Youth, woman hang themselves to death

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 31: A youth and a woman allegedly committed suicide while as four persons made abortive attempts to end their lives in separate incidents.

Police spokesman said that a youth—Aman Kumar, son of Girdhari Lal of Nai Basti under the jurisdiction of Gandhi Nagar Police Station allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself with the ceiling fan at his residence this morning.

He was spotted hanged by his parents, who were sitting in an another room of their house when the youth committed suicide. Aman was immediately rushed to Government Medical College Hospital where he was declared as brought dead.

Police has registered a case in this connection and started investigations to ascertain as to what prompted the youth to take such an extreme step.

Meanwhile, a woman identified as Jeeto Devi, wife of Chuni Lal of Khour also committed suicide by hanging herself at her residence. She was also declared as brought dead when shifted to hospital.

Police has taken cognizance of the incident.

The spokesman said that four persons allegedly consumed poisonous substances at their respective residences.

Identified as Manjeet Kour of Ramgarh, Daljeet Kour of Mohinder Nagar, Dayal Singh of Akhnoor, Anju Devi of Akhnoor and Munish Kumar of Vijaypur, 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.

Tributes paid to Indira Gandhi
Peerzada urges various groups to work for welfare of people

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 31: Paying rich tributes to Late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her 22nd death anniversary, Pradesh Congress President and Minister for Education, Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed called upon various parties to come to the table to work jointly for the solving the people’s problems. He said restoration of complete normalcy is imperative for realizing the dream of a khushal and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing party workers at Congress headquarter at a function organized in connection with Shaheedi Diwas here today, Peerzada paid glowing tributes to late Indira Gandhi describing her as a epitome of secularism, sacrifice and high cultural values adding that she sacrificed her life for national integration and unity of the country. He said the late leader carried forward the rich legacy of the Congress party and initiated several revolutionary steps to take India to new heights particularly in the fields of science and technology.

He said the country made great strides in important sectors like agriculture, industry, education, health, defence etc. "The best tribute to this lady of the millennium would be to work for the welfare of the people and of security of the country", he added.

The Minister maintained that the Congress party had all along worked for betterment of the people and believed that dialogue is the only way to solve their problems. He however cautioned that groups believing in divisive politics were only harming their cause and their designs to divide people in the name of region or religion would never materialize adding that his party will utilize all its resources to defeat such elements.

Ridiculing those advocating self rule formula as the only solution to the Kashmir problem, the JKPCC President said that such people were themselves not fully conversant with the contours of the proposal.

On the occasion Minister for Roads and Building Gul Chain Singh Charak said that when we are observing death anniversary of late Indira Gandhi as Shahidi Devas day, we have to strengthen the party cadres from the gross root level.

Senior Congress leader and MLC Ghulm Rasool Kar said that the scarifies made by Late Indira Gandhi for secular, democratic and socialist India is the relation between Congress workers and her. He asked the workers to prepare themselves for next Assembly election and dedicate ourselves to strengthen the party at every nook and corner of the State.

The others who spoke on the occasion include MLC Ali Mohammad Sofi, MLA Khami Lata Wakhloo, Hajj Ali Mohammad Bhat, Rafiq Sadiq, Mohammad Muzaffar Parray, Sardar Chini Singh, Habib-u-llah Bhat, Vikara Jee, Farooq Indrabi, Fayaz Rahat, Ghulam Nabi Mir Lasjan, Abdul Ganie Khan, Mohammad Kutlari, Abdul Khaliq and office bearers of Youth Congress, Sewadal.

CEC asks teachers to achieve 70 pass-percentage

Excelsior Correspondent

LEH, Oct 31: Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh Tsering Dorje has asked the teachers to discharge an added endeavor to further improve the education standard so that the pass percentage in the matriculation is achieved up to 70 % this year.

Dorje was speaking in a seminar on education organised here today. It was organised by the Education department in collaboration with the Save the Children Fund, Leh Unit. He was guest of honour on the occasion.

