J&K to host 2-day conference on
Laparoscopic, Plastic Surgeries

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 1: Jammu and Kashmir, for the first time, is hosting a two-day conference comprising minimal Invasive surgery i.e Laparoscopic surgery and plastic surgery at Govt Medical College Jammu from 2nd to 5th of November in which 600 surgeons from different pockets of the country will participate

This was revealed by Principle Medical College,Mumtaz Goni during a press conference at Jammu Medical College here today.

This conference is organised jointly by the North Zone association of minimal access surgeons of India (NZ-amasicon) and North Zone Association of Plastic Surgeons of India (NZAPSICON). The twin conference will comprise both scientific and operative sessions. A number of surgical, gynecological, urological and plastic surgical operations will be conducted by the internationally renowned surgeons attending this conference.

NZ-AMSICON will ensure that surgeons who are already conversant with laparoscopic surgery will get a chance to improve their knowledge and skills and those who are not will learn this art of surgery, which will ultimately help the people of this part of the country to a great extent.

The advent of Minimal Invasive Surgery has revolutionized the field of surgery which provides great benefit to the patients by minimal invasion and maximum benefit like minimum blood loss, less pain, early discharge from hospital, less cost and early return to work.

NZAPSICON shall discuss new directions and developments in management of complex wound problems following trauma, cancer surgery, infections with special reference to microsurgical techniques, reconstruction of the breast following its removal in cancer patient, cosmetic surgery with special reference to nasal cosmetic surgery, removal of scars wrinkles, blemishes and moles of the skin, hair transplantation, techniques of laser plastic surgery, facio maxillary trauma management, management of skin cancer and management of hand injuries and deformities.

NZAPSICON will also dicuss management of patients who can be the victims of chemical and nuclear warfare, blast and explosion. Therefore, there is an imperative need to upgrade and expand burn care facilities. This aspect will be discussed in informal sessions of the conference.

2 arrested for intervening
JDA retrieves 6 kanal of land at Bathindi

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 1: Intensifying its anti-encroachment drive, Jammu Development Authority today retrieved six kanal of land from encroachers at village Narwal Bala, Khasra Number 260, Bathindi today.

An official spokesman said that Chief Khilafwarzi Officer S B Chopra alongwith Khilafwarzi officers Subash Chander Sharma, Vijay Kumar Sharma, Barkat Ali, Narinder Singh, Ashok Kumar and Rattan Singh Goria visited Bathindi area this morning and started removing encroachments from six kanals of land.

As soon as JDA started demolishing boundary walls, two persons intervened and claimed that land belonged to them. They even prevented JDA team from performing their official duty for sometime.

A police team headed by Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) East Mamta Sharma and Incharge Police Post Bathindi Sub-Inspector Shakti Devi, which was accompanying the JDA team, asked both the persons to produce the documents to establish their claim on the land.

As they failed to establish their claim, police arrested them under Section 105/51 CrPC to pave the way for JDA team to remove the encroachment.

The arrested persons have been identified as Mohd Yousaf alias Shama and Fayyaz Ali alias Nikka, both the residents of Bathindi.

The spokesman said that Pitamber Khajuria, Khilafwarzi officer was deputed as Executive Magistrate by Deputy Commissioner to maintain law and order.

Meanwhile, Vice Chairman JDA Ashok Kumar Parmar has warned the encroachers not to make any attempt to encroach the JDA land again.

Custodian General’s notification under Shariat Law stayed

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Nov 1: In a writ petition filed by President of a Organization for protection of the rights of displaced persons of PoK of 1947, challenging the alleged controversial notification issued by the Custodian General on August 14, 2006 whereby the authorities have been directed to protect the Evacuee’s Property and prevent and any transfer of such property because the latter are bound by the E P Act and the "Shariat Law", Justice YP Nargotra of the State High Court Jammu wing has issued notice to State of J&K through Commissioner/Secretary Revenue Department and Custodian General, with the direction that the case be put up after service and in the meanwhile, expression " sinful as per Shariat Law" used in the notification dated August 14, 2006 issued by Custodian General shall remain stayed.

