son of Chandu Ram of Rajouri allegedly committed suicide by consuming poisonous substance. He was rushed to District Hospital Rajouri where he died despite the hectic efforts of the doctors to save his life.

Police has registered a case in this connection and started investigation to ascertain the cause behind this extreme step.

Meanwhile, three persons—Yousaf of Srinagar, Roshan Lal of Hiranagar and Rohit Kumar of R S Pura allegedly consumed poisonous substances at their respective residences to end their lives. They were rushed to hospital when spotted unconscious by family members.

Doctors immediately provided them stomach wash treatment followed by other medicare. Their condition was stated to be out of danger. It could not be immediately ascertained as to whether they intentionally consumed poison or swallowed the same mistakenly.

Police has taken cognizance of all the incidents.

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

They are Santokhoo, son of Krishan Lal of Udhampur, Jeet Kumar, son of Mulkh Raj of Digiana, Bohri Singh, son of Shamsher Singh of Bakshi Nagar, Arjun Kumar, son of Romail Chand of Kothey Chowhala, Salma Chak, Sardari Lal, son of Thoru Ram of Kathua, Mangal Singh, son of Onkar Singh of Gharota, Rajinder Kumar, son of Dharam Chand of Arnia, Shiv Ram, son of Nagi Ram of Talab Tillo and Rajesh of Janipur.

DSS celebrates coronation anniversary of Gulab Singh

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 16: In connection with 184th anniversary of the coronation of Maharaja Gulab Singh as ruler of the State, a colourful function was organised today by Dogra Sadar Sabha at Jia Pota on the banks of river Chenab in Akhnoor.

Besides the Sabha workers, a large number of people participated in the function in which Rajput Sabha president and MoS R&B, Thakur Gulchain Singh Charak, was the chief guest.

On the occasion, Mr Charak honoured the recipients of Virchakra and Shaurya Chakra, families of martyrs and the intellectuals who have distinguished themselves in various disciplines.

While highlighting importance of the day, Mr Charak reminded that under the leadership of Maharaja Gulab Singh and his world renowned Generals, Dogras offered supreme sacrifices in extending boundaries of the State and consolidating the same. Dogras have kept this tradition alive even during the upheavals of 1947, 65 and 71 and Kargil war, he added.

Mr Charak also announced the grant of Rs 1 lakh for the development of Jia Pota site and ensured that work on link road to the temple would be carried at the earliest.

Shiv Ram Manmar, ex-MLA and a social worker of Akhnoor, highlighted importance of this historical place. K P Singh, secretary DSS, briefly narrated the events of that time. He also highlighted the activities of Dogra Sadar Sabha

Dr H R Sharma, senior vice-president of DSS, S M A Khan, vice-president, Prem Sagar Gupta, Kulbir Singh, Sat Paul, Ashok Kumar, Surinder Singh and others also spoke on the occasion.

Police-public meeting organised at Kishtwar

Excelsior Correspondent

DODA, June 16: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Doda Manohar Singh organised a police-public meeting at Kishtwar in which people of the area raised their grievances.

In the meeting, people demanded regularisation of traffic route from mini-bus stand Kishtwar, check on illegal distillation of liquor, constitution of Village Defence Committees (VDCs) in far flung areas, prohibition of plying of light motor vehicles and motorcycles at Parade Ground Kishtwar and bringing an end to the practice of over-loading in mini-buses.

They urged the SSP to immediately workout cases of theft of PHE pipes and take action against the culprits, post Head Constable as Guard Commander at Sub-District Hospital Kishtwar and bring an end to practice of black-marketing of kerosene oil and deploy lady police in Sarthal Devi Mandir for frisking of the women pilgrims.

They further demanded that unionism in the project under construction should be governed under labour laws and loading and unloading of vehicles in main bazaar should not be carried out during peak hours. They also demanded deployment of Head Constables as Post Incharges of all Police Pickets in Kishtwar areas.

For maintaining of law and order in the Kishtwar town, people assured all possible support to the police.

SSP Doda gave patient hearing to the people and issued directions on the spot for redressal of their grievances. He asked the people to maintain peace and communal harmony in the area and join hands with police in keeping check on anti-social and anti-national elements.