While appreciating the teachers in improving the education standard during past ten years, Mr Dorje asked them to exhibit an added valour, work hard with the children who are future of Ladakh. He said the Hill Council has done a lot in mitigating the grievances of the teachers.

Mr Dorje further said that the focus should be on teachers training for which the District Institute of Education and Training has to show an added responsibility in providing a regular and qualitative training.

Executive Councillor, Education Tsewang Rigzin also spoke on the occasion. He said the Village Education Committees have been re-instituted and discharging a good job in increasing the roll of students in villages.

Chief Education Officer, Abdul Rouf while giving details said that Leh district has 214 Primary schools, 10 EGS centres, 75 Middle schools, 25 High schools and 13 Higher Secondary schools. He claimed that more than 12,500 students are attaining education in these schools.There is only one Degree college in Leh having strength of 380.

ASKPC stages demonstration against DD Srinagar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 31: The activists of All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) held a demonstration in front of Raj Bhawan here today to protest against the telecast of a discussion on DD Srinagar (Kashir) under the title "Dudh Pather", wherein history was moulded and tampered by the official media to create wedge between the two communities.

The protesters expressed their anguish over the teleast of such discussions which have hurt the sentiments of the Kashmiri Pandits.

The ASKPC leaders, while addressing the demonstrators expressed concern over the outbursts of one of the speakers in this anti-KP discussion in which certain comments were made on KPs.

Such controversial discussions need not to be taken up on the official media, the protesters held, while demanding sacking of the producer responsible for this grave blunder.

The demonstration was led by ASKPC chief, A N Vaishnavi and among others it was addressed by H L Chatta its general secretary, youth wing chief, Bharat Bhushan Gosani and other camp and non camp leaders.

The demonstrators also submitted a memorandum to Governor, the champion of Kashmiriyat, demanding action against the Kashmir D D authorities for encouraging the telecast of such controversial programmes.

Meanwhile, APMCC led by Vinod Pandita and Minority Cell NC secretary Ashok Hangloo have also expressed their anguish and concern over the telecast of such programmes from DD Srinagar and demanded action against the authorities.

Woman among 3 held with 40 Kg Bhuki

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Oct 31: Lakhanpur Police today arrested three persons including a woman and recovered 40 kilograms of Bhuki from their procession.

According to reports, on a specific information Lakhanpur Police led by SHO Surinder Choudhary intercepted a car bearing registration number 9512-CH03A. During the checking 40 kilogram of Bhukhi was recovered from their possession.

The arrested persons have been identified as Surinder Mohan, Jodh Mal son of Dewan Chand and Amarjeet Singh wife of Avtar Singh, all residents of Hosiyarpur Punjab.

According to reports, Amarjeet Kour, who has been running a dhabha at Hoshiyarpur, brought this bukhi from Srinagar. They bus carried this consignment in three bags in a bus. Before reaching at Lakhanpur they boarded off the vehicle and hide this consignment near Lakhanpur.

On Tuesday morning, all the three persons came in a car to collect the Bhukhi. They were caught by the alter policemen while taking away the Bhukhi to Punjab.

JK Cements Ltd pays dividend to Govt

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 31: Managing Director of J&K Cements Limited Mian Mushtaq Ahmad presented a cheque of Rs 60 lakh as dividend to the Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad.

The Managing Director, on the occasion, apprised Mr Azad that J&K Cements Limited has been sharing its profit with the Government for the last few years and due to efforts of the management and workers the financial health of J&K Cements has improved.

JK Cements is the only Public Sector Undertaking in the State which does not depend on any budgetary support from the Government but is paying dividend.

Mr Azad appreciated the effors of the management and workers of JK Cements and said that it has become an exemplary industrial unit in the State.

2 killed, 8 injured in road accidents

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 31: Two persons were killed while as eight others received severe injuries in separate road accidents.