This Court direction has been issued in a writ petition filed by Balraj Bakshi claiming to be a President of Refugees of 1947, who challenged the notification on various grounds and sought quashment of the same. In the petition, it has been submitted that the refugees of 1947 are yet to be rehabilitated by the Govt instead of embarking upon a comprehensive scheme to rehabilitate the refugees, Govt seems to be over anxious towards protecting the properties of those who have already deserted the State in 1947. It was also mentioned here that displaced persons of 1947 not only left their properties but also their relatives who were murdered; woman insulted and were forced to leave without taking any thing, thus leaving all movable and immovable properties and worse more there places of worships were also desecrated and demolished.

In the petition filed through Advocate Akshay Anand it was submitted that India is secular country and the state of J&K is an integral part of India, so there cannot be any law or notification based on "Shariat Law" and administration of State cannot be allowed to run on the basis of ‘Shariat law" or any other personal law. The Custodian General is public functionary and has to abide the constitution of India; the "Shariat Law" is a non-entity in the administration of justice and the Evacuee’s Property Act by mentioning that it is sin under a "Shariat Law" and the Custodian General has tried to bank upon Muslim Law, which is violative of the rule of law and the democratic spirit of our constitution. The said notification evoked much criticism among the political and non-political quarters.

During the course of arguments, Advocate Akshay submitted that the notification impugned seeks to drag religion and personal law in affair of the state which cannot be permitted in a secular republic like India. Rather this notification speaks of the communal bent of mind of the Custodian General, therefore, he has no locus to further hold the post of Custodian General. The petitioner as such seeks his ouster from the post.

It is worthwhile to mention here when this case come-up for hearing in the court, the battery of lawyers who were sitting in the court stood-up and supported the cause of the petitioner and said that there is no place for the "Shariat Law" in the democratic set-up when there are laws for the protection of the said property.

One killed, 11 injured in road accidents

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 1: One person was killed and 11 others received injuries in two separate road accidents.

Police spokesman said that one Kamaljeet Singh, son of Harbans Lal of Pathankot was killed in road accident at Samba. He was rushed to Sub-District Hospital Samba where he was pronounced as brought dead.

Police has registered a case in this connection.

Meanwhile, 11 persons were injured when a Tata mobile rolled down at Chenani. On the receipt of information about the incident, a police party rushed to the spot and started rescue operation.

All were rushed to hospital and their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in.

They have been identified as Palli, wife of Jamat Ali of Pandorian, Musoma, wife of Lal Hussain of Laswara, Nazir, son of Feroz Din, Roshan Bi, wife of Guchha Hussain, Rano, wife of Babu Hussain, Barkat Ali, son of Nasib Din, Jano Bi, wife of Murad Ali of Bishnah, Lema, wife of Alam Hussain of Lalayana, Jung Ali, son of Ami of Bishnah, Sham Mohd, son of Shatu Din of Lalayana and Shah Mohd, son of Khee Mohd.

West Pak refugees take out procession

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 1: To create public awareness in support of their November 6 bandh call, West Pakistan refugees today took out a procession in the city.

The procession, led by president of the West Pakistani Refugees Association, Laba Ram, started from Janipur and passed through different areas before culminating at Exhibition Ground where a big rally was held.

Addressing the rally, Laba Ram said that West Pakistani refugees, who have been struggling to get fundamental rights, have decided to launch decisive war this time.

He said the issue of refugees has been one of the greatest human rights violations and the Centre and the State Governments are not doing enough to redress their grievances.

He pointed out that West Pakistani refugees have been living in Jammu areas since 1947 and are facing problems on several fronts including economic and education. He further pointed out that they have also not been given the right to exercise their franchise in Assembly elections.

He said that they will continue their protest till November 6 to draw the attention of the Governments towards their problems.

Worthwhile to mention here that West Pakistani refugees have given Jammu Bandh call on November 6 in support of their long pending demands.

President of SoS Rajiv Chunni, state unit of Shiv Sena ( Bal Thackeray) Annan Sharma and president of Duggar Pradesh Party, Udhay Chand addressed the activists.