Airtel crosses mark of 3 lakh customers in J&K

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 16: In less than two years of operations in the State, Airtel has achieved the milestone of three-lakh customers in Jammu and Kashmir.

To celebrate the occasion, Airtel launched Group Save Offer for small and medium enterprises offering discounted call rates of 30 paisa within the group. The group can avail local CUG calls, national CUG and roaming Outgoing calls into the group at a flat charging of 30 paisa per minute.

This was announced by R V S Bhullar, Chief Operating Officer, Bharti Airtel Limited, J&K, while addressing a news conference, here today.

"The achievement of 3 lakh figure in a short span clearly reflects the belief of people of J&K in the world class services by Airtel,"he said claiming that Airtel’s bouquet of value added services, leveraging its all India footprint, backed by a state of the art network and world class customer service were key drivers of the success.

On the occasion, Mr Bhullar also announced the first winner of Airtel’s ‘Har Scratch Mein Catch’ offer for the week. Under the offer, one Ajay Kohli from Bakshi Nagar, Jammu, has won a motorcycle as the prize.

The scratch officer, valid for new Airtel post paid customers and every prepaid customer recharging with an RC of 200 and above, comes with an assured gift in the form of discounts on selected brands, bird handsets, motor cycles and mega prize of Maruti car. The offer is valid till June 30, 2006.

Dabur organizes wholesale dealers meet at Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 16: A dealers meet of Jammu Wholesalers Association, was organized by Dabur (I) Limited under the chairmanship of regional head R Mukhopathaya, who thanked the dealers of Jammu for breaking all previous records of sales of its various brands.

The brands of Dabur included Sharbat-e-Azam, Vatika Shampoo, Odomos and Glucose D for which wholesalers of Jammu actively participated in its programme named "Wholesale Munafa". Winners of the programme were also announced on the occasion.

Highlighting the equality of products Sanjay Koul, Area Incharge said Dabur is doing its best to provide masses with quality products as done in the past.

Sales Officer Jammu Saurabh Jain conducted the proceedings while other speakers included Rakesh Gupta and Jai Aggarwal. The event was managed by Admark.

Increase security around Temple during yatra: Sabha

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 16: Demanding increase in the security, newly constituted Adhoc Committee of All J&K Guru Ravi Dass Sabha has resolved not to allow any type of meeting or function to any organisation or group in the premises of Guru Ravi Dass Temple at Krishna Nagar in view of ongoing Shri Amarnathji Yatra.

Addressing a press conference here today convenor of the Adhoc Committee, Simer Dass said that entire Sabha complex has been occupied by a large number of pilgrims of Shri Amarnathji shrine and during yatra period no other activity, meeting or function will be allowed to any group, Party of the organisation in the complex.

Referring to a report appeared in a section of press regarding holding of a general body meeting by an organisation on June 18 in the temple complex of Guru Ravi Dassji, Mr Dass said that no permission has been given to the group headed by one Mulakh Raj or Sham Lal Basson regarding conduct of meeting on this day. Even they have not sought any such permission from the adhoc body of the Sabha. He termed the report regarding conduct of meeting in complex as false and misleading.

He further said that accommodation has been provided in the complex to the yatris and langar is also being run there. Besides securitymen have also been deployed in the complex. He urged upon the district administration to enhance security around the temple complex in view of the threat perception during yatra.

Deputations call on Azad

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, June 16: A number of deputations from various parts of the State called on Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad here today and presented memorandums detailing their demands.

A deputation from Dooru-Shahabad urged for taking measures for promotion of tourism in the area. They also pleaded for integrated development of Verinag as a tourist destination and taking up other development projects in the area.

The deputation from Doda district also apprised the Chief Minister about the development needs of the area.

The deputationists assured whole-hearted support to Azad in his mission of rejuvenating economy, ensuring good governance, all round development and prosperity in the State.

Minister for Transport Mangat Ram Sharma was also present on the occasion.

The deputation from Dooru-Shahabad was led by MLA G. A. Mir while that from Doda by Ghulam Haider Sheikh.