Police spokesman said that one Daleep Sharma of Patoli Brahamana was killed in road accident. He was rushed to Government Medical College Hospital in critical condition where he was pronounced as brought dead.

Police has registered a case in this connection.

Meanwhile, one Madan Lal, son of Shrikant of Udhampur, who was admitted in GMC Hospital after sustaining severe injuries in road accident on October 21, succumbed to injuries today.

The body was, later, handed over to family members after post-mortem and other legal formalities.

The spokesman said that eight persons were injured in separate road accidents reported from different parts of Jammu city and its outskirts. All have been hospitalised and their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in.

They have been identified as Kamlesh, wife of Jagdish Raj of Shiv Nagar, Harbans Lal, son of Bodh Raj of Bhadarwah, Narain, son of Dev, Satya Narian of Rajasthan, Parshant, son of Paras Rao of Gangyal, Subash Chander, son of Amar Nath, Popi Kesar, son of Ram Lal of Nowshera, Hans Raj, son of Krishan Chand of Rajinder Pura and Charan Dass, son of Chajju Ram of Channi Himmat.

Ensure that benefits of welfare schemes
reach people: Qazi to officials

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Oct 31 : Several deputations from various areas of Ganderbal constituency today met the Minister for Forests, Environment and Housing and Urban Development Qazi Mohammad Afzal and projected their individual and collective problems. These related to supply of electricity, drinking water, approach road for new 200 bed hospital at Ganderbal, improvement in general bus-stand, disposal of garbage, providing of timber and fire wood etc.

The Minister gave them a patient hearing and in some cases issued on the spot instructions.

Later, the Minister chaired a high level meeting at Town Hall, Ganderbal to review the development scenario in the constituency.

The Minister directed the concerned to speed up work on various projects and ensure that these are completed within the stipulated time. He directed the Director of School Education to immediately detach all the teachers and Masters of Ganderbal tehsil attached alongwith posts in other areas. Qazi Afzal asked him to ensure that adequate teaching staff in posted in the educational institutions of the tehsil.

The Minister directed the DFO, Sindh to prepare a list of all mosques of Ganderbal so that fire-wood is provided to them.

The meeting was informed that Agriculture Department is organizing training camps to make the farmers aware about the latest farming techniques.

The Minister exhorted the officials to re-double their efforts so that benefits of welfare schemes reached to the people.

Demilitarization, self-rule impractical: Mangat

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 31 : Terming the demand for demilitarization and self-rule as impractical formulation and hollow sloganeering, Minister for Health and Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma has said that Congress is strongly opposed to such measures which smack of ingrained divisive tendencies.

Addressing the teachers, prominent citizens and intellectuals at a function here this morning organized by Private school association to pay homage to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her death anniversary, the Minister said that the Congress party would strive for such appraisals that strengthen and bridge the relations of state with the country.

Reminiscing his interaction with Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Mr Sharma said that his first interaction with accomplished politician was during 1957 when the departed leader visited Jammu and Kashmir to address public during electioneering. He said that Indira Gandhi cut a striking figure with her great personality, grace, style and stamina. ‘Indeed she was an leader with unmatched stature and par excellence’, he remarked.

Mr. Sharma also dwelt at length about the accomplishment of the Congress and Indira Gandhi in making nation surge and touch new heights of progress, development and growth. ‘Often described as bold, witty, intelligent and courageous, Mrs. Gandhi was also an affectionate person with remarkable political sagacity’, he quoted.

Reflecting on the achievements of the iron lady, the Minister said that nationalization of banks, abolition of privy purses, meeting global oil flow and economic slump, explosion of atomic devices at Pokhran, et al testifies of her spirited and audacious zeal for keeping in tact the unity and integrity of the nation.

On the pivotal role played by the former Prime Minister in carving out Bangladesh, Mr. Sharma said that but for the murder of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the efforts made by Mrs. Gandhi in arriving at a lasting pact with the then President of Pakistan would have given a new dimension to the Kashmir issue.