Power employees to continue struggle

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 1: Co-ordination Committee of all unions and associations of Power Development Department observed a protest demonstration at Canal Power House. Large number of employees participated in the demonstration.

According to a press release, a deputation of the Co-ordination Committee called on Divisional Commissioner Jammu for discussion for the resolution of the employees. As nothing concrete came out from the meeting, the employees decided to start pen down and tool down strike from tomorrow and will continue till action will be taken against the culprits.

S K Sharma, vice-president, J&K Electrical Engineering Graduates Association, J S Slathia, president Electrical Diploma Engineers Association, Shakti Gupta, president PPEU, Ghulam Nabi Bhat, Linemen and Workers Union, Jasbir Singh, ITI diploma holders, Ranjit Singh Ghai, Electrical Union, Sanjay Singh of Power Employees Union, announced to continue struggle.

IT action against erring traders, employees on cards

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Nov 1: A strict action is on the cards against all those traders, who have not shun their habit of disclosing exact income and file returns accordingly.

Similarly, action is all set to be taken against all those Government employees, who in connivance with the Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) of their respective departments are not paying tax despite their salaries being taxable.

This was conveyed by the Income Tax Commissioner Jammu and Kashmir Virendra Singh to the traders and DDOs during separate interactions with them here today. "Despite our clear cut warnings many a times, large number of traders continued to evade tax by not disclosing the exact income but they will face the music now", he made it clear.

Pointing towards the surveys in Karan Market and Akhnoor, Mr Singh said that similar surveys have been planned by the Income Tax Department across the State and it would be in favour of all those traders, who have not disclosed real income and filed tax returns accordingly so far, to voluntarily come forward within shortest possible time.

On the occasion, traders demanded that accounts audit limit of Rs 40 lakh be increased to Rs one crore and IT Commissioner assured them to take up the issue with the authorities at New Delhi.

During interactions with DDOs, Mr Singh said that though improvement has been witnessed in filing of returns by Government employees yet IT Department has strong inputs that large number of employees were still not paying tax and DDOs were extending help to them in evading the same.

"It’s the responsibility of DDOs to strictly comply with the Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) provisions and direct such employees to file IT returns even after the expiry of the last date", he said and added that any Government employee not adhering to the last warning of the IT Department will have to pay penalty of Rs 5000 for non-filing of the returns. Even DDOs will be taken to task for conniving with the employees in non-filing of the returns.

Mr Singh alongwith Joint Commissioner Sushil Kumar also answered the queries of DDOs and traders.

Earlier, Income Tax Officer (ITO) Rajesh Raina gave a presentation on TDS. ITOs Suresh Kumar and Amit Trakroo were also present during the interactions.

Court acquits murder accused facing trial for 16 years

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Nov. 1: First Additional Sessions Judge Jammu, GK Pandita today acquitted Balwant Raj of Bachyal, who was facing trail in a murder of case of Sham Lal for the last 16 years.

In the acquittal judgment Mr Pandita First said that the prosecution story in connecting the accused with the commission of offences u/s 302 RPC r/w section 4/27 Indian Arms Act is allegedly based on direct evidence as well as on the alleged disclosure statement of the accused, on both these fronts the prosecution has failed. All the eye-witnesses in this case have not supported the prosecution case and have not identified the accused in the open court.

Similarly, witnesses connected with the proof of disclosure statement and recovery of weapon of offence has not proved contents of the same. As such the prosecution has miserably failed in connecting the accused Balwant Raj with the commission of offence and the accused is acquitted from the charges leveled against him.

According to the prosecution story, on September 17, 1991 on information that an unknown person had attacked another unknown person with the intention of murdering him at Gurha Morh, Bakshi Nagar at about 9:40 AM, on the receipt of this information, the Bakshi Nagar Police reached on spot and shifted the injured who was lying in a pool of blood to the hospital. The injured succumbed to his injuries in the hospital, as such the, case u/s 302 RPC r/w 4/27 Indian Arms Act was registered and started investigation.

During the preliminary enquiry the deceased was identified as Sham Lal alias Boll and it was revealed that the deceased had been attacked by Balwant Raj, who is a professional thief and his activities were known to the deceased.