Responding to the demands projected by the deputations, the Chief Minister said that a chain of development schemes has been launched including over 500 works being executed in double-shift across the State to complete these in a time-bound manner. He said that equitable development of all areas is being ensued. He also assured them full consideration of their demands.

Depression led to suicide by lady officer: Brig Chopra

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 16: Brig K K Chopra, Commander 71 Sub Area in the Northern Command has claimed that lady officer, Lieutenant Sushmita Chakraborthy of 5071 ACS battalion, who committed suicide yesterday in Udhampur was under depression and it possibly led her to commit suicide.

Talking to media-persons here today, Brig Chopra said this 25-year-old lady officer was first brought for counselling to Army doctor, Col Vijay Pande, Classifed Specialist (Psychiatry), with the history that she was finding it difficult to cope with the service and was feeling frustrated, disillusioned and out of place in the present environment. As per her fellow officers, she appeared more frustrated and depressed for the last month.

Brig Chopra further claimed that she had a past history of some mental illness. She belonged to West Bengal and was settled in Bhopal. Her father is working in BHEL and underwent angioplasty in Dec 2005. She was eldest of the two children. Younger brother is studying in 12th standard. She was M.Sc Chemistry and was commissioned in the Army on Sept 17, 2005 and joined the present unit on October 8 last year. She had stated many times to her colleagues that there was mismatch between her expectations and perception about the Army and her present duties. She was doing the job of MTO in the unit. Her mother was also residing with her presently at her official quarter.

Responding to a question, Army Commander said that she had high expections and wanted to excel in the job. She had mild obsessive traits in her personality, sensorium was clear and biodrives were not grossly impaired. She was managed as case of ‘adjustment disorder’ with four sessions of individual psychotherapy. After last session in March she had wished to take a break and go on annual leave. He said a high level inquiry has been ordered to establish the cause behind death.

3 Amarnath pilgrims killed, 10 injured

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 16: Three Amarnath yatris were killed and 10 received injuries in two separate road accidents.

Police spokesman said that three Amarnath pilgrims were killed and five others received injuries when a Tata Sumo, they were travelling in, skidded off the road and rolled down into a deep gorge at Sher Bibi under the jurisdiction of Banihal Police Station.

The ill-fated vehicle bearing registration number JK02N-9870 was on its way from Jammu to Srinagar when met with accident. On the receipt of information about the accident, a police party rushed to the spot and shifted all the occupants of the ill-fated vehicle to the Emergency Hospital Ramban where two of them were declared as brought dead.

One of the injured, later, succumbed to injuries. The condition of remaining injured was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in.

The deceased have been identified as Mohd Din and Ali Rana, sons of Sadaqat Mian of West Champaran Bihar and Lal Babu Mahtan, son of Rafiq of Bihar.

In another accident, five Amarnath pilgrims were injured after a tempo traveller number JK02N-9870 which was on its way from Jammu to Srinagar turned turtle near J P Gate, Chanderkote. All have been hospitalised and their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in. They are Bharat, son of Dhanjay Bhai, Sodakar Butt, son of Ramneek Lal, Ankur Kumar, son of Babu Bhai, Javeri Jander Butt, son of Bishan Dass and Atul Kumar, son of Chandu Lal of Gujarat.

BJP launches week-long agitation in Hiranagar

Excelsior Correspondent

HIRANAGAR, June 16: BJP unit of Hiranagar has launched week-long " jail bharo andolen" under the leadership of Ranjit Singh, state vice president of BJP, from today to June 23 against soaring prices of essential commodities as also problems of farmers and unemployment.

On the first day , many workers alongwith Rajeev Jasrotia, district general secretary of the party courted arrest today.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Jasrotia said the agitation shall continue till the Government reduces the prices of petrol and other essential commodities.

He said the State Government has failed on all fronts and has lost the right to stay in power. Mr Jasrotia pointed out the Azad Government has not been able to provide security to the minorities in the State.

Prominent among those who courted arrest included: Dev Raj Sharma, Goura Shankar, Rajinder Bakshi, Sehdev Singh, Chaman Lal, Mohan Lal, Nichal Singh.