Minister of State for Finance Prem Sagar Aziz, Mayor Ch Manmohan Sinh also spoke on the occasion.

LIC organises seminar on social security

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 31: Life Insurance Corporation of India during its celebrations of Social Security Month organised a seminar-cum-workshop today.

The marketing Manager of LIC, Srinagar Division, B P Singh inaugurated while Nirmal Padha, president of Women Welfare Organization was the chief guest.

Representatives of various NGOs, Self Help Groups, Voluntary Organizations and representatives of Government Departments like Handicrafts, Handlooms, Labour Department attended the the seminar in large numbers.

Mr B P Singh apprised the participants present in the seminar with the contribution made by LIC in strengthening the society and its upliftment by starting various innovative schemes like Janshree Bima Yojana (JBY). He apprised the gathering about the enhanced benefits of this scheme in which a person below poverty line or marginally above poverty line can get insurance cover of Rs 30,000 and Rs 75000 in case of accidental death by paying just Rs 100 per annum.

Besides two children of the members covered under Janshree Bima Yojana who are studying between 9th to 12th get a monthly scholarship of Rs 100 without paying any extra amount.

400 KV Wagoora-Kishenpur transmission
line commissioned

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 31: Power Grid Corporation of India (Ltd) commissioned its prestigious 400 KV Wagoora-Kishenpur double circuit transmission line alongwith associated bays today.

This 186 kms double-circuit line has been synchronised further with the Northern Grid. Initially, the line was test charged during wee hours on Oct 29 in presence of top officials of the Power Grid.

Giving detail, a senior officer of the Corporation said that work on the line started in early 2003 and was completed at a cost of Rs 277 cr including the bays extension at Kishenpur and Wagoora sub-stations. He said on commissioning, the power flow through this line was 140 MW (70 MW each circuit) and voltage profile improved from 351 KV to 387 KV. This system shall become harbinger of quality power supply to the people of Kashmir valley, he claimed.

The line passes through Himalayas, traversing Pir Panjal ( 10,000 ft) and Natha Top as well as crossing mighty river Chenab and lush green fields and orchards of Valley. This line has a unique distinction of traversing through all kinds of climatic conditions which can range from temperatures as high as 45 degree Celsius in some areas of Jammu region as well as facing temperature as low as minus 22 degree Celsius over Pir Panjal. High intensity winds and heavy snow fall is encountered by the line while it crosses Shaitani Nallah and other mountainous region, he added.

This line will be backbone in transporting power from Northern Grid to Valley especially during harsh winter months when there is sharp decline in the generation capacity of the power houses in the Valley, the officer claimed

The workers and engineers of Power Grid, TATA Project and IRCON and the contractors, played their role in commissioning the line.

Naval wing of NCC holds blood donation camp

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 31: A voluntary blood donation camp was organized by Capt P S Cheema, I N Commanding Officer, 1 J&K Naval Unit NCC, Srinagar on the eve of NCC National Voluntary Blood Donation Day, at Blood Bank SMGS Hospital Jammu under the aegis of Dr T R Raina, incharge Blood bank.

A total of 70 NCC cadets volunteered for blood donation, but only 50 donors were selected to donate as per blood bank requirements. The blood donors included both boys and girls of senior wing of Naval cadets.

These blood donors were motivated by the Commanding Officer and Ajay Bharti NCC Officer and PI staff of the unit.

The technical team consisted of Dr T R Raina, Dr Kamaljeet Singh, Assistant Professor and Dr Sushma Mattoo (Demonstrator) as also Dr Nazir Chaudhary, Medical Superintendent.

Peace essential to take state to new heights: Dilawar

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 31 : Saying that peace is pre-requisite and essential for accelerating the pace of development and leading the state to new heights of prosperity, Minister for PHE, Irrigation, Tourism and Horticulture Mohammad Dilawar Mir has sought public support for taking state to new heights of Khushali and for restoring complete peace the in state.