The accused had enmity with the deceased and on the fateful day when deceased was dropped from a bus at Gurah Bakshi Nagar Jammu, the accused also traveled in the same bus and availed the opportunity and attacked the deceased with the intention of murdering and after attacking him fled away from the scene. The police arrested the Accused and after completion of investigation, presented challan in the court of law, which was decided today as the police has miserably failed to connect the accused with the crime as such the court acquitted the accused from the charges.

Old man shoots himself to death

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 1: A 65-year old man today committed suicide by shooting himself at his residence at Rani Bagh under the jurisdiction of Satwari Police Station.

Police spokesman said that the deceased Didar Singh, son of Dulla Singh was not in the pink of health for the past quite sometime and today he took his 12 bore licensed gun and shot himself to death.

On hearing the gun shots, his family members swung into action and immediately rushed him to Government Medical College Hospital where he was pronounced as brought dead.

Police has initiated inquest proceedings in this regard and seized the gun.

Meanwhile, body of a woman—Bholi Devi, wife of Hans Raj of Praye was recovered under mysterious circumstances from Praye nullah under the jurisdiction of Ramnagar Police Station.

The body was, later, shifted to hospital and handed over to family members after post-mortem. Police has initiated inquest proceedings in this regard.

The spokesman said that four persons allegedly consumed poisonous substances in separate incidents.

Identified as Sonia of Trikuta Nagar, Shanti Devi of Hiranagar, Anil Koul and Jyoti Devi of Samba, 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 when reports last came in.

Police has taken cognizance of the incidents.

PHE gets modernized water tankers

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Nov1: In its endeavour to meet water scarcity in the State, the Government has launched 229 crore modernization project with the financial assistance from Asian Development Bank (ADB) through Economical Reconstruction Agency (ERA).

This was stated by Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Dilawar Mir here today while handing over keys of 8 water tankers equipped with latest machinery to the PHE authorities in the first phase.

He informed that the department will receive a total of 21 such tankers in a phased manner which will improve the water supply system in the State to a great extent.

Referring to the dilapidated condition of the water pipes in the urban and the rural areas of the State, the Minister apprised that the Government is contemplating to prepare an ambitious project aimed at replacement of existing damaged water pipes. He said that this would be a step forward of the coalition Government to improve the existing water supply system in Jammu and Kashmir.

Mr. Mir further revealed that ADB has sanctioned Rs.16 billion for various ongoing development projects, which will give thrust to Chief Minister’s vision of steering Jammu and Kashmir towards Khushally.

The Minister asked the common masses to come forward and cooperate with the Government agencies to prosper and progress at par with other developed states. He said that people are the backbone of a state and without their support this stupendous task of peace and progress cannot be possible. He also asked them to be a watchdog of all the development projects being implemented in their respective areas for better results.

Appreciating Engineers for tackling Shitlee crisis in a pragmatic way, the Minister said that prompt and timely action by the whole department has done a commendable job. In this regard, 8 bore wells have been dugged in the state and relief have been provided to the affected people. He asked the engineers to continue with the same spirit in performing their duties efficiently.

Chairman ERA, Vijay Bakaya said that various national and international experts will monitor the schemes being funded by ADB in the State.

Among other Chief Engineer, V. K. Goswami superintendent Engineer, V. K. Puri, Director Tourism Ajay Khajuria, Director Horticulture M. S. Qarba, Engineers and Officer of various departments were also present.

Migrants protest against installation of metres

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 1: The displaced Pandits putting up in Government quarters at Top Sherkhania here, today staged a demonstration to protest against the installation of electronic metres.

Led by president J&K Migrant Welfare Committee, R K Pardesi and its general secretary, Ravi Kachroo the protesters also raised slogans against the police and the PDD authorities. They blamed them for harassing the migrants.

Talking to the reporters, Mr Pardesi alleged that paying no heed to the recent instructions of Health and Medical Education Minister, Mangat Ram Sharma, the PDD officials along with a contingent of police led by some engineers today entered migrant quarters to install the electronic metres forcibly.