APMCC expresses concern over spurt in militancy

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 16: Executive Committee of All Parties Migrants Coordination Committee (APMCC) in a meeting here today held under the chairmanship of Vinod Pandita has expressed grave concern over the increasing terrorism violence in the state.

Addressing the meeting Vijay Chikan described the current attacks as the indication of a big trouble, that the militant organizations supported by certain over ground leaders want make the State Government a total failure.

Karan Choudhary alleged that there are various agencies in the Government who neither want that Kashmiri migrants to get settled any where nor they want that peace process should go ahead. There are certain sections in the Government who are hell bent to ruin the future of the displaced community, he added.

Kuldeep Pandita, while reiterating the demand of rehabilitation of unemployed youth , traders and industrialists, alleged that during last 17 years only 400 KP youth were given the employment by the Government. T K Dhar another leader of APMCC expressed concern over failure of Government to enhance the cash relief.

Ram Ji Kaul demanded the restoration of temples and shrines encroached in different parts of the Valley while Vinod Pandita gave the account of the progress of renovation work of various temples in Valley.

Diploma Enggs face stagnation in promotions: Katoch

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 16: All J&K Federation of Diploma Engineers (JKFDE) has strongly criticised the State Government for the alleged stagnation in the promotions of the diploma engineering serving in various departments.

Addressing a press conference here today, chairman of the Federation Kuldip Singh Katoch alleged that Dipoma engineering were facing stagnation due to the indifferent attitude of the Government. He said such was the tragedy with the system of promotions that a Diploma engineer appointed as JE even remains at the same post after the lapse of 25 to 30 years. Many retired at the same post because pick and choose method was adopted by the senior officers while clearing the quota of promotions, he aleged.

Mr Katoch pointed out that Government has failed to maintain the cadre strength at every level including JE, AE, AEE and Xen level. He said that Diploma engineers be provided their fixed quota of promotions and promotion for the post of AE after 15 years be fixed. He also demanded enhancement in the fixed TA from Rs 30 per month to Rs 200 per month as it was never reviewed after 1981.

Ronak Ram Sharma chairman PHE wing of the Federation said that qualifying service for the promotion of AEEs post should be abolished in case of diploma engineers who have completed 25 years of service. He also demanded restoration of Entry Grade for the Diploma engineers which was existing earlier besides grant of JE Grade-I status to JEs who have completed ten years service.

The Federation leaders urged upon the Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to look into the basic issues of the employees to streamline the rotten system prevailing in the engineering department due to the non-seriousness and callous attitude of some bureaucrats.

Others who spoke on the occasion include Kuljeet Singh president I&FC wing, Ganesh Singh president PHE wing and Opinder Singh general secretary.

Indo, Pak artists sing harmony tunes

Excelsior Correspondent

PAHALGHAM, June 16: In the perfect serene setting of sky high mountains with matching pine trees, the environment reverberated with scintillating Sufiana Kalam by artists from various parts of the country and Pakistan, leaving the select audience mesmerized.

Punctuated by evening Pahalgham drizzle, the artists were at their best on the final day of 5-Day Indo-Pak Sufiana Music Festival organised by Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board coinciding this year’s pilgrimage to Holy Cave in South Kashmir.

Setting the tone of the festival, the Governor, Lt. Gen (Retd) S K Sinha, in his inaugural and concluding address said that the message of peace, harmony and tolerance emanating from Kashmir would spread around the world, making it a better place to live. He was of the view that the waves of Sufism emanating from the Valley would spread far and wide carrying its message of brotherhood, which is the essence of Kashmiriyat.

India's top Santoor maestros and natives of Jammu and Kashmir, Pt Shiv Kumar Sharma and Pt Bhajan Sopori with their sons Rahul Sharma and Abhey Sopori gave a mesmerizing and enthralling performances, Kathak dancer Manjri Chaturvedi danced on musical rhythms leaving the audience spell bound. Pakistan’s Sufi artists, Farhana Aijaz and Naeem Abbas Rufi did the rest, compelling jam packed audience everywhere to stand on their feet. Zila Khan, Gulfam Sabiri, Dr Madan Gopal Singh, Umrao Mazhar Bandhu Khan, Idu Sharief, Barkat Sidhu, Ghulam Sabir and Ghulam Waris, Navtej Johar and local sufi artists, Ustaad Ghulam Mohammed Shaznawaz, Rashid Hafiz, Yaqub Sheikh and Mohammed Abdullah Sehtari kept hooked the audience by their performances at Baramulla, Srinagar and Pahalgham.