The Minister said that Horticulture, Tourism and IT Industries are the three main sectors having a better scope in the state and urged youth to mould themselves as per the latest requirements of the global market. He expressed optimism about avenues in the corporate sector for the educated unemployed.

Stressing the need for drugging of the rivers to minimize flood losses he said that the drugging division would be further strengthened to look into the encroachments made on the flood control and irrigation land and submit report in one month so that all such encroachment from the river bank up to twenty feet on either side or as the frame fixed for the purpose. The Minister said that the flow of tourists has increased and five hundred tourists reach daily. He asked the media to play a positive role in this regard.

Referring to local problem in his constituency, the Minister said that 10 water supply schemes for the people residing in 42 villages of Rafiabad constituency have been sanctioned at a total cost of Rs. 1126 lakhs besides another fifteen bridges and culverts are presently under execution at various stages in the constituency at a cost of Rs. 2.25 crores. He said that much awaited Rafiabad high lift Irrigation scheme would be commissioned next year. Besides road up to Tapayan sahib would be macadamized and Vankora to Kamber and Matchepora to Kiterji roads would also be macadamized. The Minister also sanctioned nine transformers for the area out of his Constituency Development Fund.

Cultural bonanza by Kalakriti at MIER

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 31: The students and staff of different wings of Model Institute of Education and Research (MIER) had an unusual cultural experience when they were exposed to scintillating performance by renowned artists of Jammu province under the banner of Kalakriti-Centre for Creative and fine Arts of MIER.

Dr Arun K Gupta, director of MIER Group of Institutes, was chief guest on the occasion while Dr Renu Gupta, joint director presided over the function which was presented by Bala Thakur and Basant Viyogi.

Highlights of the event were classical dance by Jyoti Gupta, Gazals by Surpal, crow dance by Vishwanath and party spreading a message on evil effects of early marriage and population explosion.

Performance of Dharmesh Nargotra, Dilshar Singh, Marina and Surinder Manhas enthralled the audience while Meenakshi, Basant Viyogi and O P Mauji presented skits and a comedy song.

A beautiful choreographed song popped by students of Model Academy was full of excitement and entertainment. The cultural presentations were highly appreciated by the audience and staff of different wings of MIER.

On conclusion of the programme, Dr Arun Gupta presented momentoes to all the artists. The programme was compared by Anjali.

Sena protests against 10 hour power cut

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 31: Shiv Sena Hindustan unit J&K has strongly criticised the Azad Government and the PDD authorities for imposing ten- hour power curtailment.

State unit president of Sena, Dimpy Kohli while lodging strong protesting against the move said here today that Sena will be launching massive protest programme against PDD move. He said when electronic meters have been installed in most of the localities of Jammu then there was no justification to impose power cuts. He said the State PDD authorities have already conveyed that after installation of meters no curtailment will be experienced by the consumers but they are being befooled by the concerned authorities.

He said Sena will further oppose installation of these meters as department has failed to honour its commitment.

Those who joined protest and spoke on the occasion include Vipin, Pritam, Pankaj and Yash Khajuria.

Congregations of Biradaris

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 31: Annual Congregation of All India Paba (Mahajan) Biradari is being held at Treva (Arnia) on November 5. Biradari president Harbans Lal Gupta has appealed the community to participate in the congregation to seek blessings of Baba Brhamdev Ji. Hawan will be performed at 7 am and Bhandara will start at 11 am.

Golia (Saini) Biradari congregation is being held at village Gole Pattan (Gajansoo) on November 5. All the Biradari members have been requested to participate in the congregation in which National Conference provincial president Ajay Sadhotra will be the chief guest.

Annual congregation of Barkulia Bradari is being held at their Kul Dati Mandir, Village Birpur on November 5. Bradari has also decided to ply free mini bus service from Purmandal Morh to Dati Temple for devotees. All Bradari members have been requested to attend the Mail with their families to invoke blessings of Kuldati.