He alleged that the inmates were harassed by the staff and police when they protested against the action. Later a delegation led by him and ASKPC senior vice president, R K Raina called on Minister of Health and Medical Education, Mangat Ram Sharma and apprised him of the situation.

He said the Minister gave fresh directives to PDD authorities asking them to stop installation of the meters in the migrant quarters till the instructions are sought from Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad on this issue.

The agitating migrants said that they are not in a position to bear the huge power tariff on the meager cash doles of Rs 3000 per month.

They alleged that the Government has failed to provide the jobs to the community in last 17 years and the hapless section of migrants putting up in quarters have no sources of income except the monthly cash relief received by them from Government.

Various deputations call on Chairman
Demarcation Commission

Excelsior Correspondent

DODA, Nov 1 : The commission appointed by the Government in connection with preparing blueprint for accurate demarcation of the geographical boundaries of newly created districts, sub-divisions and tehsils headed by Dr S.S Baloria today conducted a meeting of the various deputations here.

As many as 18 deputations of various shades of opinion comprising of prominent persons from different areas of Doda tehsil participated and projected their demands to annex their areas in the newly created districts of Kishtwar and Ramban.

At Doda, a large number of deputations including bar Association supported the demand of creating more tehsil units with in existing Doda on the pattern of Kishtwar and adjusting the newly created Gondoh sub-division including Thatri tehsil with the Doda district. These tehsils are for Marmat and Kastigarh niabats who are clamoring for the same as stated by the deputation before the chairman of the commission in the meeting.

The deputation has come from rural areas of Dessa, Bulanpur, Kastigarh, Asser, Marmat, Shamti, Upper Mander, Shiva- Doda, Gurmal-Doda, Gandoh and Danda villages of Doda district.

Chairman of the commission apprised about the terms and references of the commission and its jurisprudence in adjudicating the merits of the public demands in framing the final report of commission to the Government.

The deputations who met included Khalid Surhawardy Ex MLA, Ghulam Qadir Wani Ex MLA, President Bar Association Mohammad Akbar Kichloo and others.

Earlier the commission visited Atholi, Padder, Gandoh, Bhadarwah and Kishtwar and had similar interaction with the public there on the subject of reference and sought views in demarcation of the administrative boundaries of these tehsils and sub-divisions.

The meeting was also attended by the members of the commission including S.R Kapoor, V.K Gupta and DDC, Doda Pawan Kotwal, ACR, Doda and various other functionaries of district.

Seminar on ‘Current Scenario & Future Strategies of Education’ concludes

Excelsior Correspondent

LEH, Nov 1: Two-day seminar on ‘Current Scenario and Future Strategies of Education’, concluded today.

Chief Executive Councilor, LAHDC Leh, Tsering Dorje was chief guest in the function. Besides 300 teachers of the district, the seminar was attended by the Executive Councilor Education, Tsewang Rigzen, Executive Councilor Health, Dorje Motup, Chief Education Officer, Rahuf and Deputy Chief Education Officer, Tsewang Dorje.

The participating teachers discussed in detail about various difficulties being faced by them and drafted a resolution which was forwarded to the CEC Leh, the Education Minister as well as to the Power Minister Nawang Rigzin Jora.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Dorje said that awareness in education has tremendously increased among the masses and as such the responsibility of teachers has also increased. Responding to the grievances, aired by the teachers, Mr Dorje said that the Hill Council was committed to solve all the problems as long as these come under the jurisdiction of the Hill Council. He assured to provide vehicles for touring staff and establishment of some housing colonies for the teachers.

The seminar was conducted jointly by the Education Department and Save the Children Fund, Leh Unit.

Harbans Bhalla Educational Trust distributes scholarships

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 1: For the 10th consecutive year, Harbans Bhalla Educational Trust has distributed scholarship to the students belonging to financially poor families of Jammu region.

This was the first installment of the scholarship scheme for the year 2006-07.

It is proposed to disburse over Rs 3 lacs during the current academic year to students of class 2nd to graduation level. Preference is given to the students of economically weaker sections of the society belonging to rural areas who are keen to continue their studies.