CEO Doda conducts surprise check of schools

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 16: Chief Education Officer Doda D. C. Chib paid surprise visit to Primary School Nagseni, EGS Centre Khanpur, Middle School Pathernaki, Primary School Kadhail and Higher Secondary School Padder, Middle School and Govt. High School, Atholi, Primary School Upper Thumb and Middle School Sohal.

In Govt. Middle School Pathernaki of Nagseni zone, he found one a teacher Tesleem Begum absent from duty from the last 15 days. He asked the accompanied Zonal Education Officer to take disciplinary action to terminate the delinquent RET teacher.

In primary School Kadhail and Primary School Upper Thumb of Padder zone, he found three teachers namely Hajra Begum, Rajesh Kumar and Sarita Devi absent from duty. He issued instructions to Zonal Education Officer to deduct one day salary of Hajra Begum and to process the case of Rajesh Kumar and Sarita Devi for termination as both are the RETs.

Regarding repair and renovation of school buildings which were constructed by Rural Development, PWD and NABARD departments were found in dilapidated condition as a result the students of the schools are facing acute problems. He said that the matter for completion of construction work of the school buildings would be taken up with the concerned authorities so that the repair and renovation work would be completed within stipulated time.

DDC conducts extensive tour of Nagri Parole

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, June 16: District Development Commissioner Kathua Sarita Chouhan conducted today an extensive tour of Nagri-Parole and other villages bordering Punjab and inspected various Government offices and important works.

Accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Commercial Taxes and Excise Kathua, Executive Engineer R&B, RTO, Tehsildars and other field functionaries, Mrs Chouhan inspected the site for the proposed Toll Plaza at Nagri-Parole, which is going to serve as second entry point after Lakhanpur.

Executive Engineer R&B apprised the DDC that tenders for the ambitious Toll Plaza project Nagri Parole have been floated and the said project will be completed within period of one year with an estimated cost of Rs.4 crore.

The DDC also visited the site of Kithlore Bridge in district Gurdaspur in Punjab being constructed by Punjab Government, which is going to serve as vital link between J&K and rest of the country.

Ms Chouhan also chaired a meeting of Municipal Councilors of Nagri Parole and listens to their problems patiently and assured early redressal. She also visited some flood prone areas across Ravi and inspected forest check post at Goond in Nagri Parole and Primary Health Centre.

The DDC instructed the officer to tap all possible routes being used by tax evaders and ensure optimum realization by controlling pilferages.

150 quintals FCI wheat seized at Sunderbani

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 16: Police today seized 150 quintals wheat with Food Corporation of India (FCI) stamps at Sunderbani in Rajouri district, which was being taken from Jammu to Rajouri for sale in black-market.

Police said a truck No. 4307 JK02AC carrying 300 bags of wheat, weighing 150 quintals, was intercepted for checking at Sunderbani. Driver of the truck, Rajpal Singh son of Manjit Singh R/o RS Pura couldn’t produce challan or any other documents for transporting wheat with FCI stamps to Rajouri.

He was taken into custody and the truck was seized by a police party led by SHO Sunderbani Inspector Jamrodh Singh under the supervision SSP Rajouri Farooq Khan and SDPO Nowshera Mubassar Lateefi.

During questioning, Rajpal Singh disclosed that wheat was first loaded from FCI Central store in two trucks bearing Nos. 7675 JK02B and 4644 JKU on May 24. The wheat was to be delivered at Chasana in Mahore and Sungri in Rajouri.

Later, the wheat was shifted into Rajpal’s truck and was being taken to Rajouri for sale in black-market.

Police said efforts were on to identify the accused involved in selling FCI wheat in private market.

A case has been registered at Sunderbani police station under Sections 379 and 411 RPC.