Mahajan Lamme Bradari (Sanyal) congregation is being held on November 5 at Hiranagar. Ramayan Paath will start on November 4 at 7 am and Bhog of Ramayan Paath will be held on November 5 at 7 am followed by Hawan and Yagya from 8 am to 9 am, Dati Ki Chowki at 10 am and from 12.30 onwards Bhandara will be served.

Beotra Mahajan Biradari congregation is being held on November 5 at Shri Bala Ji Devsthan, Bishnah. This was resolved in a meeting of the Biradari at Devsthan under the chairmanship of Shakti Gupta in which all the office bearers participated. All have requested the community members to participate in the congregation and have the blessings of the Kuldevta and partake Prasad.

The bi-annual Mail of All India Angural Biradari is being held at the shrine of Dati Todi Ji at Ratnal (Sarore) on November 5. The function will start with Pooja and Hawan followed by Langar. Biradari Sangat has been requested to participate in the congregation along with family members.

A meeting of Sapolia Padha Biradari held at Bua Ji Baba Ji Mandir, Paloura today decided to hold annual congregation of Biradari on November 5 at Bua Ji Baba Ji Mandir Paloura. The meeting was attended by Iqbal Padha, Vicky Padha, Darshan Padha, Bal Mukand Padha, Ram Saroop Padha, Mohinder Padha and other members of the Biradari.

Youth murdered at Nagrota, people hold protest

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 31: A youth was allegedly murdered by some unidentified persons at village Katal Batal under the jurisdiction of Nagrota Police Station late last night.

Police sources said that parents of one Chanchal, son of Ram Saran of village Katal Batal approached Nagrota Police Station last night and lodged complaint that some unidentified persons had attempted to kill their son.

Chanchal was immediately rushed to Government Medical College Hospital but he died on way to hospital. The body was kept in the mortuary of the hospital and handed over to family members after post-mortem in the morning.

Activists of the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) also visited the Katal Batal village this morning to express sympathy with the family members of the deceased. They were told by the parents that police has adopted a casual approach in dealing with the case.

Subsequently, JKNPP activists held demonstration against the police for its failure to nab the murderers of Chanchal. They demanded that Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jammu Mukesh Singh should personally visit the village and pin point the reasons behind the delay in arrest of the accused despite the fact that family members of the deceased had named some persons suspected to be behind the murder of Chanchal at the time of lodging a complaint.

When the protest continued for some hours, police allegedly resorted to the lathicharge to disperse the mob. As per the handout of the Panthers Party, some of its activists were injured in the canecharge. Party chief Prof Bhim Singh has demanded inquiry into police action. SSP Jammu Mukesh Singh, when contacted, said that police has registered a case with regard to alleged murder of Chanchal and was awaiting for the post-mortem report as there was no major injury mark on the body of deceased which could establish the murder.

Power supply snapped to Jammu, Rajouri, Poonch

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 31: Power supply to major portion of Jammu district and entire Rajouri and Poonch was snapped this evening due to a major fault at Gladni Grid Station.

Official sources said that at around 7.30 pm a major fault took place at Gladni Grid Station, Narwal snapping power supply to major portion of entire Jammu and twin border districts of Jammu and Poonch completely.

On the receipt of information, Chief Engineer Maintenance and RE D S Pawar alongwith other officers of the Power Development Department (PDD) rushed to the Gladni Grid Station and started repair work. However, despite hectic efforts they could not restore the power supply to Jammu, Rajouri and Poonch districts till mid-night.

Sources said that a Current Transformer attached with the main transformer at Gladni Grid Station developed some fault snapping power supply to Jammu, Rajouri and Poonch completely. They added that it was for the third time within a month that this problem has erupted at Gladni Grid Station.

The concerned officers of PDD were making efforts to repair the fault till mid-night and officers at the Control Room of the Gladni Grid Station told the EXCELSIOR around mid-night that power supply would be restored in the wee hours of tomorrow.