According to a release, the selected students who have not collected their scholarship amount have been advised to report to the trust office in Bee Enn General Hospital complex, Talab Tillo road, Jammu, alongwith their parents and the authority letter from their respective school heads as proof of being the bonafide student and collect the same from the Managing Trustee of the Trust on November 18, 2006.

Harbans Bhalla Educational Trust was founded in 1997 and since then, the Trust has been distributing scholarship to the needy students for continuation of their studies especially those who are studying in Government schools in the rural areas. Till date, the Trust has paid over Rs 19 lacs in scholarship schemes.

JU Non-Gazetted employees celebrate annual day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 1: Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo has assured to take up the demand for regularisation of class IV daily wagers in Jammu University in the next meeting of Council, which is the supreme decision taking body of the University.

The assurance was given by Prof Mattoo while addressing the annual day function of Non-Gazetted Employees Association, JU, here today.

Besides the non-gazetted employees, the impressive annual day function was also attended by a number of officers and teachers of the University.

On the occasion, the Non-gazetted employees presented various cultural and entertaining items and displayed their artistic talent.

The cultural programme began with a patriotic group song which was followed a Kashmiri song and then flute playing by Puran Chand. Punjabi Bhangra enthralled the audience while skits created peels of laughter. All the items were highly appreciated by the audiences.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo was so impressed with performance of the employees that he also announced a cash prize of Rs 10,000 to the participating artists.

He lauded role of the Non-gazetted employees and said that without their co-operation, performance of the University can not be further improved. He also assured to take all possible steps to address the employees’ grievances, if any.

Earlier, president of the Association, Krishan Chand Sharma threw light on the activities and responsibilities of the Association. He also highlighted some long pending demands of the Non-gazetted employees and urged the University authorities to regularize the daily wagers in JU whose number is around 70.

The programme was compeered by Assistant Dean Vijay Atri.

PSA constitutes JU unit

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 1: Jammu University unit of Progressive Students Association (PSA) was re-constituted today with Rahul as president.

Rozy was elected as secretary while Satish and Dakender Singh were given the post of joint secretary and cashier, respectively. Salahuddin was elected as press secretary.

Sixteen member executive committee of the PSA unit was also constituted with Rajeev, Naveen, Essar, Arti, Rishu and others as the members. The unit was constituted during a meeting of PSA on the campus wherein several issues being faced by the University students, were also discussed.

Jora reviews power availability

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 1 : Minister for Power Nawang Rigzin Jora along with Development Commissioner Power, Showkat Rashid Wani, Chief Engineer, M&RE Kashmir Nisar Hussain, Chief Engineer S&O Kashmir Abdul Rashid Guru and other senior engineers of the department today visited a number of areas in Srinagar city to get the first hand information about the ongoing development works and availability of power supply.

Mr. Jora expressed satisfaction over the progress achieved regarding infrastructure development. He further gave on-spot instructions for improvement of infrastructure in Tourist areas of Boulevard, Dalgate and Buchwara. He also interacted with the locals of Buchwara, Dalgate, Boulevard, Polo View, Residency Road, Rajbagh and Jawahar Nagar. The people generally expressed their satisfaction regarding the availability of power supply after installation of meters. These metered consumers also appreciated the metering drive of the department and the benefits thereof.

The Minister assured the consumers that metered areas will continue to receive round the clock power supply.

Centre mute spectator to happenings in Kashmir: PK

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 1: Expressing grave concern over the handling of Kashmir affairs by the Central Government, Panun Kashmir of Dr Ajay Chrangoo has warned that if the prevailing situation in J&K was not taken seriously the Union Government will be responsible for pushing the state to a civil war.

"The PK is watching with dismay and shock the handling of Kashmir affairs by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government which has remained a mute spectator to happenings in Kashmir" said Chrangoo, Chairman P K Advisory, Dr M K Teng, president ASKPC O N Trisal and general secretary PK Kuldeep Raina at a joint press conference here, today.

Making a scathing attack on Centre, Chrangoo said while GOI appears to be labouring hard to find any excuse to salvage its engagement with Pakistan, Congress Party is co-existing with PDP which has put the state on the cauldron of competitive communalism and secessionism.

Outrightly rejecting the PDP’s self rule formula he said it seeks to brand India as a colonial power and Kashmir as an occupied territory. Chrangoo said PK has time and again stressed that while Greater Autonomy is a ploy to convert J&K into a dejure Muslim state, demilitarization and joint management are concepts to eventually ensure the grabbing of state by Pakistan and Jehadis.

He, while outrightly rejecting to the return of Chak rule as suggested by PDP patron Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, he said it was worst period of civil wars, religious persecution, bigotry and conversions at the point of swords in Kashmir.

CAPD team conduc ts raids

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Nov 1: Out of 415 raids conducted by the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department, 121 traders were imposed a fine of Rs.25950 for not displaying rates lists and using domestic gas cylinders during the month of October, 2006 in district Udhampur.

According to Assistant Director, CA & PD, Udhampur, Arvind Sharma, the traders who were booked for violating the Essential Commodities Act included Halwaies, Dhabawalas, Mutton sellers, tea-stall owners, karyana merchants, vegetable and fruit sellers.

Directions have also been issued to Tehsil Supply Officers to streamline the public distribution system so that common man may not suffer for want of ration, sugar, k.oil or gas with specific instructions to submit weekly progress reports in this direction to the office of Assistant Director, CA & PD, Udhampur.

Various communities holding congregations

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 1: Various communities are celebrating their annual congregation on November 5 at different places of worship across Jammu region.

Congregation of Mahajan Mahotra Biradari is being held at Dati Temple, Purmandal on November 5 (Kartik Purnima). The organizers have extended an open invitation to members of Biradri to participate in the congregation along with family members to invoke blessings of the deity.

Patyar Biradri’s annual congregation is being held on November 5 at village Raya Suchani. To review the arrangements a meeting was held under the chairmanship of Dr B B Sharma, who stated that Hawan and Puranahuti will be performed at 11 am which will be followed by a community feast. He appealed all community members to participate and seek blessings of the deity.

Salgotra Biradari meeting was held at Devsthan Jhiri which resolved to hold annual congregation on November 5. Chairman of Biradari D R Salgotra has requested the Biradari members to participate and make the congregation a grand success.

Annual congregation of Dalotra Biradari is being held on November 5 near river Chenab at Aghore on November 5. The organizers of the community have appealed the members to participate along with family members to invoke blessings of the deity.

Annual congregation of All India Swar Mahajan Biradari is being held on November 5 at Brahmdev Sthan, Rajpura, tehsil Hiranagar. All Swar community members have been requested to attend the congregation to invoke blessings of Baba Ji. Bhandara will follow after religious festivities.

Phawa Mahajan Biradari is going to celebrate its annual congregation at Sajawati Mandir, Mill Area, R S Pura on November 5. The organizers have made all out arrangements for night stay of the devotees.

Regra Mahajan Biradari is going to be held at Chole Da Chak (Samba) on November 5 (Sunday). The Biradari members have appealed all the community members to participate and seek the blessings of Bawa Brahm Dev Ji.

The annual congregation of Sri Sri Mangal Dass Devsthan Samiti, Kul deity of Jojra community is being held on November 5 at village Flora (Suchetgarh).

Dr Ashwani Jojra chief organizer of the community the4 festivities will include Pvitra Asnan with Sacred Jal in Mangal Sarover and Darshan of the deity in the morning, followed by spiritual discourses and sermons.

GOC 15 Corps interacts with foreign delegation

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Nov 1: Lt General A S Sekhon GOC 15 Corps interacted with a foreign delegation at Badami Bagh Cantt today.

The general apprised the visiting dignitaries about the development projects under taken by Army under Operation Sadbhavana to ameliorate the hardships faced by people living especially in remote areas.

The delegation of members of European Parliament led by Charles Tammock of UK including dignitaries from Germany, Italy, Lithuania and Latvia.

The delegation, on their two days visit, will see other development projects including Jammu-Srinagar railways projects.